Hale 'Ohu Bed & Breakfast is located in Volcano, Hawaii. It is an adults-only, non-smoking property owned and operated by twin sisters Nicole and Gabrielle. Nicole notes that many people are drawn to the bed and breakfast’s proximity to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is open 24/7 and offers visitors the chance to see lava when Kilauea Volcano is active. She also explains that the establishment serves as a "hub for guests exploring the east side of the island and the nearby nature preserves." One of the establishment's unique features, according to Nicole, is its botanical garden, which some describe as "magical and special." The property receives a variety of visitors and is especially popular with couples. Nicole notes that the winter season is the busiest time, with the majority of people being snowbirds from Canada and the U.S.
Hale 'Ohu Bed & Breakfast is a bed and breakfast located in the heart of Volcano Village, just five minutes away from the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The bed and breakfast consists of three self-contained rooms, each with its own private bathroom and amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, euro-top queen-size beds, and private lanais. The Bamboo Room looks out onto a bamboo grove, while the Orchid Room and Red Ginger Room overlook the botanical garden that surrounds the property. Nicole, co-owner, mentions that the Red Ginger room is the most popular room due to its "larger lanai and better view of the garden."
The property is situated on five acres of land, mostly covered in native rainforest, with a botanical garden in the front and a rainforest in the back. Nicole explains that the rainforest walk is a "short stroll" through the anthurium and bromeliad gardens, leading to a "rustic walk" through the native rainforest filled with native hapu’u ferns and Ohia trees. She also mentions there are "plenty of opportunities to explore and take in the beauty of the natural surroundings." Hale ‘Ohu is currently working on a rainforest lounge that will be completed by the end of the year.
The property's breakfast is continental, as required by the County of Hawaii, and is left in the guest's refrigerator the day before, so they can enjoy it at their leisure. The breakfast options are curated by Nicole’s twin sister and co-owner, Gabrielle, and includes homemade items such as banana bread and egg dishes. While the bed and breakfast tries to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, Nicole says it is difficult to do so at such a remote location. Patrons are free to enjoy their breakfast in their room whenever they choose.
As for activities, according to Nicole, the bed and breakfast is located in a "prime spot" for those visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where they can explore an active volcano and its surrounding areas. There are also opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and exploring the local art galleries and shops in the area. The bed and breakfast is centrally located in Volcano Village, just a few minutes away from restaurants and shops. There are several restaurants in the area that guests can visit, including the Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant, which Nicole says offers some of the "best food in the region" and has a "cozy atmosphere" with a fireplace; Ohelo Cafe, which serves wood-fired pizzas; and Uncle George's Lounge at Volcano House, which offers a more "casual dining experience."
Hale 'Ohu Bed & Breakfast is a non-smoking property that does not allow pets, with the exception of service animals. The bed and breakfast has quiet hours between 8:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and guests are expected to respect the environment. The establishment has other policies that can be found on its website, including a limit of two people per room and the prohibition of children.
One of the unique features of the bed and breakfast, according to Nicole—one of the owners—is its botanic garden, which is set back from the road and offers a "magical and peaceful retreat" for guests. One person mentioned the botanical garden in a review, saying, "The property itself is amazing with lots of interesting plants if you want to wander through the garden area. It's tucked back in a really quiet neighborhood, so the only noise we heard was birds, frogs, and rain." The owners also have a section on the property called the "‘Āina Garden," which encourages people to respect the Hawaiian culture by not taking any rocks or coral from the land. Nicole says that the garden serves as a reminder for visitors to be "mindful and respectful of the land and the sacredness it holds for the native Hawaiians." In this garden, those staying at the bed and breakfast can return any rocks, coral, or other items that they might have picked up during their stay.
The property is open year-round, with its peak season being the winter months from December to January. The bed and breakfast sees a mix of people from all over the world. Nicole notes that they try to interact with visitors and provide recommendations on local restaurants and shops, as well as the highlights of the nearby park. Nicole remarks that the bed and breakfast is an "ideal destination" for those who like hiking, exploring the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and other natural attractions in the area. Guests may also use Hale 'Ohu Bed & Breakfast as a hub to explore the eastern side of the island, where there are nature preserves and waterfalls, such as the Green Sand Beach and the Black Sand Beach to the south and the Akaka Falls State Park to the north. While most people are one-time visitors, Nicole notes that the bed and breakfast does have a "good number of repeat guests," with some even coming from as far as the Cayman Islands.
According to the property's website, Hale 'Ohu Bed & Breakfast was deeded by King Kamehameha V to the Lyman missionary family in 1886. The Lymans built the main house in two parts. The front section was constructed in a Connecticut farmhouse style using lumber from Puget Sound, Washington, and redwood from Mendocino, California. The sugar plantation-style addition was added to the back of the house in 1900. The house was initially used as a vacation home for the family until 1941, when the Lymans moved back to Hilo permanently due to rationed food and gas supplies during WWII. The house was used as storage for the Lyman Museum and Mission House for the next 30 years. In 1973, the Morse family purchased the property from Orlando Lyman, great-grandson of David and Sarah Lyman. In 1985, they established My Island Inn, and in 1988, they added the three-room garden suites in a separate structure. After many years of welcoming guests, the Morse family sold the establishment in 2016. Today, Hale 'Ohu Bed & Breakfast has three garden suites, and the main house is used as a private residence for the owners, with the office located in the main house. Visitors can learn more about the Lyman family's history by visiting the Lyman Mission House and Lyman Museum in Hilo.
The current owners, Gabrielle and Nicole Naughten are sisters who are originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, and they purchased the home from the Morse family in October 2016. After some renovations, they reopened the bed and breakfast to guests in July 2017. Both Gabrielle and Nicole had the lifelong dream of owning a bed and breakfast, and they are "fulfilling that dream" together as co-owners at Hale 'Ohu Bed & Breakfast. Nicole remarks that they have made significant changes to the property, including recovering the overgrown grounds and "giving it a facelift." They have future plans to add a rainforest lounge.
19-3896 Old Volcano Rd
Volcano, Hawaii
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Gabrielle and Nicole Naughten
Morse Family
