Aloha!
Our country estate is in Onomea, 6 miles north of Hilo, on 5 tropical acres with garden and ocean views. Onomea Guest Suite is a private cottage with garden views of flowering royal Poinciana trees, sweeping monkey pod trees, mango, lychee, mountain apple trees, coconut palms, and many varieties of other palms. The most repeated description by our guests is 'peaceful'. The suite has a studio layout... bedroom, living room and kitchenette all in one ample main space, and a lovely stone-tiled bath with high ceilings and gorgeous light. Guests love the shower which feels like its outdoors because of all the high windows above the shower space. The covered lanai is enjoyable rain or shine for dining or relaxing. Our royal palm-lined road is one of the loveliest in all of Hawaii. Artists frequently come to paint it! Within walking distance is the old donkey trail to Onomea Bay, a breathtaking bay along the old Scenic Highway. You can also walk to the Hawaii Botanic Gardens and What's Shakin' Smoothie Stand (fresh fruit smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, coffee, tea.....)and by car, we are equi-distant to Volcano National Park, Waipio Valley and Mauna Kea Visitors Center, just of many other attractions in the area. (see more below at 'Things to Do').
A queen bed, plus a twin bed provides a comfortable sleeping for up to three. The kitchenette has enough cooking appliances that you won't miss the stovetop or oven. You'll find the barbecue on your lanai and many kitchen appliances on the countertop or in the cabinets.
(Don't forget to READ OUR REVIEWS!!)
A few notes about our guest suite....and us! .......
Our guest space was completed in March 2011, a project lovingly created over two years. The bathroom and shower are wheelchair accessible and there are no steps between parking and entry to suite. My wife and I live in the main house which is an entirely separate building attached by a breezeway and a central courtyard with a fishpond and burbling fountain. I am usually available to help you with directions, dining suggestions or simply to come up with extra pillows!
By car, within 10 minutes, are the magnificent 419 foot high Akaka Falls, the charming village of Honomu; and the nearby city of Hilo, center of commerce on the east slope of Mauna Kea and home to the renowned Hilo Farmers Market.
Some other activities we recommend you think about during your stay, here on the east side of the Island of Hawaii......
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (1.3 miles away and a lovely walk on country roads), Volcano National Park, horseback riding in Kohala or Waipio Valley; a zipline adventure; several nearby beach parks, (Richardsons, Carlsmith, Honolii), Liliokulani Park and Japanese garden, Akaka Falls, Rainbow falls (there are a host of other waterfalls you'll see driving along the Hamakua coast) snorkeling, photography, hiking; bird watching; a visit to the 13,980 foot summit of Mauna Kea where 12 international telescopes are redefining our understanding of the heavens the Lyman Museum, the Tsunami Museum, the Hilo zoo, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut farm and factory, the lovely scenic highway(walking distance from us) and the old 'red road'.... both bring to life a Hawaii long gone in most other parts of Hawaii.
If your dates are flexible, you can see our calendar if you scroll down past the photos of the suite. Please check the calendar for availability and contact us about any questions....
Registration Number: GE-095-813-2224-02, TA-095-813-2224-01
Wendy R.
Aug 27, 2024
Beautiful property. Quiet and peaceful. Far enough away from town yet close enough to all amenities and activities. Very convenient. Our host Randall accommodated our every need.and provided wonderful local insight into hidden gems and attractions. We would definitely recommend this lovely studio to anyone wishing to visit this side of the Island.
Karin V.
Jul 30, 2024
I manage properties in the HOA sector. I understand this is an owner/manager, so perhaps not exposed to other properties/processes.
First, there is no explanation of the TV. It is an older smart TV that requires you to "back out" of the current screen by hitting "exit" several times. Newer TVs allow for one or two button presses to get out of a movie/episode that you no longer want to watch. It will bring you to a home screen of a channel. This is different and should be explained.
