We found Mountain Cottage through Hawaii Volcano Vacations online and stayed there for two nights…read more The online site displays detailed information and pictures of Mountain Cottage, so we had some ideas how the inside is like before we left for our trip to Big Island. This was my first time staying at a cottage, and the whole experience of staying at Mountain Cottage was amazing. After driving through rural and quiet road following the direction we received, we finally found Mountain Cottage. Because there is no street light in the whole area, if it is your first time going there and you arrive after dark, it will be difficult to find the cottage. We were feeling lucky that we made it there before it turned dark. This cottage is inside a gated area and surrounded by fern trees. The outside of the cottage looks nice. After walking up the stairs, I peeked at the inside through the window, and I immediately felt in love with this cottage, because the inside looked so cute! Although the space is small inside, everything is very clean and organized! It is equipped with every standard thing you may find at a regular hotel (i.e., refrigerator, microwave, heater, coffee maker, etc.). And there were a few handwritten post-it notes from the cottage owners to pass messages to us. Besides this, the cottage owner also provided a flashlight for us to use, which was thoughtful. In the morning, the cottage owner provided us blueberry muffins and fresh-cut papayas to start out our day. During the two nights we stayed there, I felt I was staying at a friend's homey place instead of a rental cottage. Because this experience was so great, I was actually feeling a bit sad that we had to check out from the cottage after two nights. If I am coming back to this area again, I would want to stay at the same place!

In life, I've learned to "go with the flow" and it's always an amazing adventure when you do…read more Finding myself at the Lave Tree Tropic Inn was Jumanji! The symphony within nature kept me invigorate. The historical charm of the area is tempting to both an Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider adventurer(s). Yet, it is the subtle charm of Irene that soothes the balance between nurture and nature. You will be awaken by the most aromatic vanilla-macadamia-nut coffee whiff, while being tempted by a freshly baked warm, "banana-chocolate-chip-papaya-slice-of-heaven-bread." Now, a word-of-advice, the road towards the Tropic Inn requires "off-road" tires and caution within the trail. It rains often, and muddy roads create sticky situations. Nonetheless, if you're down those neck of the woods, you otta' know your terrain... Mahalo, Vee

I love serendipity!!!…read more Irene plays the ukulele and her friends sing Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, how fun!!! Admits tropical paradise, quiet, and serenity, I found quickness and humor, the best!!! Mahalo to all of you. Aloha, Vittorio is ready for his ukulele lesson.

Wow! What an incredible visit we had at this amazing retreat. The drive in was breathtaking. The…read moregrounds are so beautiful and well taken care of and the ocean view from the property is very serene and calming. We stayed in the Rainbow cottage and couldn't have asked for a more perfect atmosphere. Everything was super clean and welcoming, with all the standard amentities. They have a booklet with tons of information about the area and recommendations for food, sights, etc. After a long day traveling, the hot tubs were heaven sent. We soaked while listening to the birds and frogs at a perfect temperature. There are two tubs and both were exceptionally clean and fresh. They are private from each other and we used them almost every morning. I highly recommend walking along the steam vent trail. It's so peaceful and relaxing. There are tons of fruit trees that you can pick from on the grounds too. I just fell in love with this place and we are already planning a visit back to this gem of a retreat.

This place is absolutely amazing. For a truly unique experience of a post volcanic eruption in the…read moremost heavenly paradise with the most kind and gracious hosts, spend a couple days here. The steam vent trail is fascinating as are their steam heated soaking tubs. Fruit bearing trees of all types are ripe for the picking. The nearby town Pahoa is a rare delight on this island - more like Hanalei in Kauai or Paia in Maui or the North Shore of Oahu. The ocean front drive to Pohoiki is other worldly through mango tree covered roads and past the massive destruction of the 2018 volcanic eruption (very safe now). This place will rejuvenate your soul and a must see on any trip to the big Island.

Perfect Hawaiian getaway home. Quaint, and private, this home was perfect for our vacation. We…read moreloved our stay at Ohia Paniolo Cottage! Mahalo!

This place is amazing! All the comforts of home and then some. This is a great location from which…read moreto explore HVNP. The cottage is eclectic to say the least, this adds to the charm of this magical place. I left feeling so relaxed. We cooked great meals and enjoyed a few nights out as well. Thai Thai is really good, as was The Rim. I recommend checking out the bar at the Rim, having a Mai Tai or glass of wine while watching the glow of the cauldera. The music collection is great. I enjoyed the book selection. The best part is waking up in the trees, listening to the birds, and of course soaking in the tub.

I can't put into words what it's like being up here in this place. It's so incredible. I feel like…read moreI found a part of me that was missing but I didn't know it. We enjoyed being here so much it was hard to leave. I am so grateful to the owners and the caretakers of this place who have opened up this space to allow people a chance to get away. The video on their website really sold me on it. But being there was the most magical experience I have ever known.

