Pahoa Hostel

Big Island (Pahoa)

2 of 10

Address	13-1132 Kahukai Street, Big Island (Pahoa), Hawaii, USA Map
Price	$10,$15 Check Current Prices by Date Here

Location/Contact

Details

Description

Features

Kitchen
Phones (public or in room)

Ratings & Comments

3.6 Average from 8 Ratings

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Comment by john, usa

September 2009

Yikes!
I researched the "farm" and it sounded like it would be interesting. I had planned on staying and working long term. I bought the plane ticket and flew over from Seattle looking forward to the experience. My flight was delayed so I arrived late. I had made arrangements for the "farm" owner to pick me up at the airport and drive me the thirty miles from Hilo airport to Pahoa ($25). When the owner (Ed Frazer) picked me up he smelled as if he hadn't bathed in some time, not a big deal to me but noticeable. His car was piled with stuff that looked as if it had been there for years and smelled as if something was dead underneath all the stuff. Ed's driving was alarming. I'm surprised we made it the thirty miles without getting in a serious accident. While driving, Ed reached into the backseat and pulled out what he called his "jug" that smelled like some sort of tropical fruit juice and alcohol. We made it to the "farm" and Ed quickly showed me around and took me to a spot with a tent that he said I could stay in ($30 for three nights). I would say that the tent had been there for at least five years. It was moldy and generally gross. I unzipped the tent flap and looked in at the moldy foam pad, pulled the pad out to shake off the dirt and twigs and to make sure there were no critters in the tent. I was tired and it was late so I crawled in and went to sleep. The next day I counted twelve other victims staying at the "farm." It was basically a homeless camp. Ed has no crop due to the fact that his "farm" is on an old lava flow with no soil. I could go on about the unhealthy living conditions and the disease/infections the other occupants had but basically I just want to give you a heads up about this place and the owner. I stayed two nights due to the fact that the "farm" is six miles from the nearest town and there was no transportation. I was so traumatized that on the second day I hitch hiked into town and caught a bus to Hilo where I checked into a hostel and immediately showered and washed my clothes. As far as I can tell, everything on Ed's website related to the "farm" is a lie. I noticed on his "myspace" site he lists his age as "nineteen." At the "farm," there was one girl staying there who was nineteen and I can't help but wonder if she also bought into the BS and thought that Ed was nineteen. This is no place for a nineteen-year-old girl (let alone anyone else). The "farm" is not fit for human habitation!

Comment by wandering bear girl, usa

May 2007

Well I must say that this is really not your average hostel. Ed is a dear but is rarely actually at the farm. If you plan to stay make sure you have your own food and drinking water for sure and cooking supplies because the people who stay there usually allow the ladies to pick up after them and some times they get fed up! Lovely walk to close by beaches and snorkeling spots and hot ponds. I lived there for two months doing the "work trade' but if you're looking for a "real farming experience or hostel experience" I'd say check out something else. But if you want to hang out with Pirates and the like and camp like tarzan (woohoo), Its great! I loved it but watch out for man sharks.

Comment by Ryan, USA

April 2007

This place can be cool but there's usually a bunch of dirty old bastards hanging around. Don't leave your girl alone with Ray. And Ed is not above stealing to get what he wants. He's an old scoundrel who wants to live off of other people. On the upside, lots of cool people come through here, though don't stay long. Location is great. It's a short walk to the beach and hot ponds, a short hitch to town, close to kehenna beach. Accommodations are quite minimal -- tents and dirty mattresses. Check out hedonisia.

Comment by J The Can Eh? Dian

May 2004

Ed is the man! Truly, truly I say to you he is a good, kind soul. And he plays a mean ukulele. His papaya smoothies are the best. If you want a great time, go to Ed's -- you will NOT regret it. I lived there for a month and I can honestly say it was the best vacation I have ever had.

Comment by Loren Antolik

May 2004

I stayed here for about five months. It's very fun, and most importantly it gives you an opportunity to see the real Hawaii, which is what it is all about. Lots of hippies and roamers.

Comment by Renato Rewai Parana e Silva

October 2003

I'm Brazilian and I stayed here for a month. Even though I worked a lot, it was definitely the best vacation I've ever had. Ed's a great guy and the people at the farm are awesome. The culture and the way people deal with stuff are a bit similar to some places in Brazil, but with no violence hazard (at all) and the Hawaiian lifestyle. Plus, Ed lets you borrow his surfboards (as long as ya don't ding 'em, sucka!).

Comment by Noah Glassman

September 2003

I stayed here 5 months. This place is great! First of all you can often work off your bed and meals for a reasonable amount of labor. The surfing is big, excellent and very consistent. There are many unique attractions in the area such as steam vents, hot ponds, crater lake, lava trees, etc. The people are very nice and easygoing and will go out of their way to help you a lot. You will meet many different types of people from all over the world. You will also get a feel for what the real Hawaii is like, not just the tourist view. The location is ideal, being in an area with lots of organic farms and ecovillages to visit and many interesting people to talk to. This area has the most alternative culture/hippies/organic farmers in the state. If you want Disnleyland go to Disneyland, if you want Hawaii come here.

Comment by Anonymous

September 2003

This place is rustic but its cool and a good deal. And the location is good. And there is lots of fresh produce coming in now.

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