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  5. Reviews of Shaka Shak Guest House

Reviews of Shaka Shak Guest House 4 stars

126 West Kahaopea Street, Hilo, HI 96720, United States

Review score

Based on 69 hotel reviews

7.9

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.3

  • Comfort

    8.3

  • Location

    8.5

  • Facilities

    8.0

  • Staff

    8.9

  • Value for money

    8.0

  • Free WiFi

    8.9

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 4 June 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Family Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The entryway could use some improvement for people who are not very sure-footed. Otherwise, someone may fall if they aren't careful.

    The host was very kind and welcoming!

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 August 2022

    8.0
    We loved our stay at Shaka Shak, and happy to meet Cynthia!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Our room was at the far end of the house, and the 5 GHz guest wi-fi signal was weak in our room... I had to sit in the kitchen to use the wi-fi, but my wife's cell phone connected most of the time. Could be improved with a wi-fi extender, or allow guest to use the 2.4 GHz connection. Parking could be difficult if all the rooms are occupied. It wasn't too busy when we were there, so not a big deal for us.

    Cynthia is an excellent host, very friendly! Our room was spacious and beds comfortable, and the air conditioner kept the room nice and cool! We had our own private bathroom which we could lock if there were other guests in the house. I liked that I could make some coffee in the morning!

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: 16 August 2022

    9.0
    Enjoyable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Our room was an upstairs room, which was warm for sleeping in, but we got a fan going, and slept well. We shared a bathroom with another guest for a time; but it worked out.

    The place was like home away from home; the decor was appealing and relaxing. The bed was comfortable. Cynthia was a great host.

    Stayed in August 2022

  • Reviewed: 29 July 2022

    8.0
    Clean and comfortable stay, only a short drive to town.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Budget Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Cynthia was a friendly host, she made us feel very comfortable and provided good suggestions on where to eat. Also upgraded us to a larger room free of charge. The property was clean and rooms are spacious. It was good to have access to a fridge and cooking facilities if needed. Location was good, especially if you have a car.

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: 1 July 2022

    8.0
    Safe Haven: For a little place in the middle of Hilo’s intensity my Ohana felt peace and calm.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We felt secure under Cynthia's sheltering, sunny, fierceness

    Stayed in June 2022

  • Reviewed: 29 June 2022

    8.0
    It is a pleasant facility, private home, and exactly what was advertised.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    It is a pleasant facility, private home, and exactly what was advertised.

    Cynthia was attentive to our needs, warm and friendly, and definitely a good host. There was no breakfast but she did make sure we had coffee. The facility is older but definitely comfortable and pleasant accommodations with lovely floors.

    Stayed in June 2022

  • Reviewed: 17 June 2022

    9.0
    True Hawaiian hospitality. Very Aloha.
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The Wi-Fi was not fast enough for good TV reception. Not really a problem because we don't watch much TV. My bed was a little hard, but my son's bed was perfect for him which is what mattered since he was the one that had the important meeting.

    We felt like we were visiting family. “Auntie” Cynthia was great to visit with during breakfast. She made us feel like it was our home also. The house looks old from the outside, but inside it is very inviting, clean and comfortable. There is a flat screen TV in the breakfast room which has a continuous presentation of various tours and sites around the Hilo area. Very helpful and informative if you've never been to this side of the Big Island before. Renovations are ongoing. Cynthia is adding more rooms, including a family room.

    Stayed in June 2022

  • Reviewed: 15 May 2022

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    All the extra fees from the website

    Stayed in May 2022

  • Reviewed: 2 May 2022

    8.0
    Friendly and comftable
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Little far outside town, but a short walk to retail park and mall

    Made to feel wellcome in someone elses home.

    Stayed in April 2022

  • Reviewed: 3 March 2022

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Family Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    Bathroom across kitchen and dining room but that is to be expected in a house vs. hotel I think. I didn't know from the description that our stay was in a house, but that was ok when we got there

    Host very friendly. Bedroom large.

