My husband and I are connected to our careers and our iPhones 24/7. Absolute Paradise proved to be just what we needed not only because of the sun, the hospitality and the accomidations, but because we couldn't reliably access the outside world without some effort

The location at first felt a bit remote, but after 24 hours we realized how ideal it is. You can walk to the black sand beach or drive to tidepool snorkeling, Volcano National Park or any number of incredible spots.

There's little to no cell phone reception and the wireless is pretty weak (especially if you stay in the suite as we did). This allowed us to simply turn off our devices and honestly relax.

The owner, Didier, took wonderful care of us. He was there to offer recommendations and conversation when we needed it, but he wasn't overinvolved like some B&B hosts can be.

We stayed for 9 days and each morning set off on a new adventure to a different part of the island. I know Kona gets the resorts and cruise ships, but honestly I cannot image staying there. I know our view of the island would have been much different had we decided to stay there.

We came to really love the tiny town nearby, Pahoa and discovered some really wonderful restaurants (there's a Thai place and a Tuscan place that you must try).

One note about booking in the suite, the space is odd but wonderful. One of the best features though is the outdoor shower. You'll find MANY reasons to like it... we certainly did ;)

Our recommendations:
-Book a Kayak/snorkel trip at Capt Cook for a day with Aloha Kayak Co (3 hour drive over and 3 hour drive back, so its a day trip). Book for John as you guide.
-Ask Didier about the beach to see the turles and go there
-Fly with Safari Air out of Hilo on a helicopter tour of the volcano and waterfalls (Capt. Curry)
-Make reservations at the Hilo Bay Cafe in Hilo for one of the best foodie experiences anywhere in the state.
-Snorkel at the Kapoho Tidepools
-Buy a bottle of wine each night on your way home, open it and enjoy sitting in the hot tub at Absolute Paradise - there is no better place to take in the stars.

A word of warning, bring ear plugs because the invasive frog species on this part of the island can get very loud at night...but as my husband says, can be part of the charm as well.

Bottom line if you want to unplug, meet wonderful people (of all ages, couples, singles, from all over the world) and have a great home base for seeing the Big Island... Absolute Paradise should be on your list.

However if you are looking for all inclusive, total luxury, always plugged in and no driving - book somewhere else (and know you are missing out on something special).

stayed here with my boyfriend in august and loved it. spectacular location and home. we could see the glow from the volcano our first night and immediately fell in love. if you want to get away from it all, this is the place. kehena beach is like a fairy tale. thanks to didier for making our stay a memorable one.

My partner and I just got back from a week-long trip to the Big Island. We spent two nights at Absolute Paradise B&B, and I definitely wish we could have stayed at least one more night. The house is big, clean, bright and very well furnished. The owner is extremely friendly and helpful...but not overbearing at all. He let us borrow some snorkeling gear, and encouraged us to try out the local snorkeling...which was breathtaking...and in some ways better than the Kona snorkeling. I don't have anything negative to say about the place. It's remote, but all the amenities are nearby...so it's the best of both worlds. It was a place to unplug and enjoy being on vacation. People don't walk around Puna starring at their smart phones like they do in the resorts on the other side of the island. If you want the big resort scene, go to Kona or somewhere else on the other side of the island. If you want a jumping off point for the tropical side of the island, this is a great bet. I really hope we make it back for another stay. We stayed in the Ocean Breeze room, and I would choose that room again.




We stayed over a Thursday and Friday night at the beginning of October. The first night

If you want an escape from the hustle and bustle of life and want to experience truly local culture, visit this spectacular b&b. Didier (the host) greeted us and helped unpack the car, loaded with all we thought we'd need for 8 nights on our Big Island adventure. We were continually reminded of old travel wisdom, bring half of what you think you'll need and twice as much money, though the money part wasn't true. The house is a gem, tucked away in an Ah'a lava field, and a 15 minute walk to Kehena (black sand nude) beach. The Ocean Breeze room was perfect, with its ensuite blue tiled full bathroom w/shower, windows facing the trade winds, and plenty of closet/dresser space for those that packed for the island's 11 or so ecological zones (14k ft elevation to sub-marine possibilities). Didier provided a 'do-it-yourself' breakfast each morning, perfect for those that want to be up and at'em before the sun, as well as those that want to laze about. Locally produced fruits and coffee were a staple, as were bagels, yogurts and cold cereals. His decade-long tenure on the island and the b&b owner has enabled him a 'cruise director' status, with volumes of information in his head. Put your guide books away and take out a notebook as you share your morning coffee with him.

Be sure to stop by the grocery in Pahoa on your way to the house and stock up on and adult beverages you might enjoy, as well as poke (po-key) and locally produced veggies. After spending much of our days touring about the island, we returned to poolside at the house for cocktails, a swim, and a nap. Dinner whilst at Absolute Paradise is up to you, but the restaurants in Pahoa shouldn't be missed. It's a 12 mile drive from the house, and while the town doesn't boast much curb appeal, the food is amazing (Thai, Italian, and Mexican... ask Didier for the names).

If you want to be in touch with the outside world while at the house, manage your expectations to having only WiFi available (land-line in the house, as well). If you're an a-type personality that can't unplug, look elsewhere. The lack of cell service and limited accessibility is nearly impossible to find today, and that reason alone was a huge draw for us. No annoying cell conversations by poolside!!

Night time at the b&b is magical, with nightly glimpses of the milky way, let alone the millions of other stars covering the sky, viewed from a hot soaking tub. The only sounds are the wind, coqui frogs and crickets. The fellow gay travelers we met were of similar minds, those wishing to unplug, and were a delight making evening and morning conversations even more delightful. if we're back on the big island for any length of time, we'll definitely return to Absolute Paradise.