Home Description
Fabulous OCEANFRONT HOME with snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and swimming directly in front of the house! Our August 2014 big storm, Iselle, brought more sand into the bay and the snorkeling has become even better. We are now seeing Eagle Rays with regularity. We've always seen lots of Green Sea Turtles; it's the rays that are a current treat. The warm ponds in the Kapoho area are a special treat too -- unique in all of Hawaii. This is a nice, comfortable, home built with quality materials, and stocked with just about anything you would want. You'll love it.
OUTDOORS: Starting at the top--
* Roof Top Deck, with Hot Tub: Talk about a view! There is a 270 degree ocean view--no kidding. Here you will find two chaise lounge chairs and two rocking swivel chairs and a small table. The moon and sun both rise out of the ocean and this is a fantastic place to see that. With a clear night, the stars, and the Milky Way, are awe-inspiring. There's not too many places in the world where you can see stars so close to the horizon.
* Lanai off the Great Room: This is your outdoor dining room. There is a large table and dining chairs. Great indoor/outdoor living
* Downstairs Lanai: When the weather is really hot, there is a ground level lanai that is just perfect. We have a bench, table and two chairs here, There's a picnic table.
INDOORS:
* Great Room: This large room is used for many purposes. Comfortable Living Room, cozy Dining Room, extra Bedroom (double bed), TV, large Kitchen and a Bar. The vintage furniture is just right for Hawaii.
* Kitchen: The kitchen has top of the line hardware including appliances, faucets, knives, pots & pans. There is also a coffee maker, blender, toaster, mixing bowls, kitchen towels, flatware, serving pieces, and cutting boards. And the bar area, with sink, works well as a serving buffet or a hang-out for the non-chef(s) to keep the chef(s) company. The whole area is very functional, and part of the great room, so nobody misses any of the fun happenings.
* Master Bedroom: Large room with a super comfortable King sized bed, built-in dresser and closet, ceiling fan, a chair for reading or relaxing, reading lamps and romantic indirect lighting. Did we mention the HUGE ocean viewY This room is quite gorgeous.
* Master Bath: Tropical gone fabulous. Shower with two shower-heads, bench, and an ocean view! There’s also an unbelievable piece of granite that makes the walls of the shower look like you are inside a really refreshing volcano. Of course there are towels, soap, and a hair dryer.
* Second Bedroom: Comfortable Pillow-Top Queen-sized bed, closet with built in shelf for your luggage, reading lamp, ceiling fan, and a big ocean view.
* Second Bathroom: This bathroom is across the hall from the second bedroom, so it functions as the powder room as well. It has a tub/shower, with marble walls, a cool copper sink, and toilet all in a good-sized bathroom. Fluffy towels, hand/body soap, and a hair dryer make it all work well.
* Plus -- a bonus room shaded you can hang-out or work. There's a door leading to the back deck, for an extra-spacious feeling.
Also:
* Garage: This is where all the toys (bicycles, boogie boards, and kayaks) live. There are some stray swim fins, and masks/snorkels, though we can't guarantee we'll have your size. We also have a ping-pong table for family fun.
Other information about what we provide:
* Hand/Body soap, Dish soap, Dishwasher soap, Laundry soap, Toilet Paper
* Hair Dryers
* Ironing Board & Iron
More details:
* The home is built with top-quality materials and attention to every detail. It has stone decking, solid brass ship’s lighting fixtures, and plenty of ventilation-providing windows. The front door is big and beautiful -- 4 feet wide locally-milled eucalyptus with a stained-glass window panel depicting the fish found in the bay. On the inside there is the same brass ship’s lighting, local hardwoods for the cabinets and floors (jacaranda, silky oak), granite, copper, and a beachy white-washed ceiling with indirect and direct lighting. It is friendly, comfortable, and ultimately luxurious.
We regret that this house is not really suitable for children between the ages of 1 year and 12 years.
Also: To be in compliance with Hawaii State Law (Act 204 Session Laws Hawaii State Legislature, 2015) our Hawaii Tax I. D. No. is W51759221-01
About The Area
NATURE SPOTS & PLACES TO SEE ON THE BIG ISLAND
Puna District:
Kehena Beach – At this dramatic, clothing optional, black sand beach you won’t see any Japanese tour buses, but you may see explicit body parts. If you’re cool with that, then it’s worth the trip. It’s right off 137 just before the Kulani Honua Resort, you will see a small parking area on the ocean side of the road and a few cars. There is no sign marking the path down the bluff and no stairs, but it’s not a difficult walk down. Be aware the surf can be deceptively rough and waves crashing on the shore can be dangerous. Just be cautious and watch the other swimmers. Dolphins are frequently spotted playing in the beautiful blue water and the coconut palms and tropical setting is quite lovely. Recommended for the adventurous.
