L&D

Guest: L&D (White Rock, B.C.)
Date of Stay: 12/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

We found the cottage just as explained. The reviews and location sold us. After a week in a shoe-box sized condo in Kona, the space and privacy was something to look forward to. The flower vases and fruit/coffee basket were a nice warm welcome. The cottage is very well equipped and clean and tidy. The location is a good place to explore the Hilo side from. Rich and Don obviously love the property and enjoy being hosts. We would stay again without hesitation. Mahalo guys for a relaxing stay.

Owner response:We're glad you enjoyed your stay...hope Santa's arrival in an outrigger canoe wasn't too much of a culture shock! We'll look to your next visit!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

A Charming Retreat in a Tranquil and Private Setting

Guest: Paul (North Vancouver, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 01/18/12

We arrived at The Cottage at Ohia Grove after a hectic year in which it seemed we hadn't stopped for breath much at all. Our arrival in this cute little cottage in a rural enclave immediately put us at ease and we spent a week exploring Puna and beyond and returning here at the end of each day. How nice to come into The Cottage and find it festooned with elegant fresh-cut flower arrangements, a fruit bowl, and coffee awaiting our arrival. As we walked through the large gardens hanging with fruit and redolent with blooming orchids and anthuriums, the birdsong reminded us that we had arrived in paradise and it was time to relax. This accommodation was clean and well-appointed (a knife sharpening steel - yay!) including in-house wireless internet service, satellite television, gas stove, microwave, barbecue, and enough of a selection of pots/pans and dishes to make sure that we could prepare and serve meals of all kinds. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the lovely lanai – in fact we ate all our meals out there too. After months of busy to-and-fro’ing, it was a real tonic to our souls to be able to decompress in such a comfy and inviting spot, waking up to birdsong and, yes, we even enjoyed falling asleep to the coqui frogs! We enjoyed being away from the hubbub of the busier areas but if you are wanting to be close to shopping, streetlights, and more of a city experience you may find this place a little bucolic. It is a drive of only ten or fifteen minutes however to get you into malls and parking lots and it is very well-situated to make day trips to the sights of the southern half of Hawai'i We hope to return soon...

Recommended for:

Great Bargain & Lots of Good Amenities

Guest: Rob & Steve (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 10/06/11

If you are looking for a place to stay that is off the beaten path, but gives you all the comforts of home, then you should stay here. After looking at all of the reviews of Hilo hotels, we weren't very excited about the options in front of us. We started looking around at rentals, and came across the cottage. We were very pleased with our choice. The cottage is basic, but lacking nothing. The kitchen is a good size and has all of the necessary tools including a microwave and coffee maker. The full-size bath has a nice hot shower and plenty of towels. The bed is comfortable. Modern touches include free w-fi, satellite TV and DVD player, if you have the time. The lanai is the perfect place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings of the fruit trees, anthurium, and orchids. The pictures on the site are exactly what you get in the cottage. The location of the cottage feels like you are far away from nowhere, but you aren't far from wanting anything. It's in a great location for taking in all of the sites in the area. You also pass through several shopping areas on the way from the airport if you want to pick up anything to supplement your stay. You should note though, that there is no A/C. The cottage is ventilated by island breezes and ceiling fans, which means keeping the screened-in windows open most nights. This "feature" provides a great connection to the surroundings, especially falling asleep to the sounds of the surrounding forest, rain showers and the smell of fresh air all the time. However, if you are a light sleeper, you might want to consider that the coqui frogs can be quite noisy. Don and Rich are excellent hosts and will provide you with all the information that you need to explore the area. They also provide special touches such as anthurium and orchid arrangements throughout the cottage, along with a bag of coffee and a basket of fresh fruit. What a way to start your morning. We loved the place, and if you are looking for something different, then we would highly recommend this place.

