Reviews for Wood Valley Vacation Rental - VRBO 404636 - 1 BR Ka'u District Cottage in HI, Romantic Cottage in a Secluded Tropical Garden-Near Volcano

Shangri La Meets Walden

Guest Nancy & Rom
Date of stay 05/30/13
Review Submitted 06/13/13

Like a real life Shangri La, but set in the tropics, Aina Lani is the culmination of decades of loving nurturance by its gracious owners. And like Thoreau's Walden, the peacefulness, balance, and fecundity of the land beckon contemplation and foster deep relaxation. Though just ten minutes above Pahala, through coffee fields, macadamia orchards and deep forest, the cottage gives a sense of seclusion. No airplane, automobile, or farm implement disturbs the sounds of nature. No telephone lines, electric poles or light scatter disturb the view of exotic plants, fruit trees, artful landscaping, and the slopes of Mauna Loa. The cottage is splendid, the amenities exceptional, and the hosts kind and helpful. I especially enjoyed gathering bananas just outside my front door for breakfast, Tahitian limes and fresh mint for refreshing beverages, avocado and organic greens for lunch or supper. The cottage is a perfect location for exploring Volcano National Park, black and green sand beaches, and the sights of Kona and Hilo. Aina Lani is by far the most pleasurable vacation accommodation we’ve ever enjoyed. It’s also a great place to start that novel you’ve been thinking about!

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

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The best you can get!

Guest Nam N.
Date of stay 05/09/13
Review Submitted 05/21/13

This was by far my wife's favorite rental cottage. She considers this on par with a five star hotel with service and cleanliness. Too bad it was raining for the most part, but that was fine by her, since she loved staying in and lying on the comfortable bed with its soft comforter. If and when we head back to the Big Island, we will definitely try to make another stop at this delightful cottage.

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

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Exquisite Sanctuary

Guest Gail
Date of stay 04/11/13
Review Submitted 05/23/13

I was captivated by the beauty and tranquility at Aina Lani. But there was something more... a DEEP relaxation, a "heart opening" that left me with a sense of joy. The cottage and grounds are exquisite and kept with impeccable taste. The quality of the cottage, its décor, comfort and amenity is like that of a fine resort. The owners are meticulous, delightful and helpful. The location is a wonderful home base for venturing out to sights. I am definitely returning soon!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

Healing Sanctuary

Guest Gail
Date of stay 04/11/13
Review Submitted 05/20/13

After several trips to Hawaii and visiting many sights, I was captivated by the beauty and tranquility at Aina Lani. But there was something more... At a deeper level, I immediately sensed what felt like a very subtle, long sigh--a letting go of something that had been held for sooooo long. I can only describe this as a DEEP relaxation, a "heart opening", a softening of long held tension that had a lasting effect, a catalyst activating an underlying sense of joy. The cottage and grounds are exquisite and kept with impeccable taste. The owners are meticulous, delightful and helpful. The location is a wonderful home base for venturing out to sights. I am definitely returning soon!

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

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Exquisite Oasis ... We're Leaving with Wonderful Memories!

Guest Birthday
Date of stay 03/07/13
Review Submitted 03/20/13

We are leaving relaxed and refreshed, and with wonderful memories of the exquisite oasis you have created here! Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Exceptional in every way!

