We recently spent 9 glorious nights at Pali Hale. The house had everything we needed (living space, bedrooms, really high speed Internet, fully outfitted kitchen, laundry room, deck for ocean gazing, etc) for our perfect stay on the Hilo side.
We really enjoyed waking up before sunrise to start each day by watching the sun rise (something we don't get on the California coast). We went to the Sunday Farmers market in Maku'u to get our fresh fruits and vegetables and pick up some local food. We also went to Uncle Robert's Wednesday Night Market in Kalapana - that was totally special.
I could have sat on the upper deck and watched the ocean for the rest of my days. The prefect location for looking out and watching everything start each morning. We had turtles in the surf, Nene's on the grounds and flying by.
It was so close to Pahoa and Hilo that we could quickly get to shops, stores, markets and restaurants. We really enjoyed going to dinner at Kaleo's in Pahoa for evening music and food. We also had lunch at Nings Thai food restaurant in Pahoa.
The drive to Volcano National Park was quick and easy. Watching the Pali Hale web site to track the level of the lava lake gave us the right days to visit the park.
Our daughter and her boyfriend took a walk on the Puna Trail to arrive at the Shipman Estate and beach. This quiet and isolated beach allowed them to view turtles, fish and Nenes. They also drove to the end of the road in Kalapana, rented bikes and ride to the end of the trail to see the lava flow entering the ocean.
Pali Hale is really close to the Kapoho Tide Pools and the Lava Tree Park. We went snorkeling in the tide pools at high tide and then on the way back to Pali Hale we stopped and walked the peaceful 0.7 mile loop trail that was perfect just before sunset and the park closing - quiet, sounds of birds and had the sweet light of sun setting.
With everything provided for us at Pali Hale and the surrounding area, we only turned on the TV to listed to the Music Choice Hawaiian channel.
I strongly recommend Pali Hale to anyone and everyone that wants a great house on the coast, in a quiet neighborhood, near everything that is fun on the East side of the Big Island.
David Intersimone "David I"
Stayed at Pali Hale March 31 to April 9, 2017