Dragonfly Ranch

As a lover of BnB’s, spiritual sanctuaries & Hawaii, I found THE DRAGONFLY RANCH through my friend Tammy Firefly who recommended I go see for myself. I had been freshly living in Kona but was looking for get-​away & living situations more «tropical», more «Hawaii» & more «nestled into the rainforest»… & I found it! Who wants a concrete Westin or suburbia time share home in paradise? Well, maybe you do, & if that’s true, don’t come. I love the sounds of the forest that this place sits within, the amazing Illuminarium to mediate & workout in (I’m a fitness girl), the short drive (or walk) to world renowned Honau’nau where free divers & dolphins abound, the 100-​year old Monkey Pod tree to look into every day which almost makes the whole space feel like you are staying in a tree house, the yummy/​healthy meals all made with love, the adorable animals that belong to the Ranch, but best of all, Barbara! A unique, free-​thinking, loving, nurturing, great taste-​in-​everything woman, is for sure one of my favorite people! I would love everyone to experience this sanctuary in the jungle & learn a few things from nature & the great worldly crew of guests that pass through this home! Divine!

We went to Hawaii 3 years ago for our honeymoon. We planned to stay here for 2 nights. They are very nice people. Unfortunately it was not our cup of tea. It is different so we decided to go to a regular hotel the next night. They refunded us for both nights which was very kind of them. Thanks.

We appreciated the loving sanctuary of the Drangonfly Ranch, but it wasn’t a good fit for us. We left a day early in order to explore another part of the island that better suited us. We’re city folk, and found the Dragonfly Ranch a bit too rustic — especially the bathroom open to the elements except for a bamboo screen.
If you’re looking for a new age kind of spiritual vacation, this might be the place for you. Resources are available, and the breakfast was beautiful and loving presented.

Hooray for Dragonfly Ranch!
This is a long overdue review of the Ranch as I stayed there a year ago. I stayed there while house hunting on the Big Island and Barbara was wonderful. He place is amazing. I stayed in the Dolphin room, and it was all that I needed. My husband and I now live in Hawaii (Hamakua area) but you can be sure we will be back to visit the Ranch. If you want super clean with no bugs or geckos, head over to the sterile soulless resorts north of Kona. This place is a jem. You really feel the energy flowing through this place. I was spent from working weeks on end at a remote Oil Platform in the Arctic. Barbra helped me feel rejuvenated. She let me use the sauna, mixed me up a special shake each morning, and just chatted with me about living in Hawaii, and banishing the negativity that seems to surround us so often.
Do yourself a favor and stay at the Dragonfly Ranch. You’ll get a real slice of local life. If that’s not your back, head North to the cookie cutter resorts and the fakey luaus.
Mahalo Barbara!

My girlfriend and I were staying there for Winter vacation. The host is very nice and helpful. She offered us a deal of a bigger room with a amazing 270 degree view. We’ll probably go visit again some days.

Like sleeping in a tree house, we stayed here and loved the open atmosphere

Stayed there for two nights and my wife and I looked forward to the «tree house» layout that was described on the website. While the description on the web was accurate, we were disappointed with our stay. The place is just very dirty. They need to spend a few weeks just cleaning the grounds. A rake and a blower would make the place look so much better. Right now it’s no better than a campground. We will not be back.

My wife and I stayed at the Dragonfly for 10 days 9 nights. In a world where technology overshadows the beauty of nature and the satisfaction of genuine human connections, this ranch is a respite, a chance to commune with nature and island culture. While we were there we met traveling artists, musicians, archeologists, boat captains, lava walkers, a magician and fellow adventurers from all over. The relaxed, «hang loose» atmosphere fostered a chance to share life stories, and interact with guests in a way that would never have happened in another setting.
You get a healthy breakfast every morning with a bold cup of Kona Coffee. If you’re fortunate to stay long enough to enjoy dinner with the hosts, you will not be disappointed. The staff at the Dragonfly make this a special event. On our dinner we had fresh salad from their organic garden, delightful pan seared chicken or fish prepared with local ginger and citrus, and a hearty grain pilaf. Dessert was the most astonishing, vegan, chocolate-​lovers delight. This mousse was prepared with raw cocoa and avocados, and island staple.
If you go, expect your accommodations to be indoors & outdoors. What does that mean? The flowers and plants on the Kona side of Hawaii are breathtaking. The island breeze blows through the screens to your room, and you smell the ocean. You are in the jungle. There are bugs. And singing frogs! Which my wife loved to hear as she fell asleep each night.
If you’re a planet conscious person you have reached a retreat with likeminded individuals. The food is sourced locally and is always fresh. Many of the staff are vegetarian or vegan, so if this appeals to you, you can expect to never go hungry. However, the retreat accommodates omnivores comfortably as well.
We were within minutes to a great New York style pizza joint in Captain Cook. We were also within minutes of some of the best snorkeling, dolphin viewing, and black sand beaches that grace the big island.

