USA
Location: Ocean View, Big Island, Hawaii
Lova Lava Land is located in the city of Ocean View (seen as H.O.V.E. = Hawaiian Ocean View Estates on many maps) in the section of the Big Island called Kau. The resort is situated about 1,500 feet above sea level, on one of the largest mountains in the world, Mauna Loa. The climate is mostly dry allowing for comfortable outdoor living. The nights cool off (but not too much) so sleeping is comfortable with a sleeping bag or comforter.
The town of Ocean View is a small country town and very colourful community, full of adventurous souls (and hippies) that love the peacefulness and community-nature of living off-the-grid on an old lava field. You won't find friendlier people anywhere as it's almost rude not to wave at every car you pass on the road!
Accommodation
Lova Lava Land Eco-Resort is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in staying in creative off-the-grid accommodation. This 3 acre property is designed as a fun learning experience in life on an old lava field - full of beautiful shady ohia trees, ocean views (of the southernmost point in the USA), and outdoor communal areas great for socializing and relaxing.
Eco Policies
Eco-Design - The yurt accommodation is an eco-friendly solution to a cabin - they are strong and wind-resistant (because of their round design) and require minimal materials - some wood, cloth and a modest platform to sit on. The round nature of the structure keeps air from stagnating in corners and many say the "flow" of air is much fresher than standard square or rectangular structures (but be warned they do get warm inside on a sunny day).
Most of the VW buses were bound for a landfill before being rescued by the resort. Instead of using trees, cement and gypsum to build accommodation, the resort were able to use something that took little or no outside materials.
The grill, shower and compost toilet are all constructed from lava rock found on the grounds of the resort and dead tree limbs have been used to build furniture.
Energy – Lova Lava Land is off-the-grid and produces its own electricity using a solar system. Solar-powered portable lanterns are available in each accommodation.
Conservation - Lova Lava Land’s philosophy and hope is to provide a low impact solution for tourists and travelers to Hawaii. The natural surroundings are conserved as much as possible. A self-guided or owner-guided tour to learn about the flora and fauna, the property and its systems, is available upon request.
Ecological sustainability – This eco-friendly resort has a compost toilet, recycles waste and reuses materials wherever possible. Water conservation is paramount as the resort survives off its own water catchment tank (catching rain water) – no government water supply lines come here!
Community - Lova Lava Land gives its guests a more authentic local experience than many other lodging alternatives in Hawaii. It is situated in a rural country town and is part of the local community by hosting neighborhood BBQ’s, assisting other off-the-grid hopefuls in creative and sustainable building ideas and employing 100% locally. Guests will often have the opportunity to meet neighbours and participate in community meals, help with building projects and attend local gatherings of all types from concerts, to volleyball tournaments, to poker parties, to poetry readings, to beach hikes, to turtle conservation projects and more.
Facilities
- Free wireless high speed Internet that runs from an antennae on a tree! This works well anywhere on the property and in all accommodations but is not always available as it is turned off if there is a long period when no one needs it - let the resort know before your arrival if this is a high priority for you.
- The communal area has a covered gazebo complete with full kitchen, table, couch and lounge chairs.
- The kitchen offers 2 large counters, a sink, gas powered stovetop, coffee maker, small refrigerator, solar-powered outlet, basic utensils/pots/pans and recycling. Home-made lava rock charcoal grill and picnic table for communal use.
- Self-guided walking tour so you can learn about the rare local flora/fauna and the resort’s creative off-the-grid systems.
- Solar powered portable lanterns for each accommodation - for use in getting around at night.
Things To See And Do
Take a self-guided walking tour of the 3-acre property to learn about local flora, fauna and how the resort has created comfortable off-the-grid systems. Relax in your private area on the property - each accommodation has its own area complete with a hammock, picnic table or swing.
Activities in Ocean View include a weekly swap meet (3 blocks away), regular local concerts, plays and other community activities open to the public. Ocean View is 45 miles from Kailua-Kona and 80 miles from Hilo off the main highway on the island, Hwy 11.
There are two beaches in Ocean View - accessible by hiking or 4x4 vehicle. If you want to drive to a beach by car, there are lots of beaches (including 2 black sand beaches) in either direction from the town - the first ones starting at about 15 miles away. The number 1 tourist attraction on the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park, is a beautiful 45 minute drive away.
Many more exciting tourist and adventure activities are close to Ocean View (too many to list here)!
