Hawaiian Sanctuary
Location: 13-3194 Pahoa Kalapana Rd, Pahoa, Hawaii, 96778, Pahoa, US
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Bed and breakfasts
About this Property
Relax and Rejuvenate
Indulge in the fitness center, terrace, and garden for relaxation. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi, and get assistance with tours and tickets.
Delightful Dining
Savor a bite at the snack bar/deli at Hawaiian Sanctuary, offering convenience for guests.
Convenient Location
Explore nearby attractions like Pahoa Museum and Star of the Sea Painted Church, just a short drive away. The airport shuttle service and free parking add to the ease of your stay.
To experience tranquility and convenience at Hawaiian Sanctuary, book your stay now!
Important Information
- Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Instructions: There is no front desk at this property. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. If you are planning to arrive after 8 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The host will greet guests on arrival.
Amenities & Facilities
- Fitness facilities
- Free WiFi
- Terrace
- Garden
- Designated smoking area
- Picnic area
- Fitness facilities
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Wheelchair accessible parking
- Snack bar/deli
- Free self parking
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Housekeeping on request
- Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Rooms Available
-
Standard Cabin, 2 Queen Beds
2 Queen Beds
200-sq-foot room with garden views
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, towels, and a shower
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Premium Cabin, 2 Queen Beds
2 Queen Beds
Overlooking the garden
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, and a shower
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- Private bathroom
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Traditional Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Garden View
1 Queen Bed
1615-sq-foot room with garden views
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, in-room sink, and towels
Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Wheelchair accessible
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Standard Room
1 Queen Bed
Overlooking the garden
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, towels, and a shower
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Cabin
1 Queen Bed
Overlooking the garden
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, and a shower
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Private bathroom
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Standard Cabin, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed
1 King Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
Overlooking the garden
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, towels, and a shower
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Premium Cabin
1 King Bed
Overlooking the garden
Food & Drink - Kitchen with cookware/dishware
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, and a shower
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Private bathroom
- Kitchen
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Guest Reviews
- xiaomin (8/5): - Everything is good except for the singing of frogs at night is not good for sleeping
- Samuel (8/5): - All aspects adequate. Relaxed friendly backpacking type site.
- John (6/5): - Noises when cars and trucks go by around the facilities.
- Na (10/5): - Pros: This is our first time staying at a lodge like this, so close to nature, just like camping. You will hear coqui frog whole night & seeing them jumping next to your door step. Animals free roaming, peacocks, ducks, chicken. Kids loved it.
Cons: There is barely any light at night in the Property…so if you come back late, it’s a bit challenging to find your cabin.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Relaxing stay. Hospitality was excellent. The beat way to disconnect from urban life.
- Ronan (10/5): - We were so lucky to find this lovely place while the tsunami alert was in place. The people were so welcoming and helpful.
The setting is delightful and the sound of the birds is so peaceful.
- 401deniellea (8/5): Retreat in a rainforest sanctuary - I had an overall great experience. It was quite the sanctuary in that it was far removed from the small towns nearby and it’s a large property. Even more impressive was the bird sanctuary part of the retreat center and eco consciousness elements. While I had a fantastic time, here are some things to consider if you’re venturing out with them:
-instructions for arrival were not crystal clear so be sure to read your emails in detail after you reserve. Anita, the host, was amazing when we finally met. I was so thankful she was able to upgrade me to a private cabin. I wouldn’t have done well in a lodge room and a shared bathroom
-food at dinner is not available. Thankfully I had a rental car for that. The folks in the kitchen were amazing. Benu, Avery and Zia were lovely.
-the cabin had wasn’t fancy or anything however it was more modern than I’d expected and most importantly it was clean. For being in the middle of a rainforest I was surprised there weren’t tons of bugs or flies.
Michael who was the security for the property was also very kind and friendly. In summary I’d love to come back and would recommend staying here if you’re looking for a retreat from the day to day life and looking to be one with nature.
- Roxann (6/5): - Staying the the Hawaiian rainforest is a unique experience. I think the location is what trumped all my other needs and expectations of a quality stay.
- Sina (8/5): - I enjoyed my stay at The Hawaiian Sanctuary. They have a lot
- Shawn (10/5): - My experience with the sanctuary was wonderful. Very friendly staff and the amenities around the area were great as well. Would definitely stay again!
