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Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes!

Photo gallery for Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes!

Spend a night in the Rainforest!
Exterior
Property grounds
Living Room - Open to Master Bedroom
Bungalow entry and Living Room

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 60.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Hilo, HI
  • Hilo Shopping Center
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Port of Hilo
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Back Bedroom

1 Single Bunk Bed and 2 Single Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes!

✿ The Bungalow is a great retreat and safe haven from the stress of every day life. It's a peaceful, tranquil, hidden sanctuary in a lush tropical rainforest, yet close to town and beaches!

✿ We are a licensed vacation rental and charge/pay hotel accommodation tax and State taxes as required by law.

✿ If you need zooming fast WiFi for work or school, this is property is probably NOT the best choice. WiFi is available but can be VERY SLOW.

✿ PRIVATE TWO BEDROOM BUNGALOW ✿
The bungalow features a master bedroom with a queen-size bed and a very large, island-style, open screen back bedroom which can accommodate extra guests/family on two twin beds and a bunk bed. In total, sleeps 6. This is a true island-style accommodation with large OPEN (screened) areas so you can feel the tropical breezes 365 days a year and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature and tropical rains on a metal roof. Some may refer to this as ‘glamping’ and our guests say it’s one of their best vacation rental experiences ever, and an unforgettable and memorable stay.

✿ PROPERTY ✿
This is a fully fenced and gated 1.25-acre property with a host house and the separate Bungalow. The property is very lush and green year-round with jungle foliage, tropical flowers, and fruit trees. The Bungalow is very private and feels secluded from the rest of the world and gives you that far away feeling from other tourists and the noise of downtown. Conveniently located in a very small neighborhood with easy access to downtown, shops, local attractions, and eateries. It's the perfect retreat for nature lovers and those who want to find some tranquility and regain some serenity.

✿ BUNGALOW IS PERFECT FOR ✿
- Solo Travelers: Who want something besides a stuffy hotel room
- Couples and Honeymooners: It's secluded, private, unique, and romantic.
- Families: Bungalow was designed for families and has a large kids room, separate from mom & dad
- Girlfriends/Single ladies: Who want a safe and peaceful space
- Merrie Monarch visitors/performers - just 8 minutes to the performance venue
- Small groups: Runners/hikers/backpackers/cyclists touring the island
- Univ. Hawaii: Families visiting or new students transition into the university
- Budget travelers: Who want to split the cost with friends/family
- Small scuba diving groups: Hey we’re divers too, need a dive buddy? Ask Mike!
- Business travelers: Who want something larger than a hotel room that is homier and relaxing with a kitchen and private back yard to relax.
- Nature lovers and serenity seekers - no better place than the bungalow!
- Artist, Writer, or Photographers retreat - peaceful and quiet
- Those who want to a quiet hideaway from other tourists and noisy downtown
- Adventurers who want to experience a living tropical rain forest without getting wet or eaten alive by mosquitoes!

✿ MASTER BEDROOM ✿
Master bedroom has a comfy Queen size bed, large closet with lots of hangers, luggage rack, ironing board/iron, cozy robes, and laundry basket. It’s open and airy, or can be closed off for privacy from other guests/family/friends.

✿ BACK BEDROOM ✿
Is very large (20' x 20') and easily sleeps, four additional people. Backroom has a bunk bed and two twin beds. The room has two large closets with shelves and pull out drawers, and some cozy seating. The two twin beds can also be used as couches/seating/lounging.

The backroom bedroom is island style and has two walls and ONLY SCREENS on two sides (no windows that close). Side doors are screen doors with chain locks. This back bedroom has privacy curtains. It's tucked away in the back, so still private from the rest of the house. Neighbors are quite far away and all the rooms are totally private.

The large screened areas provide an AMAZING rainforest experience, tropical breezes, and beautiful garden views in true open-air Hawaiian style.

✿ KITCHEN ✿
Is a compact/efficient kitchen and has all the necessities to make a quick meal including large microwave, apartment size fridge, coffee pot, pots and pans, dishes, toaster, electric skillet, electric tea kettle, rice cooker, and new two-burner induction cooktop. There are some very basic food staples in the cupboards - help yourself.

✿ BATHROOM ✿
The bathroom is full-sized with a large countertop, sink and large mirror. Has a separate toilet and shower area that has a pocket door for privacy. Lots of towels located in back closets. Shower is full-sized with a handheld showerhead, great for rinsing off sandy feet and toes. Has eco-friendly solar water heater.

