The Heart of Old Hawaii provides everything you need. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroom
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available
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.
The Heart of Old Hawaii
ʻO ka hale maikaʻi, he waiwai nō nā poʻe a pau. A good home is a treasure for all people. Experience the heart of old Hawaiʻi in this beautifully restored plantation-era home in Wainaku.
Welcome to our vibrant and peaceful 1931 home, tucked away on quiet Kauila Street in the historic plantation village of Wainaku, just minutes from downtown Hilo and Hilo Bay. Enjoy the peek-a-boo ocean views! Once surrounded entirely by sugarcane fields, this neighborhood was central to Hawaiʻi’s booming sugar industry; a legacy still felt in the stories, scenery, and culture all around you.
Today, this charming two-bedroom, one-bath home offers a peaceful and artful escape. It’s part of a larger property that includes a professional office at the front of the building (quiet and open only on weekdays) and an on-site manager to ensure you’re well taken care of.
Inside the home, you’ll find:
• Two serene bedrooms painted in a calming seafoam green and accented with bright, colorful local artwork that makes you feel like you’re sleeping inside a gallery
• One full bathroom, sparkling clean and thoughtfully stocked
• A fully equipped kitchen with everything you need to prepare any meal, from quick breakfasts to full holiday feasts (yes, even Thanksgiving!)
• Gas stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster, and all the cookware, utensils, pots, pans, and serving dishes you could want
• Air conditioning throughout bedrooms for your comfort.
• A beautiful lanai perfect for sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening meal under the stars
The house is painted in soft, welcoming tones and filled with thoughtful touches that reflect the spirit and beauty of the Big Island.
Outside, enjoy:
• A peaceful, landscaped setting
• Off-street parking
• Easy access to downtown Hilo, just 2 minutes away
• The nearby Wainaku Executive Center, once the bustling Hilo Sugar Mill, now a cultural and event venue with sweeping ocean views
Rooted in History, Close to Everything
Wainaku is more than a neighborhood; it’s part of the living history of Hilo. Once home to workers from China, Japan, Portugal, the Philippines, and beyond, the sugar plantations here helped shape Hawaiʻi’s multicultural identity. Today, Wainaku is a quiet, green residential area perched just above the bay, close to everything yet away from the noise.
• 2 minutes to downtown Hilo, Hilo Farmers Market, and waterfront restaurants
• Just minutes to Hilo Bay for ocean views, paddleboarding, or a peaceful stroll along Banyan Drive
• About 10 minutes to Onomea Bay and the world-famous Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Gardens
• 10 minutes to nearby beach parks for swimming, picnics, and turtle-watching
• About 20 minutes to ʻAkaka Falls and the scenic Hāmākua Coast
• Just minutes away from the famous, world-renowned Rainbow Falls
• Nearby walking and scenic areas to explore plantation-era remnants and local art
The front of the home operates as a quiet professional office, open only Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The staff are exceptionally respectful; most guests never even notice they’re there.
Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature, explore Hawaiʻi’s cultural roots, or simply relax in a peaceful, art-filled home with all the comforts, 323 Kauila offers a uniquely local experience.
Book your stay in the heart of historic Hilo where sugar once ruled, art now thrives, and aloha still lives in every corner.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Ice maker
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
Smart TV
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
5 steps to reach entrance
Area rugs in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
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)
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 complete the following before checking out:
Take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please turn off all lights and AC units upon check out
Please turn off all AC Units when you leave the house for the day
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
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 260040200000, TA-082-133-4528-01, GE-082-133-4528-01
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
About the neighborhood
Hilo is home to this vacation home. Mokupapapa Discovery Center and Pacific Tsunami Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include East Hawaii Cultural Center and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Gilbert Carvalho Park and Wailoa Center are also worth visiting. Visit our Hilo travel guide
What time is check-out at The Heart of Old Hawaii?
Check-out is at 11:30 AM.
Where is The Heart of Old Hawaii located?
Situated in Hilo, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Kalakaua Park and Mokupapapa Discovery Center. East Hawaii Cultural Center and Pacific Tsunami Museum are also within 15 minutes.
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