- Julene (10/5): Not close to Volcanoes - The staff was so friendly. There were lots of animals: peacocks, cats, frogs, geese. We loved it! We booked it to be closer to Volcanoes National Park, without realizing there was no road that cuts across. We had to go amidst to Hilo in order to go back down to the Volcanoes, so it wasn't the most convenient, but we loved the vibe!
- William (10/5): - Wonderful all around experience.
- Raymond (10/5): Great vibe and welcome - Haven’t stayed here for a few years, was pleasantly surprised by a warm personalized welcome and tour and easy registration. The property just so happened to have a fun dance and music event happening, made new friends!
- 75xihuah (10/5): Wildlife experience at this site - The host was very nice, and a text message before we came was very helpful. The free spa and sauna are soothing, and the bed and pillows are soft and clean. Parking is free and is in front of the cabin. In the morning, cups of free coffee are warmly welcomed. Perhaps better cups and soap can be provided in the future.
- XIHUA (10/5): - Very nice people, flet
- Linda (8/5): - Everything cost to much.
- Denys (10/5): Perfect Private cabin - Great private cabin on the property. They moved things around for me when I booked multiple individual days. I appreciated that. Great location.
- Denys (10/5): Wonderful experience - So welcoming from day one. Beautiful property and we had a private cabin. My little daughter was amazed by all the property had to offer and wanted to come back early from our volcano adventures everyday.
- ianaQ5130LI (10/5): Great Place to Stay on East Side of Big Island - A bit out of the way, but a nice location. Great value with several great amenities. Room was very nice and spacious. Very clean. Could be noisy at times, but I have stayed in nosier hotels, so for me at least it wasn't an issue at all but your mileage may vary.
- Y5755CIemmad (10/5): Magical Place - Not just a hotel - a community. I felt so relaxed the second I arrived. The place is beautiful and well kept, and it houses folks staying monthly for courses and internships and what not, so lots of people to talk to. Felt like staying in a social hostel, with the comfort of a hotel. Some other reviews described it as dirty - you have to realize that a space so tucked away in the jungle will naturally have bugs and whatnot. Plus it's a nonprofit doing it's best, so you're not going to get the perfect cleanliness of some luxury hotel in Waikiki. However, I live in the jungle myself and was wildly impressed by how clean everything was. The spa room especially was pristine - and how lovely that you can reserve it all for yourself (do know there's a limit of 1 hour a day, but that's plenty).
The yoga class I took (from Sydney I think?) was so lovely, and the Bee Dance on Friday was fantastic. If you're a young backpacker type, this is the place to be. Lots of locals come from the dance, and it's a great way to meet people (fire going in the back with goodies to eat and drink). Or if you don't love electronic music, it's far enough away from the main building for it not to trouble you - you'll hear some music in the distance.
I'll certainly be back!
- K6541LZbarbarag (10/5): A True Sanctuary - Hawaiian Sanctuary lives up to its name, it truly was a sanctuary. Such a calm, relaxing atmosphere. I enjoyed every minute I was there. From the fragrant flowers and beautiful peacocks, to the soothing sounds of the coqui frogs and gentle rain at night. The people were all very friendly and helpful, my cabin was excellent. I will definitely stay again on my next visit to Hawaii.
- Scott (8/5): - This was booked last minute due to a last minute cancellation for another property.
Beautiful property especially for the earthy type of individual. It was perfect for my needs however I don’t see people staying here that require more of an upscale type of setting. Leaving the room to use the community restroom is probably the only thing that was not too thrilling. All in all it fulfilled my expectations.
- Nora Resendiz (10/5): - This Place it’s beautiful for everyone who loves nature
- Verified traveler (2/5): You get what you pay for - This is not the place to stay if you're looking for basic cleanliness. Unfortunately this place needs to work on their property, but I suppose you get what you pay for. I could not stay here because it was in such bad shape, but had to pay for it, which was disappointing. They had indoor furniture outdoors on the lanai covered in a fine layer of silt, the 'gym' equipment was covered in rust, and the bathroom was filled with flies...I would say it was like camping, but most campsites take cleanliness very seriously, and I could always smell the cleaning products in most camp bathrooms. Also, who puts upholstered couches outside in a tropical rainforest? Thats asking for trouble. This place obviously hasn't used heavy duty cleaning products on anything for a very long time, or done any thorough cleaning in a long time. Not a place to relax.
