Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia
250 Lokahi Road Box 185, Kapaau, Island of Hawaii, HI 96755
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#1 of 2 hotels in Kapaau
Location
4.6
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.4
Value
4.2
GreenLeaders Platinum level
Nestled among towering pines and cooling ocean breezes Hawaii Island Retreat and Spa is unique among Hawaii Destinations. Located on 50 acres of North Kohala's coastal land, this boutique hotel is the ultimate in sustainability merged with a luxury spa retreat. Our elite 17 room boutique lodge features farm-to-table dining, spacious yoga studios with polished hardwood floors, and luxurious guest rooms with roomy private bath and balcony. We offer elegant venues in a distinctly Hawaiian setting. Perfect for group retreats, weddings, reunions, and corporate retreats.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Restaurant
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Spa
Wifi
Hot tub
Infinity pool
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
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Room features
Private balcony
Seating area
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Languages Spoken
English
Location
250 Lokahi Road Box 185, Kapaau, Island of Hawaii, HI 96755
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This is a very special place. While a lot of aspects are great, to me, it is the location, the land itself, that really sets it apart. The facilities, rooms etc. are all fine (the saltwater pool is fantastic actually) but when you walk down into the valley, hit the beach access from the property, you're in a gorgeous and powerful place. I don't know how to explain it exactly, but I felt like I was drinking in the energy from the place. While it feels like you're a million miles from anything, it's also a short ride into town if you need any basics or a meal off the property. Maybe not everyone would appreciate the place as much others, but I absolutely loved it and can't wait to return.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The hospitality, everyone and everything about the place was exceptional! I felt like I was coming Home to Family; all of the staff were warm, welcoming, caring, and friendly. The property was magnificent and magical! I enjoyed the walks to the water and around the land. The food was always delicious! My questions and concerns were answered and addressed immediately with enthusiasm. What a special and beautiful place!
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: somewhat remote, away from touristy areas and beaches so best to have the mindset of enjoying...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This place has no equal. It is the only accommodation in the area on the ocean. The view is like out of a movie. The service is impeccable. This place was hand built by Doc Watkins and his wife Jeannie. The infinity pool overlooking the mountains and ocean is unparalleled. Every room in the lodge is different and beautiful. The semi-outdoor dining room brings the fresh air in as you eat. As you follow the trip down to the ocean you'd a first think you were in a lush forest. The staff is all local and friendly, most of them having worked there for many many years. If you want to experience the real Hawaii, go there and stay there.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Use the pool. Hike the grounds.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We went back to celebrate our 25th anniversary took a cruise for 1 week around all the islands and went back to Maui to renew our wows on the beach barefoot. We went to 3 1/2 weeks. Was the best trip ever. Our cruise was so beautiful because we were able to take tours. Once in Maui we took a helicopter tour over the islands and it was stunning
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Do not stay here. Especially if you have small children. It’s dirty, gross and not as advertised!! This is NOT a resort. This is a rundown 70’s hostel. If it advertised as a hostel, my expectations would be in line and would have been fine with my stay. Instead it touts itself as a “luxury resort” and it is anything but that. My family rented this entire resort and time and time again they said they were kid friendly. 100% not kid friendly. Like why are there low and dirty pond everywhere that kids could trip and fall into?? We rented the entire resort, yet other guest where staying there? We paid for breakfast and random guests joined us? We were allowed to use their kitchen and it was the most disgusting kitchen I have ever seen. There was a small refrigerator in the open dining room for all the guests which was also dirty and disgusting. The people working here seemed like backpackers working for free. The girl who made our breakfast was wearing short shorts with no bra. Like there are small children everywhere. Our rooms were so gross and dirty. We knew there was no air cond but bec we our room was in the back, it was sooooo hot. If you not going have screens on the doors, no air conditioning at least provide mosquito nets. It was so hot that we left the doors open but guess what flew in? Cockroaches. No no no!! We stayed (3) days and left. We could not waste another moment in Hawaii at this hostel. 0/5 would recommend.…
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
I stayed 3 nights in this hostel, with my husband and child. It was a very great rest and rejuvenating time. The rules are simple. No wifi accept in the main zone, no noise. This is an eco friendly place, and very respectful of environment ( no air conditionner, no TV in room, shampoo and conditionner biodegradable...). The place is beautiful and amazing, in a Hawaiian traditional style, all in stone and wood, with asian decoration. very few people which help to be disconnected. the nature is everywhere in the hostel and around, with the trees, ocean, and cliffs. But the room are very clean and quiet. So it s a perfect deal. The jacuzzi and pool space are great. we were calm and in peace in this beautiful place. It is not a noisy and terrifying place such as the big resorts. It s another way to travel and to regenerate itself. Maybe one negative point, the food. Their no food available, like snacks, or drinks, and it s too bad. But the town is just 5 minus ride and you can get anything you need. the breakfast is expensive and not included it s too bad too. Nevertheless, it s a very relaxing and enjoyable experience ti stay in this incredible place.…
