Entire home

Private Garden Cottage on 5 acre country estate /Walk to the Botanic Gardens!

Savor peace in paradise surrounded by lush gardens and majestic palm-lined roads. Unwind at your private cottage or stroll through nature reserves like Hawaii Botanic Gardens.

Photo gallery for Private Garden Cottage on 5 acre country estate /Walk to the Botanic Gardens!

Aerial view
Outdoor dining
Smart TV, DVD player, books, music library
Unclassified image, 4 of 30, button
Iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bathroomSleeps 3570 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

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

Private Garden Cottage on 5 acre country estate /Walk to the Botanic Gardens!

Aloha!
Our country estate is in Onomea, 6 miles north of Hilo, on 5 tropical acres with garden and ocean views. Onomea Guest Suite is a private cottage with garden views of flowering royal Poinciana trees, sweeping monkey pod trees, mango, lychee, mountain apple trees, coconut palms, and many varieties of other palms. The most repeated description by our guests is 'peaceful'. The suite has a studio layout... bedroom, living room and kitchenette all in one ample main space, and a lovely stone-tiled bath with high ceilings and gorgeous light. Guests love the shower which feels like its outdoors because of all the high windows above the shower space. The covered lanai is enjoyable rain or shine for dining or relaxing. Our royal palm-lined road is one of the loveliest in all of Hawaii. Artists frequently come to paint it! Within walking distance is the old donkey trail to Onomea Bay, a breathtaking bay along the old Scenic Highway. You can also walk to the Hawaii Botanic Gardens and What's Shakin' Smoothie Stand (fresh fruit smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, coffee, tea.....)and by car, we are equi-distant to Volcano National Park, Waipio Valley and Mauna Kea Visitors Center, just of many other attractions in the area. (see more below at 'Things to Do').
A queen bed, plus a twin bed provides a comfortable sleeping for up to three. The kitchenette has enough cooking appliances that you won't miss the stovetop or oven. You'll find the barbecue on your lanai and many kitchen appliances on the countertop or in the cabinets.
(Don't forget to READ OUR REVIEWS!!)
A few notes about our guest suite....and us! .......
Our guest space was completed in March 2011, a project lovingly created over two years. The bathroom and shower are wheelchair accessible and there are no steps between parking and entry to suite. My wife and I live in the main house which is an entirely separate building attached by a breezeway and a central courtyard with a fishpond and burbling fountain. I am usually available to help you with directions, dining suggestions or simply to come up with extra pillows!
By car, within 10 minutes, are the magnificent 419 foot high Akaka Falls, the charming village of Honomu; and the nearby city of Hilo, center of commerce on the east slope of Mauna Kea and home to the renowned Hilo Farmers Market.
Some other activities we recommend you think about during your stay, here on the east side of the Island of Hawaii......
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (1.3 miles away and a lovely walk on country roads), Volcano National Park, horseback riding in Kohala or Waipio Valley; a zipline adventure; several nearby beach parks, (Richardsons, Carlsmith, Honolii), Liliokulani Park and Japanese garden, Akaka Falls, Rainbow falls (there are a host of other waterfalls you'll see driving along the Hamakua coast) snorkeling, photography, hiking; bird watching; a visit to the 13,980 foot summit of Mauna Kea where 12 international telescopes are redefining our understanding of the heavens the Lyman Museum, the Tsunami Museum, the Hilo zoo, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut farm and factory, the lovely scenic highway(walking distance from us) and the old 'red road'.... both bring to life a Hawaii long gone in most other parts of Hawaii.
If your dates are flexible, you can see our calendar if you scroll down past the photos of the suite. Please check the calendar for availability and contact us about any questions. Mahalo!
GE and TA Tax Number: TA-095-813-2224-01 GE-095-813-2224-02

Property manager

Randall Duryea - Reservations Concierge

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Lanai

Laundry

  • Coin laundry

Work spaces

  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

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.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Strictly Outside on lanai with all windows closed.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the bay
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 570 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:30 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: You MUST talk to us about your pets, Please!

