Off-Grid Bungalow with Volcano Alerts & Rescue Dogs
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Setting
This off-grid jungalow is one of four cabins on a one-acre homestead in the Hawaiian rainforest on the Big Island. Lush planting, tropical fruit trees, and the sounds of the living rainforest shape the stay; the property uses solar power with an automatic backup generator and rainwater catchment.
Cabin
The rustic, open-air-style cabin has a queen bed, mini fridge, propane heater, private full bathroom, covered lanai, and USB charging ports beside the bed. Its private outdoor shower is designed in a traditional Hawaiian style, and a screened window allows airflow while also letting in rainforest sounds.
Shared Amenities
A separate outdoor-style kitchen, shared with one other rental, has cookware, a stainless-steel sink, and a washer and dryer. Listed amenities also include free Wi-Fi and parking, heating, a patio, and an outdoor grill. Hot tub access is available for an additional $20 per night and must be arranged at least one day ahead.
On-Site Experience
The property is home to a nonprofit animal rescue, with rescued dogs, cats, and chickens, as well as other friendly animals; guests can coordinate with the host about interacting with the dogs. The homestead grows seasonal tropical produce, and on-site rainforest massages are offered from $100 per hour. In-room announcements provide significant USGS volcano updates, and guests can unplug Alexa if they do not want alerts.
Location
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is about 30 minutes away, and the host’s guide covers island beaches, hikes, waterfalls, scenic drives, farmers markets, and restaurants. Hilo International Airport is listed 26,501 metres away and Waimea-Kohala Airport 82,045 metres away. The property notes that the Big Island’s size makes longer scenic drives part of exploring it.
Best for
This stay suits travelers seeking a nature-focused, distinctly off-grid experience, especially those interested in rainforest surroundings, an open-air private shower, and the chance to learn about or interact with rescue animals by arrangement. It can also appeal to Big Island explorers using the cabin as a base for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and other island outings, with a shared kitchen and strong Wi-Fi on site.
Travel tips
Plan for longer drives when exploring the Big Island; Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is about 30 minutes away, while the listed airport distances are 26.5 km from Hilo International Airport and 82.0 km from Waimea-Kohala Airport. Bring light layers and rain gear, particularly in winter or the rainy season, as the property sits at about 1,880 feet and evenings can be cool. Arrange hot tub access at least a day ahead if you want to use it, and expect nighttime coqui frog and other rainforest sounds.
What guests say
The supplied reviews praise the unusual rainforest setting, especially the outdoor shower, lanai, and sounds of rain and frogs. Guests also mention enjoying the rescue animals and describe the host and shared-kitchen conversations warmly; one account notes receiving fresh eggs from the chickens. The excerpts provided contain no recurring negative themes.
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