Owner response:Glad you guys had a good time - hopefully we'll meet you next time you visit! Coqui frogs are, unfortunately, a fact of life in our part of the island, and I wouldn't be surprised if the construction of the new lanai in the weeks just before your visit stirred them up a bit. Landscaping work currently underway should encourage the little guys to relocate back into the jungle, where their songs become more of a background sound (which some renters actually liked....). We'll make sure to to keep an eye (or should I say "an ear") on this situation. Till next time, A hui hou!

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

Sweet good vibes in quiet calm tropical setting

Guest: hawaiideborah (Keaau, HI (moved from Washington))
Date of Stay: 12/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

we stayed here for a week and absolutely loved the cottage, location and the owners. We were looking for a place to buy and this was an ideal location to explore both the Hilo, Volcano and Puna areas. The cottage is furnished with lots of books and information on the area. The owners were available and helpful with info. The email responses were fast and detailed. The bed was really comfortable and the grounds are lovely. It is secluded and on beautiful property with lots of plants. We walked the property every morning with our coffee. We now live very close to this wonderful gem of a vacation rental and we Highly recommend this cottage to anyone we know who is visiting the Big Island.

Owner response:Glad we were able to help make your transition from the Washington coast to the Hawaii coast such a successful move. Stop by sometime and check out the new screened lanai we've added since your visit!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.

Our favorite place to stay

Guest: Mark and Donna (McKinney, Texas)
Date of Stay: 10/04/10 Review Submitted: 08/06/11

This lovely cottage is the best place we have stayed on any of the 4 islands we have visited. We came here for our 40th wedding anniversary celebration and could not have been more pleased with the stay! The owners make this place feel like home, with every amenity we could have possibly have thought of or needed. Upon arrival, there was a gorgeous, delicious fruit basket awaiting us, as well as a congratulatory message for our anniversary along with 2 tickets to the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens, another favorite. The cottage, while close to many activities, provides a secluded, quiet place to relax in. The place was charming, comfortable, clean, and spacious with beautiful arrangements of tropical flowers all over the house. The tropical fruit trees are abundant on the property and graciously shared with the visitors staying in the cottage. The owners were kind and helpful at all times. We just can't stay enough about this lovely home that created so many wonderful memories for us. We intend to return and stay here again in the future and would recommend it to anyone whose stay will include the Big Island.

Owner response:We're glad we could help make your anniversary trip so special (and sorry that we were already booked when you wanted to make a return visit...). Hope to see you again soon!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

Ohia Grove

Guest: Marla (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/16/11

Rich and Don think of everything a traveler needs at their lovely cottage, from the fruit basket and fresh flowers, to the travel guide that we used daily. The cottage is centrally located to Volcanoes National Park and HIlo, and to one of the best places to snorkel on the island - Kapoho Tidepools. On our arrival at the cottage, Rich gave us ideas for a day in Hilo, we followed every idea and thoroughly enjoyed our day. We felt at home at Ohia Grove and can't wait to visit again. I will recommend Ohia Grove to anyone I know that is heading to the Big Island.

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

WE LOVE THIS PLACE

Guest: Rachel & Peter (Calgary AB)
Date of Stay: 03/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/18/11

We chose this place because it was conveniently located between Hilo and Volcano, and the price was more than right. We'll come back, tho, because the the cottage is perfect! So cute! So quaint! It has all of the amenities for comfortable living plus the cottage itself is completely full of character. Some of the days we came home exhausted, my main activity was admiring the house and trying to find new and interesting angles that I may have missed before. Its on a very quiet setting (be lulled to sleep by coqui frogs singing, and woken to doves and other birds), off the main roads, and if there's traffic going by on the side street, you can't hear it. Then, when you think that's just as perfect as it gets, you meet the owners - Rich and Don, who are not only an abundance of information, suggestion and advise (for scenery, sightseeing and places to eat), but are also patient and generous hosts. We love this place, plan to return (soon). Thank you so much to Rich and Don.

