Make your escape and relax, refresh, and recharge for the New Year! Room rate is for double occupancy, additional guests stay for a nominal fee. Bungalow offers: ✿ 1000 sq. feet, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom ✿ Equipped compact kitchen ✿ Wifi (note: If you need zooming fast WiFi for work or school - the bungalow is probably NOT the best choice. WiFi is available but can be slow) ✿ Easy access to town, restaurants, shopping, beaches, attractions, including Volcano National Park. ✿ The Bungalow is a great retreat and safe haven from our hectic world and 'new normal'. It's a peaceful, tranquil, hidden sanctuary in a lush tropical rainforest, yet close to town and beaches and Volcano National Park (come see Kilauea)! It's been a long year, so come relax, refresh, and rejuveniate! ✿ Price is for double occupancy -- taxes are included in your booking, you won't be charged for these upon arrival! The Bungalow can accommodate 6 people - extra guests are a nominal fee per night. We are a licensed Airbnb, we collect and pay all required State taxes. Enjoy a few nights with us in the rainforest and experience a taste of old Hawaii on the east side of the Big Island and live like a local! ✿ ISLAND & BUNGALOW NEWS: -- Volcano National Park is open! -- Highway to Kopoho and 'four corners' is partially open and is amazing! Road has been repaved and repaired after the Kilauea eruption in 2018. -- Thurston Lava Tube at Volcano National Park has re-opened! -- Hilo Zoo is open again, 10-3 daily and it's still FREE! The Bungalow was designed with families and budget travelers in mind, or a romantic and cozy escape for couples. Spacious, old Hawaiian style, well-appointed, and nicely equipped accommodation. The Bungalow is a truly unique and memorable experience! ✿✿ Allow at least 3 days ✿✿ to explore around Hilo - sample day trips: ✿ DAY 1: Explore Hilo, farmers market, downtown/shopping, Queens Park and Coconut Island, swim with the turtles at Carlsmith Beach or Snorkel at the black sand beach at Richardson Beach. ✿ DAY 2: NEW black sand beach/lava flow site at Issac Hale Beach Park, Volcano National Park and South Point. Along the way are coffee plantations, the famous Puna'luu Bakery and the black sand beach at Puna'luu and the green sand beach. ✿ DAY 3: Up the coast, waterfalls (Rainbow & Akaka Falls), Botanical Gardens, Laupahoehoe Point, historic Honokaa town, and the sacred Waipao Valley. Previous guests often remark they regret only allowing a day or two for Hilo and booking too much time on the Kona side! ✿ PLEASE READ ALL THE DETAILS AND DISCLOSURES ✿ B-E-F-O-R-E ✿ booking so you'll know what to expect and there are no surprises. ✿✿ APRIL thru JULY is Termite Season - Info sheet on counter! ✿✿ ✿ PRIVATE TWO-BEDROOM BUNGALOW ✿ The bungalow features a master bedroom with a queen-size bed and a very large, island-style, open screen back bedroom which can accommodate extra guests/family on two twin beds and a bunk bed. In total, sleeps 6. This is a true island-style accommodation with large OPEN (screened) areas so you can feel the tropical breezes 365 days a year and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature and tropical rains on a metal roof. Some may refer to this as ‘glamping’ and our guests say it’s one of their best Airbnb experiences ever, and an unforgettable and memorable stay. ✿ PROPERTY ✿ This is a fully fenced and gated 1.25-acre property with a host house and a separate Bungalow. Property is very lush and green year-round with jungle foliage, tropical flowers and fruit trees. The Bungalow is very private and feels secluded from the rest of the world and gives you that far away feeling from other tourists and the noise of downtown. Conveniently located in a very small neighborhood with easy access to downtown, shops, local attractions, and eateries. It's the perfect retreat for nature lovers and those who want to find some tranquility and regain some serenity. As you enter the gate, you'll find a 200-year-old lava tube in the front yard that kids can explore and it's tall enough to take a selfie in! The property has fruit trees including avocado, rambutan, papaya, sugar cane, coffee plants, lemon, breadfruit, banana, and guava. Enjoy a moment of solitude and meander around the private guest's yard and gardens. ✿ BUNGALOW IS PERFECT FOR ✿ - Kama'aina - locals/islanders who want a 'staycation' or who don't want to travel to the mainland - Solo Travelers: Who want something besides a stuffy hotel room - Couples and Honeymooners: It's