Beautiful home and well maintained. Lovely environs and quick trip into downtown Hilo
The Thomas Guard house is a very special place! The setting is spectacular, with waterfall and jungle views from multiple lanais. There was plenty of space for our group of seven to spread out (including three kids and two grandmas) - everyone had their own bedroom and bathroom, which was ideal for our family. The house is beautifully and lovingly restored and well-maintained. There is no air conditioning, but each bedroom has a ceiling fan and a floor fan, so we all slept in relative comfort. It does get hot so be prepared if you have folks sensitive to heat, but the trade winds do help cool everything down. For guests with young kids, adult supervision is a must if they are outside. The beautiful river setting comes with a steep drop-off along the banks.We arrived the day of a tsunami warning. Charlotte was very kind and was very quick to answer our questions about safety and our ability to check in, which we very much appreciated.Lastly - if you are a light sleeper (or sensitive to noise) - bring ear plugs or white noise. There are lots of lovely jungle critters that are active at night. One in particular (a frog?) made a repetitive sound that kept only one of our party up (me!). Thank you to Charlotte for sharing her one-of-kind home with our family for a special Hilo vacation.
This house had a lot of details that made it pretty amazing. The view was fantastic. It was like living at a botanical garden with private waterfalls. I loved falling asleep to frogs and waking to birds that would sweep across the canyon throughout your stay. The house had lovely art and most rooms had their own bathroom which is pretty rare. The art in the house was really nice and you did feel like you were staying in your own mansion. We had most everything we needed and the outdoor spaces were great.For us though there were some things that kept us from fully feeling at home. You are in an older house in a tropical enviroment. The house was clean, but we were greeted by some significant bugs that come with the package. We had a group of cockroaches in the kitchen and one toilet that would come out at night and would freak out my kids. Also lots of ants. We visited in August and no AC made it hot and humid except at night and am. We spent a good portion of the day managing the heat by opening and closing windows and sometimes felt the need to leave the house to escape the heat. Also the house had more rules then typical ( like a 500 dollar fine for moving the furniture) that I am sure had reasons for them but did not have a super welcoming spirit. Of note, two of the bedrooms were in the basement which was a bit dark and musty and might not be ideal for some. Overall the place was fantastic for most... but more tropical than our family preferred.
Fantastic old Hawaii charm! A beautiful home with room for the whole family to spread out and relax. A great yard, a view of the river and waterfall, a sprawling lanai for meals and playing games. We love this house for our family trips to Hilo. Close to everything but in a quiet neighborhood. Mahalo piha Charlotte
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!
It is a beautiful and stunning home. Property is immaculate. View of the river is awesome. So many places to sit with family members, inside (huge dining table, living room, sun room) and outside (front porch, deck, bbq area). Bedrooms and bathrooms are huge and very comfortable.
I can't say enough about Charlotte and her magical house. Charlotte was a lovely host. She was very quick to respond to questions. We were two families of 4. Every single member of our group adults and teenagers alike fell instantly in love with this beautiful home. The house was amazing and the waterfall on the property provided the most amazing background and natural sleeping sounds that can ever be imagined. Every room, including kitchen and bathrooms were impeccably clean. Even with a party of 8, we were all able to find our personal space and do work, relax, sleep or just get in touch with ourselves. We would all stay here again...In fact, my husband has already been talking about another family trip. And extra extra bonus...we were close enough to Volcanoes National Park to make the several trips it took to witness an eruption of Kilauea!!! Thank you again Charlotte!!!
The Grand Historic Hili House was absolutely beautiful. The waterfalls in the backyard were stunning. I would love to stat there again someday.
The property was simply amazing. Plenty of room and plenty of everything else we could possibly want or need.
Everything about this property is wonderful, but the view is beyond spectacular!!
Our group of 8 had a fantastic stay at this beautiful house. We were in Hilo for Merrie Monarch for the 3 days. Had a great time!!Charlotte’s home is unbelievably beautiful and very well maintained. I have nothing but great things to say about it.Mahalo Nui!!
When we first got there, we just had to look at all the amazing rooms and views and artwork; I felt it was the best place that I’ve ever stayed in Hilo. Better than any other rental and better than the Naniloa, even its highest rooms with the most ocean visibility because this place is so peaceful and no stress. It is completely private, plus it is beautiful with a view of the Wailuku River and the sound is heavenly. The living room is stunning, but the large outside balcony is where we hung out most of the time. It seemed every bedroom had a bathroom (perhaps not in the downstairs kid area; we did not have children with us, but my husband did watch TV down there). It is a 16 minute walk to Temple Bar, which has great food and drinks. Because it is so close to downtown Hilo, the location is very walkable and the walk is beautiful. I cannot recommend this house enough for people who love art and style. It also felt very comfortable. The kitchen is huge. There are so many fascinating things like the ancient sink and the servant stairway, which is right next to the main stairway. The original servant’s quarters is a beautiful day room with many-paned windows. There is only one room with a king bed, notably, the shadiest room in the house and therefore the coolest: upper north west. Upper southwest has a Jacuzzi tub that we did not use but looked inviting. This room had a better closet and a nice sitting area. It was just a joy to be in the house and on the grounds.
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.
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.
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.
Beautiful house on gorgeous grounds. Lots of space for our family holiday and super well equipped. We loved it!
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!
This historic house is set in a lush tropical paradise. The grounds are meticulously maintained and next to a beautiful river. The location is a short walk into Hilo. The house is spacious and we enjoyed sitting on the front porch and near the river. The house was clean and beautifully decorated. Charolette was a welcoming host who communicated before and during our stay. The Hilo location allowed us to see the sites on this side of the island (including two trips to see the volcano erupting at the national park) without spending all day in the car. We are lucky to have found this gem for our three night stay in Hilo!
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 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.
Beautiful, roomy, well appointed, historical home. What a great dining room table to eat and talk with family.
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.
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.
enjoyed the property very much. the location and historical value much appreciated
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.
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.
A wonderful place for a large family gathering. You will find everything you need plus a very helpful host! We would return if in Hilo again!
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.
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!
This property is amazing, the most beautiful home we have ever stayed in. We loved the antique and historical decor of the home. Everyone in my group of 9 couldn't stop commenting on how beautiful and serene this home is. It is convenient to many attractions and the sheer beauty is so peaceful and relaxing. We spent every morning just sitting outside and enjoying the scenery. The host is also very friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely come back again! We all had our own room and bath, wonderful stay on the island.
