Living on Lavaland - Once In A Lifetime Experience! Oceanview - Wifi - Stars
Welcome to the lovely LAVA HALE located in the unique area of Kalapana Gardens. A Once-in-a-Lifetime experience of living on some of the Newest Land on Earth! Enjoy direct Volcano views and glows and warm Tradewinds and Ocean Breezes right from the Lanai. This special Ohana home is a perfect getaway for adventure seekers and nature lovers to stay for a few weeks. Magical SUNRISE AND SUNSET VIEWS , incredible STARGAZING by night. Experience beautiful Cloud Formations by day, Rainbows, Moonbows, be nearby Madame Pele's HEALING ENERGY. A unique place you will never forget.
This might also be Your adored home-sweet-home, if you want to totally get away from it all.
This lovely Studio-Style Cottage is OFF-THE-GRID, with all the amenities you would want in your own home. 100% eco-friendly, with Solar Power and Rainwater-Catchment for taking a shower, to protect nature. Located in the restricted area of Kalapana Gardens. The custom kitchen, allows you to enjoy Panoramic Ocean and Flow Field Views through the large windows while you are cooking. We have a huge Propane-Fridge for cool drinks, a French Press Coffee Maker, Tea Kettle, Propane Stoves and Oven, a Charcoal BBQ in the large carport outside. The bathroom is half outside, enjoy a hot shower in the MOONLIGHT after a long hike, it's the Best! We provide shampoo and fresh towels.
This is an Unforgettable Adventure. Please remember that the lava and volcano activity changes day to day. Actually there's an volcanic eruption on Kilauea, the orange glow is visible from the house.
It's only a 10 minute walk from the house to the Ocean coast line (cliffs) to Whale Watch, fish or just to enjoy complete Solitude.
High-Speed INTERNET and excellent Cell Service for times you might not want to be completely away from it all.
On Wednesday and Saturday Nights the Kalapana Town comes alive at Uncle Robert's Awa Bar & Night Market, just a few miles down the road, there you can eat local foods & prime rib, pizza, mexican, thai. Talented Hawaiian musicians jam the night away. Its a Must-Do.
There's also so much more Natural Beauty & many more Fun Places to explore nearby, including hidden caves, new amazing Black Sand Beaches, like Pohoiki Beach Park. Or Green Sand Beach in the south, Botanical Garden near Hilo. Only 20 minutes to historic Pahoa Town with its many amenities.
A rental car is needed to get to the property. A 4WD Jeep is recommanded, also to explore the island is. So you will have access to secret spots and hidden beaches.
Lava Hale is a country house, not a hotel room. Take care of it like your own home.
Our HI TAX # GE-133-218-4064-01
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Property Registration Number TA-133-218-4064-01, GE-133-218-4064-01
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Pahoa
Located in Pahoa, this cottage is by the sea. Mackenzie State Park and Pohoiki reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center and Akatsuka Orchid Gardens. Hilo Coffee Mill and Hobby Garden Hawaii are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with snorkelling and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and ecotours.
Is Living on Lavaland - Once In A Lifetime Experience! Oceanview - Wifi - Stars pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Living on Lavaland - Once In A Lifetime Experience! Oceanview - Wifi - Stars?
As of 7 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Living on Lavaland - Once In A Lifetime Experience! Oceanview - Wifi - Stars on 1 June 2026 start from AU$102, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Living on Lavaland - Once In A Lifetime Experience! Oceanview - Wifi - Stars?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Living on Lavaland - Once In A Lifetime Experience! Oceanview - Wifi - Stars?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Living on Lavaland - Once In A Lifetime Experience! Oceanview - Wifi - Stars?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Living on Lavaland - Once In A Lifetime Experience! Oceanview - Wifi - Stars located?
Situated by the sea, this cottage is 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Star of the Sea Painted Church and within 12 miles (20 km) of SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center and Mackenzie State Park. Pahoa Museum is 12.2 mi (19.7 km) away.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Mahalo Nui Loa for your stay Neil!
We are happy to hear you had a great time in unique Kalapana.
Hope to have you back one time.
All the Best, Sonja & Alex
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Matthew M.
16 Mar 2019
Great place to decompress
Amazing and magical location.
The house is comfortable and very clean and well appointed. We were able to make a full day of doing nothing. We brought water, coffee, and food to cook for two days and nights. We didn't turn the TV on, but we did use the WiFi. The neighborhood was quiet day and night.
We enjoyed being off-grid and we would certainly stay there again.
