Kalani Oceanside Retreat

A clean, quiet stay with beautiful scenery and stunning views. I was glad to hear there was a yoga studio, ecstatic dance, and a drum circle happening nearby. The beaches across the street were dramatic and beautiful, too. I'd definitely stay again.

I stayed in Cabin Kai 4 at Kalani Seaside Retreat Center from December 26-30, 2025. Here are the main tradeoffs for anyone considering this unit. The surroundings and neighborhood are beautiful, and the rate was more affordable than hotels near Hilo town. Parking and drinking water were free, as was Wi-Fi, though the signal was weak. Privacy was our biggest concern. The floor-to-ceiling windows by the bathtub had no coverings, so we felt fully exposed while showering or bathing and worried someone outside could watch or even record us. There were no coverings on the windows above the cal king bed or coffee bar either. Hilo town was about a 45-minute drive each way every day, so a car is absolutely necessary. There aren't restaurants or shops nearby. The towels weren't as clean as the ones hotels typically provide, and the cabin had no air conditioning.

It's hard to judge a place like this since so much depends on what you're comfortable with. The grounds are beautiful and fun, and the staff were friendly and kind. Our hut had a cute, kitschy Chinese theme. It seemed clean enough, though there was rust and some aging here and there, probably from the sea air. If you're used to 3 star hotels, it may not meet your standards, but it was fine if you're not too picky. It was quiet and peaceful, with the ocean visible and audible right from my bed. The atmosphere felt strongly hippie and pagan, edging toward drug culture, and my husband and I weren't comfortable with that. If that's your scene, you'll probably love it. I like the idea of a retreat for relaxing into nature, but I was naive about how far away things on the Big Island were, and we had to drive a lot to see them. I didn't try the classes. My sense is you'd enjoy it more as a destination than as a hub. Knowing what to expect, I think it's a nice place.

Given Kalani Oceanside Retreat's peaceful setting, I expected more, but our room wasn't clean or properly prepared, and as a parent I found the experience unsettling. The worst discovery was a drawer containing marijuana, a knife, rolling papers, and a lighter, all within reach of my four-year-old, who found them while exploring. That's unacceptable anywhere, especially somewhere marketed as family-friendly. There were also someone else's clothes left in a drawer, a supposedly clean towel on the bed that smelled strongly of body odor, sticky and visibly dirty cups, and personal items from a previous guest, including hair clips and a charger. We found marijuana roaches on the windowsill and back patio, along with an apple used as a pipe left outside. I appreciate that the property refunded the cleaning fee and one night's stay, but the room's condition made us feel unsafe and uncomfortable. This place could be great with proper management, but our experience didn't match what was advertised. Until cleaning and guest turnover are clearly improved, I'd caution families, especially those with young children, about booking here.