FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions )

What is the weather like?

That usually depends where you happen to be on the Big Island. The island of Hawaii has 11 of the 13 climatic zones in the world. Wandering the Island, you can experience a 60 to 70F degree temperature change as well as pouring rain, snow and desert dry in one day. We keep sweatshirts, rain gear, snorkel gear, towels and swimsuits in our cars.

Here in South Kona, Hawaii, our typical daytime temperature at the B&B is 72 to 78F ( winter vs summer ) and a very mild 60 to 65F at night. Cool enough so you enjoy cuddling under the comforter on your bed or a night time soak in our outdoor hot tub. Our 1500 foot elevation above the coast provides us with a spectacular panoramic view as well as ideal placement for tropical breezes in the morning from the coast and the cool evening mist coming down from the summit of Mauna Loa. The house follows traditional local design so there are screens and adjustable louvers on the guest room windows to take full advantage of a very relaxing climate. Unlike many parts of the Big Island, we enjoy the quiet of the night forest without the whirr of the AC unit outside. ( We have small room fans available to provide background noise if you need it to sleep. )

Where can we see dolphins or sea turtles?

It is up to the dolphins ( Nai'a ) and turtles ( Honu ) but you have a very good chance of seeing them while you are diving, snorkeling, kayaking or swimming here on the Kona Coast. Turtles can usually be found grazing around the rocks at any beach, dolphins are regular visitors to Kealakekua Bay, Ho'okena or Honaunau. Just grab a snorkel, a kayak or just a beach towel from us and head to the ocean.

How far is the volcano from the Guest House? Will I see any lava? What will I need to bring?

The Volcanoes National Park Headquarters is about 1 and 1/2 hours drive from here going south on Highway 11. But there is a lot of scenery between South Kona and Volcano to enjoy. We usually add a bit more time to the trip for a hike out to visit the Green Sand Beach at South Point or a nice lunch in Na'alehu.

Whether or not you will be able to get close to flowing lava depends greatly on the disposition of Pele, your hiking ability, the weather and a few other things. But the current eruption has been active for 23 years now so it is likely that you will see something you don't usually see back home. You will be able to check the daily eruption report and the Park weather here before driving over. The National Park Headquarters is located at 4000 feet by the highway and it can be cool and rainy. The flow area is down on the coast and can be warm and dry. Dressing in layers works well.

For your suitcase planning, at a bare minimum, please bring a pair of sturdy , comfortable closed toe shoes with good traction and long pants. My favorite accessories include binoculars, a headlamp and a sturdy hiking pole. We have flashlights available if you are planning a night hike and you can buy supplies like bottled water and snacks on the way.