Matthew M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Aloha LisaAnn & Matthew!
we are happy to hear you loved out there! It's a pleasure to have guests like you :) We love to share our little cottage with lovely people like you. Thank you for taking care of our Lava Hale. Isnt this a magical place to get away from all stress?...
Wishing you all the Best. You are always welcome to come back!
Mahalo Nui Loa for your stay,
Sonja & Alex
What an amazing experience it was staying out on the lava. Epic sunrise and sunset everyday, ocean view, starry nights like nowhere else, rainbows occur often and got to see my first ever "moonbow" under a full moon so bright you'd have to shade your eyes to keep from squinting!!
The hale itself is well stocked, clean and cozy. Wifi and cell service was always available, Netflix and other services are available on the flatscreen provided and the kitchen and bathroom provided all the comforts of home. The lava hale is completely private but when encountering some of the neighbors in the hood, I was met with wonderful local aloha :)))
Thx Alex and Sonja for always being available and for providing such a great epic experience with the Lava Hale.
Unique, once in a lifetime, living experience!! Can't wait to return!
Big Mahalo
Doesn’t even matter that lava isn’t flowing right now. I’ve never experienced such a complete sense of relaxation in just one night at this gem of a spot. Research the energy benefits of just one single lava rock then imagine that energy multiplied by 1000 because it’s surrounding you. Simply amazing! We had clouds so no night stars but we received the most amazing rainbow we’d ever seen!
We stayed here four nights and loved it: walking along the lava field, watching the stars, enjoying the view when having breakfast.
Thomas L.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Cornelius G.
30 Dec 2019
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Location
Cozy, small place with amazing stars, but i'd rather pitch a tent.
My wife and I spent our honeymoon on Hawai'i, and this was our second stop. The place certainly has it's flair, is very cozy and is a worthwhile experience, but for the price I wasn't expecting it to be this close to camping. In hindsight, a tent would have been more fun.
We came during the rainy season, so the entire place was pretty damp, the bed sheets are the exact ones you see on the picture, which makes me wonder if and how often they get changed and the shower and toilet are on the patio (with no 4th wall). The kitchen was overall a bit messy and not very clean. The driveway to the cabin is approximately 1.5 miles on an unpaved, veeeerrrry bumpy road, and I am almost certain that no rental car company would allow you to use it.
Just my two cents.
Cornelius G.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Mahalo Nui for your stay. Too sad you didnt respond to any of our messages if everything is good over there...
We always want to make sure our guests have a memorable vacation and many of our guests return year after year.
Our little Lava Hale is an eco friendly off-gridd country house - not a hotel room. A piece of Alternitive Hawaii. Its for adventure seekers & nature lovers. Quiet and peaceful places like this are rare. You have stayed on one of the newest land on earth.
Sorry it rained, Kalapana is one of the sunniest spots here on this side of the island.
All of your complaints are clearly described and illustrated with pictures.
If you had read the discription of our cottage or checked all the listed pictures, you wouldnt have been surprised.
In our description you can see its an half outdoor bathroom. "Take a hot shower at moonlight".
All guests loved our full equiped kitchen. And just because the linens are the same design like on the picture....its doesnt mean that we have only one set. We got planty of these linens, because we loved the colours.
Hoping you kept some special moments of this unique area in your memories.
Take care. Aloha, Sonja & Alex
Verified
8/10 Good
Donna R.
23 May 2019
Cabin was great!
We enjoyed our time. The cabin was well stocked (minus water or I would given 5 stars). Just make sure to pick up a few gallons before you go out. The owners communicate well and provided a great experience! They made sure to do the little things to make your stay more enjoyable!!
Donna R.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
sierra B.
13 May 2019
Wonderful off grid living
This is a beautiful tiny home in the middle of a lava rock field. My boyfriend puppy and I all decided to stay our first night here to disconnect from the real world! With living on Maui and coming or a staycation this is exactly what we needed! Walked around the lava field at night and for sure recommend waking up early to watch the sun rise! Beautiful home would stay here again.
sierra B.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for beeing such lovely guests and taking good care of our cottage. We love to share our sweet home with people like you. We are happy you had a good time out there. You are always welcome to come back here, if you need some time off the gridd! ;)
Mahalo Nui Loa for your stay. Sonja & Alex
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dan P.
27 Apr 2019
Top rate
Great off-the-path place to decompress.
Dan P.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Aloha Dan,
thank you for staying again in our little Lava Hale. We love to share our beloved cottage with people like you. People who love adventure and nature, like we do! It made us very happy to hear we provided an unique place to calm down and feel home :) You are always welcome to return.
Mahalo Nui Loa!
Verified
8/10 Good
Olivia R.
