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Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access!

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access!

Interior
Fridge, oven, stovetop, coffee/tea maker
Beach towels
Interior
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 16465 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Honokaa, HI
  • Hamakua Heritage Corridor
    1 min walk
  • Waipio Valley Lookout
    5 min drive
  • Waipio Cookhouse
    7 min drive
  • Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala)
    44 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Honokaa

At this holiday home you'll be steps from Hamakua Heritage Corridor and 2.5 km (1.5 mi) from Waipio Beach. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .You can enjoy a TV with a DVD player, and home features 3 bathrooms, a lanai and a coffee/tea maker. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge and a stovetop. A living room and a desk are also available. .This smoke-free holiday home offers a garden and barbecues. .Sights within a 30-minute drive of this Honokaa holiday home include Waipio Valley Lookout and Katsu Goto Memorial.

What's nearby

  • Waipio Valley Lookout - 5 min drive
  • Waipio Beach - 11 min drive
  • Hiilawe Waterfall - 27 min drive
  • Mauna Kea Beach - 62 min drive
  • Pololu Valley Overlook - 95 min drive

Getting around

  • Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Waipio Cookhouse - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Village Burger Kamuela - ‬47 min drive
  • ‪Holualoa Kona Coffee Co. - ‬36 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access!

DESCRIPTION:
*The base listing price includes four guests. There is an additional guest fee of $50 per head per night beyond the first four guests.  Please see the "Additional Important Access Information" at the bottom of this listing as there are recent changes regarding access to Waipio Valley and our property.

Delux spacious house with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms situated on a 3-acre botanical garden with over 30 different types of exotic fruit trees and several hundred botanicals including many rare palms and other species—labeled with their botanical names.
 
Situated in historic Waipio Valley, this unique property is known as “the place of first light” Ka’o and provides unparalleled access to “The Valley of the Kings”.  The breathtaking landscape of the lush valley walls, traditional taro patches, palm and fruit trees, exotic fragrant flowers, and giant monkeypod trees transport you into another world. Walk two minutes to a sacred waterfall and swim in its cool waters or stroll down an enchanting jungle canopy path to the secluded Waipio black sand beach. Or explore our dense botanical garden filled with unusual and exotic species and learn while having fun— our plant labels and descriptions will help you identify local and international botanicals. It’s all here for you and much more!

Enjoy all the comforts of home while surrounded by paradise in over 5000 sq. ft. of custom living space—with bamboo hardwood and natural slate floors, travertine bathrooms, granite counters, teak furniture, and our exotic lava-rock bath house—fully off-grid and fed by a waterfall. The two sections of the home provide unusual privacy between the master suite in the lower section and the rest of the bedrooms in the upper section making it ideal for two families vacationing together, or just great separation for members of the vacationing group.
 
Screened lanais and decks allow gentle Pacific breezes to pass through the spaces while enjoying incredible views from the expansive bay windows and numerous skylights. Fabulous for star-gazing and bird-watching. Numerous streams and rivers run through the valley creating an unparalleled tropical adventure!
 
Our private guide will escort you into the valley and provide personalized insights into the rich history and lore of the valley, its traditions, and the varied plant and animal life. Ask us for details.

Fruit trees in our botanical garden include:
 
Mangosteen, Brooks Late Mango, Rambutan, Lychee, Durian, Passionfruit, Cacao, Pomelo, Tangelo, Navel Orange, Pixi Tangerine, Meyers lemon, Persian lime, Avocado, White Sapote, Rollinia, Soursop, Cuban Red Banana, Peanut Butter Fruit, Coconut Palms, Sugarcane, Apple Banana, Indian Mulberry, Surinam Cherry, Kaffir Lime, Edible Hibiscus, Guava, Jackfruit, Macadamia Nut, Papaya, Pineapple, Star fruit, Curry leaf tree, Black Mulberry, Mango, Cacao Tree.
 
Disclaimer: 95% of the time the road to the property is accessible, however, there is a small chance of the road being inaccessible seasonally. A full refund is available for dates when the property is inaccessible. Property owners are not responsible for events associated with guests' delayed arrival or departure due to extreme weather.  We have been successful in getting all of our guests out of the valley in time for their flights with no delays.  However, we recommend guests arrange additional accommodations on the Island for a day at the end of their stay to ensure a smooth transition to the airport and alleviate the stress of catching flights on a timely basis.