secluded, private, unique, and romantic - Families: Bungalow was designed for families and has a large kids room, separate from mom & dad - Girlfriends/Single ladies: Who want a safe and roomy space - Merrie Monarch visitors/performers - just 8 minutes to the performance venue - Small groups: Runners/hikers/backpackers/cyclists touring the island - Univ. Hawaii: Families visiting or new students transition into the University - Budget travelers: Who want to split the cost with friends/family and cook some meals in - Business travelers: Who want something larger than a hotel room that is homier and relaxing with a kitchen and private back yard to relax. - Nature lovers and serenity seekers - nature abounds at the Bungalow - Artist, Writer, or Photographers retreat - peaceful and quiet - Those who want to a quiet hideaway from other tourists and noisy downtown areas - Adventurers who want to experience a living tropical rain forest without getting wet or eaten alive by mosquitoes! - Travelers who want to be away from locals, other travelers, and tourists. ✿ MASTER BEDROOM ✿ The Master bedroom has a comfy Queen size bed, a large closet with lots of hangers, a luggage rack, an ironing board/iron, cozy robes, and a laundry basket. It’s open and airy, or can be closed off for privacy from other guests/family/friends. ✿ BACK BEDROOM ✿ Is very large (20' x 20') and easily sleeps, four additional people. The backroom has a bunk bed and two twin beds. The room has two large closets cozy seating area. The two twin beds can also be used as couches/seating/lounging. There are two built-in's under the windows that can also provide extra seating for a lovely garden view. Perfect room for kids - lots of space to play while mom and dad relax and enjoy their own space. There is a pak-n-play for infants. The backroom bedroom is island style and has two walls and ONLY SCREENS on two sides (no windows that close). Side doors are screen doors with chain locks. This back bedroom has privacy curtains. It's tucked away in the back, so still private from the rest of the house. Neighbors are quite far away and all the rooms are totally private. The Bungalow has extra-large overhangs so no rain gets inside! Backroom has blackout curtains for opened screened areas. The large screened areas provide an AMAZING rainforest experience, tropical breezes, sounds of nature, and beautiful garden views in true open-air Hawaiian style. The room has a new ceiling fan, and several back doors to access the backyard of the bungalow where guests can relax, meditate, or just enjoy the lush gardens and the surrounding rainforest. The backroom can be used for yoga/meditation, and I have one, well-loved yoga mat available. ✿ KITCHEN ✿ Is a compact/efficient kitchen and has all the necessities to make a quick meal including a large microwave, apartment-size fridge, coffee pot, pots and pans, dishes, toaster, electric skillet, blender, electric tea kettle, rice cooker, and new two-burner induction cooktop. There are some very basic food staples in the cupboards - help yourself. Pick up local foods at the farmer's market for an island omelet, fresh salad, or fruit smoothie! Coffee and tea are provided. ✿ BATHROOM ✿ The bathroom is full-sized with a large countertop, sink, and large mirror. Has a separate toilet and shower/tub area that has a pocket door for privacy. Lots of towels, basic amenities are included (shampoo/conditioner/liquid body wash/mosquito spray). The shower/tub is full-sized with a handheld showerhead, great for rinsing off sandy feet and toes. Has an eco-friendly solar water heater. A hairdryer is in the drawer. ✿ LIVING ROOM ✿ Includes a settee/love seat, chair, and coffee table, small narrow table, and two chairs to enjoy morning coffee or quick breakfast. There is also a window seat in a large bay window that looks out to the lush garden. Cozy, functional, and plenty of seating for up to six guests. The backroom is great to stretch out, take a nap, relax or read a book. ✿ GARDEN VIEWS ✿ Enjoy the rainforest from all rooms in the bungalow and be amazed by giant fern trees, coconut and mango trees, and tropical foliage and flowers. Guests have access to a side garden as well, that has beautiful orchids and flowers, or the back yard which is a large grassy area, perfect for kids to run around and play. Property is completely fenced and gated for the privacy and safety of children - so let them run around! Great spot for star-gazing, as there is no light pollution from town and there are no street lights. ✿ PRIVATE