What People are saying
Unique and Memorable
hightineraryon 21/06/2017 23:25I was on the Big Island for a week. Mostly I was at a big beach resort, which was excellent in the ways a fine beach resort can excel. But the Dragonfly Ranch is an excellent place to experience something unique. I found it very peaceful, very relaxing. I wish I could have spent more than just one night there. There's no AC, but it's not necessary at the higher elevation where the Dragonfly Ranch sits. My shower and toilet were outside, but private nonetheless. If I ever return to the Big Island, I'll stay at the Dragonfly Ranch again. (Maybe not for my entire stay, because beach resorts have their merits, too.)
Authentic Hawaiian Experience
Vic Hon 15/06/2017 13:15If you're looking for what it might be like to live on the Big Island you have to give this place a go. I grew up on the island of Oahu and the Dragonfly Ranch reminded me of staying at my Auntie's house. The staff was welcoming, there was lots of Aloha and Auntie Barbara - the proprietor, took care of your well being. We stayed in the Dolphin room which is walled off from the main house on the 2nd floor. It's a screened in room (no doors or windows) with an indoor toilet and tub and an outdoor shower.
One of the more permanent staff, cousin Phoenix, would make sure breakfast was ready by 7am which was a godsend since we are early morning risers to get in as much Island activity as possible. We had great moments in the morning "talking story" with all of the amazing staff while enjoying fresh tropical fruits like papaya, apple banana, pomelo, lilikoi, pineapple and healthy grains like oatmeal and quinoa.
The staff made recommendations on what to do on the island but the real bonus to staying at Dragonfly Ranch was the proximity to Puu'honaunau beach (aka 2-step) which happens to be one of the best snorkeling locations on the Kona side. Just a 5 minute drive from the Dragonfly Ranch, we borrowed a pair of fins and mask from the Dragonfly Ranch's well stocked activities shelf and spent lots of time swimming in the clearest, richest reefs I've been in. It felt like I was swimming in mother natures aquarium - teaming with schools of fish, sea turtles and dolphins.
I highly recommend this place if you want a real Hawaiian experience. Just keep an open mind - there is no air conditioner and the sounds of nature can become cacophonous.
Mahalo nui loa Dragonfly Ranch!
Dragonfly is Unique, Earthy, and worth your visit
Bruce Con 14/05/2017 04:38The Dragonfly Ranch is unlike any hotel or bed and breakfast we have ever stayed at. The Ranch staff are friendly and caring always looking for ways to make your stay pleasant. Barbara, the owner, believes in alternative methods of healing and is always willing to discuss any ailment you bring with you. We stayed in the Dolphin room with an outdoors bathroom. There are other rooms available that have indoor bathrooms so if this isn't what you are looking for there are other choices. We were looking for something a bit different. I would say the room we had is the nicest camping type cabin we have every had. Be prepared to have the tree frogs serenade you at night and the roosters wake you in the morning. No fear, Barbara has supplied the rooms with earplugs that are recommended not so much for the tree frogs, but for the 3:30 am roosters. Lol. The breakfasts were awesome with the on premise grown fruits and homemade granola and breads.
We had a lot of fun there and really enjoyed our stay. You will too, but be prepared for a unique experience.
Recent Stay at Dragonfly
Tom Ron 29/04/2017 21:46This is an interesting place with a stunning view! The team there worked hard to make our stay enjoyable, by providing fresh local fruit for breakfast each day, and also providing snorkeling gear. Now, here's the downside. The listing, upon which we relied for booking, said there was AC and there definitely is not. Here's why that matters. This location is inundated with thousands of tree frogs that chirp very loudly all night, and dozens of roosters that crow at all hours. You cannot close the windows or you lose the breeze. The provided earlpugs hardly helped at all. Also, be advised that the shower and toilet are outside (with bamboo screening). We didn't mind this, but it should be known in advance.
Great location and kick-off point
InOurElementon 18/02/2017 12:44This is a funky little place off-the-beaten path. We arrived in the dark (not so easy to find and be prepared to open/shut the gate to drive in) but once there, Barbara was very friendly and accommodating. We only stayed for one night, and since we arrived late, we ate our take-out dinner under the common canopy/deck and had a delightfully quiet evening. We did take the cheapest room (we are used to outside showers but this was a first where the toilet was 'open air') which walked out to the Magic Bus (colorful!), but my husband said the other rooms were more traditional so keep that in mind. Good breakfast, interesting guests from all over, and great location (near a historic Nat'l Park and great snorkeling beach!).