*Additional Important Access Information:
Due to the recent County of Hawaii Proclamation, the Waipio Valley access road is not open to tourist driving.  To honor this County rule, we are required to shuttle all of our non-local guests in and out of the valley until the appropriate road improvements are completed.
(**Included in the listing rate is one free round-trip shuttle into the Valley for up to 4 guests on your check-in and check-out days. Additional trips are priced at $200 per round trip.)
We understand that many of our guests may want to make day trips out of the Valley to explore other parts of the island. We ask that you please schedule these day trips ahead of time to ensure shuttle availability.  
Please Note:
Quiet hours shall be from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. during which time the noise from the Short-Term Vacation Rental shall not unreasonably disturb adjacent neighbors.
Sound that is audible beyond the property boundaries during non-quiet hours shall not be more excessive than would be otherwise associated with a residential area.
Guest vehicles shall be parked in the designated onsite parking area. 
The Short-Term Vacation Rental shall not be used for commercial purposes.

 Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to having you as our guests!

Property manager

Sukumar and Kristi Sur

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Stereo
  • TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Lanai

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 6 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Unit size: 5,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

Property Registration Number GE-121-183-2832-01, 490060390000, TA-121-183-2832-01

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access!?

The closest beach to Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access! is Waipio Beach (2 km).

Does Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access! have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Is Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access! family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a BBQ and children's books, it's no surprise that Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access! is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access!?

No, Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access! does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access!?

No, pets are not allowed.

Waipio Botanical Gardens in the heart of Waipio with waterfall & beach access! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matt G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous Property in the heart of Wiapio Valley!
Fantastic home and property right on the King's Trail! So many lush, tropical plants and trees surrounding a beautiful home. Truly a magical experience. My family and I enjoyed every minute of our stay. The trail to the beach is one of the most beautiful hikes on the Island. Kristi and Sukumar are very gracious hosts and very easy to communicate with. 10/10 will definitely come and stay again!
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Antoinette E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very unique and very special place!
We loved our stay in Waipio! Beautiful property with plenty of space and remarkable comforts of home despite being well off the grid. Gorgeous black sand beach just a hike away, waterfall with swimming hole steps from the house, lots of fresh citrus. Accessing the property is certainly a challenge, but the hosts are accommodating and lead you down the first time. Don't arrive after dark!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ryan H.

