Shipman House Bed & Breakfast Inn

Wonderful owners with a personal interest in your visit. The breakfast was superb! We would recommend this B&B without reservation. The island is a great destination but it was made more wonderful by the chance to stay at this B&B. Thanks Barbara and Gary. We will be back.

comfortable, aesthetic room with lots of light and pleasant breezes; great breakfasts, friendly hosts; and cool landscaping.

Barbara and Gary are charming hosts. The Inn is a historic building in Hilo located with easy access to everywhere on the Island. The breakfast was authentic Hawaiian with nearly all items from their property. The hosts were part of breakfast to share information and their hospitality, which was enjoyable. The only thing that wasn't good was the WIFI, which is their ISP. ATT 3G service was available but also not consistent.

We spent two nights at this lovely B and B. Our room was not in the main house but was perfect for our needs...very comfortable. The view from the side porch of Hilo Bay was a delight...next time we will select the room with that view! The breakfast was terrific with a wide variety of tropical fruits mostly grown by Gary and Barbara. Gary's passion fruit butter and and Barbara's macadenia granola were just delicious....not to mention the Shipman sunrise smoothie! We would highly receommend this B and B.

Very nice B&B; brkfst was terrific w/local food; wish the bed was a king w/memory foam but slept fairly well; love the open window/screens/muslin curtains/breeze; quite expensive, though.

A tour of the breakfast fruit was nice ONCE (it was done each day for new arrivals), but getting a tour of the Victorian house would have been better. The breakfast was lacking - nice breads and juice, but little hot food (a limited supply of oatmeal) in the way a guest would hope for at a nice B&B. Nobody ate the pink and blue highlight-coded eggs that were iced in a bowl and had been boiled in earlier days (coding identified when the eggs had been boiled). Sleeping was a challenge due to wildlife and lack of heating. Coqui frogs, en masse, chirped all night until it got cold, and there are rats building something in the attic. There has to be a better way to treat guests. Asking for the guest's identification when settling the balance and checking out was a bit much. For a once grand and historic old Victorian home, it was disappointing as a bed and breakfast establishment. Other guests were similarly disappointed. We will not return.

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
I am so sorry you were disappointed in your stay. Please let me clarify some of your points. Tours-- Yes, we DO give a breakfast tour to new arrivals, so they know what they are eating and how it may taste. I had no idea it offended guests who had enjoyed the same tour previously. House tour-- I used to give a long personal tour of our lovely Victorian, but soon realized some people would rather spend more time on THEIR own interests, rather than someone else's, so we printed self-guided tours that we point out at check-in, and another copy is in each guest room. We are available to answer questions, too. Breakfast-- By county ordinance, B&Bs are restricted to serving continental breakfasts, not hot breakfasts. It has to do with being a homestay. We hardboil more eggs than we serve, so a spot of color dates the egg, and there are no old eggs. We could boil fewer at a time, but it's hard to predict just how many will be eaten. Sleeping-- We realize jungle sounds at night are unfamiliar, so we provide bright orange ear plugs for all guests. Jungle noises may include heavy rain on large leaves, palm fronds brushing against the roof, palm seeds blowing onto the roof, or chirping coqui frogs. Cold-- At this time of year, it may get chilly at night, so we make sure all guest room windows can close, and there is an extra blanket in each guest room closet. ID-- We swipe the guest's credit card through the machine for the balance due at checkout. If the card is not signed, our credit card processor requires us to verify the signature on the receipt with that of some other identification. Yes, it can be awkward when someone has already been staying here a few days.

- Barbara Andersen (innkeeper)

Shipman House and Gary and Barbara Andersen couldn't have been more wonderful. The property, the view, and the renovation of the home are all exquisite. But what made my stay unique and special was the personal care and attention they lavish on their guests. Their handmade morning breakfasts with fresh tropical fruit picked from their garden and with homemade jams and baked goods would be a treat in and of itself. What I loved even more was how they joined their small group of guests in the morning, and over coffee listened to our plans, and gave excellent travel recommendations. Their great advice led me places I may have passed over, and helped me avoid other travelers traps. A truly special place and special people to visit.

