HAWAII Hilo Town~Private GATED Botanical GARDEN COTTAGE w Koi Pond

I can’t say enough about how great this little cottage and Jean, our host, were!! Jean obviously put a lot of thought into what her visitors want and need in a home away from home — things like a cooler for any excursions around the island, and even twin bathrobes hanging in the bathroom! And in the fridge were bottles of regular AND coconut water, with island-roasted coffee, shortbread cookies, and chocolate-covered macadamia nuts waiting on the kitchen stand accented with fresh hibiscus blossoms. A little pull-cart was available to get our belongings to and from the car and the cottage’s front door. When a host thinks of these sorts of things, you can’t help but feel genuinely “welcomed”. On top of these thoughtful touches, the cottage itself was spotless and organized, and the garden outside was MAGNIFICENT! Honestly, we felt like we had a little hidden cottage with paradise as the front yard!! Anthuriums, orchids, a small koi pond with a softly burbling fountain, and lots of ferns. We enjoyed our morning coffee each day sitting at the little table and chairs outside the cottage, and just took in the sight and sound of the garden before venturing out. Such a nice way to be on vacation! And close proximity to Hilo downtown, restaurants, drug store, waterfront, and groceries without being IN these areas when you just want to sleep or relax inside. Stay at this great little gem of a lodging choice! You absolutely will not be disappointed!!

This is a small cottage next to a private residence in a residential neighborhood. Very cute, with a private entrance. Jean was there to meet us when we arrived and explained to us where everything was. The cottage is thoughtfully equipped and perfect for our needs. It’s a quick drive to shopping and restaurants as well as downtown Hilo. Very convenient if you have a car.

clean and well maintained

Jean thoughtfully created a very warm, efficient small space with great charm and comfort for the guest. The kitchen was well stocked. the bed was comfortable and the location was convenient for exploring the area. Her welcome package of various food items to get you settled in was most appreciated. We enjoyed out stay.

Super peaceful and private! The garden is stunning and lovely to enjoy with some coffee.

The host was very friendly and helpful. You are greeted with local chocolates and treats. Best sleep I've had while in Hilo. I will definitely be back! Thank you

Jean was excellent. The little added amenities were awesome. Look forward to another stay :) Mahalo nui The Yaps.

Jean was very welcoming and pleasant. Cottage was quaint. Loved all the flowers and plants outside.

This was the perfect home away from home for us while visiting our daughters. Tucked away in a beautiful private garden, the suite was lovely & had everything we needed, a comfortable bed, equipped kitchen, great shower in the bathroom & nice sitting area. Fans & several well located windows & a sliding door provided fresh cooling breezes. The outside hanging chair along with a bistro table & 2 chairs was especially nice for meals. Birds, frogs & the water spilling into the koi pond were sensory treats along with the gorgeous flowers. Jean very kindly left tasty treats & cold water as well…very thoughtful. All in all, a great stay in the perfect place. Mahalo, Jean

Perfect little cottage to act as our “home base” while we explored the big island. Location was great for everything on the east side of the island an Hilo. Jean was a great host of knowledge and suggestions and made the check-in/out process easy. Will stay again if we ever make it back!

Both the cottage and Jean were great. Her garden is amazing and it was wonderful to sit outside enjoying coffee in the mornings. We stayed at three different places on our vacation and this by far was my favorite. The cottage had a homey feel with a lot thoughtful touches, including reference books with lots of information. There were cookies, chocolates, and cold water ready in the fridge. Flowers from her garden were tucked in here and there with great care. I was worried about not having air conditioning, but the cross breeze with the windows open and ceiling fans made it not an issue at all. Mahalo Jean, for setting up such an inviting place to stay!

Well-landscaped, quiet, private, easy access, convenient to downtown, friendly host, friendly dog, friendly frogs, well-appointed accommodations, well-stocked supplies and provisions, great library, -- an overall great experience!

It is a little slice of paradise. We enjoyed the beautiful plants and the birds sang us to sleep. It was amazing.

Very nice

Beautiful gardens felt like paradise. Loved that her personal Netflix was available for watching. She had a hot plate available to cook with along with microwave and toaster oven. We used them all. I would have liked a sweeper or broom available for fast clean up. Even though our shoes were supposed to be removed, it did not always happen. We had a very nice experience. Even though her home was near the cottage, it was still very private.

.A lovely, well appointed home — comfortable, clean, and clearly lovingly maintained. Only slight hiccup was miscommunication about check in flexibility ( so i would ask specifically about whether there are any constraints to be aware of). Otherwise excellent stay

Aunty Souza is a true gem. She has unlimited knowledge of the flora and fauna of Hawaii and a deep respect and keen interest in the history and future of where she calls “home”. The garden is stunning and is located in a quiet and accessible location. We will be back again with smiles

It’s perfect, everything you need or want is there and so well organized and presented. Handy to anywhere on the Hilo side of the island, but private, we LOVED our stay

We had an awesome stay at this location! Everything about it from the little touches to the first edition books, and the quaint touches were top-notch. We would recommend this to anyone!

Had a great time!

We loved the cottage. It felt like we were alone in a rain forest. The host thought of everything that we could possibly need. It is beautifully decorated. We enjoyed our stay.

Very attractive property on a quiet street. The grounds are beautifully cultivated. Host Jean has provided everything you need.The room is somewhat small but it is sufficient for 2 people. Close to town, about 35-40 minutes to Volcano National Park

The lodging was spotless and comfortable. Welcoming touches of aloha awaited us; such as a refrigerated pitcher of water and water bottles, coconut water, coffee, cookies, and chocolates, ItfehomethoughtfutououThposs

We loved this little hidden cottage! It’s up away from Hilo town but close enough for shopping and restaurants. The cottage is set back from the main house so it’s very private. The garden is beautiful, serene & tropical. The decor is like a hotel cottage and the owner added touches to create an inviting stay. We’d stay again!