Liked: Cleanliness
My Spirit was Touched
I had the extreme Good Fortune of visiting Waipio Valley Botanical Garden Complex with 8 of my closest friends on a Full Moon weekend. It was a Pivotal Weekend for all of us. I’m unable to communicate how amazing and special it was for each of us. The valley speaks for itself. If you have come this far you may already have some idea that Waipio is one of the most magical places in the world. Visiting under a full moon means you can appreciate its incredible beauty day and night. The Botanical Garden Complex complements the Valley Perfectly. Careful and thoughtful architecture integrated with the sloping hill it sits on. So you can walk around outside around the back up the hill and enter the house thru myriad doors and entrances. There is so much to explore! Unique, Elegant Bedrooms and a beautiful loft (“The MoonTower!”). Lavastone Showers! Picturesque Baths full of Hot Water felt so good at the end of a long day [or night]. Each room’s window has a unique vantage point to the wondrous jungle outside. I discovered I Love Indian Art: in particular Madhubani style paintings. There is beauty to admire everywhere – inside and outside. Murti sculpture. A fantastic collection of incredible books – 3 nights was no where near enough time to appreciate everything they provide for us. There is delicious fruit in abundance. We had lots of fat juicy citrus ready to enjoy. We might have discovered some amazing new cocktails. Plants are identified with signs and descriptions. I was so happy to find the Kaffir Lime tree and smell a fresh cracked leaf.. The caretakers were considerate and checked in on us. Satellite Internet was totally usable though if you intend to stream NFL playoffs you should turn down the video quality down. Waipio Valley Botanical Garden Complex Touched Us Each and I will never be the same. Warmest Mahalo to our Hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mike P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Once in a lifetime - Amazing Experience!
If you ever get a chance to spend time here, please do! The amazing home, location, waterfall, black sand beach - and the overall experience will stay with you forever. Most importantly to me and my family with two smaller kids, we wanted a tremendous host who cared about our well-being, our safety, and any concerns we had being in such a remote location. We got all of that and more. I can't say enough about Sukumar and Kristi other than a big MAHALO and thank you for this amazing experience that we will all remember forever. If I can ever serve as a reference for you and others considering, I'd be more than happy to do so! Mike
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun adventure with family & friends in a beautiful setting
Sukumar and Kristi were awesome! So quick to respond to all of our questions and deal with any concerns (like delivering a new propane tank for the grill). The location is remote and bit challenging to get to, and it was a little stressful driving down into the valley in the dark due to travel delays. The property is beautiful though, and we loved hiking to the beach and waterfall and enjoyed all the amazing plants and wild horses and other wildlife. My advice for anyone considering a visit is to be sure to plan your shopping for meals and any other items you'll need (definitely bug spray) carefully as coming and going is not easy. I'd also say it is probably not a good destination if you have very young children or anyone with mobility issues; there are lots of steps and stairs and a pretty steep hill to climb to get to the house. It was a great place for the older teens and adults in our group who enjoy hiking and getting out into nature. The house is spacious and comfortable, although the arrangement of rooms/beds is a bit odd, with one large room with a king bed in the main house and all the rest in the other, and some rooms up flights of spiral staircases. We made it work, it was just a little different. The kitchen is pretty basic, without electronic appliances (microwave, dishwasher) due to need to conserve batteries that run on solar power with a back up generator. We managed fine, it just isn't fancy. Overall we enjoyed a unique and fun experience in a beautiful setting!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Thanksgiving Stay
Our family of 14 stayed for 4 nights over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Waipio valley is a spectacular and remote part of the Big Island, we really had no idea what was in store for us in visiting this beautiful and lush area. The drive down into the valley was an experience in itself, a steep 25% grade on a narrow road and then 6 river/creek crossings. 4WD is essential. Once there we didn't need the vehicles again as driving back out of the valley is 30-40 minutes and not easy. We enjoyed hanging out at the house, walking to the black sand beach which we did with babies and young kids, visiting the nearby waterfall, and just exploring the property and picking tropical fruit and seeing the wild horses. The home is comfortable but you will need to constantly monitor the solar/battery system, turning on/off the generator from time to time to keep the batteries charged, and keep an open mind as having a home in this remote part and keeping it maintained is no small feat. The kitchen was fully functional and we were able to cook a fantastic thanksgiving meal but no dishwasher so lots of hand washing. Also this is the jungle so bugs, spiders, critters, feral cats are present so make sure your guests are aware. The inside/outside especially at the upper house where most guests stay is blurred so make sure no one is averse to critters. Such a unique and special place and opportunity to stay in such a beautiful and remote location. Highly recommend for those looking for an adventure and to stay in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anna D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tropical Paradise amidst the remote and serene setting of Waipio Valley!
This was our second stay and I am certain not our last. From the moment that you start the descent by 4x4 into the valley, the road least traveled and stunning views ahead, set the stage for what is truly a gem of an experience. You must bring your sense of adventure, all your groceries, and your pre-conceived ideas about a Hawaiian vacation, and be prepared to fall in love. The estate is surrounded by lush gardens and fruit trees. The home itself is well equipped with all the basics, as well as some not-so-basic items such as cook books, tarot cards, board games and puzzles, yoga mats, and even boogie boards! The hosts are incredible humans, and they truly want to take care of you and make sure the stay is memorable. The 40-min walk to the secluded black-sand beach is a must, and it's iconic from any angle but especially this one... the waterfall, which doesn't get too many other visitors, so it's 'almost' yours alone, is only 5 mins the other way. Wild horses, chirping birds, flowing rivers, and the 'sounds' of the tropical gardens' special kind of 'silence' will mesmerize you and have you wishing for a slower pace and appreciation for nature, for a long time after you depart...
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kevin S., Seattle, WA