✿ LIVING ROOM ✿
Includes a settee/love seat, chair, and coffee table, small narrow table and two chairs to enjoy morning coffee or quick breakfast. There is also a window seat in a large bay window that looks out to the lush garden. Cozy, functional, and plenty of seating for up to six guests.

✿ GARDEN VIEWS ✿
Enjoy the rainforest from all rooms in the bungalow and be amazed by giant fern trees, coconut and mango trees, and tropical foliage and flowers. Guests have access to a side garden as well, that has beautiful orchids and flowers, or the back yard which is a large grassy area, perfect for kids to run around and play.

✿ PRIVATE GUEST BACK YARD/GARDENS ✿
The bungalow has a very large private back yard. Large grassy area for kids to hunt for Coqui frogs at night.

✿ ECO-FRIENDLY ✿
A solar water heater provides on-demand hot water, but please note, this is a 1/2 sized water heater. We encourage guests to conserve island resources and take short showers.

✿ ELETRIC VEHICLES✿
We do not offer charging of electric vehicles due to the high cost of electricity on the island. There are charging stations in town.

✿ JUST ISLAND BREEZES ✿
There is no air conditioner in the bungalow, but open screened areas, new ceiling fans provide ample airflow all year round. The bungalow has three ceiling fans, although the unit gets great airflow and breezes through the large open screened areas.

✿ SMOKING/PETS ✿
We have a STRICT NO smoking/NO pets policy to ensure the comfort and health of all future guests. You can smoke outside in designated bungalow gardens or guest back yard, just please dispose of any butts. This policy includes ESA pets.

✿ WiFi ✿ YES - Island wide it can be VERY slow....we pay for the highest speed with the best provider, it's still slow.

✿ TV/Cable ✿ Bungalow is a TV-Free Zone, hey you're on vacation, relax, or read a good book, spend quality time with each other and detox from electronics.

✿ LAUNDRY ✿ Guest laundry is NOT available on site it's but only 5 mins. to laundromat

✿ AIR CONDITIONING ✿ Not needed - island breezes will keep you cool.

✿ OVEN/STOVE ✿ No standard stove/oven, 2 burner induction cooktop is available or use the large electric skillet.

✿ DISHWASHER ✿ No, my solution is 'eat out' or pick up some local food!

✿ HEATING ✿ Not needed.

✿ Price ✿
Price is for DOUBLE occupancy. Additional guests, including children, can be added for a MINIMAL charge - we want to be affordable for families, but lots of laundry/ water is very costly.
WARNING: when you book for a set amount of guests and show up with additional guests without notifying host of added guests, we will be adding an additional charge of 100$ per extra person. Children do not stay for free.

✿ Check-In/Checkout Times
Check-in is 2:00 pm, check out is 11:00 am SHARP. I may be able to be a bit flexible, depending on if there are other guests going out or coming in. CHECKOUT TIME is 11:00 SHARP, as we typically have back-to-back bookings and we need time to clean the bungalow.

✿ Kids and Babies
We LOVE kids and kids are most welcome. We applaud parents who gift their children with unique travel experiences! But please do not leave children alone in the Bungalow and please supervise children at all times while they are playing outside.

✿ Small dog on Property

✿ DISCLAIMERS: Gecko's/Bugs/Etc.✿
We are in a real, live, and living tropical rainforest and Hawaii's natural fauna/critters, including gecko's and insects, sometimes invite themselves in - it's part of the rainforest experience and we don't charge extra for this. Gecko's and small lizards love the inside of the Bungalow and it's hard to keep them out, plus they eat bugs/mosquitos/gnats! If you are squeamish about gecko's and small lizards hanging out with you inside, this accommodation is probably not for you - it's okay, the geckoes won't take it personally! While other host on the islands don't like to mention these things, I'd rather be upfront and set clear expectations - it's a living rainforest and geckos and insects are part of the ecosystem....

✿ COQUI FROGS✿
The frogs are ✿ VERY LOUD ✿ at night - EVERY night, without fail. If it's raining, they are especially loud. Some people find their love songs soothing and comforting (like white noise), but others may find their nightly songs downright annoying. We offer Coqui blockers (a.k.a. earplugs) for all adult guests, and you'll find them on your bed when you arrive. Keep them. They are great for the plane ride home.
✿Mold✿
We live on the rainy side of the island, and it is damp, rainy, with very high humidity, which is typical for a tropical rainforest. Airborne molds are everywhere, and under these conditions, they thrive and multiply on this side of the island during the very wet months. While we can control it within the bungalow, we can not control it outside. Due to the open-air screened areas, airborne molds may be present (though not visible) in the Bungalow. Those with severe mold sensitivity issues should consider staying on the Kona side, where the climate is not as wet, damp, humid, and rainy.
✿Cats ✿
We currently have 15 cats. They are feral but we love them as our own and care for them. We ask that you do not feed them as we have established a feeding regime that keeps them useful and fed.

