Wonderful Little Cottage near Volcano National Park

Guest: abellaire (Grand Rapids, MI)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

My husband and I went on a second honeymoon to the Big Island in October 2011. The place was a little hard to find when we arrived late at night, but once we found it, it was easy to get in and feel right at home. The house is very well equipped with all the little things you need. We didn't bring our toddler, but if we had, they had all the things there for little kids. The place looks just like the pictures, and is actually even nicer in person. It was very clean and neat with lots of other little touches you wouldn't even think about needing until you get there. We went to see the volcano at night, and they even had flashlights for a night hike. The owners are amazingly helpful and friendly. Cheryl gave me great information about a local farmer's market on Sunday morning that had some of the best produce we found on our whole vacation, and locally grown too! The cottage is also incredibly close to Volcano National Park, and quite close to Hilo and Puna. We spent one of our days down in Hilo and near Puna snorkeling in the tide pools there. We also went to Punalu'u black sand beach and saw sea turtles, just like our guide book said there might be. Volcano is definitely a great place to stay while exploring the south and east part of the Big Island. The groceries are quite expensive there though. We bought most of our stuff in Kailua before we drove in and I would recommend that or buying them in Hilo. We stayed there a few days and then went to the West side of the Big Island. When we left, we realized we had forgotten our camera charger plugged in the kitchen. We called the island caretaker, and she mailed it to our next rental. What a wonderful place to stay and wonderful people to rent from. We'd love to go back another time someday, if we can manage to save up for another vacation. This was probably the best vacation we've ever had, and this place definitely was part of it. Thanks!

Owner response:We do have the most awesome person taking care of our cottage!!! I'm delighted you enjoyed your visit.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children.

Volcano Charmer

Guest: Urban Island Girl (Kailua, Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 12/25/11 Review Submitted: 01/04/12

This lovely home had everything necessary to make our stay comfortable, and then some! It was even more charming than the photos. The owner was friendly and responsive. The location was a short drive to Volcano National Park, perfect for night time caldera viewing. The village of Volcano had great restaurants with food ranging from Thai, to hearty sandwiches, to lodge-elegant at the Kilauea Lodge. We took a day trip to Kona that confirmed our decision to stay on the east side of the Big Island and enjoy its cooler climate and dramatic scenery, from active lava flowing into the ocean to the gorgeous Hamakua Coast. Will definitely recommend this property to friends and relatives.

Owner response:It is always nice to have good restaurants to dine at when you don't feel like cooking after a day of hiking and sightseeing. The Volcano area does provide some nice choices. Glad you enjoyed "our side".

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Comfy retreat from the winter weather

Guest: Liz B.
Date of Stay: 12/10/11 Review Submitted: 01/03/12

I stayed in Hale Mahina Volcano Cottage in December 2011 with my parents and children and was very pleased with our accommodation. The weather was very poor when we stayed here but the house was cosy, clean and warm. The kitchen was very well equipped and had everything you would want in a house from home. There was also lots of herbs and spices in the cupboards and hot chocolates and tea waiting for us on arrival. The beds were comfy and cosy with lots of spare blankets if required and it does get cold in Volcano at night. We really enjoyed visiting the lava tube, caldera and crater top and the house is perfectly situated to explore all the attractions. There were board games that we enjoyed playing and we used the gas fire daily, which made the house wonderfully cosy and warm on a damp, windy evening in Hawaii. This house is very good value for money and much better idea than staying in a hotel. Thank you very much Cheryl for letting us stay in your house.

Owner response:Frank and I had many fun nights playing board games with our children and it is still a "lets play" whenever we get together. Mahalo for staying with us Cheryl

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great place to stay

Guest: John R. (-)
Date of Stay: 11/29/11 Review Submitted: 12/08/11

Very nice people to deal with and they have provided a well-equipped and spacious house, in a convenient Volcano location just outside the park. The gas fireplace was a great addition on the cool nights; the area was incredibly quiet, virtually silent at night, and the night-sky star were exactly what is displayed in the pictures on the Homeaway site. Thanks!!

