Lilikoi Inn

Shai gave us great advice for things to do around Kona, and we followed his directions exactly. We were thrilled with our itinerary! He’s an amazing chef, too, and made us wonderful breakfasts. My husband and I were lucky to find Lilikoi Inn. We spent two glorious nights there, welcomed warmly by our hosts, Shai and Trina. Our room was beautiful, clean, homey, and delightful. We’ll return.

We spent most of our time outdoors, which felt natural with that outstanding patio view. The room was comfortable, and the farm’s location up in the hills is such a cool place to hang out. The driveway is a little steep, so be ready for that. Shai and Trina were so kind and welcoming. The food was delicious, right down to the welcome smoothie, and the fruit was so fresh. Shai really knows his stuff. When we wanted to visit the beach, they shared their favorite spots and how to get there. We’d certainly stay again.

We’ve stayed twice already and can’t wait to come back for a third visit. The hosts are gracious and offer wonderful daily activity ideas suited to your adventure level. The accommodation is beautiful and comfortable. Shai makes some of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had, served on a deck with flowers and trees on one side and a huge sweeping ocean view all the way to Maui on the other. It’s pretty much the perfect bed and breakfast.

That genuine, from-the-heart aloha spirit is what we found at Lilikoi. On our seven-day stay on The Big Island, Shai and Trina made the trip incredible. We felt as if we were visiting family, welcomed by relatives we’d never met who quickly became good friends. This small inn is run by a loving couple who honestly want you to have a wonderful trip. There are plenty of resorts charging hundreds or thousands of dollars a night for five-star perfection, but Lilikoi isn’t trying to be that kind of sterile place. No manicured paths or ornate sculptures, just a working coffee farm, a comfortable bed, incredible views, and the best hosts. Likikoi didn’t feel like a mega resort, Airbnb, or motor inn. It felt like home and made this one of the best vacations I’ve ever had. My daughter and I had traveled in Europe and Central America before COVID, and taken a 3000+ drive across the US. We’ve stayed at mega resorts, Airbnb’s, and motor inns. My 21 year old daughter gave me the best compliment, saying I have a knack for finding great inns and out-of-the-way gems, but this was my best find so far. Compliments from a 21 year old are few and far between. The food was a highlight: fresh roasted organic coffee, a papaya fruit bowl, then a variety of egg or vegetable dishes made fresh to suit our dietary choices. We’d talk with the hosts in the morning about the best beaches, good shopping finds, or special events to make our day trips special. They always had restaurant suggestions for the best local food and how to avoid heavy traffic. Watching the sunset from the Veranda with a fresh fruit smoothie appearing from Shai kitchen was a lovely end to the day. They do have dogs and cats, but they’re quite keepers of the pease, napping most of the day and showing up only to share the sunset. Lilikoi gets five hearts from us.