The Jeyte’s weren’t always the owners of the Volcano Heritage Cottages. Back in 1985, they were just a couple on a trip to Hawai’i Island. Albert and Lorna were still dating when she brought Albert to the Big Island, where she was born and raised. Naturally, their visit included a stop in Volcano Village, HI.
From the village that so many artists call home, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and its hiking trails, the picnic areas, and the residents they met, it was love at first sight for Albert. And that wasn’t the only thing he fell for. Over a bottle of Dom Pérignon at Kīpukapuaulu (Bird Park), Albert proposed to Lorna.
One year later, in December of 1986, Albert and Lorna were back on the Big Island for their honeymoon. They stayed with Joanne and Gordon Morse – adventurers, writers, bed and breakfast owners, historians, and culinary artists in their own right.
And Joanne just happened to be a realtor as well. So when Albert and Lorna asked her about available properties that could be converted into a country inn (much like those that the newlyweds had experienced in New England) Joanne showed them the 1938 YMCA on Old Volcano Road.
It was a 10-acre property with several buildings and within hours, a deal was reached and the couple returned to Honolulu to share their news. When they announced their intentions of moving to Volcano, Hawai’i to open an inn and restaurant, their friends and family were astounded. A few even wondered if the couple was having a midlife crisis!
It soon became abundantly clear that this venture was far more than a whim. Lorna’s Dad, George Larsen, bestowed upon the property the name “Kilauea Lodge” and the Jeyte’s Volcano adventure began.
In 2018, Albert and Lorna decided to retire (sort of!) and sold Kilauea Lodge, choosing to stay in the village they fell in love with and start a new adventure: Owning and managing the Volcano Heritage Cottages, two romantic vacation rentals near the Lodge.
After 33 years of running Kilauea Lodge, almost 35 years of marriage, and 10 grandchildren, the Jeytes are still living in Volcano Village and celebrating their good fortune by toasting the many wonderful memories they’ve made with a fantastic bottle of champagne!
The next time you visit Hawai’i Island with your ipo (sweetheart) be sure to check out Lorna and Albert’s favorite romantic destinations for some unforgettable Hawai’i dates:
1. A chocolate farm tour and tasting
From a tour of Puna Chocolate’s cacao orchards to learning about how chocolate is made, this is one sweet experience! You’ll stroll under the orchard’s natural canopy before tasting dark, milk, and white chocolates crafted from fresh, organically grown cocoa beans.
2. A romantic picnic at Kipukapuaulu
You don’t want to miss the spot where Albert proposed to Lorna! You and your Valentine can explore an island of native forest floating in a sea of more recent, hardened lava at Kīpukapuaulu (Bird Park), right here in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy a leisurely, 1.2-mile hike along a loop trail through well-protected rainforest as an array of stunning birds in the kīpuka sing you a love song. It’s a lush contrast to the rest of the park and the perfect place for a picnic is nearby on Mauna Loa Road. Just plan on visiting early or late in the day, since the park’s rare birds are not particularly active during the middle of the day.
3. Wine Tasting at Volcano Winery
When you stay at a Volcano Heritage Cottage, wine tasting in Paradise is just a sip away! You’ll taste local wines inspired by volcanic fire and crafted by blending traditional wine grapes with exotic tropical fruits, all in a relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to take home a few bottles – You’ll want at least one for your next candlelit dinner.
4. Horseback riding in Waipio Valley
Saddle up for a ride on the jungle trails in and above Waipi’o Valley, where you’ll fall in love with one of the most beloved and iconic spots in all of Hawai’i. During this guided excursion, local wranglers will share their knowledge of Waipi’o Valley’s legends, rich history, flora, and fauna while you journey across meandering streams. The three-hour horseback ride includes a tour of the farmland where patches of the ancient Hawaiian staple lo’i kalo, Hawaiian bananas, coconut, and other rare fruit trees are lovingly tended to. You’ll also drink in memorable views of cascading waterfalls and Waipi’o’s black sand beach while the gentle, well-trained horses take you and your ipo on this scenic tour of the unbelievably beautiful valley!
5. Soak up the sun at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Nothing says romance like a rare beach blanketed with jet black sand and surrounded by rows of coconut palm trees. Welcome to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, where you can snorkel in calm waters and picnic under the swaying palms!
A Tip from Albert & Lorna: For a special picnic lunch, we like to grab a treat and takeout sandwich from the Punalu’u Bakery before heading to Punalu’u Beach. Head for the southern side of the beach, which is more sheltered and perfect for a picnic!
6. Sunset from Mauna Kea’s summit
Viewing the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea is an unforgettable experience. Imagine stealing a kiss from your honey as the sun drops below the clouds and sets the sky on fire! If you are planning to visit the summit, your journey should begin at the Visitor Information Station (VIS). It’s here that you’ll receive a current weather update, safety information, and have the chance to adjust to the change in altitude. Since Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to
Viewing the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea is an unforgettable experience. Imagine stealing a kiss from your honey as the sun drops below the clouds and sets the sky on fire! If you are planning to visit the summit, your journey should begin at the Visitor Information Station (VIS). It’s here that you’ll receive a current weather update, safety information, and have the chance to adjust to the change in altitude. Since Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to
Viewing the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea is an unforgettable experience. Imagine stealing a kiss from your honey as the sun drops below the clouds and sets the sky on fire! If you are planning to visit the summit, your journey should begin at the Visitor Information Station (VIS). It’s here that you’ll receive a current weather update, safety information, and have the chance to adjust to the change in altitude. Since Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to 13,803 feet in about two hours, there is a high probability of getting altitude sickness if you don’t have a chance to acclimate to the elevation! The road to the summit is unpaved, rough, and notably steep, so always use a four-wheel drive vehicle in low range to mitigate brake failure and overheating when venturing up to the summit. The summit area’s visiting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. After the sun goes down, head back to the Visitor’s Station to gaze at the stars lighting up the Hawaiian night sky.
A Tip from Lorna & Albert: Bundle up! Even though you’re in Hawai’i, it still gets cold at the summit, especially when the sun sets. We recommend wearing pants, shoes and socks, and a hoodie. It doesn’t hurt to bring a warm jacket, gloves, a hat to keep your ears warm, and maybe even a blanket to cuddle under and thermos of hot cocoa to share!
And when it comes to a romantic evening, Volcano style, you can’t go wrong snuggling up in front of the fire at Tutu’s Place or the Ola’a House with a bottle of champagne and some of the brightest stars you’ve ever seen winking at you from outside! Book a stay today!