- 791TracyH (6/5): Simple eco-friendly accommodations in the “jungle” - The onsite manager Lakshmi was very friendly and helpful. Room was simple and sufficient. Shared bathrooms were clean. Nice to have a sink in the room. Wandering the property in the morning amusing to watch the peacocks and chickens. We were there on a Monday night and were the only guests and were only there for 11 hours — didn’t do any classes and left before cafe opened. Another reviewer described it as a step up from camping which I think is accurate
- Nickawanna (10/5): - This property surpassed my expectations for a quiet and restorative retreat. It seems that others who have booked do not read the clearly stated events that are posted and then are surprised. The property goes they great pains to alert travelers before hand. I found their care and communication to be outstanding.
This is a working, biodynamic farm... in paradise. To enjoy yourself fully here is to acknowledge that fact and believe all of the info posted.
I can't wait to go back and will in the Fall.
- Jami (10/5): - Such a beautiful atmosphere for a relaxing stay
- Chasity (2/5): - I did not appreciate that there was a bee dance on the first night of our stay. Which was like a rager and random people coming on property at all times of the night. This was not described in the site. Did not feel safe with my family. I do not recommend for families.
- Elizabeth (8/5): - Poorly set up cabins. Wired unsafely l. Cute and clean and comfy though
- Martin (6/5): - No restroom
- RONALD (4/5): - Came all the way out here from Honolulu to get a nice night’s sleep in the jungle but ended up having the worst night’s sleep I’ve had in a very long time.
When given the key to my room, The Pono, I was also handed a set of ear plugs because they said it’s their weekly “Bee Dance” (something I wasn’t told before booking). Yes, a very loud, booming sound system could indeed be heard off in the distance but I actually found it not over bearing but decent to go to sleep to which I did easily. However, it was when the dance ended at 10:30pm, as promised, that I was awakened by inibriated
- Susan (8/5): - A very enjoyable stay for my holiday in Hawaii. I would love to return there.
- jinglR4811VD (2/5): If you're looking for a good time, skip this place - My family and I checked in on February 17, excited for our 3-night stay in what was supposed to be a Deluxe Premium Cabin, as we reserved. It was advertised on their website with a private bathroom, kitchen, and our own little patio.
Our room given had no windows (yep, ZERO), and it was freezing cold at night—like, 55 degrees freezing. No private bathroom. We had to share with others. No kitchen, no patio, nothing we were promised.
We complained, hoping for the room we booked, but got nowhere. We decided to leave the next day. The hotel said they'd refund us, but now it's February 29, and we're still waiting. They've ghosted us—no replies to emails or calls. We had to get our travel agency to chase down our refund.
Long story short: If you're looking for a good time, skip this place. It's a letdown and way off from what they promise. We learned the hard way to double-check where we're staying next time.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Off-the-Beaten-Path - This location was the perfect spot for an off-the-beaten-path experience! It’s got a cafe, mini farm, hot tub/sauna, a nursery, and so much more. We only stayed one night in one of the cabins and it was excellent. You can hear the rains and the forest sounds right outside your window. The people there were also so friendly, inviting, and warm.
- Ardis (8/5): Peaceful, quiet retreat - This was the best sleep i have gotten in forever. It was so dark and peaceful (coqui frogs and peacocks don’t bother me; they’re like a lullaby from nature). The beds were very comfortable. If you stay in the flower named rooms, you are close to a bathroom and have a sink in your room. The cabins are a little more rustic in that you have to walk to the shared showers and bathrooms. The outdoor showers were lovely and clean. The bathrooms were also clean and usually there wasn’t a wait. The hostess is lovely and inviting. The coffee in the morning was very appreciated and delicious. I wish i had gone to a yoga class. All in all if you don’t mind roughing it a little, and especially if you have even a little bit of hippy free spirit to you, this is a great place to stay!
