I have written a number of posts about licensed bed and breakfast (B&B) or inns for sale on the Big Island; a number of posts about historic plantation manager homes; and even posts explicitly about the historically significant former Plantation Managers Estate that is licensed for hosted short term rentals in downtown Hawi, North Kohala.
The Hawi Plantation Estate is currently listed for sale for $3,175,000, including the furnishings. The County tax records show it as a 7 bed/7 bath home of 5,245 sq ft. The property also has additional residential structures — remember that given the age of the estate, these were built prior to the building permit process, and many alterations and renovations would have been made without permits as well.
Historic plantation-era home in Hawi with swimming pool and various outbuildings on 2.27 acres (MLS 654168)
History of the Plantation House in Hawi
This landmark property in downtown Hawi was built in 1889 by John Hind, an Englishman who was the manager for the Hawi Mill and Plantation. In its heyday the company owned 2,500 acres, with 1,300 acres under cultivation, a mill capacity of 17 tons per day, and 200 men employed, according to 1893 records.
The stone fireplace dates from 1889, but the French doors and crown moulding were added during a post-2000 renovation.
The home remained in the hands of the Hind family until the 1970s. It went through a number of ill-considered renovations and fell into general disrepair, although many Kohala residents who grew up during the plantation days through the 1980s have fond and funny memories of visits there. It was not until Jim Sargent, another notable citizen of Kohala, purchased it in 2000 that the Hawi Plantation House was thoughtfully renovated to restore its period charm while updating its kitchen in particular to modern tastes and functionality.
Hawi Plantation House – Can it be a Licensed Bed-and-Breakfast or Vacation Rental?
I would love to see this property continue its history as a family home, perhaps for an extended family or family compound. But I recognize that many prospective buyers will also see its main home and cottages in walking proximity to the restaurants and shops of Hawi town — not to mention the swimming pool — as making it ideal for short-term rental use.
One can easily find vacation rental information for this property with a search online. From memory, it was around 2014 when this property obtained a bed and breakfast permit. Per Section 25-4-7 of the Hawaii County zoning code, a bed-and-breakfast is a type of hosted short-term vacation rental. Among the most important restrictions are: it must be in designated certain zonings (this property is “RS” which means a use permit is required); the operator must reside on premises; no more than 5 rooms can be rented to no more than 10 guests; and only breakfast can be served.
This property did not get a non-conforming use certificate to operate as an unhosted short-term vacation rental during that process which I have described in multiple posts.
Any prospective buyer thinking to use this property for other than a family compound type of residence would want to look carefully at the regulations.
Let me know if you are interested and would like a virtual (or in person!) tour of this iconic Hawi property.
Nichole Ehrbar
November 18, 2021
Beautiful property
KaShiva UmAnanda
November 17, 2022
Thank you for adjusting the article Beth and removing the inaccurate assumptions that were not flattering to previous owner and his integrity. Thank you for the conversation today and intelligent offer to remove and delete this article. We appreciate your efforts for supporting our endeavor as new owners of the property and the immense work that is going into the resurrection of this home and its contribution to the community. Constantly, we are repairing, upgrading, improving and replacing as it requires tremendous vigilance in maintaining this property. With mainland construction on an island in the middle of the Pacific, a pool with a disintegrating foundation, a dilapidating tennis court, gutters and roof that need to be repaired, screens and windows restored, corroding electrical fixtures, a main water line replaced, structures throughout the home needing renovation and a new septic system installed, etc. – the work never ends. Certainly, it works well for showcasing our ability to create a beautiful atmosphere to share with others while visiting the Big Island and proves to be a long-term canvas of ongoing creative efforts by a team of skilled work-mates. For that reason it is best suited as a licensed, Hosted BnB, which is currently, notably recognized for its relaxing, beautiful ambiance and for serving an amazing vegan breakfast. Sincerely and diligently, we strive to share and express the true spirit of Aloha at our quaint, bijou, (5 room /10 guests /operator residing) Eco-Boutique BnB that is licensed with the state of Hawaii.
Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
November 18, 2022
> Thank you for your comments and for the beautiful description of what you are now creating at this unique property that plays such a role in the history of Hawi.