Kahi Malu
Excerpts from our Guest Book
We pass thru most places in the world focused on our destination. Every great once in a while a place passes thru us, weaving itself into the fabric of our being and we become one. Kahi Malu is a special place. Thank you for sharing it with me. I hope to return one day, but I know my spirit will forever linger. I was happy here.
NY, NY October 2007
We have a few more days on the B.I. but I suspect this will prove to be the highlight of our trip. We both appreciated your tips about the area, and I enjoyed perusing your collection of books on Hawai‘i.
Pewaukee, WI August 2007
What an amazing place! We loved our visit to the Big Island and staying in this beautiful cottage. From swimming with sea turtles, swimming at a black sand beach, and hiking around (and across!) volcanoes, our trip has been fabulous. Thank you for your hospitality and allowing us to stay in this lovely home. We would love to come back to visit some day!
Gainesville, FL July 2007
This is our 3rd stop and so far our favorite. The cottage is fabulous — I would not want to stay anywhere else on this side of the island. The park is a wonder, even with no lava visible. The hiking was great. We will remember our time here forever.
Tampa, FL July 2007
Two nights seems too short but will leave lasting impressions. Can’t wait to return.
Larkspur, CA April 2007
Sometimes in life you stumble across wonderful surprises! Thank you for giving our family such a wonderful surprise. What a beautiful place you have, it reminded us of being in Northern Michigan in the summer. We had a terrific time in the park . . .
Fenton, MI April 2007
We have had an incredible stay! Everything we needed was supplied. . . . We appreciated all the little details including books, games, décor, day trip gear for the volcano, and MORE. Our family loved staying here because we felt relaxed and at home. It was a great retreat after touring all day. The serenity and natural surroundings reminded us of Northwest Ontario with a rainforest flavour.
Our only regret is that we couldn‘t stay longer. This is definitely one of our all time favourite places we have visited.
Ontario, Canada March 2007
We really enjoyed your cozy home set in paradise. We believe we were meant to live in such beautiful surroundings all the time. We thank you for allowing us to spend just a short time to realize those dreams.
Parkland, FL December 2006
Everything was perfect, even better than the Web site shows, and your attention to the details is outstanding and really makes a difference.
November 2006
Thank you for honoring this place with integrity and gentle spirit.
Sense of hospitality at its most thoughtful --
every need and desire anticipated & laid out, offered
like a blessing.
Haven of peace and kindness, framed
in a container of such authentic and remarkable beauty.
We are grateful.
San Rafael, CA November 2006
I very much wanted to experience a tropical clime and this place made that experience memorable; particularly to sit on the lanai in the early morning . . . the smells of the wood, rich earth and flowers while listening to the breeze and rain with the bird songs was pure joy.
St Louis Park, MN October 2006
Thanks so much for all your aloha. The cottage is a wonderfully welcoming and comfortable place. We really appreicated all your tips about touring, especially the info about the park. We were really able to relax and enjoy ourselves.
Reston, VA September 2006
IT WAS REALLY NICE TO COME HOME TO OUR OWN “HOME” AFTER A DAY OF EXPLORING. BEAUTIFUL SETTING, HOUSE AND WEATHER. WE FEEL REALLY LUCKY TO HAVE FOUND KAHI MALU!
San Jose, CA July 2006
. . . It’s hard to get out of those great beds in the morning!
Honolulu, HI July 2006
After logging 361 days of travel this past year your oasis in the mountains was the perfect fit for our last three nights on the road. . . . All in all a fabulous three days.
Seminole, FL July 2006
Crickets, volcanoes, and turtles, oh my! (to paraphrase Dorothy)
We had a wonderful three days of exploring this beautiful area, and I really enjoyed the “cricket symphony” each night! . . . Mahalo for the “map talk” around the kitchen table. (Also for the use of the space age washer & dryer.)
Madison, WI and the Netherlands July 2006
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this quiet and peaceful place. This island has much to offer its visitors. We want to return and see more of it. Two visits were not enough.
Ormond Beach, FL July 2006
Took the long hike out to the active volcano flow tonight (lots of lava flow) and created a wonderous memory that our (tired) family will remember for a lifetime! Thanks for the gloves and flashlights (a necessity on the hike). We will miss Kahi Malu but look forward to our return.
