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Your path from parking area to the cottage. Outdoor shower with bench at right.

Kithcnette - everything you need when you want to dine in.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.6

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 234.4 sq m

Popular amenities

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Puna Beach Palisades, HI

Kehena Beach8 min walk
The Point3 min drive
SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center4 min drive
Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)53 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

This cute cottage provides a cozy little getaway surrounded by lush jungle views. The nightly nature sounds were so soot...

Molly N.

Apr 6, 2024

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Additional Outdoor Shower

Towels provided · Shower only

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Kitchenette

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Oliana Cottage - Kehena Beach - Allergy Friendly

Tranquil, Tropical, Private. The Oliana Cottage is located in Puna Beach Palisades, a short walk to black sand naturist Kehena Beach. Allergy Friendly! Located just minutes away from Kalapana, and the new Poihiki Beach. At times you can hear the waves crash against the cliffs.

Sunlight and gentle tradewinds fill the charming studio Oliana Cottage. 3 hour drive from Kona Airport, 1 hour from Hilo Airport, 45 minutes to Volcanoes National Park. Self check-in available. Please note that there is little to no cell service in this fairly remote part of the island. You will hear cocqui frogs for sure, sometimes quite loud, and cute green geckos may run across your cotage wall. My personal Cancellation Policy in case of an emergency is at least a partial refund up to 24 hours before arrival, but you will have to ask me to input this manually into the system, if necessary.

The Cottage (370 sq ft studio w/bath) has a queen-size bed, separate bathroom with toilet and large indoor shower (no sink in the bathroom), and kitchenette with sink, hotplate, microwave, toaster, electric teakettle, toaster-oven, blender, S&P, coffee, teabags, pots, pans, utensils & more. Kitchenette is usually adequate for short stays of 8 nights or less.

It is a short hike down the cliff to the famous black sand clothes-optional Kehena beach. A five minute drive to Kalapana and Uncle Robert's where there is a convenience store, farmer's market on Saturdays, and live music some evenings. Nearest gas station, grocery stores, and banks is in Pahoa town, 20 miles away.

The Oliana Point seen in one of the spectacular coastal photo above is literally across the street. Swim with the dolphins or whale watch in season.

Not a full kitchen, no stove, no dishwasher, no garbage disposal. Only one sink located in the main room. Please see photos.

The Oliana Guesthouse is smoke-free, fragrance-free and pet-free for the comfort of those with allergies.

The Cottage and the main house share a hot/cold outdoor shower, in addition to your private shower, and laundry service is available on request. Please enjoy the outdoor shower, especially good to wash off sand from the beach. All linens provided.

Free wireless internet and free domestic (US, Canada, Mexico) long distance on the landline.

Chairs available for outdoor seating. Anything else you need may be available, please ask.

A Hosted Vacation Rental Tax Number: GE-094-859-6736-01 TA-094-859-6736-01

Some Recent Reviews from the in-room Guest Book:

Thank you for sharing your lovely cottage with us! We have had such fun exploring the area, and such a peaceful time here. We wish island-time would last forever.
S+E, Chicago, IL, US - May 2022

Aloha dear Babette! We had another amazing stay in your cottage and we were so glad to be here to celebrate your Birthday! Thanks for introducing us to the Sweet Cane Cafe in Hilo - what a great place to eat! We're counting the days until we return! Mahalo until next time,
J&S, Idaho, US - April/May 2022

Thank you for letting us stay at your wonderful cottage. We had a lovely time sight-seeing, visiting volcanoes and enjoying the pure Hawaiian seaside air. We will recommend your cottage to our friends and family as well as come back in the future. Merci encore!
C&L, Los Angeles, CA, US - March 2022

Thank you for allowing us to stay in your lovely cottage. We have enjoyed our stay tremendously. We appreciate everything you have done for us! Also, it was a pleasure getting to chat with a fellow Texan!
We can't wait to come back to visit and hopefully stay at your cottage again!
T&H, Bogata, TX, US - March 2022

Dear Babette! Thank you for a wonderful stay Your cottage is very lovely, peaceful & we enjoyed listening to the birds chirping! We will be back someday. God Bless!
G&N, Bay Area, CA, US - February 2022

Happy New Year! Thank you, Babette, for being such a gracious hostess. After backpacking in Volcanoes National Park, your peaceful cottage was a welcome site. We enjoyed the Coqui frogs singing us to sleep each night, the sound of the constant rain on the roof, and we even rescued a freezing gecko that somehow found itself trapped in the fridge. We give this cottage a 5 out of 5 stars!
D&A, Mill Creek, Washington State, US - January 2022

Property manager

Babette Ackin

Premier Host

Languages

English

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Find out more

Amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Cheerful & comfy bedroom with private lanai, bath, living room, and closet.

