Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Aloha to everyone! We spent the week under one roof with our grown kids and daughter in law. This was the backyard of where we stayed on the Big Island. It was a magical week together making memories and mostly enjoying the sights and sounds of staying in a rain forest with Rainbow Falls in the backyard. We were serenaded by the peaceful sound of the waterfall, birds and what I thought were the noisiest birds I’d ever heard — but they turned out to be an invasive species of frogs!
I kept thinking there was a sound machine on — the kind people use to fall asleep — with the waterfall and frog noises! Someone could make a fortune with those sounds.
This is the invasive species of frog I mentioned. It’s very tiny and we found a couple frogs inside the house. I found this photo from a website called Horizon Guest House:
About the coqui (frog)
Originally from Puerto Rico, the coqui arrived in nursery plants and quickly became established, in particular on the Big Island. The coqui makes a distinctive whistling sound at night that sounds almost identical to its name (‘ko-kee’). This sound can be quite loud, reaching up to 95 decibels.
I honestly didn’t need to leave the property, but we managed to explore beaches, the active volcano in Hawaii named Kīlauea, a farmer’s market and went out a few times out to eat.
Our daughter, DIL and my husband did a nighttime snorkel trip with manta rays. I should have gone but I was not excited about swimming in the ocean in the dark, so I missed what they called a most amazing experience. But I did get an evening one-on-one to hang out with our son. He’s the one who did the research and found this house to rent!
Our son and DIL viewing Rainbow Falls from the backyard.
Here are some photos of the unique house we stayed in:
A view of the house from halfway to the waterfall in the backyard. I love the lava stone walls used in landscaping the backyard and also lining the driveway. Below are a few interior shots.
Because the home is in a rain forest, the three main parts of the house (bedrooms, living room and kitchen) are connected with lanais.
The kitchen was gorgeous — as were the views from every single window.
Below is a waterfall video:
Here’s a video of Rainbow Falls with a person standing on the edge to give you perspective of size. Rainbow Falls State Park is above the falls, where this person must have come from. Turn on your volume to enjoy waterfall sounds. I’m posting a crazy video of the falls Wednesday with this guy and a friend!
My husband can be seen (photo below) going for a walk around the property. He’s a tiny dot in the background on the lawn.
Why did I call this post “Safe in My Garden?”
Because it’s one of my favorite songs from childhood. Also, I had several very stressful weeks before we went on vacation. I felt so safe and relaxed in our rain forest (and almost) treehouse with a waterfall!
What did you do this past week to celebrate holidays or spend time with family?
Wow!!! Gorgeous place EA, your very own private fantasy world to enjoy and recharge mind and body. Your son found an amazing place 🙂
It was amazing. I didn’t mind all the rain because it was so gorgeous there. Also the rain added to the nature sounds. We’d get outside and walk when there were breaks in the weather.
What a marvelous place to stay Elizabeth. Love the waterfall
The waterfall was amazing and made the home special.
Yes it looks fantastic. A beautiful place to spend family time.
It definitely was beyond gorgeous and peaceful.
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Absolutely love this!! ❤️ Kudos to your son for finding this place! Wonderful that you all could be together and relax in a tropical paradise. 🥰
Glad you enjoyed it and I could share. It was a week I’ll never forget. I found myself mostly sitting and staring. 😊
So glad you shared it and I would have been doing the same thing. Sitting and soaking it all in. 🥰
Thanks! I seriously could have never left the house or property the entire week. But I’m glad we did some adventuring, too.
I’ve never heard that song before- thank you for sharing it.
Your vacation looks magical, Elizabeth!
“Safe In My Garden” came out when I was in first or second grade. I don’t think I heard it until a few years later and listened to music. It has always been one of my favorites. It was a magical week!
I love The Mama’s and The Papa’s. My dad did too. Their music is lovely.
I’m glad you had a magical week. 😘🌈
The Mamas and Papas have such a beautiful sound. It was a week that we’ll never forget.
Wow, what an amazing way to spend the holidays, E.A.! This is gorgeous, and looks like the perfect little getaway from all the holiday hustle bustle.
