Lodging Review: Waipio Wayside B&B
Hamakua, Hawaii

by Tammie Thompson

A plantation house converted into a bed and breakfast - that invites families!

Located just outside of Hamakua, this charming B&B is all about old Hawaii. Greeted by resident kitties and chickens, and of course, the friendly innkeeper, Jackie, we found the Waipio Wayside to have the essence of a B&B, the comfort of home, and the charm of Old Hawaii.

We stayed in the Plantation Room, perfect for families with two double beds and private bath. The house is decorated in classic Hawaiian décor. White wainscoted walls, antiques and family amenities such as children's books and bubble bath, are but a few of the inn's charms.

The chickens that roamed the yard fascinated my daughter (and the eggs made for a superb breakfast!). I was less fascinated when the rooster crowed at dawn, but the country plantation experience was definitely authentic.

The Waipo Wayside exudes peace and tranquility. I found time to settle into the comfy couches for an afternoon of reading. I explored the well-stocked bookshelves and discovered a wealth of history and photos of Hawaii. The shelves are also stocked with several children's books, videos, and DVDs. The kids explored the yard, found the hammock and several generations of Hawaiian spiders that created intricate webs amid the palms. They even discovered the hen with the green leg that laid green eggs!

The benefits of staying in a bed and breakfast are many. After the kids go to bed you can read, watch a movie or enjoy a glass of wine in the sitting room. Then there's the incredible home cooked, full breakfast: waffles with macadamia nuts, unbelievably fresh papaya, and roasted Kona coffee. Mmmmm.

Waipio Wayside is located between the 3 & 4-mile marker on highway 240, just outside of Hamakua. Call 808-775-0275 or 800-833-8849 for reservations. See their website at WaipioWayside.com .

More on the Big Island here.

...... Tammie Thompson lives in Truckee, California. The mom of two children, Tammie can't wait for a return trip to paradise.