Shipman House certainly made our stay in Hilo memorable, and the breakfast was a wonderful way to start our day!

Our stay at the Shipman House was perfect. Gary and Barbara were so helpful and friendly, they made us feel almost like family. The breakfasts were the best ever as were the accomodations. Bill and Rae Krueger

We stayed in one of the rooms in the cottage and it felt like our home, very spacious room, very clean and a lovely feel around it. Hilo`s center (including the market) is actually in walking distance (10-15 minutes), which we liked a lot. Highlight is definitely the breakfast, with all tropical fruits grown on their grounds, home made bread, all served on the great lanai with sea view. Barbara and Gary know how to make you feel at home!

We stayed at the Shipman House B&B for three nights and even though we're not normally B&B people, we really loved the house, our room and our hosts Barbara and Gary. We stayed in Aunty Clara's Shell Room in the main house. Our private bathroom was just outside the door to our room. Our room was very quiet in relation to hearing anyone else in the house and our bed was super comfortable. There are frogs that chirp outside at night, but they didn't bother us at all, even my husband who is normally a terrible sleeper. There is no airconditoning, but there was a fan that kept us comfortable (again, even the husband who desperately needs aircon at all times!). It's a shame that some other reviewers have complained about certain things, ie not wearing hard shoes in the house, not rolling luggage through the house etc, but this is a very beautiful old house that needs to be preserved and these issues are clearly outlined early on, so it's not like it would come as a sudden surprise to anyone. The buffet breakfast is just beautiful, with lots of fruit grown on the premises, toast, yogurt, granola, boiled eggs etc and Barb always bakes something delicious for the table too, loved that! Barb and Gary are very welcoming, have a wealth of knowledge about anything and everything and were easy going and easy to talk to. We normally are 'hotel' staying people who a very particularly about our tv, airconditioning, blackout curtains and anti-social ways, but we didn't care about any of it during our stay at Shipman House - we really enjoyed ourselves. If we're ever visiting the island again, I know where we'll be staying.

Perfect location above Hilo, beautiful rooms (without TV and A/C - but without a real need for it), charming hosts, a luxury and healthy, tasteful breakfast. One place where You have to be before You die...;-)

Shipman House is fabulous.....we can't wait to go back!

A grand old B&B. The breakfast alone is worth the stay and Barbara is the most friendly and accommodating host you could ask for. Yes, it will cost a few dollars extra, but Barbara will insure your stay is as romantic and rewarding as it can be. They will even work with small children and accommodate your special dietary needs. I can guarantee that you will not find a more comforting B&B - The Holts

Daily breakfast, accomodations, and overall service was exceptional.

A recent 2 night stay at the Shipman House in Hilo proved to be what was expected and more. The Innkeepers were meticulous in the running of their B&B and the breakfasts were exquisite. Highly recommended.

A beautiful home where Barbara and Gary see to your every need. More than just a room at an inn, it's a chance to experience the history of the area while enjoying modern day amenities. Their recommendations for places to go and eat were spot on and their home grown breakfast delicious. If you're interested in the history of the island this is the place for you. We had a wonderful time. Top notch.

The Shipman House is truly a unique property, run and maintained lovingly by the great-granddaughter of one of the original owners, as well as her husband. Some of the antiques are museum-quality. The Hawaiian history throughout the house is intriguing and well done. The service is so friendly, warm and inviting, with lots of helpful hints on places to go and things to do.

The Shipman House really defines what a B&B should be. Every aspect of staying there was perfect. Food, accommodations, local advice, etc. I would stay there next time I am in the area. Great find. Steve & Emily

The house and grounds are outstanding. We felt totally at home at the shipman house. The owners are incredible people who go out of their way to make your visit memorable. Hightly recommond staying at the shipman house.

