Temple Tree Retreat

Lots of sleeping room options. The beds closer to the waves could be a bit too loud with the winter crashing waves but moving to the upstairs bedroom provided the perfect mix of waves but tranquility for sleeping. The upstairs bedroom could get too warm during a sunny day but once evening arrived, it cooled down with the open windows sufficient for sleeping. The beds were very plush and soft. Showers came with body wash and shampoo. The home is very private with its own gate. It takes about 20 minutes to go to the nearest town of Keauu and 30 minutes into Hilo. Would stay again if considering staying on the Hilo side of the island.

Manager's Response

The location is a bit removed but worth it if you're looking for quiet time. The place I think needs a bit of love and freshening up. We enjoyed our stay of 3 days. We did have bugs inside and quite a bit of rain.

Manager's Response

This was my 31st time to the islands and my second time staying at this beautiful place! It is now my favorite place to stay from all the islands! It’s quiet and it’s clean. The place is unique and it has everything you need. I like the secluded location, and the views are just mesmerizing. I have recommended this to many people and have a feeling it’s gonna book up!

Manager's Response

Our stay at Temple Tree Retreat was amazing. There was so much space for our whole family to hang out. The master bedroom was the perfect place to rest and listen to the ocean crash. We loved exploring the rocks and watching turtles from the cliff.

Manager's Response

Very unique location and experience. The multi-building house allowed for everyone to have their own space. The views from the bedrooms were fantastic. There is nothing like falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

Manager's Response

We loved Temple Tree's privacy, solitude and classic Hawaiian charm, perched between the sounds of jungle birds and frogs on one side and crashing waves below dramatic lava cliffs on the other.

Manager's Response

Great house, location was generally central for the Hilo side so exploring was easy. Owner communication was great, check in/out was easy. Overall I'd recommend staying here.

Manager's Response

Beautiful house with amazing views. Had everything we needed for our stay. There was an issue with the water pump during our time and maintenance took care of it quickly and easily. We hope to come back!

Manager's Response

We loved staying at Temple Tree Retreat, no one wanted to leave. I visit Hawaii every year and this is by far my favorite house on the Big Island. Highlights: Whale watching and listening to the sound of the waves and Coqui frogs at night.

Manager's Response

We enjoyed our stay very much. It was tranquil and allowed our family to reconnect and unwind.

Manager's Response

We had an amazing time. You all communicated perfectly leading up to our stay, gave us a point of contact in case we needed anything then left us alone to enjoy our stay. I really appreciate that. The house was amazing and we loved it as a base camp while exploring the island. Thank you!

Manager's Response

Overall a wonderful stay in a beautiful location. However, the dining table and chairs were uncomfortable. The spiral staircase felt unsturdy with some loose pillars and the place could use a deep clean. It would be a perfect location with those areas fixed.

Manager's Response

It was such a beautiful location and amazing beach house, that I don't know where to start. From the majesty of the giant waves crashing against the lava rock cliffs, to the sound of the rainforest surrounding us with the songs of birds and frogs, it was truly the quintessential paradise that we hoped for. Loved every minute there!

Manager's Response

Temple tree retreat was the best place we stayed on the big island. This was for my 82 yr old grandmother's dream vacation she could stop talking about how amazing this place was!

Manager's Response

This is my 29th visit to the islands and this is by far the best place I have stayed!! The views are absolutely breathtaking. The location is so quiet and peaceful! The house itself is very comfortable and perfect for a Hawaiian vacation! This has become the only place I will stay when on the Big Island! We brought a couple that have never been to the Big Island before, and they fell in love with it! See you next year, hopefully! Mahalo, for making it the most enjoyable vacation!

Manager's Response

Temple Tree Retreat is easily the most beautiful place we have ever stayed! Host communication was excellent, and the property is gorgeous. The house was clean and comfortable, and the view cannot be beat!

Manager's Response

This place is beautiful! It had everything we needed plus more. A bit remote, which was good for us. We enjoyed our stay very much. The attention to details in respect to cleaning could be a bit better ( the stair edges and around the windows) and the blinds should be replaced. It is a bit open to the outside with no window coverings, but it kinda adds to the ambiance.
Arriving late at night was kinda scary, but once the sun came up, it was amazing.

Manager's Response

This was an absolutely magical spot overlooking the sea, close enough to Hilo but far enough off the beaten path to be relaxing and private! You do need a car. The unique house is filled with really cool artwork and antiques and gives everyone privacy. I’ll be back!

