Once Upon a Time...

Volcano Village

Big Island

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Once upon a time…

11-3968 Hale Ohia Rd, Volcano, HI 96785

Offered at $2.85M

11-3968 HALE OHIA RD, VOLCANO, HI 96785

Offered at $2.85M

Watch a Video

What’s easier than watching a short video to check a place out?

Teaser Trailer

[Duration: 01:08]

Have you seen this teaser trailer show up on your social media feed? Is it the reason you found your way to this website? We’d love to hear it. Let us know when you come see this home in person.

Property Video

[Duration 03:06]

Presented courtesy of Venture Sotheby’s International Realty.

Watch a Video

What’s easier than watching a short video to check a place out?

Teaser Trailer

[Duration: 01:08]

Have you seen this teaser trailer show up on your social media feed? Is it the reason you found your way to this website? We’d love to hear it. Let us know when you come see this home in person.

Property Video

[Duration: 03:06]

Presented courtesy of Venture Sotheby’s International Realty.

Explore 3D Space

Trying to understand “the flow” of moving thru this property? This will help.

Matterport® 3D Models

Do you wonder if there is a way to “beam” yourself into a property so you can decide if you need to go see it in person? Sadly there isn’t, yet, but this comes darned close.

View Automated “Walk-Thru” Here

This video version of the 3D model provides additional information and identifies points of interest as you watch. Start by downloading the Plan View [.pdf] of the home if you want to follow along and add an extra dimension to your understanding of “the flow” thru this home.

You–Pick–It “Walk-Thru” Soundtrack

No one here is trying to pretend that music doesn’t make home shopping more fun, or less fun. So, click a button below to watch the Automated Walk-Thru to a rhythm you enjoy -OR- click the red PLAY button inside the image to view the tour in silence. It’s the same tour no matter how you listen to it.

Explore 3D Space

Trying to understand “the flow” of moving thru this home? This will help.

Matterport® 3D Models

Do you wonder if there is a way to “beam” yourself into a property so you can decide if you need to go see it in person? Sadly there isn’t, yet, but this comes darned close.

Open Johnston Summer Home Model

Open Hale Ohia 2 Model

View Automated “Walk-Thru” Here

You–Pick–It Soundtrack

Click a button below to watch the Automated Walk-Thru to a rhythm you enjoy -OR- click the red PLAY button inside the image to view the tour in silence. It’s the same tour no matter how you listen to it.

Be Remembered

1930 to Today and Beyond

Once upon a time…the entire human race battled a global pandemic (with admittedly varying degrees of dedication & therefore success). People everywhere sought places of refuge and social isolation.

While, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean one place stood out for its rapid response. It remained almost untouched by the pandemic. That place was Hawaii’s Big Island.

Be Remembered

Photo credits here.

High on the slopes of an ancient volcano, hidden from view in an enchanted garden, up where the air is routinely washed clean by tropical rains and the sunshine makes regular house plants grow to the size of houses, stands a fairytale medley of properties. A tiny castle, a miniature inn, 3 magical cottages…AND an unexpected surprise…actually two. But I get ahead of myself. First we must turn back the clock. Back…back thru time…to discover the beginnings of this enchanted place.

—Read More

Once upon a time…

The entire human race battled a global pandemic (with admittedly varying degrees of dedication & therefore success). People everywhere sought places of refuge and social isolation.

While, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean one place stood out for its rapid response. It remained almost untouched by the pandemic. That place was Hawaii’s Big Island.

High on the slopes of an ancient volcano, hidden from view in an enchanted garden, up where the air is routinely washed clean by tropical rains and the sunshine makes regular house plants grow to the size of HOUSES, stood a fairytale medley of properties: a tiny castle, a miniature inn, and 3 magical cottages. (And, an unexpected surprise…actually two.) But I get ahead of myself. First we must turn back the clock. Back…back thru time…to discover the beginnings of this enchanted place.

The year is 1930 and sugar production in Hawaii is in full swing when Scottish-born sugar plantation manager, James Johnston, heads upcountry to build a summer home where he and his family can escape Hilo’s sea-level heat.

When he stops, 4,000 feet up the slopes of Kilauea, in a place called Volcano Village, he breaks ground on the construction of 3 new buildings: a 3-bedroom summer house, a small live/work cottage (from which he manages the construction), and a 3-bed, 2-story carriage house. All three structures still stand today. What can you say about the craftsmanship of yesteryear?

“I take a knee,” feels fitting.

Finished in 1931, the main house is a Queen Anne-inspired masterpiece.

Carefully planned updates and renovations over the decades have modernized the home with things like security cameras and other finishes. However, the home still maintains not only its original historic character but also , and here’s the best part…everything still works, from the window sashes to the now-antique & irreplaceably-valuable hardware.

The Johnston Summer Residence is now more-commonly referred to as The Dillingham Summer Estate following its sale in 1942 to the owners of Honolulu-based Dillingham Dredging who used it as a family & corporate retreat for the next four decades.

