Mae’s house is exactly what I hope for when looking for an AirBnB — something unique, from a local’s perspective, and with the comforts of home. We stayed at a resort on the Kona side and for the last few days of our trip, wanted something different. This was it.
Upon arrival you feel like you are traveling to the end of the earth. The hardened lava creates an otherworldly landscape, dotted by lush coconut trees and the Volcano in the distance. The house is beautiful with high ceilings and an open concept living area. It’s well appointed, exceptionally clean, and was absolutely perfect for our family of seven (including 2 kids under 5).
Mae is an extremely generous host. She greeted us when we got to the house and even gave us a guided tour across the lava fields to the coast, where we had an awe inspiring cliffside coastline all to ourselves. She even brought us fresh guavas from her farm nearby!
This isn’t the house for a quick trip to VPN or the falls near Hilo because of its more remote location. Instead, this is an area untravelled by most tourists and if you spend the time exploring the immediate area, you’ll be rewarded with a more distinctive and magical part of the Big Island. From old growth trees along the Red Road, a less populated black sand beach, to views of the wild Pacific like no other, Mae’s house is a place to experience — it’s a journey.
Before our trip, my 74 year old mother was a bit hesitant, unsure of staying at a house off the beaten path. But on our last day as we sat on the lanai watching the clouds roll across lava fields, she smiled broadly and said “I’m so glad we came.”