As Hawaiian residents we always enjoy taking our guests to the lush and beautiful eastern side of the island. Part of the fun is finding a great AirBnB in a neighborhood we’ve haven’t visited yet. Zen Studio is located in a rural tropical neighborhood in the quaint town of Honoka’a.
We arrived during daylight hours so it was easy to find. A nice, open property shared with 2 other homes owned by Mai and Mar. Zen Cottage sits comfortably apart of the other buildings. There’s a good parking situation within the compound and the neighborhood is safe. We were greeted by Mar and her pet Doberman who is very gentle and sweet. Check in is very easy.
There were 3 of us and the cottage is roomy and comfortable. Sleeping arrangements are queen bed and sofa bed-both were very comfortable and with nice linens.
The kitchen has all the basics, but no stove and small refrigerator with freezer. There is a great toaster oven and electric appliances for cooking. Plenty of counter space too. The kitchen/living room area is spacious. We ate our breakfasts at the beautiful wooden bar with view of the front yard.
Bathroom is spacious with a walk-in shower.
Communication with our host was excellent.
We chose Zen Cottage for its location to Waipi’o Valley, about a 20 minute drive where we had excursions planned. It was a great choice for us.
Places and things I’d recommend doing while in Honoka’a:
•Waipi’o on Horseback and if you’re wanting a good workout hike to the Black Sand beach.
•Il Mondo Italian Restaurant: very good Italian food (I’m Italian!) with excellent service, a lot of menu variety, good prices and ambiance.
•The Public Cafe: good food. The house special smoked Tri-tip sandwich was excellent! And if you like heat in your mouth, try their chili. Good prices, great friendly service.
•Grama’s Kitchen: we had a wonderful breakfast there, good prices and awesome friendly service.
•What’s Shakin: about 30 minutes out of Honoka’a, but I love lunch there. I think it’s pricey, but I’m assured mostly organic locally grown food and great shakes. I always leave there feeling I have given my body something healthy to run on.
There’s still plenty we want to do in Waipi’o Valley and when we return we’ll be happy to stay at Zen Cottage again.