A FAMILY FARM - FOOD, FOREST AND SUSTAINABILITY

This cozy and comfortable apartment, tucked underneath the back side of the farm house (a restored historic storefront and home) is the perfect place to escape. The apartment is well-appointed with plenty of towels; WiFi access; a cool, covered lanai with a large Japanese ofuro (wooden soaking tub). Imagine relaxing in warm water up to your chin outdoors in the evening cool after a long day of travel -- HEAVEN! The small kitchen is complete with everything you need for basic meal preparation, and on our arrival we discovered a beautiful basket of home-grown organic produce and eggs - enough for my daughter to produce healthy and hearty breakfasts for the two of us the 4 mornings we were there.

The location of the farm is convenient yet removed. It's a little over a 35-mile drive from Hilo and about 20 miles from Waimea. We were always torn between leaving the farm to go sightseeing and just staying put and reveling in the solitude and peace of this little paradise. My daughter, who works in permaculture design, nature awareness and homesteading, spent a lot of time walking the grounds, listening to the birds and identifying plants. Kaye graciously invited her to participate in taro harvesting and spent quite a lot of time with both of us, discussing the farm, its history, and her vision for her land. My daughter and I were both ready to chuck everything and stay there forever!

I can't say enough about Kaye's gracious hospitality toward us. She made us feel welcome immediately. She was always available whenever we wanted her, but she was never intrusive. We feel that we have made a new friend, and we hope to visit Keolamauloa again soon.