Guest TerriK
Date of stay 03/03/13
Review Submitted 03/14/13

It's hard to know where to start - this is not your usual vacation rental. This is like having a Hawaiian home with dear friends there to welcome you! Everything in the cottage is beautiful, clean, modern, and presented in an engaging and artistic way. It's nicely located close to Volcanoes NP and beaches, as well as both sides of the island for day trips to Kona or Hilo. Peace, quiet, serenity, wildlife, and lush gardens surround this spacious home. It's like a private healing retreat; it just feels good to be here. The kitchen has hand-crafted wood counters and every tool and amenity you could possibly need; I've never stayed in such a well-appointed rental. It was like Anne and David anticipated and met our every need. For example, after preparing a picnic lunch I realized I had no plan for how to carry it with us to Volcanoes. No problem! Here's a full set of Tupperware to borrow. Olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper are there for your use, and the fresh fruit and vegetables were sumptuous and generously provided. We loved the separate bedroom that allowed one of us to sleep and one to work at the same time. We enjoyed the decadent bed, linens, and pillows that felt both new and very comfortable. But most importantly, the hosts are so warm, welcoming, and knowledgable that we will return here every chance we get! They will happily answer any question you might have, from where to buy fresh fish to finding great beaches and telling you about Hawaiian history. We loved following their advice for finding yummy lirikoi butter and the secret spots to get award-winning coffee. Amazing experience...thank you, Anne and David, for the unforgettable gift of sharing this magical place!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

Our stay at Aini Lani Cottage

Guest Jackie & Bob
Date of stay 02/02/13
Review Submitted 02/28/13

What a great place! We were guests for a month! Anne and David were outstanding hosts. We chose our stay because of the location and for the cottage itself. It was very quiet and isolated. We woke every day before dawn, drank coffee, listen to the birds and watched the valley light up with the morning sun before getting our morning exercise. Everything was easily accessible - Volcanoes National Park, beaches, day trips to Paloa, Hilo, north to the Waipi'o Valley, and to the Kona side. Back at the cottage every day to relax and check out the brilliant night sky. Cool nights made for great sleeping. This is a can't miss place!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Eden in Hawaii

Guest gaildear
Date of stay 01/27/13
Review Submitted 03/01/13

An excellent view, all the fruits you want and a private, beautifully decorated cottage. We enjoyed our stay.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Immaculate, quiet hideaway in a magical garden

Guest Becca
Date of stay 01/24/13
Review Submitted 02/09/13

We loved how well appointed this cottage, how welcoming the owners were, how private the house felt and the environs. Absolutely perfect!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Wonderful Place to Stay!!!

Guest Carrie
Date of stay 01/19/13
Review Submitted 02/04/13

Anne and David’s cottage is amazing and the workmanship on the cottage extraordinary. The cottage is in a lovely setting and it’s really special place. Anne and David gave us a lot of really great insights on what to do, see and eat during our stay. My husband and I toured the volcano national park and the black sand beaches, both just a short drive away. I was 6 months pregnant during our stay and it was a wonderful place to relax, cook, and really feel like you’re on a tropical island. We will back for our next visit.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

This is paradise found, and it was the most amazing place I'v ever been!

Guest DaniBee
Date of stay 01/04/13
Review Submitted 01/24/13

Book it, book it, book it! I had the most spectacular vacation of my life in this cottage. The detail and workmanship are absolutely exquisite. The gardens and surroundings will take your breath away every time you awake.....The owners are two of the kindest, most gentle and helpful people you will ever have a chance to meet. For my husband and I it was a quiet paradise, nestled below the mountains, but still central to everything which allowed us the opportunity to live and explore the whole magnificent island! Breathtaking, unique and unforgettable! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, we will be back! Aloha!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 11/11

We loved our 'slice of paradise'

Guest Martie M.
Date of stay 12/24/12
Review Submitted 01/01/13

My husband found the property online, and we found it to be far lovelier than we expected! We wanted a place to relax on vacation, and the 'cabin' is indeed idyllic .... we could rest and relax (best bed I've ever slept on!), enjoy the fabulous view from each window, feast on fresh (as in picked that day) fruit and salad, then head out to see the sights of Hawai'i. The drive into Wood Valley is one of the prettiest roads we saw, and close enough to Volcano Park for several trips. We had day trips to Kona, Hilo, Puna and Volcano, and the house was centrally located to all (do be aware, it IS a bit of a drive to get to any of them). Anne and David have designed a gorgeous living space, with attention to detail, and were excellent hosts -- attentive and informative, and then leaving us our privacy. Our only regret was waiting till the end of the trip to take Anne up on her offer of a tour ... we wish we'd done that earlier, it was very interesting! We will look forward to coming back some day!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 8/8

