Mele Kohola is just South of Hilo on the Big island of Hawaii. The house is situated just minutes from some of the last remaining Hawaiian lowland rain forest where towering Koa trees, just like the ones King Kamehameha depended upon for the fleet of canoes used to conquer the Hawaiian Islands, still florish. Within the rain forest, you can also visit the Lava Tree State Park where volcanic columns mark the existence of huge Koa trees during ancient lava flows. Just a tad further down the coast, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the Volcanic Hot Ponds or witness ongoing fish cultivation in historic Hawaiian fish ponds, once reserved for the kings. Alternately, you can take Highway 11 inland into lush Ohia forest, home of some of the rarest animal and plant species on earth, all living within the very shadow of the Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanos.

To get to Mele Kohola from the Kona Airport, turn left on Hwy 19 (Queen Kaahumanu Hwy) northbound toward Waimea. Follow Hwy 19 to Waimea (about 36 miles) and on to Hilo (another 54 miles). Continue on Hwy 19 through downtown Hilo. After a mile or so turn right on Kanoelehua Ave (Hwy 11) and follow it about 6.6 mi. AT THIS POINT, FROM KONA, YOU WILL PASS HILO AIRPORT, SO IF YOU ARE ARRIVING IN HILO, FOLLOW FROM HERE: (You will pass the Hilo airport.) Turn left on Keaau-Pahoa Rd (Hwy 130) and follow it toward Pahoa. Go about 6-7 miles to Paradise. Left on Paradise to the very end, about 5-6 miles. At the bottom of the road you will see the ocean. The road will take a natural turn to the left, but Mele Kohola is just to the right before the curve. (DO NOT TURN LEFT AT THE CURVE)