Property Description
✿ The Bungalow is a great retreat and safe haven from the stress of every day life. It's a peaceful, tranquil, hidden sanctuary in a lush tropical rainforest, yet close to town and beaches!
✿ We are a licensed vacation rental and charge/pay hotel accommodation tax and State taxes as required by law.
✿ If you need zooming fast WiFi for work or school, this is property is probably NOT the best choice. WiFi is available but can be VERY SLOW.
✿ PRIVATE TWO BEDROOM BUNGALOW ✿
The bungalow features a master bedroom with a queen-size bed and a very large, island-style, open screen back bedroom which can accommodate extra guests/family on two twin beds and a bunk bed. In total, sleeps 6. This is a true island-style accommodation with large OPEN (screened) areas so you can feel the tropical breezes 365 days a year and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature and tropical rains on a metal roof. Some may refer to this as ‘glamping’ and our guests say it’s one of their best vacation rental experiences ever, and an unforgettable and memorable stay.
25-acre property with a host house and the separate Bungalow. The property is very lush and green year-round with jungle foliage, tropical flowers, and fruit trees. The Bungalow is very private and feels secluded from the rest of the world and gives you that far away feeling from other tourists and the noise of downtown. Conveniently located in a very small neighborhood with easy access to downtown, shops, local attractions, and eateries. It's the perfect retreat for nature lovers and those who want to find some tranquility and regain some serenity.
✿ BUNGALOW IS PERFECT FOR ✿
- Solo Travelers: Who want something besides a stuffy hotel room
- Couples and Honeymooners: It's secluded, private, unique, and romantic.
- Families: Bungalow was designed for families and has a large kids room, separate from mom & dad
- Girlfriends/Single ladies: Who want a safe and peaceful space
- Merrie Monarch visitors/performers - just 8 minutes to the performance venue
- Small groups: Runners/hikers/backpackers/cyclists touring the island
- Univ. Hawaii: Families visiting or new students transition into the university
- Budget travelers: Who want to split the cost with friends/family
- Small scuba diving groups: Hey we’re divers too, need a dive buddy? Ask Mike!
- Business travelers: Who want something larger than a hotel room that is homier and relaxing with a kitchen and private back yard to relax.
- Nature lovers and serenity seekers - no better place than the bungalow!
- Artist, Writer, or Photographers retreat - peaceful and quiet
- Those who want to a quiet hideaway from other tourists and noisy downtown
- Adventurers who want to experience a living tropical rain forest without getting wet or eaten alive by mosquitoes!
✿ MASTER BEDROOM ✿
Master bedroom has a comfy Queen size bed, large closet with lots of hangers, luggage rack, ironing board/iron, cozy robes, and laundry basket. It’s open and airy, or can be closed off for privacy from other guests/family/friends.
✿ BACK BEDROOM ✿
Is very large (20' x 20') and easily sleeps, four additional people. Backroom has a bunk bed and two twin beds. The room has two large closets with shelves and pull out drawers, and some cozy seating. The two twin beds can also be used as couches/seating/lounging.
The backroom bedroom is island style and has two walls and ONLY SCREENS on two sides (no windows that close). Side doors are screen doors with chain locks. This back bedroom has privacy curtains. It's tucked away in the back, so still private from the rest of the house. Neighbors are quite far away and all the rooms are totally private.
The large screened areas provide an AMAZING rainforest experience, tropical breezes, and beautiful garden views in true open-air Hawaiian style.
✿ KITCHEN ✿
Is a compact/efficient kitchen and has all the necessities to make a quick meal including large microwave, apartment size fridge, coffee pot, pots and pans, dishes, toaster, electric skillet, electric tea kettle, rice cooker, and new two-burner induction cooktop. There are some very basic food staples in the cupboards - help yourself.
✿ BATHROOM ✿
The bathroom is full-sized with a large countertop, sink and large mirror. Has a separate toilet and shower area that has a pocket door for privacy. Lots of towels located in back closets. Shower is full-sized with a handheld showerhead, great for rinsing off sandy feet and toes. Has eco-friendly solar water heater.
✿ LIVING ROOM ✿
Includes a settee/love seat, chair, and coffee table, small narrow table and two chairs to enjoy morning coffee or quick breakfast. There is also a window seat in a large bay window that looks out to the lush garden. Cozy, functional, and plenty of seating for up to six guests.
✿ GARDEN VIEWS ✿
Enjoy the rainforest from all rooms in the bungalow and be amazed by giant fern trees, coconut and mango trees, and tropical foliage and flowers. Guests have access to a side garden as well, that has beautiful orchids and flowers, or the back yard which is a large grassy area, perfect for kids to run around and play.
