Entire home

MAGICAL & COZY GEM! BIRDS, HUGE FERNS ABOUND IN NATIVE RAINFOREST. SO QUIET.

Holiday home with kitchen, near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Photo gallery for MAGICAL & COZY GEM! BIRDS, HUGE FERNS ABOUND IN NATIVE RAINFOREST. SO QUIET.

Your private entry and porch to Volcano Village Serenity Suite. Hammock awaits!
Aloha and welcome to our guests!
Porch table has four chairs.
Breakfast on the porch/lanai. with Guest dresses in a "hapi" happy coat.
The Hammock is comfy and the birds are singing for you. Second hammock in yard.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 365.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Kilauea
  • Place, Volcano House
  • Place, Kilauea Military Camp
  • Airport, Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 3)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining area

About this property

MAGICAL & COZY GEM! BIRDS, HUGE FERNS ABOUND IN NATIVE RAINFOREST. SO QUIET.

VOLCANO VILLAGE SERENITY SUITE
We do not accept bookings from anyone who has not been vaccinated and had booster shots, with the exception of small children. We appreciate your honesty about this as it is very important to us. Thank you for being vaccinated in this critical time. Mahalo!
And, DO KNOW this is truly a "Big Island". If you are flying directly into the Kona airport it is 90+ miles from Volcano so try to arrive early into Kona. Let us know so we can advise you on the best route to take. The Hilo Airport is 30 easy miles from Volcano.
Your private entrance leads to our sweet and cozy Serenity Suite in the heart of quiet Volcano Village. FREE breakfast the first morning. Guests say this is the coziest place they have ever stayed, it truly is!!
Our property is on one half acre of land that we have been gardening and landscaping in a native forest for 40 years. You will find quiet and privacy here.
Guests are awed by this piece of paradise and are treated like family.
Relax in either of 2 hammocks, one under the native Lehua Ohia trees and Hapu'u ferns and the other on your private covered porch.
We have added a gas grill and grilling tools to Serenity Suite for our guests use.
This is vacation rental is NOT located in a subdivision, as many vacation rentals in Volcano are. We are in the heart of the "Village" on a charming and quiet road, just minutes from the park and Volcano Village dinning.
Relax and restore as you listen to soothing native bird songs (note: there are no noisy coqui frogs in this part of the village, which are very loud critters)
There is a cozy gas fireplace, Sally's extensive lending library and 2 beds in this 2 room suite with covered porch. over 700 sf. Second bed is a double and suitable for a third guest or for 2 children. Not suitable for comfort for 2 adults.
We think this vacation rental is ideal for 2 adults or a family. It is not always ideal for 4 adults as there is one queen bed and one double bed, so if you are especially tall or large the double bed might be too small for you. We want everyone to be most comfortable while staying in Volcano Village Serenity Suite!
Extra single futon available, if needed.
We have comfy "hapi" coats for you to wear and soft fuzzy socks if needed. You will be "happy" here!
A generous locally sourced breakfast is provided on the first morning in your suite. (Note vegetarian but not vegan) It will all be in the fridge when you arrive. Our water is excellent, so don't buy any bottled water.
Wonderful freshly ground coffee, tea assortments, local juice, hot chocolate and popcorn are provided.
We are extremely close to ALL that you need: 3 minutes to the nearby stores and restaurants and 5 minutes to the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Our sweet neighborhood is also a joy to stroll in, so bring your walking shoes.
You will love this place!
We also are LEGAL and registered with the State of Hawaii, as a legitimate vacation rental. Sadly, many are not.
Come, meet, Sally & Jeffrey Mermel.
Sally is celebrating her 54th year in Hawaii and Jeffrey is a former Volcano National Park naturalist. We love Volcano and have lived in this home for 45 years. Sally's garden was recently featured on a garden tour by The Volcano Foundation.
The youngest island in the archipelago, 'Hawaii's Big Island' was believed to be the first island Polynesian voyagers set foot on 1,500 years ago. Today, the 'Big Island' remains a vital touchstone for Hawaiian culture, the birthplace of Hawaii's greatest King, Kamehameha I, also the home of Pele, goddess of fire, and Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. Mark Twain called this island 'the peacefullest, restfullest, balmiest, dreamiest haven of refuge for a worn and weary spirit the surface of the earth can offer'.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
Fireplace