And for the last 28, this amazing property has operated as a B&B for reasons that will become infinitely clearer as you explore it.

Unexpected Surprise #1

In 2015, the current owner of the Hale Ohia Cottages B&B expanded it from 8 to 13 rental units by adding an entirely new, truly modern experience. The new property, called either Hale Ohia Two (or, Artist’s Enclave) was designed as a primary 1-bed, 1-bath residence plus four 1-bed, 1-bath suites that resemble hotel rooms in their styling. All 5 units incorporate modern tile plank floors with BC-grade birch plywood floors and walls.

The reason we say it is unexpected is because of the wonderful flexibility. No longer do guests to Volcano Village and/or Hawaii Volcanos National Park have to seek an historical B&B experience to stay at Hale Ohia Cottages. Now, like some of the most beloved theme parks in the nation, guest can choose which “land” they want to reside in: Fairytale Medley Land -or- Ultra Modern Land. Or, heck, guest can come twice and try both. In truth, guests can now visit 13 times and get a new twist with each stay! Freakin’ fantastic, no?

Stretch Out

Expand into the Expanse

If time is the greatest luxury, then surely space is a close second. Even in the best of times, we all need space to unwind. Today, we need it even more. Here you will find it. Fill this space with you –AND– a plethora of new and returning friends from around the world.

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Fairytale Experience

Stretch Out

Expand into the Expanse

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Fairytale Experience

13 Unique Stays

Johnston Summer Home

Click the image above for more details about the JSH Bedroom

Dillingham Suite

Click the image above for more details about the Dillingham Suite

Ihilani

Click the image above for more details about the Ihilani

Lehua

Click the image above for more details about the Lehua

Hale Ohia Two #1

Click the image above for more details about the HO2 #1

Hale Ohia Two #2

Click the image above for more details about the HO2 #2

Hale Ohia Two #3

Click the image above for more details about the HO2 #3

Hale Ohia Two #4

Click the image above for more details about the HO2 #4

Hale Ohia Two #5

Click the image above for more details about the HO2 #5

Camellia

Click the image above for more details about the Camellia

Iiwi

Click the image above for more details about the Iiwi

Ohia

Click the image above for more details about the Ohia

#44

Click the image above for more details about the #44

Need more magic in your life?

Talk to a Realtor®

Get In Touch

Like what you see?

Talk to a Realtor®

Get In Touch

Timely & Timeless

In the Details

full color, full size images are visible in the hd gallery below

Safety First

A fleet of microphone-enabled security cameras protects the property and informs you of the comings and goings.

This place is 🔥

On a 49ºF Volcano winter night, warm yourself by the central, lava rock, wood-burning fireplace or 3 propane-powered fireplaces in Ihilani, Lehua, & #44.

Pampered

Need extra pampering? Try the heated floors and towel racks found in all 5 units of Hale Ohia Two.

Art-Infused

In the early 90s, artist-in-residence Belle Biv Devo added the magic and color of her leaded glass windows and Tiffany-inspired lamp shades to all of the 1930s structures. Can you find the window pictured here?

Canec

The walls and ceilings of the original buildings are canec (fibers left over from sugar cane), likely produced here in Hilo.

Finished Unfinished

BC-grade, raw birch plywood is the…well, raw…finish of choice in the 5-units at HO2, built in 2015. You’ll find it on walls and floors.

Don't be knotty

Original oak narrow-plank flooring and durable, industrial wall-to-wall carpeting keep maintenance to a minimum in much of the property.

Triple Caught

Rainwater is caught in 3 catchment systems, (hence the corragated iron roofing), and mechanically filtered. No monthly water bill here.

UV Sterile

To ensure drinkability, the filtered water is then sterilized by UV light. We’ve heard people say, “This is the best tasting water I’ve ever had.”

Solar Tubes

Even the windowless entries of the new HO2 units get a pinch of daylight thanks to the over-door solar tubes that redirect that daylight into otherwise darker spaces. Genius.

Timely & Timeless

In The Details

full color, full size images are visible in the hd gallery below

<<< scroll >>>

Safety First

A fleet of microphone-enabled security cameras protects the property and informs you of the comings and goings.

This place is 🔥

On a 49ºF Volcano winter night, warm yourself by the central, lava rock, wood-burning fireplace or 3 propane-powered fireplaces in Ihilani, Lehua, & #44.

Pampered

Need extra pampering? Try the heated floors and towel racks found in all 5 units of Hale Ohia Two.

Art-Infused

Canec

The walls and ceilings of the original buildings are canec (fibers left over from sugar cane), likely produced here in Hilo.

Finished Unfinished

BC-grade, raw birch plywood is the…well, raw…finish of choice in the 5-units at HO2, built in 2015. You’ll find it on walls and floors.

