Relax to the Max at Hotel Pa'nalu
We've just stayed for three weeks in Hotel Pa'malu and truly enjoyed ourselves. Kaimalu is a gracious, attentive but unobtrusive host. Our little "hotel" had everything we needed, and our favorite room was the screened in porch. The furniture was absolutely comfortable. So many vacation rentals have uncomfortable wicker/bamboo furniture, the leather extra long couch and wide chairs made reading and napping a pleasure. The farm is very tranquil and you aren't aware of any neighbors. You honestly feel you have the place to yourselves.
We enjoyed walking around the mango trees and visiting the orchid and fragrant vanilla gardens. Although it wasn't mango season in January, we were able to take advantage of a couple of rogue ripe mangos from the trees. We also enjoyed picking oranges for breakfast and snacks.
Some of the things we really appreciated were the variety of birds that visited the bird bath which is visible from the screened porch. There were about a good half dozen species from tiny finches to yellow birds (I can't recall their names), that would gather together and splash exuberantly! GECKOS! If you like geckos, you will love this place! They help control insects, are amusing and incredible acrobats, I could watch them for hours. For those not familiar with them, they are at the max perhaps 5 inches long from nose to tail, are an incredible vibrant green with red spots, don't bite or scratch and run away if you make a move towards them.
Please be sure to bring a small flashlight with you, because you will be able to enjoy DARK SKIES without going to the observatory. You will need to shut off all the lights in the house and use your flashlight to guide you outside to the lounge chairs. Take the time to let your eyes adjust to the dark, the longer you look, the more stars you[ll see. We saw shooting stars very easily.
Snorkeling beaches are very close by, Volcano National Park is about an hour and a half. Kona is about a half hour. Black Rock Pizza is really great and you can watch the sun set from the dining area. Costco is a good place to get gas and food, check food ads at Safeway for staples, and visit the many farmer markets. You can see some whales from the shore during winter here, but if you want to make a day of it, visit Kapaa Beach in the northern part of the island, about 1 1/2 hrs. On your way to Kapaa Beach, you will pass the absolute best fresh, hot malasadas prepared in a food truck, Manuela Malasada, 1 Puako Beach Dr., Waimea (on the ocean side of highway). It's a treat you must try at least once especially if you like donuts (they are best when hot). A great place for lunch near Black Sand Beach, in Naalehu is Aloha Mix Food Truck, 95-5649C, Mamalahoa Hwy., Naalehu, HI 96772, specializing in shrimp and steak, generous portions and delicious.
Always bring water wherever you go!