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number TA-137-835-3152-01, GE-137-835-3152-01

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Volcano

Located in Volcano, this holiday home is in the mountains. Volcano Golf and Country Club and Volcano Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kīlauea Visitor Center. Aloha Candy Company and Akatsuka Orchid Gardens are also worth visiting. Surfing/body boarding offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling, ecotours and mountain biking nearby.
Map
Volcano, HI

What's nearby

  • Volcano Garden Arts - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Volcano House - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Kīlauea Visitor Center - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Volcano Golf and Country Club - 7 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Kilauea Military Camp - 8 min drive - 6.9 km

Getting around

  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Rim Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Uncle George's Lounge at Volcano House - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Crater Rim Cafe - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Rico’s Tacos - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Lava Rock Cafe - ‬20 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is MAGICAL & COZY GEM! BIRDS, HUGE FERNS ABOUND IN NATIVE RAINFOREST. SO QUIET. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at MAGICAL & COZY GEM! BIRDS, HUGE FERNS ABOUND IN NATIVE RAINFOREST. SO QUIET.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at MAGICAL & COZY GEM! BIRDS, HUGE FERNS ABOUND IN NATIVE RAINFOREST. SO QUIET.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is MAGICAL & COZY GEM! BIRDS, HUGE FERNS ABOUND IN NATIVE RAINFOREST. SO QUIET. located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Cooper Center and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Aloha Candy Company and Kilauea Iki Overlook are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 244 out of 255 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 255 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 255 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 255 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 255 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mike & Manuela

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely amazing location, loved it. Jeffrey was absolutely helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary F.

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

Quite oasis

Loved the location and forested surroundings. One of the best places we have stayed in Volcano.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marta M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a truly amazing experience with Jeffrey and Sally and their wonderful property! Outstanding location, outstanding hosts! Jeffrey provided invaluable insight on how best to experience the park and Sally provided thoughtful touches to the home. We couldn’t be more pleased with our stay and would absolutely recommend this property without any hesitation!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jimmer P.

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

Paradise near Volcanoes National Park

From first contact with hosts Jeffrey and Sally to the time we had to leave, Volcano Village Serenity Suite met and surpassed our needs and expectations. Super hosts, perfect location, quiet and clean accommodations, everything we needed for our first trip to the big island of Hawaii. We recommend highly!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny A.

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

Lovely place to stay in Volcano Village

This place is amazing. It is a cute apartment in the middle of the rainforest. The host Jeffrey was extremely helpful and knowledgeable of the area and the national park. I would definitely come back! Mahalo!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda G.

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

Wonderful stay

We had a lovely stay in the cozy suite. The breakfast foods were a delicious treat. We used all of Jeffrey's suggestions on how to explore the national park. Being gardeners we loved this green santuary and the wo derful hospitality.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol H.

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

Serenity and beauty

What a wonderful stay in the rain forest with great hosts. From the wealth of knowledge about fauna, birds, hikes and sights to the wonderful breakfast that greeted us in the morning, it was wonderful. It was perfect for me and my adult daughter.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne C.

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

Forest Haven

Jeff and Sally are wonderful hosts and have created unique forest getaway on the slopes of Kilauea. Our stay was made all the richer for their warm generosity as hosts, and their caring preparations for our stay. Would happily stay again and wholeheartedly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane F.

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

It was cozy and relaxing!

My son loved your hammock! We just loved being in your special secluded suite- all the great touches- it had everything we needed :) thank you Sally and Jeff!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jan K.

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

Excellent for chilling and exercises!

Are you a nature lover? Come here!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

linda r.

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

Restful hideaway

Great place to enjoy downtime. Ohia trees, birds singing, rain in the forest. Gas fireplace for warmth at night. National park 5 mins away.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael Z.