Room Description
Lova Lava Land offers a beautifully decorated yurt and two renovated Volkswagen camper buses as sleeping accommodations. For communal use there’s a bamboo decorated compost toilet, an outdoor shower built out of lava rock from the premises, a gazebo-covered communal kitchen and a lava rock grill with picnic table.
Pele's Paradise Yurt is tastefully decorated with a lava theme and is the most spacious and furnished accommodation available. It has a full sized bed that comfortably sleeps 2, a closet, a huge bean bag chair, great for relaxing and reading by the window, and a battery operated fan (rechargeable through the resort’s solar powered network). You also have your own solar charged lantern and wind-up flashlight to help you around after dark.
Daisy the Daydream Bus has been decorated in memory and love of the music of the 60's, from the Grateful Dead to other favourites such as Joplin, Hendrix and Marley. Daisy has a huge private spot with direct views of the ocean and is a wonderful option, especially for guests staying longer periods.
Garth the Gecko Bus has been renovated back to original design, with a touch of Gecko decoration (he is green after all). You can catch ocean views from the pull out bed and Garth has a private shaded swing in his area.
Prices & Booking Policies
Currency: US dollar ($)
Prices and inclusions: The price per night for 1 or 2 adults staying in the yurt is US$55, increasing to US$60 from 1st December ’07 to 31st January ‘08. This rate reduces for stays of 7 nights or more to US$30 per night (US$35 from 1st December to 31st January). The price per night to stay in a VW Camper Bus is US$35 for 1 or 2 adults, increasing to US$40 for stays from 1st December ’07 to 31st January ’08. This rates reduces for stays of 7 nights or more to US$20 per night (US$25 from 1st December to 31st January).
In addition to these rates there is a cleaning fee of US$55 per yurt or US$35 per bus, per stay. The above rates do not include taxes of 11.25%. Accommodation is on a self-catering basis. The cleaning fee may be returned if: 1) You notify the resort before arrival that you wish to participate in this program, 2) You provide all your own linens, towels, & pillows and 3) You completely clean your rental and all communal areas that you used, before your departure.
Child prices: Only adults aged 21+ are accepted at this resort.
Extra adult prices: It is not possible for a 3rd person to share any of the accommodations.
Special offers: Rates per night reduce for stays of 7 nights or longer.
Check-in / Check-out times: Check-in 3pm, Check-out 12pm; this is negotiable if special arrangements are made before arrival.
Opening dates: Lova Lava Land is open all year round. Bookings are currently being taken until 1st October 2008.
Restrictions: Only adults aged 21 years or older are accepted at this resort. There are no minimum night restrictions.
Deposit: 100% of all funds (including tax and cleaning fee) are payable to secure your reservation. This will be taken from your credit card using the details you provide at time of booking. Your booking will not be fully confirmed until this payment has been received.
For stays of 2 weeks or more, a refundable security/damage deposit is also payable, of US$150 for stays of 2 weeks or more, or US$250 for stays of 1 month or more.
Cancellation policy: All funds paid are non-refundable.
Payment methods: Payments on-site can be paid with cash or credit card.
Getting There And Around
Lova Lava Land is located in the town of Ocean View on the Big Island of Hawaii. Ocean View is 45 miles from Kailua-Kona and 80 miles from Hilo off the main highway on the island, Hwy 11.
Most tourists to Hawaii rent a car at their arrival airport. Car rental is relatively cheap in Hawaii and allows you the freedom to explore more authentic places around the island and get off the beaten track more. You may want to consider a 4x4 vehicle to add the opportunity to really explore! A basic car rental can run you from as low as $18/day - $35/day. Weekly rates are usually cheaper.
Hele-On Big Island public (and free) bus:-
The bus does have a stop in Ocean View but runs on a limited schedule and in general has limited stops. Make sure your schedule is flexible if you choose this option since it can be unreliable. This is a safe and free option for getting around the island.
Although hitchhiking can’t be recommended and it definitely isn't the safest transportation option, it is popular throughout Hawaii - especially on the Big Island and especially in Ocean View. Lova Lava Land is located a 10-15 minute walk to the main road, where most hitchhikers wait and are dropped off. If you do hitchhike, you are kindly asked to help Lova Lava Land by not allowing non-guests to drive or be on the property. You can be dropped off at the start of the driveway or on the main Hwy #11 (then walk the few blocks to our property).
