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A Rainforest Eco-Lodge on the Hamakua Coast

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Beach
2 bedrooms, travel crib, WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Living area
Interior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space
  • Water view

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire place to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A Rainforest Eco-Lodge on the Hamakua Coast

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Kikala Waterfall Lodge, where cascading waterfalls and the enchanting Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve create a one-of-a-kind escape. Wake to the soothing sounds of waterfalls just steps from your door and explore lush botanical wonders in a misty cloudforest teeming with exotic plants and wildlife. Whether you’re swimming beneath the falls or wandering through the vibrant gardens, every moment is a connection to nature’s beauty. A stay here offers more than just relaxation—it’s an unforgettable adventure in the heart of one of Hawaii’s hidden paradises.
Nestled on the Hamakua Coast near Hilo, this serene eco-retreat features off-grid Balinese-style rooftop glamping cabins and a 2-story family cottage overlooking Kikala Falls. Surrounded by lush rainforest within the Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve, enjoy private streamfront access, waterfalls, a botanical garden, exotic fruit trees, and friendly goats. At 1,600 ft elevation, the cool climate offers a tranquil escape, perfect for personal or family retreats.

Property manager

Axel Kratel

Languages

English, French, German

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination

Outdoor areas

  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

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  • Washer
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Permanent safety gate installed at top of stairs.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 260110010000, TA-166-131-0464-01, GE-166-131-0464-01

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall Hilo House
Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall Hilo
Private vacation home Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo Hilo
Hilo Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo Private vacation home
Private vacation home Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo
Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo Hilo
Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall House
Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall
Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo Hilo
278745_581651
Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo Private vacation home
Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo Private vacation home Hilo

About the neighborhood

Map
Hilo, HI

What's nearby

  • Hilo Farmers Market - 19 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Coconut Island Park - 22 min drive - 11.8 km
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 22 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Rainbow Falls - 22 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Port of Hilo - 24 min drive - 13.7 km

Getting around

  • Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Kozmic Cones - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪L & L Drive Inn - ‬18 min drive
  • Puka Puka Kitchen
  • ‪Cafe Boba - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 6 mi (10 km) of Pacific Tsunami Museum, Mokupapapa Discovery Center, and East Hawaii Cultural Center. Palace Theater and S. Hata Building are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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A Rainforest Eco-Lodge on the Hamakua Coast Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 46 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kyle C.

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

Baby Waterfall!

We loved this house & would absolutely stay again! Our 6 year old daughter told everyone when we got home that we had our very own "Baby Waterfall" to swim in!! Ha! The property, the house, & the waterfall were all gorgeous & glorious. We saw a rainbow, hung out with geckos, petted the goats, relaxed on the porch, cooked dinners, explored Hilo & surrounding areas, & had a fantastic trip. We hope to be back someday.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel H.

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

Fantastic!

Stunning! Incredible! Wish we could live here. Very comfortable. Amazing views. Swimming in the private waterfall is wonderful!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jolene R.

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

Serene Stay with gorgeous surroundings

The waterfall house had everything one could ever dream of. Perfect for my husband and 10 year old! Listening to the bubbling stream and waterfall from anywhere in the house - made me feel like I was in a zen spa. Amazing views of native plants, trees and landscape no matter where we looked. We especially enjoyed feeding the goats and walking around the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam S.

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

Beautiful Stay with Waterfall View

This property is AWESOME! If you're looking for a laid-back stay with a beautiful view of a waterfall, look no further!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eldon B.

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

Would Return!

The property is beautiful, and not too far from Hilo town. The house was wonderful and just as pictured in the listing
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Meagan B.

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

Wonderful Oasis

My family including 3 small children stayed here. It was such an amazing property. The view of the waterfall was spectacular, and the kids loved playing in it. Many things to do in the area that were within a 30 minute drive. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra S.

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

Great family time!

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, this is a great relaxing experience with a beautiful waterfall view from your patio and dining area.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Beautiful waterfall and peaceful

We stayed in this cozy home with kids and grandparents. It was a wonderful experience to swim in the private waterfall and to experience the serenity of being in the forest. Axel, the host is very helpful and welcoming. We really enjoyed our stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas Z.