The Dragonfly is a special place. It is in a beautiful part of the island near the best snorkeling in Hawaii and close enough to enjoy Kona daily if you choose. The food is great and the staff is friendly. They all want to help make your stay the best possible and the owner, Barbara, is a sweetheart with a genuine and positive energy.
Perks include complimentary snorkel equipment (donation recommended) which is perfect with the great marine life in the area. As the website states, this isn’t a Holiday Inn. Our room was enclosed by mostly screens which we found amazing with the sounds of nature each night but could be a privacy issue to some. The rooms are all different so talk to them about your needs when you make arrangements. There are bugs too, but none that bit or bothered us. The big island is known for being a bit different, and this place epitomizes this independent spirit.

This is my favorite place I have stayed in all my visits to Hawaii. This place rocks, The food is great, place makes you feel that you are part of nature in a very comfortable setting. The staff here is great too. And I feel very fortunate to have share dinner our last night with the founder Barabara. Thank you Dragonfly, We will be returning on our next visit.

We loved it, BUT!!! It’s NOT for everybody. There is NO T.V. but wireless is available in all the rooms. Do yourself a favor and read their website thoroughly to avoid any confusion, this is by no means a «traditional» B&B it has a much more communal feel to it. For the adventurous type that enjoys interesting places to stay. You won’t find another B&B like it. Barbara the owner was very kind and hospitable.

O my O my – Dragonfly just keeps on getting better and better! The unhappy person who just wrote is full of beans — or just plain unhappy all the time. Such is life. I’m here to say, this very day, this is a splendid and magical spot, tucked in the trees, and NOT at all your «usual» chain hotel/​motel/​no-​tel. And yes, they’ll leave the light on for ya.
I was here over ten years ago, and stayed in the same large suite, which now has a deep tub, and the most glorious view, in a screened room overlooking Kealeakua Bay — with a «tree house» feel. If you are looking for that very special, truly eco-​friendly, magical B&B, this is the one and only intimate, loving, special place on the entire island. A wonderful spot for everyone from the backpackers to families the the young at heart (that would be me, here with my 60-​something bride to be, and me, I’m 60-​something too.
Now, if you are a Marriott type, a Hilton sort of person, or you are unhappy with the owner being on site with you, and greeting you with a true «Aloha» rather than being greeted by an underpaid tanned beach boy at the car park, well, the choice is yours. (Hey, the locals and «just off the boat» immigrants from the Philippines are good women, and good guys, and need the work, so that’s OK too).
Plus, this is a truly historic spot, just down the road from the Painted Church, and up slope from Honaunau (National Park). You are right there, and the staff knows when the spinner dolphins are frolicking in the bay, and where the best snorkel spots are.
Did I mention the breakfast? Fresh fruit, lots of stuff from the beautiful organic garden, yummy yummy yummy. Plus yoga, massage, and much more available right here, easy distance from the funky beach town atmosphere of Kailua-​Kona and the adventures of South Island and Volcano Park.
We’ll be coming back, again and again, for the birds, the sun, and all the sweet and gentle aloha spirit of Dragonfly Ranch — we’ll walk the labyrinth again, and watch the sunset over the water from high up slope among the coffee farms and arts and crafts people of this, the true Hawai’i. Aloha, Dragonfly, and Mahalo Nui Loa!!!

