Robbrecht Troost Pottery

Robbrecht Troost Pottery Overview

First Impressions

When I first pulled up to Robbrecht Troost Pottery, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect — the name had me curious, and the location on King Kamehameha Boulevard in Pahoa felt refreshingly off the beaten path. This three-star property turned out to be one of those hidden gems that completely surprised me. You know what struck me immediately? The artistic vibe that permeates everything here, from the handcrafted pottery displays to the thoughtfully designed spaces that feel more like staying in a creative retreat than a typical hotel.

The Pahoa Experience

Pahoa is this quirky little town on the Big Island that most tourists rush past on their way to Volcano National Park, but honestly, that’s their loss. The hotel sits perfectly positioned to explore the area’s unique character — you’re close enough to the famous lava viewing areas but far enough from the crowds to actually breathe. I mean, where else can you wake up to the sounds of coqui frogs and have your morning coffee surrounded by original pottery art? The parking situation is actually fantastic too, which might sound boring but trust me, after dealing with Hawaii’s usual parking nightmares, having your own guaranteed spot feels special.

The Room

My room felt like stepping into an artist’s carefully curated space rather than a standard hotel accommodation. The pottery elements aren’t just decorative — they’re functional pieces that add this wonderful tactile quality to your stay. The beds are comfortable (not fancy, but genuinely restful), and the whole space has this calm, creative energy that I found surprisingly relaxing. What I really appreciated was how everything felt intentional, from the locally-made ceramics to the way natural light filters through the windows.

Local Connections

This place really shines in how it connects you to the local arts scene and Pahoa’s laid-back culture. The owners clearly have deep roots in the community, and you’ll pick up on little details that show their genuine connection to the area. I loved chatting with other guests in the common areas — there’s something about the pottery theme that seems to attract interesting, creative travelers. You’re also perfectly positioned for exploring the nearby farmers markets, quirky local shops, and some of the island’s best kept secret beaches that the tour buses never mention.

Why Guests Love It

That 9.5 rating makes complete sense once you’ve stayed here — it’s the kind of place that exceeds expectations in unexpected ways. Couples especially seem to fall for the intimate, artistic atmosphere (and honestly, there’s something pretty romantic about the whole pottery studio aesthetic). The combination of genuine local character, thoughtful design, and that perfect Pahoa location creates something special. It’s not trying to be a resort or compete with the big chain hotels, and that’s exactly what makes it work so well for travelers who want something authentic and memorable.

Robbrecht Troost Pottery Accommodations

Reviews of Robbrecht Troost Pottery

• Suzanne from United States (9/10)

  Location outside Pahoa was beautiful and calm; distinct from Hilo. There was easy access to downtown Pahoa and it was an easy drive to Hilo. The grounds were lovely and the interior unique. The kitchen facilities were as expected. There was an excellent guide book that we found very useful in guiding our travels. As I started doing pottery in retirement, I appreciated that the owner, a potter, showed me his kiln and lovely pots. One of them came home with me.

• Vydehi from United States (9/10)

  The place was perfect for the people wanting to stay in the place to enjoy Hawaiian life style and not expecting all luxuries. The place was very clean and organized. Host was very friendly and let us go around the grounds and also gave a little tour of the pottery workshop upon my request.

• Malcolm from United States (10/10)

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• Donald from United States (10/10)

  Beautiful yard that felt like our own oasis.
  Great neighborhood for morning or evening strolls.

• Wenting from United States (10/10)

  Robert’s place is in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by tropical vegetation(Ofc everywhere in Hilo you can hear the frogs). We intentionally stayed away from busy urban area of Hilo so this is perfect for us. It is on the way to the volcanoes National park so if you are like us that visit the park quite a bit then it is a great location. The host is an artist who has a pottery workshop on site so we got to see some of his work. He and his wife are very friendly and accommodating. Would love to stay with them if we come back 🙂

• Alessandra from Italy (8/10)

  The place is very nice, the house is cozy and Robbrecht,the owner, very helpful,nice and always ready to help you if needed. He is really a good person.

• Michelle from United States (10/10)

  Everything was Exceptional and the best accommodations I've stayed at thus far during my travels for both business and personal. The hosts were kind and gracious and my ohana house was clean, safe, Quiet and peaceful. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. Couldn't have asked for more!!
  Thank you very much Robert and Aya! I will definitely stay there during my travels in the future!

• Minecroft from United States (10/10)

  This is sooo much better than a hotel… one bedroom with all amenities, a garden and a great host!

• Guido from Portugal (10/10)

  Nice host, cottage located in a quiet neighborhood not too far from Hilo and Volcano National Park.

• Rudy from United States (10/10)

  Host was extremely kind, open and helpful.

Surroundings

Facilities