Don't be knotty

Original oak narrow-plank flooring and durable, industrial wall-to-wall carpeting keep maintenance to a minimum in much of the property.

Triple Caught

Rainwater is caught in 3 catchment systems, (hence the corragated iron roofing), and mechanically filtered. No monthly water bill here.

UV Sterile

To ensure drinkability, the filtered water is then sterilized by UV light. We’ve heard people say, “This is the best tasting water I’ve ever had.”

Solar Tubes

Even the windowless entries of the new HO2 units get a pinch of daylight thanks to the over-door solar tubes that redirect that daylight into otherwise darker spaces. Genius.

By The Numbers

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ

Sqr Ft Interior

Carport Parking

Sqr Ft Land

Acres of Land

1st Home Built

Last Home Built

Rentable Units

Catchment Systems

Laundry Rooms

Kitchens

Landscape Design (Years)

Private Roads

Avg Daylight (Hrs)

Total Dwellings

Total Fixed Structures

January Avg Rainfall (Inches)

June Avg Rainfall (Inches)

Total Fixed Structures

NEAREST PARK: HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK (MILES)

Highest Annual Avg High (ºF)

Lowest Annual Avg Low (ºF)

Climate Data Source

By The Numbers

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ

Sqr Ft Interior

Carport Parking

Sqr Ft Land

Acres of land

1st home built

Last Home Built

Rentable Units

catchment systems

Laundry Rooms

Kitchens

landscape design (years)

Private Roads

Open house notice

Mark Your Calendar

The Hawaii Association of Realtors® has agreed to hold open houses again, for now. We value everyone’s health and safety.

Please be aware that certain restrictions and limitations related to public health and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic must be observed until further notice:

No more than five (5) people shall be inside a property at any time. This number (5) shall include the listing agent, buyers agent, and staff.
All CDC guidelines shall be followed, including the use of hand sanitizer, which will be provided by the listing agent at all entry points to the home.
Non-surgical masks or other recommended face coverings shall be used at all times, both inside and outside the property.
Physical distancing of 6 ft. or more shall be maintained by all persons who do not reside in the same household.

NEXT OPEN HOUSE – TBD

Book a Private Tour

Open house notice

Mark Your Calendar

The Hawaii Association of Realtors® has agreed to hold open houses again, for now. We value everyone’s health and safety.

Please be aware that certain restrictions and limitations related to public health and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic must be observed until further notice:

No more than five (5) people shall be inside a property at any time. This number (5) shall include the listing agent, buyers agent, and staff.
All CDC guidelines shall be followed, including the use of hand sanitizer, which will be provided by the listing agent at all entry points to the home.
Non-surgical masks or other recommended face coverings shall be used at all times, both inside and outside the property.
Physical distancing of 6 ft. or more shall be maintained by all persons who do not reside in the same household.

NEXT OPEN HOUSE – TBD

Book a Private Tour

Destination: B&B

created for people to gather and celebrate

“Ancient Hawaiians called Hale Ohia, ‘ula wena, or hidden place. To me, Hale Ohia Cottages are rare hidden jewels in the rainforest. Over nearly 3 decades, most memorable to me are the friendships created with guests from all over the world. Hale Ohia Cottages has been a catalyst of positivity and, in many ways, healing energy.”

~Michael T., home seller

Click to Download Plan View .PDF

Top Destination: Home

CREATED FOR PEOPLE TO GATHER AND CELEBRATE

“Ancient Hawaiians called Hale Ohia, ‘ula wena,or hidden place. To me, Hale Ohia Cottages are rare hidden jewels in the rainforest. Over nearly 3 decades, most memorable to me are the friendships created with guests from all over the world. Hale Ohia Cottages has been a catalyst of positivity and, in many ways, healing energy.”

~Michael T., home seller

Click to Download Plan View .PDF

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A 30-Year Garden

Unexpected Surprise #2

Sugi Pine. Ironwood. Azalea. Camellia. Gardenia. Day Lily. Agapanthus. Porta Corpus. Blue Spruce. Hydrangea. Wisteria.

When master landscape architects and designers of Liliuokalani Gardens, Kanichi & Fujino Nakamoto, were tapped to design the gardens here, they approached the job with no short-sighted effort. For 30 years, the team cultivated a work of art that may leave you speechless.

Crafted lovingly into one of Hawaii’s last remaining old-growth ohia and hapu’u rainforests, the living wonderland they created must have delighted onlookers as they did it, still delights visitors today, and will continue to cast it’s enchantments for generations to come. The ironwood and sugi pines (Japanese red-cedar) trees take the fairytale scenery to the next level as they rise high into the skies. Look up when you visit. We half expected to see literal fairies flitting between the branches.

From foreground to background, the mystical gardens in front of you are blooming in vibrant color, sometimes many colors. We felt a childlike wonder and amazement bubble up in us the first time we entered the grounds. The unexpected surprise of such a magical garden subsided after a few days but the magic never did.