Volcano’s Away!
The state of Hawaii boasts over 26,000 vacation rentals by owner. Assuming you are new to the islands, that is a daunting number to wade through.
Cozy Volcano hideaway
The Hawaiian Island chain conjures thoughts of lazy afternoons sipping tropical color fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas perched atop a pineapple slice, bikinis on tanned bodies and hot sand on the way to pristine aqua water. That is all very true, yet if you are of the “need to move” group, a couple of days of laze is quite enough thank you!
The Big Island of Hawaii, nearly twice as big as the others in the chain, boasts all but two of the worlds climatic zones. The beaches of Kona, a tourist Mecca of dolphin sighting charters, karaoke night life bars and scuba enticements have many direct flights from the Mainland each day. If you want to land in Hilo, United flies direct from Los Angeles and Alaska Air from Oakland. Either way, you should plan a few days on each side of the island, and perhaps one in between at Waimea, paniolo country, or cowboy to you East and West Coasters. The Big Island has it all.
If you want adventure, lava flows and tubes, endless interesting hikes, rainforest coolness, Volcano is the place to stay. Since the late 1800’s,Volcano has been a serene, cool get away for travelers and Hilo-ites alike. Ohi’a Lehua trees and forty foot ferns thrive in the 150+ inches of rain bestowed on the district of Puna. Only a mile from Hawaii’s Volcano National Park, this village boasts two wonderful cafes and a natural high with trails at the Park passing steam vents and lava tubes. Day rates for the park are a reasonable $10.00 per car. Take a lunch from Ohi’o Cafe in Volcano and enjoy! Joyce at the Cafe makes a great sandwich, filling enough for two, add chips-of course, you are on vacation and you are ready to go! Hiking will get you prepared for check in at the B & B at 4000 feet.
adorable cottage
Tucked on a narrow street in the heart of Volcano is a vacation rental by owner par excellence. The Volcano Teapot is owned and operated by Bill and Antoinette Bullough, an affable and fact filled couple who maintain the adorable and clean, clean, clean two bedroom bungalow on Kilauea Road. Filled with who’s who and what’s what, Bill greets his guests with a big smile under a bushy “stash” and can regale visitors with stories about the locals, where to dine and the secret way to Pele. The adorable two bedroom, incredible shower and a real claw foot tub, bungalow sits away from the street on two acres of beautifully manicured lawn and grottos on the walk to the hot tub. This hidden treasure has a two night minimum yet rest assured, you will not want to leave this little spot of paradise without experiencing all the area has to offer.
There are nature walks at the nearby art center, a Sunday morning farmer’s market with the locals in full attendance. A piping hot cup of chai, a breakfast sandwich or pancakes along with a loaf of freshly baked seed bread to take back to the cottage courtesy of Papa’a Palaoa Bakery are simply a must! Handmade jewelry, hats and other Hawaiian memorabilia abound. One can experience Vulcanite’s socializing on their own terms.
Dinner in Volcano is Island dressy= shorts and a clean Hawaiian shirt, slippers for the ladies and a comfortable dress or pants. No one stands on any ceremony in Volcano except the ones dedicated to the great lady living in the volcano, Pele. It is a step back in primordial time surrounded by the comforts of a great b & b, choice evening dining and quiet rest for the weary traveler.