A wonderful stay at Ma’ukele Lodge on Big Island’s east coast We stayed at Ma’ukele Lodge from July 6th to 10th — and had an unforgettable time. Raven and Mark are truly warm and welcoming hosts. They made us feel right at home, with Raven’s delicious homemade breakfasts and Mark’s great advice on what to see and do around the island. The lodge itself is full of character, set in beautiful surroundings with a lush tropical garden. If you’re looking for an authentic place to stay on the east side of Big Island, we can highly recommend Ma’ukele Lodge. Thank you, Raven and Mark, for making our stay so special! We will never forget this place - Mahalo.

I loved everything this place has to offer. Best place to stay near Hilo. It has it all and more. Without the luxury of a resort. It has a welcome home feel and vibe. Has coqui frogs singing you to sleep all night. Has beach access out back. Has multiple flowers and fruit trees throughout the property. This place is a hidden Gem. Raven and Mark are some of the sweetest and most humble people you'll meet. With so much knowledge of the island. They'll share whatever you'd like to know with a great history lesson. Raven makes the best breakfast, so forget eating out. It's worth staying and experiencing what she has to offer.. I didn't want to leave, but I'll definitely be back.

Parking is a little tight, but luckily, I had no issues with someone hitting my parked rental.

Such a unique experience. Raven and Mark's place is in the woods right near what used to be the beach but is now old lava flow. We had the guest suite and the space was large, with a huge private garden attached where you could shower outdoors. The frogs and birds were loud but somehow relaxing. Breakfast was the most amazing fruit plate, along with some fresh yogurt (and anything else you might want). Raven and Mark know so much about the island and it's history, volcanic and otherwise. The fridge was stocked with fruit and other treats for us, and there were any toiletries we needed. We felt like we were staying with old friends in some sort of garden paradise.

It was a bit of a hike (~15 minute drive) to get dinner. Finding the place, especially in the dark, can be a bit of a challenge the first time.

If you are the sort of person who travels because you love learning, marveling at the beauty of the world, or seek the soul healing balm found in moments of divinity like petting a relaxed kitty the color of a lava flow while listening to the ocean mix with sounds of a Hawaiian tune under a sky filled with stars- well this is place for you. As Raven said the morning we departed in the rain, it’s a blessing. Everything about what she and Mark have created and share truly is.

Nothing.

This location is heaven on earth. If you fancy 4-star hotels, this is not the right place for you but for all others, it's just great. The amazing oceanfront! The waves you hear crashing when you are in your room! The sounds at night! The geckos for breakfast! The incredible hospitality of Raven and Mark! We actually got married at this amazing, magic oceanfront and Raven was so helpful in all aspects. She took incredible care of us and our plans even before we arrived. We will never forget that - thank you so much, Raven!! She is just born to make her guests happy. So if you plan an elopement on Big Island - go for it and to Raven's place!

We loved every bit and felt very welcome.

This is one of the most unique and memorable stays I have ever had. Raven and Mark were exceptional hosts who not only made us comfortable in their home, but shared their stories and space with us. Raven created such memorable mornings with beautiful cut fruit in front of a view of swaying trees and the ocean, plus whatever other food we were in the mood for. Mark shared his local knowledge, stories and love of Hawai'i, as well as a few ukulele sessions. The area is a hidden gem and off the beaten path, which made for a restful retreat. Raven has exceptional taste and there is art everywhere - each one with a story. A travel experience that is increasingly hard to find. Go!

If you are looking for total privacy, this won't be your spot. But it's the people that make a trip amazing. Must like cats (we do)!

What a wonderful spot! This place was beautiful: the garden leads out to the ocean, making for a wonderful morning of sunrise and watching the waves roll in. Breakfast was gorgeous: local fruits, pie and the hosts' own cacao nibs. Our room was lovely and our bed was very comfortable. Raven and Mark and fantastic hosts, we learned a lot from them regarding the local area and enjoyed their recommendations. There is a nearby black sand beach which is swimmable (Kehena) and Isaac Hale Recreational Area is a short drive to enjoy the thermal pools. Our hosts provided beach towels, which was really nice! We were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday night, so we ventured over to Uncle Roberts for the weekly party: it's a 5 -10 minute walk down the street so you can enjoy a mai tai while listening to local bands and eating local food vendors' fare. We spent two nights in the Pahoa area and enjoyed the space very much.

The owners Raven & Mark were PHENOMENAL!... The information about the property, accommodations and information about the area - they were very informative and knowledgeable. The breakfast every morning was healthy and delicious! The short walk on the back of the property to the old lava flow beach was fun & a bit challenging due to the rain. Still, my teens and I enjoyed it. My teenage son enjoyed Mark & Raven so much they had a jam session! The living area is full of classics vinyls and instruments guests can play!!! PHENOMENAL! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

No air conditioning in the Family Suite. I learned on my Hawaiian journey that all Hotels & BBs don't offer a/c. Have to do your research. They had plenty of fans and all windows had screens so you could open them and get a nice nightly breeze in December without insects coming in. Also, I didn't realize the only shower/bath option for the Family Suite was the outdoor shower. But, because of the nice weather it was more of an "experience" every time we showered. Nice memories. I've always wanted to shower outdoors, just wish I had an option as it rained on me once or twice. Still, it was truly an unforgettable experience.

I absolutely LOVED staying here I was greeted by a beautiful couple and they were so nice it felt like I knew them for years they definitely made you feel like you were at home. The location was so magical.. it was so beautiful seeing the Hawaiian geckos enjoying breakfast with us and listening to lovley Koki frogs at night.. walked out to the beach path and looked at the waves.. short drive to the black sands beach. Raven is such a beautiful soul inside and out and she makes a super fabulous healthy breakfast with coffee and mark has the warmest smile and presence. We really enjoyed our stay! Will return forsure thanks so much again! Love Michael & Maiah

Excellent breakfast, magnificent location if you want to get away from the daily grind. Raven and Mark are outstanding hosts and will go out of their way to ensure their guests get the perfect holiday. Raven has a million stories to tell, and Mark helped us understand the local customs with great insights in living on the island.

Nothing!