* Guestbook
We spent five nights at Keolamauloa in July, and had a truly wonderful time. The booking process was simple and friendly, and Kaye gave us excellent directions. She and her granddaughter welcomed us, and once we had settled in, she proceeded to take us on a tour of the farm, showing us the pig, the sheep and the vegetable garden. The family’s commitment to the land, and to the indigenous vegetation of Hawai’i, is evident in the way they run the farm. After meeting Kaye’s daughter and son-in-law, we went back to the apartment with a basket of vegetables fresh from the garden, and a box of the most delicious eggs we’d ever eaten. This first experience was a taste of a memorable week on the farm.
The apartment is private, airy and light, and the gentle breezes blow through the open windows. My favorite spot was standing at the kitchen counter, looking out over the grass and trees, at the white clouds in the sky. The air here is the kind of air you want to breathe forever: fresh and invigorating. The quiet is broken only by the occasional sounds of the chickens or sheep, Everything was extremely clean, and the apartment is tastefully and informally furnished. The apartment generally has a comfortable and relaxed feel, with interesting and appealing artwork on the walls, some by Kaye’s daughter and son-in-law. The beds are very comfortable, and there is plenty of storage space. One bedroom looks out on the peaceful koi pond in front of the apartment. The kitchen is fully equipped for real cooking, and there is plenty of counter space. We loved the hot tub, and the choice of inside or outside showers (under a passion flower creeper). The indoor shower is wonderfully roomy, with the option of an open window looking out on the garden. We could also eat inside or out on the porch, with a view of the sky, and the sheep munching peacefully on the grass, or the occasional visit from a cat. The washer and dryer were at our disposal and worked well. Kaye and her family were extremely friendly and helpful, without being in the least intrusive. At night, when the sky was clear, we could go outside, turn out the lights, and be awed by the incredible number of stars in the sky. We appreciated the opportunity to participate in the life of the farm in small ways: for example, feeding our peels and organic waste to their large pig, as a part of the composting process. When we were able to tear ourselves away, we explored the area. Keolamauloa is close to Honoka’a, a sleepy little town that we enjoyed, and beautiful Waipi’o Valley, which is definitely worth a visit (especially on horseback). From here one can also get to Mauna Kea for stargazing, through Waimea. (There are good health food stores in Waimea and Hilo: shop in one of these before driving on to Keolamauloa.) We were truly sad to leave this wonderful place. We recommend Keolamauloa with enthusiasm.
07/28/10 - The Gifford family, New York City, NY
Aloha Kaye, We had the MOST wonderful time staying here. Thank you for such a magical time. The peace and serenity that your property offers is just what we needed. We will be sure to be back. May God Bless you and your family as you maintain this special place. Malama Pono — A hui hou. XO
07/19/10 Val, Cindy, Tisha, Sean, and Kathy - Kailua, Oahu, HI
We spent two days here with our two teenage boys. The apartment was beautifully appointed, very clean, and very comfortable. We loved the outdoor patio and hot tub. It was much nicer than any hotel we could have stayed at. Kaye left us a basket of fresh vegetables from her garden and was very helpful - giving us some background about the local area and culture as well as tips about where to go in the area. The farm is peaceful and quiet - a beautiful setting that makes you feel, during the time you spend there, that you live on the Big Island. I will recommend this place to friends traveling to the Big Island as a “must stay”.
06/27/10 Caroline - Bowdoin, ME
What a wonderful place to stay! Keolamauloa was the perfect place for the four of us- two moms and their grown daughters. It is peaceful, beautiful and is made all the more so by such welcoming and thoughtful hosts. Thank you Kaye, Sally, Keith and Kia’i for everything! It was restful but stimulating and exactly what we were looking for. The Hamakua Coast must be one of the best places in the world, and staying at Keolamauloa sure helped us appreciate that. We will be back, with any luck.
05/11/10 Erin, Elissa, Sue and Beth - Woods Hole, MA
03/12/10 Kim & Yuri - Stockbridge, MA
Our week at Keolamauloa in October 2009 was an incredible experience. Hidden up in the trees overlooking the ocean, Keolamauloa is a beautiful, spacious yet cozy apartment with everything we needed. Our host, Kaye, was always there when we needed her - whether it was for travel advice or to show us around the farm. Our trip to the Hakalau wildlife Refuge with Kaye, Keith, Kia’i and Sally was once in a lifetime. Running into Keith and Kia’i on the beach made us feel like we were at home running into friends. An incredible trip. We will be back. Thank you Kaye, Keith, Kia’i and Sally.