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

House Rules

Minimum age to rent: 21

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Long-term renters welcome

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

Property Registration Number GE-094-859-6736-01, TA-094-859-6736-01

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Pahoa

Oliana Cottage - Kehena Beach - Allergy Friendly is located in Puna Palisades, a neighbourhood in Pahoa, and is in a rural area and by the sea. Mackenzie State Park and Kehena Beach reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Pohoiki and Hobby Garden Hawaii. Hilo Coffee Mill and Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden are also worth visiting. Snorkelling, power boating and surfing/body boarding offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.

Puna Beach Palisades, HI

What's nearby

Kehena Beach - 8 min walk
The Point - 3 min drive
SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center - 4 min drive
Pohoiki Beach - 20 min drive
Isaac Hale Beach Park - 20 min drive

Getting around

Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

‪Kalapana uncle Roberts awa bar - ‬8 min drive
‪Uncle's Kitchen - ‬8 min drive
‪Karuna Foods - ‬8 min drive
‪Kalapana Lava Boat Tour - ‬6 min drive
‪Dosa Mama - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Oliana Cottage - Kehena Beach - Allergy Friendly pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Oliana Cottage - Kehena Beach - Allergy Friendly located?

Located in Puna Palisades, this apartment building is within 2 miles (3 km) of Kehena Beach, The Point and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center. Star of the Sea Painted Church and Mackenzie State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Molly N.

6 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded cottage in paradise

This cute cottage provides a cozy little getaway surrounded by lush jungle views. The nightly nature sounds were so soothing and helped lull us to sleep. At times we could hear the ocean. In just a short walk and climb down the hillside, you will find one of the best black sand beaches we've ever been to (clothing was optional 😉). A short walk the other way, there's a cute little shop with some snacks and clothing. The cottage is on the owner's property and behind the house. We had a little difficulty making sure we were in the right place (we arrived late at night) and theres shared parking with the owner in the driveway. It is at least a 25 minute drive to the nearest drug store, but it was so worth it for the privacy and views. The recommendations were spot on, make sure you bring cash for the local markets! If you happen to be visiting on a Wednesday night, Uncle Robert's market down the road provided live music, strong drinks, amazing fresh food and an experience you won't forget. If we're ever back on the big island, we'll definitely be staying there again.

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jedidiah S.

9 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

Very much enjoyed the cottage. Exactly as advertised. Great base for exploring the island & the beach within walking distance is a great combination! On top of it, Babette is wonderful & very accommodating.

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff T.

27 Jan 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Small but comfortable

We enjoyed our stay here. We are not the type of people who are looking for a lot of frills, just want a comfortable place that is close to the places we want to see. It was about 40 minutes to Volcanoes NP and a very short walk to Kehana Beach. The bed was comfortable, water pressure was good, and the outdoor shower was quite nice. Babette was very friendly and informative.

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lizabeth E.

13 Jan 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Holiday

Babette’s cottage was the perfect place for a quiet holiday for my partner and I. She was very communicative and so helpful with suggestions and any questions throughout our stay. We can’t wait to visit again!

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tyler P.

30 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Kalapana Cottage

Babette's cottage had everything we needed to comfortably spend a few days exploring the Hilo side of the Big Island. The location has decent privacy (adjacent properties were mostly obstructed by vegetation), the internet speed was good, and the kitchen/bathroom/bed were exactly as described. We enjoyed sitting outside at night listening to the coqui frogs and star gazing through partly cloudy skies. Overall we had a great time and would definitely stay again. Thanks Babette!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauren D.

11 Jul 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean, attentive, and peaceful

Babette was a wonderful hostess during our stay and went above and beyond to ensure that we were comfortable. She provided a lot of useful info for things to do in the area. Babette is very attentive and communicative. The place was clean and comfortable. Just as a warning- the frogs are really loud at night so if you’re used to living in the city, you might want bring plugs. My partner grew up in the country so he liked it, but I had trouble sleeping the first night. This place is somewhat off-grid and away from everything while still being in a “neighborhood”. There is no cell phone reception but the WiFi worked fine. Also, there is no AC but I found it to be fine with the windows open and the fan on. I liked that it was within walking distance of Kehena beach. If I ever come back to the Big Island, I would stay here again.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nathan T.

27 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely

A lovely little cottage with a great host, next to one of the most beautiful beaches on earth

Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trevor B.

27 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Generous Hospitality

Thanks for all the site seeing advice! We enjoyed the cottage, it had all we needed and wifi worked great for us!

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elijah F.

27 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Host

Clothing optional black sand beach is right up the street and that’s what I came for. Host’s communication is amazing and made accommodations when needed! I’ll be back

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steven M.

