Pahoa Hostel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!).

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.

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.