Not for me and first time I've had to leave a day early from our booking. Looks like others have…read moreenjoyed the place so different strokes for different folks. In my opinion this place needs a lot of work. It's a private home that has been converted into a "lodge". If you want privacy then book the suite, the other rooms are within the house. Make sure to ask questions about air conditioning as I'm pretty sure there is only one room in the main house with a wall unit. I don't think the cats that stroll the property are house broken because we had a problem with that. The host was nice until I voiced complaints. Buyer beware!

To sum up our stay at the Ma'ukele Lodge in 1 word, "Enchanting." If i could use another word it…read morewould be "Magical." Raven and Mark have woven a lot of magic into this place over the years. From the unique breakfasts with geckos that leaves you spellbound, to the meticulously manicured tropical wonderland they simply call a yard. The thoughtful decor that is woven throughout, everywhere you look reveal hidden surprises on a daily basis. We spent an entire week exploring this magical landscape mesmerized by all of the attention to detail and yet every moment revealed something new we didnt notice before. Raven's intuitive nature seems to anticipate your needs while her friendly personality makes you feel like you are Ohana. Her eye for art is uncanny and it is the glue that seems to bind the whole property together. Mark's knowledge of the area's history and culture answers any and all questions you might have and even makes you feel, even if for a moment, like you are living it as he tells it! If the lava has done anything for this place it has helped it remain pristine while it transitions into the new age. Would i return? Only if I'm lucky enough. Mahalo & Aloha

My dad and I loved our stay here! We had a spacious room with two beds and a beautiful view from…read moreour lanai. Cute communal kitchen and hang out space. The proprietor was super friendly and helpful. The location is great - set back from the road. Quiet. And close to the park. Recommended!

This is not a traditional B&B. It is a bad Airbnb, complete with chores, fines, and signage…read moreeverywhere.  It is the most unwelcoming place I've ever stayed, truly taking the host out of hospitality.  The only time I saw him was when he was when he was on his way out for errands, and he required that I pay the "cleaning and service fee" in cash or Venmo. Shady AF for a commercial establisment.  Considering the general lack of cleanliness and service, I have my suspicions. In fact, if you aren't timely enough with this shady fee buried in the extra details of your booking, he locks you out. That's right. He prints your name in large, bold letters, tapes it to the front door, and deactivates your front door code. So, if you can't figure out how to access the walls of text you get from this place that are somehow unfindable in the Expedia app, you can scan the QR code while you cool your heels on the porch of the place you've already paid hundreds to stay at.  You would think a place that is so concerned about guest security (cameras, fine for leaving the patio door unlocked, COVID so the host is completely absent) would not misuse guests' PII so grossly. The "breakfast" is a couple of sugary snacks fit only for the metabolism of a twelve year old.  You can cook your own breakfast, but be prepared to wash your own dishes, and by the way, the dishwasher is broken. The common area (where you make your own coffee in the communal drip pot) is monitored by camera. They make sure you know with unfriendly signage.  The bed was an old spring mattresses with an ancient foam topper. If you aren't of the age to eat the snacks, you probably won't sleep well, either. You get one over-stuffed pillow each, and if you are not eating the snacks, then you know why that's a problem.  You get one towel per guest, which never dries between showers, so get used to that wet towel feeling.  The rooms are spacious, yes. So spacious that you need glasses to see the tiny TV in the corner. And good luck reading the subtitles when you are afraid to turn up the volume for fear of being fined. In summary, stay somewhere else. Seriously.  If you have no other options, do try to read your multiple walls of texts carefully. They are accessible from an email with a link somewhere. They will tell you your door code and that contacting him after 9pm is a $50 fine. There is probably info about the jenky service fee in there somewhere, but I don't get very far into unformatted walls of text on my phone without going cross-eyed.  Be prepared for a long, potholed, gravel driveway.  He will not greet you at that door and help you get acclimated.

We LOVED our stay at the Crater Rim Cabin! The cabin is beautiful, roomy, well-appointed and…read moreromantic . . . a really unique place. We appreciated so many things about it: attractive living spaces, the easy-to-operate fireplace, helpful materials, and many thoughtful touches. From all the rooms, there are views of the beautiful grounds surrounding the cabin. Given its restful surroundings, it is surprisingly convenient . . . just 2.5 miles from the park entrance and visitor center and close to the town of Volcano for dining options. Our hosts, Jim and Barry, were excellent: knowledgeable, helpful and welcoming. From detailed information on the volcanos (they are geologists) to great touring tips and dining recommendations, they were superb. The Crater Rim Cabin is a very special place and we feel very lucky to have found it.