Soak up the sun on Hawaii's Big Island.
Located on Hawaii Island (or, the Big Island) in Hawaii, Wai'Ohinu is a small city in the Kau region, the state's southernmost point. Wai'Ohinu is nestled between the Pacific to the east and gigantic volcanoes to the west along highway 11, so called Mamalahoa Highway east of Wai'Ohinu and Hawaii Belt Road to the west. There's a golf course in the region and two of the Big Island's parks are close by: South Point Park and the Kau Forest Reserve. There are only a few hotels in the area and most are a bit outside of Wai'Ohinu. All prices are as of January 2011.
Hobbit House
"Lord of the Rings" fans needn't necessarily apply, as the website for this bed and breakfast doesn't make a single reference to the Tolkien work (or Jackson work, if you prefer). The Hobbit House is still unique, but for different reasons: it's entirely powered by wind and solar energy. The project of owners and artists Bill and Darlene Whaling, the Hobbit House offers guests spectacular views from its secluded location off of highway 11. Rooms are $170 per night or $225 for two rooms (if available). Email the owners to check availability, and reserve your room at least two days in advance.
Macadamia Meadows Farm Bed and Breakfast
To fully embrace the rural nature of southern Hawaii, consider staying at Macadamia Meadows Farm Bed and Breakfast. This bed and breakfast promises an authentic Hawaiian experience. Located on a working macadamia nut farm, Macadamia Meadows has three standard rooms and a family-sized room available for rent. The bed and breakfast is secluded and private but has a tennis court and basketball nets for sports enthusiasts. Rates run from $119 to $145 plus taxes and the hotel has a two-night minimum. Longer stays are given a discount; if you rent a room for five nights, you'll receive one night free. Contact the hotel directly to make bookings.
Bougainvillea Bed and Breakfast
The Bougainvillea Bed and Breakfast is located a few miles up the road from Wai'Ohinu in the town Ocean View. The advantage of staying a short drive from Wai'Ohinu is that some of the Bougainvillea has a wide range of amenities to make your Hawaiian travel experience a bit more comfortable. This bed and breakfast has a pool and a hot tub, and an evening barbecue and breakfast every day. Each of its rooms has a private entrance and private bathroom, and VCRs with a large movie collection. Rooms are $89 for double occupancy or $79 for singles.
Kalaekilohana Bed and Breakfast
A few miles south of Highway 11 near Wai'Ohinu, Kalaekilohana Bed and Breakfast is a luxury hotel with four suites. The hotel includes free Wi-Fi and a gourmet breakfast with local delicacies. Bathrooms are outfitted with double-layered robes and premium, locally-made soaps. Rooms can be rented for $249 per night (based on double occupancy), but the Kalaekilohana has some innovative specials for longer stays. Stay four nights and receive a $50 discount per night, the bed and breakfast's way of saying thanks for supporting the local economy.
Tags: Hobbit House, Macadamia Meadows, Bougainvillea Breakfast, double occupancy, Farm Breakfast, from Ohinu, Hawaii Island