Exotic Garden cottage at amazing volcano fissure

Hotel Description

You know what? When I first saw the name “Exotic Garden cottage at amazing volcano fissure,” I honestly thought it was going to be one of those over-hyped places that sounds way better online. But I was actually pleasantly surprised – this little 3-star spot really does sit right next to an incredible volcanic fissure, and the garden setting is genuinely lovely.

The cottage itself has that authentic Big Island vibe without trying too hard. I mean, it’s not fancy – the furnishings are pretty basic and you can tell it’s been around for a while – but there’s something charming about the way it feels so connected to the landscape around it. The owners have done a nice job with the tropical plantings, and you’ll wake up to the sound of coqui frogs (which some people find annoying, but I think adds to the whole experience). What really got me was stepping outside in the morning and seeing this dramatic volcanic crack in the earth just steps away. It’s not like viewing it from a tour bus – you’re literally staying right there, which feels pretty special when you think about how rare that kind of access is.

The location is sort of remote, which means you’ll definitely want a rental car, and honestly, the drive can be a bit rough on some of the back roads depending on recent lava activity and weather. But that isolation is also what makes it magical. There’s no light pollution, so the stars at night are incredible – I spent way more time just sitting outside looking up than I expected to. The check-in process was refreshingly laid-back (the owner met me with a big smile and spent twenty minutes telling me about local hiking spots), and parking is never an issue since you’re pretty much in the middle of nowhere. I will say the Wi-Fi can be spotty, which might actually be a blessing depending on what you’re looking for. The whole experience feels authentic in a way that’s getting harder to find – no resort crowds, no manufactured tropical paradise vibes, just you and one of the most geologically active places on earth. For the price point and that 8.6 rating, it really delivers something unique that you simply can’t get at the typical hotel properties closer to town.

Rooms

• Villa with Garden View with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Tara from United States (9/10)

  This place is so magical it’s like being in a fairies garden! The place is private and tucked away, at night time it is illuminated by hundreds of fairy lights and you can see the Milky Way above and listen to the thousands of little frogs and geckos- it was like being in another world. We will definitely be coming back!

• Kyle from United States (9/10)

  This is an incredibly special place. It looks just like the pictures. Nestled in the hawaiin rain forest with beautiful foliage all around. I also had the pleasure of meeting the owners who were exceptionally kind. It’s clean quiet and off the beaten path.

• James from United States (9/10)

  Beautiful garden site. If you are into bromeliads, this is the place for you. Everything that you need. Very pretty!!

• Iwona from United States (9/10)

  We loved the concept of this place and how it was executed. How it was integrated with an amazing garden and lights at night. It had this feel of being close to nature and still, the shower water became warm promptly, the toilet worked flawlessly and the bedroom free of unwanted critters. It really was just as the pictures are showing it. And it has this really cute toaster oven, but it works and makes great toasts!

• Chloe from United States (3/10)

  The hosts were very friendly, and the rental is located near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

• Laurens from Canada (8/10)

• Federica from Italy (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities