Gingerhill Farm Retreat. Commune with Nature In South Kona.

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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

Parking available

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Ocean view

Explore the area

Kealakekua, HI

Kona Historical Society Museum

12 min walk

Greenwell Farms

13 min walk

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

2 min drive

Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)

31 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Gingerhill Farm Retreat is located on five acres of organic orchards and gardens nestled just above famous Kealakekua Bay. We offer serenity and escape mere minutes away from local restaurants, cafes and shops.

Complete with bathroom, kitchen and outdoor shower, our Garden Cottage offers the independence of a cozy private dwelling situated just above the gardens. Relax on the deck in the evenings as you enjoy breathtaking images of the sun setting over the Pacific.

Take a stroll through our gardens and then marvel at the sunset from one of various scenic decks. Hike down to Kealakekua Bay and swim with the Dolphins. Gingerhill Farm offers an exotic escape from the hustle and bustle of 21st century living.

In our commitment to promoting transparency we would like to say that there is more to sustainable agriculture than whether you use chemical fertilizer or organic pellets. Here at Gingerhill Farm we heed our role as stewards of the land and commit to practices which improve the health of our acreage year after year. This means we spray no insecticides or herbicides. It also means that in Hawaii, a subtropical island, we experience intervals of mosquito or termite pressure. Resonant Coqui frogs, native to Puerto Rico sing at night and sound like crickets. We consider these players as part of our ecosystem, and strive to maintain a balance. Our grounds are beautiful and fertile, partly tamed and partly wild. We ask that guests understand these dynamics and book accordingly.

Property manager

owner/property manager

Premier Host

Languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish

Amenities

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Ocean view

Parking available

Similar properties

Kitchen

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Property Registration Number TA-147-004-4672-01, GE-147-004-4672-01

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Kealakekua

Kealakekua is home to this cottage. H.N. Greenwell Store Museum and Kona Historical Society Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Greenwell Farms and Kona Boys Inc. Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Donkey Balls Factory and Store are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Kealakekua, HI

What's nearby

Kealakekua Bay - 11 min drive
Kona Country Club - 12 min drive
Captain Cook Monument - 14 min drive
Kahalu'u Beach Park - 15 min drive
Magic Sands Beach - 15 min drive

Getting around

Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬20 min walk
‪Teshima's Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
‪Kaya's - ‬4 min drive
‪Shaka Tacoz - ‬3 min drive
‪Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gingerhill Farm Retreat. Commune with Nature In South Kona. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Gingerhill Farm Retreat. Commune with Nature In South Kona.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gingerhill Farm Retreat. Commune with Nature In South Kona.?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Gingerhill Farm Retreat. Commune with Nature In South Kona. located?

Situated in Kealakekua, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of H.N. Greenwell Store Museum, Kona Historical Society Museum and Greenwell Farms. Aloha Performing Arts Center and Kona Coffee Living History Farm are also within 2 miles (3 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Jeff L.

14 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic getaway

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Gingerhill Farm. Zack and Iris were delightful hosts. The location is beautiful and rustic, like the old time Hawaii that I remember from my youth. Not luxurious but very comfortable. For us it was the ultimate back to nature experience.

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zachary M.

18 Dec 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rainforest getaway

Really enjoyed staying at Gingerhill for close to a week. Returning to the rainforest vibe of the unit every evening after traveling the island was a highlight of our trip. Will stay again.

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bruce B.

17 Apr 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lush, upcountry, re-treat close to good snorkeling, stores, and restaurants

This rental met all my needs. It is a very quiet and peaceful place to stay.. A short 40 minute drive up to the lava fields, beaches, swimming, snorkeling, laying in the sand, soaking up the sun, and then return in the afternoon to a cooler lusher environment. It is the best of both worlds. I would definitely stay here again..

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry A.

11 Feb 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

We loved staying at Gingerhill Farm Retreat. It was wonderful to have a restful, peaceful place to be after days of exploring the area. Zach was generous sharing fruit from the trees and very responsive if there was anything we needed.

Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauren W.

30 Dec 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ultimate jungle cabin experience!

A beautiful and restful place. The property was gorgeous, the welcome basket of fruit delicious, the lizards and birds delightful. Thanks for taking care of our needs!

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew D.

17 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lovely escape

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The view was absolutely beautiful, very secluded and peaceful. Loved being surrounded by nature.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cora S.

