Camping near Puako

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Looking for the best camping near Puako? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Hawaii hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Puako.

96% (1K) 102 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Puako

Starseed Ranch

1. Starseed Ranch

96%
(14)
20mi from Puako · 5 sites
E Komo Mai. Welcome to the pristine northern coast of Hawai’i island. The Kohala Mountains are sacred verdant lands filled with the abundance of the natural world – valleys, streams, mountains, forests and farms. Come enjoy our peaceful, healing accommodations and breathtaking landscape. Visit tropical permaculture food forests and taste a diversity of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Experience an ancient agricultural setting filled with the rich history of native Hawaiian culture. A visit to Starseed Ranch is an adventure sure to inspire. Guests are welcome to explore our tropical fruit orchards, gardens, yoga, and meditation spaces. We're a short walk or drive to the ocean. Combine your Farm Stay with a Farm to Table Dinner and/or Farm Tour to truly taste the 'āina! Our organic farm and eco-retreat is 26 acres filled with abundance. Wander through our beautiful orchards or gardens, take a dip in the fresh-water stream, or take a stroll down the road to bask in the awe of sacred Pololu Valley.
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Waipi'o Lodge

2. Waipi'o Lodge

98%
(231)
22mi from Puako · 2 sites
Waipi'o Lodge and Campsite is located in Kukuihaele less than a mile from majestic Waipiʻo Valley. In a place where horses and wild turkeys often wander by, this is the old Hawaiʻi. A place where neighbors stop to talk and life is sweet as the smell of sugar cane grass. You'll enjoy a wonderful ocean view and the many fruit and macadamia nut trees on the property. We usually have perfect weather- sunshine, blue skies, a nice breeze, with temperatures in the high 70's. The campsite is part of the Waipi'o Lodge, which has three bedrooms and a common space living room. Our camping guests are welcome to use the outside kitchen, covered lanai, and Lodge bathroom. We also have high speed Wi-Fi. Our guests tend to be excellent company, usually visiting from Europe, the US Mainland, Australia and beyond. Many use our place as a launching point for hiking in Waipi'o Valley or backpacking trips into Waimanu Valley.  Join us!!
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Waipio KOA

3. Waipio KOA

91%
(11)
22mi from Puako · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
After arriving between 12-4 pm at the meet up location; waipio valley's lookout pavilion connected to flush toilet bathrooms, we will meet the local resource ranger and kahuna proceeding down Waipio road as we drive your 4x4 vehicle or guide your hui single file on foot 2.5 miles to Waipio's KOA to set camp for your stay. Please refrain from walking or driving Waipio road prior to or after our meetup as the current road safety restrictions prohibit all non-Hawaiian island residents from entering the valley without a local escort. Waipio KOA is an active farm to table fruit orchard, la'au lapa au medicine garden, and apo ohana community center. Waipio KOA shares a mission to unify the seven star tribes from all major honua (earth) continents in apo (circle) formation to spread equality, peace, and harmony around our shared planet earth. he ali'i ka aina he kauwa ke kanaka Now is the hour to come together in unity and equality to share ha breath, kala light, aina land/earth, and wai water. Once your camp is set, you will be walking distance from a potable spring, waterfalls, a black sand beach, Waipio stream and Waimanu Valley campground 9 miles on the Muliwai wilderness reserve trail. Wild horses, birds, pigs and farmers are commonly scene throughout the valley. When surf and ocean conditions allow you may enjoy kayaking, swimming, diving, fishing, surfing and seasonal whale and dolphin watching. As camp hosts we will provide the best guidance during your stay and are available for more intimate one on one assistance with your choice of activities should you need. Please specify what your intentions for this camp experience are during our meeting at the valley lookout. As active farmer gardeners we are seeking extra hands in work projects and welcome long stay extensions involving a work trade agreement. Be sure to let us know if you are interested in this option to extend your stay. Although it may be perfectly fun and fabulous to camp in the rain, extreme rain and high flood water conditions may result in a cancelation of your reservation. In accordance with hipcamp's cancelation policy, we can refund your payment 72 hrs before your arrival date. Mahalo for your kokua and we look joyward to seeing your happy camper smile. E Komo Mai
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Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

4. Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

State park 3.4mi from Puako · 4 sites
It’s no secret—Hawaii’s Big Island is pretty darn beautiful. And Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area is no exception, too. With towering palms, lush greenery and—of course—the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean, you might just literally gasp in awe when you drive up to Hāpuna. A sandy trail offers hiking along the coast with stunning ocean views, but besides that, swimming, picnicking, and good ol’ fashioned relaxing are some of the park’s most popular activities. Itching to spend the night at this beautiful spot? Hāpuna has got you covered with a selection of A-frame shelters to rest your head at after a long day of… well… relaxing!
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Kīholo State Park Reserve

5. Kīholo State Park Reserve

67%
(3)
State park 8.8mi from Puako · 8 sites
A lava-covered coastal park, Kīholo State Park Reserve features small bays, sparsely vegetated coastline, historic lava flows, and plenty of wide open space to roam. If you’ve never visited a black sand beach, you’ll have the chance to see it here, pressed up and contrasting against lush palm trees and shoreline. It’s a pretty decent spot for snorkeling too. While the park is still undergoing conceptual planning for future public use, visitors are able to visit during the day. Overnight camping is offered in a more remote area. Please be prepared with your own drinking water. Dehydration is so not a good look for you.
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Gingerhill Farm Retreat

6. Gingerhill Farm Retreat

96%
(52)
31mi from Puako · 10 sites
Gingerhill Farm Retreat is a farm community dedicated to exploring sustainability, self-sufficiency, and stewardship of the land. To these ends, we have transformed our lush five-acre plot into a verdant botanical food forest. As you meander through our gardens and orchards, you will marvel at the incredible abundance and beauty that surrounds you. Through our various programs, we invite the community and international guests to join us in our daily routine of work and wellness. Come enjoy expansive ocean views and postcard sunsets. Eat delicious, healing farm-to-fork food. Spread some mulch; sow some seed. Get intimate with nature and find your unadulterated self. We would love to see you on the farm.
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Big Island Retreat

7. Big Island Retreat

100%
(21)
36mi from Puako · 1 site
Tiny house on owner occupied land, a small food forest, plenty of privacy, private cooking and living space, outdoor shower and bathroom, electricity, loft, room for up to four. Futon beds, fresh linens and towels provided. Access to washing machines and lines to dry. Catchment water as well as drinking water provided, access to small fridge.
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Hamakua Christmas Tree Forest

8. Hamakua Christmas Tree Forest

96%
(71)
45mi from Puako · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Our campsites are situated on 13 acres off the Historical Hamakua Coast, and home of the Hamakua Christmas Tree Forest. Awesome ocean view of the beautiful Pacific are a guarantee. It is quiet, safe ,and private with easy access just 3/4 mile off of the Hawaii Belt Road, (Highway 19), up a paved county maintained road. At Waikaumalo Park, "roughly a half mile" walk or ride away, you can take a cool dip in the fresh water stream surrounded by tropical foliage. Papa'aloa Country Store and Cafe has a restaurant and offers a wide selection of grocery items only 5 miles away. Botanical World Adventures just 3 miles away offers the Umauma Experience with ziplining, biking tours, trails exploring tropical flora, and triple waterfall views and adventures. Akaka Falls is only 6 miles away in Honomu. Laupahoehoe Point is only 15 minutes away offering swimming, fishing, and relaxing in the lava rocks and waves. All this is just 20 miles north of Hilo!
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Hakalau Springs Campground

