Reviews
by Travel Authors and Travelers
TripAdvisor.com
Reviewer: A TripAdvisor User, Three Oaks, MI, Mar 26, 2007
Volcano: "Cozy, thoughtful, beautiful, and a great value "
We'd stayed at Kathryn Grout's wonderful studio, called "Kate's Cottage," twice before, and were sure that nothing could beat it. But this time we tried Kathryn's newly-renovated bungalow, tucked on a secluded road in Volcano Village, and found it to be every bit as lovely and comfortable. Kathyrn's husband, Kenneth, is a master builder, and you'll see his Asian-inspired touches everywhere (check that sweet lanai!). The fridge is stocked with goodies, delicious fruits and pastries, you'll find fresh flowers all around, and the walls are filled with gorgeous original photographs and local artisans' work. Down to the electric blankets on the beds, the gas stove in the living room (yeah, it gets chilly up there!), and the flashlights and slippers stocked by the front door, the hostess has thought of EVERYTHING here. It's like staying in someone's comfy home. Kathryn has four accomodations listed as "Volcano Places" -- the bungalow is more suited to families or couples travelling together (though as a couple alone, we found the extra room delightful). And you absolutely can't beat the price.
Hawaii: An Explorer's Guide
by Kim Grant, 1st edition, 2006
Volcano Places: Kathryn Grout has built and renovated . . . great places to stay. The brand-new one-bedroom “jewel box” called Nohea offers handcrafted beauty absolutely unequaled in the Volcano Village. The utterly private treasure boasts a state-of-the-art entertainment system, a vertical spa on one wall of a two-headed shower, a whirlpool spa, and beautiful furnishings. It’s magical. . . . Kate’s Volcano Cottage is ideal for couples, though families with small children will also enjoy its coziness. The knotty-pine studio has . . . a full but small kitchen, with everything downsized to match the proportions of a small cottage. It also has a lovely view of the rain forest from across the large covered lanai. Lastly, Kahi Malu is set among tree ferns, hydrangeas, and camellias and offers two bedrooms and equally private surroundings.
Hawaii Island Journal - August 1-15 2003
by Brian Berry - Food and Beverage Buzz
Quiet Volcano hideaway
Since one of my assignments is to visit and review restaurants and bars for the entire Big Island, I thought it would be a good idea to stay at and review bed & breakfast establishments. Thank goodness my editor agreed (since he pays the bills). It is surprising how many B&Bs and inns there are scattered all over the island. The Volcano area has a wide variety of places to stay and I was very fortunate to find Volcano Places. A friend of mine, Kamoi, who is part owner of the Royal Jade Restaurant in Kona, told me of this place where she and her husband would sneak away and spend some quiet and quality time with each other.
I made reservations for my next trip to East Hawai‘i over the phone with owner and operator Kathryn Grout. Currently they have three separate places to stay: The spacious, three-bedroom Hi‘iaka House, which can sleep up to eight with a futon, includes fireplace -- $135 per night; Kate’s Volcano Cottage is a large studio cottage with king-sized bed, fully equipped kitchen and private, covered deck (perfect for a loving couple) -- $95 per night; Kahi Malu is a two-bedroom cottage with koa floors, nice furnishings, complete kitchen and set in lush landscaping -- $125 per night.
There is a large, new rental house under construction just a little deeper into the trees from the other cottages. The small studio cottage was booked so we reserved the two bedroom called Kahi Malu. Owner Kathryn couldn’t have been more pleasant as she explained their location and other amenities that would be provided during our stay. She promised that a confirmation letter would be mailed right away and it would include everything we needed to know. Indeed, the letter arrived along with complete driving directions from both Hilo and Kona, detailed map, an aerial photo of the volcano craters and a breakdown of the lodging charges and payment options. Arrival check-in is after 4 p.m. and when you arrive the key is placed in a hidden area and you let yourself in; then call Kathryn and she will come over and give you a tour of the cottage (is that simple or what?).
The letter went on to say the kitchen will be stocked with breakfast foods, including baked goods, a bowl of fruit, eggs, milk, juice, butter, jelly, cereal and granola, coffee and tea. If you have any special dietary restrictions or preferences, like soy milk instead of dairy, or skim instead of 1%, 2%, or whole milk, please let her know before you arrive. That’s what I call hospitality. We found the kitchen to be well-stocked beyond what the letter had indicated and all the cookware was there to make it easy to buy groceries and prepare fabulous meals. There was a heating stove in the living area that kept the place toasty in the evening and another nice touch was electric blankets on the beds. Check-out is at 11 a.m. and you can just shut the door, leaving it locked, with the key back to its place and hit the road. There is no early morning gathering with strangers for breakfast as with some B&Bs. Volcano Places offers more independent accommodations.
Summary
I highly recommend that you put this little hideaway in your address book and sneak off when you get a chance. It’s perfect as a home base for exploring the Volcano National Park. As you read the guest book comments from those who have stayed in the cottages, you find yourself agreeing and writing your own appreciative words. Kathryn Grout is a sincere and talented innkeeper with genuine warmth for her guests. The cottages are well supplied with books and other helpful information concerning the park and places to eat. (808) and toll-free (877)967-7990 or www.volcanoplaces.com
TripAdvisor.com
Reviewer: A TripAdvisor User, Los Angeles, CA, July 9, 2003
Volcano: "Kate's is the Place!"
What a wonderful charming place...it really got us into the Aloha spirit. Kate is a gracious hostess and you will not be disappointed. Full kitchen, VCR, lanai, a shower with slate floors and a comfortable bed -- all in a quiet setting. The cottage was just finished a couple of years ago, but feels even newer.
TripAdvisor.com
Reviewer: A TripAdvisor User, Lompoc, CA, October 27, 2002
Volcano: "Wonderful Little Cottage"
If you are looking for a quiet, clean, perfect little place to stay in Volcano, Hawaii, then Kate's Volcano Cottage is it. (This is NOT Carlson's Volcano Cottage)
Hand built by the couple that owns it... the same care and pride goes into its daily maintenance as well. Great breakfast foods in the kitchen, as well as baked goods & freshfruit are provided also a few staples allow you to eat when and what you want. Every need has been prepared for in this cottage in the quiet cool rainforest ( just minutes from the Volcano National Park.) Don't be put off by its small appearance on the internet, although small ... the space is so well used it does not feel cramped or tiny at all. A quiet restful place to relax in the middle of the rainforest.