GUEST BACK YARD/GARDENS ✿ The bungalow private yard and garden area is about 1/4 of an acre, with no neighbors in sight. ✿ ECO-FRIENDLY ✿ We encourage guests to conserve island resources and take short showers. We ask guests to use the drying rack and reuse towels when possible. Electricity is 6X higher here than on the mainland, so please do not use extra beds in the back (beyond what you booked for) as this causes extra unnecessary washing/drying of all the bedding. ✿ JUST ISLAND BREEZES ✿ There is no air conditioner in the bungalow, but open screened areas, new ceiling fans provide ample airflow all year round. The bungalow has three ceiling fans, although the unit gets great airflow and breezes through the large open screened areas. There is a box fan in the back closet as well, as some people are not fond of humid climates. Year-round day temperatures are 68 - 92F, nighttime ranges 58 - 78F. In Hilo, air conditioning is not usually needed! ✿ WHEELCHAIRS ✿ Doorways are 30" so may or may not be wheelchair accessible (depending on the width of your wheelchair). There are no stairs, so the bungalow has easy access for handicap, physically challenged, or elderly/kapuna. We are here to assist our handicapped visitors - so let us know what you need. ✿ NO SMOKING/PETS ✿ We have a STRICT NO SMOKING/NO PETS policy to ensure the comfort and health of all future guests. You can smoke outside in designated bungalow gardens or guest back yard, just please dispose of any butts. This policy includes ESA pets. ✿ WiFi ✿ YES -- VERY SLOW ....we pay for the highest speed with the best provider, it's VERY SLOW. The weather condition that has the greatest effect on a Wi-Fi signal is rainfall, keep in mind Hilo is the rainiest city in the USA. If you need AMAZING fast WiFi, please --DON'T-- book the bungalow! ✿ NO TV/Cable ✿ Bungalow is a TV-FREE ZONE, hey you're on vacation, relax, or read a good book, spend quality time with each other and detox from electronics. ✿ NO LAUNDRY ✿ Guest laundry is NOT available on site it's but only 5 mins. to the laundromat in Kea'au. We will be happy to wash bath and beach towels of course! ✿ NO AIR CONDITIONING ✿ Not needed - island breezes will keep you cool. ✿ OVEN/STOVE ✿ No standard stove/oven, 2 burner induction cooktop is available or use the large electric skillet. There is a standard-sized microwave and rice cooker. ✿ NO DISHWASHER ✿ No, my solution is 'eat out' or pick up some inexpensive ono kine local food and enjoy the view from the breakfast bar! ✿ NO HEATING ✿ Not needed, but there are plenty of cozy blankets and it rarely gets chilly in Hilo. If the weather is going to be a little chilly, I'll leave extra blankets for you. ✿ Not sure what to do in and around Hilo? Read our personal guidebook to all the hidden places and best places to visit. Information binders are also available in the bungalow and include local activities, maps, menu’s, lava information. ✿ ABOUT YOUR HOSTS ✿ We're transplants from Northern California. We decided to get out of the rat race/corporate world and enjoy quiet island life. Mike makes custom stone and seashell cabinet knobs for his Etsy shop, and gives Snorkel Lessons and Guided Tours. I'm a chubby Vegan, Breast Cancer Survivor, Certified Master Herbalist, artist and entrepreneur with 5 Etsy shops. We enjoy traveling and meeting people and have traveled to 32 countries and lived in South Africa, Australia, Germany, United Arab Emirates, and now it's our turn to host the world and let them experience our rainforest and the beautiful Big Island! We look forward to having and opportunity to host you and your family and share our rainforest and beautiful island. We invite you to Komo mai e noho (come in, sit, rest!) and enjoy an amazing rainforest experience! ✿ Guest Access ✿ Guests access the property through an unlocked gate and have full run of the bungalow and its private garden areas. Just note there are no street lights, so it's best to check in during daylight hours when possible. If you are arriving after dark, look for the driveway with the blue and green landscaping lights. If you need very late arrival (after 7:00 pm), you can do self check-in. Just let me know, and once you're booked/confirmed, I'll give you access instructions. ✿ Directions ✿ Please note, on some online maps, Opio Road shows up as Youngs Road....We're an easy 8-10 minutes from the Hilo airport. From Kona airport on via the Saddle Road, it's about 1.5 hour drive. ✿ On Site Parking ✿ The Bungalow has a designated parking spot in the 'U' shaped