Hidden Paradise in Old Hawaii

Guest Bill
Date of stay 12/20/12
Review Submitted 01/08/13

we had a magical stay at this cottage. From the construction materials, the gardens, the birds and the chanting Tibetan monk just a scant 1/2 mile away, everything was perfect! Not easy to get to, but that is key to the charm. How Hawaii used to be kept crossing our minds. The hosts are helpful and discrete. We will definitely return! Thanks for sharing your cottage with us!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7

My boys loved picking all the fresh fruit &veggies

Guest comment entered by owner

My boys loved picking all the fresh fruit &veggies

Guest Young family from Honolulu
Date of stay 12/16/12
Review Submitted 01/09/13

Unedited email ... this family escaped for a much-needed mini vacation: "My boys really enjoyed picking fresh fruit and veggies! Thanks so much! It was wonderful to turn out the lights and have the moon be the brightest light at night! We had a wonderful little vacation.”

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 10/10

One of the most memorable places we've been

Guest comment entered by owner

One of the most memorable places we've been

Guest Family of three
Date of stay 12/01/12
Review Submitted 12/29/12

A young Indian family from the mainland. For the wife, it brought back cherished memories of her grandmother’s peaceful village in India: “This is one of the most memorable places we’ve been. It is so tranquil. I want to stay in touch.”

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

We wish we had stayed here the entire time

Guest comment entered by owner

We wish we had stayed here the entire time

Guest Honeymooning scientists
Date of stay 11/26/12
Review Submitted 12/31/12

Unedited comments A honeymoon couple. “Thank you so much! We have had a wonderful time staying at Aina Lani cottage. If we had it to do over again, we probably would have wanted to stay here the entire time. Thank you for both the tour of the land, the coffee, fruit and veggies. We have felt very welcome here and plan to encourage our friends and family to visit as well.”

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

Couldn't have been any better!

Guest Eileen
Date of stay 11/22/12
Review Submitted 12/02/12

We spent part of our honeymoon at Anne and David's cottage. It was absolutely wonderful. The cottage is extremely clean, stylish, modern and welcoming. The grounds are like a small botanical garden, and it is clear that Anne and David have put their heart and soul into making this a great place. They patiently showed us around their beautiful property, identifying each of the amazing variety of fruits, vegetables and ornamentals. The tranquility and privacy of the cottage really made our stay outstanding. Highly recommended.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 14/14

Your wonderful cottage was the highlight of mytrip

Guest comment entered by owner

Your wonderful cottage was the highlight of mytrip

Guest Architectural designer
Date of stay 11/06/12
Review Submitted 01/04/13

Unedited email A young architectural designer: “Thank you again for your wonderful cottage, it really was the highlight of my trip! My tan has faded, but the memories will remain for a long time…”

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

Lava and Sea Turtles . . . A Family Delight!

Guest jcmbecker
Date of stay 11/04/12
Review Submitted 01/08/13

Our kids (5&9) had the Hawaii vacation they imagined, snorkeling daily with sea turtles at the Black Beach (10 minutes from the cabin) and hiking several time in Volcano National Park (25 minutes). Best of all, the separate bedroom allowed my wife and I to have 'our' vacation while the kids happily fell asleep in their room. Several days, we enjoyed lazy mornings just roaming the property and exploring the local valley. Best of all, we could relax with a book or take a nap and let the kids happily roam the property: exploring, playing hide-n-seek, collecting fruit for fresh smoothies and vegetables for a salad. It really felt like a dream home away from home, with Anne and David as the perfect hosts.

Recommended for: Families with young children

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 8/8

Thank you for making our vacation so comfortable

Guest comment entered by owner

Thank you for making our vacation so comfortable

Guest A retired couple from California
Date of stay 10/30/12
Review Submitted 12/29/12

Unedited comments on note: The wife: “We loved waking up in such a beautiful paradise! Thank you for making our vacation so relaxing and comfortable.” The husband (referring to the window seat): “Thanks for a wonderful place to curl up.”