Woody Creek, CO June 2006
We are so grateful to have found you & your cottage — an absolute “GEM.” Everything is so perfect; the warm beds, the morning pastries, the fresh flowers — we could not have found these anywhere else!
We are Cree Indians form Saskatchewan, Canada, and really appreciate this home away from home.
Kinan?skomitonan
Mahalo
Saskatchewan, Canada April 2006
We enjoyed staying here so much. We never expected to find a little house of our own on our vacation, fully equipped with all the comforts of home!
California April 2006
THIS PLACE WAS GREAT, AFTER THE ATMOSPHERE OF HOTELS & THE BEACHES, THIS WAS THE PERFECT PLACE TO WIND DOWN & RELAX. YOUR HOSPITALITY WAS GENUINELY WARM AND WE WOULD CERTAINLY RETURN FOR LONGER ON OUR NEXT VISIT TO THE BIG ISLAND.
Columbus, OH February 2006
AS THERE ARE NO GOODBYE’S IN HAWAIIAN, LET THIS BE THE FIRST VISIT OF THE TWO TURKS LIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PLANET TO THIS DREAM HOME AND HOPE TO STAY LONGER, NEXT TIME!
Turkey January 2006
Your knowledge of the area was spot-on & you were right about the Lodge for dinner too — a fantastic meal!
Thanks again
Ka kite ano! (Maori for ‘till next time’)
Wellington, New Zealand December 2005
While exploring this amazing part of the world, we come back to your sanctuary, and are embraced by the beauty of the music you provide, nourished by the food and comfort of your furnishings, and my eyes are drawn to the beauty of the cabinetry, mirrors, beds. Who is this artist? Your place reminds me that art is nourishing. Thanks.
Northampton, MA August 2005
We will always remember this visit to Volcano as the visit when we finally found the endangered I`iwi fluttering in a ohi`a tree off of Mauna Loa road not too far from the Mauna Loa Lookout. It was a great pleasure to observe this bird.
McLean, VA July 2005
Kahi Malu is furnished and decorated with great care; thank you for that. We enjoyed the books on Hawaii, and, especially, the pottery . . . . The yellow colour’s absolutely gorgeous.
We bring the best of memories with us to the Netherlands.
Bennebroch, the Netherlands June 2005
Oh yes! This place is the ‘BOMB’! Mahalo from the Kohala Gang for the hale w/everything needed for a memorable experience in Volcano Village!
Simply marvelous & completely comfortable
Kohala, HI June 2005
This is what we could only imagine, a perfect base from which to explore the Island. Your wise advice on how to best experience the lava fields really made a big difference. At the end of our adventure we couldn’t wait to return to Kahi Malu. Thanks for the gloves. Thank goodness we did not need them! Thank you also for the birding tips. We did see: Japanese White-Eye, Apapane, Amakihi and more.
Our dilemma is — should we share this treasure with others or keep it a secret?
Jamestown, RI March 2005
You and your cottage have exceeded all our expectations. KAHI MALU is a great escape from the hussle & bussle of the city to the peace and tranquility of a lush, beautiful rainforest. It is a wonderful place to refresh and renew your spirit.
Washington, D.C. March 2005
Our stay here has affirmed the fact that this will not be our first & last visit to Hawaii, we’ll definitely be coming back! Again thank you for everything. We really appreciated your warm welcome also!
Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada March 2005
Thank you for the warm, inviting home! Our whole family was thrilled with everything. My husband loves the koa floors, my daughter digs the pink bedroom, my son loves the volcano video, and I liked all of the special touches (fresh flowers, well-stocked pantry, fireplace, heated mattresses, and many more!). Thanks for the information to help us with our adventures.
Mission Viejo, CA February 2005
You have a very lovely place & you take good care of it. We also appreciate that you take good care of your guests.
Buffalo Grove, IL February 2005
A thoroughly enjoyable haven here for heart and soul. Enchanted with Volcano, her spirit and people, a huaka`i [voyage, journey] from Kaua`i to witness Pele’s breath, movement and stillness. Be ever blessed with all the care and aloha pumehana that radiates from your hearts and is embodied in this hale.
Mahalo nui.
Lawa`i, Kaua`i December 2004
Your nice cottage was a restful place where we spent unforgettable holidays discovering Big Island. Why is it so far from FRANCE?