    Stayed in February 2022

  • Reviewed: 12 September 2021

    8.0
    Staying at the Shaka Shak Garden Inn was a welcoming experience with good coffee.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 1 night

    That the location is in a neighborhood makes parting hard if you don't want a parking ticket.

    I like having a room to myself with a TV for entertainment. The coffee was wonderful!

    Stayed in August 2021

  • Reviewed: 21 August 2021

    9.0
    If returning, I will look forward to staying there again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Shaka Shak was a home away from home. Cynthia is very kind and very inviting.

    Stayed in August 2021

  • Reviewed: 15 July 2021

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Budget Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The property has parking, but be sure to rent a midsize to small car. Parking would be easier for you. Nobody can control nature, but the frog and his “her-pee” “her-pee” right outside our window is not my friend.

    Friendly owner offered coffee for the morning after our stay of one night. The crosswind in our bedroom with a ceiling fan was enough to keep us cool at night while we slept. It was nice having a fridge and tv with Netflix in our room.

    Stayed in July 2021

  • Reviewed: 7 July 2021

    9.0
    Cynthia's hospitality makes the Shaka Shak shine!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Cynthia is a gifted host: outgoing, thoughtful, courteous and fun! She brings what I've come to recognize as the spirit of Aloha-- seeing you as you are and welcoming you as a friend! The layout of the inn with its hallways and sliding screen doors make it feel very cozy and private, even though there are multiple guest rooms on one floor. We loved our clean, comfy room (nice memory foam beds), the fun decor and welcoming shared dining room. Great location for visiting Hilo. We would definitely stay again!

    Stayed in July 2021

  • Reviewed: 17 May 2021

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Cynthia was very welcoming, very nice and helpful. We shared the bathroom with the other rooms but we could use it when needed.

    Stayed in May 2021

  • Reviewed: 12 April 2024

    5.0
    It was close to town
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Lighting, creaking noises from floor, sharing space with other people

    Location

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 January 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Host is super kind and sweet.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 January 2024

    1.0
    We complained to the owner and she agreed to cancel the booking
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The whole place was not clean, the room had not been done. When we arrived the owner was cleaning the garden.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 January 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very hospitable host Cynthia. Very nice accommodations.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 13 November 2023

    10
    Very warm, friendly, and comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Finding the house was a little tricky as it’s not labeled in any way. A sign would have been helpful

    Great hostess! Made us feel very welcome

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 4 October 2023

    10
    perfect spot for us to stop for the night while in Hilo
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I do not have any complaints. The stay was very comfortable and accommodating. Our host Cynthia was amazing.

    Fresh coffee and great breakfast. Location was wonderful. Easy to find, beautiful property, and very comfortable room. Our host Cynthia could not have been more accommodating and kind. Will absolutely be back in the near future!

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 7 September 2023

    10
    An exceptional host with an amazing home!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was nothing we disliked.

    A quiet and peaceful place! Very welcoming atmosphere. And the yard was very beautiful as well.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 February 2023

    10
    Cynthia made this a true ohana stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Family Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    N/A

    Big room, nice shower, and lanai. Cynthia was welcoming and very helpful.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 August 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom Cottage
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    nice host with many cute kitties!

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: 25 July 2022

    10
    Awesome
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Budget Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    This is a wonderful location close to the center of Hilo. If you visit UH Hilo, this should be the best place to access. The large shopping center including CVS and grocery store is close to the place as well. You can choose the best food from many options. The bathroom and kitchen were clean and neat. I could feel how Japanese Americans used to live. I felt nostalgic as if I was visiting my grandmother's house. The owner lady, Cynthia is a kind and friendly person. She prepared coffee for us in the morning and gave us a lot of information about Hilo. Lastly, the kittens are very cute and cat lovers will love them.

    Stayed in July 2022

Showing 1 – 25

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