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 10/10

Beautiful House- No Privacy

Guest Disappointed
Date of stay 10/16/12
Review Submitted 12/23/12

We have a 3-year old and a 6-year old, and before we booked our stay, I talked with the owner on the phone and was assured that the owners love to have children in the property. When we arrived after traveling 18+hours, the owners met us there, and admittedly, the kids made a bad first impression! Running into the house without taking off their shoes, wrestling on the beautiful new futon, fighting, etc. We apologized and explained they were not themselves after 18+ hours of travel, and we would explain the house rules asap. The kids zonked out, and the next morning, we explained how to behave in the house, and there were no more problems. The next morning, the owners came by and asked us to sign a NEW rental contact, including provisions about unruly children! I apologized again, explaining that our kids understood how to behave and there would be no problems, but talk about feeling completely unwelcome from the very beginning! There are also several key pieces of information we wish we would have known about the house before we booked. First, it is attached to the owners' house- it is not set all alone in 6 acres. Secondly, there are huge, beautiful windows all around the cottage looking out to the stunning gardens, but the blinds do not close! This wouldn't be a problem, except every day we were there, the owners were out working in the gardens, and as soon as the sun started to go down, we were totally like fish in a fishbowl! Our stay was supposed to be 7 days, but we left 2 days early because we couldn't relax with the owners constantly around- they stopped by every day! The last straw came when we ran into town to grab something quickly, and while we were gone, the owners came into the cottage and rearranged things! We had just spoken to them before we left, but they never mentioned the would be coming in to water the plants or anything. We felt it was a total invasion of privacy, and we left the next morning. The cottage is truly beautiful, and the gardens amazing, but the owners are unable to detach from this rental property. We felt unwelcome and constantly under suspicion, and forfeited 2 nights of our stay to find a hotel where we could breathe easy! After our bad first impression, the owners seemed to have made up their minds that we were going to wreck their house, and that feeling was amply conveyed to us. Not a good place for young children. This ruined our memories of HI.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/8

Paradise in the Valley

Guest AKb4udie
Date of stay 10/12/12
Review Submitted 10/24/12

Tranquility is truly the best way to describe this private cottage. I was welcomed with organic fruits to enjoy in the mornings and advice on local activities without feeling like I couldn't just enjoy my surroundings - which I did whole-heartedly! One day I spent 5 hours alone on the lanai drinking coffee and reading from my book. The cottage is enveloped in absolutely gorgeous grounds and gardens. The sills on the numerous windows in the cottage are probably only 12-16 inches from the ground, lending to a very real indooor-outdoor relationship. The minute I got there, I started taking pictures from inside the cottage - it is simply beautiful and the pictures, though absolutely realistic and wonderful in their own right, do not do the cottage and land justice. Small detailing around window and door frames, lovely earthy tiling and shiny, sealed wood countertops lend to the Bali architectural feel that this cottage has. I stayed alone, but this cottage could easily house upwards of 4 people. I used every pot and pan, blender and utensil that were amply supplied. The cottage was the type of place you wanted to stay and utilize. Anne and David were just wonderful hosts and if you are lucky enough like me, Anne will even take you on a guided hike through Volcano National Park. I will be visiting this cottage again. THANK YOU for the serenity provided by your gorgeous cottage in the valley.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

Hidden Treasure!

Guest Thea
Date of stay 09/21/12
Review Submitted 12/31/12

This little hideaway cottage is a gem. It is gorgeous, and we spent a good deal of time admiring the artwork in it. Even the kitchen counters are art—they are mango! Everyone should be able to stay in such a beautiful place. We felt very well taken care of. Wood Valley is apparently not well known on the island, because people didn’t recognize where we were staying. It is incredibly quiet, and filled with trees and birds. It’s pristine and great for nature-lovers. Had we known how relaxing it was, we would have made this our first stop on the island, to unwind. We like to hike, and between the valley and the Volcano, we got a week’s worth in. A nice change from the hectic lifestyle at the resorts! The hosts made us feel very welcome here. We wish we could keep this cottage our little secret! We hope to return.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7

Fabulous and relaxing vacation!

