Shaka Shak Guest House Hilo Bay — Hotel in Hawaii

The review of this property is from our stay a few months ago, so please understand that some things may have changed from then. Do not be misled by the positive reviews. This property was unsafe, and, unsanitary. First, the unsafe. Parking here was very difficult. There is a high probability that your vehicle may be damaged due to very tight parking conditions. Vehicles must be moved around each other on a driveway only wide enough for one vehicle. The room that we stayed in had a first floor balcony door with no lock. We believe that an outside entry door from the open garage was also left unlocked at night. Second, the unsanitary. This property was not adequately cleaned. There was trash thrown in the yard, and, vehicles that were inoperable, with weeds growing around them. Another disturbing issue was the breakfast that we paid for. It was both odd, and, unsanitary. The following is a list of what was offered during our stay:||1. Coffee (no juice, milk, or any other liquid)||2. Pancake mix (a large bag of dry powder that you must mix yourself and ladle on to old griddles)||3. Bread (1 previously opened bag with a few slices left)||4. Jelly (1 previously opened jar with a spoon covered with jelly left inside the jar with the lid on)||5. Peanut Butter (1 previously opened jar. Does anyone eat this for breakfast?)||6. Hershey's Chocolate Syrup (not sure how this would be used)||7. Instant Oatmeal (1 previously opened container of plain oatmeal that you mix with water, then microwave)||You must also rummage through the kitchen cabinets to find plates, bowls, and, silverware.||||There were many other deficiencies which we will not take the time to detail in this review.||||We have traveled extensively, and stayed in many hotels, and B&B's. Our stay at the Shaka Shak was the most uncomfortable that we have ever experienced. It appears that the owner has responded to other negative reviews with excuses, but don't believe them. We hope that this review prevents other travelers from the same experience...

If you want to live in the wildness, then this is the place. Maybe it’s just my luck but our patio door was broken (when I asked to fix it because I don’t feel safe have the door open, she wasn’t happy and told me it should be open because it’s nice outside, what the hell!) and lizards were either on the bed or nightstand. I understand it’s an island but I can’t sleep knowing there might be a lizard walking on me in the middle of the night. The lizard is probably from the broken patio door but the host blamed its from her last guests. Not sure what kind of guests would bring animals inside. God knows what other animal is inside of the house. Also, There is a pancake power for you in the morning as breakfast, only if you can get up early because there are at least 7 people in the house. Don’t expect to be quiet until 9 or 10pm. We felt the vibration of the tv sound from first floor. We traveled far and wanted to rest, that wasn’t pleasant! ||she is a host and she supposed to ease your fear/misunderstanding if anything happens. When we trying to understand and ask her what’s going on because it looks nothing like the picture she posted. She had THE worst attitude and told us to pretty much suck it up and nothing else she can do. So if you want to stay, don’t complain about anything. Complaining or asking won’t get you anywhere. ||I know the price is cheap but we found other places around her place. It was 100 Times nicer and same price! you just have to find it. It was our fault to fall for her pictures without doing any research. she is a sweet person until you ask anything bad about her house. Good luck to all the future guests. Btw it’s the frog sound outside of her house, it’s extremely loud Like millions of them, if she said it’s everywhere on the island, its FALSE! we found a place close to her and doesn’t Sound like her place at all. Much less frogs. It’s quite beautiful...

The hospitality at Shaka Shak was fantastic! We stayed here for 8 days and had plenty of things to see and do. The location was prime for Hilo and we could hear the frogs, birds, and there were lots of geckos at the house. It rained for the storm, and we felt like we were in a tropical jungle. We could see Mauna Kea on a clear night from our deck. Cynthia was an amazing host and so accommodating. I can make papaya chicken now thanks to her. We enjoyed the Aloha spirit of the house. There are lovely kitties outside that were laying around. There is also an Island Natural food store down the street. We are definitely coming back for the great hospitality that Cynthia exuded. She was simply amazing! It was a memorable stay for us. We highly recommend you book with her. The front room has its own bathroom as well if that is important to you. The shared shower had a strong flow and the bathroom was very clean. A big kitchen, and we had no problem cooking in it. We also met some sweet German people, and a Netherlands couple. I had not been to Hilo before, and want to come back soon. :) Volcano's National Park is not far on...