Barb and Gary were fantastic hosts. The Shipman House is a beautifully restored victorian home. Breakfasts were great, lots of fresh fruit grown on the property. Barb and Gary were very attentive and gave lots of advice on where to go and what to do. We would definitely recommend the Shipman House.

Beautiful house surrounded by nature. The hosts are very nice, attentive and helpful. Best breakfast in all our trip through different islands. Definitely the place to stay in Hilo.

Would highly recommend! House is lovely. Great location. Hard to beat this for a relaxed stay in Hilo. Many thanks to Barbara and Gary to opening up their home as a B&B and as hosts. John W and Vicky (from N. Cal)

We spent 5 nights at the Shipman House B&B. Our 1st room was on the 2nd floor and was spacious and lovely. The last 2 nights we moved downstairs(we knew this ahead of time) and we found the room dark. Barbara & Gary (innkeepers) were wonderful and knowledgeable hosts. Each morning breakfast was a beautiful and delicious assortment of fruits, fresh baked goods, Barbara's famous granola and more. it was all quite delightful. The innkeepers graciously accommodated our granddaughters who are living in the area. The location was perfect for walking into town. Mahalo to the Shipman House

This is truly one of the best B&B in Hawaii if not the US. The rooms are great, breakfast is wonderful,Greg & Barb are outstanding hosts, and the house a real historical treasure.

Convenient and warm welcome, spotless, lovely old Hawaii atmosphere, close to town but far enough away to be quiet and charming in a residential context. Wonderful hosts and helpful staff. Great breakfast, easy parking, nothing to criticize at all!

The house and furnishings were absolutely perfect and immaculate. Hosts were incredibly helpful providing information and fun to talk with. I definitely hope to go back, next time with friends and for a longer stay.

This wonderful old house and the people who run it are world class. We just stumbled on tothe web site and were rewarded with a beautiful experience. We'll be back. Bob and Sue, Honolulu

To start off, Gary and Barbara were great hosts. They welcomed us, helped with our luggage, showed us around the home and gave up pointers on local hang-outs. I must say, we hit all their recommendations and had a wonderful time. The House is all you would expect from a beautifully restored historic home. The bedrooms are roomy and comfortable. The study was my favorite reading place after a long day of touring the town. And the breakfast....WOW. The fruits were amazing and Gary explained what each fruit was and what other fruit it tasted similar to. The homemade breads and jams; one word….YUMMY. The papayas were outstanding as well. We were even treated to a breakfast one morning with Gary and Barbara's grand-daughter and family. It was truly a relaxing and comfortable stay all around. We highly recommended the Shipman home!

We definetely enjoyed our stay at Shipmen House. The host are excellent, helpful and the historic environment is a place you really can enjoy. Excellent breakfast is provided. Try the "Miracle Berry" from the garden! The sophisticated and calm environment is just 10 minutes walking from downtown Hilo.

We stayed 4 days at the Shipman House. The breakfast is extraordinary. The room is roomy and well appointed though rustic. What you mostly get here as compared to other places or hotels are the sunny dispositions of Gary and Barbara Andersen. It is in their nature to be sincerely interested in people and they want to make doubly sure you have a good itinerary for the day. They gave us some great suggestions. Also eating in the AM with others is another place for tips. The weather was great and the town of Hilo is funky. Important to go to the Farmer's Market.

This was really the nicest B&B we had ever seen/experienced! Impressive house with luxury rooms (and great views!). The nicest welcome and service during the stay (and great breakfast!). It was located perfectly, with Waipi'O Vally, the Akaka falls, the 'city center of Hilo' and Hawaiis Volcanoes National Park nearby! We would really recommend the place!

Charming restored historic house with obvious attention to detail. Innkeepers charming and knowledgable. Best place in Hilo!