Not only that, but I believe the batteries are low so it takes several touches to get what you want and sometimes it times-out. Having replacement batteries available would be great.
The blankets in the dresser were musty-smelling. We needed to put it outside in order to stop the smell. These should be checked regularly.
Although the printed welcome newsletter stated it and so did Randall, there are no ear plugs available. I forgot not once, but TWICE to ask and suffered through each night of coqui calling. Again, the inventory levels need to be checked each time.
I ADORED EHU, the dog.
Jennifer K.
Feb 02, 2024
My husband, five year old and I stayed here for 3 days. We really enjoyed our stay! It was a beautiful open floor plan, artistic decor with big slider windows leading out to the patio. At night there was a wonderful cross breeze and sounds of geckos and coqui frogs floating on that breeze. It was in a convenient spot, not directly in town but close enough to go out for food, drinks, beaches, etc. The owners were kind and quiet. Their dog was such a sweetheart, our daughter loved the encounters with him and the chickens! Beds were comfortable, shower was pretty amazing. Amenities were as described just read them over. Kitchen has no oven but we got by just fine w their electric appliances for cooking. I would highly recommend this space for a small family or couple.
Martha S.
Jan 24, 2024
Well located for visiting Hilo, Volcano, many other sites on the Hamakua coast. The host, Randall, is exceedingly helpful and friendly. The cottage perfect for a couple. We often did not wish to leave the view from the lanai.
Kristofer N.
Dec 19, 2023
Randall and Donna were absolutely wonderful - both in advance communication and informative chats when we arrived. Randall provided several excellent recommendations for local sites to visit.
The property is well situated - 5 minutes from the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens, 10-15 minutes from Hilo and about 45 minutes from Waipio Valley/Honoka’a.
The bathroom/shower - with vaulted ceiling and large windows made it feel like taking an outdoor shower.
Highly recommend this property if you are looking for something different from the resort experience!
Tim S.
Dec 13, 2023
Would recommend to anyone. We enjoyed every aspect of our stay. Randall provided some great recommendations.
Wojciech K.
Dec 11, 2023
Stay here to truly recharge your batteries! The room was clean and the garden is very beautiful and peaceful. The host, Randall, was very friendly and helpful. We had a great vacation.
Wojciech K.
Nov 27, 2023
Stay here to truly recharge your batteries! The room was clean and the garden is very beautiful and peaceful. The host, Randall, was very friendly and helpful. We had a great vacation.
Anne C.
Jul 23, 2023
What a beautiful property! Waking to the saffron finches and cardinals is an experience we will never forget. The apartment was well designed and extremely comfortable, with everything we needed to have a wonderful time in Hilo. Preparing Randell and Donna were gracious and helpful hosts. Make sure you check out Carlsmith Beach, the botanical gardens and the four mile "scenic route." Can't wait to come back!
Henriette A.
Jun 04, 2023
Beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. Lovely hosts
Sabine G.
May 20, 2023
It's the cottage our hearts. We love it.
Randall was so very nice.
I won't say everything more, because it speaks for it self.
Henriette A.
May 20, 2023
Beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. Lovely hosts
Michele S.
May 20, 2023
The Garden Cottage was everything advertised and more! Conveniently located for several tourist activities including Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Botanical Garden, Onomea Bay, impressive waterfalls, horseback riding and more. The host was very accommodating with great recommendations for restaurants and activities. Highly recommend! Thank you for a peaceful and relaxing stay!
Jocelyn B.
May 10, 2023
Our group (3 adults) had a great time staying here for 2 nights. I only wish we could have stayed longer! Definitely the most peaceful place I stayed in Hawaii.
Michele S.
May 05, 2023
The Garden Cottage was everything advertised and more! Conveniently located for several tourist activities including Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Botanical Garden, Onomea Bay, impressive waterfalls, horseback riding and more. The host was very accommodating with great recommendations for restaurants and activities. Highly recommend! Thank you for a peaceful and relaxing stay!