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

Amazing little place out in the rainforest

We stayed in a lot of places in Hawaii (including expensive resorts) but our stay here was our favorite. It was a super cute place, with a lot of great touches like a patio, a hammock outdoors, and a great book collection. The surroundings are incredible, lush and forested and it was super peaceful. The hosts were super friendly and gave great suggestions for park hikes as well as things to do in town. We wish we had more time there, and hope to be back in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Tom S.

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

Nice, quiet and "remote"

Well maintained two room rental in a restored rain forest (sunny for us). It is very quiet and feels remote despite being in Volcano Village and close to Volcano Nat'l Park. Lots of help and good info from Jeffrey and Sally. Given limited eating options in Volcano Village on Sunday and Monday, a stove would be nice. Overall, very pleasant stay. Would stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas V.

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

Such wonderful views of the rainforest.

Everything was perfect. The breakfast supplied the first morning was delicious. Papaya, yogurt, coffee and bread ! Exactly what we like to eat on the big island, fruits. The hosts were very nice. Will be back. The living area was clean and we loved the selection of books. Thank you Sally!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Quiet, comfortable, relaxing

The rain forest is so special in Volcano - up you don’t want to miss it, really. Our hosts were delightful human beings with volumes of knowledge about the area as they have lived there for many, many years. Pick up your groceries before you arrive as there are few stores to choose from. Don’t miss this amazing and unique corner of the world.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

bandguyonthefly

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

Thanks to these wonderful hosts

I loved this place…great books, incredible rainforest, AWESOME hammock to hang in. Jeffrey’s knowledge of HVNP is a great “in” to have. I can’t recommend it strongly enough. Just be sure you know: it’s a kitchenette! There’s a grill but no stove…I didn’t read the listing carefully enough and came expecting to cook…but I’ll tell you: the restaurants were GOOD! Anyway, the hosts make this place a treasure. They’re super good people.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

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

So cozy!

This was a wonderful place to spend the last few days of our Hawaiian vacation. It's a great location because it feels like you're in the middle of a rainforest but it's quite close to many of the places we were exploring. The provided breakfast on the first morning was delicious. Information about the area, tourist sites, and restaurants is provided and appreciated. Also, thank you for the calendar! Very nice gesture.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

sandy_a_johnson@hotmail.com, Westminster, CO

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

Paradise Found

Sally and Jeffrey could make the lowest level of Dante’s inferno welcoming. Happily, Serenity Suite is paradise. Our hosts were amazing and they will anticipate needs you didn’t even know you had. The guesthouse is beautiful. Between birds, patio, cozy fireplace and lovely hosts in a breathtaking location, this was an amazing and relaxing stay. And while Jeffrey may say you can only ask him three questions, it is worth exceeding the quota.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kirila G.

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

Cozy stay in a rainforest

Sally and Jeffrey were extremely welcoming hosts. The place was cozy, full of books, in the middle of a rainforest - I would not have believed there are houses there. They were very helpful telling us what to do in Volcano and where to eat. We could use guide books, flashlights, binoculars - they have everything you might need. We stayed with our 2 year old son and Sally even found us a cot and some board books for him - that was so sweet and also so helpful to keep him entertained.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elitsa B.

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

True Rainforest Gem!!!

Thank you, Sally and Jeffrey for our magical stay at your property in Volcano! The suite is exceptionally cozy and relaxing, and the rainforest - simply idyllic. We were awoken by bird songs and lush green 360° views every day! If we could give it 10*, we would absolutely have! The amazing presence and hospitality of Sally and Jeffrey made our experience that much better! We would absolutely recommend this property to anyone! No better vantage point to the rainforest and the Volcanoes National Park.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom R.

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

In the rainforest

Exceptional experience. Jeffrey & Sally are wonderful hosts, lovely people. Jeffrey - as a retired Park Forest Ranger - has tremendous knowledge and experience regarding Volcanoes National Park, where he still provides volunteer service. Sally is very creative and it shows in the quaint and comfortable living quarters, nicely equipped with furnishings and park info as well as a gas fireplace. We would highly recommend these accommodations for your stay near the Park and would love to do so again ourselves.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Grace D.

