90% (56)
Top-rated campgrounds
90% (56)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
A
Angie
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
We loved our stay at Chris and Esther’s place! It was the perfect location—so close to Volcanoes National Park—and incredibly peaceful. Falling asleep to the sound of frogs at night was a unique experience for me. The space had everything we needed for a comfortable night’s sleep--we wish we’d had more time to stay longer.
I loved that they gave us duck food so we could feed the ducks when we woke up. Their directions were clear, communication was easy, and everything felt welcoming and well thought-out.
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J
Josh
October 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
Lodging was clean, well maintained, and had everything you could really ask for; full kitchen (including stove and oven), hot shower, ceiling fan above the bed, nice little deck out front.
The location is fantastic, it's at the back of the farm so sitting on the deck looking out you have a nice view of the rainbow eucalyptus trees, palm patches, and meadows, and total privacy to enjoy a morning coffee in peace.
Hosts were amazing, very friendly and welcoming.
Oh and there's ducks and peafowl all over who are very friendly and will come up to you for food.
My only issue was that I didn't stay longer.
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S
S.
October 2025
With kids
We absolutely loved it!
Great location, private, tropical setting. It is awesome to go to bed with the rainforest sounds in the background.
Wel maintained and clean cottage.
We loved the ducks coming over to say hello in the morning (and that goes double for our 8 year old.)without waking us up.
And if you never had duck eggs before : they are delicious!
Esther and Christopher are great host, friendly, patient and helpful.
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Cms
October 2025
3 nights at The Tranquil Homestead
It was an enjoyable , very relaxing tiny home! We felt like we’re glamping, enjoyed feeding the ducks and peacocks.
Esther and Christopher are amazing hosts, they’re friendly, they really have aloha spirits and great Stewart’s of the aina.
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Conner
September 2025
1 night at The Tranquil Homestead
Truly an amazing place! The ducks were so much fun and we felt so welcomed! The owners made us feel right at home!
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N
Naomi
August 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
Wow what an amazing place Ester and Christopher have created! We are planning our next trip back already!!! Highly recommend anyone who is curious on off grid living with the essentials still there. Hot water and a wonderful compost toilet! And the Ducks omg so cute!!!! Peacocks and lil baby one too, we really looked forward to the early mornings with the birds!
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Aiko
August 2025
With kids
Christopher & Esther’s tranquil retreat was so much fun for my three Keiki. They absolutely loved the whole experience from the off grid experience & compostable toilet to feeding the ducks and exploring. Christopher and Esther were so beyond hospitable. They ensured our comfort and ease in the experience as a whole.
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Michele
July 2025
With kids
My partner and I plus our 4yo really enjoyed our stay. It was a welcome shift from the busy city and tourist atmosphere of Oahu - quiet, dark, the sounds of the coquis, the ducks of course (we enjoyed their company and feeding them and the peacock). The proximity to Volcanoes Park was perfect especially given our luck for being there during an eruption! It was so convenient and easy to zip over to the park in no time. Everything was as Christopher and Esther described, and the space was very clean and cozy, and easy to find. On a clear night the stars are amazing.
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A
Anna
June 2025
3 nights at The Tranquil Homestead
We absolutely loved our short stay at the Tranquil Homestead! The cabin was in a beautiful location, very clean, and was stocked with everything we could’ve possibly needed for a comfortable stay. Additionally, Christopher & Esther were very welcoming and responsive - they graciously gave us a tour of their land when we first arrived, assisted us with navigation, and provided wonderful recommendations on restaurants/activities during our stay. I would recommend this hipcamp to anyone visiting the Big Island!!
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jen
May 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
Our stay at this "Off Grid" cabin was pure magic. The setting is absolutely stunning—tucked among striking Rainbow Eucalyptus trees that make the entire property feel like a hidden tropical dream. The natural beauty here is unreal, and the peaceful atmosphere made it easy to unwind and disconnect.
The cabin itself was spotless, cozy, and perfectly suited for a restful escape. Everything was thoughtfully maintained, and you can tell the hosts care deeply about the space and their guests.
Speaking of the hosts—they were incredible! So warm, friendly, and welcoming. Their hospitality truly made our stay even more special.
One of the unexpected joys of our visit was spending time with the Muscovy ducks. They were such a delightful part of the experience—full of personality and charm. We loved watching them waddle around the homestead!
We honestly wish we could have stayed longer. This place is a true gem, and we’re already dreaming of coming back. Highly, highly recommend!
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D
Delaney
May 2025
With pets
We had such a beautiful and peaceful stay at The Tranquil Duck! The property is serene, charming, and surrounded by nature—truly the perfect escape. We especially loved the rainbow eucalyptus trees right outside the homestead; they added such a magical touch to the surroundings. Christopher and Esther were incredibly sweet and helpful, going above and beyond to make us feel welcome. They were also so flexible and kind in allowing our pups to stay, who had an amazing time exploring the property and soaking in the fresh air. They even took the time to give us an extensive list of recommendations, which made our trip even more enjoyable and stress-free. We’re already looking forward to coming back and would absolutely love to stay here again. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable getaway!
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Nels
May 2025
With kids
We loved our short stay at the tropical duck cabin. Our hosts were gracious and the cabin was comfortable. Would love to return and stay longer to learn about their off grid living.
