Vacation Rentals by Owner

Lovely trip to a Rain Forest

Guest: Dawn & Wes (Salt Lake City)
Date of Stay: 03/18/12 Review Submitted: 03/29/12

My family and I arrived at this lovely little bungalow on a VERY wet day, and we were so grateful to have a warm, homey, comfy place to enjoy. You can spend hours just watching the birds and the rain from the comfort of beds (super comfortable!) or the couch in the living room. The house was fully prepared for us, and full of lots of little extras. Thanks Kristen!!!

Owner response:HI Guys! Thankyou so much for taking the time to write us such a nice review. The weather was so chilly and rainy when you were here and I'm so happy the house was a cozy haven for you to enjoy. Please come back and stay with us again. ALoha and Mahalo!! Kristen

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

October stay at the Hideaway

Guest: Woodsy (Berlin,Md.,USA)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 10/18/11

We spent two nights in Kristen & Family's house that were just as spectacular as our first stay two years ago. We still say WOW ! The house is beautiful , tidy , and well appointed. Comfortable beds , fresh fruit , and all the charm you can imagine ! The pics just don't do it justice !! Woodsy & Mary Carol J-W

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

Charming and Cozy in the Forest

Guest: M.Kurtz (Paso Robles)
Date of Stay: 10/03/11 Review Submitted: 10/14/11

We just wanted to thank you again for our wonderful stay at your lovely home.Everywhere we looked the house was filled with details that showed us how much you really care.This being our second time at your home we did notice a few new things which is always fun.(We loved the new sunset painting and the one in the blue room!) Still one of our very favorite things is bird watching.From your living room we were able to see an "Apapene,Amakihi,Akepa and Iiwi.What a treat to be so immersed in nature yet a few minutes from town.So hold our spot next year.We will be back! The Kurtz Fam

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

Wow, Wow, Wow!

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/14/11

I couldn't believe my eyes when I first arrived and walked along the jungle path from my car to the cottage. Incredible! The jungle literally envelopes the cottage. The property is almost completely covered with jungle foliage, except for the carport, jungle path and where the cottage/bathhouse are. The fern trees surrounding the cottage were very large and beautiful to look at. You could walk out on the upstairs deck in the morning and see the top of the fern tree canopy, and look out any window to see nothing but jungle. The interior had a very classy rustic charm, and was clean and nicely decorated. Very cosy. I especially liked the railings made of twisted varnished twisted wood. We were provided fresh fruit and 5 gallons of drinking water. The kitchen had everything we needed. The bath house, which is separate from the cottage, was a very unique experience. It has a couple of windows, however, the owners have added window covers, which was good choice for those of us who don't like feeling exposed while bathing. For others, it provides the opportunity to feel like you are bathing/showering in a jungle by simply pulling them aside. Finally, making arrangements with Kristen was very easy and straightforward. She is very friendly and answered all of my questions. The payment process went over without a hitch.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Charming Views in the Rain Forest

Guest: Karen (Cheverly, Maryland)
Date of Stay: 08/12/11 Review Submitted: 09/06/11

We had a terrific time in Volcano Village at the Fern Tree Hideaway in mid August. This is a fun cottage in the forest. It is really is in the middle of ferns, and as this August was very wet, it was sparkling green. A caution about getting out of the driveway; be careful to avoid the utility pole amongst all the greenery! However once inside this charming cottage, you really are transported to the forest. The kitchen and dining area got a lot of use and we found everything we needed. The main bath was down a covered bridge as pictured and the half bath is really part of the master bed room. The 2nd bedroom lanai leads to the half bath, otherwise you go outside to the main bath, still under cover if it is raining. It can be chilly but the beds were comfortable and there were adequate blankets. Wireless worked well and we enjoyed a couple movies in house as well. Big Island is big, so except for Volcano National Park (5 minutes away) most sites are 45 minutes (Hilo) or 2+ hours (Hawi, Kona, Waimea), but not much more than that. We found it quite a convenient location and gourmet restaurants in Volcano as well as Hilo. Kristen was very helpful. We had a terrific visit.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

My family and I could not be more happy!