driveway. There is room for 2 guest cars. Please close the when entering and leaving - our dog is an escape artist and neighborhood dog likes to visit, and wild pigs are sometimes in the area -- especially after dark. ✿ Host Home ✿ Main house/host home, host private backyard, lower level yards/gardens are not accessible to guests. Please do not use the windy path as it can be slippery after it rains. Please call/email if you need anything. If you knock on our door, Scruffy, our head of security, will bark his little head off. ✿ We treasure meeting you and having you spending time at the Bungalow, but we respect you have an island agenda, whether you're on vacation or business - it's your time, and we'll leave you to it. So unless you need something, you won't see us much even though the main house is just 25 feet away. I work from home, and I am always available if you need anything within our 'office' hours of 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. We're here to ensure you have a pleasant, enjoyable, and memorable stay on the Big Island of Hawaii at the Rainforest Bungalow. I'll try to give you an updated weather report, especially if heavy rain is expected or there are weather alerts from Civil Defense. Please read all property information thoroughly before attempting to book. We want everyone to be fully informed of the location so that no one has their vacation derailed. ✿ NEIGHBORHOOD: Our bungalow is located in a hidden and secluded residential area with only 10 lovely homes, so it is generally quiet and peaceful. The neighbors all have dogs, so occasional dog barking during the daytime hours, as well as neighborhood lawnmowers/blowers, may affect daytime tranquility at the bungalow. Once in a while, one of our neighbors may have evening guests over for parties or BBQs, and the sound can carry through the open screens. ✿ FROGS: Coqui frogs invaded the Big Island sometime in the 1970s, thought to have hitchhiked on poinsettia plants from Puerto Rico. They are an invasive species with a very LOUD nightly call. Some find them soothing, and some find them annoying. In either case, Coqui Blockers (aka earplugs) are provided for adult guests. Our property is a Coqui sanctuary, and we do not poison or harm them (hey, they eat lots of bugs!). ✿ EVENINGS: Generally, after dinner, the neighborhood it is very quiet and peaceful (except for the Coqui frogs). You can catch up on reading, plan out your next day, sit in the private backyard, and stargaze, or get some much needed shut-eye. ✿ Neighborhood road is single lane, 5 mph, so please practice Aloha, drive careful, and share the road with the neighbors. General 'aloha rule' is right of way is given to the driver going out. ✿Mold and Mildew✿ Unfortunately, living in a rainforest presents a challenge with a constant growth of mold and mildew. We do our best to keep the bungalow free of mold/mildew. If you have a sensitivity, breathing troubles, or any other medical condition that could be irritated by potential mold/mildew, we suggest booking a hotel on the drier side of the island, Kona. ✿Cats ✿ We currently have 10 cats. They are feral, but we love them as our own and care for them. We ask that you do not feed them as we have established a feeding regime that keeps them useful and fed. Also, we ask that you drive on the roads and driveway to the bungalow with our cats in mind. ✿ HILO: We are in the ideal location for your island getaway and adventures! Away from the noise, tourists, and hustle/bustle of downtown/traffic but just 2 miles to town, grocery stores, restaurants/dining, the mall, and shopping. An easy 6 miles to the Hilo International Airport, downtown/bayfront/shops/restaurants, and our fabulous beaches and parks. Only 30 miles to Volcano National Park. Short 4 miles to the University of Hawaii. Hilo Rainforest Bungalow is a great place to start your Big Island adventures! KONA: The belt highway circles the island, or there is a cut over to Kona on the Saddle Road. It's a gorgeous 60-80 minute drive that takes you between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to the other side of the island. Just note, no services on the Saddle Road except for a rest stop (clean restrooms & playground). ✿ CAR: Rental car is a must - it's called the Big Island for a reason. There is public transport in/around downtown Hilo on the Hoppa On/Hoppa Off Bus, but it does not service our area. Bus service to Kona and other parts of the island is also available as well as bus tours from Roberts Hawaii. There is also