Shipman House Bed & Breakfast Inn, Hilo

The Shipman House in Hilo, Hawaii richly deserves a top rating! Innkeepers Barbara and Gary elevate hospitality to a fine art as they welcome you into their historic home. This home has welcomed author Jack London, Hawaii's last monarch Queen Lili`uokalani, as well as other dignitaries. It is no wonder: Shipman House is gracious and welcoming. Guest rooms are comfortable and designed for relaxation. I especially appreciated the simple décor and very clean room that we stayed in. We had a wonderful view of sunrise over the bay each morning. The bathrooms, too, are clean and private with fresh towels daily. Each morning we could look forward to a delightful breakfast featuring home baked bread, pastry, and fruit from the back yard garden. And what fruit! the wonderful spread included papaya, pineapple, apple bananas, figs, and mangos, among others. It is an amazing array of flavors authentic to the island. Conversation never flagged around the breakfast table: our innkeepers kept the talk flowing and all guests participated over cups of delicious hot coffee. Barbara and Gary happily share their knowledge of the island. They provide detailed advice about driving routes, hiking trails, and local restaurants. For guests visiting sites at night they provide flashlights, jackets, and beach mats. Hawaii could not ask for better ambassadors! We have stayed in Bed & Breakfasts around the US, but this was our finest experience. We enjoyed an extended vacation at Shipman House and heartily recommend it!

Just returned home from a perfectly amazing trip to the Big Island. We spent several days at Shipman House while in Hilo and totally agree with all other reviews. Barbara also has a Hawaiian friend, Meile, who came one night to teach us hula and pass along folklore of Hawaii. I could have listened to her all night. It was more like truly visiting with friends than being a guest at a B & B. Barbara & Gary where so down to earth and full of life. The breakfast, or feast, was to die for and as said, either came from their fruit trees or was made by Barbara herself...such as breads, cofffee cakes, muffins & the like. Even the preserves, butter & mango & papaya juices which are layered into wine glasses....totally decadent for breakfast. If I ever return to the island, I would definitely look up my new friends & stay with them again. One cannot possibly go to Hilo without having this experience. If I could give it a higher rating I would!!

I loved the Shipman House Bed and Breakfast. The location was great everything touristy was not that long of a drive and the hosts recommended fabulous places to eat. The Shipman House has the best breakfast every. Most all the breakfast food is fresh from their land. The homemade granola is to die for. I still haven't found any at home that even compare. I would definitely stay there again.

Not only is this house beautiful and clean but it is full of antique treasures. The hosts were incredibly nice and helpful with dinner reservations. I have stayed here more than once and each time it has been a great experience. A+

The Shipman House is located on an quiet island that is minutes away by foot from downtown Hilo; a perfect base to explore old Hawaii and decompress from the hectic pace of modern life. Lovely grounds and gardens. The historical Victorian mansion has been meticulously restored and furnished with many museum quality antiques. Rooms are large and airy; bathrooms are completely modern. There is broadband wireless Internet connection, for those who can't completely cut the cord. Hosts Barbara and Gary are experts about the Island. Do take advantage of their knowledge to enhance your visit. My wife and I came on a 4-days job interview trip. Our prospective employer placed us in the Shipman House. That was a low-down, unfair "trick", for who can say No after such a thoroughly loving and lovely experience. The Shipman House has our highest recommendation. Gloria and Stan from San Jose, Calf.

I completely agree with the previous reviewer -- I stayed at the Shipman house during a tour of the Big Island and it was by far my favorite lodging experience of the trip. Barbara, the owner, supervised breakfast in the morning on the veranda -- a home-made spread filled with a huge assortment of native fruits and traditional breakfast fare. She was happy to talk about the house and its history and it was evident that she took a ton of pride in the house and her role as host. Just a fantastic experience in a wonderful setting with a gracious host. One of the best B&B experiences I've had.