Historic Hilo Home with AC & Lush Tropical Gardens

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Apartment in Hilo, Hawaii

6 guests2 bedrooms4 beds1 full bath
NEW! Historic Hilo Plantation Oasis w/ Tropical Gardens | Sleeps Six | AC Experience the authentic charm of old Hawaiʻi in this beautifully refreshed, upper-floor plantation home. Nestled in a peaceful, safe neighborhood right in the heart of Hilo, you are minutes away from everything! Whether you're here to chase waterfalls, explore volcanoes, or relax on the beach, this spacious and airy haven is the perfect home base. Complete with a lush, fruit-tree-filled garden and modern comforts like bedroom AC, it’s an island paradise tailored for families, remote workers, and long-term stays. Perched on the upper floor (accessible via stairs), this historic home captures the best of island living. The expansive living and dining areas boast large windows that invite cool trade winds, complemented by ceiling fans throughout. Bedroom 1: Luxurious King bed with a premium, ultra-comfortable mattress & Window AC. Bedroom 2: Cozy Queen bed with a premium mattress & Window AC. Living Area: Need extra space? The massive living room features a trundle bed (two double beds), making this home incredibly accommodating for larger families. Note: To keep the home breezy and eco-friendly, the AC units are located in the bedrooms only, while the living areas rely on Hilo’s wonderful natural ventilation and ceiling fans. What You’ll Love About the Property Chef’s Kitchen: Fully equipped with a stainless steel gas stove, oven, Keurig & drip coffee makers, blender, rice cooker, and all the basics to whip up local meals. A large dining table for family meals! Family & Baby Ready: Travel light! We provide a crib, Pack ’n Play, baby bath, children’s books/toys, and a fully fenced backyard with an outdoor playground structure. Work & Play: Enjoy blazing-fast Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace (desk + office chair), and an Ethernet connection for digital nomads. Experience Authentic Local Living & Our Tropical Garden Oasis Step outside and immerse yourself in the true rhythm of island life. Our property features a beautifully landscaped, fully fenced backyard that serves as a lush celebration of Hawaiian flora. It’s not just a yard—it's your own private slice of paradise designed for ultimate outdoor living. Fresh Fruit at Your Doorstep: Wander through the garden and admire our thriving tropical fruit trees, where you can spot sweet papaya and other seasonal local fruits growing under the Hilo sun. Stunning Hawaiian Plants: The yard is alive with vibrant local greenery and colorful island blooms, creating a peaceful, picture-perfect backdrop for your morning coffee or evening wind-down. Al Fresco Island Living: Embrace the ’āina (land) by spending your afternoons on the shared patio or balcony. Fire up the gas BBQ grill for a local-style cookout, dine al fresco in the outdoor seating area, or simply relax while the kids burn off energy on the outdoor playground structures. Whether you're picking fresh papaya in the morning breeze or relaxing in the courtyard after a day of exploring volcanoes, this space gives you a genuine taste of the slow-paced, beautiful Hilo lifestyle. Beach Ready: Don't buy gear! We provide beach towels, an umbrella, a beach blanket, and snorkeling gear. The Perfect Location (Right Next to Everything!) Located on Lei St., you are perfectly positioned to enjoy Hilo’s vibrant culture, local shopping, and natural wonders: Beaches & Parks: Just a short 5-10 minute drive to Hilo's famous beach parks and snorkeling spots. Downtown Hilo: Minutes to local restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and the famous Hilo Farmers Market. Convenience: Right around the corner from Walmart, grocery stores, and local laundromats. Adventure Hub: Seamless access to the highway for day trips to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, and Mauna Kea. Transit: Less than 10 minutes from the Hilo International Airport (ITO). Guest Access & Amenities Easy Check-In: Secure, contact-free self-check-in via a keypad door code. Parking: Free dedicated parking on the premises, plus ample free street parking. Laundry: Access to a shared washer and dryer in the building (paid), complete with an in-unit iron and drying rack. Safety First: Equipped with smoke alarms, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and exterior security cameras for your peace of mind. Long-Term Stays: Looking to live like a local? We happily welcome stays of 28 days or longer! While there is no dishwasher in the kitchen, we provide plenty of cleaning supplies to make tidying up a breeze!
