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Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA

Vacation home in Keaau with an outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA

Property grounds
Smart TV, books
Exterior
Smart TV, books
Exterior
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Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 493 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA

Experience the charm of old Hawai‘i in this historic 2BR/2BA cottage (now with AC!) on a former sugar plantation estate. Surrounded by the island jungle and timeless beauty, this serene escape blends heritage charm with modern comfort.

Inside, you’ll find original floors, moldings, trims, and weighted wood sash windows that reflect the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Enjoy shared pool access, sip coffee on the lanai, or simply relax to the sounds of nature.
We are surrounded by about ten acres of luscious botanical gardens, meadows, orchards, and jungle, preserving its unique plantation ambiance.
It allows you to connect with the charm of a past simpler life, as it used to be a century ago on the Island.

Our estate is rich in island history that dates back beyond the plantation era to ancient Hawaiian legends and fairytales. The land was originally owned by King William Charles Lunalilo. The land was then purchased by the Shipman Family and the main residence was built in 1898 as the home to the Ola'a Sugar Planation Manager.

It was sold by the Shipman Family in the 1980's after the collapse of the Hawai'i sugar industry and has been privately owned since that time. The estate has been featured in books, films, commercials and television shows.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Fenced private pool
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • 13 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: Smoking allowed on lanai

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Birdwatching 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
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Place trash in black can behind main residence
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

No visitors during quiet hours. Remove shoes before entering.
Close all doors and windows when using A/C and turn off A/C when leaving the cottage.
Furniture is not to be rearranged.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: There are mostly safety concerns

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed on lanai

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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-079-875-0720-01, TA-079-875-0720-01, 160030850000

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Beautiful Ohana Swimming Pool Historic Estate House Keaau
Beautiful Ohana Swimming Pool Historic Estate House
Beautiful Ohana Swimming Pool Historic Estate Keaau
Beautiful Ohana Swimming Pool Historic Estate
Upscale Guest Cottage Swimming Pool Historic Estate House Keaau
Upscale Guest Cottage Swimming Pool Historic Estate Keaau
Beautiful Ohana With Swimming Pool in Historic Estate
Upscale Guest Cottage Swimming Pool Historic Estate House
Upscale Guest Cottage Swimming Pool Historic Estate

About the neighborhood

Map
HI, Keaau

What's nearby

  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 14 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Coconut Island Park - 18 min drive - 18.6 km
  • Port of Hilo - 18 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Ha'ena Beach - 22 min drive - 9.9 km
  • Carlsmith Beach Park - 23 min drive - 21.6 km

Getting around

  • Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Fairway Grill - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Poppy - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden, Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center, and Kilauea Caverns of Fire. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and Ha'ena Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Reviews

Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

10

Eco-friendliness

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 111 out of 121 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 121 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 121 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 121 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 121 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Colleen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was as expected.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Although I was unable to stay, my daughter stayed there and said it was quiet and private and the place felt loaded with history. She said when she first pulled up, she thought she was moving into a mansion. I wasn’t there, so I’m not sure until you book it and see it for yourself, Mahalo!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful, magical place!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Terrie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Guest Cottage

Except for the unexpected pig hunt in front of us, it was not bad.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Keaau fun

Came to visit friends on the Island, had a great time in the pool every afternoon.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Experience

We had such a great experience staying in the guest cottage. It was so private, clean, cozy, and the views were breathtaking. The host was so good to work with. The microwave went out during our stay and they were there to fix it immediately. Also, they were so good to give recommendations and help with all our needs including last minute snorkeling gear. Staying here added so much to our experience here in Hawaii and I would stay here again, definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Property

This is our second time staying here. We highly recommend it. The house and the property are absolutely gorgeous. We are comfortable here and the hosts are very sweet and accommodating.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura and George C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Chickens and Cats and Frogs, oh my!

My husband and I have returned to this charming old estate cottage several times, preferring it to the many condos on the island. Being set far back from the road by the huge lawn and trees, it is so quiet! (Aside from the chickens and frogs). Lisa, the onsite manager is readily available and friendly. Not far from Volcanoes National Park.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic Hawaii

Charming two bedroom cottage with the feel of rural Hawaii.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tammy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very pretty and unique property, loved the feeling of being away from it all and the sounds of nature on the farm but with the convenience of driving right out to stores etc
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Monica W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wet Side getaway

We enjoyed this historic property, beautiful old cottage. Two days here exploring the botanical garden and Volcano NP
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laila M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

great stay

We had a lovely peaceful stay here. We really enjoyed sitting on the porch in the mornings with our coffee watching the wild pigs and piglets. We wished we had booked it for longer. The cottage is decorated impeccably with everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved our stay!