Guest Lady Di
Date of stay 08/24/12
Review Submitted 12/31/12

We stayed at the Waikaloa Resort for half of our vacation and also at this Aina Lani cottage for the other half and both of them were stellar but totally different experiences. The inside of the cottage was stunning and so tastefully decorated and the outside was such a peaceful setting! It was so comfortable--the bed was wonderful--and every detail was provided for. Anne and David were so gracious and gave us lots of tips about the island. They took us on a wonderful tour of the volcano that we'll always remember. Because they knew it was our 1st anniversary, they surprised us with fresh cut flowers, chocolates and more! It was definitely a nice change from the hectic and busy tourist area in and around Kona so we thoroughly enjoyed this great "get away" in the valley. We only wish we had more time to stay in this peaceful environment.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7

"A wonderful place to live"

Guest comment entered by owner

"A wonderful place to live"

Guest Architects
Date of stay 08/22/12
Review Submitted 01/04/13

Unedited inscription in the book they gave us A pair of world-famous architects chose to stay here while working on a commission on the island. They fell in love with it, delighted in the land and the cabin in the back, and wanted to bring their parents next time. They inscribed this in the book of their building designs, which they gave to us: “Thank you for such a great visit and your friendly welcome. You have built a wonderful place to live here. We look forward to visiting again, and seeing what will be growing up next!”

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 11/11

We love the grounds and gardens!

Guest comment entered by owner

We love the grounds and gardens!

Guest A young family from Washington
Date of stay 07/15/12
Review Submitted 01/09/13

Unedited note left in the cottage “Thank you for a wonderful visit! We love the grounds and gardens! We can see all the hard work and creativity that goes into this quiet homestead. Our trips to the park were also wonderful and we were very happy to come home to the dry-side after some wet afternoons!"

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 11/11

A beautiful place

Guest Dagmara
Date of stay 06/23/12
Review Submitted 07/16/12

We asolutely loved it. This brand new cottage is beautifuly decorated, in every detail. Fresh fruit (including the best bananas we ever had) and a sample of Ka'u coffees welcomed us on arrival. The cottage is surrounded by a colourful tropical garden, full of flowers, song birds and an occational pheasant. Our kids loved walking around the six acres of land, looking at the banana, avocado and cytrus trees. There were even wild strawberries. The cottage is perfect for a party of two or three adults, or a family with younger children like ours. We are a family of four (with kids 9 and 11) and were very comfortable in the house. The house is located in a valley far from main roads, therefore it is absolutely quiet and relaxing. The whole valley is lush green without an excessive rainfall, just a beautiful area. It is also a great location, very close to the Volcano National Park and all southern sites; also a good base location to explosure Hilo and Puna areas. The owners, Anne and David, are most welcoming. They are a wonderful source of interesting information about the area, the Big Island and Hawaiian history. We loved it there and hope to be back soon.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 10/10

A great time

Guest Carla
Date of stay 06/17/12
Review Submitted 06/21/12

Our family really enjoyed our stay in the cottage. Anne and David were wonderful hosts with great ideas and suggestions for itineraries and restaurants. They have wonderful gardens. We had fresh bananas, and there is a guest garden that my son and I took advantage of to make a wonderful fresh salad. David and Anne provided great directions and went above and beyond to make sure we didn't get lost as we arrived late at night. They also provided great information on shopping, so we arrived well stocked and the "little extras" they had like vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper, sugar, coffee and fresh fruit were awesome. This was a great location to launch from to explore volcano and Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. I would highly recommend.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 10/10

