Recent Guest Reviews

Trip Advisor & Google Reviews

Our guests are enjoying their adventures here in Volcano and on the Hilo side of the island, visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the waterfalls and botanical gardens on the Hilo coast.  

Please see our recent Trip Advisor & Google guest reviews.

June 24, 2019 Reviewed by Rodriquez Mirabal

Top Notch!

 Top notch service in a magical place! The hosts took their time to explain everything and gave us tons of recommendations for activities around Volcano. The breakfast was personalized and the place is just beautiful! If you are a nature lover like I am you will fall in love with this place.

June 11, 2019 Reviewed by g8torPaul

Amazing 4 Day Retreat at the Volcano

We just finished a 3 night stay with 4 people (2 adults + 2 kids) at the Volcano Rainforest Retreat. This place is amazing and would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a getaway and some sight-seeing at the Volcano National Park. We would definitely book this again if we get the chance. I cannot say enough good things about it. Here is a little info on our experience there: 1. Location The place is located in a small rainforest community just outside the Volcano National Park. We spent multiple days exploring the park with some day trips to Hilo and south Hawaii. This was the perfect location for our adventure. There is a small village area nearby which has restaurants, small shops, and art galleries. I can say
that we felt like we were in a remote peaceful retreat but close enough to everything we needed. 2. Accommodations We stayed in the Guest Cottage which was perfect for our family of 4. We slept in the loft and our kids slept on the pullout futons in the living area. The cottage has a full kitchen which was very useful during our stay. Everything in the cottage worked great and was very clean. The room had free WIFI which we used. There was an additional small room for storing luggage and getting ready in the morning which made the whole space very livable. Bathroom/Shower worked great for us. 3. Breakfast We were
provided with ingredients for breakfast in our cottage each morning which included pastries, fresh fruit, eggs, locally made granola, local coffee, tea, milk, etc. This was great. We enjoyed making breakfast each morning and having a few snacks thru out the day. 4. Property The property has a few other cottages and is fun to explore. There is a small sanctuary and outdoor hot tub area as well. The grounds are covered with wonderful plants, trees, and tropical flowers. It is very quiet and peaceful there. The last thing I will say is that the management and owners of this place are wonderful. They made us feel very welcome and were very helpful in guiding us to nearby sights. We changed our original itinerary based on their recommendations and had a great experience. Their 20+ years of experience running this property really shows as they are great hosts.

June 3, 2019 Reviewed by Albert Yonas

Magical Retreat

We just spent two nights at this magical retreat. We don’t know where to begin to describe how delightful and amazing everything was on the property and, especially, our peaceful cottage with its open-air Japanese bath house. Kathleen and Peter provided terrific advice about what to do, where to go, and where to eat in the area.

May 31, 2019 Reviewed by Mike Shauna

ZEN

Amongst our island-hopping planning, spending time on the East side of The Big Island on the volcano was a must. In our searching for a place to spend a couple nights we found Volcano Rainforest Retreat. I’m quite convinced that if you’re in the process of looking at options, you could not ask for a more peaceful, serene place than Volcano Rainforest Retreat to return to from a day of hiking the volcano. All businesses in the area suffered a good amount last year due to the volcanic activity and everything that came with it. Do yourself a favor and book this place and support Peter and Kathleen and all the local places you visit and continue to help them bounce back. The area will pay you back in spades. Thank you Peter and Kathleen for sharing such a beautiful property! Our rental license tag fit quite well.

May 27, 2019 Reviewed by Ying-Kai Chung

I love it very much

It’s so beautiful, we are very honored to be the Taiwanese who lived here in the Dijon group!

I love it very much!

We look forward to visiting again!

 

May 27, 2019 Reviewed by Conny Koch

What a Dream!

Always expect the unexpected and you will get the best – and that’s what happened to us at the “Volcano Rainforest Retreat”! What a dream when you arrive from the spectacular drive from Kona with a visit on Mauna Kea, a short visit to Hilo, into the spectacular world of Volcano. Quiet, tranquil and inviting – the rainforest welcomed us. After a lovely check-in we stepped into our wonderful and unique “Bamboo Guest House” – we were just overjoyed. Kathleen & Peter Golden have done such an incredible job and in every corner you can see the love of detail. Not to forget the basket with the delicious breakfast items and the perfectly equipped kitchen. The whole cottage was simply “home sweet home” and ending the day with a dip in the hot tub in the middle of the rainforest can not be more beautiful. Dear Family Golden – Many thanks for 4 beautiful days which I could spend with my family. All future guests can look forward to a great time and certainly take home an unforgettable travel experience. We can recommend the “Volcano Rainforest Retreat” with full conviction!