Mahalo for all you did for us . . .
Ecoche, France December 2004
Thank you for such a beautiful place. We enjoyed it very much! We will highly recommend this place to our friends back in Germany. Mahalo and Danke.
Hamburg, Germany September 2004
There is no way to avoid being redundant when it comes to describing our stay at Kahi Malu. It was fantastic! We felt quite at home in this cozy cottage. After hiking 8 miles to see the flowing lava, nothing felt better than returning to this delightful place — with a fireplace, comfy bed, and a blessing! All of our best!
Houston, TX April 2004
I spent so many hours looking for the perfect place to stay — and Kahi Malu has been wonderful! We enjoyed our time in the Park tremendously & your advice on what to do & see was invaluable! Best of all was coming “home” to such a warm, comfortable place.
In a mist-filled world of green
Cool, wet air and birds that sing
Far away from everyday things
Yet still at home
Our souls take wing and soar —
at Kahi Malu.
Southport, NC January 2004
Kahi Malu is a great place & we have enjoyed staying in your beautiful cottage. It looked good on the internet, but 10 times better in person! I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone.
Vancouver, BC, Canada December 2003
Kahi Malu is a magical place! From the moment I walked in, the magic was everywhere! Each room I walked into, I kept saying, “Oh my!” We have felt so at home during our stay. . . . All the simple, thoughtful touches . . . All have contributed to our quiet retreat from the madness of the beaches.
Thank you for a wonderful respite. These are forever memories.
Illinois June 2003
No, we did not see any flowing lava but we sure saw unparalleled hospitality. You are a wonderful hostess and have managed to carve out a small piece of heaven by building Kahi Malu . . In a word, this place is magical . .
Calgary, AB, Canada November 2002
AHHH! AFTER 10 DAYS OF RELAXING? IN CONDO’S, COMPLETE WITH STREET NOISE, 6 AM GARBAGE TRUCKS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS FROM PEACE, IT’S WONDERFUL TO BE “HOME”!! . . . . IN MY YEARS OF TRAVEL THIS IS THE MOST TRANQUIL OF ALL DESTINATIONS. . . . EXCEPTIONALLY CLEAN! QUIET! NATURAL!
Song-filled bright morning
Tree high ferns along the path ~
Warm home amidst friends.
Jacksonville, OR November 2002
Your guest books are a glowing testimonial to the sense of Aloha that you bring to each of your guests. No detail went unnoticed and we greatly appreciated your thoroughness and hospitality.
Calgary, AB, Canada October 2002
Thanks for making our stay so comfortable and enjoyable. From umbrellas to flashlights to slippers and more, you anticipated our needs & supplied them. This has truly been a memorable experience. Mahalo!
West Jefferson, NC October 2002
Of Kahi Malu in the village of Volcano
We saw you on the Web and couldn’t say no.
The accomodations are great
I can’t believe all I ate,
We send Ken + Kate a big Mahalo!
Really enjoyed our stay +
the peace + quiet.
Parkland, FL September 2002
Kahi Malu is definitely the most wonderful home-away-from-home that we’ve ever been to. Thank you for your kindness, your organizational material and your artistic touches that have helped us feel tranquil on our vacation.
We will certainly pass the word along to friends. It will be our good fortune to visit again!
Fairfax, VA August 2002
A quiet harmony here — between the careful, artistic details and the untamed rain forest setting — is what we love best. . . . Thank you for providing the perfect staging for our Hawaiian memories.
Austin, TX & Jericho, VT August 2002
We had a wonderful time. Our only regret is that we have to leave! If we are ever fortunate enough to come back we will stay a week. The house is beautiful and so relaxing! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality!
Round Rock, TX June 2002
IT WAS CERTAINLY OUR GOOD FORTUNE TO HAVE PICKED YOUR “VOLCANO PLACES” NAME OUT OF THE PHONE BOOK. THE KAHI MALU IS SUCH A DELIGHTFUL PLACE WITH PEACEFUL, POSITIVE ENERGY. QUITE BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS. YOUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND YOUR HOSPITALITY HAS MADE OUR STAY IN THE RAIN FOREST A MEMORABLE ONE. WE BOTH LOVED THE WARM WOODEN ENTRY, THE FRESH CUT FLOWERS AND ALL THE BREAKFAST GOODIES. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A RETURN TRIP IN THE FUTURE.
