1 review
131 Kaiulani St
Hilo, HI 96720-2529 US
(808)934-8002
Payment types accepted include American Express, Master Card, Travelers Checks, Visa, Cash and JCB.
Circa 1899. Locals know Shipman House as "The Castle," no doubt because of both its size and grandeur. The manor, a mix of Italianate and Queen Anne styles, is listed on both the state and national historic registers. The home's former mistress, Mary Shipman, not only was the granddaughter of a Hawaiian chief, but a friend of Queen Lili'uokalani. Jack London and his wife once stayed here for a month as guests of the Shipmans. The grounds still feature many of the plants, palms and flowers nurtured by the Shipmans. Inside, the innkeeper has decorated the home with a mix of antiques and traditional furnishings; many pieces are original to the house. There is a cottage available as well, secluded by trees and foliage. A lavish, continental-plus breakfast buffet is served on the home's lanai, offering such items as homemade granola, local fruit (there are 20 different varieties of fruit trees on the property), freshly baked breads, homemade passionfruit butter. Special diets accommodated with advance notice.Publicity and Awards: New York Times Sophisticated Traveler, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, Honolulu Advertiser, Sunset Magazine, Victorian Homes, Wings Magazine, Travel & Leisure, Islands Magazine, Hawaii Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, AAA's Via Magazine, TravelAge West, PBC documentary on non-resort vacations on Hawaii Island, Restore America with Bob Vila, Computer Chronicles.Location: Ocean Community, Country and City/Urban.
Meals Included in Rates: Snacks/Refreshments, Breakfast and Special diets accommodated with notice.
Types of meals: Early Coffee/Tea, Continental Plus Breakfast, Vegetarian Breakfast, Snacks/Refreshments, Inform innkeeper of special diets, gluten free, lactose-free, diabetic, celiac and other food allergies ahead of time.
Amenities In Room: Reading Lamps, Refrigerator, Wireless Internet Access, Ceiling Fans, Modem Hook-Up, Bathrobes, Bath Amenities, Desk, Clock Radio, Hair Dryer, Iron/Ironing Board, Fresh tropical flowers, Maps, Fine art, Umbrellas, Binoculars, Picnic supplies, Beach gear, Binders with local attractions and Self-guided house tours.
Amenities On Site: Phone, Parlor Games, Limited Handicap Access, Library, Gift Shop, Fireplace, Fax, Copy Machine, Botanical garden, Views, Birdwatching, Steinway grand piano, Porch rockers, Modem hook-up, Victorian & Hawaiian antiques and Hula lessons.
Business Traveler Amenities: Desk, Off-site Dry Cleaning Services, Hair Dryer, Modem Connection, Gym Nearby, Flexible Cancellation, Daily Newspapers, FAX On-site, Internet Access, Wireless Internet Access, Flexible Check in/out Times, Iron/Ironing Board, Early breakfast and early check in allowed.
“We chose the Shipman House because it was close to a relative we were visiting in Hilo. However, we quickly came to appreciate the charm of the Shipman House and its friendly proprietors, Barbara and Gary Andersen.
Our room was clean and we felt as if we were truly on vacation. The setting felt like another world. Barbara and Gary took the time to talk to us and share their trove of knowledge about life in Hilo. The breakfasts were outstanding--we enjoyed the array of fresh fruit (guava smoothies!), mac nut granola, and scrumptious muffins.
The Andersens prove first-rate service, and our experience here was inn-spirational, inn-vigorating, and inn-credible!”
— Jim Johnson