Guest: Happy in the rainforest (Boulder ,Co)
Date of Stay: 07/11/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

The house was beautiful and perfect for our family of four.My kids loved all the childrens books and games and now I want a bathhouse just like Fern Trees.I felt like I was in the middle of the exotic forest yet close enough to all the things we wanted to do.At the end of a long day of hiking it was such a treat to come "home" to your Fern Tree house.It really felt like we were in a good friends really nice second home.We loved all the oil paintings and special touches.My only regret is that we had stayed longer.I recommend to families to stay at least three nights.There is so much to see and do in Volcano. Thank you!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Cute house and setting

Guest: Virginia (Virginia)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 07/05/11

The owners were so easy to work with and very responsive to my questions. The house made us smile when we first arrived. It is very cute and seems like it is truly hidden. The furniture is comfortable, the kitchen is well stocked, and with the provided directions it was easy to find. The first day was warm so we opened a few windows. There are no screens though, so we ended up with bugs. The other days were much cooler so we did not run into that again. If it was hot though, the no screens would be a problem. My other worry was there are no window coverings. I know its isolated and no one could get thru the jungle....but still, showering in front of a picture window with no drape was a little unnerving. The bedroom has no shades either but it upstairs so peeking was not as much a concern as the light filling the room at sunrise. Thankfully I had a sleeping mask so I didn't have to get up with the roosters. The kitchen had all the utensils you'll need to cook, but be aware there is no dishwasher. I had not noticed that on the description. Also the bathroom is completely separated from the house. It is nice and kind of charming, but with young children that would be a dealbreaker for me. Nice artwork on the walls, plenty of towels, comfy beds with plenty of quilts, great location near the restaurants and the park. First VRBO rental and I was nervous, but the owners were great, and the house was a quiet, nice place to stay near Volcano.

Owner response:Hi Katie, Thank you for your thoughtful review.I will take note of your suggestions.As a rental owner we always encourage our guest to express their honest opinion.I am glad you had a good stay and found our house to be cozy.We do hope you come again! Aloha, Kristen and family

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Great Hideaway

Guest: Charles17 (Denver)
Date of Stay: 02/06/11 Review Submitted: 02/13/11

Just got back from a three night stay and we just wanted to stay what a pleasure it was to stay at your home. The house is beautiful(lots of custom touches) and such easy access to the Volcano. Highly recommended. Charles

Owner response:Thank you Charles! We are so happy you enjoyed our house and Volcano town.Please come again. Mahalo, Kristen and Family

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fabulous!

Guest: carrie (Calgary)
Date of Stay: 11/01/10 Review Submitted: 11/16/10

My husband, 8 month old baby and I recently stayed here for two short nights. The house is spectacular! It really feels like a home away from home for all the right reasons. The house is stocked like it's the owners' second home-- from the kitchen to the bath and DVD/CD collections, we really felt spoiled. The owners even went out of their way to buy a baby gate for us to use! (Sadly, baby didn't crawl until we hit Maui!). The Fern Tree Hideaway really is spectacular-- even better that pictured!

Owner response:I'm so glad to hear how much you enjoyed your stay.It especially makes my family happy to hear that you felt our house was like a home away from home.You are always welcome back. Mahalo, Kristen and Family

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

Just as wonderful the second time!

Guest: RCK&M (Niwot CO)
Date of Stay: 07/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/30/10

After our trip two years ago, our family was in total agreement that we HAD to stay here again. This rental was just as good the second time around! The cottage has so many windows to the outside that you feel like you are in the forest. Factor in the welcoming touches including the bowl of fresh fruit and you truly feel the aloha spirit that we mainlanders love to experience. We will definitely stay here again on our next visit to the Big Island!

Owner response:Thanks so much!! We love having you guys and really do hope to have you come again next year.....the fresh fruit and flowers will be waiting ;-) Aloha, Kristen

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great choice !

Guest: Corrie V (Leiden, Netherlands)
Date of Stay: 01/25/10 Review Submitted: 02/19/10

The Fern Tree Hideaway is a great choice: an idyllic spot in the jungle, a cottage furnished with style and care. Village and Volcano National Park are very close: no need for more.

Owner response:Thankyou!! We hope come back next year.You are always welcome.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Stay at Fern Tree Hideaway

Guest: Minnesota Travelers (Minneapolis, mn)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/22/09

My family of 5 stayed July 7 - 10, 2009. The house is amazing, very clean and peaceful. It's beautifully decorated and is literally in the middle of rainforest. The beds were very comfortable and we all slept well. The kitchen was fully stocked for cooking and had some nice touches like fresh fruit, hot chocolate, coffee and grinder, and even zip loc baggies. Our boys especially enjoyed the extensive DVD collection while we sipped coffee and cocoa in the misty mornings. We packed a lunch and used the complimentary cooler to transport our food to a picnic by the petroglyph trail at Volcano National Park. We recommend the restaurant Kiawe Kitchen for great pizza and sandwiches. I highly recommend Fern Tree Hideaway for an unforgettable vacation spot!