It was exactly what I needed. We had pictures beforehand, but nothing came close to walking into the house, seeing and hearing the waterfall. Everybody was pinching themselves to see if it was real!
The Mamas and Papas were such an amazing group. Cass Elliot had an amazing powerful voice, however somehow Michele Phillips was able to stay with it and compliment it. I am not sure how their ‘California’ sound jives with your post, but it worked here. Nice job. 🏄♂️
Thanks! I remember the first “rock ‘n roll” album my parents allowed by big brother to buy was that Mamas and Papas album. So many memories. I agree that Michelle’s voice managed to add to Cass Elliot’s voice.
Now I know what you meant yesterday in a comment! Wow Elizabeth, that is such fantastically beautiful place! What a blessing to be there and enjoy its beauty and sounds. The song ties in so well with your post, a song from in my opinion, a better, vanished time in our country. Best wishes for you and your family going into 2026!
Thank you! Yes, I dropped a few hints about being in a rain forest. It was an amazing home. It was designed by two architects from San Francisco for themselves as their Hawaii home. That song did seem to fit the beauty of the Rainbow Falls property.
I’d buy it. 🤙🏻🤙🏻😎😎
Me too!
What a gorgeous house and location!! I love Big Island!!
It was our first trip to the Big Island. I am a huge fan. The gorgeous house was only a few minutes away from town, but felt like it was in its own world!
We spent a night in volcano national park ..this was like 10 years ago. Breathtaking
How awesome! We did a day trip there. You must have stayed in Volcano House, the one hotel we saw there. Our kids hiked down to the caldera but we did the crater rim view points. The weather was perfect when we started, but turned into pouring down rain. The kids didn’t mind, but I was freezing. I’m glad we made the trip. We were hoping for an eruption that is predicted, but still beautiful.
Yes!! Volcano house. It was very cool. My daughter was 15 and enamoured!!
My kids are late 20s and early 30s and they were enamoured too!
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Just absolutely stunning! Your son picked an incredible vacation spot. You must feel so refreshed. I hope you can carry part of the beauty of the place with you always. 💕
Thank you! We were so thrilled to be there. Every day was a joy. I do hope to carry that beauty with me.
Wow! Most amazing rental house… ever.
And it comes with frogs.
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This was the most amazing rental house ever! It’s so much more impressive in person — especially with the frog sounds. I have a wild video to post Wednesday of dare devils in the waterfall.
That is an amazing place to stay Elizabeth
It was such a treat. A once in a lifetime week.
That really is a spectacular place to stay (minus the noisy frogs, I think)! We have just been hanging at home. All quiet. Fine by me.
We loved the frogs. We thought they were birds. They were loud, but along with the rain and waterfall it was a soothing sound. It’s quiet at home, it was quiet on our trip, too — except for the wildlife sounds. Love it!
Ah the sights and sounds of Hawaii! So beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! It was so beautiful. We were in Hilo which was new to us. I really liked the town because it’s so quiet and laid back. The people were so kind.
This is a new-to-me song! I like it.
That rental house is fantastic, and so close to the waterfall? Wow. What a find!
I’m with you, I’d not be excited to go into the ocean at night. No thanks-I’ve seen too many movies. 😉
Those darn little frogs, causing such a ruckus!
I forgot to mention, you totally earned this beautiful trip away. You’ve had a lot happening with your Dad, your ankle, your son, and your daughter, both needing surgery. I’m glad you all had this time away.
Thank you! The vacation got me so relaxed an in a better place.
I miss the frogs, but am thankful the invasive species isn’t here in the desert. I’m sure they need the moisture of the rain forest.
The house was amazing! My son is in charge of VRBOs and he did a great job.
What a luscious piece of paradise you’ve found. I imagine how cozy and relaxing it felt to be surrounded by such a spectacular landscape. Incredible. There is nothing like the Hawaiian Islands. The warm moist wether is so inviting! So glad you had a memorable experience with your family. Hugs, C
I’m glad you had a wonderful anniversary trip to Hawaii, too. I posted the name of the home on your blog post for a future family trip for you and yours! I can’t wait to get back for a longer trip.