Pualaa (also called Ahalanui) Warm Pools Beach Park – This county park is the best natural swimming spot in the area. This very large pool is situated right next to the ocean where the salt water gushes in at one end and the warm mineral waters at the other end. It’s a big warm pond on the ocean! The natural setting is gorgeous with coconut palms, picnic tables, showers and porta-toilets. Again this is on 137 and is well marked. This is a great spot for the whole family.
Pohoiki Surf Break – Considered by many to be the best surf spot in lower Puna! Not really any sandy beach but it’s an easy entry into the water and “Bowls” is an incredible tube ride. Just up from Pualaa Warm Pools Beach Park. Stay on red road (137) and you can’t miss it. There is also a boat launch and an amazing bay which has great waves too. There is a new park here now!!
Kapoho Tide Pools & Champagne Pond - Heading south on 137 leads past Kapoho-Kai Road. This road goes to one of the most unusual locations on the Big Island. Dozens and dozens of spring-fed, brackish pools and tide-pools, some volcanically heated, are strewn thoughout the area known as Kapoho Tidepools. Champagne Pond is located in the gated community of Kapoho Beach lots, but you can park and walk inside.
You will find a calm, protected ocean inlet filled with crystal clear water. A scattering of fish and many sea turtles (I have seen 9 at one time) await. The ocean water is also geothermally heated (about 90 degrees on top) and changes with the tide.
Volcano Area – Volcano National Park – This is a must and has something for everyone. The Thurston Lava Tube is a big cave created by the lava flow. The caldera and rim of the volcano is spectacular. Drive down chain of craters road to the end and hike to the lava flow. Be sure to take good walking shoes, water, and if you go at night a flashlight.
Kileaua Caverns Tour – tours of caves made from lava flows! Amazing!
Hilo Area - Richardson’s State Beach Park – A nicely protected black sand beach that’s good for swimming and snorkeling. Lovely setting with large trees, ponds, picnic tables and showers. Safe for children. Located on the south end of Hilo Bay.
Akaka Falls – A stunning botanical garden with one of the largest waterfalls on the island. Take a picnic and spend some time nature watching. About 15 minutes north of Hilo on the main highway.
Rainbow Falls – Just minutes above Hilo – an awesome double waterfall
Helicopter tours from Hilo airport – great experience especially on a clear day!
West side of the island
Hapuna Beach – voted the best white sand beach on the Big Island. Good swimming, boogie boarding, and body surfing, as well as snorkeling.
Captain Cook’s Bay & Monument – in south Kona in Kealakakua in one of the most scenic bays you will ever see. A small black sand beach, but the water is like an aquarium with many varieties of tropical fish.
North Coast
Waipio Valley – on the Hamakua Coast this valley has a staggering look out that will make you a believer. This was the site of the last battle of King Kamahamaha’s unification of the island. Legend has it that sometimes the spirits of dead warriors appear on the valley wall. Horseback riding tours are available!
Waimea – charming town on the North Coast that reminds one of the Pacific Northwest. The Hawaiian cowboys, the paniolos, who inhabit the area have horse shoes and rodeos. The Parker Ranch, the largest in the USA, takes up much of the surrounding area.
South Point
Punaluu Black Sand Beach – beautiful beach where you can often sea giant sea turtles!
Some things that I enjoy that are free:
1) Ride my bike to the ocean access spots and go snorkeling. My favorite spot is the southernmost cove at Vacationland.
2) Go for a soak and swim in the rain at Champagne Pond.
3) Visit Hilo on Wed or Sat mornings to go to the farmer's market. It is wonderful!
4) Visit the Makuu Farmer's Market on Sundays - local food, music, crafts, etc.
5) Swim in the Pahoa Olympic Size Pool - open daily from 8:30-5 and weekends 9-4 and it's free!!
6) Visit the Pana'Ewa Rain Forest Zoo just south of Hilo.
