So much to do, or just do nothing…
The Neighborhood
Kehena black sand beach
Email to book cottage! Bananarama is set on Seaview Farms near the Red Road (Highway 137) in the small Kalapana Seaview neighborhood 1/3 mile (5 minute walk) from the gorgeous ocean-front park and cliffs, and 1 mile from Kehena black sand beach. This is in the Puna district of the Big Island. One can easily spend a week within a half-hour drive of the cottage. The Red Road is an official Scenic Byway, and is the longest, least developed coastal road in all of Hawaii. Along the Red Road are many scenic locations, some accessible only by foot. Cottage is 45 minutes from Hilo airport and 2 hours, 15 minutes from Kona airport. This area is known for being very LGBT, vegetarian, and vegan friendly. Within a 5 minute walk you can be in a rainforest or ocean-front setting with no sign of civilization. Even planes are rarely seen from this part of the island! Many people consider the Kehena area as one of the last places in Hawaii to truly get away from it all. Friendly and wonderful for tourists without a touristy feel and very little development. Here, nature dominates.
The lava flow in 2018 was the largest in 250 years, and no lava has flowed since October, 2018. No new activity is expected in the next 5-10 years.
Nearby you can
- CLICK HERE for latest Kilauea volcano updates. Also click on “Multimedia” and “Maps” for more lava details.
- Swim with dolphins and snorkel at nearby Kehena Beach
- Visit the world’s newest black sand beaches at nearby Pohoiki and MacKenzie State Park
- Hike coastal trails on newly formed lava or in rainforest
Black Sand beach created in May, 2018, 10 minutes away!
- Visit the Saturday farmers market next to Uncle Robert’s in Kaimu/Kalapana
- Watch humpback whales from the ocean-front park and cliffs (December to April)
- Explore many other sites including Secret Beach, New Kaimu beach, Mile Marker 17 scenic lookout, Tunnel of Trees near Kalani, Secret Beach, coastal Mermaid Ponds, “Land of the Lost” drive through Wa’a Wa’a, Makuu Farmers Market, Kama’ili winding back road through farmland.
Within 1 hour drive
- Hilo
- Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
- Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
- Rainbow Falls
- Kaumana Caves
- Boiling Pots
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- ‘Imiloa Astronomy Museum
- Volcano Winery
- Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
Getting Around
A car is strongly recommended to get around easily on the Big Island, including to and from Bananarama Cottage. A local bus stop is three blocks away with 2 times daily service to Pahoa, Hilo, and beyond. The historic plantation town of Pahoa is a 20 minute drive away. It offers grocery, natural foods and drug stores, gas, and is home to some great foodie spots and affordable farmer’s markets with fresh local produce. Enjoy Thai, Mexican, Italian, Pizza, and other restaurants in Pahoa.
Check the Weather and view the Webcam
Cliffs at the front of Seaview