A PIECE OF PARADISE

Guest Charlie
Date of stay 05/22/12
Review Submitted 06/15/12

My husband and I spent 4 nights at the cottage as part of our 25th wedding celebration. The cottage is well appointed including luxury- like bedding and bathroom. The cottage is spacious, airy and nicely decorated. The surroundings are beautiful with green hills in the distance and tropical trees on the property. Very quiet and secluded. The owners were prompt, informative, and kind when answering questions. They are thoughtful about little things - a bowl of fruit upon arrival, bottle water in fridge, a stick of butter, spices, etc. a well supplied kitchen. It is a remote location so make sure you stop in on the way there to pick up some groceries. Closet grocery store is 40 min. drive. Volcano is a 30 minute drive. Lots of exploring and hiking to do in Volcano. Their recommended restaurants were delightful. We had a wonderful time and would definitely stay here again.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: We’re glad you had such a wonderful time, and we welcome your return! One correction for readers: There are grocery stores within 5 and 20 minutes of the cottage. Five minutes away is a very well stocked small food store (like a miniature grocery store, far more selection than a convenience store!). Twenty minutes away is a full line grocery store. We also provide our guests with grocery shopping directions, so that when you arrive in Kona or Hilo, you can take advantage of the excellent grocery shopping in these towns.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

Volcano and south Hawaii getaway

Guest mik
Date of stay 05/10/12
Review Submitted 05/23/12

Very, very nice cottage with beautiful detail, decoration and craftsmanship. The furnishings and decor are quality and a treat to behold, worthy of a few photographs. The hosts were excellent and provided a welcoming treat of fresh fruit and a large rack of ripe bananas hanging near the front entrance. Although a little remote, we enjoyed the stay very much.

Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 8/8

The standard by which I measure all others

Guest Family of four
Date of stay 04/18/12
Review Submitted 04/04/13

We absolutely loved Aina Lani cottage. It is a little paradise. I was elated with the cottage’s beauty, and pristine newness. The gardens are gorgeous, and flowers and fruit surround you with stunning views from the cottage windows. I loved seeing golden bamboo from my kitchen window … my kids could run to their heart’s content on the land, and we studied the plants on the grounds together … I slept better than I have in years in the “cloud bed”. We loved spending time sitting on the lanai, just taking in the sunshine and beauty, while our kids played. We love Wood Valley--it is our secret hideaway-- our place for deep relaxing and renewal. We wish we could keep it our secret!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

This was truly a memorable family vacation.

Guest Joe
Date of stay 04/01/12
Review Submitted 01/04/13

Having used online vacation services for other vacations, I felt experienced enough to pick this property on the basis of the pictures and other user comments. It truly exceeded our expectations. My wife, 17 year old son and I arrived at check-in time and were greeted by Anne and David – the very gracious and accommodating owners. We felt at home here as soon as we arrived. After a brief tour of the cottage – exquisitely maintained and so comfortable--we walked the grounds . I felt like Dorothy coming out of the house in OZ. The colors, fragrances and flow of the grounds was simply lovely. Our plan was to visit in this area as a family so we had our very quiet days at the cottage – read books on the lanai and walked the gardens - and our days of visiting Volcano Park, and nearby beach. Take advantage of Anne and David’s extensive knowledge of the area, as it will enrich your touring. We don't get to Hawaii every year but this is definitely a return trip and a strong recommendation for our friends to stay at this cottage.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

A Secluded Sanctuary, Surrounded by Breathtaking Beauty

Guest Solara
Date of stay 03/08/12
Review Submitted 12/29/12

I chose this cottage because I needed sanctuary and a retreat from my demanding consulting schedule. And I was not disappointed . . . It turned out to be my dream cabin in the woods! The quiet and peacefulness is everything I needed to renew my spirit and recharge my battery. The cottage is gorgeous and feels wonderful to be in, like being pampered in a tranquil preserve. Anne and David are very kind and considerate hosts. They welcomed me and made me feel very comfortable. It was a wonderful experience. I definitely will be back!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

Exquisite and Idyllic!

Guest comment entered by owner

Exquisite and Idyllic!