- Michael Kilohana (10/5): - I really enjoyed my stay, great place
- DayTrip315067 (10/5): low-key retreat - My 19 year-old-daughter and I celebrated my 65th birthday with a 3-night stay a Hawaiian Sanctuary and loved it. We were warmly greeted, by pre-arrangement, by Laxmi who showed us to our room in the main pavillion and gave us a tour of the "campus." The place was clean and super welcoming. Our queen bed room with a sink and mini-fridge was steps away from the nice shared bathroom and the heavenly spa room with sauna, hot tub and shower that we used every day. We cooked our breakfasts and dinners in the kitchen shared with staff and interns which was fun and made us feel part of the community, despite our only staying 3 nights. Easy drives to hot pools on the beach created by the 2018 eruption and a magnificent and very swimmable black sand beach, plus the town of Pahoa with an interesting Lava Zone Museum staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. I highly recommend a stay at Hawaiian Sanctuary Retreat.
- Miladhoseinpour (10/5): One of the best lodgings in Big Island - Hawaiian Sanctuary Retreat Center is truly enchanting, a place where nature thrives in a permaculture haven. The facility offers a magical experience with clean and comfortable rooms, a private spa, and the freedom to explore lush surroundings with peacocks, turkeys, and chickens. The variety of activities, from yoga and ecstatic dances to insightful classes, creates a vibrant and tight-knit community. It was a unique experience for us to stay in Big Island for two nights. This sanctuary is a gem, offering a raw and beautiful Hawaiian permaculture experience, highly recommended for those seeking relaxation and a break from ordinary life. The farm-to-table food, cozy rooms, and engaging activities make it an ideal retreat and starting point for exploration in the heart of nature. I would love to try there again once I'm back to the Island.
- Christopher (10/5): - Booked here for just one night because it was very affordable. Wasn't expecting it to be as much fun as it was! Besides being a beautiful property, there was an EDM dance party going on a short walk from the room. Fun people, great music, free party! The room you'll be staying in is small, and you'll be sharing restroom facilities, but for the price, all the wonderful common areas, the spa, the gorgeous surroundings, and the possibility of live DJs (!) you get far more than you paid for. A wonderful Hawaiian surprise.
- sally (10/5): - Totally quiet!!! Best sleep I’ve ever had!!
No TV no distractions just rest!!!
- Navin (10/5): - Great community and idea. Off grid relaxation
- Irina (10/5): - I had and amazing and peaceful time in Hawaiian sanctuary I like the area and location and very helpful and friendly staff ! Highly recommend this place
- Mehry (10/5): - Great place for nature lover
- Julian (10/5): - 🔥
- Melvin (6/5): Interesting stay - The people were welcoming, rooms were clean but, at our age, we needed an in-room bathroom. Disappointed we had to pay for the coffee after the first cup.
- patriciaeS5144KG (2/5): Everything about this place is weird - Not a sanctuary. Not a farm. Not as advertised. Dirty. No one to greet upon arrival. One step above camping. No breakfast provided. Weird dance and weird music on Friday evening. Over priced for what is provided. I reserved 3 days but left after 1. They asked for my feedback which I provided and I never received a response. Very poor customer service. This feels like a scam 4013c non profit
- Monica (10/5): - I love the surrounding nature around us. Our daughter is very comfortable. And my husband been getting the deep sleep he’s missed.
- 641arielak (2/5): Worst experience of my life - I unfortunately had the worst lodging experience of my life here. Other than the automated emails and texts, everyone was so unwelcoming. No one wanted to help me. My cabin was disgusting: door did not lock, sheets not washed (I could smell the sweat from prior guests), shower not cleaned, hot water only worked some of the time. I let them know that my fire alarm was ripped out but no one cared. Ants were everywhere. There was a man at the cafe who made me feel like a bother, his energy made me want to run. So many people were doing drugs around me, when I looked into peoples eyes I saw such immense depression and a desperation for help. No one cared to help me know of the event calendar so couldn’t even partake in any of the activities. The area it is in is very creative but also very dodgy. I saw 3 brawls during daylight 1 ft in front of me. I went to get food at night, 5 different men kept coming up to me and one even grabbed my shoulder. I went to get breakfast and felt so unwelcomed. Then the chef came in to the front area demanding compensation because I guess they are not compensating her for her services….It was SO upsetting experiencing this because I was so excited coming into my stay from all the great reviews. Maybe this place was great at one point but now, especially if you’re a solo female traveler like me, don’t come anywhere close. This is not a sanctuary. Also, before posting this review I emailed and texted my experience to their general manager and main reservations team and my point of contact at the lodging area…as you guessed, no one cared.
