Historic Hilo Estate is an Eye Pleaser with Plenty of Charm

In April, all eyes are on Hilo for the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, the annual hula competition that brings out the best of the best performing traditional Hawaiian dancing. When it comes to exceptional homes for sale in Hilo, something else is catching the eye of discerning homebuyers: an incredible opportunity to own a historic home in one of the town’s most charming areas.

This spacious historical Hilo home offers plenty of charm and modern updates

Own One of Hilo’s Finest Homes

Located in the Wainaku section of Hilo, 40 Halaulani Place is truly one of Hilo’s finest and historic homes. That’s not real estate marketing hype. Rather, it’s based on my opinion as someone born and raised in Hawaii who appreciates the fine craftsmanship of older homes. And given that I’ve sold more than 60 homes in East Hawaii in the past 15 months, I know it really is unusual to have a home like this come on the market.

The formal dining room, like the rest of the house, features Douglas fir hardwood floors

In the early part of the 20th century, Wainaku was the neighborhood of choice for prominent Hilo families to build stately homes that reflected the owner’s stature in the community. Many of these homes have remained in the same families for generations and are maintained by those who have a respect and appreciation for the beauty of historic homes. So it really is rare when one becomes available.

This home offers six bedrooms, including this large master

Built in 1927, this home (MLS# 279305) was built by the famous Lyman missionary family who wanted a majestic home to showcase all their beautiful antiques. Indeed, with 4,748 square feet of living space, including six bedrooms and three bathrooms, there’s plenty of space in this large comfortable home.

This spectacular home offers a double living room complete with wood-burning fireplace

There is so much to appreciate about this incredible estate — and it truly is a grand estate. The first floor features a large living room with a working wood-burning fireplace. There’s also a formal dining room and a kitchen with a breakfast nook. Folks will also appreciate that the spacious master suite with an adjoining sitting room (or nursery) is also on the ground level.

The office has original built-ins

I particularly like that the main floor also features a study with original cabinets and shelves. If you’ve had the pleasure of being in historic homes in Hawaii, you know the amazing look and feel of the old style woodwork.

Upstairs you’ll find another spacious living room, four bedrooms, and another bedroom that the current owner is using as an office.

In fact, the current owners are only the third to own this home, which is on the National Historic Register. They bought the estate from the Carlsmith family who in turn purchased it from the Lyman family in the 1940s. It was the Carlsmiths, another well-known Hilo family, who brought in famed architect Vladimir Ossipoff to make changes to the home.

Then in 2007, the current owners renovated this grand dame of a home to its original luster. The 10-foot ceilings provide a light and airy feel while the old-grown Douglas fir hardwood floors shine and the large windows sparkle.

Outdoor Features

The exterior of the home is as lovely as in the interior. Nestled on 0.6 acres of landscaped grounds at the end of a short cul-de-sac, the estate is a hidden gem. A paved drive enables you to drive up to the covered carport (there’s also a garage providing plenty of storage).

Everything about the property, from the elegant home to the babbling stream along the back boundary to the mature trees and beautiful grounds, show pride of ownership, as well as pride in caring for a piece of Hilo’s history.

More Information

If you’re interested in learning more about this incredible historic estate in Hilo or other properties in east Hawaii, give me a call me today at (808) 987-4511 or email me.