Akiko’s Buddhist Bed and Breakfast

Great hostess Akiko made tasty, healthy breakfast. The guest house was clean and cozy with a full communal kitchen, separate from Akiko’s main kitchen. I can’t wait to return!

Staying here felt like the perfect balance between vacation and study abroad. I love that I got to know Akiko, listen to her stories of local goings-​on, and even meditate with her at 5am daily! She not only runs a cozy, warm inn, but she gives much of herself. You’ll remember her sweet and surprisingly audible laugh!
The bed and breakfast is in a house built in the 30s and slowly being upgraded. It is immaculate, and boasts a few architectural anamolies: stairs built for (her words) «small Japanese people»; a giant shower looking out into the lush, private garden; 6 cats; a full kitchen and fridge exclusively for guests’ use; a porch overlooking the quiet road; a short walk to a nearby park /​beach (can’t swim here!); and a Zendo, or room for meditation. Although we shared the house and bathroom, I never felt a lack of privacy. However, individual cottages are available too.
The home is filled with art, Buddhist imagery, and quotes like, «May you be in quiet calm, filled with gratitude, and living in Aloha». There are so many books.
Akiko also runs a small non-​profit, dedicated to preserving Hawaiian culture. Her B&B is located in a village of 12 families, where she is the relative newcomer having arrived 35 years ago. She talks about land, Hawaiian elders and wisdom, and local beliefs about things like Pele (the goddess associated with volcanoes).
She is happy to talk about all of these topics, and hear about you, especially over breakfast. While we stayed here, breakfast was some combination of Japanese tea; delicious coffee prepared on the stove; steel cut oatmeal cooked with trail mix; molasses-​containing old plantation style sugar; astoundingly fresh papayas; small, extra sweet bananas; sliced star fruit; bananabread; Portuguese sweet bread; a friend’s family-​style passionfruit butter spread; rambutan; and tangerines picked from trees on the property. Let her know if you have any dietary restrictions. She’ll look out for you.
Akiko knows a lot about the local area, not just from a historical perspective, but also about goings-​on: the best market, places to eat (like Yen’s Vietnamese in Hilo).
Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa, and Akaka falls are all easily accessible from here.
Somehow this beautiful, slightly removed place seems to attract relaxed, friendly people from all walks of life. I got to know other residents over breakfast and coming and going.
We left feeling well-​rested. Maybe it in part the break from TV and Internet (no signal here for my iPhone). I have a feeling we’ll end up back here sooner than we think!

Located about ten miles north of Hilo on the BIg Island of Hawaii, Akiko’s is a group of mostly plantation-​era cottages surrounded by lush fruit trees and tropical vegetation. An art gallery, meeting room, tea cottage and meditation space complete the facilities. Breakfast each morning may include fresh papaya dropped off by a neighbor, local jams and jellies, coffee grown and roasted nearby and banana muffins. Kitchen facilities are available. Friendly cats wander around outside.
Definitely not a hotel/​resort, Akiko’s is for people who want tranquility in rustic Old Hawaii-​type surroundings. Some of the cottages are off the grid — with solar and battery powered utilities.
From HIlo, watch for the «Wailea-​Hakalau» exit; turn left off the highway under the overpass and continue up the street about ¼ mile. Akiko’s is on the right, just past Blue Kalo Bakery.