9. Hakalau Springs Campground

99%
(61)
46mi from Puako · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Come enjoy the magic of your own private waterfall while camping under the stars at Hakalau Springs Campground. Hakalau is located on the North-East side of the Big Island along the breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Surrounded by waterfalls and lush, green tropical flora, Hakalau is a hidden gem. It’s the perfect jumping off point for all things east side. Hilo town is 30 minutes south and Waipio Valley Lookout is 45 minutes North. The world-famous Akaka Falls is one neighborhood over in the quaint town of Honomu which hosts some wonderful gift shops, 2 restaurants, and a coffee house. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a little over an hour drive and the Maunakea Visitors Center is an hour and 15 minutes. Other sites and adventures include Umauma Zip lining and Botanical World Adventures (5 miles away), Onomea Bay scenic drive and Hawaii Tropical Botanic Garden (8 miles away), the historic town of Honokaa (45 mins), and the beautiful cowboy town of Waimea (1 hour). Hakalau Springs Campground sits on 11 acres with two springs bordering the property with a variety of fruit trees and farm animals to interact with. We offer basic campsites with picnic tables, drinking water, a fire pit, a composting toilet, and a pop-up tent in case it rains. You will be camping on soft grass amongst giant Ironwood and eucalyptus trees while listening to the soft sounds of the creek below. Take a swim in the spring-fed waterfall swimming hole and relax by the fire pit at night. We also offer our beautiful 2 room tent fully furnished with a queen-sized air mattress, cozy bedding, lantern, and camping lounge chairs. Cooler upon request, you provide the ice. We’re blessed to be located on the rainy side of the island because of all the abundance and greenery the rain brings. That being said, please be prepared for the weather. It can rain hard at times so having a good rain jacket is a great idea. On the other hand, people say that a sunny day on the east side of the big island is the best place to be in all of Hawaii. Come stay at Hakalau Springs Campground and discover “off the beaten path” Hawaii.
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Kalōpā State Recreation Area

10. Kalōpā State Recreation Area

100%
(1)
State park 30mi from Puako · 7 sites
When you picture Hawaii, it’s likely that idyllic sandy beaches come to mind. And with miles and miles of beautiful coastline, this is definitely for good reason! But Hawaii is also home to loads of different ecosystems, including lush, tropical jungles abounding with wildlife. Get the best of both worlds at Kalōpā State Recreation Area, whose green forests sit right on the edge of Hawaii’s classic tropical beaches. A picturesque trail—the Kalōpā Nature Trail—winds through the park and showcases some of the Big Island’s incredible diversity of flora and fauna. This is also the perfect spot to be if you’re looking to escape the hot island heat, as much of the trail and the park is shaded by a gorgeous canopy of trees. Kalōpā is one awe-inspiring wilderness escape in the northeastern corner of the island of Hawaii.
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IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

11. IO's NEST LOOKOUT on the Hamakua

98%
(50)
47mi from Puako · 1 site
The IO's Hale studio is perched high on the Pu'u overlooking sweeping ocean and countryside views. A breath of nature.... Nearby Akaka Falls, is one of Hawaii's favorite nature sites. IO's nest is a private enclosed living area with spacious open Lanai. Enjoy an opportunity to spend time in the beauty of nature. Comfortably accommodates two people with queen bed. Bathroom facilities nearby. Covered parking.
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The Kikala Waterfall Lodge

12. The Kikala Waterfall Lodge

93%
(88)
48mi from Puako · 4 sites
The Kikala Waterfall Lodge at the Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve is a lodge nested in a botanical garden and farm dedicated to the preservation of the world's plant biodiversity. Situated on the southeast facing flanks of Mauna Kea overlooking Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast, the bioreserve benefits of a unique climate where the lowland rainforest climate zone (Koeppen climate Zone Af) overlaps with the oceanic temperate mountain zone of Mauna Kea (Koeppen Climate Zone Cfb). The result is a cool and wet climate zone that supports many of the world's endangered palms and conifers. The bioreserve features 14 acres of riverfront Cloud forest. The Kikala river runs through the middle of the bioreserve, so Kikala Waterfall Lodge guests on the bioreserve have private exclusive access to prime waterfalls and swimming holes. The Cloudforest bioreserve isn't just home to botanical wonders, Hawaiian native hawks and many other beautiful Hawaiian birds like to nest in the cloudforest. The lodge community center features a Zendo that can support a contemplative yoga and meditation practice. The Bioreserve features gardens with a Japanese Zen influence to encourage a contemplative retreat experience.
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Hamakua Guesthouse

