Consider a stay at Grand Historic Hilo House and take advantage of an adjacent golf course, a garden and an arcade/games room. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with laundry facilities and a gym.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
7 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 146000 sq ft
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Gym
Add dates for prices
About this property
Grand Historic Hilo House
This grand Victorian is located on prestigious Reeds Island -- a hidden jewel of Hawaii's Big Island! Situated on the Wailuku River, Reed's Island was once home to royal Hawaiian families and is only minutes from Hilo's historic downtown, Bay Front and the popular Famers Market.
Built in 1916 by the British banker Thomas Guard, the property is grand and elegant, and on the National Registry of Historic Places. The gracious living room has large sliding picture windows framing the magnificent canopy of nature across the river. A spacious dining room and family room are perfect for family gatherings. The enclosed veranda has large French windows and doors with a desk area and dining table, perfect for creative work and relaxing. The house has 4 spacious bedrooms, one office with day bed, one activity room with large screen TV, game table and day bed, and one children's room with two day beds. We have an open balcony on the second floor overlooking Hilo Bay. The kitchen is large and updated. Two washers and two dryers are in the roomy basement level.
The refined landscape garden ground has been meticulously cared for by our gardeners. Every direction offers lush green and tropical colors.
With the Wailuku River flowing in the backyard and the tropical rain forest setting covering the grounds, the Hilo House is a beautiful place for relaxation and tranquility! Enjoy the view from our newly added cabana and deck area right over the roaring river and water falls.
We are 3 minutes to historic downtown with fine dining and famous Hilo Farmers’ Market; 8 minutes to the Coconut Island and Japanese Zen Garden with ancient Hawaiian fish ponds; 12 minutes to Carlsmith and Richardson Beach with tons of fish and giant turtles for swimming and snorkeling ; 15 minutes to Hilo Airport; 20 minutes to the Akaka Falls; 4 minutes to the Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots; 40 minutes to National Volcano Park; walking distance to Waianuenue Avenue where local museums, churches, shops and a library reside.
3 surveillance cameras are installed around the exterior of the house. One camera is located over the front entrance, one over the sun-room door and the 3rd one over the driveway.
For additional guests over 2 people there is a $40 additional charge per person per night. Undeclared additional guest fee is $100 per guest per night. Merrie Monarch rates are higher.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In the city centre
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the sea
Next to a golf course
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Gym
Optional golf privileges
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Spelunking nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Unit size: 6,000 square feet
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Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number GE-167-057-4080-01, TA-167-057-4080-01
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Historic Hilo House pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Grand Historic Hilo House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Grand Historic Hilo House?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Grand Historic Hilo House?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Grand Historic Hilo House located?
Located in Hilo, this beachfront holiday home is in the city centre and within a 15-minute walk of Hamakua Heritage Corridor, Kalakaua Park and Naha Stone. St. Joseph Catholic Church and Lyman Museum are also within 15 minutes.
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Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
This house was the dream home for our family of 8 vacation! Beautifully maintained, everything we needed for family dinners, and gorgeous spots to just relax and talk. It was a joy sleeping to the sound of the river and chirping frogs. We loved gathering on the wide veranda for coffee every morning before heading out to explore Hilo!
Karen L.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Christina
12 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Everything about this property is wonderful, but the view is beyond spectacular!!
This is a spectacular historic house complete with historic furnishings. The host was very easy to work with, excellent communication. I would ask all guests to please respect this very special home and take extra care when you stay, you will not be disappointed. Mahalo!
This Historic home is very spacious, well kept and well supplied with everything you may neeI highly recommend staying d. Plenty of dishes, utensils and even 2 washers and dryers.The view of the waterfall in back was amazing.I highly recommend staying at the Historic Hilo House.
The historic home and setting is absolutely beautiful. We especially appreciated the well equipped kitchen as well as the 4 large bedrooms upstairs each with their own private bathroom and shower. The home is immaculate and the grounds well maintained. An added bonus is the view into the Wailuku Gorge and upstream to one of several waterfalls.
We had a great time celebrating my mother’s 60th at this gorgeous property. It is within walking distance of downtown Hilo itself and an easy drive to the islands best sites. We would definitely stay again if we ever find ourself in Hilo!
This home is a beautiful and elegant place to spend time with family! Lots of space and many areas to congregate. The location by the river is truly special. Charlotte was a very communicative host and I would highly reccommend staying here.
Stayed with extended family for multiple days/nights. Plenty of bedrooms, bathrooms, and gathering places. Beautiful setting. Kitchen was stocked well with all the pots, pans, and cooking utensils that we needed. Thanks for providing such a lovely location to stay!
The Thomas Guard house is a gem in Hilo. The location is perfect - not in the middle of the city but close enough to walk to local restaurants. The beautiful grounds, the waterfall, the river running through the backyard, they all added to the charm. The house is beautifully decorated and immaculately clean. Charlotte has thought of all the details to make this a wonderful place to stay. It was a perfect way to unwind from an otherwise busy life.
Amazing property. Over 100 years old but very well maintained. Excellent kitchen equipment and beach supplies, if needed.
Quiet neighborhood close to Hilotown and beaches.
We enjoyed the historic 1916 National Register Thomas Guard House, which has a breathtaking views of the Wailuku River and large tree canopy. The neighborhood is beautful and calm and a short, pleasant walk into the town center of Hilo.
One cannot say enough about the beauty of this home and its setting. There was plenty of room for our family of 7 adults and 6 children. The enormous, well appointed kitchen had everything we needed to make meals, and the dining room was large enough to accommodate us all.
I cannot overstate how beautiful this property is. The house is a historical home chock full of nooks and crannies to explore and it is set on the most beautiful piece of land. Sitting in the great room with a cup of coffee looking out into the trees was like a dream. Our host, Charlotte was so kind, easy to communicate with, and very gracious. We appreciated her hospitality. Thanks Charlotte!
Everyone in our family was awed by our stay in this wonderful house. The location is quiet & the grounds are beautiful. The views from the back of the house are over a river gorge & the sound of the water can be heard in the background along with the songs of the birds. The rooms are spacious & very comfortably furnished. This stay was the highlight of our trip to the big island.
We loved our stay here. The home is very well stocked with extra towels and beach gear as well as plenty of dishes for cooking and a great gas grill under an outdoor gazebo. It is well located to all of downtown Hilo. It was a great homebase for trips to volcanoes national Park, Mayna kea, and several of the nearby waterfalls. It was built in 1916 and has no air conditioning, so be prepared for lots of open windows and outdoor noise plus early sunrise! We loved the change of pace!
The house is fabulous and the location is perfect. Our group of eight enjoyed our week so much. The front porch was our favorite gathering place and the grounds are so peaceful and tranquil.
We walked to the farmers market, restaurant and the grocery store not because we didn’t have a car but because the location was so lovely.
Thank you for sharing your grand home with us.
Beautiful historic house in Hilo--out of the way of the bustle and next to a river, this home was really relaxing. Be aware that you experience the whole of Hilo weather as the house is not air conditioned. The owner provided lots of fans and the ceiling fans and windows provided lovely breezes.
This house is beautiful and Charlotte is a great host. The only thing we were confused by was the Jacuzzi amenity listed. Unless we missed something, it’s a Jacuzzi tub in one of the bedrooms. Each bedroom is beautifully set up and has its own bathroom. The outdoor deck is dreamy and the sound of the water is heavenly. I would highly recommend staying in this peaceful historic home in Hilo.
We enjoyed every minute in this lovely, historic Hilo home in a quiet neighborhood close to town. The house is a step back in time. The rooms are spacious. The home is very well-outfitted with everything you might need from dishes to boogie boards. There is enough space for a three generation family to spread out and relax. Mahalo to Charlotte for the opportunity to stay in this treasure of a home.
The Thomas Guard house made it a memorable stay in Hilo, where we came for a special family celebration. There are four large upstairs bedrooms, plus one off the dining room and two on the lower floor where the children in our group slept. The large, open living room with its picture window was a magnet for everyone to be together. The entire house is welcoming and gracious, the kitchen is well outfitted, and the dining room is large and comfortable. Everyone was happy to be together in this very special place.