Owner response:One of the rewards of operating a vacation rental is making new friends like you and Peter! And we're really glad you enjoyed your stay at the Cottage. It's not deluxe accommodations by any means (full of character is an interesting and accurate assessment...), but it's in a great location, perfect as a base for exploring this side of the Island or for those who are looking to purchase or improve their own little spot in Paradise. We'll look forward to your next visit!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

A perfect spot to enjoy the Big Island from.

Guest: Mike (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/21/11 Review Submitted: 03/08/11

An excellent place to stay! The cottage is in a beautiful spot in a grove of trees, and is very private. It is well maintained and was very clean when we arrived. There was fresh fruit waiting to be eaten. The hosts left several guide books to the island that were available for use during our stay and turned out to be great resources for both finding activities to do and getting there. The location of the cottage makes it very convenient for exploring the south-eastern part of the island with minimal driving. And it is only a 15-20 minute drive into Hilo. If you stay here, be sure to check out Volcanos National Park ( <30 min drive) and the Kapoho tide pools if you are into snorkeling (or would like to start). Great cottage, we would stay there again in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone, although you will need a rental car if you are staying here.

Owner response:Thanks for your nice remarks! Hope your memories of sun and warm breezes will get you through the rest of your cold winter! And thanks for the reminder about rental cars -- while there is public transit here, it really isn't practical for visitors. Be sure to make car reservations well in advance - especially during peak tourist season. We're an Island, so when the cars are gone, they're gone!

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

Perfect for us

Guest: Rawk (Victoria, BC CANADA)
Date of Stay: 01/16/11 Review Submitted: 02/06/11

Everything was in fact more beautiful and interesting than described. Rich & Don were great hosts and very helpful. The cottage had everything we needed and more. It is a funky, quirky place which suited us perfectly but if you are looking for some kind of spa retreat it is not for you! I would definitely recommend it to friends and we'll be back! We love Puna - the whole area is fascinating. It's not really for those seeking a fantasy vacation (maybe stick to the Kona side) but those who are curious about the land and its people.

Owner response:You're right about the Puna District of Hawaii - it's a fascinating place with lots to see and do, but if you're looking for a "sit on the beach and sip drinks with little umbrellas in them" kind of vacation, you'll be happier at one of the resorts on the Kona side. If you have the time (and the money...) it's fun to split your vacation, and spend a few days on both sides of the Island. That way you can do the touristy stuff over there, and then do the more nature-based, real Hawaii-type activities here (like visiting the volcano, botanical garden, and farmers markets). we'll look forward to seeing you again. Mahalo!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Most wonderful, magical cottage with all amenities & the best host one could wish for!!

Guest: Yumi & Vanessa (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/13/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/11

I am a frequent VRBO user, but this cottage was by far the BEST vacation home I have ever rented! It is nestled in a quiet part of the big island, but easily accessible to freeway that will take you to the Volcanoes National Park, some of the best tidal pools to snorkel, lava flow viewing site, and warm springs. The small village of Pahoa is also nearby, with some local bites and small shops to explore. The cottage itself is beautifully maintained with lovely country-island style decor, and offers not only basic accommodations, but extra amenities such as access to washer/dryer, wifi, DVD, filtered water, numerous useful guidebooks, and fresh fruit & coffee. The garden is utterly magical and breathtaking; lush green world rich with tropical fruit trees and flowers perfect for a morning coffee stroll. The host is also very thoughtful and kind, and full of wonderful information for visitors that he so willingly shares. He is just such a nice guy! My partner and I (who are both youngish professionals who love adventures) truly enjoyed our stay, and we hope to come back soon. It is a gem! Highly recommended for anyone seeking peaceful place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists but still want an access to all that the Big Island can offer.

Owner response:Aloha Yumi and Vanessa, Thanks for your kinds remarks! The Cottage isn't fancy by any means, but we do our best to make it a comfortable home base for guests who want to explore the natural beauty of this side of the Island. I'm about to go cut the "utterly magical" lawn -- thanks for reminding me how lucky I am to live here even when I'm doing basic yard maintenance. Mahalo, a hui hou kakou malama pono! Rich and don

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.