Puna ZEN Botanical Garden Retreat near Volcano Nat. Park, Hilo, Kehena Beach

Although the online photos accurately show this is a beautiful property, they do not reflect the overall rental experience. Unfortunately, the owner's extensive rules and monitoring made our stay feel more stressful than relaxing.We arrived on a very warm day to find the house hot and humid, with all the windows open and no clear instructions for operating the A/C. While searching for information, we found a lengthy house manual filled with strict requirements and additional fees that were not clearly communicated beforehand.One of the more concerning policies stated that if the A/C was left running while guests were away from the property, there would be a 30 per day “convenience fee,” and that A/C usage was being monitored. That felt uncomfortable and overly controlling for a vacation home.Additional rules:No shoes in the houseStrict composting and recycling requirements, including no food allowed in the trashInstructions to manage leftover compost, not only from ourselves, but also from previous guests.Specific instructions on where to place the pillows from the bed we were not using.No sleeping on top of the comforter.A 10 per load charge for use of the washer and dryer.Individually, some of these requests may not have been unreasonable, but together — and especially in the tone they were presented — they made us feel more like we were being supervised than welcomed guests on vacation. Future renters should be aware of the rules

Misleading description and disappointing experienceThe listing advertises “no hidden fees,” but there were additional charges not disclosed upfront. There is a 10 fee per load of laundry and a 30/day charge if air conditioning is used while you are out, with usage reportedly monitored. The kitchen is described as “fully equipped” and suitable to “cook up a feast,” but only one burner on the electric stove was functional. This issue should have been disclosed prior to arrival. The microwave is very small (unable to fit a standard dinner plate), there is no rice cooker, and one of the two TV trays was broken. Preparing meals required significantly more time and effort than expected.There were also cleanliness and maintenance concerns. There's mold in multiple areas of the living room, and bugs were present throughout the space. Also had a problem with pricing transparency. I booked for two guests, later added a third and let he owner know upon arrival, I was immediately told there would be an extra 15/day fee, totaling 90, I checked the booking platform, the price difference between two and three guests was significantly lower. When I asked if this fee could be reconsidered given the issues during the stay, the request was declined.

Property was very welcoming and decorated with lots of aloha! Property has everything you need to enjoy time in and on the water.

The house was difficult to find, GPS brings you next door so the neighbors helped us find the house. Phone went to voicemail when I called for help but messages was active. The house was nice, clean but my biggest issue was we booked the house for the AC (which was actually just 1 mini split in the living room) but it had not been turned on all day so the house was a stifling 78 degrees upon arrival. We turned the AC on it was locked out at 70. We like it very cold when we sleep and instead was sweating to death. I tried to explain to the host that he should have posted that AC was controlled with app and that there was a 30 charge to use during the day. There was 1 box fan and 2 bedrooms so 1 group did not get fan. I did not feel that I was respected by the host, I was told that the climate was good and most people don’t even use AC when I asked to drop it below 70. I’m not other people and I wanted to use the AC. Otherwise the house had lots of rules, I’m glad we just did a sleepover and most things did not apply to us but I’ll share the pics of the rules since the host did not. And last by not least this house is NOT near Volcano National park, it’s about 35/40 minutes away. If you love hearing nature and sweating while you sleep this is the place for you. If you like things convenient, quiet and cool this is not the place for you. Overall it’s a very cute house, I just feel the listing needs to be clarified.

This is a beautiful property that is out in the country and makes you feel like you are out in nature with all the sounds of the frogs and birds around you. It is a comfortable place where you can relax after a long day of site seeing. We enjoyed our stay.

Beautiful island home. Very well maintained and equipped.

Amazing location and an amazing stay in a beautiful well maintained home nestled in what feels like the Hawaiian tropics. With dozens of exotic fruit trees on the property to unique flowers, palms and night time tree frogs, this location is truly a unique and memorable spot. It is very central to many locations in the Hilo area including the National Volcano Park. We only stayed TWO days as we were traveling on the other side of the island, but wish we could of stayed longer. The host - Arthur was very kind and even gave me a complete tour of the property and brought some fresh fruit to our front door. 5 STAR location all the way thru. Looking forward to another visit in the future.

