Entire home

Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes!

Photo gallery for Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes!

Exterior
Beach towels
Exterior
2 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Dining

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 60 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
Hilo, HI
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Coconut Island Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Port of Hilo
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

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About the area

Hilo

Located in Hilo, this vacation home is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Hilo Municipal Golf Course and Prince Kuhio Plaza. .This vacation home is 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from Regal Prince Kuhio and 3.7 mi (5.9 km) from Onizuka Center for International Astronomy.

What's nearby

  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 6 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Hilo Shopping Center - 7 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Coconut Island Park - 11 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Port of Hilo - 11 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Carlsmith Beach Park - 16 min drive - 13.3 km

Getting around

  • Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Zippy's Hilo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Fairway Grill - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes!

✿ 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.

✿ PROPERTY ✿
This is a fully fenced and gated 1.25-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.

✿ WiFi ✿ YES - Island wide it can be VERY slow....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.

✿ Small dog on Property

✿ DISCLAIMERS: Gecko's/Bugs/Etc.✿
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 not for you - it's okay, the geckoes won't take it personally! We do have a termite season, May-July, we provide red lights in the home for the evening hours when termites are out. While other host on the islands don't like to mention these things, I'd rather be upfront and set clear expectations - it's a living rainforest and geckos and insects are part of the ecosystem.

✿ 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. We offer Coqui blockers (a.k.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 ✿
Most of our cats 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.
Make yourself comfortable in this vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and a stovetop. A kitchenette is outfitted with a microwave. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights
Set trash outside the front door.
Place all dirty linens in laundry basket.
Have a safe trip home.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Yes! We love kids!

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number GE-142-810-1120-01, TA-142-810-1120-01

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Rainforest Bungalow Opening July 1st
Rainforest Bungalow Open With Restrictions
Rainforest Bungalow Sleeps 6 5 Mins. to Hilo
Rainforest Bungalow ✿ Open With Restrictions ✿
Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park! Hilo
Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park! Private vacation home

Reviews

Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes! Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 83 out of 103 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 103 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 103 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 103 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 103 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Edith T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Complete tropical rainforests , birdsongs experience, nice and clean room with lager spaces, Good location easy access to the store, highway and scenic place. Will recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Loribeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness
What a lovely, quiet, and friendly stay! My family was there for two nights and wish we had booked for longer. It was a quiet and cool retreat after our days of exploring and swimming. We loved listening to the frogs at night, and really enjoyed being rural for a bit of our trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Alicia H.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Francesca P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Something a little bit different for our holiday. A unique bungalow in a great location - timed perfectly to see Kilauea erupting!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kate G.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Such a beautiful place! The property manager Summer was really nice. The rainforest sounds are soothing and unique. The bungalow could be amazing, but there are too many issues. The final straw was when I stepped on a frog in the middle of the night on my way to the bathroom, it was so gross. We packed up and quickly left the next morning, which was a day early. -Cleanliness was poor, looked like something spilled on the counter and down the side of cupboard. The floors were sticky, dirty when we arrived, I mean hairy cobwebs in most corners(and windows). This was our big vacay, so we tried to be positive and got over it. -There were so many geckos in the living space, which was fun at first, but then we started noticing the gecko droppings. Poop on the walls, floors, counter, on place-mats, on our luggage. This is no small issue as geckos can carry salmonella, and it’s disgusting. I understand geckos can get inside, and they are hard to keep out. We saw so many inside it seemed the host doesn’t even try to keep them out. They need to take this seriously and not treat it like a feature. -Listing issues. We bought food to cook on the bbq grill, but it didn’t exist. No laundry facilities. No deadbolt. There is a bathtub, but no fill spout, only a shower head. -The fancy ceiling fan in the master bedroom looks nice but is functionally inadequate. That might not sound like a big deal, but it made the difference between a warm sleep and a sweaty sleepless night.
Poop on floor
Poop on place-mat
Poop on counter
More poop on counter
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruby Q.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great!

We love the place!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Zack M.

