Relaxing Vacation

Guest: Omahanka (Omaha, NE)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

We stayed at the main lodge for about three weeks and thoroughly enjoyed it. The beds were so comfortable and the atmosphere and decor relaxation inducing. Think of going to sleep or waking up to the sound of a rain, which happens every single day. Breath taking ocean views are minutes away, as some of the tidal and thermal pools. Also, the house is within relative proximity to the Waipio valley, southern coast (with lots of beautiful and remarkable things to see). Great experience overall!!

Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, pet owners, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

THE 'REAL HAWAII' EXPERIENCE

Guest: DJH (Calgary, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/12/11 Review Submitted: 08/18/11

A - List. Highly Recommended. Steve & Janelle's tropical fruit farm is where you will find the HAWAIIAN RETREAT. It is situated not far from the main town of Pahoa & far enough away that you feel like you are in the Hawaiian jungle. We stayed in what they call the 'cottage' surrounded by fruit trees & shrubs. It is a lovely place and space, very private with your car just behind the cottage. The cottage started out as a very nice gazebo. Later, kitchen, bathroom, dining area & closet were added to the structure. The bed is very comfortable with a netting which can be lowered to surround the bed at night. Everything works within the cottage - propane hot plate burners, sink, running water/hot water, fridge, lots of counter space, lighting. There is a radio/CD player with a variety of music available. You shower outside & attached to the cottage- nicely designed shower area. It is private, the water is hot. And the view is amazing, with tropical vegetation all around you. Janelle will bring you a basket of fruit from her farm on the first day & some bottled water for drinking. You will meet Steve as well. He will tell you about the structure, where to find things in and around the cottage. And you will also meet their 'family' of pets - a parade of dogs & cats will come to visit you on that first day. After that the only visitors will be roosters and chickens, a few geckos, spiders, the odd mosquito & maybe a bug or two. You are in jungle territory, so it is expected that that things that live in and around the jungle will be around - you are in their home, a visitor. Then as night descends get ready for a very unique experience, the musical cacophony known as coqui frogs. These frogs begin to sing at dusk & do not stop until sunrise - it is loud, musical & like nothing you have likely heard before. It was an amazing experience. If you are a light sleeper, bring ear plugs - yes, it is THAT loud. Also, the lighting is muted and perfect for the cottage experience. If you want more light, you may wish to bring a flashlight or, as I did, one of those headlamps usually used for camping - it worked perfectly for late night reading, looking through a suit case, etc. Finally, you need to know that the cottage is screened, the air is humid, there is no 'air conditioning.' We felt at home. To sum up, this was a very unique & enjoyable way of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting the 'real' Hawaii. We stayed for 4 nights ($200 in all) and would return without hesitation.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+.

A Magical retreat unlike any other!

Guest: Lee (Carmel Valley, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11 Review Submitted: 07/02/11

I stayed for one week and it far exceeded my expectations. The Jungalo Cottage is very private and I had no problem coming and going at odd hours without disturbing anyone. It feels just like you are sleeping outside in the jungle. But, of course, there are the amenities of a comfy bed, kitchenette, seating area, outdoor shower, and a fruit basket with fruit ready to eat! (Not like the store bought stuff that needs to ripen on the counter) The owners were very hospitable and gracious. I eat vegan and had no hard time at all between the farmstand and the nearby markets. I highly recommend this!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers.

Guest: Lene and Alex from Norway (-)
Date of Stay: 11/08/09 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

Thank You for you for the hospitality, fresh fruit and having us at your amazing place, the Main Lodge at Hawaiian Retreat.

Recommended for:

Guest: Sheila and Mel (-)
Date of Stay: 12/17/09 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

Thank you for you hospiyality and care of the land! We loved our stay and enjoyed spending time here and touring the farm. We look forward to returning in the near future. Take good care of all the farm critters, we love them!

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Guest: Karlee and Cherokee (-)
Date of Stay: 04/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

Much, much Aloha friends! The stay here was too short of course but so very sweet. The Main Lodge of the Retreat is truely amazing. The space is beautiful and airy. It was the best place we stayed on Maui as well as the Big Island. Thank you for the best fruit, and your kind hospitality. We will be back again! Much love and Aloha!!

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Guest: Ashley and Issac (-)
Date of Stay: 12/09/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

Thank You so much!! We absolutely loved this place! Your farm is georgous-the best Avocados, grapefruit and Mango I've ever tasted. The Jungle cottage was more than we expected and we never want to leave! Thank You so much for the fruit and the hospitality. Our next trip to the Big Island of paradise will certainly be spent here again. Best wishes to you both, keep on living the dream!

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Guest: Juila and Mark (-)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

This place is perfect! I wish we could have stayed longer. Our honeymoon was made extra special by the beautiful breeze that swept through the cottage, the symphony of birds in the day and the coqui frogs at night and the delicious fruit and veggies fresh from the farm. What a great experience! Thanks so much!

Recommended for:

Guest: Sheila and Vince (-)
Date of Stay: 03/10/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

We spent 3 nites surrounded by the sounds and fresh aromas of Hawaii. We found the cottage very comfortable with everything we needed for our stay. Thank You for the tour of the productive farm and the delicious fruit for breakfast!!

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