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise adventure
The valley is incredible, and the property is as good as it gets. I stayed in a newly renovated and remodeled cabin on the botanical garden for Bout a month. The property managers were both incredibly hospitable and accomodating, and made the entire experience unforgettable. The main houses are gorgeous, and if you get a chance, do rent them out. The nearby waterfall and black sand beach were exquisite, neighbors friendly, fresh tree-picked fruits delicious, and wild horses a sight to behold. Looking forward to returning in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joshua N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Memories. Memories. Memories.
This experience was everything I was hoping for. The location is, as advertised, remote. That means we were in the rain forest for trues! Slept soundly to the sounds of the forest. Woke to the sounds of the birds. We slept in the upper house which has several open air windows with only mesh to keep the bugs out, meaning you feel like the magic of a Waipio is right there as you sleep. Can’t wait to stay again! If you want adventure, and memories, this is the place!!!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Pamela A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rainforest Adventure
Expect rain while staying in a rainforest. It rained every day mostly all day of our week stay. We couldn’t get in on our first day because the road (which is difficult on good days) was closed due to high water at the multiple water crossings. However once there the house is beautiful and the setting magical. This is a trip for the adventurous but well worth the trouble once you get there.

10/10 Excellent

Deon L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Jurassic Park
This was an experience more so than a vacation. Its tough to wow over 50’s and the place blew my mind. The whole family loved it and we miss it already. If you ready for an adventure vacation spot this is it. Not much to add!! Amazing vacation for our family. Thank you Kristi and Sukumar!

10/10 Excellent

Pascal M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible property in a spectacular location
Staying here was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The property is gorgeous (and perfect for a large group) located in a remote but spectacular value. Our hosts could hardly have been any more helpful and responsive too. Thank you for an amazing stay which our group will remember for a long time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

luke A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Waipio hideaway
This was an awesome stay!! Beautiful, cool, older house with great character and extremely unique. We were looking for a get away hidden in the valley and that is exactly what we got! Still lots to do and see, but very peaceful and relaxing too, the garden is lots of fun to explore. Thank you for a great stay! Luke
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

ALEXANDER W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible ✨
What an honor to have been able to stay in this sacred valley. Lush and bountiful nature everywhere, wild horses, waterfalls, and an unforgettable house in the middle of the rainforest. We are so grateful for our stay here and mahalo to the land. Aloha 🙏🏼
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael H., Middleton, WI

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique and wonderful place
Such a wonderful time. It was soooo unique to be in the middle of Waipi'o Valley. The first 2 days it rained constantly and couldn't do too much. Our third day there was sunny and spectacular. Did the hike to the beach and ate lunch there. We had the beach all to ourselves. That was priceless. The ocean was angry that day so we couldn't venture in but it was still fun watching the power of the ocean as the waves crashed close to shore. The hike back ended at an amazing waterfall. We spent a ton of time there swimming in the pond and climbing up the waterfall. A very special place. Super unique. I would definately recommend it. We had Sukumur drive us in and out and I would recommend that. There is no way I would have felt comfortable driving a rental car across the river as many times as he did. He was an expert at it. Well worth having him do it. We didn't need a car while we were there. Recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gordon L., Bellevue, WA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely off-the-grid compound in extraordinary location
Very few people in the world will ever have the chance to see the sacred Waipi'o Valley in person, and fewer still can actually stay on the valley floor. It was a great privilege! I absolutely loved the waterfall and swimming hole ijust a few minutes away. The beach about 40 minutes walk is gorgeous too (unsafe to swim). We also hiked the Muliwai Trail toward Waimanu Valley. This is a 5-star review and I would stay here again in a hearbeat, so minor downsides mentioned here are just to help inform/prepare future renters. The biggest issue is that we assumed we would have the run of the whole place even though we were only 4 people. But they actually picked and prepared two bedrooms for us in advance and told us that the other bedrooms were "not ready". So my wife and baby and I were in one of the houses and our daughter in the other. On the last night we found that they had actually prepared a 3rd bedroom too. It had gorgeous views and was in the 2nd house with our daughter. I wish we had known about it so we could have stayed there too. You need to make absolutely sure to have a high clearance 4WD vehicle. The 4 of us plus our luggage wouldn't fit in a jeep, so we considered driving the big 4WD For Explorer we had already rented. That would have been a disaster due to low clearance, so I'm glad we rented 2 jeeps instead. Practice putting it in 4LO and 4HI gears before you meet up with Sukumar, because his instructions in general are fairly curt. Still I'm super glad he led us down. The place isn't quite as secluded as some reviews suggest. One cays "there's no one around, you can run around and swim naked if your soul calls you to". There were other people at the waterfall about half the times we went there, and there were always others on the beach and the trail to the beach. The were all very nice, including neighbors. The property itself is very secluded, so you can go pick fruit wearing nothing but bug spray if you like. I applied bug spray and was able to go out for hours without major incidents. My baby did get some itchy bites, but that's the jungle for you! This place off the grid. Get there early so Sukumar has time to guide you and explain generator, water systems, batteries, etc. There's no microwave and he suggested only using high-energy appliances like dryer when sunny. Bring enough food/supplies so you won't have to leave the valley. Internet was spotty. Thanks Kristi and Sukumar for this wonderful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

