Our Retreat is a labor of our love and was built as such. A getaway to relax, hike the nearby beaches, forests, and volcanoes and to simply enjoy life. Our place is a peaceful spot completely off the grid in nature. It is 8 miles to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. You’ll love our place because of the location, the ambiance, and the outdoor space. Our goal was to bring the outdoors in and the indoors outside. Our place is good for couples and solo adventurers. This beautiful peaceful gem is located 8 miles to the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The house is secluded off the road for privacy and to be as close to nature as possible. The house is elevated 15 feet but the bed elevates you 20 feet off the ground. It is quite a unique experience. Arrival You first arrive at a gravel driveway and a wood chipped winding path. You pass beside and under the Hapu’u Fern Tree tops and orchids as well as the tree canopy. The trail to our house is about 120 feet deep in seclusion. There are little pockets of ferns and flowers along the trail as well as a Ganesh and a Buddha keeping a peaceful eye on our little sanctuary. Downstairs Lanai You will find yourself on the lower deck/lanai. This lanai is surrounded by hanging plants and places to relax in your own private Zen. There is an 8-foot teak Balinese Bale' daybed to lounge in and it can be a place to relax that is also functional. During our travels to Bali, Indonesia one of our favorite memories is laying in a daybed surrounded by plants and nature, complete Zen and that is what we have re-created in Hawaii. This daybed is a beautiful space to be next to nature and relax, read a book, take a nap and enjoy life. Remember it is vacation time! Looking across from the daybed is a handmade teak bistro set to sip some coffee or tea, read a book or play a game. There are two half tables where you can make a cup of coffee or tea or pick up a bottled water. Downstairs bathroom The center walkway has two barn doors with separate bathroom and shower areas. The shower is a large space with a ten-foot ceiling and large shower "rainwater" nozzle that mimics the soft falling of rain. The shower is powered by solar and on-demand propane for heat. There is a bench to sit and relax and soak in the moment. With the forest in mind, the shower room has bamboo walls and hanging plants to create unique ambiance. The mist from the shower help feed the plants/orchids. There is cruelty-free and nature-friendly shampoo, conditioner, and soap provided. Toiletries in case you forgot any are provided in the bathroom. Across from the shower is the bathroom with woven bamboo walls and a handmade Koa wood wash basin, flushing toilet, mirror, vanity and toiletries for the shower and bathroom are provided in the baskets. In the center walkway, there is another handmade Koa wood wash basin. Upstairs Lanai: You are now winding up the stairs and you arrive to the upstairs Lanai. Another place to breathe and relax. As you explore upstairs, the covered upper deck/lanai catches the rainwater to turn into reusable shower and toilet water. The covered lanai gives you the chance to sit out in the rain forest and watch the rainforest replenish itself. The animals and trees become animated at different times of the day. At night you can stargaze. The furniture is inviting you to “sit and take a load off." There you can breathe in the forest and enjoy the scenery and views of the Hapu’u Fern Tree tops. Towering above you, 40-60 feet in height, are Ohia, Koa, Guava and Eucalyptus trees which comprise the tree canopy. There are wicker chairs with overstuffed cushions and a cozy footrest for two. There are side tables for drinks and snacks and a small table you can play cards on. At night the Coqui Frogs will serenade you with their mating songs from the trees. Bedroom: As you pass through the keyless entry window door you will find another gem. There is an airy feel due to 12 foot ceilings and cathedral style windows in the trusses along with three 4x8 foot windows. Then you will see our little gem of a bed: we are very proud of our own designed “perch platform bed” that nestles you 4 feet in the air. You will feel like you are perched in a tree. The comfy mattress makes for a perfect and tranquil night sleep. The view from the bed is a panoramic view from the 8x4 foot front bay window and on clear nights you can gaze at the stars through the cathedral style windows in front and behind the bed. Now it is your choice to watch stars, birds or the clouds from the bed. There is a built in closet within and beneath the bed where you can put your suitcases or hang your clothes. This bed has it all and we made it to simplify and organize your luggage. No messes, all hidden and contained in the semi walk in closet. On the sides of the bed are two sets of stairs and each side has their own charging USB station for your phone or tablet. Birds, amphibians and animals: Animals you may see in the gardens or in the treehouse: Coqui Frogs, a variety of lizards, Geckos, Jackson’s Chameleons, Endangered Pueo owls have been spotted intermittently at our property. The endemic black-billed ‘apapane, salmon-billed i’iwi, the white and brown ‘elepaio, and the yellow-green colored ‘amakihi are some of the forest birds of Hawaii that can be found. Additionally, feral pigs occasionally scamper about the forest floor but do not like human interaction. Pests: Mosquitoes. This is the rainforest so mosquitoes are common. We provide DEET and non-DEET bug sprays or you can bring your own. We do ask that you do not spray yourself while on our furniture or linens. It stains and is almost impossible to get out of linens. Mosquitoes: we offer bug spray Here is a list of the amenities that are available to you: • Bale’ Daybed • Bistro set and Rattan seating • Platform bed and closet • Outdoor shower  • Flushing toilet with septic • Cruelty-Free Soap and Enviro-Friendly/Shampoo/Conditioner • Towels • Ceiling fan and light • Clean sheets • Bathroom and center sinks • Ice cooler for food and drinks • Mugs and cups for drinks • Maps and Hawaii destination books to use • Cards • Board Games • Books • Outlets (3-prong and USB styles) • Flashlights • Off-road parking • solar fairy lights • solar lights • local snack and water bottles • Bug spray and Citronella candles BEFORE YOU BOOK We wanted to be precise on any hindrances that you may experience we call it uniqueness but make sure you know what to expect before booking our space. We love our house and we are sure you will as well for a Zen –like peaceful experience. The house is off-grid and self sufficient but tradeoffs come with being unique and off-grid. 1. The Rainforest. The rain forest name says it all. How unique is it to be in the United States and in a Rain Forest close to a National Park? The green you will be surrounded by is powered and fed by the rain. It rains 30% of all days. The forest rejuvenates and replenishes with every rain. Our little house lives off the rain catchment therefore we enjoy the rain in all aspects: It gives life; it gives us water. You can experience anything from sun, to mist to torrential downpour. The volcano helps with this ecological system and therefore it is a unique experience to be had but rainforests are not for everyone. 