This is the nicest place I have stayed in the Hilo area. The rooms, house, hosts and the breakfasts are superb. The hosts take great care of the guests and it is clear that they love their work and their home and the people who stay there. This was my second visit to their B&B and I will make my reservation soon for my next visit in 5 months. Thank you for sharing this little bit of history with the rest of us.

The second part of our stay in Hawaii was in Hilo at this bed and breakfast. If we were to do it again (and we might), I would stay the whole time here. Barbara and Gary were very interesting and knowledgeable about the area and they supplied flashlights and umbrella's and a few other things if needed. The house is lovingly restored and full of antiques and history. It was delightful to have breakfast on the lanai with fresh fruit from their property and homemade bread, muffins and coffee cakes! After our day of exploring we would sit on the porch and enjoy the evening. Heaven!! We definitely recommend this B&B. February 2011

Allright, how do you define heaven here on earth? Perhaps a stay at the Shipman house. What a beautiful building seeping with history-see the bed where Jack London stayed in the early 1900's, the first house in Hilo with plumbing and electricity (and a great story to boot)-that has been lovingly updated with the most modern conveniences. Breakfast on an open air veranda with freshly picked exotic fruit. An evening filled with the sounds of abounding tropical life and sea scented breezes. Best of all, two wonderful hosts, Barbara and Gary who share a lifetimes' insight into the authentic Hawaii. Simply put the best bed and breakfast experience my wife and I have ever had.

Barbara and Gary are wonderful hosts full of great suggestions especially their recommendation of a hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant. The breakfasts were the best we had experienced during our trip and we just came from the Muana Kea! We stayed in the guest cottage and loved having the use of both rooms and the porch which made it very private. We highly recommend Shipman House.

Shipman House is a beautfully restored period house in a great location. Hilo is the perfect place to base yourself while you explore the many experiences available on that side of the island. Choosing to stay in Shipman House in Hilo was a great decision and one we look forward to repeating. Gary and Barbara were the perfect hosts and did everything to make our stay more rewarding. We loved our 3 nights in Aunty Clara's Shell Room and the delicious fresh breakfast every morning was a great start to the day. We would recommend Shipman House to anyone. David and Marieta Barnard, Avalon Beach, Sydney, Australia.

We stayed 2 nights and were delighted by the hospitality shown by Barbara and Gary, the wonderful room and stunning setting. The breakfasts really are terrific and keep you going all day. stay there and enjoy it for yourself!

The Shipman House is a fabulous historic landmark and walking museum, filled with family and Hawaiian history. Jack London once visited and Queen Lilliokalani once played on the Steinway piano. It's on a beautiful location surrounded by rainforest bordering a stream. Gary and Barbara are gracious hosts who are always accessible, in person or by cell, and who impart the history of the home with pride. The breakfast tropical buffet is colorful, healthy, and hearty; it includes fruits from their garden and surrounding farms. We stayed in the Shell Room with a beautiful view of Hilo Bay in the distance. We were surprised the bed did not have a headboard and that they weren't any curtains or window shades on the very large windows. One had to sleep with the windows open and use a floor fan for air circulation since there isn't air conditioning. The coqui frog invasion on the Big Island is prevalent in the rain forest surrounding the Shipman House since the loud chorus of sound at night requires the use of ear plugs, provided by the hosts. One gets used to it if you are used to tropical locales while vacationing but you should be aware. Overall, a good value but I expected more "finish" (head board, better mattresss, window covering, ceiling fan, etc.) for the high price.

We stayed at the famous and historical Shipman House B&B for two nights during our visit to the Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. Here is what we can summarize for you: Location: Very central to lots of tourist attractions. The volcanoes are only 45 minutes away which made our evening/night visit of to this special National Park not too tiring. Staff: Owners, Barbara and Gary, are friendly and personable. They have superior knowledge about Hilo and beyond. The Shipman House: This house carries lots of precious memories and is beautifully decorated with unique artifacts from different parts of the world. Be sure the play the grand piano in the living room, just like Hawaii's Queen Lili'uokalani did. Read all about it at their website www.hilo-hawaii.com Breakfast: If you like healthy breakfast, this place is for you! You will be served with fresh fruits grown on the property along with home made baked goodies and Kona coffee. Overall, we highly recommend a stay at the Shipman House to enjoy the relaxing and authentic life in the beautiful Hawaii!