What this place offers
  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • TV
  • High chair
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Dedicated workspace
  • Office
  • Wifi
  • Barbecue utensils
Where you'll sleep
Bedroom 1
1 king
Bedroom 2
1 queen
Living Room Trundle Bed
1 trundle bed (2 fulls)
About the neighborhood
The Neighborhood: Experience the Heart & Soul of Authentic Hilo. Welcome to one of Hilo’s most welcoming, peaceful, and centrally located neighborhoods! Staying on Lei St. gives you the ultimate best-of-both-worlds island experience: the quiet, safe serenity of a local residential street, paired with unbeatable proximity to downtown Hilo’s vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and stunning natural wonders. You won't have to travel far to experience Hawaii's famous culinary scene. Whether you are looking for fresh local catch, authentic ethnic cuisine, or a great local brew, everything is right around the corner: The Hilo Shopping Center (A 5-minute walk): Home to local staples like Restaurant Miwa (incredibly authentic Japanese cuisine), Kamana Indian Cuisine, and Island Naturals Market & Deli for organic snacks and fresh grab-and-go meals. Don't forget to grab a sweet treat at Short n Sweet Bakery & Cafe! Ola Brew Co. (Just around the block): A massive hit with both locals and visitors, this nearby independent craft brewery serves up locally sourced beers, ciders, hard seltzers, and delicious bao buns. Downtown Hilo Eateries (A 5-minute drive): Head into town to experience iconic Hilo restaurants, farm-to-table cafes, and local food trucks serving up fresh poke, traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, and refreshing shave ice. Immerse yourself in Hilo’s rich history and community spirit. From your doorstep, you are less than 5 to 10 minutes from the town's best cultural hubs: Historic Palace Theater: Located in downtown Hilo, this beautifully restored 1925 theater hosts live concerts, local theater productions, independent films, and the popular "First Friday" live music events. Hilo Farmers Market: A must-visit destination! Open daily (with big market days on Wednesdays and Saturdays), it’s the perfect place to sample exotic tropical fruits, buy locally grown macadamia nuts, and shop for handmade Hawaiian crafts. Merrie Monarch Festival: If you are visiting during the spring, our home is the ideal basecamp for attending the world’s most prestigious hula festival and its lively downtown parade. Pack up the beach towels, umbrella, and snorkeling gear we provide in the unit, and head down to Hilo's scenic coastline along Kalanianaʻole Avenue: Onekahakaha Beach Park: A massive local favorite, especially for families! A large boulder breakwater creates a shallow, perfectly protected sand-bottomed tide pool that is ideal for young kids to swim in safely. Carlsmith Beach Park (Four Mile) & Richardson Ocean Center: These stunning parks feature lush grassy lawns meeting pristine lagoons. They are the absolute best spots in Hilo for world-class snorkeling, where you will regularly swim alongside honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles). Honoliʻi Beach Park: Located just north of town, this is the prime local spot to watch surfers catch waves against a beautiful tropical backdrop. No need to stress about the logistics of travel. You are situated perfectly near everyday essentials including a neighborhood laundromat, grocery stores, local boutiques, and a Walmart just minutes away for quick supply runs.
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Getting around
Our home on Lei St. is exceptionally easy to reach, located just about 4 miles (a quick 8 to 10-minute drive) from the Hilo International Airport. By Rental Car: Leaving the airport, take Airport Road out to HI-11 (Kanoelehua Ave). Turn right onto HI-11 North, which leads you right into town. From there, it's just a couple of minutes to our quiet neighborhood off of Kilauea Avenue. By Rideshare or Taxi: Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are readily available at the airport. Because we are so close to the terminal, a ride to our front door is fast and highly affordable. Self-Check-In: Once you arrive, you can head straight up the stairs to your private entrance. Simply type your unique code into the secure keypad lock, and start your vacation! Getting Around Hilo & Beyond While we are right next to everything in town, a rental car is highly recommended to experience the full beauty and scale of the Big Island. Parking: No need to stress about parking when you return from your adventures! We provide free parking right on the premises, as well as plenty of open, safe street parking. What’s Within Walking Distance (5–15 mins): The Hilo Shopping Center is just a 5-minute stroll away. Local grocery options, neighborhood cafes, and a laundromat are just around the corner. What’s a Quick Drive Away (5–10 mins): Downtown Hilo (local restaurants, the famous Hilo Farmers Market, boutiques, and cafes). Walmart and major grocery stores. Beautiful local beach parks and world-class snorkeling spots. The Ultimate Adventure Base: Our central location makes navigating the rest of the island incredibly smooth. Jump right onto the highway to visit: Rainbow Falls & Wailuku River State Park: ~5 minutes ʻAkaka Falls State Park: ~25 minutes Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: ~40 minutes Mauna Kea Access Road: ~45 minutes
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House rules
  • Check-in after 4:00 PM
  • Check-out before 10:00 AM
  • 6 guests maximum
Safety & property
  • First aid kit
  • Carbon monoxide alarm installed
  • Fire extinguisher
Cancellation policy
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