14 Mar 2019
Lava House
House was fine, but the area was secluded. Definitely for someone who wants to get away. Although the neighborhood is secluded, the location is good - close to beach, Hilo, and other attractions.
Olivia R.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Klaus V.
19 Jan 2019
Einzigartige Unterkunft! Direkt auf dem Lavastrom!
Nicht so schnell zu toppen in puncto Einzigartigkeit! Kein Riesenkomfort, aber absolut ausreichend und für amerikanische Verhältnisse sehr ursprünglich und sehr nahe an der verlorengeglaubten alten Freiheit, dem Vertrauen und der Freizügigkeit der 60er und 70er Jahre. Die nette Nachbarschaft sieht das offensichtlich auch so. Unter diesem Anspruch absolut zu empfehlen und mit dem vorhandenen WiFi holt man sich dann noch die passende Musik ins Häuschen und alles passt! Wir hatten etwas Pech mit dem Wetter, aber wenn man es schafft, den Regen als liquid sun zu verstehen und den Regenbogen als unbedingtes Zubehör, ist die Welt in Ordnung. Etwas mehr Info zur Historie dieses Häuschens und dieses besonderen Ortes wäre für nächste Besucher auch in der Objektbeschreibung schön. War schön hier!
Not so quick to top in terms of uniqueness! No huge comfort, but absolutely sufficient and very original by American standards and very close to the lost old freedom, the trust and the free movement of the 60s and 70s. The nice neighborhood obviously sees it that way too. Under this claim absolutely recommendable and with the available WiFi you get then the right music in the cottage and everything fits! We had some bad luck with the weather, but if you manage to understand the rain as liquid sun and the rainbow as an essential accessory, the world is fine. A little bit more information about the history of this little house and this special place would be nice for next visitors also in the object description. It was nice here!
Klaus V.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Aloha Ihr Lieben,
wow, vielen vielen Dank für die wunderschöne Bewertung! Es freut uns sehr, daß Ihr diesen magischen Ort genauso liebt, wie wir ;) und auch das ständig wechselnde Hawaii-Wetter. Ihr seid jederzeit wieder herzlichst willkommen, wenn es Euch mal wieder nach Hawaii zieht...
Mahalo Nui Loa for your stay and beeing such wonderful guests!
Sonja & Alex
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dianna A.
5 Jan 2019
staying on the flow...
Lava Hale is a cozy, remote surprise close to Pahoa. The expanse of lava it sits on is incredible especially under a full moon! The little cottage is thoughtfully equipped, clean and has a great prooperty manager. We loved our stay!
Dianna A.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018
Verified
8/10 Good
Sarah R.
26 Dec 2018
Great place!
This was by far the most unique place we stayed in Hawaii. We loved it!
Sarah R.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Aloha Sarah, we are happy to hear you loved it out here in this unique Kalapana area. Thank you so much for beeing such lovely guests and taking good care of our little cottage. You are always welcome to come back ;) All the Best. Take care. Mahalo Nui Loa, Sonja & Alex
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Courtney H.
28 Oct 2018
Cute off grid cabin on the lava
As described in the listing. Cute, clean off grid cabin. Such a lovely place to stay. Nice breeze coming through and even though it’s off grid, there is a ceiling fan, internet, tv and hot water. AMAZING view of the sunrise. Bring your own drinking water as the water is from catchment and not safe for drinking.
Thanks for sharing your place with us!
Courtney H.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Aloha Courtney,
thanks so much for beeing such lovely guests and taking good care of our little cottage. We are happy to hear you loved it out here in this unique Kalapana area. You are always welcome to stay ;)
All the Best. Take care.
Mahalo Nui Loa, Sonja & Alex
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mona Lois S.
7 May 2018
Very comfortable and great lava.
This house is just like they say. Very comfortable, no AC but we didn't need it. The bathroom is on the porch but very nice. The only thing is that there are a lot of other houses out on the lava, some are nice and some are not. It was very quiet while we were there but just as we were leaving someone started building on their house and the saw was very loud.
Mona Lois S.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dan P.
12 Apr 2018
A place where time stops
If you've ever wanted to step into a surreal dream, this is the place. At first, the lava rock may jar your senses, but it becomes a lulling comfort. Kalapana Gardens is like a modern day frontier land. Sonja & Alex operate the perfect place at the perfect price. Very clean and in order. If you have any problems, they are very responsive.
Dan P.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
bev T.