13. Hamakua Guesthouse

95%
(321)
49mi from Puako · 7 sites
The Hamakua Guesthouse is located on the south end of Hawaii's breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Established in 2012 we are easily accessible to all the Big Island attractions such as Volcanoes National Park (1 hour South), Waipio Valley (1 hour North), and the countless sights and adventures along the Hamakua Coast, it is the perfect location to base your Big Island adventure vacation. The legendary Akaka Falls State Park is only 4 miles away from the Hamakua House. Onomea Bay is only 4 miles away, which is the home of the Hawaii Botanical Gardens. It is an unforgettable drive to get there and the bay is a wonderful place to have a picnic. We are only 1 mile (easily walkable) from the quaint main street of Honomu, HI. This town was established in the sugar cane plantation era and remains today boasting some wonderful gift shops, two restaurants, a coffee house, and the Island's best Zip Line Tours. Guests have access to our open air full bathroom with running water and a stunning rainfall shower (located at the main house). They also have access to our covered outdoor kitchen with grills, a sink, prep space, dining area, dishes, cups, silverware, and cookware (also located at the main house).
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Waterfront Paradise

14. Waterfront Paradise

100%
(1)
1.3mi from Puako · 1 site
Stay the night in a stationary campervan in beautiful, iconic Puako Bay. It’s equipped with everything you need for camping, swimming, snorkeling, and more. Your van includes a small kitchen with a fridge, stove, sink, and hot water shower. You’ll also have access to a golf cart to explore the many beautiful beach accesses along the street, as well as a two-person kayak for your ocean adventures. I currently have the calendar blocked due to your I currently have the calendar blocked due to a family emergency, but could possibly accommodate some short reservations. Please contact me directly if you have a specific date in mind and I'll unblock the calendar for your date if it is possible. Mahalo
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The Ranch Hale Getaway

15. The Ranch Hale Getaway

18mi from Puako · 1 site · Tent, RV
This Mountain View property offers 1.5 acres of gorgeous land tucked away in one of the premier neighborhoods of Waimea on the Big Island. You are just a short 7–10 minute drive from the heart of Paniolo High Country, where you’ll find Waimea town’s local eateries and wine tastings. Wake up to quiet roads and sweeping views of Mauna Kea and the surrounding Kohala landscape. Horses and trailers are welcome, with fresh grass to graze and potable water available on-site. This is a safe, quiet resting place for commuters or travelers looking for a convenient "middle ground" between Hilo, Waikoloa, and Kona. When you're ready for the ocean, the beautiful beaches and luxurious resort life of the Kohala Coast are just a 15–20 minute drive away.
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Ohia Cloud Forest with Star Gazing