We’ve stayed at this place twice even though we live in the area. Why? Because it’s a beautiful, magical getaway close enough to Two Step (Honaunau Bay) to make a complete weekend out of it. Also, because the owner, Barbara is one of the most gracious and golden souls around.
If you are expecting the same old same old Bed & Breakfast type of experience in this part of the coast, just keep driving. That’s not The Dragonfly. The Ranch is a unique place imbued with some pretty amazing energies, not just from the great people who run it but from it’s location and the types of events it hosts. During one stay, we had a fantastic vegetarian dinner and a small outside concert under the stars that was just transforming. I had been unimpressed by vegetarian food until I tried theirs, and realized what I had been missing.
I want to say something about what a few here have replied concerning Barbara’s (the owner) odd personality and sense of spiritual expression. Tourists don’t usually understand this before they come to the Big Island, but the island and especially the West side is populated by people of a very strong and very easily expressed spiritual bent. You will find more spirit retreats, ashrams, energy practitioners, esoteric writers thinkers and artists, concentrated in this area than you will practically anywhere else. It’s just how the land is, and who it attracts. Just because they are free enough to speak to you from their hearts (something you rarely get on the stick-​up-​the-​ass mainland, I can tell you) don’t take that as some flaw with their character, a come on, or mental illness. You do them and yourself a disservice when you jump to that fearful conclusion. Instead, try opening your ears and your heart a bit. You may be joysouly surprised.
A stay at Dragonfly Ranch is something you take with you the rest of your life. It is not just another spot to crash while you take in the Big Island. It IS the Big Island.
(Two notes:
First, to the lady who posted a fantastical tale of the Ranch staff going after her boyfriend and then writing to him that she is «wrong for him», I don’t believe your BS story for a New York second.
Secondly, I got a real laugh out of the review here from someone who wanted to be their kayak/​snorkel rental facility was «specially certified to work in Kealakekua Bay». Ha, like the water and rocks there are not the same water and rocks all over this island and the others. I think you may have gotten shnookered by somebody trying to make sure they got your business.)

The woman who owns this place is horrid. Her name is Barbara and behaves as if she fancies herself a spiritual healer and psychologist. She constantly tried to sell us things and acted as if she was doing us a favor. The place is dirty and dangerous. I cannot imagine that it passes code. She quoted us one price when we checked in, and then when we left, tried to add 20 dollars cause we stayed only one night. I asked her how she thought it was correct to add this fee when she did not tell us on arrival, and she said, «I rolled my eyes when you said you only wanted one night.» The breakfast was good but you get served a heap of unprofessionalism along with the food. She asks for cash so she doesn’t have to pay the hotel tax.

This place is absolutely fantastic. My fiancé and I came to the Big Island with the hopes of finding a mellow place away from the tourists but close enough to the water to enjoy our time here. The dragonfly ranch was the place for us. We stayed in the honeymoon suite which was amazing. The walls pull away if you desire to have the room be completely open and only a screen is keeping little birds and butterflies from coming into the room. We were literally sleeping in amazing comfort surrounded by forest. We were awoken in the morning by the sound of horses, birds and cats meowing. At night we went to bed to the sound of peepers and cicadas.
The staff was fantastic. There was a wholesome breakfast every morning with local tropical fruits and amazing coffee. We opted to have a dinner as well there which was wholesome, delicious and probably the healthiest thing we ate the whole time we were there. Barbara really treats you like family, which some might find off-​putting, but we found delightful. When she saw I had a sun burn she insisted on giving me fresh aloe to put on it. When another guest told her they wanted to use splenda in their coffee, she insisted they try stevia. Some might find this obtrusive, but we all found it delightful and caring. The environment was such that guests felt comfortable communing around the table in the morning and evenings to chat and share stories.
What an amazing place, I would recommend it only to the adventurous and open. If the boring, sterile Marriot is your thing, don’t waste the room at the Dragonfly. There are others who will find it quite a delight!

I’m not a big fan of predictable, cookie cutter, packaged living. I like to forage, which is sometimes disappointing, sometimes the best ever! The Dragonfly Ranch was one of the best ever. Fortunately, not perfect (I would hate to ruin the rest of my time on this planet).
Swim fins, masks, healthy food, smart pillows, multi-​level architecture, indoor/​outdoor showers, interesting quests & residents, honest website, tailored diet recommendations.
Not a «one size fits all» place. You’ll reap what you sow.