 May 20, 2019 Reviewed by GabriellaKay

An Incredibly Peaceful Getaway

Highly recommended! This location is so quiet and peaceful with genuine nature sounds and beautiful trees surrounding the glass windowed hut-like sanctuaries fully equipped with a bathroom, sink, breakfast bar area, nice sized bed, TV and chairs plus a hot tub! It’s everything you need to unwind in one beautiful place. You won’t want to leave. However, the staff also provide a very thorough and helpful orientation as well as map handouts + a binder with everything you want to know and more about activities on the Big Island in case you’re looking for an adventure.

May 19, 2019 Reviewed by Courtney

Beautiful Place!

I stayed at Volcano Rainforest Retreat for five nights and it was just beautiful! Such a relaxing place, peaceful and welcoming from when you arrive, which is reinforced by Peter and Kathleen’s helpful introduction to the retreat and your accommodation. It’s so wonderfully close to Volacnoes National Park, close to restaurants in Volcano, not too far from Hilo, and just a great place to base yourself for exploring the island. I even managed to take a day off exploring and spend a whole day relaxing at the retreat. It’s just paradise, five days wasn’t long enough. I’ll be back for sure.

May 16, 2019 Reviewed by Companion

Beautiful Retreat in perfect location!

What a special place the Volcano Rainforest Retreat is! Right in the rain forest, and so convenient to exploring the National Park! Our hosts were so kind and helpful, provided everything we needed, and gave us great tips about exploring the area, too. We highly recommend this unique and restful place!

May 8, 2019, Reviewed by Minji Hong

We want to visit here again

I stayed in the guest cottage for 3 nights with my family of four, senior parents and a sister. The space was very beautifully designed and thoughtfully organized. Each unit is secluded away from each other to have a complete privacy that made our family feel we’re in the quiet rain forest only dedicated to us. The space is originally designed to serve 2 people, but with the futon bed in the living room area, it served us sufficiently. My favorite aspect was all little touches this space has, furnitures, textile, lights, and objects – everything was designed thoughtfully creating a beautiful vibe into a whole. Kathleen and Peter provided very detailed local information where to check after the volcanic eruption last year, which helped us design our trip across east side of the island. It was thoughtfully hand-picked and written, with image and maps–I took photos of them for my next visit! I highly recommend this place to anyone who want to spend time at the Volcano park, as it’s in close distance, but staying here itself was a satisfying experience to relax and refresh. Thank you so much for your hospitality, we want to visit here again!

Apr 27, 2019, Reviewed by ORDINPEOPLE

Great stay in the rainforest

We stayed for 3 nights in the forest house. We were warmly greeted by Peter and Kathleen and settled into our accommodations in the rain forest. It is very private and we were surrounded by lush and beautiful vegetation. It is extremely private and peaceful. We enjoyed the hot tub and delicious breakfast. Amazing experience.

Apr 20, 2019, Reviewed by IraBernstein

A magical retreat experience

We stayed in the Sanctuary, which lived up to its name. It is an intimate and very beautiful round wooden hut designed by Peter, surrounded by lush rainforest with a wonderful outdoor shower and soaking tub. Peter and Kathleen are warm and caring hosts and provided excellent suggestions for area restaurants and hikes in and around the park. Be sure to order the breakfast quiche provided by a local cafe and friend of Peter’s. The coffee and fruit were excellent. We were very happy to stay at the Volcano Rainforest Retreat and highly recommend it.

