This Hawai’i Airbnb Is Like Stepping Onto the Set of Jurassic Park

Experience your own Jurassic Park adventure at Nanaina Cottage in South Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’i. This tropical jungle retreat features secret hiking trails, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, lush rainforest canopies, and, of course, major dinosaur vibes. Nestled deep into a rainforest oasis, this romantic escape offers an unforgettable off-the-grid experience, equal parts magical, adventurous, and serene.

Welcome To Nanaina Cottage

Perched on a rock and surrounded by massive mango trees and dense tropical greenery, Nanaina Cottage feels as if you have traveled back in time to the Mesozoic Era. The instant you start the first steps along the stone staircase and walk along the winding jungle path, the modern world disappears behind you. It’s time to let your imagination run wild.  

Guests seeking privacy will find a natural sanctuary here — a place where the first cup of morning coffee is serenaded by birdsong, where geckos race across the deck, and the dramatic South Kona views prompt you to question where the sea meets the sky.  

Perfectly suited for two, or perhaps a small family, the cozy lofted bedroom offers breathtaking views not just of your stay, but also of the skyline. For those a little fearful of heights and ladders, there is a simple room below. A full kitchen (minus a dishwasher, you’re in the jungle after all) makes it easy to prepare meals from local grocers. They even provide a washer and dryer for those enjoying a longer stay.

To truly transport you, all you have to do is step outside. A covered lanai provides a gorgeous perch to experience the view, rain or shine. The spacious sun deck invites you to practice morning yoga, stargaze, or sit in your stillness where the only sound you’re prone to hear is the mango fruit softly thudding onto the roof.

While Nanaina Cottage feels as if it is wildly remote, it happens to be a short drive from all the local sightseeing spots, beaches, and shopping centers. Note: you’ll want a 4-wheel drive car to reach this Big Island vacation rental due to the path winding through thick ferns and towering fauna. As the road bumps and rolls under you, you’ll gently whisper “Must go faster, must go faster” as you dare to check the rearview mirror for the sight of a thundering Tyrannosaurs-Rex behind you.  

Once you safely arrive in Kona, take a stroll down Ali’i Drive, where you’ll find breezy boutiques and quirky shops that sell everything from hand-carved tiki statues to classic vibrant Hawaiian shirts. The Kona Farmers Market is a must-visit, bursting with local coffee and handmade gifts for you to bring home.  

When you’re hungry, Da Poke Shack, with its delectable poke bowls, and Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar, where sitting mere steps from the sea and sipping on a craft cocktail is the perfect way to end your evening as you start the trek back to your paradise.

Naniana Cottage is just waiting to transport you to a world where the island vibes surround you. Even though there is a second vacation rental on the property, fear not, the jungle separates the two spaces, cultivating total privacy. Down below, the owners live with their son, caretaking and available only if you need them; otherwise, you’ll have space to enjoy your prehistoric adventure in peace.  

Sit back, relax, and cue the trumpet fanfare as your island escape takes you back in time — where your only regret isn't wondering if you could stop to book this Airbnb, but knowing you never had to question whether or not you should.