We stayed here during Spring Break with our 3 young kids in the 2 bedroom cottage. The views are breathtaking from the balcony and there is nothing like watching the sun come up over Waipio Valley. We traveled with a 3, 6, and 13 year old and they all found plenty to keep them busy during our stay. The orchard was a great place to explore and pick some fresh fruit everyday. My kids absolutely loved waking up to the rooster every morning. We'd hear them giggling every morning and when we asked them what was so funny they would tell us it was the rooster. Living in a very large city this was all new to them. They would go out in the mornings and play with the dog that always seemed to be hanging around and wagging his tail and they would gather fruit and look for chicken eggs. Sarah, the owner, is just sweet as can be. She let us borrow beach chairs and boogie boards so that all the kids could play in the ocean and she even had a closet of toys in the cottage to keep them busy. The tv reception is pretty nonexistent up there but she was nice enough to let us borrow a dvd player so that the kids could watch a movie to unwind in the evenings (Hawaii is a 5 hr time difference from home). If there is a down side it would be that since you are on the wet side of the island it does rain a lot and there is a lot of moisture in the air/cottage. Also, the bugs seem to be a bit bigger than what we are accustomed to but we only saw 3 all week so it wasn't bad at all. All in all I would definitely consider staying there again. I think the best part about it is that it is located centrally on the island so it only takes about an hour to reach Hilo on one side and an hour to reach Kona on the other side. That makes planning your days a whole lot easier. Oh, and if you go you must try the pizza place in Honakaa. It is delicious but remember to bring cash as they do not accept plastic of any kind. Enjoy your stay!!!

I recently stayed at this lovely place and had a marvelous time. The view is stunning, peaceful and quiet. Sarah, the proprietor is gracious and welcoming. I found the accommodations immaculate & well maintained. This is the tropics so for those who can't stand the thought of insects - stay home.

We stayed 4 nights at Hale Kukui's 2-bedroom guest unit in March '08. One morning over coffee on the lanai I thought about the Nov. '07 Trip Advisor review which quite forcefully put down Hale Kukui. There is such a big difference between those who want all the ameneities of a resort and those who wish to experience a 'homey' lifestyle. While listening to the birds, looking across the orchard to the ocean and thinking about that review I thought, "I could so-o-o-o see myself LIVING in this place!" In a nutshell, this is what a guesthouse offers vs. a resort. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and went on to 4 nights in Puna and 6 nights near Capatin Cook- again in guesthouses and again enjoying our experiences.

My husband and I live on the Big Island and have made Hale Kukui Orchard Retreat our special get away destination. Our favorite unit is the Cottage, where the views of, Waipio Valley and the N. Kohala coast are breathtaking! The entire view is on display anywhere you are in the unit and lanai.
The Cottage has it all. Beautiful decor, clean and spacious, King bed etc.
If you are like us and need to unwind in a peaceful, natural setting away from crowded resorts, this is the place.
Mahalo to the owner for creating our home away from home!