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

Guest: Keala
Date of Stay: 02/20/09 Review Submitted: 02/19/09

We just wanted to express how much we all enjoyed staying at the Fern Tree Hideaway! It's such a beautiful jewel tucked away in the lush fern and ohia forest...we didn't want to leave! Thank you for making the transaction feel safe and secure, and for keeping the cottage in such a clean and well-maintained condition. We will definitely be referring others to your lovely hideaway, and will be back in the near future! Thanks again, Keala, Evan, Rik, Trish, Scott & Marin

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Best Vacation Ever!

Guest: FernGullyCrew (Honolulu, HI, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/13/09 Review Submitted: 02/21/09

We just wanted to express how much we all enjoyed staying at the Fern Tree Hideaway! It's such a beautiful jewel tucked away in the lush fern and ohia forest...we didn't want to leave! Thank you for making the transaction feel safe and secure, and for keeping the cottage in such a clean and well-maintained condition. We will definitely be referring others to your lovely hideaway, and will be back in the near future! Thank you, Kristen!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: B. Woodbridge
Date of Stay: 01/13/09 Review Submitted: 01/13/09

We're back in California (22 degrees this AM) but still feel like we're on Kona time. Although we wrote a little in your guestbook, it's entirely inadequate to describe how much we appreciated your little hideaway. We stayed in 3 rental homes during our stay, and Fern Tree was by far the best...not only because of the house plan and location, but also your attention to details and comforts.

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Exceeded our expectations!

Guest: Happy in the rainforest (Boulder ,Co)
Date of Stay: 09/25/08 Review Submitted: 10/04/08

We thought the pictures online looked good....but the house in person fully exceeded all our expectations. The kitchen was large and fully stocked. We enjoyed a fish b.b.q on the large covered deck.There were so many books,d.v.d's and games to choose from.It was only a 3 min. drive to the National Park. We loved your house and will be back again next year.Thank You!

Owner response:Thank you so much! We can't wait for you to come again next year!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: RCK&M (Niwot CO)
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

WOW! That was what we all exclaimed when we entered Ferntree Hideaway. This was by far the nicest home rental we stayed in during our trip to Hawaii. Imagine a good friend having a cottage in the rain forest and they are letting you stay there. This is what this home is like. It doesn't feel like a rental, but like a friend's home. Kristen (the owner) is readily accessible as well. Then factor in that you are so close to the Volcano National Park that it is easier to come home instead of packing a lunch and this is the ideal home for exploring the park. I would recommend this home to everyone!

Owner response:Mahalo Craig Family! We are so happy you enjoyed our home as much as we do. You are great guests!

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Guest: Ilana & David
Date of Stay: 03/27/08 Review Submitted: 03/26/08

Thank you so much for sharing this true treasure with us. We came for an anniversary getaway and enjoyed every minute.So many details make this place very special.The woodwork,ceramics,blown glass.Cheerful and soothing colors.A hotel can't hope to compare! We will savor our memories of this time for years to come! Many blessings and much Aloha!

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Private,peacefull and perfect!

Guest: Happy at Fern Tree Hideaway (Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/10/08

This very special home wowed us from the minute we opened the front door. Everywhere we looked we were surrounded by beautiful art and warm personal touches. The large windows let the forest in and let us feel a part of nature. I highly recomend this beautiful house to anyone who wants a peaceful, private and truly special getaway!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

Guest: The Brashler Fam
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/31/07

From the minute we arrived my 18 year old son said"I love this place!" and ran around looking in every nook and cranny. He wished he could buy it and stay forever. We echo his excitement......The little touches here and there,star gazing from the decks...sadly we are off to a condo in Kona that will not compare to this cozy cottage.Thank you for everything.

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Guest: David & Ann
Date of Stay: 11/07/07 Review Submitted: 11/06/07

Thanks for letting us stay in this beautiful, exotic and comfortable hideaway.It has been everything we hoped and more;peaceful & rejuvenating while at the same time close to all the geological wonders of Volcano National Park.The fresh fruit and coffee was a nice touch. We will be back!

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Guest: Kate
Date of Stay: 10/31/07 Review Submitted: 10/30/07

Oh Gosh-where to start..The entire cottage feels like home. Just walking in we felt special,welcome and nutured by all the love put into this charming cottage.Serenity in abundance.We absolutely loved it!

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Guest: Daniel
Date of Stay: 09/25/07 Review Submitted: 09/24/07

Beautiful cottage with nice arts & crafts and rustic details,great use of antique windows,lots and lots of windows framing the lovely forest. Great kitchen, and large deck!Very clean. Fresh fruit was delicious!The fresh flowers and artwork everywhere.....you have created a marvelous sanctuary.Thank you for sharing it!

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