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Roseanna
April 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
My husband and I loved that Esther and Christopher's hospitality made us feel like family. Their property was beautiful! The little cabin we rented was a perfect space for two. The bathroom, adorable and a porch where you could get fresh air and admire the beauty of Hawaii Island was amazing. And then there were their ducks that greeted us in the mornings! It was a short stay but an awesome one! Mahalo Esther and Christopher for your welcoming hospitality!
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P
Perry
April 2025
2 nights at The Tranquil Homestead
Wow we absolutely LOVED our stay at the duck farm!!! Chris and Esther were fantastic hosts and have an awesome property that we were so grateful that they shared with us!! The tiny home that we got to stay in was perfect!! They thought of everything to make it feel like home. The bed was comfortable, shower was hot and spacious, kitchen was perfect to cook and eat in, lanai was absolutely gorgeous and the whole space was very private and close to Volcano National Park!! Also, the ducks are amazing!!! So sweet and fun to interact with and feed. They love the treats Mom and Dad left them as well as our tasty banana peels!! Speaking of bananas and ducks, the bananas and duck eggs that we purchased from Chris and Esther's farm were delicious!! Best eggs we have ever eaten. If you're thinking of staying near the national park or just visiting this beautiful homestead farm stop thinking about it and just do it!! Thank you again for a wonderful stay and memorable trip Hawaii and Tropical Duck Farm!!
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Vanessa
April 2025
With kids
We had a truly lovely stay at the Tropical Duck – it's a hidden gem tucked away in nature. Every morning, we were greeted by the sight of ducks wandering around the property, which quickly became the highlight of our trip. Our baby absolutely adored feeding them each day – it was such a sweet and peaceful routine.
The hosts were incredibly kind, attentive, and clearly hardworking. Their dedication shows in every detail of the place. A special touch: they gifted our son a little duck, which completely made his day.
We left with full hearts and beautiful memories, and we would absolutely come back. Highly recommended for families or anyone looking for a serene nature escape.
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M
Mason
April 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
This place was the absolute best part of our Hawaii trip!
Christopher and Ester were so friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. They made sure our place was super clean and tidy. The fully stocked kitchen with gas was a huge plus, and we had a blast cooking. The only thing we wish we could have done is stayed longer!
Oh, and the ducks! We made 40 new friends during our stay.
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Jimmy
April 2025
1 night at The Tranquil Homestead
Esther and Chris were extremely gracious and friendly hosts. The cabin was clean and comfortable. The location was convenient for getting to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Feeding the ducks was a highlight of our trip. They're beautiful birds and they have so much personality!
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L
Lee & Ryan
March 2025
With kids
The tranquil duck was a lovely place to call home for the week we visited (2 adults, 2 kids). They had all of the needed amenities and more while having everything very clean. It was very peaceful and Esther and Chris were easy to communicate with and very sweet people. We will definitely get back for a visit!
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Bridget
February 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
Cannot recommend this place highly enough!! Esther and Christopher were so kind and hospitable — we were delayed in our arrival due to some flight delays (sadly), but they were very communicative and flexible.
The accommodations were just what we needed! A kitchen, a clean bathroom, and a super cozy bedroom. We arrived after dark and had a quiet night, so we weren’t able to see the rest of the beautiful property until the morning, and it didn’t disappoint! We loved feeding the ducks :)
If you find yourself on the big island, skip the hotels and resorts, and go find Esther and Christoper and their ducks. You’ll be glad you did!
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Wendy
February 2025
Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead
Esther and Christopher were wonderful hosts. The Tropical Duck was a cozy hideaway in Hilo. Our cabin was stocked to the brim with essentials and quality of life goods including cooking supplies, dishes, toiletries, and even a hotspot with Netflix! The ducks themselves were lovely hosts as long as you fed them their grain in the morning.
10 out of 10 would recommend.
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The best camping in Hawaii with snow sports guide
Where to go
Oahu
Oahu is the state's most-visited island. While many visitors head straight to Honolulu's sandy Waikiki Beach, the island offers plenty to experience outside the big city, with gorgeous beaches all over, plus tons of hiking trails. If you want to camp, you’ll find options at Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park and Bellows Field Beach Park, both on the island’s eastern shores.
The Big Island
The Big Island's size isn't its only claim to fame. It's also known for its tasty Kona coffee and for its abundance of volcanoes, including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, both in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of four national parks on the island. There are also lots of places to camp on the island, including at the Kalōpā State Recreation Area and the Kīholo State Park Reserve (weekend camping only).
Maui and Molokai
Maui is well known for its large resorts and gorgeous scenery, especially in the emeraldine ʻĪao Valley State Monument and from Haleakalā National Park, the best place on the island for a sunrise hike. Reservable campsites can be found at both Wai'ānapanapa State Park and the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. The nearby island of Moloka'i is a quiet alternative, without the big development found on other islands. Camping is available in the island's Pālāʻau State Park.
Kauai
Dubbed the "Garden Isle" for its numerous gardens and overall lush landscapes, Kauai feels quieter and more laid-back than Maui or Oahu. Its best-known hiking areas include the pristine Nāpali Coast (only accessible by foot or boat) and the vibrantly hued Waimea Canyon State Park, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." You can camp in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, provided you obtain a permit in advance, or in Kōke'e State Park and Polihale State Park.
When to go
Hawaii only has two real seasons: a hotter, dryer summer season (April–October) and a cooler, rainier winter (November–March). The resorts and tourist destinations across the islands are at their busiest during the summer and winter vacation months, and hotel and flight prices tend to soar during these periods. Late spring and early autumn are ideal for avoiding rainfall and crowds. Flights from the mainland are generally at their cheapest between January and March.