16. Ohia Cloud Forest with Star Gazing

19mi from Puako · 1 site
Tucked away in a lush ʻōhiʻa forest at 2,300 feet elevation, our private three-acre retreat offers a one-of-a-kind glamping experience on the Big Island. Surrounded by vibrant jungle, fresh mountain air, and cool, comfortable temperatures, this is a place where nature feels both expansive and deeply meaningful. The ʻōhiʻa trees that embrace the property are more than just beautiful—they are sacred in Hawaiian culture. Known as ʻōhiʻa lehua when in bloom, these native trees are among the first to grow on new lava flows, symbolizing resilience, regeneration, and life emerging from fire. In Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories), the ʻōhiʻa and lehua are associated with the lovers ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua, whose story speaks to deep connection and the intertwining of land, spirit, and relationship. Being among these trees offers a quiet sense of reverence and connection to the living history of the island. By day, wander through the forest, explore nearby hiking trails, and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of our handcrafted sound gardens. By night, the sky opens wide to reveal a brilliant canopy of stars—perfect for stargazing beside the warmth of a crackling fire pit. Our thoughtfully designed glamping setup blends simplicity with comfort, featuring outdoor showers and toilets that keep you connected to the natural surroundings without sacrificing ease. The property offers plenty of space to relax, recharge, and explore, with ample parking for convenient access. Despite the peaceful seclusion, you’re just 15 minutes from the airport, the beaches, and downtown Kailua, giving you the best of both worlds—jungle serenity and island adventure. Whether you’re seeking a quiet escape, a romantic getaway, or a basecamp for exploration, this lush sanctuary invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the spirit of Hawaiʻi in a truly special setting.
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James Cottage

17. James Cottage

100%
(9)
19mi from Puako · 1 site
James Cottage is a historic plantation home on a private ranch on Hawaii Island just 2 miles south of Hawi town. You need a car to get to us from Kona Airport. The cottage has a kitchenette and a private bathhouse, washer/dryer and a private hot tub. There is a swimming pool for all of our guests to enjoy just a short walk from your cottage.
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Kona Palm Retreat- Lush Hideaway

18. Kona Palm Retreat- Lush Hideaway

21mi from Puako · 1 site
Once the gate closes behind you, you enter another world. Kona Palm Retreat is a private two-bedroom, one-bath sanctuary set within a lush tropical landscape featuring over 300 varieties of palms, flowering gardens, birdsong, and expansive lawns. Although located just 10 minutes from Kailua-Kona, the ocean, and the airport, the property feels peaceful, secluded, and far removed from everyday life. The grounds offer wide open lawns ideal for yoga, stretching, meditation, or simply grounding barefoot in the grass. Multiple private outdoor seating areas are tucked throughout the gardens, providing quiet spaces to read, reflect, or listen to nature. In the evenings, relax in the private tropical hot tub, enjoy the barbecue area under the stars, or gather on the large covered dining lanai surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, and gentle island breezes. Inside, the 2 bedroom 1 bathroom accommodation is designed to feel natural, comfortable, and welcoming. You’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, high-speed internet, a smart TV, and thoughtful touches that make settling in easy. We provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and starter coffee so you can ease into your stay. For beach days and island exploring, we also include beach chairs, beach blankets, coolers, and snorkel masks and fins. Kona Palm Retreat is ideal for guests seeking privacy, nature, and calm — a true retreat that feels rustic in spirit yet comfortable in reality. It’s a place where mornings begin with birds and coffee on the lanai, days flow between exploration and rest, and nights end soaking under the stars. A genuine Hawaiian escape that feels remote, restorative, and deeply connected to the land — yet remains close to everything Kailua-Kona has to offer. We live in the upstairs portion of the property with our two dogs and two cats. The accommodation has been designed to be completely private with no shared spaces, gardens, private hot tub and barbecue area for your use only, You cannot see any other homes from the property and the entire property, including the hammocks under the coconut trees, expansive lawns and garden's are available for your use. We endeavor to provide a well appointed, comfortable, private Hawaiian experience at the Kona Palm Retreat.
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Farm View Cabanas

