Forest Retreat Eco-Lodge - 24 acres of private land.
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Setting
Forest Retreat Eco-Lodge, described in its property information as Ahu Lani Retreat Center, occupies 24 acres of private native forest on the Hamakua Coast at about 3,000 feet elevation. The land includes old-growth ʻōhiʻa and newly planted koa, with more than 130 kinds of native trees, ferns, flowers, and herbs; Mauna Kea may be visible on clear days.
Amenities & Accommodation
The retreat offers a kitchen with an oven and stove, cable TV, fireplace, patio, outdoor grill, washer, ironing board, crib, and fitness center; Wi-Fi is available for a fee. A wraparound lanai provides an outdoor gathering space, and a distinctive 30-foot cedar round room is used for group activities. The property information does not specify bedroom layouts, and guests have noted that bedrooms do not have heat.
Dining & On-site Experiences
Guests can prepare meals in a commercial-style chef’s kitchen, or arrange catering. Farm-fresh eggs are included while supplies last. The hosts can also arrange activities such as yoga, Ayurvedic services, lomi lomi, and gong sessions, and the ranch has baby goats and horses.
Land & Groups
Hiking trails cross the fenced forest property, with room to explore among the native plants. The retreat hosts educational programs, yoga trainings, and family or other group gatherings; the listed rate includes up to 16 people, and the property can host as many as 20. Free parking is available for multiple vehicles.
Location
The lodge is a remote upland stay on Mauna Kea’s slopes, about 25 minutes from Waimea and 20 minutes from Waipiʻo Valley, according to the property information. Hilo is about 50 minutes away, Kona about 1.5 hours, and beaches about 45 minutes. Nearby airports include Waimea-Kohala Airport, 23.7 km away; Hilo International Airport, 52.8 km; and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, 70.3 km.
Best for
This retreat is especially suited to families, friend groups, and organized retreats looking for a secluded setting with forest trails, a large shared kitchen, a wraparound lanai, and a dedicated group room. It also suits travelers interested in nature-based activities and host-arranged yoga or other wellness sessions, provided they are comfortable with a remote location and a rough access road.
Travel tips
Plan for the final approach: the property is reached by a dirt road, and guest feedback describes the uphill drive from the highway as bumpy; the hosts recommend 4WD. Waimea is the closest named town in the property information at about 25 minutes, while Hilo and Kona are substantially farther, so plan outings and supplies around the lodge’s remote location.
What guests say
Guests praise the forest setting, generous space for family or group stays, comfortable beds, and well-equipped kitchen. Reviews also speak positively of helpful, communicative hosts, including assistance arranging yoga. The main cautions are the long, bumpy uphill road and chilly bedrooms at night, which have no heat.
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