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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-095-813-2224-02, TA-095-813-2224-01

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Peaceful Garden Lovely Country Estate /walk Historic Onomea Bay

About the area

Map
Hilo, HI

What's nearby

  • Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - 5 min drive
  • Coconut Island Park - 15 min drive
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 15 min drive
  • Port of Hilo - 15 min drive
  • Akaka Falls - 15 min drive

Getting around

  • Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Onomea Country Market & Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪What's Shakin - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Onomea Country Market & Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Blue Kalo - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪What's Shakin - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Garden Cottage on 5 acre country estate /Walk to the Botanic Gardens! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Private Garden Cottage on 5 acre country estate /Walk to the Botanic Gardens! ?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Garden Cottage on 5 acre country estate /Walk to the Botanic Gardens! ?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Private Garden Cottage on 5 acre country estate /Walk to the Botanic Gardens! located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Hamakua Heritage Corridor, Onomea Bay, and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Onomea Tea Company Estate and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden are also within 2 mi (3 km).

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Private Garden Cottage on 5 acre country estate /Walk to the Botanic Gardens! Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 129 out of 145 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 145 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 145 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 145 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 145 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rick

This is a fantastic property- beautiful, scenic,peaceful idyllic, and lots of nature. This is a very comfortable guest house, with nice amenities The hosts were very friendly, and helpful, we would definitely stay here again, and recommend it to anyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Dana

We enjoyed our stay. It was perfect for us
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dirk

this place was paradise . we had a great stay , will definitely recomend to my friends, never even locked the door the host was wonderful . we had breakfast and dinner on the lanai had a visit from the local chicken's the birds i cant describe how peaceful this place is.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Larissa

Wonderful cottage, quiet relaxing atmosphere
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim S.

Wonderful Stay
Would recommend to anyone. We enjoyed every aspect of our stay. Randall provided some great recommendations.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jocelyn B.

Beautiful and comfortable
Our group (3 adults) had a great time staying here for 2 nights. I only wish we could have stayed longer! Definitely the most peaceful place I stayed in Hawaii.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Lovely and well supplied
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Martha S., Santa Fe, New Mexico

Beautiful view
Well located for visiting Hilo, Volcano, many other sites on the Hamakua coast. The host, Randall, is exceedingly helpful and friendly. The cottage perfect for a couple. We often did not wish to leave the view from the lanai.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

tim v.

Away from the crowds
This was the perfect place to escape the Big Island crowds. Very quiet and wonderful place to relax.
Stayed 15 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Henriette A.

Oasis in Hilo
Beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. Lovely hosts
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wojciech K.

Recharge your batteries!
Stay here to truly recharge your batteries! The room was clean and the garden is very beautiful and peaceful. The host, Randall, was very friendly and helpful. We had a great vacation.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bridget

About 10-15 min from Hilo, it was a beautiful and relaxing oasis. Just off the scenic drive and near the botanical gardens, not far from many other attractions. Thoughtful touches like beach towels, umbrella, hangers, and reusable shopping bags. Great retreat with welcoming hosts. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michele S.

Comfortable, private stay with beautiful sunrises!
The Garden Cottage was everything advertised and more! Conveniently located for several tourist activities including Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Botanical Garden, Onomea Bay, impressive waterfalls, horseback riding and more. The host was very accommodating with great recommendations for restaurants and activities. Highly recommend! Thank you for a peaceful and relaxing stay!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristofer N.

Great location, wonderful hosts
Randall and Donna were absolutely wonderful - both in advance communication and informative chats when we arrived. Randall provided several excellent recommendations for local sites to visit. The property is well situated - 5 minutes from the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens, 10-15 minutes from Hilo and about 45 minutes from Waipio Valley/Honoka’a. The bathroom/shower - with vaulted ceiling and large windows made it feel like taking an outdoor shower. Highly recommend this property if you are looking for something different from the resort experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne C.

Garden of Eden
What a beautiful property! Waking to the saffron finches and cardinals is an experience we will never forget. The apartment was well designed and extremely comfortable, with everything we needed to have a wonderful time in Hilo. Preparing Randell and Donna were gracious and helpful hosts. Make sure you check out Carlsmith Beach, the botanical gardens and the four mile "scenic route." Can't wait to come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sabine G.