Wonderful island flair decorated beautifully. Spacious and airy, no need to use AC. Beds were very comfortable with lovely linens. Kitchen was large and well stocked and eco-friendly with composting and recycling. Outdoor amenities included beach chairs, boogie boards, kayaks, life preservers, etc. Heavenly gardens with flowers and many fruit trees. Quiet neighborhood with easy access to all nearby sites. We loved our stay.

We had a great time at this place. The place was very clean, abundantly stocked, and neatly organized.The garden was very beautiful with a variety of plants and flowers and it felt as if we were in the middle of a tropical forest.We had a memorable stay and will certainly return and recommend to others!

This home was the most amazing, gorgeous, clean tropical paradise imaginable! It was like staying in our own Botanical garden and Arthur even showed us a few fruit trees we could eat from!! There were all sorts of convenient things like beach chairs, coolers, towels, boogie boards, etc! We couldn't have asked for a better stay. Very well-appointed too. Thank you for sharing your oasis with our family, Arthur! We'll be back for sure!

We enjoyed this property! It was inviting and felt like we were home. Arthur, the property owner, was an amazing host offering ideas on where to swim and visit. We highly recommend the ZEN Retreat!

We had a great stay at Puna Zen Retreat. It was the perfect place to experience the big island away from the crowds and close to Volcanoes National park, waterfalls, and a wonderful Keaau farmer’s market. Arthur had everything we could have needed during our stay from meal prep to beach gear to recommendations for activities, and the best guidebook waiting on the coffee table. We appreciated all of the small touches like coffee in the pantry, fresh fruit from his trees, and a couple of friendly chats. We would definitely recommend!

Loved our stay! Down n dirty Wins Location , park like yard, en-suite, dishwasher, big main bath, so many extra outside beach gear, high end comfy bed, option for air (not needed, see below), privacy, labeled lights/remotes Opportunities Washer 10$/load, should be listed so renters don’t count on using it Updated toaster oven Labeling cupboards/drawers Cooler, ice packs 4 ⭐️ for cleaning, was fine but not up to our normal standards Hubby n I flew in to Kona so we had to drive across the island & hence We checked in very late in the dark but thankfully the car port was light up and made it easier to find (since Google stops you next door!). At first we were concerned that the air wasn’t on and everything was open but we soon found out air was not needed. The fresh air and cool breeze was perfect with the ceiling fan. The master bed n pillows were so comfy. The small porch off the master was great to sit on and enjoy coffee and the beautiful yard. We loved the beautiful vibrant colored geckos who came to visit us on the porch and we wanted to tape the frogs so we could play it all night at home! So peaceful. The place is definitely big enough for 2 couples or family of 4.n Plenty of seating and large bathroom n shower with good pressure. Neighborhood was quiet and it was perfect location for us because we wanted to see the volcano park and the Hilo attractions and it was smack in the middle. Gas n groceries nearby. Host very responsive n helpful.

After spending 10 days in the business of Oahu, this was the perfect, most peaceful house to relax at. My only regret is we didn't get to stay longer. The bedrooms and bathrooms are spacious and the living room has a comfortable sleeper sofa as well. Check-in and house instructions were clear and the entire property was beautiful. The house is also located in a quiet neighborhood away from busy streets. This is a great house for families and we hope it's available next time we're back on the Big Island! Thank you!

Loved having space to spread out in this home. Being from Texas we enjoyed the opportunity to sleep with windows open (the house has an A/C unit) but we opted for the natural breeze. We miss the coqui frogs serenading us to sleep and loved them so much we recorded them! Arthur was great with communication and even made it possible for us to check in early. It was an easy drive to Hilo, the Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea. We even drove down to Punalu’u black sand beach and South Point. Would definitely stay there again!

Wonderful gem of a place to stay. Owner was close by friendly and helpful though not intrusive. Highly recommend.

Wonderful home. Great location. Very quiet neighborhood.

Great place to stay with your family!

very clean, host was super responsive, felt like home - would definitely rent again!!

We truly enjoyed our stay. Clean. Two bedrooms. Two bathrooms. Enjoyed watching a movie after a full day of sightseeing. Highly recommend

Great place equipped with everything we needed for our short stay in the area. Loved looking out the windows at the lush vegetation. Conveniently located in between Hilo and Volcano and bear other local places to eat.