Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide transportation to and from the airport?
We encourage all guests to arrange for a rental car from the airport as there is so much to see and do on Hawaii Island. You will appreciate the opportunity to explore. Complimentary self-parking is provided. We can recommend a private driver that you may contact for transportation pick-up to and from the airport. Please keep in mind that once you are on-property there is no shuttle service if you wanted to go off-property. We highly recommend renting a car if you are planning to go off-property. Please contact us directly to schedule a private airport shuttle.
Are there any stores or markets nearby?
Yes!
Hawaii Island Retreat is located about 1 mile from the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. Here you will find an array of grocery stores, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Our local towns also host a bustling Saturday farmers market and a number of thrift stores.
Our quaint towns do not have any chain stores. However, if you are craving fast food or a "quick" trip to Costco you can find all you need one hour away in the town of Kona.
Hawaii Island Retreat is located about 1 mile from the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. Here you will find an array of grocery stores, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Our local towns also host a bustling Saturday farmers market and a number of thrift stores.
Our quaint towns do not have any chain stores. However, if you are craving fast food or a "quick" trip to Costco you can find all you need one hour away in the town of Kona.
Are there trails and hikes near the retreat?
Yes!
We are located on 50 oceanfront acres of gardens, wild groves, and ancient valley trails. We offer many different hikes. Enjoy a short 15 minute walk to the ocean or choose a longer one or two hour exploration of the farm and ancient Hawaiian sites.
If you are looking for a Hike off property. The black sand beach of Pololu Valley is located a short 15 minute drive away. This mile long switchback hike takes you to one of the most pristine and beautiful black sand beaches on our Island.
We are located on 50 oceanfront acres of gardens, wild groves, and ancient valley trails. We offer many different hikes. Enjoy a short 15 minute walk to the ocean or choose a longer one or two hour exploration of the farm and ancient Hawaiian sites.
If you are looking for a Hike off property. The black sand beach of Pololu Valley is located a short 15 minute drive away. This mile long switchback hike takes you to one of the most pristine and beautiful black sand beaches on our Island.
Do I need to rent a car & where do I park?
We highly recommend renting a car if you are planning to go off-property. There is much to do and see on Hawaii Island. We invite you to check out the local restaurants and boutiqes, as well as enjoy the Islands pristine black and white sand beaches.
We offer free parking for our guests.
We offer free parking for our guests.
How far is Hawaii Island Retreat from the airport?
Closest airport: Kona International Airport (KOA).
We are located 49 miles from the Kona airport. The drive along the Kohala coastline will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
We are located 82 miles from the Hilo airport. The drive along the Hamakua coastline from Hilo will take about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
We are located 49 miles from the Kona airport. The drive along the Kohala coastline will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
We are located 82 miles from the Hilo airport. The drive along the Hamakua coastline from Hilo will take about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
How far is the beach? Is there access?
Our private cove is located a short 15 minute walk from our retreat center. However, we do not recommend swimming in our cove as there are rocks and a very rough ocean. This cove access is better for fishing and watching whales.
There are beautiful white and black sand beaches within a 15 to 30 minute drive from Hawaii Island Retreat. There are beaches for playing in the waves and beaches better suited for world class snorkeling, and still others that are best for turtle viewing / swimming, and the "not to miss manta ray dive" at night is located about 30 minutes away.
There are beautiful white and black sand beaches within a 15 to 30 minute drive from Hawaii Island Retreat. There are beaches for playing in the waves and beaches better suited for world class snorkeling, and still others that are best for turtle viewing / swimming, and the "not to miss manta ray dive" at night is located about 30 minutes away.
Is the retreat family-friendly, do you have activities for kids?
Hawaii Island Retreat welcomes families and children of all ages. We have a pool and 50 acres of land to play and run thru. Our library offers children's books and games. Our farm and goat babies offer fun family farm activities.
We do not offer any specific kid programs at this time.
We do not offer any specific kid programs at this time.
Can you smoke at Hawaii Island Retreat?
We do not allow smoking in any of the shared locations. However, if you smoke you can go to the cliffside benches to partake.
Is Hawaii Island Retreat pet friendly?
Hawaii Island Retreat welcomes service animals and emotional support animals.
Please be aware that Hawaii has strict laws and regulations regarding animals traveling into Hawaii.
Our land hosts animals such as goats(spring babies!), sheep, cows, and chickens. We also have a resident dog "Ilene" who has adopted our retreat center. We love her and she is friendly to all, including kids.
Please be aware that Hawaii has strict laws and regulations regarding animals traveling into Hawaii.
Our land hosts animals such as goats(spring babies!), sheep, cows, and chickens. We also have a resident dog "Ilene" who has adopted our retreat center. We love her and she is friendly to all, including kids.