Chris and Esther were extremely attentive hosts, they were very communicative and welcoming of questions or needs from us as guests. At the same time they gave us plenty of space so that the place still felt very private. The tiny home/cabin was perfectly comfortable and had everything you need to enjoy a cozy/rainy day ant home and was an inspiring example of how one can live off grid in Hawaii. The property is beautiful with gorgeous eucalyptus trees and the ducks/peacocks were wonderful entertainment. Esther and Chris provide feed for you to give to the birds and I greatly enjoyed watching the ducks waddle their way down the path each morning wagging their tails! The location was close enough to Hilo that it felt very easy to run errands/enjoy the city and is also super quick to the national park if you’re lucky enough to be here during an eruption. We would definitely stay here again!

Amanda

2 weeks ago

3 nights at The Tranquil Homestead

This was such an amazing experience! It felt so private, yet only a 30 minute drive from Hilo and just a short distance to the main entrance of the park. Cozy and the cool evening weather made it feel like camping, but without the hassle of setting everything up. The bed was seriously the most comfortable bed I’ve been in while traveling. Kitchen was great and enough to cook basic meals. Esther and Christopher were such gracious and attentive hosts. We were able to do laundry and check out some of the highlights of things to do that they recommended. The ducks and peacocks were a treat to see in the mornings and feed. Great value for the price. As stated in the listing, bring your own drinking water (we picked up a large jug from the store). It was surprisingly cool at night, which was a welcome treat from the heat and humidity during the day as we traveled. Enough cell service but we didn’t use the internet provided. Laundry takes about an hour and 45 minutes on the property, and you’ll arrange a time to use the machines (but they have soap and dryer sheets.)

Michael

2 weeks ago

2 nights at The Tranquil Homestead

We loved every bit of Christopher and Esther’s place! We thought about camping but are so glad we stayed here. The cabin is dialed in, with thoughtful features throughout. The hosts are as thoughtful as any we’ve ever had on Hipcamp or AirBnb. A perfect blend of friendly but giving lots of privacy. It was about 25 minutes to Hawaii Volcanos NP, close enough to make a late dash to see the lava! Highly recommended place to stay.

Angie

November 2025

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.

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.

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at The Tranquil Homestead

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.

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.

wendy

September 2025

5 nights at FlashTown

Jessie is an amazing host and person. When we arrived my daughter wasn’t feeling well. Jesse brought her crackers and us both sandwiches. He told us the best places to go. Thank you Jessie for sharing your rain forest paradise. Loved all the animals and flowers.

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!

P. Genevieve

August 2025

Tent

1 night at FlashTown

One of the best! We only stayed for one night but regretted not staying more days! Jesse was an amazing host and the animals running around were great! The little frogs at night were so cute too!!! Thank you!!

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!

Daniel

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to FlashTown

Our family (dad, mom and 7 year old son) stayed with Jesse on his property, FlashTown, for two wonderful days. Can't say enough nice things--even after this relatively short time we were all genuinely sad to leave and consider Jesse to be a friend. Maybe a future e-pen pal for our son? The property is wild and glorious and we felt blessed to sleep in his rainforest with all the nature sounds and smells. IMO, this is what Hipcamp is all about. 10/10. (As a bonus, Jesse gave us samples of his skin care product, Fruity Puppy, and it's the real deal. We ended up buying a full size container when we left and have all been using it daily. If you camp here you'd be silly not to get a full container--it's that good.)

Aiko

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead

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.

Michele

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Tranquil Homestead

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.

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!!

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!

Delaney

May 2025

With pets

2 nights at The Tranquil Homestead

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!

Nels

May 2025

With kids

1 night at The Tranquil Homestead

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.

Joe

May 2025

Weekend Trip to FlashTown

Down to Earth, down the trail to a hot shower. Like sleeping on flower pillows. Mr. Host has energy and ideas free of charge. Attentive and informational as the sun goes down. A calico cat in the middle of the night followed me into our room but responded very well to fake shooshes finally squirtching under the door and out of our dreams. It is the one that meows, you will know it if you hear it or are a midnight star gazer. He made all the adjustments and reached out just enough to not feel like someone is watching, very respectful of our privacy at the same time comfortable. No plugins in our room so our phones died and we slept in, he was understanding like an old friend. I hope he liked us. No offense but most hosts I could care less. I hope Jesse liked us. If we get a chance to go back which we will. I will bring a Rose bush in honor of the City of Roses. Then he can use his chicken coop cleanup and pond water on the roses!

Emily

April 2025

1 night at FlashTown

What an awesome and unique experience thanks to Jessie! We had such a great time here, from the cats, to the chickens, to the dogs, to the ponds, to the open air bathroom- what an experience! Great for Splunkers and lava chasers. All of Jessie’s hard work is paying off! Shout out to Cookie and Ghostbuster! The location is awesome and we look forward staying here again!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping near Hilo guide

Nearby attractions

The largest active volcano in the world, Mauna Loa is well known for its frequent activity and large lava flows. At dusk the lava flows begin to glow, transforming the volcanic landscape into a spectacle that can’t be missed. With easy access to an essential Big Island experience, camping near Mauna Loa will ensure you get the most out of your experience.

Revel in the harmonious mix of forest and ocean as you camp near Laupahoehoe Beach Park. This idyllic spot offers dramatic ocean views, perfect for sunsets, and a chance to unwind by the calming sounds of the waves.