Apr 17, 2019, Reviewed by carrietj

Gorgeous and unique

We stayed in the Bamboo cottage, and it’s one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed. There are so many thoughtful details! Every time I though, hey, I wonder if they have a <whatever>, it was there, from decaf coffee to extra blankets. They include a personalized packet with current details about the area, as well as a big binder with info on all the local attractions and even copies of the menus of just about every local restaurant! The landscaping is so carefully done, you really feel alone in your cottage in the rainforest. And being able to luxuriate in the Japanese-style soaking tub, listening to the rain fall on the roof of the little outdoor pavilion, with the trees and bamboo all around, was absolutely glorious!

A note about breakfast and housekeeping: It’s called a bed and breakfast, but it’s sort of in between a guest house, a B&B, and a hotel. The first day, they provide baked goods (as well as spreads for them including peanut butter, jam, butter, etc), lovely local fruit, locally made granola, milk, half and half, coffee, tea, and raw eggs you can cook for yourself. For subsequent days, there’s a small paper menu you can fill out if you need anything replenished or if you want vegetarian quiche (which is really good!), which they pick up when they come in to do housekeeping in the middle of the day. It’s such a nice combination of the privacy of a guesthouse and the luxury of a yummy breakfast provided for you. You can even leave your dirty dishes and they’ll do them when they come in to tidy up! And they’re super accommodating about it. We forgot to fill out our menu one day, and when we returned in mid-afternoon, we found a note asking if we needed anything;  when we called to apologize and ask for quiche, Kathleen was super nice and made sure we had some for the next morning.

 

April 6, 2019, Reviewed by 4carps

Lovely stay

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The rainforest, the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful lodgings that fit right into the surroundings were more than we expected. We were comfortable, well fed and very content during our stay. The hosts were kind and helpful as needed. We stayed in the Forest House and had everything we needed, plus a cozy gas stove. We enjoyed the convenience of the hot tub to our cottage as well.

 

 

 

April 5, 2019, Reviewed by Mary Jane D

50th anniversary trip

Property was awesome! Stayed 4 nights at the Bamboo cottage and wish we were back there right now! Kathleen and Peter are wonderful hosts. Kathleen spent so much time giving us things to do and recommendations on restaurants which made our stay even better. Cottage had everything you need. Locally made granola and Peter’s suggestion on serving papaya were welcomed treats in the morning.

 April 5, 2019, Reviewed by 192330

Hidden gem

Have you ever found something so good that was totally unexpected? Well, that is what our family discovered with the Rainforest Retreat located within the quaint, little town of Volcano! From the moment we arrived we were welcomed with a tour and information about the area given by the owners. The owners thoughtfully took the time to consider our stay, provided homemade and locally grown breakfast items and then actually printed out maps noted with ideas for activities and sights to see with the limited time that we had on Hawaii. In addition to this amazing hospitality, you are surrounded by the beauty of the rainforest, local art and flowers and get to stay in lovely Japanese styled cottages. Unbelievable attention to detail! A definite WIN!

March 28, 2019, Reviewed by David N

Fantastic Getaway!

We appreciated the serene retreat they have created.  There is so much beauty and attention to detail.  Obviously much love was poured into their cottages.  Wish we could have stayed for five nights instead of one!

March 23, 2019, Reviewed by Rhonda S

Wonderful and Relaxing Stay!

We just returned from a wonderful stay at this lovely B&B tucked away in a tropical rain forest. It was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Kona. We stayed in the Forest House and my brother and his wife stayed in the Guest House. Both units were beautiful, equipped with everything one needs for a pleasant stay. After spending the day hiking Volcanoes National Park, we very much enjoyed the private outdoor hot tub. The hosts were very helpful in reviewing all of the property’s amenities, things to do and see and where to enjoy a nice dinner. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again! My only regret is we only spent one night. If I were to plan it again, I would have stayed at least two to fully enjoy the sights in the surrounding area and the property itself.

 

Mar 14, 2019, Reviewed by KTravelsAllAbout

Gorgeous, rustic luxury

The Volcano Rainforest Retreat is tucked away in the rainforest in the little town of Volcano, Hawaii on the big island. We were there for 2 nights. Kathleen and Peter are very helpful and treated us like we were guests in their
own home. We stayed in the guest cottage which is lovely and quaint. Loved the fresh flowers, breakfast in the room, and the general feel of the place. It’s very peaceful!