✿ PRIVATE GUEST BACK YARD/GARDENS ✿
The bungalow has a very large private back yard. Large grassy area for kids to hunt for Coqui frogs at night.
✿ ECO-FRIENDLY ✿
A solar water heater provides on-demand hot water, but please note, this is a 1/2 sized water heater. We encourage guests to conserve island resources and take short showers.
✿ ELETRIC VEHICLES✿
We do not offer charging of electric vehicles due to the high cost of electricity on the island. There are charging stations in town.
✿ JUST ISLAND BREEZES ✿
There is no air conditioner in the bungalow, but open screened areas, new ceiling fans provide ample airflow all year round. The bungalow has three ceiling fans, although the unit gets great airflow and breezes through the large open screened areas.
✿ SMOKING/PETS ✿
We have a STRICT NO smoking/NO pets policy to ensure the comfort and health of all future guests. You can smoke outside in designated bungalow gardens or guest back yard, just please dispose of any butts. This policy includes ESA pets.
we pay for the highest speed with the best provider, it's still slow.
✿ TV/Cable ✿ Bungalow is a TV-Free Zone, hey you're on vacation, relax, or read a good book, spend quality time with each other and detox from electronics.
✿ LAUNDRY ✿ Guest laundry is NOT available on site it's but only 5 mins. to laundromat
✿ AIR CONDITIONING ✿ Not needed - island breezes will keep you cool.
✿ OVEN/STOVE ✿ No standard stove/oven, 2 burner induction cooktop is available or use the large electric skillet.
✿ DISHWASHER ✿ No, my solution is 'eat out' or pick up some local food!
✿ HEATING ✿ Not needed.
✿ Price ✿
Price is for DOUBLE occupancy. Additional guests, including children, can be added for a MINIMAL charge - we want to be affordable for families, but lots of laundry/ water is very costly.
WARNING: when you book for a set amount of guests and show up with additional guests without notifying host of added guests, we will be adding an additional charge of 100$ per extra person. Children do not stay for free.
✿ Check-In/Checkout Times
Check-in is 2:00 pm, check out is 11:00 am SHARP. I may be able to be a bit flexible, depending on if there are other guests going out or coming in. CHECKOUT TIME is 11:00 SHARP, as we typically have back-to-back bookings and we need time to clean the bungalow.
✿ Kids and Babies
We LOVE kids and kids are most welcome. We applaud parents who gift their children with unique travel experiences! But please do not leave children alone in the Bungalow and please supervise children at all times while they are playing outside. ✿
We are in a real, live, and living tropical rainforest and Hawaii's natural fauna/critters, including gecko's and insects, sometimes invite themselves in - it's part of the rainforest experience and we don't charge extra for this. Gecko's and small lizards love the inside of the Bungalow and it's hard to keep them out, plus they eat bugs/mosquitos/gnats! If you are squeamish about gecko's and small lizards hanging out with you inside, this accommodation is probably not for you - it's okay, the geckoes won't take it personally!
✿ COQUI FROGS✿
The frogs are ✿ VERY LOUD ✿ at night - EVERY night, without fail. If it's raining, they are especially loud. Some people find their love songs soothing and comforting (like white noise), but others may find their nightly songs downright annoying. a. earplugs) for all adult guests, and you'll find them on your bed when you arrive. Keep them. They are great for the plane ride home.
✿Mold✿
We live on the rainy side of the island, and it is damp, rainy, with very high humidity, which is typical for a tropical rainforest. Airborne molds are everywhere, and under these conditions, they thrive and multiply on this side of the island during the very wet months. While we can control it within the bungalow, we can not control it outside. Due to the open-air screened areas, airborne molds may be present (though not visible) in the Bungalow. Those with severe mold sensitivity issues should consider staying on the Kona side, where the climate is not as wet, damp, humid, and rainy.
✿Cats ✿
We currently have 15 cats. They are feral but we love them as our own and care for them. We ask that you do not feed them as we have established a feeding regime that keeps them useful and fed.
Registration Number: GE-142-810-1120-01, TA-142-810-1120-01
User Reviews
Terry H.
Feb 11, 2025
The lower bunk bed mattress needs replaced. It is completely worn out and this adult slept in a trench for three nights. Bathroom needs deep cleaning to include removing and replacing molded caulking.
Dave and Beth B.
Jan 31, 2025
Perfect for what we needed!
Christine C.