19. Farm View Cabanas

84%
(63)
24mi from Puako · 8 sites
Big Island Farms is a thriving agricultural enterprise with a long-term goal to provide super mineralized, nutritionally superior organic products grown and processed on site to ensure the highest quality of nutritional value to the local and global market. Big Island Farms hosts many varieties of gardens. Currently, we have community market gardens, medicinal gardens, arid climate gardens, and permaculture food forests. Some of the plants you might find in our gardens include: Taro, Papaya, Banana, Cassava, Turmeric, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit, Plantains, Ginger, Gooseberry, Squash, Pigeon Pea, Lemons, Limes, Soursop, Eggplant, Hawaiian Chili Pepper, Jalepeños, Bell Peppers, Custard Apple, Sapote, Neem, Lychee, Mangosteen, Starfruit, Surinam Cherry, Bilimbi, Rambutan, Rollenias, Java Plum, Tropical Pumpkin, Jabuticaba, Ti, Hibiscus, Bamboo, and so much more! Learn more about this land: Aloha!  Mahalo, for your interest in visiting Big Island Farms located half way between the Historic Town of Honoka'a and the beautiful Waipi'o Valley. We are a permaculture based farm that hosts students from all over the world  interested in learning more about sustainability, permaculture farming, Hawaiian culture and much more.  During our off season, we open up the farm for you to visit and enjoy the beautiful Aina (land) and facilities.  Your stay with us could vary, from relaxing and reading a good book on one of our many decks or hiking through our upper orchards to find the on property waterfall that runs most of the year.   Our property is 65 acres with 50 acres of Macadamia Nut orchards and free roaming sheep and cows.  The lower 15 acres consist of many different gardens, a green house (please do not enter), multiple Food Forests, 8 Cabanas, 2 classrooms 4 showers, 3 composting toilets and a kitchen with common area.  Each cabana is screened in 360º with views, two bunkbeds (sleeps 4), air mattresses, (Bring your own Sleeping Bag/Pillows) shelves, clothes lines on outside and lockable doors. There is no electricity in the cabanas but there are power strips available in the common area.  The common area consists of a large deck with picnic tables, Wifi access (pw: pickalltheweeds), power strips for charging electronics, canopies for when it rains, a 2-burner hotplate for cooking, pots, pans, plates, utensils, cups, dry food storage and a full sized fridge with freezer. Please keep the area clean. We also offer morning Breakfast Basket options: Small basket $ - 2 Papayas, 6 bananas, 2 cups of coffee.  Large basket $ - 4 papayas, 10 bananas, morning coffee during your stay.  Please keep in mind the fruit may vary depending on what is ripe.  Coffee In order to preserve water we utilize clean non-smelling composting toilets. We also have 4 hot water showers, 2 sinks and vanity areas. Please keep showers to 5 min or less, Mahalo.  If you come with a 4-wheel drive vehicle you are welcome to drive farther up on to the property and park closer to your cabana, just follow the Parking signs. We do not recommend you drive up with cars or low vehicles as the terrain is a bit rough, instead please park down in front in one of the parking spaces.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to send us a message! Hope to see you soon! Aloha
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Roadside Fruit Stand Exotic Orchard

20. Roadside Fruit Stand Exotic Orchard

87%
(41)
25mi from Puako · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
We have a hidden exotic fruit orchard tucked away through rolling green hills, perched over the Hamakua cliffs, overlooking the pacific. We sell our fruits ripe and cut ready to eat at our roadside fruit stand, open 11-6 daily including holidays! We serve local fresh juices and machete open coconuts to drink ice cold. We grow mango, durian, lilikoi, star fruit, chocolate sapote, buddhas hand citrus, finger limes, tangerines and tangelos, jackfruit, tree grapes, mangosteen, white pineapples, mountain apples, berries, spices and much more. We are home to dozens of rescue animals, many who came from Puna during the 2018 lava flow. We have peaceful sheep, lambs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese and a lovable pet pig. Not to mention our friendly farm cats. Our current camp sites are not in the fruit orchard, but in a rolling hills open pasture land near the fruit stand. It is rustic and pastoral. We are a community of a few passionate farmers and fruit lovers. There’s a family- myself Rose, my partner Matthew and our daughter Mela, plus several awesome guys and girls who help out in different areas to grow our lives together!
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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