Mar 13, 2019, Aaron Reding

Amazing Hawaii

This is by far the best place we stayed at in Hawaii! If I did it over again I would have skipped all the other hotels and stayed here the whole time. The Sanctuary Cottage is amazing for two people. Lots of great little details like the really nice bathrobes, perfect breakfast (with good coffee), and the Japanese-style soaking tub and outdoor shower. Thank you Peter and Kathleen!

Mar 6, 2019, Reviewed by Michael A

Paradise Found…

The online description and photos are what convinced us to book our time here…but once we arrived we were blown away. You really do feel like you have been swept away to a magical kingdom. Peter and Katherine have gone to great lengths to create a sacred space to escape to and be refreshed. We had two of the accommodations: the Guest House and the Sanctuary. Both places embrace you with peace and comfort. The Guest House has a full kitchen/living room, attached bath, and loft bedroom. The Sanctuary is  a hexagonal structure with windows all around looking out on the rainforest. There is an outdoor shower and Japanese style soaking tub here…and not far away a hot tub for relaxing at the end of the day. Each place is provide with fresh fruit and assorted pastries for breakfast. We all felt renewed when we left (and only wish we could have said our farewells in person).

 

March 4, 2019, Jessica Popp

Gorgeous!

We loved our stay. Gorgeous setting. Total privacy and completely quiet. The hosts are extremely thoughtful and the little things (like pre stamped postcards to use) made it even more special. Several good restaurants in the area made for a great mix of remote and accessibility.

 

Mar 4, 2019, Reviewed by DavidS336

A little slice of heaven

Nothing earthly compares to VRR. You are totally transported to a heavenly green jungle and spiritual space. Everything is though of for your comfort and peace. What a beautiful beautiful place. Thank you so much for taking such good care of us.

Feb 26, 2019, Reviewed by Innatravels

Incredible gem

This is an incredible place in the middle of a rainforest that’s just a short distance from the national park. We stayed in the sanctuary cottage and it was so lovely. The pictures of the cottage and grounds don’t do it justice. It’s such an experience. The owners gave us so much information on where to visit and eat. They were just the best.

Feb 23, 2019, Reviewed by outdoorsymama

Perfectly done

We were SO glad we stayed at the rainforest retreat…. and wished we could have stayed more than just 2 nights while visiting the national park (less than 5 min to the entrance). from the moment we pulled up and was greeted by the staff and host peter, to the moment we left with a note on our car warning of us of potential severe weather and a wish for safe travels – we felt welcomed with kindness and surrounded by peace and beauty.

My husband, infant son, and I stayed in the forest house and it was just perfect. It has everything you need and felt very much like a retreat with a small gas stove, 2 lounge chairs, a small kitchen table/chairs, meditation pillows, an almost outdoor bathroom, and skylights giving view to the forest canopy and full moon. It felt very private. The breakfast basket had great tasting baked goods and the fridge was stocked with everything else you might want for breakfast – in addition to local mac nut granola, coffee, tea, and honey. I loved how all the dish ware and decor was all from local artists! The grounds are just beautiful and you can feel the effort and energy of the owners in making you feel welcome.

Truly a great place to stay – I hope to return and try a different cottage sometime in the future and would recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful place to stay.

Feb 14, 2019, Reviewed by swisschardfan

Serene and soothing. Skillfully designed.

My husband and I spent 3 nights here in late January. It was the perfect way to begin our 2 week trip to Hawaii. We arrived, exhausted after an all day flight from the East Coast, and the stresses of the trip just washed away. The gas fireplace was much appreciated that evening as it was chilly. That night we fell asleep quickly, listening to the lull of rain hitting the trees.

The cottage is so thoughtfully designed, every amenity we needed was close at hand. Comfortable places to relax were abundant. The kitchen and the basket of breakfast treats were the best; some of the favorite meals of our entire trip were the breakfasts we made ourselves. It was a beautiful place to come back to after a day of sightseeing, it truly felt like home.

It was difficult to leave on our last day, and we found ourselves often thinking about it during our 2 weeks in Hawaii.This is a place where everything falls into place, from the attentive but private service, to the amenities in the cottages, all surrounded by lush rain forest.