Manager's Response

This is a wonderful house in a great location! If you want a lot of crowds and to be really close to everything-do not stay here! It takes a bit of time to get to all the things to do on this Island, but worth every minute of driving. We spent 17 nights here and loved every minute. We actually looked forward to returning every day from our adventures because it is so beautiful.The house was clean, but could use some deep cleaning in the "library" area. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful. There is a neighbor right next door that does inhibit the privacy some. He was not intrusive, but VERY close. He has security cameras all over and lights that go on and off all hours of the night and a weird blinking light thing in front of his home that was kind of annoying. But that is our only complaint about the spot. We would love to know the history of this building. It is not set up like a typical rental with all the different "areas", but this is what gives it charm. Every room has a beautiful view and we enjoyed them all! The question of the day is where should we sit this time? We sat on the cliffs, on each lanai, the kitchen area. It was all great! We got up every morning to have coffee and watch the sunrise! Be careful with your keys. There are a lot of doors and some use different keys so stay aware of who has the keys to which area! I am an avid review reader for any place I stay so appreciated the reviews for Temple Tree. Be cautious of the small farmers market at the end of Paradise Dr.and off to the left a small distance. The one lady charged my husband $30 for a pineapple and 2 other small bunches of fruit. He must have had "tourist" written on his shirt! The market on Sundays on the way to Pahoa is a great place for produce and souvenirs. Shipman Beach is a very close drive, but a long hike once you park, but worth every step. We saw about a dozen sea turtles there and the beach is stunning. We almost missed this gem! Highly recommend!

Manager's Response

This property is quite far from Hilo but the location on the lava cliff is amazing. The property itself is quite rustic, and could use a bit of Tlc. For example the screen doors are broken. The main space that has the kitchen is lacking a couch. There is no where to just sit as a family while cooking supper. All
In all we enjoyed our stay bit we were so busy sight seeing we spent very little time there other than sleeping.

So beautiful. The rain on the roof at night with the ocean and local frog sounds made for such a relaxing setting. We had a few guests with us, geckos in the house! The kids loved it.

Manager's Response

Enjoyed the unique home. Comfortable, quiet, private. Especially enjoyed listening to crashing waves while falling asleep and again waking up.

Manager's Response

We were excited about staying at this property and it did not disappoint. The pics were on point but still not as beautiful as the actual view. The house was well stocked and while the alarm went off in error the first night, we had a great time and would definitely stay again.

Manager's Response

If you want a place with stunning sunrises while you sip your coffee on the lanai, dramatic waves crashing against the lava cliffs, and a real relaxing time in a perfect Hawaiian setting, you have found the place! We spent a week at this retreat.... and it truly is, returning home with smiles and memorable days and evenings. I personally can not decide if the gorgeous sunrises every day or the sounds of the frog chorus lullaby every night were my favorite parts. Maybe the perfect house to be together, and also be apart were. ( great rooms and lanais to be alone! ) The location is spot on. 35 mins to the airport and the town of Hilo, short drive to Pahoa, Keaaau for some fun eats, and a beautiful ride up to Kilauea for the Volcano. The best farmers markets like 5 minutes away. Safe, friendly neighborhood to take walks and enjoy a tropical setting. A slice of Eden is what one friend said.
I highly recommend this house as a rental. 5 stars without a single hesitation.

Manager's Response

Unbelievable views. Great customer service. Very clean and well maintained. About 15 miles from Hilo airport. Easy drive to volcano. Would highly recommend.

Manager's Response

So great listening to the waves & geckos.

Manager's Response

great location, great property, had a great vacation. Would recommend for a group of 4.

Manager's Response

This rental is ideal for anyone looking to relax, visit the eastside of the Big Island's point of interests, and get away from it all.

We decided to rent this home so we could visit the Volcanoes Nat'l Park, Hilo, and Akaka Falls. Although these are all a 30 - 50 minute drive from the home, we wanted something that was off the beaten path and "local", this house was perfect for that type of vacation.

If you want beautiful sunrises, pounding surf against a volcanic cliff, peace and quiet, a good place to read, do a puzzle or reflect, this is the house to rent.

A couple of notes:
1. There aren't any swimming beaches within walking distance of the house. We didn't stay here to swim so this wasn't an issue.

2. There isn't a formal living room/family room. We used the office/library space which has a sofa and a couple of chairs. This is located in the non-attached room on the left when looking from the water.

3. There isn't a traditional dinning table (there is kitchen/bar counter space and another high table for dinning).

4. We were planning on and did cook dinner every night at the home. After exploring one of the POI's in the morning, and returning to the house ot relax, we didn't want to make the 30 min. commute back to Hilo.

5. Check in/out was very easy.
6. Management/Staff was very nice, helpful and accommodating.

We would absolutely stay here again if we were looking for the same type of vacation.

Manager's Response