03/09/10 Matt and Mel - Toronto, Ontario
Hello Kaye and family, we had such a nice time staying at your Farmstead. You were so gracious to answer all of our questions about your sustainable farming,and the whole ‘up country’ experience in general. We could easily have stayed longer. We look forward to seeing you in the near future. (read from carla’s travel blog)
03/06/10 Mitch and Carla - Lake Forest Park, WA
We fully enjoyed our stay on this organic farm: comfortable apartment, warm relaxing atmosphere with fountain outside bedroom window, great organic vegetables!, knowledgeable hosts and perfect setting. Recommend this to anyone, especially families, gardeners, and those who want to learn about Hawaii!
02/08/2010 - Kyra and Ray- Eugene, OR
Our stay with you could not have been more perfect! You have a beautiful place, beautifully situated - and we feel very fortunate to have found you. We especially enjoyed one of your cats who joined us for breakfast on the patio each morning, purring away…So were we! Thanks for everything…
02/18/2010 - Mary & Bob - Arlington, VA
We had a great time at the farm. Very relaxing and enjoyable. Having family on the Big Island, the farm was in the perfect spot to go visiting. We would like to thank Kaye and family for their Ohana lifestyle and thier Aloha ways. Thanks again, we will be sure to stop in and visit the next time we are on the Island we also shared our experience with our family in the mainland and they are looking forward to staying at the farm…Aloha Oe (until we meet again)….Mahalo’s
01/23/2010 - Anonymous
We really enjoyed our stay at Keolamauloa in May 2009. The apartment was very homey and perfect for the three of us. We loved the local veggies and fruit basket provided us, the welcoming hosts and the local knowledge. We were VERY happy we made the right choice and didn’t stay in the Kona Coast Area!!!! We highly recommend Keolamauloa.
-Julia, Dave, Susan
We enjoyed a wonderful week’s stay at Keolamauloa in August 2009. Kaye and her family could not have been more welcoming. The house is beautiful and the apartment spacious and perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the island. We would definitely recommend Keolamauloa as the place to stay on the Big Island.
- Katherine and Oli Walker - London, UK
We had a delightful stay! The setting was idyllic, and the accomodations comfortable, clean and convenient. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. We look forward to future visits.
-Magnolia Stork - San Luis Obispo, CA
Keolamauloa is an absolutely beautiful place run by incredibly warm and generous folks. Far from the touristy beaches and hotels, you can truly relax here. My girlfriend and I would recommend this place to anyone.
- Toben Windahl - Oakland, CA
My family had an absolutely wonderful time. The setting is idyllic and calming. We can’t wait to have an excuse to go again!
- Caroline Burghardt - Brooklyn, NY
Thank you so much for our beautiful stay on the big island. We had a fantastic honeymoon and everything felt very homey. The accommodations definitely went beyond our expectations and we would love to visit you again in the future. I have posted some pictures of our stay on my picasa site, I will send you a link. I think we took some great pictures of Keolamauloa! Again, thanks for everything. mahalo!
- Cassandra - Portland OR
Such a great place to visit if you want to take in the country side without all the distractions of tourist traps. The farm is both beautiful and inspiring to observe, and if you feel like taking part in the harvesting, Kaye and the family make you feel right at home. The amenities are ample, with a stocked kitchen and bathroom, you can enjoy meals in when feel like it. The bedrooms are cozy and the wood fire place is a nice added warmth. There are ample windows to let in the setting sun as well. The roads around the property are quaint and quiet, with no noise from traffic, yet easily accessible to the highway. The location is great as it allows you about 30 to 40 minutes in either direction to the best spots in Hawaii, I would suggest this farmstead over a resort to anyone wanting to really get away.
- Beth McClung - Los Angeles California
It was great to stay with Kaye and her family at the farm stay. They could not have been more hospitable, helpful and friendly. The location is great - especially if you like to be off the beaten track - and the apartment is comfortable, well-equipped and clean. Hawaii Big Island is very interesting and impressive as a destination - with much beautiful scenery and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Seeing whales from a boat and from the shore in March was a real highlight -so was the Volcano National Park.
- Ann & Parmen Leontovitsch - United Kingdom
Our stay at Keolamauloa was truly inspiring. Kaye and her family are doing amazing things in this remote part of the world … with the land, in the community, and in the arts. It’s such a magical place - so peaceful and lush, yet also close enough to so many wonderful adventures on the Big Island. Oh, and the hot tub is to die for!
- Cherie Aarts Coley - Brooklyn, NY