The Shipman Bed and Breakfast is a blend of "Four Seasons Hotel" quality and service, with "Martha Stewart" aesthetic sensibilities and attention to detail. The owners/operators, Barbara (an American Barefoot Contessa) and her quietly-handsome, soccer-playing husband Gary, were the perfect hosts. An elegant, yet relaxed and congenial atmosphere, first class breakfast, and a very convenient location. We stayed at this Bed and Breakfast in February 2010, and look forward to returning. Barker & Sullivan, Edmonton, Canada

Once you've crossed the wooden "thunder" bridge entering Ka'iulani Street, you literally find yourself in another world. And when you set your eyes on No. 131, it dawns on you that you're in for something very special. Next thing, after having settled in your room (the gorgeous "Makai" in the cottage, in my case), you feel like not ever wanting to leave again. This feeling intensifies in the morning - after a good night's sleep with Coqui frogs singing their lullaby - when you're sitting in one of the rocker chairs on the lanai of the main building overlooking the gorge, sipping the last cup of great coffee after one of the most delicious breakfasts on the face of this earth ... Yes, it's hard to hold my horses, my raving is honest and sincere - I fell in love with that place! I'm glad I relied on my gut feeling. When planning my trip I had made it a point staying there even if it meant (re-)arranging my itineray around their availability. Shipman House certainly is not a bargain but it's definitely worth its price. Its location, its enchanted garden, its cleanliness, its old-world charm, and its calm and serene atmosphere are unsurpassed. But what would all that be without the people who make it possible?! Barbary and Gary are the most wonderful and considerate hosts you can imagine, always giving that special attention to every little detail. It's so obvious they love what they're doing as they're doing everything with love. This, I believe, is true aloha spirit. Far away from that paradise I'm sitting in my home in Germany, watching the snow coming down in a harsh winter that seems endless, writing this review that's taking me forever as I keep stopping to dream of that one of kind place in Hilo, Hawai'i...

Was overwhelmed with the Customer service from Barbara! Much appreciated her openness and flexibility! The family B&B grouds were as beautiful as the pictures and the access was quite easy. Made my short stay comfortable. Hope to see you again soon....Mahalo!

we had a fantastic 3 night stay with Barbara and Gary at the Shipman house in August 2009 as part of our honeymoon. We wanted to spend a few days on the other side of the hawaiian islands after a few days at the resorts of Kauai and Maui. Hospitality was fantastic. The best part are the amazing breakfasts of local coffee, fresh picked fruit from the grounds of the house, and fantastic baked goods. Gary would then pack us a LUNCH to go for our days travels! Barbara helped us plan what to do each day and gave use the supplies that we would need (winter jackets, flashlights, star maps). Their restaurant recommmendations were on point. No better way to sample the "real hawaii".

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!

Thoughtful and knowledgeable innkeepers made for a great experience in Hilo. Breakfast was outstanding - highlighted local produce and family recipes.

My wife and I stayed at the Shipman house and it is a beautiful location. Barbara and her husband are welcoming hosts and share the history of Hawaii and their B and B. The home has been in Barbara's family for many years and Barbara and her husband returned to the Island to operate it as a B and B. They do it right and our only mistake was our stay was too short. We will be back. The breakfast was outstanding and don't miss the cornbread! This is the best B and B on the Hilo side. Greg and Jackie Roberts, Gig Harbor, WA

I do not think that my stay in Hawaii would have been as enjoyable if I had stayed anywhere other than Shipman House. From the excellent breakfast to the comfortable room, the elements of an ideal hotel are already taken care of to the smallest detail. Add to that the excellent hospitality from the innkeepers, Gary and Barbara, and it's safe to say that Shipman House offers an experience that cannot be beat. From conversations with them over breakfast one gets a truly unique perspective on Hawaii, as well as advice that surpasses any mere travel guide. For anyone who wants to experience the best that Hawaii has to offer, Shipman House is a wonderful starting point.