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Cozy Home

Guest: amyifc (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/25/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

Our family of four stayed here in July 2011 while we visited Volcano Nat'l Park. The house is very cozy and comfortable. The owners have done a great job preparing their home for guests, thinking of even the little things (such as night lights in the bathrooms). The neighborhood is very quiet. While you cannot walk to town, the house is very close to the National Park entrance, so we were able to drive in for early morning hikes and beat the busloads of day tourists. We would stay here again and recommend it if you would like to be close to the National Park for a few days on your Hawaii vacation.

Owner response:My husband and I especially like the quietness of Hale Mahina Cottage. A nice change from the hustle of a city. We are glad you also enjoyed the cottage. Mahalo

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Brighter than Moonlight

Guest: J (Kaneohe, HI)
Date of Stay: 07/27/11 Review Submitted: 08/29/11

We have stayed in many rental properties (several through VRBO) in many places, and Hale Mahina was by far the best value of any of them. Well-designed, very clean, thoughtfully appointed, charmingly decorated, bright, cheerful--we really can't say enough about how much we enjoyed this lovely home. We had one minor issue with water pressure that was promptly and pleasantly remedied. The cottage's proximity to the park was a big plus--and don't miss the Volcano Arts Gallery inside the park. If you like Thai food, Thai Thai restaurant in Volcano Village gets better every time we visit. We were three adults and two children under 10; everyone loved Hale Mahina.

Owner response:Thank you for mentioning the Volcano Arts Center....it has some wonderful works of art. I hope you also got to visit the Volcano Garden Art Center. Thai-Thai is great - although I have to go for the milder version - my husband likes the hot! We hope you will come again.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Best place to Stay in Volcano

Guest: Jill (Atascadero, California)
Date of Stay: 08/19/11 Review Submitted: 08/22/11

Hale Mahina Cottage is the best deal in Volcano, if not the entire Island. It's immaculate and well stocked with everything you need, including a great DVD collection and toys. You only have to bring your own food to prepare. We hated to leave.

Owner response:We were delighted that you were able to make the trip and stay at Hale Mahina Cottage....you will have to visit us again. We have found an absolute treasure in the person who keeps the cottage so clean. Mahalo, Cheryl

Recommended for:People with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Great Base to Explore Volcano

Guest: cathyw (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11 Review Submitted: 08/22/11

We had a great 3 nights in this house exploring everything that the area has to see. The place is well equipped with all the things a lived in house would have. The fire was very cosy as it does get cool enough to use at night (even though this is Hawaii). Our 3 year old had a great time with the toys although it took us awhile to work out they were kept in the hassock = chest. Also has a well stocked DVD library. Was nice to have a bath for him as well although we did run a bit low on hot water. Very close to the park entrance which is handy for night viewing of the glowing caldera, but in a very quiet area. The front porch has a nice view of one of the big mountains. We thought about staying down near Pahoa but after visiting both areas are glad we decided to stay in the Volcano area as most of the sights are closer.

Owner response:We had our grandkids there and realized some toys would certainly be helpful especially if it was rainy and they couldn't be outdoors.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Terrific home with a great location to Volcano National Park

Guest: Lynn (Littleton, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/27/11 Review Submitted: 08/14/11

We visited the middle of July 2011 and had a great stay. It's home away from home. Very relaxing. The home was comfortable with a very well equipment kitchen. The best part was it's location in close proximity to Volcano National Park. We spent several days there. The park is always open and we went there at night to see the glow of the volcano and the amazing star studded sky!

Owner response:Going over to see the glow of Halemaumau is a favorite of ours. The Volcanoes National Park has a link that is updated every 15 minutes so when it is especially glowing we grab our jackets and go. I never tire of seeing it. Glad you also enjoyed it.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great House, Great Owners

Guest: Diana (Livermore, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

We enjoyed our two-night stay at Hale Mahina in April of this year. It was easy to find, clean and comfortable, with all the amenities one might need. We appreciated the warmth of the fireplace on those chilly Volcano mornings and watching the local birds off the front and back decks. It's proximity to the National Park can't be beat - you're right there! I especially appreciated the owner, Cheryl's, advice and enthusiasm for that part of the island. Having never been there before, it was much appreciated, and I felt like I was corresponding with an old friend. I would definitely stay at Hale Mahina again.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.