Hale Maluhia Country Inn

“An Experience of Home”

My trip was half business and half vacation. During the business portion, I stayed in the fancy resort, and for my own vacation, I stayed at this inn. Surprisingly, the experience I got from the inn was not a single bit less than what I had in the resort. The room was very clean, all the towel… more

My trip was half business and half vacation. During the business portion, I stayed in the fancy resort, and for my own vacation, I stayed at this inn. Surprisingly, the experience I got from the inn was not a single bit less than what I had in the resort. The room was very clean, all the towels, bedding, surfaces, and ground were all matching to the resort level. Amenities were functioning well, and the hosts were very friendly and approachable. They helped us in many aspects of things. Interestingly, the inn is located in the mountain; a 5 to 10 minute drive will bring you to the downtown Kona where you will find some amazing food and stores, and a 5 to 10 min walk in the morning will bring you astonishing views. I have to say that that was the most amazing part of the whole trip. I can still remember how blue the ocean and how clear the sky. Being close to nature means there are some geckos and birds in the yard, as long as you pay attention, there are beautiful surprise everywhere. The thing that made this whole stay outstanding was the like-home experience. As someone who has been away from home for years due to various reasons. The host and their family really made my stay memorable and joyful. I will definitely stay here if I visit Kona again, very pleasant and wonderful experience.

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“Beautiful Place to Wind Down before coming home to Reality”

We rented a car at the airport and was able to locate the Inn in the Dark with the help of Siri, but initially were shocked that our room was up a flight of outside stairs. We are all seniors. My husband was able to carry 3 sets of luggage up. Turns out since there were 3 of us sharing a room, t… more

We rented a car at the airport and was able to locate the Inn in the Dark with the help of Siri, but initially were shocked that our room was up a flight of outside stairs. We are all seniors. My husband was able to carry 3 sets of luggage up. Turns out since there were 3 of us sharing a room, this is what was available. The owners are just lovely, Miriam and David. They have 7 children -- 3 now living in Texas. We were greeted by Miriam, and she showed us the shared kitchen, living room and outside Lanai, all spacious areas. Since we had just finished a cruise, 4 days in Waikiki, and 4 days in Maui, this was to be our 4 days to wind down on the big island and return to reality, cold Pennsylvania. We had forgotten it was still winter here since our weather during this trip was absolutely gorgeous. This Inn is right off the Queen's highway... one left turn up the hill, then one right turn at the stop sign to our road. Entrance is at a sharp turn that continues up the hill. You do need a car, but parking here is not an issue. The driveway is a little sloped, so pull all the way up to unload luggage, then park back down the driveway. Because of the slight elevation, it is cooler than at the ocean (less than 2 miles away), amazing. Day one we drove the north route around the Island to Hilo, stopping several times for sightseeing (Akaka Falls was my favorite - $5.00 per person). Even stopped at a local Flea/Farmers Market and had breakfast and conversation with locals. They started this co-op market on Sundays to get locals out socializing with each other during covid. Such nice, organic people, distancing in the outdoors. We stopped at Safeway Foods (Queens Highway and Henry Ave) for dinner (from their prepared foods area of store) and returned to the Lanai to enjoy our food and adult beverages. Day 2 we did the southern route to the Volcano National Park, normally $30 a car, but we have a senior pass to National Parks, therefore cost us nothing. Drove the Crater Drive, saw the live lava area, lava tubes, etc., and did not comprehend until I saw this just how big this park is. Wow; massive, craters from different eruptions for a 20-mile stretch. Both days we drove all day, stopping along the way. Again, stopped at Safeway for dinner things and enjoyed our evening out on the Lanai. David, landlord, gave us directions for the 3rd days visit to a beach about 25 miles away. Just perfect. Sun and shade (provided by the trees). David and Miriam lent us two beach chairs. Saw the famous green turtles on the beach that day. Near Lava Lava Beach club. Before leaving for the beach, made reservations for dinner at the Fish Hoppers Restaurant for 6 PM. Uber took us since we were planning some adult beverages with dinner. Went early and browsed the shopping area, and pier. Waves were coming up over the wall, splashing pedestrians unexpectedly. Wonderful sunset there during dinner. Dinner and shopping were great and Ubered home to hang out on the Lanai again. Each morning we were on the Lanai for coffee and breakfast items we had bought from Safeway, storing milk in the community kitchen's refrigerator, and cereal on the counter, along with paper throw away bowls. The only time we saw other guests was at breakfast. No one was out at night except us. No one ever used the community living room, though it was beautiful. We actually grew to love this place away from the hustle and bustle of the large hotel chains. We reflect on whether we were disturbing anyone while we sat on the Lanai each night, chatting away and planning our next day, reviewing the day that had passed. Miriam said she was so happy that someone was enjoying this space. It was big and beautiful. Why others stayed closed up in their rooms is beyond me. They have many board games and puzzles to use, as well as reference books on the island there for all to use. It was such a peaceful place, and, in the end, we were not disappointed we booked here and would stay again. Great location, off the beaten path, close to the highway. We did almost the entire perimeter of the island, except 28 miles, from this location and saw the islands western, dry, black lava fields, which was a little disturbing signaling death and destruction from the volcanic activity of the past, as well as rebirth as things are growing again in some of this area, to the lush, tropical side of the eastern part of the island, with waterfalls, and fog and misty rain, as well as shopping and a new Hawaiian dress for me from Hilo... just beautiful. Miriam, David and her family are faithful people, spreading uplifting Biblical passages throughout their community areas, and were so happy to be living in their oasis and sharing it with everyone. They purchased this property 4 years ago, leaving the Northern California area behind, with no regrets. David shared that the hardest day of his life was obtaining one-way tickets for his family to embark on this purchase. Again, they have no regrets and love the island. You are free to use anything in the kitchen, as long as you clean up after yourself., including the stove, microwave, plates, utensils, glasses, etc. A very inexpensive (considering the alternatives), quiet, peaceful retreat, with lovely hosts. BTW, there is a hot tub there for you use as well, though we did not use this. Giving this a 4 star only because of the shock on day 1 regarding the stairs with luggage... thank God my husband still lives... lol. Loved this place.

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