27 Feb 2018

Wonderful place to get away - simple, clean, comfortable and close to nature

We had a wonderful visit at the Cottage. We wanted a place to unplug and enjoy the natural aspects of the island. This was perfect, when we wanted quite isolation, all we had to do was take a short stroll through the forest to the spectacular cliffs on the ocean. When we wanted to see the other sites, we drove up the coast or out through the rain forest to take in volcanos, waterfalls, shopping, and dining. Not to mention a gracious host to help out with information and insights. It may not be in the heart of the "tourist action" but it was perfect to enjoy the heart of the island.

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Alvaro B., San Francisco, USA

18 Mar 2017

Amazing place

We went to celebrate our honeymoon and the host made our stay incredible. The place is very nice, clean, and very close to the best beach and other wonderful sites. I'll definitely come back there in a heartbeat

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Max L.

22 Jan 2017

Private, well-equipped, comfortable

My husband and I sought a venue away from tourists, shops, noise, traffic, and unnecessaries, like dishwashers, washer/dryers, jacuzzies, restaurants, and vast living space. Oliana Cottage was all of that and more. It was cozy but well equipped. In one room there was a kitchen area, a dining area, a sleeping area, and to the side a bathroom. Towels, extra bedding, utensils, and even snorkel gear were provided. The owner gave us a map of the attractions close by, of which there are many: warm ponds, tidal pools, Lava Tree Park, MacKenzie Park, a black sand beach, and sites of lava flow (pahoehoe). It was also quite close to the road to the viewing site of the active Kilauea lava flow. Frogs serenaded us at night. For anyone seeking to avoid the usual touristy things, this cottage is perfect.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Maureen B.

10 Nov 2016

Quiet, comfortable, convenient, 'no-frills' accommodations.

If you're looking for comfortable no-frills accommodations in the Kalapana area, close to lava flow, then this is your place. Babette was very responsive and easy to communicate with. She graciously let us check in early at 3pm instead of the usual 4pm check-in. After hiking to the lava flow at sunrise, it was nice to be able to relax and take a nap. The next morning we took the Lava Ocean Tours boat out of Isaac Hale harbor, a quick 20 min drive from Oliana Cottage, for the sunrise tour to the lava flowing into the ocean. Thank you, Babette!

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Melissa B.

24 Aug 2016

Perfect for a quiet get away!

Stayed at the cottage overnight after a hike to see the lava flow. Quiet hidden among the trees the cottage was the perfect place after a long hike. The cottage was clean well equipped for our needs. The cottage is priced well without having over the top cleaning fees. Definitely would recommend to any couple that needs a quiet place to stay on the east side of Hawaii to visit here.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Molly K.

17 Aug 2016

Cozy, private cottage!

Had a great experience overall!! My boyfriend got in late after a long day of hiking and the cottage had everything we needed. It was very clean and organized. The bed was super comfy and we could keep the room cool with the fan and windows. The owner was very kind to us. Pele's Kitchen had an incredible breakfast and was only about 15 mins away. FYI to future stayers, there is really no service out there, but we did have access to the owner's WiFi. We would stay there again in a heartbeat!

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

10 May 2015

Excellent place to stay

We stayed three nights at Babette's cottage and we had a very pleasant time. Babette is a lovely host. The cottage provides everything you need. I stayed at several places in Hawaii, but Babette's place has a very special, positive atmosphere. At night you are surrounded by birds and frogs who make you relax and lull you to sleep. The cottage has a very bright and sunny atmosphere. You will love spending your time there. It is an excellent choice. Thanks again Babette for hosting us, for answering all our questions and giving us plenty of recommendations for the area! We highly appreciated it!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kelley L.

25 Jan 2015

Cute Cottage

Babette's cottage provided everything that we needed for our stay. The location provides you with a lovely symphony of birds, frogs, and geckos to lull you to sleep. Star gazing from Pahoa area is sublime! The bed is very comfortable. The kitchen supplies for cooking are perfect. There is a burner and little oven, as well as, a microwave. Top it off with the coffee maker and refrigerator and there's nothing you need! The location is perfect for touring Hilo, lava flows in Pahoa, and the end of the road from the previous lava flows. The heated ponds are very close by and Kehena Beach is perfect!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

18 Sept 2014

Cozy Kehena Studio

If you are one or two people who want to stay in the Kehena neighborhood, Babette's place is an excellent choice. It is roomy, clean, quiet and feels comfortably secluded. It is very well stocked, and there are showers inside and outside. Babette made herself very available in case I needed anything, but was very respectful of my privacy. It is a short and beautiful walk to the beach.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

2/10 Terrible

Micki M.