May 2002
. . . we have stayed at some of the “best” hotels on the islands this trip but were by far the most comfortable here — thanks for all your thoughtful touches & decisions to go first-rate on everything.
Arlington, VA May 2002
I travel all over the world and this is by far one of the most peaceful places I have ever stayed. Not to mention the fact that you thought of everything. Not one need was overlooked. Even the Grand Hyatt in South Korea can’t compete.
San Diego, CA April, 2002
Thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful house. I couldn’t believe it when I saw how well stocked the kitchen was & really the whole place. I have never seen a more beautiful place as Kahi Malu & surrounding area.
Evans, GA March, 2002
If we had to choose between this place and the Four Seasons, we’d definitely stay here. Great house . . . gracious host’s . . . perfect location! How lucky we were to have found the ultimate B&B. We’ll be back!!
Honolulu March, 2002
After 15 trips to the islands over 25 years this place ranks #1 on our list.
Eagle River, Alaska January, 2002
For exquisite
night stillness --
so rare --
drifting scent
of white ginger
then bird song,
soft mist,
day break
Kahi Malu
Colorado Springs, CO January, 2002
We truly experienced serenity.
Livoonia, MI December, 2001
We will remember this special place in our hearts for a long time.
Minneapolis, MN December, 2001
We have stayed in a number of ‘homes away from home’ but none match the warmth, comfort and convenience of Kahi Malu. . . . Thanks for sharing your little piece of Fantasy Island.
Florida & Ohio December, 2001
Kahi Malu itself coupled with your generous hospitality are better than any 5-star hotel or resort I’ve ever stayed in. No amount of grand entrances, fancy restaurants or uniformed staff at your beckoned call can compare to this home-like atmosphere and your genuine hospitality.
Fremont, CA November, 2001
This is a special place to stay in a very special land and obviously much thought and care went into preparing this house.
Kingwood, Texas July, 2001
Thanks for all the small things that make such a difference -- soap, shampoo, extra food, flowers.
Washington DC July, 2001
Mahalo! Every detail was absolutely perfect -- we couldn’t have imagined a more wonderful place to spend part of our vacation. We only wish we could’ve stayed here several more days. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Kahi Malu with us!
Washington DC July, 2001
Your hospitality is impeccable! We thoroughly enjoyed your delightful retreat here in volcano and leave with regret. Thanks and best wishes,
New Mexico, USA June, 2001
I have never seen a vacation spot so well stocked in my life. Thank you for the beautiful dreams! We’ll be back!
Placerville, California and Kansas City June, 2001
Thank you so much for sharing your piece of paradise with us! Everyone in this book has said it all -- you have done so many special things to please your guests! Thank you, Thank you! We’ve enjoyed the Big Island -- "your home." "Kahi Malu" is better than we ever imagined! Great food, great bed, great entertainment -- and thanks for the phone -- although we didn’t miss the ringing it was nice to have it to make some "card" calls back home in the comfort of the "house." Flashlights, umbrellas -- everything -- great! We return home soon, but will always remember "your place" thru photos & videos! Mahalo & Thank you mam!
Texas June 2001
This is a perfectly delightful place to stay! I work at [a 5 star hotel on Maui] and it doesn’t come close to the level of service, warmth, and personal touches you experience here. Its like coming into the most welcoming home, simply heaven, Thank you for the sweets and all the little extras you provide. Its so heartwarming that you care to go the extra mile and share who you are with everyone. We’ll never forget our special weekend!
Hawaii May 2001
From the moment we arrived, till the moment we regretfully had to leave, we had a most enjoyable and peaceful stay. Kahi Malu is beautiful, tranquil and perfectly delightful. We absolutely love the design and tastefully appointed cottage. And we especially enjoyed the goodies that were stocked in the fridge & cupboard and we even used your beautiful tea set. We will sing your praises for years to come. Thank you for everything.
Missouri May 2001
This is probably the most beautiful place I’ve every stayed. I am so grateful that we were able to experience something so spiritual and wonderful! Thank you!