We booked this at the last minute for our 4 year anniversary. It was my mistake to try to book something for the weekend of the Ironman World Series!!! Nevertheless, I was happy to find this place when I did. I called Barbara and she was able to confirm our reservations for 2 nights (even though it says on the website there’s an extra charge for a less than 3-​night stay, she waived it for us for paying cash)
It was easy enough to find — I mean, how often do you stay at places with a «dragonfly goddess» sign at entrance the driveway? Everything looks like the website pictures, so no false advertising there. They also mention that it’s not the place for everyone and that is definitely true. We arrived and were welcomed by Barbara and the cats. We got to play with Azure, a beautiful Siamese who had a broken leg, in our room which had me in heaven.
We stayed in the Dolphin room, which is just a bedroom with an outside shower/​toilet. The bed was nice and comfy, but it got really hot at night, leaving both of us alternating between sweaty and freezing. The bathroom kind of freaked me out a little since there were leaves and bugs around. But I was able to get my hot showers and so I was happy enough. The other rooms do look GORGEOUS though, although they kind of lack in privacy since I was able to peer into most of them.
We spent one day reading on the porch which has chairs and hammocks. It was really lovely. We had a great view and it was perfect to relax. During the other days we spent time in Kona. We loved being outside of Kona, but close enough that it wasn’t inconvenient.
But the place does have it quirks. We went to check out the labyrinth and I got the distinct sense that the employee that hustled up after us was following us — which I hate. Barbara is definitely unique and the services she offers people are… interesting, but I didn’t take her up on any of them so I can’t speak to them. I’m not surprised that one reviewer overheard personal conversations. When we were there we overheard her making many business plans — don’t be fooled by her hippie-​like ways, she’s a businesswoman at her core! Wandering around behind the place seems like there are other people who squat on the land — with all the little sheds, tents and whatnot you can see.
Pros:
— Beautiful grounds
— Comfortable beds
— Can’t-be-beat location
— Free (sloooow) wireless
Cons:
— Not your average hotel or even bed and breakfast
— Interesting amenities: outdoor bathroom shared with bugs, no mini-​fridge so beware of bringing back leftovers
I feel bad leaving a less than stellar review, but if I’m honest, I wouldn’t necessarily come back here. Our stay at the Dragonfly was nice enough and served our purposes just fine. As long as you don’t expect a typical bed and breakfast experience and have an open mind, you’ll enjoy your stay.

I think that the Dragonfly Ranch has so much potential, but it’s not quite there yet.
I stayed for one night in January after a wedding on Oahu and two nights elsewhere (Hilo) on the BIg Island. I believe that their website said that they don’t normally take reservations for just one night, However, my emails with Barbara (the proprietor) months in advance were really lovely and accommodating. She promised that although she couldn’t reserve a specific room for one night in advance, that she would have something free in my chosen price range when I touched base with her closer to the date. In addition to giving her the amount I was willing to spend, I also requested an outdoor tub and/​or shower after reading about them on the website.
When I arrived, I was given the choice between one other room (something quite small, as I recall) and the Honeymoon Suite, both have outdoor bathing facilities. I picked the Honeymoon Suite because i liked the open feeling of the main bedroom (as an aside, why are there two beds in something called a «honeymoon» suite?), basically just surrounded by screens.
Let’s pause my discussions of the facilities for a moment (to which we will come back) and speak about my experiences with the staff.
When I arrived, I made my way up to the main area, calling out to locate someone. Two women that were on staff there were quite welcoming. Barbara was on the phone in the main, public space discussing some medical tests (in which, I think, urine had to be collected). I could hear the conversation clearly. While I understand that some people are more open than others, I was a bit surprised that she didn’t step into the other room (It was a cordless phone) since someone she didn’t know (me) had just entered while she was discussing and sensitive and private matter.
I was offered some vitamin-​enriched water (which was fine) while speaking with the women. The two staff people had agreed to help me deal with some direction questions for early the next morning. I had made plans to go kayaking and snorkeling with one of the licensed companies in the area (Big Island Kayak; they’re great) and wanted to make sure that I got there on time. When Barbara got off her call, she asked about our conversation and one of the staff folks let her know that they were helping me with directions (very kindly calling and speaking to the kayak/​snorkel people about their exact location to draw me a little map). Barbara seemed a bit put off by this, saying that they could have taken me snorkeling and that they «like to keep money in the family.» The ironic element to her comments is that she previously had that opportunity. A day or two before, something with my snorkeling reservations had fallen through (or looked like it would). I was devastated at the prospect of traveling somewhere so wonderful and not having the chance to snorkel for the first time. So, I emailed Barbara to ask her advice with regard to options. She hadn’t replied. So, even though she was clearly irritated, I let her know that I had already put a deposit down and was planning to honor the commitment I’d made to this company (Plus, I wanted to do it with a company that was officially licensed for operations on nearby Kealakekua Bay).
As I was moving my stuff to my suite a little later, I ran into the two helpful staff people again. I inquired if there might be any possibility of getting the included breakfast a bit earlier than their scheduled time since I had to be up early to head to my kayaking/​snorkeling excursion. One of the women said that she didn’t mind starting things a bit earlier and she asked if I had any preferences. I just chose some very simple items and we agreed upon a time to meet (quietly…so as to not disturb other guests). We also discussed their recommendations for a restaurant for dinner since I was headed to Kona that afternoon/​evening (They gave me a great one).
Back to the suite now… It was quite spacious, a two bedroom suite with one more private than the other. There was a little kitchenette area as well as a bathroom with a toilet and sink. And the shower and tub were outside. This seemed lovely… until I returned home after dark. Not only are the paths around the facility not very well lit (which is fine, if they’d warned me and/​or provided flashlights… since it’s a slightly winding and unfamiliar path for guests), but the light in the bathroom was out. I remembered that I did have a very small flashlight in my luggage, which afforded a tiny bit of light to use the toilet and wash my face.
The outdoor shower and tub to which I’d so looked forward were simply not options for me. I had seen earlier that they were both absolutely covered in bugs and leaves. Now, I know how the Dragonfly advertises. I am not afraid of a couple bugs and was not expecting a hotel experiences. I’ve lived in refugee camps in developing nations and can definitely rough it. To be continued…

