Waianuhea Bed and Breakfast
For an off-the-beaten-path travel experience wrapped in Hawaiian luxury, baby boomers should turn their cars away from the Big Island’s coast and head for the hills. The hills overlooking Honokaa on the Hamakua coast to be exact. That’s where you’ll find Waianuhea Bed and Breakfast.
When Alan and I visited, we experienced true Aloha spirit at the eco-inspired property. The friendly staff did every thing they could to make our stay relaxing. Upon our late evening arrival, we discovered a welcome note on the door and a glass of merlot waiting for us on the bedside table of our room.
The next morning, we looked out the window to see a green paradise. Waianuhea sits on a hill surrounded by emerald-colored rolling farmland. Mist from the volcano, Mauna Kea, is the reason for the lush appearance and the bed and breakfast’s name, which means” fragrant mountain mist.”
Breakfast at Waianuhea
The gourmet breakfast is a not-to-be-slept through experience. Each morning, we started with a freshly-baked breakfast bread to accompany a plate of tropical fruits followed by a main course. My favorite? The crepes stuffed with eggs, smoked salmon and cream cheese, topped with organic tomatoes and capers. And the flowers decorating the plate? They were edible too.
You would never guess that this luxurious home filled with art treasures from around the world is off the grid. That’s right. The bed and breakfast operates on solar power, using a satellite for telephone, television and internet reception. But the eco theme goes even further with an emphasis on the use of local produce, some homegrown in the organic garden at Waianuhea, plus local products for bath toiletries.
We made Waianuhea our headquarters on the Hilo side of Hawaii for adventures like horseback riding in the Waipi’o Valley, visiting the waterfalls at Akaka Falls State Park and discovering tidal wave history at Laupahoehoe Point. But, at the end of the afternoon, we pointed our car up the hill to Waianuhea for rest, relaxation and a wine hour featuring appetizers, excellent wine and travel conversation with fellow guests.
Have you visited the Hamakua cost on the Hilo side of Hawaii? Post a comment to tell me about your favorite experience. We’ll definitely be going back to Waianuhea Bed and Breakfast.
Randy Goff, Manager and Chef at Waianuhea has shared her recipe for my favorite, Carrot Coconut Zucchini Macadamia Nut Bread. Delicious!
August 2009 Update: Waianuhea is now serving dinner at an additional cost and with 48-hours notice.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like absolute bliss. Wishful Friday thinking!
Sounds like absolute bliss. Wishful Friday thinking!
Sounds like you had an excellent time! I feel relaxed after reading about your relaxing.
Sounds like you had an excellent time! I feel relaxed after reading about your relaxing.
Donna, this place sounds fabulous. We might get there and never want to leave!
Twitter: DonnaLHull
August 10, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Marcie, it is fabulous. Very relaxing, laid back and luxurious. It’s a totally different side of Hawaii than the usual resort experience.
Donna, this place sounds fabulous. We might get there and never want to leave!
This place looks worth visiting.
I enjoyed an event at Waianuhea recently. It’s beautiful. Even though it’s only 10 minutes from my house, I’m tempted to book a room for a weekend getaway!
Twitter: DonnaLHull
May 17, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Kris, lucky you! Waianuhea has the most soothing atmosphere. I could really use their type of relaxation about now.
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