Shipman House is extraordinary. Within this gorgeous home, Barbara and Gary Andersen host guests with graceful hospitality that is restorative and refreshing. Upon entry, guests are immediately greeted with the warm character of this beautifully constructed and furnished home. The meticulous attention to detail in this restored mansion establishes a marvelous ambiance that is fresh and clean and timeless. The quiet dignity of the house is immediately soothing to the tired traveler. This is a place that captures the eye and, at the same time, provides a calming and stately backdrop for an exceptional stay. As accurately described in other guests’ reviews and comments, breakfast is a special delight. The delicious and colorful spread of fresh fruit, much from the house garden, is complimented by Barbara’s delectable and ever changing baking. From the lanai, the view of Hilo Bay across a green, tropical expanse is soothing and picturesque. Guest conversations, interweaved with the Andersens’ fascinating explanations of local history, attractions and recommendations for the day, make breakfast the highlight of each morning. This is a place, in my opinion, much different that other B&Bs I’ve experienced. The stately beauty of the Shipman House and its surroundings, the lovely gardens, the rocking chairs on the porch and the quietness of the rooms make for an exceptional environment. Moreover, the Andersens’ personal attention to each guest makes a stay at the Shipman House a most wonderful experience. Having been their guest for 11 nights, I strongly recommend a minimum of 3 nights. This way guests can begin to experience the hospitality and the gentle rhythm of life that characterizes the Island of Hawai’i. Mark Gaspar Arlington, Virginia

beautiful house, warm hosts, delicious breakfast. my daughters and i had a wonderful experience at this gorgeous, comfortable, hawaii victorian. the amazing antiques and the attention to detail alone made the house a living work of art. breakfast could not have been more enjoyable with the stunning array of local fresh fruit, home baked bread and granola, and kona coffee. can't wait to return to this lovely big island home.

We had a wonderful time at Shipman House. Our room was exquisite and it had a beautiful, and very well equipped bathroom. Our hosts, Barbara and Gary, are extremely knowledgeable about the area and very willing to be helpful about activities in the area. They gave us great advice about when and how to visit the volcano nearby. And the breakfasts were delicious, served on the beautiful big porch. We met other interesting people there and had a totally wonderful experience. I would recommend Shipman House very highly to anyone who wants to see that area of Hawaii. I would definitely return there and would advise all of my friends to do the same. Debbie Burger

Take an easy walk from the beachfront scenery, shops, restaurants of Hilo town. Cross a wooden bridge over rushing water, and you'll see the Shipman House Bed and Breakfast. An immaculate, perfectly restored, Victorian mansion rising above the surrounding jungle, this house was lavishly designed for tropical comfort. Plantation shutters opened from my enormous, fresh, and comfortable room onto a sweeping veranda, where I lounged sipping passion fruit juice as the sun set. Breakfast offered an array of tropical fruit grown on the Shipman lands. Mango, guava, star fruit, pineapple, passion fruit, exotic varieties of bananas, and many more. Plus fresh-baked goodies, hot entrees, and divine coffee. Guests are invited to play the grand piano, explore two levels of the mansion;and make themselves truly at home. Barbara Andersen, a Shipman descendant and current owner, is warm, welcoming, and a fountain of Hawaiian history, helpful knowledge, and Aloha spirit. Frankly, I didn't want to leave. This review is the subjective opinion

It is a beautifull house, very well kept, clean. Barbara is the perfect host and makes it very pleasant to stay. She thinks about all the little things you might need, therefore nothing is missing in this B & B. Overall great !