Guest Visitor from Colorado
Date of stay 02/18/12
Review Submitted 06/05/12

"The cottage is exquisite ... the land is idyllic. It's hard not to fall in love with it!" We feel complimented that the cottage was so highly regarded by this reviewer, who is a contractor. He fell so much in love with the valley that he wanted to purchase here.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 8/8

Breathtaking Gardens

Guest comment entered by owner

Breathtaking Gardens

Guest Gardener lady
Date of stay 01/17/12
Review Submitted 06/05/12

The gardens were so beautiful, I had to take photographs. Everything is so lush.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

Best Vacation Ever!

Guest Thea
Date of stay 09/20/11
Review Submitted 03/19/12

We stayed at the Waikaloa Resort for half of our vacation and also at this Aina Lani cottage for the other half and both of them were stellar but totally different experiences. The inside of the cottage was stunning and so tastefully decorated and the outside was such a peaceful setting! It was so comfortable--the bed was wonderful--and every detail was provided for. Anne and David were so gracious and gave us lots of tips about the island. They took us on a wonderful tour of the volcano that we'll always remember. Because they knew it was our 1st anniversary, they surprised us with fresh cut flowers, chocolates and more! It was definitely a nice change from the hectic and busy tourist area in and around Kona so we thoroughly enjoyed this great "get away" in the valley. We only wish we had more time to stay in this peaceful environment.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 8/8

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Romantic Cottage in a Secluded Tropical Garden-Near Volcano [#404636] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (36)

Shangri La Meets Walden

Shangri La Meets Walden

The best you can get!

The best you can get!

Exquisite Sanctuary

Exquisite Sanctuary

Healing Sanctuary

Healing Sanctuary

Exquisite Oasis ... We're Leaving with Wonderful Memories!

Exquisite Oasis ... We're Leaving with Wonderful Memories!

Exceptional in every way!

Exceptional in every way!

Our stay at Aini Lani Cottage

Our stay at Aini Lani Cottage

Eden in Hawaii

Eden in Hawaii

Immaculate, quiet hideaway in a magical garden

Immaculate, quiet hideaway in a magical garden

Wonderful Place to Stay!!!

Wonderful Place to Stay!!!

This is paradise found, and it was the most amazing place I'v ever been!

This is paradise found, and it was the most amazing place I'v ever been!

We loved our 'slice of paradise'

We loved our 'slice of paradise'

Hidden Paradise in Old Hawaii

Hidden Paradise in Old Hawaii

My boys loved picking all the fresh fruit &veggies

My boys loved picking all the fresh fruit &veggies

One of the most memorable places we've been

One of the most memorable places we've been

We wish we had stayed here the entire time

We wish we had stayed here the entire time

Couldn't have been any better!

Couldn't have been any better!

Your wonderful cottage was the highlight of mytrip

Your wonderful cottage was the highlight of mytrip

Lava and Sea Turtles . . . A Family Delight!

Lava and Sea Turtles . . . A Family Delight!

Thank you for making our vacation so comfortable

Thank you for making our vacation so comfortable

Beautiful House- No Privacy

Beautiful House- No Privacy

Paradise in the Valley

Paradise in the Valley

Hidden Treasure!

Hidden Treasure!

Fabulous and relaxing vacation!

Fabulous and relaxing vacation!

"A wonderful place to live"

"A wonderful place to live"

We love the grounds and gardens!

We love the grounds and gardens!

A beautiful place

A beautiful place

A great time

A great time

A PIECE OF PARADISE

A PIECE OF PARADISE

Volcano and south Hawaii getaway

Volcano and south Hawaii getaway

The standard by which I measure all others

The standard by which I measure all others

This was truly a memorable family vacation.

This was truly a memorable family vacation.

A Secluded Sanctuary, Surrounded by Breathtaking Beauty

A Secluded Sanctuary, Surrounded by Breathtaking Beauty

Exquisite and Idyllic!

Exquisite and Idyllic!

Breathtaking Gardens

Breathtaking Gardens

Best Vacation Ever!

Best Vacation Ever!