Jan 24, 2025
I really wanted to like this place, it's charming & I love the glamping feel of it. Beware this place is advertised to sleep 6 people, but you will be charged per person per night if more than 2 ppl per night. When I inquired about the charges, the response was that I was provided w the specific info (I was not). The owner is unaware of the total amount VRBO charges extra, and it was not disclosed until after booking. I am fine with paying what people want, but I do not appreciate hidden charges. I paid double the advertised price after the additional host, service, and tax fees.The place is cute, surprisingly bug free, & ADA friendly. The interior, linens, towels have a strong mold/mildew smell. Pillows had noticable black mold spots. One of the blankets on our bed had a suspicious matted area in the middle where something was spilt. The living/kitchen was a unique open concept that was not comfortable for more than 2 ppl to sit and converse. There were 2 high rise chairs w a table balanced across the arms & it fell easily when we moved the chair & came crashing down. The bathroom door does not close. The wifi did not work for more than 1 device.The theme of the rainforest bungalow was cute, quaint, and bizarre. Most everything worked the way it should. I was not expecting a palace for the price, but these minor things could be remedied for a more comfortable stay and the costs should be clearly disclosed.
Brittany R.
Dec 12, 2024
We loved our time at the Rainforest Bungalow! It was the perfect home base for all of our Big Island adventures and suited our family well. We would definitely stay here again!
MIGUEL C.
Dec 05, 2024
The cabin was the perfect place for our family. The main bedroom was very comfortable, and the back room was larger than it appears in the photos. The whole place is essentially screened in which allows you to enjoy the outside climate and sounds. Everything was well labeled to facilitate during the stay. We would definitely stay here again. Location was convenient to Hilo, Volcano, and Mauna Kea. Place was also well stocked for beach outings.
Elaine H.
Dec 05, 2024
What an amazing place to stay. I felt like I was one with nature. I loved listening to the coqui frogs at night. 'Summer', the host was so friendly and helpful with information about places of interest. I would definitely stay again. Absolutely loved it. Thank you Summer
Craig M.
Nov 28, 2024
Close to Hilo, but outside hubbub. Told it is the only rainforest in the US. Loud at night with "jungle" sounds, but I liked it.
Celeste P.
Nov 09, 2024
Loved this property. It is tucked away inside the lush rainforest and is near many tourist attractions while also being just far enough off the main road to provide a very quiet and peaceful stay. The neighborhood was very safe and beautiful. The host was very friendly and extremely accommodating.
Zach W.
Oct 28, 2024
Our family loved our stay at the bungalow! The place was very clean and was equipped with everything we needed. The frogs were wonderful and kept our girls entertained for hours. The hosts were very friendly and gracious and even gifted us some local cookies and bananas. Loved how close it was to the zoo as well. Would highly recommend!
Peggy J.
Sep 25, 2024
The bungalow is an experience! The frogs at night were great for us, but I can see how they might be too loud for some people. Because it's in the rain forest, expect that you'll be warned about insects and animals on the roof. The beds, pillows, towels and linens were all okay; serviceable but not luxury. But if you are looking for a place for an adventurous stay (would be great with kids) with all the amenities, this is it!
Charles C.
Sep 17, 2024
WE LOVED IT!! The house is totally cool with mostly open walls that permit the fresh air in and all of the jungle sounds that help you sleep. The host, Summer, and her dad are wonderful people that give you all kinds of helpful information about things to do. Was a very special time.
Pavlina N.
Sep 04, 2024
Very pleasant, specious property surrounded by beautiful nature
TATHAGATA B.
Sep 01, 2024
We had a wonderful stay in Hilo. The property was beautiful, clean and very close to Hilo town. It is surrounded by rain forest and the sound of coqui frogs at night was the highlight of our stay. Hope to come back again.
Rachael B.
Aug 31, 2024
Absolutely loved staying here! It’s definitely not for everyone but they make that clear in the listing. Very welcoming, has everything you’ll need for your stay and more, very clean, less bugs than any other place we’ve stayed on the island even being in the rainforest. The only downside for us was the heat but that just comes with how hot Hawaii can get. We would absolutely stay here again and hope to soon!
Jennifer K.
Jul 16, 2024
We absolutely loved our stay at the Rainforest Bungalow! The location is great, very close to the Hilo Zoo and many beach parks. The beds are comfy and the chorus of frogs at night was fantastic. Our teens loved the bunk room with screens and the curtains made it very private at night. Everything you could need for day outings is supplied for use, beach towels, snorkel gear etc. The resident cats kept their distance but we all loved seeing them. Highly recommend this property.