21 Aug 2014

Stay away!

We have rented many places on VRBO over the years, including several elegant estates, and this is the first bad experience we have had. The studio itself is clean and light, in a lovely area, but Spartan to an extreme. The owner has put minimal effort into furnishing or providing any amenities. The bed is uncomfortable, we had to clear the closet of pots and pans to find a space for our clothes; there is no sink in the bathroom and no storage or shelves for toiletries, and the kitchen is suitable only making coffee. The refrigerator is tiny and has no shelves, there is no stove, and a paltry assortment of pots and pans. All this is minor compared to our two significant issues. The owner came into our place every day when we were not there. She would open our bathroom blinds for some reason, which we kept closed for privacy reasons. Who knows what else she did. We felt very invaded, there is no privacy. And when we were left without power, water or basic sanitation like being able to flush the toilet, due to Hurricane Iselle, the owner charged us a full nightly rate anyway and basically ripped us off. The owner then sent us bizarre emails when we asked for a refund. We were very uncomfortable with our stay there and with Babette the owner. There are many other nicer options in this area. I would steer clear of this place.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Alicia S., Portland Oregon

17 May 2014

Cute Kehena Cottage

Adorable studio in the "jungle" with birds and frogs that serenade you all night long. This outbuilding has all you need for a very cost efficient stay in a less traveled area far from the usual Starbucks tourist zones. Near amazing volcanic beaches that were formed only a few years ago, you can walk on some of the newest land this Earth has produced. If off the beaten path is your thing, this place will likely suit your needs. We used it for exploring a less known area of the Big Island and National Volcanic Park. Comfortable bed and shower, mini kitchen has the basics and the owner is happy to give tips and travel info if needed. The frogs are quite loud but we found the "white noise" appealing and didn't keep us awake, but more sensitive folks should be aware.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joe X., NYC

28 Feb 2014

peacefully charming tranquility

lovely, convenient location, attention to detail, manicured garden, immaculate room, extremely comfortable bed, and a just exactly perfect HOT shower-- the essentials are all stellar. Babette is most gracious indeed taking care of everything. on a last minute holiday vacation, I was having trouble finding a room to stay for only 2 nights because most of the places around here have a very strict 3 night minimum stay. I was able to get a room and just stay 2 nights as I desired.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Heidi N.

13 Jan 2014

Wonderful stay at Oliana Cottage!

My husband and I just returned from a wonderful Big Island vacation. We enjoyed the first week on the Kona Coast and the last three nights we stayed at Oliana Cottage and loved it. It is located in a beautiful, lush area of the island. We felt we experienced "real Hawaiian life" a little more in the Puna area as opposed to all the resorts and time shares along Kona's Coast. Babette was very prompt with the couple of correspondences we had and upon arrival she was delightful. She shared with us about the area which was very helpful. We would stay here again if we have the opportunity. Aloha

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christin N.

28 Nov 2012

See lava and stay in the rainforest

This was a great location if you want to be away from the crowds and walk on the lava fields. It was very reasonable, clean and perfect for our stay. We went on a lava hike and even roasted marshmallows with our guide. This cottage is off the beaten path and for the adventurous vacationer who wants to get to know the real Hawaii.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

17 Nov 2012

Great Location on Puna Coast

We stayed 3 nights. The owner is gracious and helpful. With so much to do we mostly used the place to rest and sleep. It is in close driving distance to great snorkeling, beaches, walks to the lava flows, and many other great adventures in the Puna area. The cottage is a great value and had everything we needed. I would stay there again.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

16 Aug 2012

GREAT EXPERIENCE, GREAT PLACE TO STAY

Just would like to thank Babette for her kind hospitality. We only stayed at the cottage for 2 nights, but our experience was great and very accommdating. We arrived very late the 1st night, and even though she was a sleep, we were able to get into the cottage and enjoy our first night. The location is great and is close to Hilo and even a day trip to the Volcano National Park. Some other activites such as the LAva Hike and a trip into town is very close. It is a very scenic area for sure. The place is very clean, private and cozy. Everything you need is availble to you such as fridge, utensils, microwave for your own food. We would not hesitate to stay here again when we return to the Big Island Hilo area. Thanks again!

About the host

Hosted by Babette Ackin

I built the Oliana Cottage as my home in 2004 with the second bedroom/bath as a completely detached cottage for visiting family and friends so that they could enjoy Hawaii and still have the privacy of being in their own space. I am the Founder and Director of the Indian Classical Music Circle of Hawaii (501c3), a non-profit community music organization that presents concerts and workshops. Photo was taken in Hilo. I am holding a tanpura, Parashuram Bhandari (sarangi), and Danny Birch (sarod).