We loved our stay here. The home is very well stocked with extra towels and beach gear as well as plenty of dishes for cooking and a great gas grill under an outdoor gazebo. It is well located to all of downtown Hilo. It was a great homebase for trips to volcanoes national Park, Mayna kea, and several of the nearby waterfalls. It was built in 1916 and has no air conditioning, so be prepared for lots of open windows and outdoor noise plus early sunrise! We loved the change of pace!

This property is amazing, the most beautiful home we have ever stayed in. We loved the antique and historical decor of the home. Everyone in my group of 9 couldn't stop commenting on how beautiful and serene this home is. It is convenient to many attractions and the sheer beauty is so peaceful and relaxing. We spent every morning just sitting outside and enjoying the scenery. The host is also very friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely come back again! We all had our own room and bath, wonderful stay on the island.

In Hawaii we speak of Mana, to outsiders that can be felt in something that raises the hair on the back of your neck. You feel it in the air, something mysterious but not so silly as ghosts. No, this house is filled with a spirit of its own where you can feel the life of all those that have passed through these doors. If the walls could speak it would tell you the stories of some great writer who sat where you are now staring out to the stream below. If there was one word to describe this house and our stay it would be "magical" but really that wouldn't do it justice. We started our trip with a week in `Oahu with the rush and go. So, ending with just a few days here for some much-needed down time was the right decision. Mahalo Charlotte for opening your hale to us, for bringing such peace and joy. Looking forward to another stay.

We enjoyed the historic 1916 National Register Thomas Guard House, which has a breathtaking views of the Wailuku River and large tree canopy. The neighborhood is beautful and calm and a short, pleasant walk into the town center of Hilo.

Everyone in our family was awed by our stay in this wonderful house. The location is quiet & the grounds are beautiful. The views from the back of the house are over a river gorge & the sound of the water can be heard in the background along with the songs of the birds. The rooms are spacious & very comfortably furnished. This stay was the highlight of our trip to the big island.

The house is fabulous and the location is perfect. Our group of eight enjoyed our week so much. The front porch was our favorite gathering place and the grounds are so peaceful and tranquil. We walked to the farmers market, restaurant and the grocery store not because we didn’t have a car but because the location was so lovely. Thank you for sharing your grand home with us.

We had a great time celebrating my mother’s 60th at this gorgeous property. It is within walking distance of downtown Hilo itself and an easy drive to the islands best sites. We would definitely stay again if we ever find ourself in Hilo!

15 adults and teens stayed in the house. We had a great time.

We are a team that works throughout North America and New Zealand. The general consensus is that this home has been the best so far. Peaceful private beautiful. Perfect place to unwind. We are grateful to the wonderful host for opening its doors to travelers and caring very much about their experience. Highly recommended.

The property is even more beautiful than the pictures describe. We were glad for the fans in the closets since the AC unit is only in the basement and the upstairs rooms can get pretty warm. Great location. I was worried from the long list of detailed house rules and contract that the host might be overbearing but she was not. We had a good stay overall and it was nice that all 14 family members could be together under one roof.

Perfect location. Home was beautiful grounds were beautiful. We had everything that we needed. Enjoyed all the information that was provided.

Amazing property. Over 100 years old but very well maintained. Excellent kitchen equipment and beach supplies, if needed. Quiet neighborhood close to Hilotown and beaches.

If you are looking for a special place, you have found it. The pictures can't really do it justice.

good location for Hilo

Nine adults stayed nine nights in this gorgeous historic and updated home. A true oasis surrounded by lush vegetation. The large property is in a very quiet area. Outstanding features were the numerous comfortable areas inside the home and the versatile covered front lanai. The internet is fast and reliable for multiple devices using a mesh wifi system providing full coverage. The house is fully stocked in every way. The owner has thought of every detail to making the stay enjoyable for everyone. The house is beautifully furnished in a relaxed, tasteful and fully functional manner. There is plenty of parking. Walking to town is possible, though driving is recommended. Contrary to what you may read, parking is not difficult in the city. The owner’s communication was always excellent. She provided information on the area and quickly answered all inquiries. I’d encourage anyone going to read and watch the plethora of information on the Hilo area. It is slower paced, less crowded and offers a different experience than the resort areas on the island. You can launch your island adventures and explorations from here and return to this tranquil and beautiful oasis of vegetation, birds and geckos scurrying around the property. You may think from the photos and description it is “too good to be true.” It truly is just that nice, inviting and an excellent relaxed home for a larger group.

We've had family in Hilo for years and make numerous trips over. On this 5 night trip, we had 6 adults/2 children (2yrs and 1yrs). Property is perfect for families and large groups. The rooms are large and perfectly furnished. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. Loved the huge, well furnished front lanai. The view out the back picture window is postcard worthy. Charlotte responded quickly to all queries before and during our stay. Some observations future guests might find helpful. The property is on a ravine. There is a low rock wall across part of it but any child old enough to walk could climb over it. Not a complaint from our group, just a consideration if you have young children. Basement BRs probably best for teens/adults. Cleaning supplies are on open shelves and there is no way to close the utility area; wouldn't plan on having small children staying in those rooms. Best covered parking was taken up by the owner's two vehicles. Not a major issue but would liked to have taken advantage of the covered parking. One of the upstairs bathroom doors locked/jammed and required a maintenance call to get opened, safety issue if one of the kids had been in there. Suggestion to the owner - add screens to the few upstairs windows that didn't have them. Overall, a fantastic property. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely book again.