25 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gingerhill Farm is a wonderful place on the Big Island

In the 2 weeks that I stayed on the farm, I was able to immerse myself in the beauty and power of nature, relaxing and so nourishing for body and soul. A place where you can connect with the heart of Mother Earth and let yourself be filled with her energies, which can be felt so strongly here and make everything bloom and thrive in abundance. The hosts Iris and Zech live and work here consciously, in devotion to nature and create an atmosphere of respect, trust and peace. I felt very safe there. Zech and Iris along with their team are very good, helpful and generous hosts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Stayed 14 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dee N., San francisco

11 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean yet close to nature

The cabin was clean upon arrival. The bed is extremely comfortable. The cabin is surrounded by the Hawaiian jungle which we loved. We enjoyed gorgeous sunsets over the ocean from the lanai/kitchen. It was really great to be cooking dinner outside while watching a sunset. The bed is actually a King rather than a Queen. We really enjoyed our stay but that's because we really enjoy being close to nature. We did find geckos and mosquitos and worms in the cabin occasionally but that's what happens when you're not trying to seal yourself off from nature. I recommend this place for the more adventurous couple/family. If you're looking for an air conditioned or heated, bug-free accommodation, this is not for you.

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

27 Feb 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded get away

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Ginger Hill Farm. The cabin was quaint, secluded, the bed comfortable, and met all our needs. Beautiful sunsets from the lanai. Location was close to everything in South Kona. All Staff were super friendly and welcoming. Zak and Iris are very knowledgeable about sustainable agriculture in Hawaii and enjoy sharing. We will definitely plan a return trip! Thanks!

Stayed 42 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Antonio P.

16 May 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place, nice people

Had an issue with vrbo double booking our desired rental, and therefore we did not get the exact experience we were hoping for, but we still enjoyed our stay. My suggestion, make sure you contact Zach before your vacation to make sure this does not happen to you. I would still absolutely recommend the place, it is serene and beautiful, and perfect for folks with a love for mother earth.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rachel S.

28 Feb 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Getaway

Our stay at Gingerhills Farm and Retreat was everything and more! The house and amenities were perfect, the property was beautiful and the hosts were so kind and attentive. I have stayed in many Air BnBs and VRBO locations, but this one tops them all; I wish we could have stayed longer!

Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

David B., Bainbridge Island, USA

7 Feb 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tropical garden with sunset views

Great secluded location close to all our favorite Kona beaches. The outdoor kitchen and outdoor shower are perfect in the tropical garden setting. Love the simplicity of the garden cottage layout surrounded by Papaya, orange, lemon and lime trees. Getting a personal tour of the working garden by Zack was a highlight.

Stayed 29 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laurie R.

18 Feb 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection in Kealekakua

The Garden Cottage at Gingerhill Farm Retreat was a great place to stay. The beautiful gardens, tranquil setting, fantastic original artwork, organic and off-the-grid vibe, complete privacy, well stocked lanai kitchen and distant ocean and sunset views made it a lovely place to spend the day or return to after a busy day. All this, plus it's in a great area with endless opportunities to hike, shop, snorkel, eat, listen to music, check out farmers markets and coffee farms, and eat more. Iris, Zack and Spam the cat were great hosts; friendly, ready to help out and answer questions and provided the cottage with their own delicious fresh fruit and local coffee. Early morning yoga was the best! I would return here on my next trip to the Big Island without hesitation. Mahalo nui!

Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2020

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mary E.

6 Nov 2017

Gingerhill Farm is a charming, ecologically and ethically inspiring 5 acres of working farm.

The cabin is clean, light, and private, filled with art created by the painter Mayumi Oda, who started the farm seventeen years ago. We enjoyed the nightly symphonies of crickets and frogs and the daily songs from multitudes of birds, plus the great ocean view. We appreciated the tour of the grounds that Mayumi's son Zach gave us, showing us the many varieties of fruits and vegetables cultivated over the years. The family has built a unique, Zen-infused paradise, and we will surely return.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

jennifer r.

2 Oct 2017

Would definitely stay here again!

Clean, comfortable, private and peaceful. I've stayed at high end resorts, condos, well appointed homes and other cottages on the Big Island and in the future if I want to be anywhere near Kona this is where I'd definitely want to be. Hosts are hands off but available for any questions or needs and made me feel welcome. This is a very low key, chill place in a beautiful location.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

maile m.