Property manager

Laura Owens
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Laundry
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Yes! We love kids!
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
If any guest shows up with additional unbooked guests, including children, there will be an automatic 100$ fee for each person.
Turn lights and fans off when you leave the bungalow please.
Please do not eat in the beds - it attracts insects.....

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number GE-142-810-1120-01, TA-142-810-1120-01

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Hilo

Located in Hilo, this holiday home is in a rural area. University Theater and University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Prince Kuhio Plaza and Hilo Shopping Center. University of Hawaii at Hilo Botanical Gardens and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hilo, HI

What's nearby

  • Hilo Municipal Golf Course - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Hilo Shopping Center - 7 min drive - 7.0 km
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Port of Hilo - 9 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Rainbow Falls - 12 min drive - 11.5 km

Getting around

  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Zippy's Hilo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Daiichi Ramen - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Come see Kilauea at Volcano National Park and Mauna Loa! Two active volcanoes! located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Hilo Municipal Golf Course, Prince Kuhio Plaza and Regal Prince Kuhio. Onizuka Center for International Astronomy and Hawaiʻi Nui Brewing are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 72 out of 87 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 87 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 87 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 87 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 87 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

jay j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place

We loved this place. Everything was perfect. The place is very spacious. The beds were comfortable. It was very clean. There are several cats around the house which was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Off the beaten path but close enough to be convenient

We loved that we were in the jungle and fully experienced the beauty of the island. We had all the amenities we needed. The cool tiled window seat that overlooked the serene landscape and moss covered statue was my favorite spot.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Della F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easy to find

Short drive to Hilo attractions, enjoyed the birds and frogs.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Joshua C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Was just what was needed

Nice convenient area not too far out of Hilo town. Nice property with all the basics, if you know Hawaii you understand the coqui frogs and the other things that just can’t be controlled. Host was very nice and accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Bungalow Experience

We loved our time at the Rainforest Bungalow! It was the perfect home base for all of our Big Island adventures and suited our family well. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave and Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

All good

Perfect for what we needed!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pavlina N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay near Volcano

Very pleasant, specious property surrounded by beautiful nature
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Terry H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Two suggestions for improvement

The lower bunk bed mattress needs replaced. It is completely worn out and this adult slept in a trench for three nights. Bathroom needs deep cleaning to include removing and replacing molded caulking.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay in Rainforest

Close to Hilo, but outside hubbub. Told it is the only rainforest in the US. Loud at night with "jungle" sounds, but I liked it.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

MIGUEL C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Cabin!

The cabin was the perfect place for our family. The main bedroom was very comfortable, and the back room was larger than it appears in the photos. The whole place is essentially screened in which allows you to enjoy the outside climate and sounds. Everything was well labeled to facilitate during the stay. We would definitely stay here again. Location was convenient to Hilo, Volcano, and Mauna Kea. Place was also well stocked for beach outings.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elaine H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely loved it!

What an amazing place to stay. I felt like I was one with nature. I loved listening to the coqui frogs at night. 'Summer', the host was so friendly and helpful with information about places of interest. I would definitely stay again. Absolutely loved it. Thank you Summer
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Celeste P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Week in Hilo

Loved this property. It is tucked away inside the lush rainforest and is near many tourist attractions while also being just far enough off the main road to provide a very quiet and peaceful stay. The neighborhood was very safe and beautiful. The host was very friendly and extremely accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zach W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a great place!