7) Go for a swim/soak at the Ahalanui Hot Pond
8) Hike to the new black sand beach in Kalapana where the road ends (and have an ice cream - lunch at the restaurant here is very good too!!)
9) Hike to Green Lake (lots of places to hike on the island!)
10) Visit Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar (Wed) at the end of the Red Road in Kalapana. Locals type luau – food, crafts, entertainment on Wednesday evenings.
Some things that I enjoy that are not free
1) Go to Volcano National Park
2) Visit the Botanical Gardens north of Hilo
3) Have lunch or dinner at Cafe Pesto
4) My very favorite restaurant is Kaleo's in Pahoa. "Ono" food, and live entertainment on Thursdays and Sunday evenings. Best to make reservations. A little pricey.
5) Stop for take out fish & chips at the fish market in Pahoa at the Malama Market Shopping Center and bring it back to the house to eat and watch the ocean.
6) I love Lemongrass in Keaau for a plate lunch to take back to the house too!
7) The Thai food restaurants in Pahoa are very good if you like Thai
8) Luquin's for Mexican food and a margarita (Pahoa)
9) Paolo's is excellent Italian food (Pahoa)
10) The Hilo Bay Cafe in the Walmart Shopping Center is very good and healthy
11) The Ponds restaurant in Hilo
12) Ken's Pancackes Hilo
13) Pineapples Restaurant in Hilo – my new fave – open air and good healthy meals and full bar.
14) Hike to the lava flowing in to the ocean in Kalapana
15) Take a boat to the lava flowing in to the ocean www.lavaocean.com (if it is flowing into ocean)
House Rules
Please no shoes in the home - Hawaii Style! Please no wet towels or swim suits on our beautiful wood floors or furniture.
This home is to be rented to a maximum of four guests. We do not allow children under the age of 12...too many stairs to be "safe." Thanks for your understanding.
More detailed rules are on the rental contract.
Suitability
This home is best suited for a single person, a couple, or two couples, or a family of 3 or 4 as long as there are no kids under the age of 12, due to the stairs. There are enough sleeping spaces for more, but we keep it to a maximum for four. If you are traveling with two teenagers and they don't want to share the queen bed, there is a full bed in the living room and a twin in a room off the kitchen.
House 
Sleeps
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Minimum Stay
Fabulous OCEANFRONT HOME with snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and swimming directly in front of the house! Our August 2014 big storm, Iselle, brought more sand into the bay and the snorkeling has become even better. We are now seeing Eagle Rays with regularity. We've always seen lots of Green Sea Turtles; it's the rays that are a current treat. The warm ponds in the Kapoho area are a special treat too -- unique in all of Hawaii. This is a nice, comfortable, home built with quality materials, and stocked with just about anything you would want. You'll love it.
OUTDOORS: Starting at the top--
* Roof Top Deck, with Hot Tub: Talk about a view! There is a 270 degree ocean view--no kidding. Here you will find two chaise lounge chairs and two rocking swivel chairs and a small table. The moon and sun both rise out of the ocean and this is a fantastic place to see that. With a clear night, the stars, and the Milky Way, are awe-inspiring. There's not too many places in the world where you can see stars so close to the horizon.
* Lanai off the Great Room: This is your outdoor dining room. There is a large table and dining chairs. Great indoor/outdoor living
* Downstairs Lanai: When the weather is really hot, there is a ground level lanai that is just perfect. We have a bench, table and two chairs here, There's a picnic table.
INDOORS:
* Great Room: This large room is used for many purposes. Comfortable Living Room, cozy Dining Room, extra Bedroom (double bed), TV, large Kitchen and a Bar. The vintage furniture is just right for Hawaii.
* Kitchen: The kitchen has top of the line hardware including appliances, faucets, knives, pots & pans. There is also a coffee maker, blender, toaster, mixing bowls, kitchen towels, flatware, serving pieces, and cutting boards. And the bar area, with sink, works well as a serving buffet or a hang-out for the non-chef(s) to keep the chef(s) company. The whole area is very functional, and part of the great room, so nobody misses any of the fun happenings.
* Master Bedroom: Large room with a super comfortable King sized bed, built-in dresser and closet, ceiling fan, a chair for reading or relaxing, reading lamps and romantic indirect lighting. Did we mention the HUGE ocean viewY This room is quite gorgeous.
