Nestled in the heart of Hawaii’s lush Ohia Forest, Anthurium Cottage stole our hearts during a three-night escape that felt like a dream. From the moment we arrived, this charming retreat blended tropical serenity with cozy elegance, making it the perfect base for our Big Island adventure. Here’s a peek into our stay at this hidden gem, booked through Vacasa, and why it left us longing to return.
Booking
Securing our stay at Anthurium Cottage was a breeze, thanks to a clever use of travel rewards. We transferred 90,000 Wyndham points, earned with my Wyndham Business Earner card, to Vacasa for a seamless three-night booking. The process required a quick phone call to handle the transfer and reservation, and Vacasa’s team made it effortless. For context, paying cash would’ve cost $749.42 after fees—a steal for the experience we got!
Location of Anthurium Cottage
The location of Anthurium Cottage is a traveler’s dream. Just a four-minute drive from the entrance to Volcano National Park, we beat the crowds for early morning hikes through lava fields and craters. Hilo, with its vibrant Farmer’s Market, was a manageable 40-minute drive, perfect for a half-day trip to stock up on fresh produce. Tucked in the rainforest, the cottage offered seclusion without feeling remote—a balance that made every moment special.
Check-in Process
Checking in was smooth and stress-free. The cottage uses an E-lock with a unique code, reset for each guest, which we received prior to arrival. We rolled up around 4:00 PM, parked in the free space for two vehicles, and stepped into our home-away-from-home. The process felt secure and modern, with no hiccups, letting us dive right into vacation mode.
Details of Anthurium Cottage
Anthurium Cottage is a masterpiece of design and comfort. This two-bedroom, two-bath retreat comfortably fit our family, with a pullout sleeper sofa in the living area that our boys claimed each night. The full kitchen was a game-changer—we cooked every meal, from breakfasts with local fruit to hearty dinners after hiking. Glass windows and doors wrapped around the house, blurring the line between indoors and the vibrant rainforest outside. The dark wood interior created a relaxed, almost cabin-like vibe, while the wood fireplace added warmth each evening—essential at the higher elevation, even in late May.
The metal roof was a highlight we didn’t expect. In a rainforest setting, the sound of rain pattering overhead was pure magic, like a lullaby from nature. When the rain paused, the chorus of kokee frogs filled the air, serenading us into the night. Though the house lacks air-conditioning, the cool climate and ceiling fans kept us comfortable, and we never missed it.
Amenities
The amenities at Anthurium Cottage elevated our stay to another level. A washer and dryer kept our hiking gear fresh’s the cherry on top. The private hot tub was a godsend after long days exploring Volcano National Park—nothing beats soaking under the stars. The jetted tub in one of the bathrooms felt like a spa treat, perfect for unwinding. A small charcoal grill let us whip up quick meals, and the internet was reliable for planning our next day’s adventures. While streaming services required our own accounts, we barely needed them with the forest’s symphony and cozy fireplace to keep us entertained.
Overall Impression
Our stay at Anthurium Cottage was nothing short of spectacular. From cooking in the well-equipped kitchen to lounging in the hot tub after epic hikes, every detail felt thoughtfully crafted. The rainforest setting, with its rain-on-metal-roof soundtrack and native bird melodies, made us feel immersed in nature. The boys loved the pullout sofa’s novelty, and the fireplace turned chilly evenings into cozy memories. By our last night, I was browsing Zillow, half-serious about never leaving. This cottage delivered a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and we’re already dreaming of our next visit.
Ready for your own tropical escape? Check out our YouTube channel for more travel inspiration, from Big Island hikes to hidden gems like this one. Start planning your getaway today by visiting our Plan Your Trip page and book your own unforgettable stay with us!
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