Nice little getaway

Beautiful and unique little spot in the rain forest, but my husband's allergies made the stay really tough. Not sure if it was dust or cats but he was definitely allergic to the house. :(
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Steve Y.

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

Almost heaven

After a whirlwind birding tour of the islands, I settled into the Serenity Suite in Volcano Village to catch up with some normalcy. The Suite was clean, spotless and decorated nicely. Jeffery and Sally were excellent hosts and answered numerous questions before my visit and had breakfast ready for me on the first morning. The door opened onto a porch that was surrounded by rain forest. Enjoying coffee there while listening to songbirds and stillness from any traffic noises was pleasant. It was a delightful, restful, refreshing time after nine nonstop days on the islands. The accommodations and setting were sooting to the soul. It’s an awesome place. Many thanks to the hosts for making this a special place.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ruth J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gracious hosts. Comfortable accommodations with everything we needed right there. Location in a fern forest is simply lovely. Enjoyed seeing quite a number of different flowers and birds.Our hosts were so charming. They had excellent advice on the local area and the volcano national park.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay here at this hidden gem! The location is so beautiful, surrounded by the plants and flowers of the rainforest and so quiet and peaceful. It is so close to Volcano National Park which was perfect as we made several trips to the park. Jeffrey and Sally were the best hosts. Jeffrey gave us great advice on hikes and the best spots to watch the volcano erupt. It was very clean and well equipped and we especially appreciated the binoculars that were there so we could see Episode 34 of Kīlauea up close. We couldn’t ask for a better place to stay. Highly recommend if you are going to Volcano National Park or if you want a very relaxed, peaceful vacation to just unwind and enjoy the beauty of this amazing cottage.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Sally & Jeffey Mermel

Host profile image
Jeffrey and Sally are recently retired business owners.
Sally owned and created "The Most Irresistible Shop In Hilo" in 1976, which at one time has 3 locations. The original store is located in historic downtown Hilo @ 256 Kamehameha Ave and is now owned by wonderful Tracie Yoshimoto. The store has won numerous "best" gift store awards throughout its now 46 year history. It has an online presence on Facebook and numerous other social media, because of Tracie. Tracie was 6 when Sally opened that store and was a faithful customer as a child with her mother, Hazel and as an adult with her 3 children. She purchased 'MISH' in October 2013. Sally was also the originator of 'Bear's Coffee', (closed in 2022 after 39 years) Sally owned it for 9 years but sold it when life with children got too busy.
Jeffrey is a former peace core volunteer and was a naturalist in Volcanoes National Park when he first moved to the Big Island. He is an active community volunteer, and really makes a difference. The world is better because of him. In 1979 Jeffrey founded "The Fireplace & Home Center" along side Sally's "The Most Irresistible Shop In Hilo". This is one reason why your stay in Volcano Serenity Suite will be warm and cozy! Jeffrey sold this store in April 2014. So, now we have been keeping busy by creating this wonderful vacation rental suite. Sally loves to garden, cook, do yoga and read. They are happily married for over 40 years and have two grown children who live on the island.

Why they chose this property

Our home has 3 levels and the Serenity Suite is privately located in the garden/ forest level with it's own path and entry. It is quiet, restorative and peaceful. Guests ooh and ahh as they enter the path to VVSS!
The entire property consists of one half acre that meanders through the delightful native Hawaiian rainforest and garden. This property is in a native bird corridor that supports the wonderful songs and sights of native birds. Many "apapane" will sing for you! You will be amazed at the sights and sounds.

What makes this property unique

Old growth Hawaiian native forest surrounds this suite. You have complete privacy and access. Many Volcano rentals may be in new subdivisions across Hwy 11, while this is sweetly situated in old & historic Volcano Village. There are no noisy coqui frogs in this area (a true blessing that our neighborhood works constantly on) but at most lower elevations they are now established and because of their decibel level are not welcome critters. We work hard in Volcano to keep them at bay! Our suite is cozy and warm and has an extensive library and incredible views from the windows and private deck. Truly serene and restorative, you will love your stay here!

Languages:

English, Spanish