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The Hamakua House is a rustic guesthouse located on the south end of Hawaii's breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Our accommodations include **Private Rooms and Hammock Camping Cabanas**. The Hamakua Guesthouse is made up of two neighboring properties. The first offers panoramic ocean views, while the second borders the stunning Kapehu river. The two properties are located across the street from each other and all property amenities are available to all guests.
We pride ourselves on being an off-the-grid accommodation. Being off-the-grid means that we get our electricity from the sun and our water is collected from the rain. We are not connected to the island's grid power system. Our solar panels charge a large bank of deep cycle batteries daily in order for us to have power around the clock. Our region is the perfect place to go off-grid as it is consistently 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night year round. This means that air conditioning is not necessary.
We are accessible to all the major Big Island attractions. The legendary
Akaka Falls State Park a short 12 minute drive around the corner. The world renowned Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens and the serene Onomea Bay is a mere 13 minute drive from us. These, can't be missed, gardens are among the world's best and the separate trail to the bay is free! The quaint area of Downtown Hilo is about a 17 minute drive to the South. It provides all of the modern amenities you will need (restaurants, supermarkets, shopping, and more). The epic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a 1 hour drive to the South. It features unimaginable hiking trails and a lava tube cave experience. The picturesque Waipio Valley is a 1 hour drive to the North. Plus, there are countless sights and adventures along the Hamakua Coast.
Step 1:
Drive to Honomu, HI (about 11.5 miles North of Hilo on Route 19 Hawaii Belt Road). When you are getting close you will see signs to turn for Honomu Road (Route 220) and for Akaka Falls. Follow those signs into town.
Step 2:
At the top of the hill follow Honomu Road (Route 220) as it curves sharply to the left. Next, drive through the little historic town and continue going straight. Do not turn right to go the rest of the way up the hill towards Akaka Falls. When you reach the end of the town (after the Honomu Gym and churches) the road will narrow down to a one lane road, curve to the right, and wind through a ravine. After you come out of the ravine you will see a few houses. Do not stop and do not bother the neighbors. You still have more than 1/2 mile to go. The road will be gravel for the last 200 yards so you will know when you are getting close. Just keep going!
Step 3:
Our place is 28-1435 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, 96783. We have a green placard with "Hamakua House" and the address down by the road. If you booked a private room or a camping cabana, turn right into our driveway. It is steep at first, but it levels out at the top. You will see the designated parking so please do not park on the grass. Please enter from the back porch as there is no public entrance on the front of the house. You will receive a contact-less self check-in email at 3 pm on the day of your arrival so please refer to that email to receive your room or cabana assignment. If you don't have the email please check your SPAM/junk folder before calling. If you booked the River Family House or the River Tiny Cabin, please continue further down the gravel road, and after three gates you will see a gate on the left side of the road covered in bamboo next to the giant yellow bamboo stalks. You will receive a contact-less self check-in email at 3 pm on the day of your arrival so please refer to that email to unlock the gate and get in. If you don't have the email please check your SPAM/junk folder before calling.
Note: Please review the local map below which shows the last 2 miles of the journey. The public gravel road (last 200 yards) is easily passable in any vehicle (cars, vans, etc...) but you may have to go slow if your vehicle has low clearance. Please note that GPS does not work very well here. Some people have had some luck with Google Maps, but navigation using an iPhone (Apple Maps) will take you miles away to the wrong place. We recommend that you bring a copy of these directions with you.
A hidden gem in Hilo. Accommodation in Hawaii is usually very expensive but the cabanas were very cheap and such an incredible experience. The kitchens were fully stocked and clean, the staff were incredibly kind and friendly and the hammocks were very comfortable! Please stay here if you have a chance, you will not regret it. Thank you for everything
This is very much a you get what you pay for experience. We thought this was a fun and unique experience overall. The open air bathroom wasn’t quite as much privacy as I would’ve preferred while showering but the location is fairly secluded and we were able to kinda make a curtain with our towels. The cabanas aren’t super secure but they do have a lock box for valuables and we had no issues leaving our items there. I will say the provided towels and linens are a bit more worn than most people would prefer. We brought and used our own linens since we stayed in other camping locations on our trip that didn’t include linens. We had no issues with noise or bugs during our stay. We enjoyed the outdoor cats and there was lots of outdoor seating. We also appreciated that there was beach gear and coolers that could be borrowed. The road to the cabanas is a bit rough but you shouldn’t have issues if you go slow.
First of all what an absolutely memorable experience in the best way possible.
Me and my friend came to Hamakua house with stars in our eyes and the twinkle did not waiver after arriving to the home.
There is a sense of commmunity you feel immediately as you set foot on the property.
At times it’s complete peace, other times it is a bustling energy that you would feel at your home around Christmas time!
While in Hawaii most travelers have tons of things planned, but the thing I loved most about Hamakua House was that when we came back to get our bearings it was absolute bliss and like time froze so we could route out our next adventure.
The organization and planning that went into this operation is quite evident and you will be so appreciative of that once you see it for yourself.
We had the pleasure of meeting, I believe the owner and house manager, and it was a joy due totally to their warmth and willingness to make us feel at ease.
The room-clean and cozy
The outdoor bathroom- absolutely “rustic” and so relaxing(I suggest showering at night at least once)
The kitchen- clean and organized(when I come back going to utilize more than I did this trip!)
The property- for me is the main attraction we saw a sky lit off with stars multiple night, sunrises that blow you away, and a waterfall a short walk away that has healing properties.
Mr Ed’s bakery- this is where your breakfast voucher will lead you for yummy food and great coffee😋 and kind people❤️
I could go on. Thankyou so much for making one of my first lengthy travel experiences so enjoyable and unique!!!
When I stayed here back in 2022, I was with a group of 6 and we were in three (2 person) cabanas with the hammocks. Honestly one of the best sleeps of my life here.
The whole place feels magical.
Our whole group agrees that we would definitely stay again if we travel back to the Hilo area.
My husband and I went to Hawaii to renew our vows of 25 years. We stayed here for 4 days. This was the coolest place to experience. The house was beautiful. We were in natures beauty. If you want a true Hawaiian experience I highly recommend. This made our experience remarkable! Even though we didn’t see the host they were incredible.