Wonderful
It's the cottage our hearts. We love it. Randall was so very nice. I won't say everything more, because it speaks for it self.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful
This place was beautiful. Donna the owner was gracious and accommodating. I was overwhelmed by the detail in the construction and the quality of the workmanship and materials they used. The shower alone is worth the rental. This is what we expected when we came Hawaii, gracious host amazing palm trees truly the Aloha feeling.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

Garden Oasis Convenient Location
My husband, five year old and I stayed here for 3 days. We really enjoyed our stay! It was a beautiful open floor plan, artistic decor with big slider windows leading out to the patio. At night there was a wonderful cross breeze and sounds of geckos and coqui frogs floating on that breeze. It was in a convenient spot, not directly in town but close enough to go out for food, drinks, beaches, etc. The owners were kind and quiet. Their dog was such a sweetheart, our daughter loved the encounters with him and the chickens! Beds were comfortable, shower was pretty amazing. Amenities were as described just read them over. Kitchen has no oven but we got by just fine w their electric appliances for cooking. I would highly recommend this space for a small family or couple.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jeanmarie C., West Gloucester, Massachusetts

Peaceful getaway
We loved, loved, loved our stay! The suite and the setting are so beautiful. Randall's attention to detail is outstanding. We spent 3 nights on the Hilo side and wished we had a longer stay there, next time. Thank you Randall for sharing things to do. The farmers market and the park with the Japanese theme were awesome. Glenn and I would have loved to spend more time talking with you, but we really weren't there long enough. The lovely hens and the ferrel rooster were fun to watch while sitting outside on the lanai. Is he still hanging around? Thank you for such a wonderful slice of heaven. All the best to you Glenn and Jeanmarie
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Judy A.

Nicely furnished and lovely estate but...
My husband and I spent 4 nights here after staying in Kona. We enjoyed the small but tastefully furnished guest suite and the beauty of the surroundings. It is easy to get to and within walking distance to the wonderful botanic gardens which we loved. However, oddly starting on day 2, we did not have hot water in the mornings but it was working in the afternoons when we returned. The owner was away on vacation but left information to contact the repeat guests that were staying in the house next door who knew the property. They were very friendly and tried to help with the water problem but on day 4, they were gone and we had no hot water when we returned from snorkeling and really needed to shower. My husband tried for quite awhile to get it working to no avail and took a cold shower. Finally, I called another contact the owner had given me which turned out to be someone in the neighborhood. He was able to come by about an hour later and found that an electrical GFCI switch had shut off. Once that was on, we had hot water. It was disappointing that we had to spend part of our vacation dealing with this problem. It is peaceful here during the day (if they are not trimming or mowing) but is astounding how noisy the frogs are all night. Be prepared to use the ear plugs that are furnished. Also, there is no TV or cable, just a DVD player with old movies. The shiny new outdoor grill was a nice touch.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2016

10/10 Excellent

James F.

Randall, our host, was very attentive, helpful, and communicative, and we very much enjoyed chatting with him. The area is stunningly quiet and beautiful, and it is in easy reach of major attractions. We hope to return.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

peter v.

Superstars
Wonderful location, amazing accommodation, unquestionably the best of the Big Island. We will return.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy R.

Pleasant experience
Beautiful property. Quiet and peaceful. Far enough away from town yet close enough to all amenities and activities. Very convenient. Our host Randall accommodated our every need.and provided wonderful local insight into hidden gems and attractions. We would definitely recommend this lovely studio to anyone wishing to visit this side of the Island.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Karin V.

Little advice
I manage properties in the HOA sector. I understand this is an owner/manager, so perhaps not exposed to other properties/processes. First, there is no explanation of the TV. It is an older smart TV that requires you to "back out" of the current screen by hitting "exit" several times. Newer TVs allow for one or two button presses to get out of a movie/episode that you no longer want to watch. It will bring you to a home screen of a channel. This is different and should be explained. Not only that, but I believe the batteries are low so it takes several touches to get what you want and sometimes it times-out. Having replacement batteries available would be great. The blankets in the dresser were musty-smelling. We needed to put it outside in order to stop the smell. These should be checked regularly. Although the printed welcome newsletter stated it and so did Randall, there are no ear plugs available. I forgot not once, but TWICE to ask and suffered through each night of coqui calling. Again, the inventory levels need to be checked each time. I ADORED EHU, the dog.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie M., Beaverton, Oregon, USA

Unique VRBO
The Garden Suite was exactly as described in the listing and the pictures showed clearly what to expect. We stayed two full weeks and had a wonderful time using the location as a base from which to see the Big Island. The beds were very comfortable and the morning sunshine through the trees made the beginning of every day special. The Suite is very well-equipped, private and Randall goes the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need for a perfect vacation. He is also available to answer questions and offer suggestions for day trips. His generosity and attentiveness made our stay delightful. If you love the experience of staying in a sub-tropical rainforest along with all the creatures found there, this may be the Big Island place you have dreamed of finding.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2022

General property information

Check-In Time
3:30 PM
Check-Out Time
11:00 AM
Location
Hilo
Structure Type
Cottage