Our family loved our stay at the bungalow! The place was very clean and was equipped with everything we needed. The frogs were wonderful and kept our girls entertained for hours. The hosts were very friendly and gracious and even gifted us some local cookies and bananas. Loved how close it was to the zoo as well. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

TATHAGATA B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent property with beautiful natural setting

We had a wonderful stay in Hilo. The property was beautiful, clean and very close to Hilo town. It is surrounded by rain forest and the sound of coqui frogs at night was the highlight of our stay. Hope to come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

place to get away from the busy life

Me and my family love it we have everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a unique place to stay

Absolutely loved staying here! It’s definitely not for everyone but they make that clear in the listing. Very welcoming, has everything you’ll need for your stay and more, very clean, less bugs than any other place we’ve stayed on the island even being in the rainforest. The only downside for us was the heat but that just comes with how hot Hawaii can get. We would absolutely stay here again and hope to soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rainforest Bungalo

WE LOVED IT!! The house is totally cool with mostly open walls that permit the fresh air in and all of the jungle sounds that help you sleep. The host, Summer, and her dad are wonderful people that give you all kinds of helpful information about things to do. Was a very special time.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Peggy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun place to stay

The bungalow is an experience! The frogs at night were great for us, but I can see how they might be too loud for some people. Because it's in the rain forest, expect that you'll be warned about insects and animals on the roof. The beds, pillows, towels and linens were all okay; serviceable but not luxury. But if you are looking for a place for an adventurous stay (would be great with kids) with all the amenities, this is it!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

We absolutely loved our stay at the Rainforest Bungalow! The location is great, very close to the Hilo Zoo and many beach parks. The beds are comfy and the chorus of frogs at night was fantastic. Our teens loved the bunk room with screens and the curtains made it very private at night. Everything you could need for day outings is supplied for use, beach towels, snorkel gear etc. The resident cats kept their distance but we all loved seeing them. Highly recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betty Lou K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

Great location and a very cute bungalo....loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mmm C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Open-air Rainforest Adventure with Surround Sound

Fun and comfortable place to stay for Hilo portion of Big Island tour. We enjoyed the coqui frog chorus and appreciate available umbrellas, ponchos, and snorkeling gear even though we brought our own. Very close to zoo, and we enjoyed morning snorkel at Clarksmith beach a short drive across town.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

TROY H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

My wife and I enjoyed a fantastic honeymoon here. The ambience surrounding us was so relaxing. Being so close to Hilo allowed for exciting adventures every day. I definitely recommend staying here.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

John M. R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hilo Vacation

We enjoyed our rainforest experience...peaceful and quaint. Host very helpful and accomadating. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

lucia m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rainforest place

This place makes your visit to the big island a unique experience
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judith S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sweet Bungalow

Property is as advertised, secluded feeling in rainforest but just minutes from town. Host family nearby but not intrusive. Attended to a small repair immediately. All essentials found in kitchen and plenty of beach gear, rain ponchos, towels etc. Cute place.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Laura Owens

Host profile image
We are retired world travelers and look forward to hosting you! We look forward to providing you with a unique experience and stay, and have lots of info we've gathered on the island - top secret stuff, other visitors don't know!

Why they chose this property

✿ The bungalow was designed with families in mind or groups of up to 6 people. And for travelers looking for an experience -- versus a stuffy hotel room.

✿ It's more economical than a hotel room with tons of great amenities at no extra charge, with cooking facilities to help you save even more money!

✿ Awesome location! We're just 4 minutes to town and close to all attractions on the windward side of the Big Island!

✿ Experienced and highly rated hosts - we're world travelers and we understand what guests want and need.

✿ Space! The bungalow is 3X larger than a hotel room with about 1/5th of an acre designated just for guest use!

✿ This is a unique property situated in the lush Pana'ewa Rainforest in Hilo - it's the only tropical rainforest in the United States and only these 10 houses in the neighborhood are allowed, due to a very old land grant.

✿ It's quiet, serene and filled with nature sounds of rainforest birds and Coqui frogs (who sing all night). Bungalow has several walls that are 'old Hawaiian style' that are screens only. These open areas allow tropical breezes to cool you off and give you the feeling of being out in the middle of the rainforest. Bungalow has a metal roof, so during tropical downpours, it's an amazing experience.

✿ Kids LOVE the bungalow as there is a large 20'x20' back bedroom with 4 beds and plenty of room for them to play!

✿ Bungalow has a kitchenette so you can save money (for fun experiences) and have some meals in. We provide island breakfast items for you to cook including rice, Spam, eggs, and some local fruit.

✿ This bungalow is the perfect spot for all your Big Island adventures - we are close to Volcano National Park, Mauna Kea, beaches, Hilo Airport, waterfalls, and the worlds newest beach at Issac Hale park (black sand beach).

What makes this property unique

✿ We can accommodate families!
✿ This unit is large enough for up to 6 people and has a large private back yard where kids can run around and play or adults can relax and enjoy nature.
✿ Close to everything, but hidden and secluded so you feel like you're away from it all.
✿ Affordable - we could charge more, but we want to be budget friendly

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests