Guest and Press Comments

Frommer's Review

If you're looking for a quiet, romantic little cottage, nestled away from it all in old Hawaii but close enough to Hana to drive in for dinner, this is your place. International artist Arabella Gail Ark (formerly known as Gail Bakutis) has created a lovely retreat on her 1-acre parcel of land, which is landscaped in a "fragrance" garden with Hawaii's best sweet-smelling plants carefully planted throughout the property. The separate guesthouse, with an ocean view from the lanai, is professionally decorated with comfort in mind, from the very cozy rattan furniture to the king-size sofa bed. There's a separate bedroom with a queen-size bed and a small but utilitarian kitchenette. The unique bathroom features a glass ceiling and walls (with discreet privacy curtains) and opens out to a garden area. Even if you are not staying here, stop by and see the Ark Ceramics Gallery (daily 11am-4pm).

“I think Divine Providence led me to you. I can’t thank you enough for taking me under your wing and helping me see this incredible place through your eyes. Your glorious spot is surpassed only by the generosity of your spirit. You are truly of Hana. A thousand mahalos. Patti Brown and Roger Cohn Piedmont, CA

(Patricia Leigh Brown is a travel writer for the New York Times and Roger Cohn is former editor of Mother Jones and the San Jose Mercury News)

“We could not have picked a better place to stay for our honeymoon. Your gardens are magnificent and the sunsets from here are spectacular.”…Kiersten and Russell Pierce

“The two days we spent here were probably the two most relaxing, most beautiful days of our two weeks in Hawaii!”…Jack and Karen Faulknor, Washington, TX

“We especially enjoyed the flowers and morning and evening serenades by the birds.” Pat and Kay La Jeunesse, Naperville, IL

“Arabella, you are an artist of an inn keeper—the beautiful garden, the many flowers in our suite, the fresh fruit, the botanical tour. I have always admired people who can make the ordinary aspects of life into something more—into art, and you are one of those people, a born artist. Your B&B is the best place we have stayed in Hawaii.” Beth and John Gallman

“Your cottage was more than we could have ever dreamed of. The sweet smell of flowers wafting into our bed at night, the tasteful décor, unbelievable views, and most of all, the aloha you let us share.” Mia Peterson and Glen Silver, Los Angeles, CA