- Mauricio (8/5): - It was awesome!
The only issue was that the smoke detector was not disconnected.
- 393nehap (10/5): Magical place - Just spent a blissful few days at the Hawaiian Sanctuary. We only booked 2 nights since this was out of our normal vacation experience so thought we would check it out. Let me tell you, it was too short! The premises is beautiful, lush and so full- full of good energy, full of great character! The sense of community was so beautiful. In particular the community kitchen was awesome - the current chef Lindsay is a hoot! His persona and energy and life story is so inspiring! If you like to live free and experience solitude this is the place for you. Very basic yet enriching. Stay with an open mind
- Taranjeet (6/5): - It's a nice property, and the people there were VERY NICE and HELPFUL however, our stay was not pleasant. It was very noisy as there was a party/event which was noisy until at least 10 pm, and our room did not have AC therefore we kept the window opposite to this party open room to provide airflow and to keep this room somewhat cool. And after the party, we would hear animals, which was nice at first but when you are trying to sleep, it was just annoying. We didn't get much sleep that night.
We were there just to pass the night and fresh up for the following day and we knew that bathroom would be shared and there would be a sink in the room, which was not the case and the shared bathroom was dirty and not maintained, the shower head did not have any presure, it was rusted. Although the people were amazing, I would not stay here again.
- Jeremy (8/5): Pure Sanctuary - Checked in later in the evening and was pleasantly greeted even after the posted check in time.
Spa was relaxing and perfect for recovering from a long day and hike.
Sanctuary was exactly what was needed
- Razz (2/5): - Do not recommend. Owner has been notified about bed bugs, but does not care to do anything about them.
- VIrina (10/5): Great place - This is a really magical place. You have to stay there and see for yourself. The nature is thriving there, everything is so green and beautiful. The peacocks, turkeys and chickens and walking around freely in this permaculture heaven. The coquis songs are a nice touch at evenings. There’s yoga and ecstatic dances. The facility is great with a private spa and clean comfortable rooms, showers etc. The interns and employees are friendly. Go see for yourself!
- Verified traveler (2/5): - We were informed the morning after our arrival that we had to leave. We were told we could go to the kitchen for breakfast, and the people staying there were very rude. The only nice person was Brenda, who tried to help us figure something out.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - The toilet was not done, walking to the shared one is not convenient. Complimentary breakfast doesn't look good.
- tessla_car (10/5): Interning at the Hawaiian Sanctuary - I was an intern at Hawaiian Sanctuary this summer and really enjoyed this unique experience. Even though I was interning in the Media and Marketing department my schedule allowed a lot of flexibility, letting me work in the garden and farm-to-table kitchen. Through doing so I learned how to make bagels, cacao, granola, fresh fruit smoothies, and dehydrated fruits. I can also say that I had the best sleep here for a long time. Because the sanctuary is so secluded there was not an ounce of light pollution to block the beautiful starry skies and soft rains during the night would put me right to sleep.
While here I got to take so many amazing, yoga, hula, and Pono (Hawaiian) Wisdom classes, all for free as part of my internship. Although the job requires interns to pay rent, I got deductions in cost by working extra hours in the Elixir Bar on site and doing other tasks outside of my job description. Also, I was able to manage my hours so that I was able to get my weekends free. In the area there are so many super fun things to do like go to the Palace Theatre in Hilo, Nicoco’s Vegan Ice Cream in Pahoa and Hilo, Two Steps Beach in Captain Cook, Kehena Beach, Uncle Robert’s on Wednesday nights, and the vibrant farmers markets found all over the area most days of the week.
This raw and beautiful experience brings about a tight-knit community among the interns and staff that I really appreciated during my time here. Biweekly meetings and other mandatory classes ensured that everyone was always on the same page and ready for the week.