Ross H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice property
Nice property. Secluded area with a lot of privacy.
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

William R.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Unique Retreat in Hawaii's Historic Waipio Valley
We felt honored to have the opportunity to spend time in the amazing Waipio Valley which is such an important place in the Hawaiian culture. There were nine of us and the lodge worked very well for us. There were two main buildings which allowed us to spread out but yet maintain as much contact as we wanted. Waliking around the property is fascinating and productive since the fruit trees provided an abundance of food for our breakfasts. Waipio beach is only about a 40 minute walk along the King's Trail and a spectacular waterfall with a great swimming pool is only a 5 minute walk in the other direction on the King's Trail. Kristi and Sukumar could not have been better hosts. Sukumar went above and beyond the call of duty in helping us get in and out of the lodge and he spent time to thoroughly orient us to the property upon our arrival. A couple of things to note. When Kristi and Sukumar say you need a high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle to get in and out, they are not kidding and it has be 4-wheel drive not all-wheel drive. Also, mosquitoes were never an issue for us but remember that the lodge is basically in the jungle so it is advisable to bring your repellant of choice. In conclusion, staying at the Waipio Valley Botanical Gardens is a truly unique adventure that gives you a taste of old Hawaii. We are grateful to Kristi and Sukumar for providing us this once in a life time opportunity.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Brianna P.

Liked: Cleanliness
A transformational retreat in The Garden of Eden!
I recently hosted a retreat at the Waipio house and we had an incredible time. We almost didn't make it into the valley due to rain, but Mother Nature pulled through! Kristi and Sukumar are awesome property managers and communication was excellent as we were navigating the weather. Just driving down to the property is an experience in itself- it truly doesn't feel like real life! Once we finally did arrive, the house was beautiful and so clean! We had so much fun exploring the property. There is so much space and multiple areas for yoga and meditation. We harvested fresh fruit in the botanical garden every morning, enjoying the most amazing orange juice I've ever had, plus avocados, starfruit, and even peppers for cooking! Just being in the energy vortex of the valley, completely surrounded by nature was incredibly healing for everyone in attendance. The Valley of the Kings held space for us all to release fear, pain, and resistance and receive new energy. It literally felt like we were in the Garden of Eden, being held by The Divine Mother. We went on jungle hikes to the blacksand beach as well as to the waterfalls. I promise you you have never been anywhere like this before- it's so remote, there's no one around, you can run around and swim naked if your soul calls you to! It feels as if the flora and fauna and the animals are speaking to you here. The one mistake I made was not bring bug spray! It was pretty buggy with the rain for us, but we wore long sleeves and pants when we hiked through the jungle and just strippe down at our destinations to swim. Be prepared to get dirty! There is a lot of mud- but it's so fun...your inner child will be out to play in a way that you may have not experienced in many years. Luckily there is laundry on the property to wash shoes! We enjoyed our stay so much (despite A LOT of rain, and despite being delayed 24 hrs getting in due to river levels/rain)...we WILL be going back to host another retreat! Everyone who attended go exactly what they needed and the nature and energy of the space did most of the work! Truly a transformational experience for all. I am so grateful to have found this space and I hope that many more get to experience the beauty and magic of Waipio. Thank you again to Kristi and Sukumar for being such helpful hosts! I felt like I had endless questions for Kristi and she handled them all with so much grace! Thank you!

