Calling the Lokahi Garden Sanctuary our home was a beaming highlight for us during our visit to Hawaii. Beginning each morning on the lanai with coffee and listening to the birds was a perfect way to start each day. We also ended each night enjoying the bright stars and tradewind breezes on the lanai after cooking our dinner with local Hawaiian foods. Even during our busy days sight-seeing, shopping and swimming, I found myself looking forward to returning to the Sanctuary to end our day in peace and to be greeted by "Kahu," the resident dog who quickly stole my heart. The amount of work, time and effort Richard and Natalie have poured into this lush landscape is outstanding and truly created a slice of tropical paradise for us to enjoy. Fruit trees are abundant, along with lush flora including ginger, orchids, tahitian gardenia, moringa and thick, green grass. *The studio has everything you need to be comfortable, cook full meals, sleep comfortably and was clean and orderly and is situated on the property such that you feel you are the only one there. The charming downtown of Hawi is half a mile away with quaint shops, good food (enjoy fresh kombucha on tap at Kohala Grown Market daily) and we enjoyed live music at Kohala Coffee Mill on Sundays. The Hawi Farmers' Market was also an experience I urge you to not miss. Then just up the road a bit, in the town of Kapaa'u, "Minnie's," a local eatery offers fresh foods like fresh ahi tuna (seared to perfection); this town also offers up several notable shops as well. *Richard and Natalie were tentative to our every need while at the same time gave us ample privacy. During our stay the refrigerator died and within *that same day, Richard had purchased, delivered and installed a brand new fridge! WOW! I never would have thought a place I stayed in would be a major highlight of an entire trip to Hawaii, but the Lokahi Garden Sanctuary sure was. Best decision!
With Love-Light-Peace-Happiness, David & Rachael