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

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Property grounds
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Smart TV, books
Smart TV, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4139 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Keaau, HI
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Port of Hilo
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Ha'ena Beach
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Keaau

In Keaau .Within 6 miles (10 km) of this vacation home, you'll find Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden and Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center. Kilauea Caverns of Fire and Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Vacation homes in KeaauOpens in a new window

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 - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Kaleo's Bar and Grill - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬10 min drive

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 manager

Lisa Potter

Languages

English

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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: 1,500 square feet

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

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number GE-079-875-0720-01, TA-079-875-0720-01, 160030850000

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

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 109 out of 118 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 118 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 118 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 118 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 118 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Colleen A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was as expected.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura N., Hau’ula,HI

Liked: Cleanliness
What a beautiful, tranquil place! This property is like a step back in time. We stayed in the lovely Victorian cottage that has been fully restored, and furnished to match. I loved how open, airy and elegant yet understated it was, yet had a well equipped kitchen and came with all the pool/fun accessories you would need for your vacay. Everything on the property was lovingly tended to by our wonderful hosts. You can tell this huge property is someone's labor of love.Will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Mark M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Karla C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Laura and George C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

6/10 Okay

Terrie M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

m h.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Donna B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Jeff C., Portland, Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness

The Perfect Hawaiian Getaway

I have been coming to Hawaii for almost fifty years and the cottage in Kea’au is the nicest place I have stayed. The cottage is historic while being both comfortable and authentic to the time it was built at the turn of the last century. The grounds are spacious and private surrounded by jungle complete with singing frogs at night and crowing roosters in the morning. The swimming pool is an added bonus as is the spacious front lanai. It is ideally located near the beaches and the Volcanoes National Park. Shops are five minutes away yet you feel like you are out in the country. The hosts are lovely both friendly and accommodating. My wife and I came with my sister and my wife’s twin sister to celebrate their 75th birthday. We couldn’t have been happier. The cottage would also be perfect for a young family.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

N R.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Sarah

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

10/10 Excellent

Darel G.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Michelle O.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Cindy G.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Christiane Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Tammy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

10/10 Excellent

teri k.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quaint and Comfortable

The cottage was beautiful and well restored. We only stayed two days and would have liked a few more. The cottage was clean and comfortable. The beds were the perfect comfort level and we all slept well. The cats and chickens running around added to the charm. We didn't use them, but be sure to use the ear plugs if you are disturbed by early morning roosters crowing, they were loud! The cottage is a little hard to find the first time in the dark, but we were prepared so only had a little trouble. Be sure to stay several days if you book the cottage!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laila M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Monica W.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Millie K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Guest cottage stay in Keaau

The stay here was amazing. We arrived quite late in the evening and you certainly need a flashlight of some sort to walk the path to the cottage. Beware there are frogs along the pathway. Lol. Thank God for the lights on our phones. Everything about the cottage was more than I could ask for. It was clean. The beds were comfortable and the fresh flowers were so fragrant and added a nice touch. Lisa was wonderful. She was welcoming and helpful with all our questions. She sent me links to all the places we wanted to visit and/or recommended by her. Lisa offered to show us the main house. That was something I was looking forward to based on some comments from other people who stayed there previously but we just ran out of time. My only regret is that we didn’t stay longer and we didn’t have time to appreciate everything that was available to us. I would have love to have cooked a meal there as the kitchen was fully stocked with cookware. Thank you Lisa for hosting a wonderful stay. We will be back in the near future.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue T.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Jen W.

Liked: Cleanliness

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