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Date of stay: March 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: ocean view suit or bungalow suit
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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If, like me, you are searching for a spiritual/healing retreat in alignment with the natural resources and beauty of the Big Island, (and with really good fresh food) Hawaii island retreat is the place for you. The land is lush and varied, centered around a small sacred valley. The central valley is the home of large sacred lava stones and medicine trees, surrounded by a working farm with beautiful fruit, vegetables, cacao and farm animals. The land meets the ocean at dramatic sea cliff/ cove with quiet places for cliffside sitting over the gorgeous ocean (where I saw whales). It is just a few miles from the famous Pololu valley lookout and the land here echos those amazing cliffs and that heavenly feeling of being held in a magical cove. I stayed in a yurt by the pool, though the main building is also very lovely and has nice breezy rooms. The food was all from the farm, and it was delicious and ample and prepared with love. Though the place has larger formal retreats, I took a personal retreat here at the advice of a friend and am I glad I did! I spent my days lazily exploring the ceremonial and farm grounds, with a few terrific hikes at nearby Pololu. I also participated in yoga classes each morning. I took a wonderful, informative and challenging hula lesson from a lovely staff member. The staff was kind and friendly. Most important, however, were my encounters with the great Lady of the place, Jeanne, who created this center around the sacred land, encouraged by her Hawaiian wisdom teachers and directed by the stones themselves. Her tour of the grounds is essential to making sense of the palpable, powerful mystery of this place, and she has the energy of a great earthy wisdom teacher as well. I also did a Reiki session and Lomi Lomi massage with her that were extremely helpful and moving for me at a time of transition in my life. Do not miss the opportunity of working with Jeanne. Hawaii Island Retreat is the opposite of a vacation resort- the wind is the air conditioning, the amenities are lovely and homey, and at the same time, are not for those seeking a high luxury resort experience. This was pitch perfect for me. I felt a great opportunity for quiet reflection, powerful connection, and change as I opened my heart to the place. Hawaii Island Retreat is unique and I recommend it whole heartedly.…
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Date of stay: March 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Jeanne Sunderland, General Manager at Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia
Responded Mar 19, 2022
Mahalo for your gracious review - it's clear that you are one of those that "get" what we are about here and the sacred energy of the land itself. We take our stewardship seriously and are ever so pleased to have guests like you. Please visit us again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Save yourself a lot of time, money and negative energy and stay away from this horrible place and rude people! We booked to stay here for 3 nights. We were going to have a small wedding ceremony on the property. We could have chosen anywhere to get married but we chose this place because it’s “eco friendly” and the privacy of being away from everything. We thought it would be perfect for our very sacred and intimate wedding ceremony. We payed for our friends to come out from Oregon and we are from San Diego. We left after the first night. Here’s why… For starters, if you’re expecting a luxury retreat center like the website and pictures state, you’re in for a real treat like we were. The land is pretty, sure, however, this place is completely over priced for how run down it is, no amenities and how rude the staff are. I wouldn’t pay anymore than $80 a night here and that’s for the upgraded ocean view rooms. I must state that there was blood on the sheets (pics added) and dead bugs in our bed which Jeanie, the owner, didn’t seem too bothered about. The “free coffee” in the morning was cold from the prior day and cold showers. Starry - She’s your unfriendly welcome staff that has absolutely no hospitality skills and or just basic people awareness. Upon arrival she very coldly greeted us after a very long trip and 1.5hr drive up and before even getting to the front desk asked us for our credit card. It seemed like every question we asked her was a bother.Hot tub - doesn’t work. Don’t bother! Pool - Freezing cold! Fitness Center - Doesn’t exist. Maybe a couple of broken gym machines dusty and pushed into the corner of a dirty room. Beach - can’t swim in it because it’s too unsafe. Food - Have to drive to get it or they will charge you $45 for dinner/$25 for breakfast but only if you have a party of 6. So when we asked Starry for extra meals she rolled her eyes and said if it’s not more than 6 people then it’s costing them money (at $45/$25 a person!) Jeanie - who was so sweet over the phone when we spoke is actually really unorganized and when approached about our disappointment did not want to hear any feedback and was extremely rude. She didn’t accept our feedback at all and dismissed us when we tried to share our experiences with her. Her rudeness and attitude toward us was shocking and this was all the day before we were supposed to get married. This was one of the most stressful times for us as we had to less than 24hours to find a new place to stay for ourselves and our friends we flew out and we had to find a whole new location. Nobody deserves to experience this kind of thing and especially the day before your wedding. On top of that she proceeded to charge us over $1000 after we left for a horrible experience that happened in less than 12 hours after she said she would refund us which I actually had to argue for my money back! We had to cancel our cards to make sure they didn’t charge us more! Nightmare! I would not recommend anyone to stay here unless you want to end up with all your money gone and more stressed than you arrived! Absolute NIGHTMARE!…