Disliked: Cleanliness

July Hilo Stay

This property and bungalow have tremendous potential, but they both need a little TLC. The hosts are extremely friendly and the check-in process was seamless. Unfortunately the screens, carpet and some of the furniture need some attention and a bit more cleaning. This open air concept is really enjoyable, but in this tropical humid environment cleanability is critical.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Debra S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique accomodations

The host was friendly and easy to reach. The bungalow was clean and comfy.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Audrey W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun with Frogs

We LOVED this place. It was magical! My kids and I loved staying in the screened in bedroom and hearing the coqui frogs at night. My husband was happy to have the master bedroom, which was a little quieter. We had enough space for all of us and our stuff to be comfortable, and enjoyed the treats and local bananas left for us! We didn't make full use of the kitchen, but it served our needs for the few meals and snacks we brought with us. It was a great location; never far from the locations in and around Hilo we wanted to visit, and yet was very quiet and felt like we had our own space in the rainforest. We also enjoyed chatting with Summer when our paths would cross in the shared driveway, and appreciated her local insights. Would highly recommend this home!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kansou Jr K.

Liked: Cleanliness
This place was amazing. It’s beautiful, comfortable and secured. If you’re the kind person loves nature environments. I would prefer this place to you. It’ll enlighten and full fillled all your desires.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

cathy c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Thanks for welcoming us to rainforest bungalow. It was perfect for our two day trip to Hilo. The cottage was clean and neat and well stocked with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Mahalo!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Julee G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet an experience

This was so much fun sleeping in the jungle with the perfection of screens. Due to the screens, it is difficult to keep 100% clean but it was well kept. It can get loud in the early morning but you are provided ear plugs- use them. My family very much enjoyed this experience and would recommend to anyone that enjoys nature!!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dwayne H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Description is 1 star for a reason

There are not enough words to write or pictures to take to explain the magnificence of this place. Breathtaking, convenient, comfortable, cozy, timetime
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jackie B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Jungle Oasis

Such a wonderful little bungalow and fabulous hosts! We loved our stay on the big island and really appreciated the notebooks chocked full of ideas for things to do in the area. The morning we were leaving, our host peeked her head over to let us know the Kilauea Volcano was erupting! We were able to make it just in time to see the eruption before we had to be at the airport. Thank you guys so much for the wonderful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rochelle S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Our Stay at the Rainbow Bungalow

4 women (from Oahu) spent 2 nights at the Rainbow Bungalow. We found the bungalow to be cozy and met all of our accommodation needs for our stay. Very easy check-in and check-out process. Mahalo for accepting our booking to stay at your property.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer V.

Liked: Cleanliness

Jennifer

Cute and nice place! Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darryl S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hilo Big Island Adventure!

First off, the host was extremely responsive; we sent a question in the VRBO message app and she knocked on the door less than 30 seconds later. Location is fantastic; close to airport and volcano park and beaches and Alaska falls and Mauna Kea. Thé hours itself is quaint, comfortable and clean. The only thing to be aware of before booking is the « jungle » noises at night. Lots of birds and other noises all night long… I found it absolutely exotic and fun but can understand how some might not enjoy it as much. Most windows are screens only and do not have actual windows to block the sound.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Off the beaten path but close enough to be convenient

We loved that we were in the jungle and fully experienced the beauty of the island. We had all the amenities we needed. The cool tiled window seat that overlooked the serene landscape and moss covered statue was my favorite spot.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

jay j.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely place

We loved this place. Everything was perfect. The place is very spacious. The beds were comfortable. It was very clean. There are several cats around the house which was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Della F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Easy to find

Short drive to Hilo attractions, enjoyed the birds and frogs.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Joshua C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Was just what was needed

Nice convenient area not too far out of Hilo town. Nice property with all the basics, if you know Hawaii you understand the coqui frogs and the other things that just can’t be controlled. Host was very nice and accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Terry H.

Two suggestions for improvement

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave and Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness

All good

Perfect for what we needed!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Christine C.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Great concept, but needs work

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Bungalow Experience

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024