Well-landscaped, quiet, private, easy access, convenient to downtown, friendly host, friendly dog, friendly frogs, well-appointed accommodations, well-stocked supplies and provisions, great library, -- an overall great experience!
It is a little slice of paradise. We enjoyed the beautiful plants and the birds sang us to sleep. It was amazing.
I can’t say enough about how great this little cottage and Jean, our host, were!! Jean obviously put a lot of thought into what her visitors want and need in a home away from home — things like a cooler for any excursions around the island, and even twin bathrobes hanging in the bathroom! And in the fridge were bottles of regular AND coconut water, with island-roasted coffee, shortbread cookies, and chocolate-covered macadamia nuts waiting on the kitchen stand accented with fresh hibiscus blossoms. A little pull-cart was available to get our belongings to and from the car and the cottage’s front door. When a host thinks of these sorts of things, you can’t help but feel genuinely “welcomed”.
On top of these thoughtful touches, the cottage itself was spotless and organized, and the garden outside was MAGNIFICENT! Honestly, we felt like we had a little hidden cottage with paradise as the front yard!! Anthuriums, orchids, a small koi pond with a softly burbling fountain, and lots of ferns. We enjoyed our morning coffee each day sitting at the little table and chairs outside the cottage, and just took in the sight and sound of the garden before venturing out. Such a nice way to be on vacation! And close proximity to Hilo downtown, restaurants, drug store, waterfront, and groceries without being IN these areas when you just want to sleep or relax inside.
Stay at this great little gem of a lodging choice! You absolutely will not be disappointed!!
Beautiful gardens felt like paradise. Loved that her personal Netflix was available for watching. She had a hot plate available to cook with along with microwave and toaster oven. We used them all. I would have liked a sweeper or broom available for fast clean up. Even though our shoes were supposed to be removed, it did not always happen. We had a very nice experience. Even though her home was near the cottage, it was still very private.
.A lovely, well appointed home — comfortable, clean, and clearly lovingly maintained. Only slight hiccup was miscommunication about check in flexibility ( so i would ask specifically about whether there are any constraints to be aware of). Otherwise excellent stay
Aunty Souza is a true gem. She has unlimited knowledge of the flora and fauna of Hawaii and a deep respect and keen interest in the history and future of where she calls “home”. The garden is stunning and is located in a quiet and accessible location. We will be back again with smiles
It’s perfect, everything you need or want is there and so well organized and presented. Handy to anywhere on the Hilo side of the island, but private, we LOVED our stay
We had an awesome stay at this location! Everything about it from the little touches to the first edition books, and the quaint touches were top-notch. We would recommend this to anyone!
We loved the cottage. It felt like we were alone in a rain forest. The host thought of everything that we could possibly need. It is beautifully decorated. We enjoyed our stay.
Very attractive property on a quiet street. The grounds are beautifully cultivated. Host Jean has provided everything you need.The room is somewhat small but it is sufficient for 2 people. Close to town, about 35-40 minutes to Volcano National Park
The lodging was spotless and comfortable. Welcoming touches of aloha awaited us; such as a refrigerated pitcher of water and water bottles, coconut water, coffee, cookies, and chocolates, ItfehomethoughtfutououThposs
We loved this little hidden cottage! It’s up away from Hilo town but close enough for shopping and restaurants. The cottage is set back from the main house so it’s very private. The garden is beautiful, serene & tropical. The decor is like a hotel cottage and the owner added touches to create an inviting stay. We’d stay again!
We wanted someplace quiet and private, and this beautifully appointed cottage was absolutely perfect. It's tiny but had everything we could want, including its own lush garden with birdsong every morning and frog song every evening. The owner was very welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed. If we come back to Hilo, we will definitely stay here again!
The cottage is in a quiet neighborhood. You need a car to get there but its not far from downtown.
The garden in front of the cottage is an impeccable oasis of tropical plants and birds, frogs and a koi pond. The inside matches the images from website and surpassed my expectations. The host is kind and gracious. You have your own parking spot and if you are returning at night there are lights on the path to the cottage. I can not wait to come back and stay there.
Very cozy living space with all the amenities you could need. Jean was great with communication and check in/out instructions were very precise and easy to follow. Beautiful garden and lots of reccomendations for things to do on the island. Highly reccomend.
This is a small cottage next to a private residence in a residential neighborhood. Very cute, with a private entrance. Jean was there to meet us when we arrived and explained to us where everything was. The cottage is thoughtfully equipped and perfect for our needs. It’s a quick drive to shopping and restaurants as well as downtown Hilo. Very convenient if you have a car.
clean and well maintained
Jean thoughtfully created a very warm, efficient small space with great charm and comfort for the guest. The kitchen was well stocked. the bed was comfortable and the location was convenient for exploring the area. Her "welcome package" of various food items to get you settled in was most appreciated. We enjoyed out stay.