10/10 Excellent

Jedediah L.

Liked: Cleanliness
An incredible oasis like no place I've ever been
This is truly a one-of-a-kind place. The house is as beautiful and spacious as it looks in the photos and the location is absolutely jaw-dropping. As the listing says, this place is very far off the beaten path. You'll need Jeep's to get there (or hitch a ride with Sukumar) and it involves a steep drive into the Waipio Valley, followed by a wild ride down dirt roads that crosses more than a few streams (and may result in some run-ins with wild horses). It feels a bit like something out of Indiana Jones, but if you're ready for that, the treat at the end is nothing short of breathtaking. The house itself is stunning and clean and features a botanical garden on the hill above where you can pick fruit (we nabbed some delicious Rambutan, star fruit and avocado on our trip). The view out of every window is remarkable, filled with lush plant life. The house is a short 5 minute walk from a local waterfall and an hour hike to the beach (the sign says 30 minutes, but give yourself an hour each way). This is definitely a place for people who want a little adventure. The hikes are not too difficult, but they're really OUT THERE--there's nowhere to stop to buy water or snacks. You'll walk/hike pretty much everywhere. You'll make your own food. You'll get a little wet/muddy. All in all, I couldn't recommend this place more. Really an incredible place to spend a few days off the beaten path and savouring the best of the big island.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

susana B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise
I am a nature lover so this place was paradise. Thank you Kristi and Sukuman for making our vacation on forgettable!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Sandra S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family tine
Overall our family had an awesome time. Accessing and departing the property were very challenging and the weather didn’t help with our departure. Kristi and Sukumar are great to work with. Lots of firsts and adventure by our family
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Audrey B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sacred GEM in the jungle ! :)
Wonderful property! A real gem located in the jungle! The access of the property is a truly wonderful beginning for your journey to…paradise! The landscapes of the sacred valley are breathtaking and the multiple rivers crossing had a touch of wildness make the immersion total and magic! You really need a Jeep 4W4 to access it as mentioned by the property managers but it sooooo worth it! What an adventure! We hosted a meditation retreat there with a small group of women and everyone fell immediately in love with the place! The nature is enchanted and if you are a fan of Avatar, you definitively feel the way everything is interconnected and in symbiosis. The rooms were spacious and perfect. The meditation room has an incredible view on the jungle and the valley and is perfect for sunrise activities as you see the sun rising over the mountain in the morning. The lanai was gorgeous for the workshops or/and just enjoying the sounds of nature. The gourmet cuisine makes you completely feel at home… The property was really zen…and an excellent fit for a meditation retreat with the trails that allowed us to take meditative walk through our journey. Also, the sacred waterfall was a plus really appreciated by all…and within a 5 minutes walk. The walk to the black sand beach took us 40 min in the jungle… This beach was just incredible and beautiful! We felt like we were in the Eden garden with the abundance of fruits available on the property… What a bless! Kristi and Sukumar were really two guardian angels for our trip! They were really helpful with the planning of our trip and for helping us with the car situation. They are really quick on providing answers and are the kindest person that we’ve ever met. Thank you so much for everything… We are looking forward to return very soon to this magical place for another retreat ! It is soooo perfect! 😊 Mahalo, Audrey & Dominique :) :) :)
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Katharine F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise
Arriving near dark was an experience, but after settling in to this stunning setting our extended family had a memorable, fantastic stay in the Waipio Valley. Our group ranged from my 90 year old mother to teenage nephews who enjoyed the nearby waterfalls, walking to the black sand beach, hiking toward the Waimanu Valley and enjoying the fruits of the property. And thank you to Kristi and Sukumar for their attentiveness during our stay. We would love to come back.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Fred A.

Liked: Cleanliness
amazing and an adventure!
a waterfall a 2 minute hike to the right, a black sand beach a 30 minute hike to the left - just wonderful! And a real adventure getting in - you do need a real Jeep - we counted 8 or 9 stream/river crossings to get there (or Sukimar can drive you in and out). Kristi and Sukimar were wonderful hosts and the Valley is spectacular!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019