Though the name implies a view of a mountain, in the case of Mountain View, you’re actually ON the mountain already. And as it’s Mauna Loa, the grade is so gradual you hardly even realize it until you look way, way down towards the ocean. Mountain View is halfway up the highway between Hilo and Volcano, so if you’re contemplating a visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and want to spend more than one day there, choose one of our these great Big Island vacation homes!
Mountain View is peace and quiet. It is comprised of native ʻōhiʻa forest, lush ferns, and not a whole lot else. This is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a truly peaceful mountain vacation. It can get cool at night here, due to the higher elevation, so keep that in mind while packing. There isn’t really much of a town here, but there are many businesses scattered along the highway between Hilo and Volcano, so you’ll have a few options for services. The nearest real grocery store is in Keaʻau, which also has a few decent restaurants.
If you like agricultural tours, there are lots of spots to visit in this area during your stay in one of our Hawaii beach homes for rent. Hilo Coffee Mill showcases the best of the east side coffee (and yes, it’s just as good as Kona brew, maybe better!). Take a tour of the farm, where you’ll learn more about the process of growing and roasting coffee, as well as enjoy various samples. They also host a Saturday farmers’ market. Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, toward Volcano, is a great place to see some of the many orchids that are such big business in this region.
For the tea lover, Big Island Tea is also located right in Mountain View. Set on a five-acre farm, Big Island Tea offers farm tours and workshops that help you learn about the process of tea production from seed to your cup. Take a tour of the Kilinoe Forest, a native cloud forest habitat in which tea thrives, and sample some of the teas grown and produced right on the farm. For those who want a more intense experience, a green tea workshop is also available. Learn how to hand pick, fire, and hand roll the leaves in a full day workshop and take your tea home to enjoy.
One of the Big Island’s star attractions, Volcanoes National Park, is under a 20-minute drive from Mountain View. Encompassing the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, there are plenty of adventures to be had within Volcanoes National Park. Start your visit at the Kilauea Visitor Center, where you can check with knowledgeable park rangers about the latest conditions within the park. Then continue on with a tour around Crater Rim Drive, where you’ll pass by steam vents and overlooks that provide views of the vast craters located here. Short day hikes allow you to venture off the beaten path and explore some of these phenomena from a closer vantage point. After exploring, treat yourself to a meal at The Volcano House, a top-notch restaurant offering dramatic views of the Kilauea caldera and the Halema’uma’u Crater. The Volcano House offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as nightly live music.
Mountain View is a great home base from which to explore Volcano, Hilo, and the whole Puna District! So, what are you waiting for? Book one of our Big Island vacation homes, and start planning your vacation today!
Contact Us to Book Our Big Island Vacation Homes
At I Love Hawaii, we have a variety of vacation rentals available on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Whether you’re exploring nature at its rawest at Volcano National Park on the Big Island, surfing in Oahu’s Waikiki, catching the sunrise at Haleakala on Maui, or gazing out over the Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai, our vacation rentals will ensure complete comfort during your island stay. Many of our rentals offer full kitchens, island-inspired décor, breezy lanais, and swimming pools. Please contact us to book one of our Hawaii beach homes for rent and to get started on planning your ideal Hawaiian getaway!