29 Mar 2018
Exactly what we expected for living on the lava, off the grid
This was a great experience, it defies description. I believe a number of the neighbors were original homeowners in this neighborhood when the lava flowed over their property nearly 30 years ago. The area has the feel of modern day homesteading in inhospitable terrain. We enjoyed the stay at the house and tried to be sensitive to the residents who still live in the area, some of whom are able to profit a bit from the lava tourism. (Our shuttle driver had grown up in the area and had plenty to say about it.) I'm sure visitors are both a blessing and a curse to the original residents of Kalapana. The house itself is adequate and clean. There was plenty of hot water, basically outfitted kitchen, comfortable enough bed, a place to charge our phones. No need for frills out on the lava. We loved the outdoor bathroom, there is a sliding door for privacy, but there is something kind of fun about looking at the landscape while showering. At night storms blew through and cleared just as quickly. The rain pounded and wind shook the structure wildly but never for very long. The location is perfect to access the flowing lava. We parked at the shuttle pick up. It took us to the second gate, cutting off about 4 miles round trip (still a 4 mile hike part way on the road, but mostly on the lava.) We were out after dark, but with headlamps and back up flashlights we were able to navigate our way back to the road and shuttle. If you want to see flowing, oozing lava, as long as Pele cooperates, this is a very convenient place to stay.
bev T.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
18 Mar 2018
it’s OMG!
Don’t miss this place! If you need more than one night here, EVEN BETTER!
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ann H.
18 Feb 2018
Fantastic opportunity to be out on the lava
The small house is pleasant and clean. We enjoyed all the sunlight in the home, and the mattress on the bed was good! At night, you can see the lava flow on the distant mountainside. To get as close to the lava as the National Park Service will allow, you need to hike or bike on a gravel road 4.5 miles from this home. You can rent a bike on your way in. It is best to arrive during the daytime hours as the property is a bit tricky to find within the subdivision. Sonja and Alex might want to put a map of the subdivision in the directions that they send once you rent from them. Though the directions are complete, it is easier for some of us to navigate with a map than with written directions or photos. We enjoyed the outdoor shower and restroom. It was extremely windy one night we were there. There is nothing to break the wind out on the lava, so it was loud and we were initially concerned that the little house and its roof might not make it through the night, but lo and behold, it did! Thank you, Sonja and Alex for allowing us the chance to have a special experience!
Ann H.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
15 Feb 2018
AWESOME location, off the grid & on the Lava,
Off the grid but we had electricity, solar, WiFi, running water, showers, flushing toilets. The shower & toilet are outside on the side porch but private & airy. So while being off the grid we were not roughing it. Clean & cozy, lots of windows& light, cool breezes, great sunrises while sitting outside at the picnic table having breakfast, sunsets on the side porch. Also from the side porch in the evening you can see the lava glowing on the side of the volcano! And after your hike up to see the lava up close you do not have to drive back to anywhere because you are still there! The town of Kalapana is a short drive away for food, music, beer etc. even if you are not vegan the “sampler plate” at “Karuna’s” can’t be beat for the tastiest filling meal after a walk to the Lava.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
elsa o.
18 Jan 2018
Perfect for lava viewing convenience
Such a unique and interesting experience. Offered everything we needed.
elsa o.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Benjamin W.
27 Dec 2017
Ever wanted to live on Mars?
Now's your chance! Truly, truly unique opportunity. While the cottage is admittedly bare bones, this is much more about getting to be near the lava flows, see spectacular stars, and live on terrier that''s unlike anywhere else. It was a total kick, and we'd do it again in an instant. Thanks!
Benjamin W.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Sony & Alex S.
22 Dec 2017
Unique place on earth!
Aloha Sonja & Alex,
we LOVED our stay in your cozy and cute Lava Hale!
We had an amazing time out here in the lava fields. An exceptional place for vacationing.
The eco-friendly home has everything you need. The solar power works great, even on cloudy days. The fridge and stove worked perfect with propane. Well equiped kitchen. Great views. You can see the glow of Kilauea by night. After our evening hiking tours we took a hot outside shower under the moon light. Fantastic! Recommanded!
There is so much too explore. Not only "once in a lifetime" - We will return very soon.
MAHALO for the great tips and maps.
Sony & Alex S.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2017
About the host
Hosted by Sonja & Alex
This is Sonja & Alex. We love to share our magical place with lovely people like You! And make your stay an unforgettable experience.
Why they chose this property
We love Magical places! So quiet and peaceful. Ever wanted to stay on mars? This is your chance.
What makes this property unique
Amazing Stargazing at night! Milkyway is just right above the house. See lots of shooting stars. It feels like you're in the Universe. We have no light polution here in this area... so you see millions of starts. You may see the orange glow of the volcano!!