Go the Dragonfly Ranch web site
— if it resonates with you then book the trip. You won’t be disappointed. It’s simply magical but it is not for everyone. If you want a resort with a big pool, room service and HBO stay away. If you want to be around wonderful, intelligent, thoughtful and caring people and be educated (about Kona, about life) then go! I could write paragraph after paragraph about all the wonderful things you can experience but the other review and the web site say it all. And yes, Barbara (the owner) is wonderful and so informative. You will leave a better person.

This is my 100^th review. I wanted it to be about someplace special. The Dragonfly is perhaps the special-​est place I know.
Upon my arrival at the Dragonfly Ranch, I was greeted by the proprietor, Barbara Moore, who inquired after the mutual friend who had recommended I stay there. I realized that this woman genuinely cares about her guests, not only while they are under her roof, but after they leave. Stay at the Dragonfly, and the Dragonfly will be with you for life.
It isn’t for everyone, as she warns on the website. If you want pillow top mattresses and chocolates on the pillow, and — let’s face it – completely indoor bathing facilities, you might not be entirely comfortable there. If you don’t like geckos and other friendly creepie-​crawlies, you definitely want to stay somewhere else.
The Dragonfly Ranch is a collection of treehouses and other shelters in the jungle above the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge) on the Big Island of Hawaii, on the Kona coast, and it is like no place else on earth. My room (the LomiLomi Suite) had a high ceiling, two walls of screen and one wall of mirrors reflecting the waters of Kealakekua Bay. One wall was all screens, which could be opened to the jungle outside. The toilet and sink in the room were quite adequate, but for showers, I had to go outside to a semi-​outdoor shower arrangement that was exotic and, well, fun.
Food at the Dragonfly is a pretty hit-​and-​miss proposition. The rooms have kitchenettes, and there is breakfast stuff to be had (all aggressively healthy) but if you long for animal products and such, the Coffee Shack is just up the highway with delectable omelettes and its own gorgeous view.
Barbara has lived on the Big Island for a long time, and knows her neighborhood very well. She arranged a little trip for several of the guests to Kaleakekua Bay, where we could swim and, if we were lucky, encounter some wild spinner dolphins. I am a timid swimmer, and expected to paddle cautiously near the shore. As I was doing that, I was adopted by a bunch (pod?) of wild dolphins who seemed to decide I was the cutest tub toy they’d seen in a while — we swam together for what seemed like hours, and when they were done with me, deposited me back near the shore. I will never forget that morning.
My last night at the Dragonfly Ranch, I lay on the roof of my room and watched a meteor shower in the dark, clear Hawaiian sky. I wished on one of those «falling stars» that someday I might return.