Texas May, 2001
Aloha!! This cottage was a beautiful surprise! It is clean, beautifully decorated, calm and relaxing, allowing the visitors to meditate and take in all the surrounding beauty. You have thought of everything in a well-appointed guest cottage down to the last detail. Thank you for caring to make our visit comfortable and memorable. I also love your selection of books. . . . We hope to visit you again some day. Thanks again.
Illinois May, 2001
The only problem with Kahi Malu is having to leave it! What a charming, secluded oasis- within-a-paradise. Our kids had a great time exploring the rain forest and counting anthuriums. We’ll be back . . .
California April 2001
We truly enjoyed our stay here. Everything from the challah to the gas fire place was perfect. The rooms are all so comfortable -- each one is enjoyable. Thanks also for guiding us with suggestions for things for us to do. Most of the places we’re staying in are B&B’s, and we appreciated having the place to ourselves. . . . Mahalo,
Linda, Rick, Sam & Arnelle March 2001
When I walked into Kahi Malu I felt an immediate sense of well-being. Every object seems carefully placed and the "feng shui" is great! We slept soundly each night. Thank you for the attention to detail which so often goes forgotten or unnoticed these days. Thank you for helping to make this mini-family reunion . . . memorable. Mahalo, Rachel, Bruce & Asa
What more can we add to what Rachel . . . wrote? A place of pause and renewal . . . the sound of rain on leaves . . . the camellia floating in a slightly tipped bowl . . . so many stars in a night sky . . . laughter . . . love . . . birdsong . . . ritual . . . family and deep connection to a place . . . Aloha and Mahalo,
Pennsylvania March 2001
Aloha, I don’t have words to describe how I feel about Kahi Malu -- it is welcoming, engulfing and healing. I’m having a d ifficult time leaving. You are both very generous in your giving to us "guests." Mahalo. When I’m looking for a place to "retreat," to renew, to connect to my spiritual self, I will think of Kahi Malu & if I can’t come here physically, I will visualize this lovely cottage. . . . Mahalo,
Wisconsin February 2001
This has been the best place away from home that I have every stayed in. Your friendliness and loving attention to comfort details is first rate! We love it -- and we’ll be telling folks back in Maine about your little slice of heaven . . ... Thanks,
Maine January 2001
Of all the places we have visited over the past weeks, Kahi Malu is a definite favorite. I love Volcano Village and am sure we will return. Thanks for your warm hospitaility, baked goods, etc. We’ve spend four magical days, full of awesome sights and always at the end were happy to return to Kahi Malu. Mahalo,
Pamela and Malcolm January 2001
We were immediately impressed with Kahi Malu!! It looked nice on the internet pictures, but those did not do it justice at all! The immaculate conditions and warmth of the furnishings made us all feel at home. We wished we could have stayed longer, but know now where we will hang our shoes during our next visit. Many mahalos!
Georgia November 2000
We have stayed in many bed and breakfasts in the U.S. and Canada -- this is one of the nicest! Thank you so much for all the nice extras!
California December 2000
I could stay here forever! Your hospitality is beyond compare! We loved the house, the surroundings, and all the considerate little touches! . . . Again, many, many thanks!
Missouri October 2000
After 5 days in Honolulu, we could not find a better way to escape crowds. This place is so peaceful, quiet, relaxing . . . Much better than what we expected! We will highly recommend the place (and the cottage) to our friends, back in France. Merci, au revoir et a bientot
Phillippe & Florence October 2000
Coming from Essen, Germany, the coal mining capital, via the turbulent Waikiki, Kahi Malu is like the climax of paradise. We enjoyed our stay in this perfectly equipped cottage very much. Mahlo, Vielen Dank! Staying here was like a dream . . . 1001 thanks,
Essen, Germany October 2000
We loved our stay (much too short said the kids!) in your charming cottage in the rain forest! We felt like very special guests and enjoyed every special touch (chocolates, slippers, flashlights for the tube, movies, ect. ect ect!! Beautiful job on the decor. We are already dreaming of coming back for a longer stay! Aloha,
Michigan August 2000
Beautiful home in the navel of the world!
Grant and Rachel August 2000
The peace and beauty of this place was a great gift. Thank you for a space to rest and receive the rain forest experience. Staying here, with beauty out every window, with the play of light glimpsed through the ever changing pattern of rain and sun, left a lasting impression. We will send our friends from Seattle to partake of your hospitality and quiet peace. Thank you!
Washington July 2000