Aloha! Dana’s hospitality and jungalow is honestly in one word, paradise! My partner and I stayed here Oct 2021 and it was actually a very special trip because on this trip we got engaged ◡̈ and Dana’s jungalow was the perfect return for our bliss as new fiancés. You don’t even need to read further - just book this place if you’re lucky to have your dates work with the availability!
The photos honestly don’t do this place justice, though they definitely capture the beauty! The attention to detail really made an impression on us: Dana has placed a very carefully crafted book with all her favorite restaurants, day trips, and activities to do in the area that was really fun to thumb through while we enjoyed the peaceful lanai and sipped on coffee (she even provided local coffee, powdered creamer, and sugar). The location is just stunning - hearing the sounds of the lush rainforest at night and the gentle rainfall was sheer beauty. It’s great for adventuring around Hilo (30-40 min) and Pahoa (30-40 min), and of course Volcano. We even did Kona and back one day (2.5 hours each way).
The outdoor shower was spectacular! It’s an experience I didn’t know I needed until I tried it ◡̈ I told my partner that it was the best shower of my life haha. And if you stay here, you absolutely MUST have a soak in the outdoor tub! It’s very peaceful and centering ◡̈. We even bought some bath essential oil mix at a Hilo night market and used it in the tub - perfection.
The inside is equally gorgeous - beautiful wood everywhere! We loved keeping the doors open and looking through the lanai to the living area from the bedroom - it just felt expansive!
I’m a curly haired girl and was THRILLED to see that Dana even provides all the attachments for the hair dryer near the bathroom - the diffuser being the one I use ◡̈. Again, such attention to detail ◡̈.
A quick note of advice: the road leading up to the jungalow is quite bumpy / pot hole filled - you can def do it in a sedan by expertly weaving around, but you will be happier in an SUV or vehicle with more solid wheels ◡̈. And if you’re the adventurous type in general, you’ll need it in more places too! I believe you have to have 4WD to go up Mauna Kea anyway ◡̈.
Places we loved eating/drinking at while there:
- Cafe Ono: a stunning little garden sanctuary with fantastic food that will make you feel great!
- Koana: probably the best coffee spot we’ve ever been to. If you need to caffeinate quickly or must have a latte then this isn’t the place for you. You go here for beautiful slow pour overs with exquisite coffee. Highly recommend! It’s in Mountain View maybe 10-15 min away.
- The Booch Bar: In Hilo! The best vegan Reuben I’ve ever had! And great authentic vibes ◡̈.
Anyway if you got this far reading this, I’ll leave you with this: press that book button and don’t look back! ◡̈
Mahalo, Dana!