Feb 12, 2019, Reviewed by emmatrainor

Incredible space of transformation

Upon arrival to the Volcano Rainforest Retreat, I expected to be treated to a luxurious spot to rest and enjoy near the Volcano National Park for a night. My expectations were far surpassed. Although we only spent one night at Peter and Kathleen’s retreat, we set the intention to fully use the space and time that we did have to be one of healing and transformation, and it was exactly that. The mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion that Peter and Kathleen embody is evident in the architecture, landscaping, and art they have curated that allows people who are fortunate enough to find this magical place the space to relax, contemplate, and evolve. Upon our arrival, we were given a thorough tour of both the property as well as a run down of activities and sites we never would have known about had we not been presented with a guidebook with an extensive amount of information about local restaurants, tours, hikes, and events. While we were there the hot tub was undergoing maintenance, and Peter graciously offered us the Japanese bath that was available in the empty neighboring Bamboo House. We thoroughly enjoyed our late night soak in this cozy spot while gazing at the moon shining through the giant fern trees, admiring the incredible architecture, and mindfully walking the paths while listening to wind chimes and night critters. The gas fireplace, mirrors, and natural lighting via the skylights and floor to ceiling windows in our octagonal forest cottage created a container that felt safe, warm, and immensely beautiful.

The energy of this space is truly magical and offers the opportunity of transformation for those who are open to it. Kathleen, Peter, and the staff that work to keep the retreat space ticking are wonderful people who we thoroughly enjoyed talking with during our stay and can’t wait to visit again. They thought of everything that we could have needed or wished for. Before our departure we enjoyed fresh and local fruit, granola, and coffee in the morning before sharing our gratitude and saying goodbye. I left the Volcano Rainforest Retreat with more insight and inspiration than I had upon arrival in the span of less than 24 hours. If you have the chance to visit this place, do it, you will not be disappointed!”

Feb 11, 2019, Reviewed by Carla K

Magical

This Japanese-inspired retreat delivered a perfect experience on so many levels.  The design and architectural details, along with the lovely furnishings, created a one-of-a-kind visit.  The soaker hot tub provided a relaxing end to each day’s adventures. The multi-angle walls, windows and mirrors created the illusion of staying in a tree house, especially as we enjoyed watching the kalij pheasants wander around.

The staff greeted us enthustiacally and gave very detailed introduction as to how all of the ammenities worked.

The location is extremely convenient to the Volcanoes National Park and the village of Volcano. Some of the park is restricted due to last year’s eruptions,  but this area is very much open for business and welcomes you with open arms.

Highly recommend.

Feb 2, 2019, Reviewed by Julie N

Travel

It was beyond our expectations. The Guest House has been prepared for nothing. Fresh flowers decorate each room. The beauty and tranquility of the place is soothing. What about the breakfast garnished with all kinds of attention. Thanks to Jenny for all the recommendations. We will definitely come back :))

Jan 28, 2019, Reviewed by passerines

Tranquil magic

What a wonderful one-night stay at Volcano Rainforest Retreat. We stayed in the Sanctuary Cottage and loved the lush rainforest setting and the quiet privacy. The outdoor shower and Japanese soaking tub were lovely—so deeply relaxing to soak in hot, hot water, listening to the breeze rustling through the leaves above. The cottage was sparkling clean, and cozy despite the chilly night, thanks to the little electric fireplace and comfy duvet. The owners and staff have considered every little detail. I loved the thoughtfully presented breakfast basket with pastries,
papaya, bananas and limes alongside Peter’s delectable papaya recipe to good Kona coffee and addictive granola to fresh hard-boiled eggs and both dairy and non-dairy milks in the fridge. The property grounds are dark, but the rooms have plenty of small flashlights to guide your path. And speaking of guides, Lisa’s friendly welcome tour of the property provided us with tons of great ideas for things to see and do nearby. Can’t wait to return to this little tranquil haven. A real gem.

Jan 21, 2019, Reviewed by Ernshkin

Treehouse feeling

Nestled in a thick tropical garden with windows all around including from the upstairs loft this place has a real peaceful hideaway in the treehouse feeling. Spotless comfy with everything you need for a relaxing nights sleep and energizing breakfast before a day of volcano visiting. Perfect location near volcano village and park. Lots of advice, maps and written guides provided.

