The Tranquil Homestead
Hosted by Christopher · Mountain View, Hawaii
4 guests max · 1 bedroom · 1 bed
Best Hipcamps in Hawaii
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Within a 30-minute drive from the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Select a site
Filter by
Lodging
1 site
Instant book
The Tropical Duck
100%
(51)Toilet
Potable water
Showers
from
for NaN guests$75
/ nightReviews
100% Recommend53 ratings · 51 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
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.
A
Angie W.
2 reviews
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.
J
Josh B.
4 reviews
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.
S
S. J.
9 months on Hipcamp
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.
C
Cms 2.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Truly an amazing place! The ducks were so much fun and we felt so welcomed! The owners made us feel right at home!
C
Conner B.
4 months on Hipcamp
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!
N
Naomi P.
6 months on Hipcamp
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.
A
Aiko A.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
With kids ·
The Tropical Duck
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.
Michele T.
3 reviews
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!!
A
Anna S.
1 year on Hipcamp
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!
J
Jen C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
With pets ·
The Tropical Duck
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!
D
Delaney B.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
With kids ·
The Tropical Duck
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.
Nels L.
2 reviews
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!
Roseanna A.
10 months on Hipcamp
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!!
P
Perry D.
3 reviews
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.
V
Vanessa D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
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!
J
Jimmy T.
9 months on Hipcamp
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.
M
Mason M.
1 year on Hipcamp
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!
L
Lee & Ryan K.
4 reviews
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!
B
Bridget M.
13 reviews
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.
Wendy J.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
With kids ·
The Tropical Duck
What a wonderfully equipped cottage, in a stunning location, with the most gracious and generous hosts! We liked it so much we rebooked a few days after our first stay. The ducks were an object of obsession for the kids and we adults were held in the lap of luxury with the rest of the accommodations. We can't wait to go back for our next adventure!
E
Erik J.
10 reviews
Recommends
· January 2025
My family and I had a lovely time staying at the Tranquil Homestead! Christopher and Esther were wonderful hosts. The sticks were fun and the property is beautiful.
N
Naomi C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
With kids ·
The Tropical Duck
We value the opportunity to travel sustainably, and the Tropical Duck had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Esther and Christopher are awesome hosts, and we love the ducks too!
Ali G.
3 reviews
This was an amazing time! I'll say first that if you're worried about the composting toilet, don't be, it was completely fine and they came by to change it out half way through our visit. The site owners were so sweet and very very responsive. They gave us tons of recommendations and even helped clean the place while we were out exploring. Their property is off the beaten path a bit and so we were able to wake up to singing birds and no traffic! It's so cute how they came up with their campsite, it feels very homemade and the ducks give it an extra comfy feel. They were adorable and not loud at all, way better than the derailing chickens we have on Maui. I fed them every morning and then they disappeared into the grass, so cute!
B
Bailey W.
2 reviews
Chris and Esther , wow!!!! We immediately felt like family. The time they took to show us around, what they did to help out with ideas for our similar projects, wow wow wow !!! Just absolutely loved it, they were true gems, but, they need to charge more! You are getting a lot for a very little price here, WOW! 🤩 It was the cleanest hip camp we stayed at across the entire island, we will be back!
Jessica P.
2 reviews
We truly loved every moment we spent at The Tropical Duck and wished we could have stayed longer. The property was peaceful, beautiful and entertaining (we loved the bright stars and singing frogs at night and feeding the ducks in the morning). It was also well-located, with easy access to the outstanding Volcanoes National Park. We slept well in the comfortable bed and appreciated the well-stocked kitchen and thoughtful touches throughout the cottage. Christopher and Esther are warm, accommodating, and responsive hosts. We fell in love with this corner of the Big Island and hope to return soon!
T
Todd H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
The tropical duck farm was a lovely place to stay and get some peace and quiet. The ducks were a nice addition to the tucked away little bungalow. Lots of soothing and sweet noises at night such as Coqui frogs and birds in the morning and Esther and Christopher were extremely accommodating. Took my laundry in when I wasn’t home and it was hanging out on the line to dry. Very sweet folks.
A
Ashley C.
1 year on Hipcamp
This hipcamp is by far the best I’ve stayed at. Christopher and Esther are so welcoming they make you feel at home right away. The little house is very private: you are facing nature, and you have your own bathroom, kitchen and room. It is like a little paradise! Bed is comfy, hot showers and they provided wifi to search for our next aventure. You have everything you need in the little house, even coffee! . Feeding the ducks is so much fun! My husband and I initially stayed for 2 nights, but we loved it so much we came back another night. It is well located between volcanoes national park and Hilo. Grocery store 15 minutes away.
I strongly recommend this place. Best Hipcamp on Big island. They set the bar high for the next hipcamps we will stay at!
Audrey M.
5 reviews
Esther and Christopher were great hosts! The property is beautiful and cabin is very cozy and feels private. My 2 kids were comfortable sleeping on provided cots in the kitchen. They loved feeding and watching the ducks. We were pleased with how clean and critter/insect-free the cabin was. The cabin is close to Hilo and Volcano and is a great launching point for day-trips to the rest of the island.
Two things surprised us, but would not deter us from staying again:
1. Each room (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom) is separate and has its own external entrance.
2. Probably because we were there during a rainy, high humidity week, we felt damp in cotton clothing and unable to dry out fully inside.
We'd absolutely stay again :D
T
Tara O.
1 year on Hipcamp
Such an amazing little property with views and tranquility.
The hosts are amazing humans and super considerate of needs and always available/accommodating :)
S
Seth B.
2 reviews
Location
Mountain View, Hawaii, Hawaii, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Christopher & Esther C.
Joined in May 2021Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
Campers also viewed...
Popular searches in Hawaii
- Mountain View
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.