We loved everything about this place. thankyou for sharing your house with us

We had a wonderful family vacation here. The property is beautiful inside and out. So many homey and artistic touches at this historic location. The host is very helpful and communicative.

Great house and location

Older property that takes you back in time. Yet, everything functions, lots lots of amenities, clean, and give you the old fancy vibe.

Great location, very spacious historic home; excellent accommodations with a complete kitchen and more; well maintained; very quiet except for those noisy and interesting frogs at night; and certainly a home a family would enjoy especially being close to Hilo for shopping, etc.

This was the perfect house for the 8 adults and one child. There is lots of room to spread out and relax. The bedrooms all have their own bathrooms and were huge with plenty of room. We all used the large lanai all the time and dined outside most meals. There are rules but this is a residential area and is very quiet. We enjoyed our stay here very much. It is only about 5 minutes into Hilo, some of the waterfalls are close by, and the Lavaloha chocolate tour was great and close by.

We were a group of six close friends staying here for four days. This home easily entertains up to ten or more. The bedrooms were spacious and the attached bathrooms lend added privacy. The common areas were large with plenty of seating for our group. The kitchen provided all of the necessary tools for meal preparation. But the spectacular lanai was our favorite spot in the house for morning coffee and breakfast. The sound of the waterfall, river and nesting birds were wonderful. The house got a bit warm during the day but cooled off nicely in the evening with the windows open and the ceiling fans on. Sleeping was comfortable. Communication with Charlotte was prompt and easy and her recommendations for dining were spot on! Don’t hesitate staying at The Thomas Guard House. This was one of the most spectacular VRBO rentals we have stayed at in our travels through the U.S. and Western Europe.

Fabulous house. Correct that; it was a mansion. Gorgeous grounds and setting by the river. Spacious! We all had a wonderful time. Charlotte was a fantastic hostess. Mahalo nui loa.

Let me be upfront by saying this host recorded my family inside of this house without our knowledge, in violation of VRBO policy. The lack of respect for our privacy was shocking and upsetting. Cannot recommend this property or host, and I am reconsidering VRBO. This is an interesting historical house in a verdant location that you probably would not be able to stay at otherwise. However, the listing is loaded with fees that makes the listed price a total fantasy (we paid 3 times the advertised avg/night cost). The house also came with a ton of rules and chores that are not communicated up front. Some of these seemed normal (be quiet after 9pm) and some just nagging (don't wash your face/hands/feet with towels) , but the end result is that it was very hard to feel welcome in this house. We weren't told about chores regarding the beds and laundry until the night before checkout! A steep ravine in the back of the house that is separated from the narrow backyard by a VERY low wall (below knee height). At the bottom of the ravine is the beautiful and dangerous Wailuku River. “Wailuku” translates as “water of destruction” and the river is known for drowning those who fall in or are daring enough to swim. Don’t let kids play unsupervised outdoors and keep a hand on any little ones tempted to have a look.

Outstanding !!!!

The location was outstanding and very close to all shops, restaurants and the famous farmers market. I enjoyed a morning walk close to the property. Very quite and beautiful surroundings.

This house is very special. Our group of 11 adults sat and talked to each other in every downstairs room, and on the amazing front porch - who does that anymore? I'm glad there was no TV and the internet was a bit spotty - we bonded as a group and loved it. Sleeping with the windows open and the river cascading through the valley behind was unexpectedly wonderful - I haven't slept so soundly on any vacation. It seemed a little stuffy when we arrived mid-afternoon, but the nights were cool and the temperature inside was perfect. Air conditioning was not missed. We felt very safe in the neighborhood - only a single lane entrance over a bridge, surrounded by the river which flows around all sides - an island within the island of Hawaii. Some minor issues were experienced - the icemaker was out, the gas stove a little tricky to operate, and the single door key was a challenge with 11 people coming and going in 2 vehicles . But the house was comfortable and secluded and we had a good time. Charlotte is a great host. Definitely recommend.

Could not have been better.

This is the most beautiful property! The lawns and foliage around the property are stunning! You can’t get a better view of Wailuku river with waterfalls and they lull you to sleep at night. The house itself is enormous with en suite for everyone. Kitchen well stocked for whatever you need. Thank you! We hope to return!

We were a family of 9 staying at Charlottes property. Fun for all ages our youngest being 4 oldest almost 80. We loved being able to pick the fresh fruit and listening to the waterfall! The house is beautiful!

We loved this property. The sounds of the river in the background alone were a memory maker. Well stocked kitchen and plenty of room. Thank you for sharing.