We really enjoyed our one night stay at Shipman House and we appreciated all of Barbara's suggestions for dinner. My favorite experience was sitting on the porch in the rocking chair and looking out over the beautiful grounds - by far, they were the most beautiful of any of the places we stayed on the Big Island. Equal to the beautiful grounds was the breakfast that morning - enjoyed the wonderful fruit grown right there on the premises and the special attention that Barbara gave each guest. We really enjoyed our stay and would love to return some day! Thank you, Gary and Barbara, for sharing your beautiful home.

We enjoyed the beautifully-restored Shipman House. Barbara and Gary were very hospitable, and their local information, recommendations, and volcano updates were very helpful.

Our lovely vintage cottage room had a huge bathroom with tiled shower built for two. We were lulled to sleep in a comfortable bed with jungle sounds in the background. Breakfast in the Big House was the best it could possibly be with dozens of tropical fruits picked fresh that morning and a delicious passion fruit butter to spread on our homemade toast that will not be forgotten. The service was especially gracious and attentive.

Shipman House is a beautiful mansion surrounded by tropical jungle. While you are close to downtown, you wouldn't know it. The atmosphere is completely relaxed. The owners are a delight. My only regret is that I didn't stay longer!

A last minute decision to spend one night in Hilo prompted us to search the internet. Having read a review, we decided to try the Shipman House. It is as it was described. A beautiful Hawaiian landmark, owned and operated by a delightful and welcoming couple; Gary and Barbara. We stayed in th e cottage and were serenaded by the local coqui. The breakfast was delicious and the time spent with them was informational and enjoyable. We will return to Shipman house on our next visit to Hawaii Island.

We stayed in Aunt Carrie's room which was very large and nicely decorated. Extra little touches such as embroidered bed sheets and special soaps made it so much more special. Enjoyed a fabulous breakfast of home made breads, muffins and granola. Excellent coffee and fruit smoothies. Hosts very gracious and helpful with historical information, travel tips and activities information.

The Shipman House is a beautiful bed and breakfast with wonderful hosts! We've stayed at a fair number of bed and breakfasts but none compare! The home was impeccable and beautifully kept. We took the self guided tour and found it very informative and interesting; it was fun to imagine what life was like when the home was built and to learn about the Shipman family. Barbara gave us a tour of the grounds and pointed out a lot of things we didn't know about the tropical plants they have. Gary and Barbara were very willing to suggest places to dine and things we shouldn't miss while we were in Hilo and were helpful with directions! Breakfast was extraordinary - we had the chance to try several fruits we didn't even know existed and the morning glory muffins and coffee cake were out of this world! We had a wonderful time - Thank you Barbara and Gary!

our room was great

Staying at the Shipman House was the highlight of my entire trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. It is by far the most elegant and exquisit bed and breakfast on the island. The innkeepers, Gary and Barbara Anderson, were extremely gracious to their guests. I stayed in Aunt Clara's room and felt like a queen on vacation. The grounds are prettier than a botanical garden. I will certainly stay there next time I go to Hilo, Hawaii.

I have read the other reviews and I absolutely agree how wonderful the hosts Barbara & Gary were. They were so imformative on things to see and do! We have an open agenda to just explore and they pointed out the best places to go in our time. It was amazing to eat at local restaurants like the Seaside that were amazing and not as advertised as the cheesy tourist places. The house was so clean and very historic and a treasure if you like antiques. I read another review talking about the hassle of taking off your shoes and I completely disagree with the previous review. The house is in such great shape because the owners care so much about it. It is also a Hawaiian tradition! We were also informed before we booked that we would have to take off shoes. It was so clean and we have a gentle breeze in our room and it felt fantastic! There were also local juices in out refrigerator and kimonos in the closet for us to wear. It was an amazing trip and the house is unbelievable. The breakfast was amazing, fresh smoothies, muffins, fresh baked granola, hard boiled eggs, homemade breads and fruit that was grown on the yard. A++++ Amazing place to stay!!!