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

Beautiful property and waterfall, inside needs updating

Beautiful property with a beautiful private waterfall. Definitely must try renting a property like this at least once in lifetime.However, the inside of the cabin needs some updating in the kitchen and bedroom. Sometimes little details leave a very good or bad impression.Kitchen: toaster did not work, all pans were scratched up and very old. Honestly, I would not want to cook anything in those pats. I suggest you invest 130 every 6 months to buy a new toaster, couple cooking pans/skillet, and a kettle and you can make a big difference for your tenants overall experience.Furthermore, leaving enough toilet paper refills and paper towels is also something that would not cost you much but would leave an good impression from your tenant. When a tenant has to look for a store (sometimes in the dark evening) where to buy toilet paper after traveling across the world, it’s not a pleasant experience. I strongly suggest you increase your daily rate by 8 and use that extra money to supply basic necessities such as toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, and trash bags.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

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

Nice, clean cabin feel with amazing views and privacy

Loved the location and the host was very kind and informative. If you’re cooking byo oil and spices. Beds comfortable, pillows good. Simple and clean. Totally gorgeous yard would love to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kandice

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
This property was a great fit for a two night stay for our family group. We were right in the heart of the majestic waterfall area in Hilo and gave us a real tropical rainforest feel and experience. Very humid and lots of nature sounds soothed us each night we were there and we awoke to the waterfall…felt like a little fantasy. Very nice appliances and comfortable bedding. Bring all your groceries and snacks and plan to stay and enjoy the area and your company.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

ELAINE

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The farm and the waterfall are beautiful! We love the property and the cute and clean house, which was perfect for our family of 6. The hosts were also very flexible and allowed us to check in early so that my son could take an online exam, which was so much appreciated! Thank you!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Skye N.

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

Beautiful, tranquil oasis

We absolutely loved our stay at the waterfall house. We (2 adults, 13 and 10 year old) arrived after dark (easy to find if you put in the google map coordinate given and look for the loan palm tree) to the sounds of the rain forest and slept well. It was so fun to surprise the kids with the waterfall in the morning. Bring your water shoes-a short walk down the path and over some mossy rocks to the waterfall. We had a blast swimming in the falls and climbing the rocks. Axel and his wife were a joy to chat with and we loved holding the month old baby goats. We totally recommend this place for people who love to adventure and explore. Just 15 minutes from downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Krista L.

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

Fun jungle house

This house is perfect for a couple or family with young kids. If you're traveling with a group of adults, make sure you're comfortable with them since you have to go through the main bedroom to get to the bathroom! We had a great stay here, we loved listening to the frogs and birds, and the view from the lanai into the waterfall area is beautiful. Our hosts were super friendly and let us meet and pet one of their new baby goats! It's pretty convenient to get into town, but far enough out to feel like you're out in the jungle.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danielle R.

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

Kids loved the design of the house, Great waterfall.

We loved the almost personal waterfall, takes a minute to walk over to. The outside Lanai was wonderful. The kids loved the design of the house, they got to sleep upstairs, plenty of room and beds and the parents slept in the master room down below. The kitchen worked out great. Owners were good at communicating. Only recommendations, more hand/dish soap. Also we told them about a frying pan that needed to be replaced and they said they appreciated the information. We were only there for a short time and used the last night there as our R&R before heading back to the mainland. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Julia A.

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

Sweet little spot

We had a nice stay. We live on island, so the quirky directions were no surprise. Waterfall is pretty sparse right now, but host can’t control the weather, so that’s not a problem. There were some things that could make it feel much nicer such as: upkeep of flower boxes so you aren’t greeted with a bunch of dead plants as your first sight of the place; fix towel bar in bathroom so guests aren’t staring at a broken fixture when they are in bathroom; mop upper deck before guests arrive so they can walk out there without getting muddy feet. It’s the little touches that elevate a place from acceptable to stellar. This experience was good, but could be fabulous with just a bit more effort. Mahalo for having us.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

4/10 Poor

Heather H.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Unique location, leaving things to be desired

Very hard to locate rental. Impossible to locate rental in the dark. Had to back down narrow driveway that would be close to impossible at night. Not private whatsoever. Walking trail to waterfall is on shared access to rental. Adjacent building has views into rental. Hot water ran out the first night. Dirty everywhere that wasn’t easily visible, I.e. under bed, ceiling fans, trim, dishes. Bathroom was awkwardly small. There was no comfortable seating unless at dining table and even then two of benches were too short. Outside seating was nice; bedroom and loft was nice. Power went out when leaving due to storm, was told by host and was told to ask for generator. Recommendation would be for host to know when rental doesn’t have power. Email communication was not good but in-person was better.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