a reliable taxi service and limited Uber/Lyft service. Bicycles are not recommended as there are no designated bike lanes. We do not have a charging station for electric vehicles. As the cost of island electricity is the highest in our country, we do not offer charging of electric vehicles. There are stations located around town. ✿ We are a licensed Airbnb and required by the State of Hawaii to pay 10.25% Accommodation Tax + 4.25% State Tax on all bookings. For a family/group of 3 or more, we are cheaper than a hotel/resort as hotels also charge these taxes and also charge for parking. Our accommodation is 3X larger than a standard hotel room with more amenities, free first breakfast, free beach equipment, free parking, and an unforgettable rainforest experience! Nightly rate is for DOUBLE occupancy - we charge a small fee for each additional guest to cover the cost of the additional washing/drying of towels and linens as electricity is crazy expensive here. ✿ Other things to Note ✿ ✿ ACTS OF NATURE: Please note, I cannot control the weather or other acts of nature. Only a higher power is responsible for seasonal downpours, hurricanes, high winds, cooler temperatures, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, termite swarms (in spring/summer) etc. Get out and enjoy the island in the rain, we have great big umbrellas for guests - so go and make some awesome island memories. ✿ Mold Sensitivity: We live on the rainy side of the island, and it is damp, rainy, with very high humidity, which is typical for a tropical rainforest. Airborne molds are everywhere, and under these conditions, they thrive and multiply on this side of the island during the very wet months. While we can control it within the bungalow, we can not control it outside. Due to the open-air screened areas, airborne molds may be present (though not visible) in the Bungalow. Those with severe mold sensitivity issues should consider staying on the Kona side, where the climate is not as wet, damp, humid, and rainy. ✿ If you require 24-hour concierge service or daily maid service, the Naniloa Hotel downtown can serve you better (for double the cost!). You are not renting a luxury hotel room. You are renting a private vacation rental on a private property. This is a unique rainforest experience, reasonably priced, and well-appointed accommodation for all levels of travelers, especially those who enjoy something that is truly unique and special. We offer so much more than a stuffy hotel and promise a memorable stay! ✿ Office Hours 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. Unless it's an 'emergency', of course. Please contact me via the landline. Dial 911 for emergencies. ✿ Price The price is for DOUBLE occupancy. Additional guests can be added for a minimal charge - we want to be affordable for families, but lots of laundry is very costly. Our price INCLUDES Hawaii State Tax + Hawaii Transient Accommodation (14.25%), so you'll be all paid up. Nothing due upon arrival, no additional requests for money, no surprises! ✿ Check-In/Checkout Times Check-in is 2:00 pm, check-out is 11:00 am SHARP. I may be able to be a bit flexible, depending on if there are other guests going out or coming in. You can drop off luggage to the main house early if you let me know ahead of time -- please confirm' with me that I will be onsite to accept your luggage. CHECKOUT TIME is 11:00 SHARP, as we typically have back-to-back bookings, and we need time to clean and disinfect the bungalow. ✿ Kids and Babies We LOVE kids, and kids are most welcome. We applaud parents who gift their children with unique travel experiences! But please do not leave children alone in the Bungalow, and please supervise children at all times while they are playing outside. Kids will love the gardens, there are tons of places to play hide & seek, run around, hunt for gecko's, or play Frisbee! Please respect the neighbors, QUIET TIME after 8:00 pm is appreciated. Sound travels because of the open screened areas, and our neighbors below can hear it. ✿ Dog on Property We have a small dog, Scruffy. He is the head of security and will bark upon your arrival/leaving each time or if you slam car doors. It's his job to alert us that someone is outside. He is not free-roaming, and he has his own special yard area at the back of the host home. He takes his job seriously, and he works for cheap - scooby snacks! ✿ DISCLAIMERS: Gecko's/Bugs/Etc.