Hi- We stayed at Shipman House in May, 2008, and were referred by LOCALS- that is, friends who have a house in Hawi, Hawaii. They said it was THE place to stay in Hilo, to make a completely Hawaiian vacation. It was indeed. We love history, and through relatives feel very connected to Hawaii, so were delighted with the feeling of the old mansion, and the great array of Hawaiiana books in the library on the first floor. I took one of them to bed with me. The views from the lanai at breakfast are gorgeous of Hilo's harbor. The breakfast food was the most authentic Hawaiian we had all trip- local fruits, home-made muffins (which Barbara packed with us to take on to the volcano part of the trip), enchanting jams, excellent coffee...we would stay there again, and Barbara was an informative hostess- and she changed our dinner reservation to a much more gourmet delight, which we are grateful for. We are glad we stayed there. The Goldsmiths

What a wonderful surprise when I arrived at the Shipman House. I had no idea where my husband was taking me for my birthday weekend, as we departed Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines. I was thrilled to be in such a historic and gracious home. The house was immaculate, the furnishings historic and interesting, the hosts gracious and friendly and the bedrooms and bathrooms well appointed. The breakfast each morning was to die for - starting with delicious coffee, a dozen different local fruits, home made granola and yogurt along with fantastic corn bread or macadamia nut coffee cake fresh from the oven. Barbara, the owner is extremely knowledgeable about all the plants, local history, restaurants and things to do and see. We had a wonderful weekend, couldn't have been better.

The Shipman house has a lot of good and bad things. Good - Historic old house on a nice property. Owners have had it in the family for years and really care about it. Breakfasts are sumptuous and consist of home grown fruits and fresh baked products. Free hula lesson if you are there the right night. Owners are super-friendly and helpful with planning trips and suggesting restaurants. Bad - Owners insist on no shoes and you carrying (not rolling) luggage up 20 stairs to protect the floors. No shoes can be annoying as you are always taking them off and putting them on. Room was a large white box with no television and no air conditioning. The windows had to be open and since the house is old, the windows are not sealed properly so little bugs come in when the lights are on. Also coquis make noise the whole night. We liked it, but I can see where some would be kept awake.

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
Thank you for the review. We appreciate your pointing out the "bad things", but want to assure you guests should not be surprised by any of them on arrival. About 10 years ago someone else mentioned the no-shoes-in-the-house and the no-rolling-luggage-indoors policies, so I made sure both are posted clearly on the website, in the initial email availability response, and in all confirmation letters. We want all guests to be completely aware before they commit to a reservation here. Our National Register home's original floors are all soft Douglas fir, easily marred by hard shoes, grit and rolling luggage. In Hawaii, it is customary to remove shoes before entering a home, and locals wear slip-ons. We are also very careful to inform potential guests that all rooms involve stairs, and they may have to carry their own luggage. The part about not rolling luggage indoors is underlined. Because it is so pleasant on the island's Hilo side, air conditioning is generally unnecessary, but all rooms do have ceiling or table fans, just in case. In 11 years, we have had just six guests request a television. Our website states we have no televisions, but I would be happy to add it to the email correspondence, too. Coqui frogs arrived at our end of the street about 5 years ago, bringing their nocturnal 'bird' chirping. We do provide earplugs in each guest room for those who find the frogs unpleasant, but most visitors like their song, as you did. We want to thank you for this opportunity to clarify some of our B&B's little quirks.

- Barbara Andersen (innkeeper)

Shipman house is a rare jewel in B&B's. The rooms, house and grounds are impeccable. The furnishings are mostly original to the house and filled with the history of the house. Gary and Barbara are extremely warm and inviting and obviously love what they do. You will feel at home from the moment you arrive. Don't miss breakfast! The fresh fruits from the grounds shouldn't be missed and every morning there is a different baked item to fill yourself with. This is the place to stay for a night or a week. They also have great suggestions for sight seeing and dining.