I so appreciate my time at the Hawaiian Sanctuary because it was so unlike anything else I had ever come across. I highly recommend interning here for a well-rounded Hawaiian permaculture experience.
- Lnmagnee (6/5): Not My Idea of a Sanctuary - Hawaiian Sanctuary's website repeatedly mentions "refuge," "rejuvenation," and "rest." They should add "rave"--a party with loud music and laser lights. The room information does include a warning, but I don't think the intensity is clear. "On Friday evenings and Sunday mornings we host local, community dance events which bring large crowds and amplified music. " Electronic music is blasted from 7-11 PM. The shared bathroom was missing toilet paper the following morning. The website also mentions, "We are a working farm and have many birds that can make loud sounds throughout the day and during the night." There is a peacock that loudly squawks before 6 AM. The continental breakfast includes fruit and granola (made with honey). The room was clean, but there was no trash can or hooks to hang wet towels and clothes. There are no lights on the outside of the cabin or bathroom, so bring a flashlight to walk in the dark. One night, I was using the shared shower and the electricity went out, so the light turned off and the water turned cold. The hot tub was nice, though. Overall, I would not stay again unless they make improvements, and definitely not during a "community dance event."
- Verified traveler (4/5): - This property was not as described -- it is an intentional living community, with multiple somewhat makeshift buildings surrounded by the newer cabins. Our cabin itself was clean and comfortable, but there are only shared bathroom facilities in a separate building with outdoor showers, which was unfortunate as it was pouring rain our entire stay. The sauna and spa looked new and clean but were completely on the opposite side of the property. The night we arrived, they were hosting a "bee dance" (which sounded essentially like a techno-style rave) until 11 pm, which was quite loud with flashing lights and only 10 yards from our cabin. No air conditioning, internet access was unavailable except in the shared lounge space, and cell service was spotty on T-mobile though Verizon was workable. We were sent a long text the day before arrival, with rules for the community (including no meat being allowed in the shared kitchen spaces), instructing us to call so we could be met when we arrived, but this person never answered or returned calls. We got a tour from a helpful member of the community when we arrived, however. Overall, if we had been prepared for the nature of the facility it might have been acceptable, but it was not at all what we were expecting from the description.
- Christopher (4/5): Lava flow rain forest cabin for the bold - This was not a hotel but more of a camp with some nice small cabins. Ok for a night or two for exploring the lava flows. It’s BYO for cooking. Not great for disabled or elderly.
- P8986JEpaolob (10/5): great experience - very nice and clean room in an amazing location, there are several points of interest in the close proximity of the sanctuary. the staff is very helpful and friendly an prepare and amazing breakfast. we really enjoyed our time there
- joganika (10/5): Individual retreat at Hawaiian Sanctuary - I had a great time at the Hawaiian Sanctuary. I traveled alone for a solo 3-weeks retreat and enjoyed the complementary program they offer - yoga classes, dance classes, ecstatic dance and other events (all free for guests). There is also wonderful spa with the view of the jungle. The rooms were very cozy and clean, the guest service was superb. I loved their healthy farm-to-table food (lots of veggies and local fruits, smoothies, quinoa, eggs). You really get there the experience of living in the Hawaiian eco-community, as the yoga classes and events serve also to locals. I found there lots of great people.
It is a great please if you want to relax or just need a break from ordinary life. Also great starting point for trips (but make sure you have some time just to hang out in the Sanctuary as they have a lot to offer). If you need something, the charming small town of Pahoa is just 1,2 miles away, in a comfortable walking distance. Kehena black sand beach is 13 miles away, if you continue the Kalapana-Kapoho Road from there, you can hike on the new lava fields (start at Mackenzie State Recreation Area). I would definitely recommend that and some other places - Volcano national park, Hawaiian beaches, the visit of the Green Sands Beach is also worth it.
- myrativos8 (8/5): Great retreat near Puna, very accommodating after necessary check out of Kalani - We had checked in to nearby Kalani for our vacation but that experience was so sub par we left on day two and checked into Hawaiian sanctuary. The management were very helpful, welcoming and accommodating. Accommodation was basic but clean and modern. Facilities were excellent and food great but most importantly this was the eco Hawaiian vibe we had been hoping for - highly recommend.
Photos