✿ We are in a real, live, and living tropical rainforest and Hawaii's natural fauna/critters, including gecko's and insects, sometimes invite themselves in - it's part of the rainforest experience and we don't charge extra for this. Gecko's and small lizards love the inside of the Bungalow, and it's hard to keep them out, plus they eat bugs/mosquitos/gnats! If you are squeamish about geckos and small lizards hanging out with you inside, this accommodation is probably not for you - it's okay, the geckoes won't take it personally! While other hosts on the islands don't like to mention these things, I'd rather be upfront and set clear expectations - it's a living rainforest, and geckos and insects are part of the rainforest ecosystem.... ✿ COQUI FROGS The frogs are ✿ QUITE LOUD ✿ at night - EVERY night, without fail! I'm not exaggerating! If it's raining, they are especially loud. Some people find their love songs soothing and comforting (like white noise), but others may find their nightly songs downright annoying. We offer Coqui blockers (a.k.a. earplugs) for all adult guests, and you'll find them on your bed when you arrive. Keep them. They are great for the plane ride home. ✿ Cell Coverage: Can be spotty - not my fault, contact your provider, and please do not ding me on your review! ✿ WIFI: I pay for the top speed, but it is extremely slow - due to dense rainforest foliage and rain. If you need crazy fast WIFI, please select another accommodation. ✿ Roosters Roosters are not allowed in the neighborhood. However, several feral/wild ones have taken up residence just two houses down, and they wake up around 3:30 am. We're hoping the resident Hawaiian hawk will fancy rooster for lunch one day. ✿ Open-Air Concept The Bungalow has an island-style open-air design/concept very common in extreme tropical climates. The long hallway and two of the walls in the backroom are SCREENS ONLY and OPEN 365 days a year - rain or shine - there are no windows that close on these screened areas. This allows tropical breezes to circulate within the bungalow on warm days. These have screens with wire mesh as well. Overhangs are extremely large, and even during the biggest downpours, rain does not get in. Temperatures in the winter months, November to May, maybe chilly (59-68) after dark. Please bring a light sweater or jacket. There are plenty of blankets, and beds have cozy comforters. The backroom is great if you like camping but like staying cozy, dry, and indoors at the same time - with a great view. For those who live in a city, you'll enjoy the fresh air, stars, and rainforest sounds! ✿ The Bungalow roof is metal, so during extreme tropical downpours/storms, it can be quite loud. These storms/showers tend to pass over very quickly, and it makes for an awesome rainforest experience without getting wet! If the avocado tree is fruiting, you might be awakened in the middle of the night by avocado's hitting the roof - feel free to gather them in the morning. They're delicious! ✿ Work in Progress The bungalow is 55+ years old, and we've only been here since July of 2016, so there are a few upgrades/old funky things that we're still working on. If you find something that needs attention, please let me know personally (versus complaining about it in a bad review), and we'll do our best to resolve the issue. We want your stay to be memorable (in a positive way!). ✿ Recycle - We conserve and recycle. Bins are provided and clearly marked. ✿ Bedding/Towels/Cleaning There is no daily maid/cleaning service, we ask the guest to kindly tidy up after themselves during their stay and leave the bungalow as you found it. In order to conserve island resources, we ask guests not to change their sheets until they've been here for 7 or more days. A drying rack is available in the bungalow for wet swimsuits, bath/beach towels, or anything else you may want to dry. I will offer to wash towels for you if you are here for more than a couple of days. There is no need to make the beds when you leave. ✿ Beach Gear We invite you to snorkel at Hilo's best swimming/snorkeling beaches, Carlsmith (turtles!) or Richardson (black sand), with complimentary beach equipment use. A quick 10 minutes from the bungalow, and all Hilo beach parks are FREE! The best entertainment on the island! We now offer snorkel lessons and tours - find them on Airbnb Experiences/Hilo! Please rinse snorkel gear in the kitchen sink after you use it. ✿ QUESTIONS I hope I have covered every question or concern in my description. If not -- Please Ask! I am available and happy to answer questions 7 days a week/365 days a year during office hours or via email through Airbnb.