The Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast is located thirty minutes from Hilo, Hawaii. The property has two buildings, namely the main plantation-style house with two suites and a separate smaller cottage a short walk away. Breakfast is served daily using many different fruits that are grown in a garden that sits on the property as well. The current owners, Erich and Suzanne, have a goal of "creating an experience that is amazing," for the people who stay at their bed and breakfast. One of the things that are frequently mentioned in reviews of the Ala Kai is an appreciation of the recommendations Erich and Suzanne have for places to visit in the surrounding area.
Found on the east side of the big island of Hawaii on the Puna Peninsula is the Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast. The main building is a plantation-style home with grey siding and teal blue accents on the exterior windows, doors, and railings. It has a lanai that wraps around the entire house, which serves as the main gathering area. Another smaller cottage sits behind the main house, named the Ohana Cottage, which is also available for reservation. There is also a freshwater pool in the front of the main house, which guests can use. Both the lanai and the pool have ocean views. The yard contains a garden where many different fruits are grown, many of which are used each morning for breakfast.
All of the suites offered at the Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast incorporate many cues from Hawaiian culture using local artwork and furniture. The Aloha Suite is the larger of the two suites in the main house, and it is on the second story. It has two rooms, the Aloha Room and the Turtle Room. The Aloha Room has a king-sized bed while the Turtle Room has a queen-size bed, and both rooms share a bathroom. Additionally, it is worth noting that both rooms have entrances to the wrap-around lanai. The Bamboo Room, which is separate from the Aloha Suite, is on the first story of the building, and it has a private entrance as well as a microwave, refrigerator, and a picnic basket.
The Ohana Cottage continues the Hawaiian cultural theme with its artwork and furniture. Some of the amenities in the cottage include two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a living area with a kitchen. It also has its own lanai, views of the ocean, and a carport for guests staying there. A continental breakfast is included with the Ohana Cottage. Both the suites in the main house and the Ohana Cottage offer free Wi-Fi.
Each morning a continental breakfast is served on the lanai at the main house. The breakfast consists of many fruits which the owners grow on the property, such as bananas, pineapples, passion fruit, papaya, and more. Also included are a variety of yogurts, bagels, English muffins, and homemade goods. Some dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request.
Erich Zipse and Suzanne Chaffee, the business’s current owners, want to help their guests have an experience that is worth remembering. They are willing to interact with guests and offer suggestions for different activities and attractions around the island. One guest remarked, “Erich and Suzy are very sweet and had great suggestions for what to do and where to eat on the island.” The part of the job that the owners enjoy the most is meeting the wide variety of people who stay with them. In his own words, Erich’s motto for the Ala Kai is “we’re going to make your day a great one!”
The Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast is open year-round. One attraction that is possible to experience on the grounds of the property itself is participating in whale watching, which is generally possible from December to April. This is most commonly done on the lanai at the bed and breakfast. Another activity that is recommended to visitors is the hikes to the coastal cliffs just a short drive from the premises. Snorkel gear is also available upon request from the front desk. There is also a 'no pets' policy at the Ala Kai and smoking is not allowed.
About thirty minutes north of the Ala Kai is the city of Hilo, where there are more attractions for guests to view and participate in. Hilo is close to many sandy beaches, which are in contrast to the sea cliffs that are close to the bed and breakfast, as well as other natural formations such as the Rainbow Falls and the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve. In the city proper of Hilo, guests can visit the local farmer’s market, rainforest zoo, and the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Erich and Suzanne also have many recommendations for things to do and restaurants to try in the Hilo area.
South of the property, guests will find many national parks and forests which are popular interests of many previous patrons to the bed and breakfast. The most popular of the parks is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which features many dormant and active volcanoes that can be observed.
One of the most unique aspects of the land the house is built on is that it was originally land that the Hawaiian royalty would live on. As such, each property in the area has a special deed for their property that designates it as such. The Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast was originally built as a bed and breakfast in 1997. Erich and Suzanne purchased the business from its previous owners in October 2020. Erich worked as a real estate investor for most of his career and didn’t know if he wanted to own and operate a business such as a bed and breakfast. As they have continued to work and improve their business, however, they have found an appreciation for the guests who stay with them.
Since purchasing the property Erich and Suzanne have made many renovations and updates. The largest project involved resurfacing the pool deck. They also have replaced all of the mattresses and are currently in the process of acquiring additional furniture to make updates to the interior of the main house.
15 - 782 Paradise Ala Kai
Kea'au, Hawaii 96749
United States
Plantation
Erich Zipse & Suzanne Chaffee
Mary and Pat Roblee