2/10 Terrible

Alina P.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Problematic Owner overshadowed pleasant surroundings

Cute location, but not worth it on several fronts. We noticed a gas leak shortly after arrival, reported it, and were told there was no leak but he’d come “make sure”. Owner showed up and mentioned the previous visitors had mentioned a leak as well (hmm), then when it was specifically pointed out, found the leak. The gas was turned off to the problematic appliance, but by then the gas tanks were empty. We had Thanksgiving without an oven, washer dryer, and hot water. The house was dusty and there were dead bugs in the fridge. When owner returned in the morning, he blamed us for not reporting the lack of hot water we had discovered that morning when attempting to shower (we reported the gas issue the night before- If he knew there was a leak maybe he should’ve checked his gas tanks, that is absolutely not our responsibility). The responsibilities of a guest are to enjoy a property responsibly, not report a litany of things missing and broken for the entire night instead of spending time with their family, and to be blamed somehow for these shortcomings was breathtaking. He also pressured my elderly father in law to leave a 5 star review and felt it was appropriate to enter the cabin and ask repeatedly why we were leaving early, which made us very uncomfortable as we had no idea how he would behave if upset. When we reported it, he fixated on dust bunnies, not the gas leak, insisted on off-app communication, and threatened to “blacklist us” for complaining. Aloha 🌴
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi H.

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

Nature’s Delight

If you enjoy being surrounded by nature & prefer peace & quiet & don’t want to leave a big carbon footprint this is your place. I feel some reviews were written by guests that came in with inaccurate expectations. This home is on a bioreserve farm (solar powered, water collection system). It is about 15-20 minutes from all the conveniences of Hilo, but because it is at a higher elevation in a remote neighborhood, you will feel like you are in the center of a tropical forest. The lush greenery comes with the price of more frequent (albeit often brief) rain, and yes there are going to be some bugs, but nothing anyone who spends time outdoors would think is unreasonable. The house is efficient and well laid out. Kitchen has the necessary basics, but not the “extras” so keep meal planning simple. Beds were all cozy. There is only one bathroom and it is in the 1st floor master so keep that in mind for sharing purposes. Bring your own shower soap. THE VIEW OF THE WATERFALL from the kitchen & front porch is AMAZING. The sound of water so soothing. Our kids ages 11 & 13oced stone hopping & swimming by the falls. The frogs at night are loud, fun to hear, but if you’re a light sleeper plan on some white noise or earplugs. This is a working property so you may see some employees/volunteers on the grounds but there’s definitely a sense of privacy nonetheless. Axel was great & fun to chat with. He let our daughter feed the goats & we enjoyed learning about his property.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Taryn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi R.

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

Great stay

We had a great stay here. It was me, my husband, and our 15 year old daughter. We loved that the loft upstairs gave a private place for our daughter. We loved that the home was quiet and remote and away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, but yet close enough to get into town for any shopping, and close enough to get to some great cites, such as the Rainbow Falls, Botanical Gardens, and Volcanoes National Park. Everything was easy, communications were clear, and property was as described.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amber T.

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

Perfect 2 day stay!

After spending some time on the leeward side and the hot beaches, it was so refreshing to find this little heavenly abode in the rainforest! The farm is beautiful and the surroundings so lovely. While the kitchen is sparse with cutlery and bowls, the rest of it was nicely stocked (some olive oil, salt and pepper, condiments in the fridge, etc.) and the hosts kindly left us some fresh coffee beans to grind down. The beds were very comfortable and, really, we were there for the waterfall and the surroundings. We were very grateful to be welcomed by these hosts to this part of the Big Island. We hope one day to stay at their other places on Kauai. Mahalo!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Troy E.

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

Unique remote setting

We really enjoyed the rental and meeting the owner, who helped solve the stove problem promptly. We thoroughly enjoyed the hike to the waterfall.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S.

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

Very pristine

Location and host amazing! We would have liked a more stocked kitchen but we did a lot of cooking. Amazing waterfall and clean
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roland R.

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

Great place to stay

We loved the quiet, beautiful, rustic hawaiin countryside setting of this cabin. It is remote, so you will not have the gloss and luxuries of a resort. It is geared toward outdoorsy folks. We had a regular car and accessed the property just fine. The hosts were friendly, helpful, and responsive to issues when they arose. Waking up everyday to the sound of birds, a gentle river flowing, and the view of a jungle waterfall was my favorite part of the experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022