Jan 20, 2019, Reviewed by AbbeyGLA

Magical Volcano Rainforest Retreat 

As part of our Hawaiian Honeymoon, we stayed 3 magical nights at the Volcano Rainforest Retreat. We spent 1 night in the Guest Cottage and 2 nights in the Bamboo Guest House. We loved both rooms! The Guest Cottage was warm and felt like home. Climbing up the ladder to the bed had a luxury tree house feel, but in the middle of the night made going to the bathroom a slight challenge. There’s also access to the outdoor jacuzzi from this room. The Bamboo Guest House was huge, had so much natural light, amazingly soft carpet, gorgeous wood and a private delightful Japanese soaking tub. Both rooms had a kitchen, private bathroom, plenty of space and dreamy flower arrangements. The breakfast in our room was a nice touch. Kathleen, Peter and Jenny were so hospitable and kind. They gave us great ideas of what to do and eat, complete with maps and notes. There is plenty to do in the area even though there is no lava on the island and the government is currently partially shutdown. We spent about a 1/2 day in Volcano National Park, went to the black sand beach (saw hono), went to the green sand beach, saw sunset at Mauna Kea and spent time in Volcano Village and Hilo. Seeing all of these sights wouldn’t have been possible if we were staying in Kona. We were so happy to make our “home base” for this side of the island the very charming Volcano Rainforest Retreat!

Jan 16, 2019, Reviewed by Wanderingnomad81

Pure bliss!

Stayed in the bamboo guest house. One of the most beautiful and peaceful properties I have ever stayed in, a full nature immersion. Kathleen and Peter have created heaven on earth with their retreat. The attention to detail is astounding – great furnishings, accessories, well-stocked kitchen with breakfast items and delicious local fruits. The outside bath is stunning. I extended my stay by one night and would have stayed even longer if I could. Thank you Kathleen and Peter for gifting the world this wonderful property and inviting us into your rainforest home!

Jan 5, 2019, Reviewed by Ben V

Unbelievably great stay at this boutique property

Met Peter the day we checked in Volcano and he showed us around the property he has been working on for 30 years.  The location in Volcano is incredible and the grounds are manicured, full of beautiful plants and animals (and wild chickens!)  Our small cabin had glass walls on all sides with a beautiful outdoor shower and Japanese style hot tub.  We were gobsmacked by how nice the location was. A true hidden gem.  Highly recommend!

Dec 27, 2018,Reviewed by SammyJ826

An amazing retreat

From the moment we pulled up, VRR exuded hospitality. Peter met us immediately and showed us to our cabin. He spent a great deal of time showing us around the cabin, and talking with us about the area (Big Island in general, not just Volcanoes).

The cabin itself is immaculate. Peter and his staff pay an incredible amount of attention to every little detail. It was one of the most impressive stays I’ve ever had. We stayed in the Bamboo House, which, again, is truly amazing. It’s really well appointed, everything you could ever need, and has lots of great art from local artists (you can find much of their work in town).The house itself had a full kitchen, spacious bath, living area, bedroom and closet. Honestly, it felt like renting a 1 bedroom house, instead of just a simple cabin. There is also a private Japanese style soaking tub in the back, for exclusive use if you’re staying in Bamboo.

There were lots of other little things too, Peter and his staff listen for when you leave so they can come in and tidy up. Honestly, it’s the level of service you’d expect from a 5 star, fancy hotel. Breakfast was great — fresh fruit, breads, eggs provided the night before. We loved being able to get up, prepare a quick breakfast together, and get a start to the day, rather than waiting for breakfast to be served. We loved the simplicity, enjoying Papayas using Peter’s recipe. It’s a really great way to start the day.

The property is well located near Volcano Village, and VNP. Lots to do, even if the park has foggy weather (spend as much time on Chain of Craters road as you can, trust me). Also close to Hilo, and right off of 11, which is the major road around the Island, so easy to get to. It was about a 2 hour drive to the Kona coffee plantations, 45 min drive to the Black Sand beach, and 45 minutes to various other Hilo side beaches. About 3 min from the Volcano Village, with some nice restaurants and shops, and about 7 minutes to the park. We were actually really glad to stay away from the crazy tourist traps of Kona, and the city atmosphere of Hilo. This place truly felt like a retreat.