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Date of stay: February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Jeanne Sunderland, General Manager at Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia
Responded Mar 19, 2022
The dissatisfaction of these guests began the moment they stepped out of their cars and asked if they had to wear masks. Since they were un-vaccinated, they were instructed to wear them, just as we do with all our un-vaccinated guests. It's a difficult situation for all and we've settled on our policy as everyone responsible for a public place must. They were displeased and irritated from that moment on. As soon as they left, our staff went to check "the blood on the bed" which was wet and fresh. It was obviously placed there by these folks that had just left since there was no way for it to be otherwise. This vindictive action casts obvious doubt on all their other allegations. We have all ready spent numerous hours pre-planning and making many exceptions to accommodate their "wedding." To waste more time countering their false allegations is not worth the time it would take to do so. We occasionally have guests that do not understand what it means to be eco-friendly, ie. no heating in the pool and no air conditioning. Invariably, they find other, more commercial hotels to their liking, as it should be.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We booked for 3 nights and ended up only staying for 1. We are avid travelers & have stayed in yurts many times before, but I have never stayed in one where you could see through to the ground. We could also clearly hear the normal-volume conversations of guests in the adjacent yurts -- perhaps the bungalows offer a touch more privacy. (We did find it odd that, with all the acreage available to them, they put the yurts all just feet from one another.) The beds and pillows both need to be replaced but were fine for one night. We were told to make sure we shut the hot tub promptly after use, as it's solar powered, but the water in the hot tub was no warmer than the pool. Maybe it's better in the summer. We just decided we would rather cash in on some points and stay somewhere more comfortable for our last two nights in Hawaii. If we didn't have those points, we would have dealt with staying put. It wasn't BAD, and I would have liked to see what it was like maybe pre-covid, where perhaps they were better staffed, etc. I debated leaving this review because, based upon the responses the other reviews I have read, the manager doesn't seem particularly open to critique, which is too bad as this place has potential.…
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Date of stay: January 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Beautiful property, quiet and secluded but service and communication were not up to par for a resort that charges what they do. We booked a bungalow for our honeymoon and I sent them an email before we arrived asking “could we potentially do a private dinner during our stay?” I received an email response that said “we can do dinner on 12/31 or 1/1.” Since I had asked very specifically for a private dinner, the response was confirmatory and sounded to us like we would be getting a private dinner. What we received instead was a buffet meal with all the other guests of the hotel of steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, salad and chicken (which they ran out of and didn’t have enough for all the guests) for $45/person. I wrote them after we left and explained our disappointment in the miscommunication and what I received was a series of rude and condescending responses from Jeanne. While she offered to refund “part” of our cost for dinner, she took no responsibility for the miscommunication of her staff and told me to “take responsibility for your desires and express them in a clearer way.” I dont know how I could have been more clear than asking specifically for what I wanted, but somehow it’s my fault they didn’t communicate clearly? I would have happily given this resort a higher rating but after her rudeness, will never be staying there again. Based on other negative reviews seems like arrogance and bad communication are par for the course at Hawaii Island Retreat! Buyer beware!…
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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PRICE RANGE
$393 - $502 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hawaii island retreat at ahu pohaku ho`omaluhia hotel kapaau
LOCATION
United StatesHawaiiIsland of HawaiiKapaau
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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Claim Your ListingHAWAII ISLAND RETREAT AT AHU POHAKU HO`OMALUHIA - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Island of Hawaii)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia
Which popular attractions are close to Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia?
Nearby attractions include Kohala Mountain Road (3.0 miles), The Original King Kamehameha Statue (3.1 miles), and Keokea Beach Park (3.8 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center.
What food & drink options are available at Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia?
Conveniently located restaurants include Kohala Coffee Mill, Kings View Cafe, and Bamboo Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness center during their stay.
Does Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Does Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.