2. The Treehouse, it is 15 feet off the ground. If afraid of heights this is a mild view but might not be right for you. There are only 2 levels of sturdy stairs to climb. No ladder like other places but if any problems walking back 200 feet to our structure or climbing 2 flights of stairs, you may want to reassess staying here. You will need to carry your luggage back and up the stairs. We have a wagon for use but you will still need to haul the luggage or items you are bringing to the house. 3. The Rain. The rainwater catchment system provides water for the water faucets, shower and toilet. It is filtered but not sanitized and in the jungle it is unwise and unsafe to drink the water. We provide water for you to enjoy during your stay. If you consume large amounts of water you might want to bring some with you as well. 4. The Noise. The rain catchment water pumps do make a small amount of noise but only when in use for showers, sinks, and flushing the toilet. The rain falling off the tree canopy does make noises when falling from 40-60 feet and hitting the structure and covered canopy. Additionally, there is a water trap for the structure on the back wall that does make a soft noise while gathering the water when the rain is falling moderately hard. At night, the Coqui’s chirping/singing can be loud. We love the serenade as it drifts us off to sleep but some are bothered by the frogs chirping. During the day and at dusk the native beautiful songbirds can be loud while gathering food and communicating with each other. There are also neighborhood dogs that can be heard barking intermittently in the distance. The last potential "noisy" concern may be the stillness of a forest or the absence of noise which can bother some people that are not use to “unplugging” from technology. 5. Solar Power. The solar panels are located on the roof and batteries are located downstairs. When the skies are clear and sunny the panels gather sunlight and convert into energy but when overcast or raining the solar panels gather small amounts of energy. We have ample amounts but still limited energy. You can run your devices but must be aware of energy conservation because there is only so much stored per day and it is all dependent on the weather conditions and what you are consuming. No hairdryers or irons are allowed for this reason: too much energy consumption. We have battery operated and solar lights throughout the structure as well. Phones and tablets can be charged at anytime with USB ports but laptops should be charged sparingly. 6. The Bugs. Mainly mosquitoes. They are not big but they are present in the rain forest. Hawaii does have mosquito borne illnesses, but mostly on the other side of the island in the Captain Cook area. Being in a rain forest you do need mosquito awareness. Wear mosquito repellant that we supply to you. If you are visiting Hawaii I would suggest buying your own bug spray and sunblock, you will need it throughout the island. With all these considerations…we absolutely love our house and find it to be tranquil while energizing us physically and mentally for the day. We love living in nature but being close to all things. 7. This treehouse has no cooking facilities. We encourage our guests to taste the different flavors that the island has to offer. • 8 miles (13 minutes) to Hawai’i Volcano National Park • 12.2 miles (18 minutes) to Keaau • 20.4 miles (33 minutes) to Hilo • 21.8 miles (35 minutes) to Rainbow Falls • 23.5 miles (35 minutes) to Pahoa • 34.8 miles (51 minutes) to the Lava Viewing area at Kalapana (no direct route) • 36 miles (58 minutes) to Akaka Falls • 45.3 miles (54 minutes) to Naalehu/South Point You can walk along all our property and enjoy the Hapu'u fern trees and orchids. The whole house is for your solitary use. We live on and off the island. There is someone to greet you if needed, but must give advance notice and can always reach us via cellular or Airbnb at any time. The treehouse is on a quiet gravel road a little over a mile from the highway. The nearest neighbors are a few acres away in all directions. It is remote but close to all things. We have great neighbors but they love their privacy as we love ours. Orchid Isle Estates is surrounded by tree canopies and a myriad of orchids. There are some great restaurants in the town of Volcano as well as in Hilo, Kea'au and Pahoa. Please see our guide at the house for more details There is a little local store, Hirano's, close by for small items and a quick bite. There are two stores in Volcano, a big grocery store in Kea'au and more in Hilo. Farmers Markets are amazing here and no matter what the day you can probably find one open. I have a guide to farmers markets in my book in the treehouse. Our guide to the island sights is our personal opinion to find off the wall touristy and untouristy areas of interest. Beaches, farmers markets, waterfalls, hikes and lava tubes are all contained in the book at the treehouse. I also have printed out guides for you to take as well. On the Big Island, you really need a car to get around and see all the sights. There is a public transit bus that runs into Hilo and Volcano with connectors but limited hours of operation. People do hitchhike here and use taxis. Limited Uber or Lyft options on this side of the island. This is an off grid, an eco-friendly house that is a peaceful place to recharge and unplug from everything. The Elevation is 2,500 feet above sea level and the average high temperature is 67-84 degree F. It is a rainforest, therefore, rain is an integral part of the experience.