8 June 2017

just what we needed - to advance into nature, while retreating from urban distraction

mahalo to gingerhill 'ohana. keeping it beautiful, serene, real. Love the aesthetics, love the view, the simple and elegent solutions, loved the shower! Sad about coqui, so much to learn, heading back soon.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mary Elizabeth R.

7 Apr 2017

Absolutely Paradise

The setting of the cottage was just beautiful and the hosts are very friendly! My daughter and I felt extremely comfortable and welcomed! I would highly recommend staying on this property instead of a hotel! It is the best way to experience the tropical Hawaiian lifestyle! Such a pleasure that we are already planning our next trip!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jill R.

13 Mar 2017

Fantastic location - great host.

Perfect retreat spot in an organic farm with amazing views. Fruit and avocado trees all around. Well appointed place - it had everything we needed.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Patty R.

12 Mar 2017

Very special and charming.

Minimal and spare. This is not a beachfront condo. Lovely distant water view. The organic garden comes with frogs and birds and some mosquitos. The bed is really comfortable. Amenities are close by. It was a privilege to be able to stay here.

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Dennis E.

13 Feb 2017

Beautiful setting

Delightful setting, beautiful gardens & plant life, comfy bed, lovely outdoor kitchen & shower, close to our favorite swimming spots, all we needed... Didn't receive directions ahead, so we couldn't find it right away, but helpful neighbors got us there.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Zuzana G.

30 Jan 2017

Beautiful, serene.

This is a gorgeous spot. The cottage is lovely: a spare, simple aesthetic, yet completely comfortable, with Mayumis's amazing art and artistic touches throughout. The kitchen on the deck is perfect for simple meals. You are surrounded by lush tropical greenery: banana trees, avocado, papaya, ginger, bird of paradise and more. The only sounds you hear are the occasional cow moos and lovely frog chirps in the evening. The location is perfect : close to Kealakekua Bay and Honauanau for snorkeling. Captain Cook is 5 minutes away, with Choice Mart ( best grocery store ever!) and a green market on Sunday with a smaller one on Friday. The 1000 foot altitude means you get a little reprieve from the heat after sunset. Kona is a short 20 minute drive if you really need to go into town. Can't wait to come back!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

David T.

29 Jan 2017

Beautiful and secluded

The cottage is bright and airy, clean and comfortable. The open air kitchen and lanai are functional and have a view of the ocean in the distance. It is so peaceful, the only noises are from the birds and insects and nearby cows. The setting is beautiful but not far from lots of local attractions and Kobe is about 20 mins drive if you want the resort atmosphere. It is very tricky to find the first time -- make sure you ask for specific directions. I wouldn't recommend arriving at night the first time!

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark E.

6 Dec 2016

Paradise!

Paradise! Dania took great care of us!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Kim C.

15 Oct 2015

Great location!

I chose this place based on the reviews that talked about farm tours, fresh fruit, yoga, etc. I didn't realize there was a significant cost to these options. In the cottage is a list of the charges, similar to the mini-bar upselling at an expensive retreat. Because of that I did not participate in these extras. Once I adjusted, however, that did not diminish my enjoyment of this lovely little place. The setting is magical! I loved the little geckos who sneaked around us! I loved the outdoor shower. It is an incredible setting, surrounded by beautiful flowers, birds, amazing sunsets. It was a wonderful place in which to relax at the end of the day.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Todd G.

17 May 2015

Lovely Garden cottage

This was a beautiful organic garden setting. Somewhat rustic but very clean and easy to get to.

About the host

Hosted by owner/property manager

Iris and Zach, met on Iris's native island of 'Magic' in Brazil. It is their dream to one day teach people from all over the world how to live sustainably in community, a return to the village model. As co directors of Gingerhill Farm on the Big Island, they teach the Sustainable Living Course and host guests from all over the world who come to grow and cook the healthiest foods and practice yoga and meditation. Come and try the Gingerhill Farm lifestyle and see if it doesnt agree with you. Namastê.

Why they chose this property

South Kona's "Greenbelt," has long been known for farming, especially coffee. Lush growth and farms, cute stores, antiques and cafes dot the road down to Historic Kealakekua Bay where Captain Cook once "discovered" Hawaii and where tourists now swim with the Dolphins. We chose this property because of its deep volcanic soil, ideal elevation and breathtaking ocean views.

What makes this property unique

Now that the gardens and orchards are mature, we love being able to harvest a huge variety of nutrient-dense food from our land. Visitors are always blown away by our Garden of Eden-style food forests.