Super quiet and peaceful property! Surrounded by the jungle, this property was amazing! Plus our own private pool which was just lovely. We absolutely would stay again! This property is absolutely perfect for two couples. The two rooms are exactly the same with their own bathrooms. 10/10 recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christiane Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay in Kea'au

This historic cottage is an absolute gem! Surrounded by lush gardens on a quiet estate, it is about as peaceful and relaxing as you can get. The cottage is beautifully furnished and spacious. The location is convenient to Volcanoes National Park as well as Hilo and the Hamakua Coast. I look forward to coming back in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

m h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic gem immersed in nature

I loved my stay at this historic guest cottage! What a great find…close to town and has a sparkling pool! Home was clean, beds comfortable, kitchen well stocked, grounds beautiful. If you appreciate plantation buildings, this one is so beautiful and rare. I needed and used the supplied earplugs to drown out the roosters but this home is BUG FREE. I loved eating breakfast daily on the lanai and watching the wildlife. Highly recommend. Lisa is kind, helpful, and lovely. Thanks for a great 10 day stay!!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Jen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very special place

Lisa was an amazing host with a willingness to share history and give local recommendations. If AC is an option, it would be a nice addition--mainly to drown out nature's nightly concert.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Larry T., The Dalles

A little of old Hawaii

A wonderful host, the grounds were wonderful with room to walk around with chickens, other wildlife and birds, and fresh fruit picked off the tree. Easy access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the southeast part of the island (Hilo to Naalehu).
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Historic Guest Cottage

Loved our stay at this lovely cottage set on 9 beautiful acres. It felt like we were actually guests of the original plantation house. Stayed for thirteen nights, and were joined by our daughter for five nights. Plenty of room for the three of us. Favorite times were morning coffee and afternoon cocktails on the veranda. Easy drive to both Hilo and Volcano, and Foodland grocery is a mile away. Highly recommend.
Stayed 13 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

N R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private. Peaceful. Perfect.

This is a piece of a historic plantation 5 minutes from Kea’au. Sprawling green lawns and meadows tucked in behind jungle. Huge main house. We stayed in the only guest house, and by the clean pool. Yes: great front porch. Yes: TV. Yes: roosters and frogs! Peaceful and clean. No: air conditioning (didn’t need it, there were fans)
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie A P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Can’t wait to go back

I kind of don’t want to tell everyone how great this place is as it will be too booked up for us to get back in. It isn’t for everyone though. If you are looking for pristine and perfect then go to a resort. We loved every single thing about this place. From the cats, chickens, frogs and pigs to the fresh flowers, pool and free standing house itself. Thanks Gisella for your hospitality!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle N., Kingsley, MI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Cottage

Gisele was a wonderful host. The cottage was exactly what I imagined, the quintessential Hawaiian cottage in the jungle. Sounds of nature abound and nothing else. Good location to stay to begin each adventure. It rained but never all day, every day. I never missed the AC. Comfortable bed.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Old Hawaii Charm

It was a very charming cottage. It reminded me of old Hawaii. A little worn like grandma's, but welcoming. Beautiful grounds with all the vegatation. It was very peaceful even with the roosters and frogs at night. Our property manager was awesome. Quick to reply to text messages. She was full of hIstory about the main house and the property. It was an awesome experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A small step back in time

The cottage is tastefully decorated and we appreciated the antiques here and there. I felt like I should be wearing a different outfit and I told my wife it felt like we were on a film set at times. I always wondered what "the jungle comes alive at night" meant. Now I think I have at least an idea. This was a great place to stay that is out of the ordinary and has a wonderful historical feel about it. We all enjoyed having something that was extraordinary instead of average and run of the mill. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura and George C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Simple Life

Our second stay in this cottage on the large grounds of an old estate house that has a beautifully renovated interior. (On request, we were given a tour of the main house on our previous visit.) We were graciously greeted when we arrived. We like the location, within easy driving distance to the Hilo coast as well as Volcanoes National Park. We enjoyed the evening/night rains, and the occasional gecko. The kitchen was well equipped. Brighter light in the main living area would be much appreciated. We will probably return!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Comfortable Cottage and Mystery Jungle

This little cottage was perfect! It was super clean, had everything we needed, comfy beds, nice linens, fresh flowers and character. The owners put a lot of care into the decor and comforts inside the cottage. Everything worked fine and was as expected, if not better. Loved the two bathrooms off the bedrooms for our teens.The grounds need a ton of work that I'm sure is overwhelming for the owners. There is so much history hidden in that jungle! From mossy stone pathways to no where to overgrown specimen trees that were once prized, the grounds were amazing yet left us with a sense of mystery. Would have loved to have a write up on the property's history in the cottage to know more, as the VRBO historical description is not easily found. I know if we stayed longer the owners would have graciously given us more history, but we were so busy. Great setting for a novel!The coqui frogs at night were amazing to fall asleep to, but the roosters doodling at our window called for ear plugs (supplied by owners). There were many unhealthy cats on the property that needed some care, but also added to the mystique of the place. We could hear the wild pigs squealing at night but never saw one on the grounds. And we tried to adventure around the property but the spiders were too numerous for my comfort, something that is seasonal.Overall a great visit, close to Volcano National Park and Hilo. The cottage was comfortable and the property was intriguing. Mahalo!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025