* Master Bath: Tropical gone fabulous. Shower with two shower-heads, bench, and an ocean view! There’s also an unbelievable piece of granite that makes the walls of the shower look like you are inside a really refreshing volcano. Of course there are towels, soap, and a hair dryer.
* Second Bedroom: Comfortable Pillow-Top Queen-sized bed, closet with built in shelf for your luggage, reading lamp, ceiling fan, and a big ocean view.
* Second Bathroom: This bathroom is across the hall from the second bedroom, so it functions as the powder room as well. It has a tub/shower, with marble walls, a cool copper sink, and toilet all in a good-sized bathroom. Fluffy towels, hand/body soap, and a hair dryer make it all work well.
* Plus -- a bonus room shaded you can hang-out or work. There's a door leading to the back deck, for an extra-spacious feeling.
Also:
* Garage: This is where all the toys (bicycles, boogie boards, and kayaks) live. There are some stray swim fins, and masks/snorkels, though we can't guarantee we'll have your size. We also have a ping-pong table for family fun.
Other information about what we provide:
* Hand/Body soap, Dish soap, Dishwasher soap, Laundry soap, Toilet Paper
* Hair Dryers
* Ironing Board & Iron
More details:
* The home is built with top-quality materials and attention to every detail. It has stone decking, solid brass ship’s lighting fixtures, and plenty of ventilation-providing windows. The front door is big and beautiful -- 4 feet wide locally-milled eucalyptus with a stained-glass window panel depicting the fish found in the bay. On the inside there is the same brass ship’s lighting, local hardwoods for the cabinets and floors (jacaranda, silky oak), granite, copper, and a beachy white-washed ceiling with indirect and direct lighting. It is friendly, comfortable, and ultimately luxurious.
We regret that this house is not really suitable for children between the ages of 1 year and 12 years.
Also: To be in compliance with Hawaii State Law (Act 204 Session Laws Hawaii State Legislature, 2015) our Hawaii Tax I. D. No. is W51759221-01
About The Area
NATURE SPOTS & PLACES TO SEE ON THE BIG ISLAND
Puna District:
Kehena Beach – At this dramatic, clothing optional, black sand beach you won’t see any Japanese tour buses, but you may see explicit body parts. If you’re cool with that, then it’s worth the trip. It’s right off 137 just before the Kulani Honua Resort, you will see a small parking area on the ocean side of the road and a few cars. There is no sign marking the path down the bluff and no stairs, but it’s not a difficult walk down. Be aware the surf can be deceptively rough and waves crashing on the shore can be dangerous. Just be cautious and watch the other swimmers. Dolphins are frequently spotted playing in the beautiful blue water and the coconut palms and tropical setting is quite lovely. Recommended for the adventurous.
Pualaa (also called Ahalanui) Warm Pools Beach Park – This county park is the best natural swimming spot in the area. This very large pool is situated right next to the ocean where the salt water gushes in at one end and the warm mineral waters at the other end. It’s a big warm pond on the ocean! The natural setting is gorgeous with coconut palms, picnic tables, showers and porta-toilets. Again this is on 137 and is well marked. This is a great spot for the whole family.
Pohoiki Surf Break – Considered by many to be the best surf spot in lower Puna! Not really any sandy beach but it’s an easy entry into the water and “Bowls” is an incredible tube ride. Just up from Pualaa Warm Pools Beach Park. Stay on red road (137) and you can’t miss it. There is also a boat launch and an amazing bay which has great waves too. There is a new park here now!!
Kapoho Tide Pools & Champagne Pond - Heading south on 137 leads past Kapoho-Kai Road. This road goes to one of the most unusual locations on the Big Island. Dozens and dozens of spring-fed, brackish pools and tide-pools, some volcanically heated, are strewn thoughout the area known as Kapoho Tidepools. Champagne Pond is located in the gated community of Kapoho Beach lots, but you can park and walk inside.
You will find a calm, protected ocean inlet filled with crystal clear water. A scattering of fish and many sea turtles (I have seen 9 at one time) await. The ocean water is also geothermally heated (about 90 degrees on top) and changes with the tide.
Volcano Area – Volcano National Park – This is a must and has something for everyone. The Thurston Lava Tube is a big cave created by the lava flow. The caldera and rim of the volcano is spectacular. Drive down chain of craters road to the end and hike to the lava flow. Be sure to take good walking shoes, water, and if you go at night a flashlight.
Kileaua Caverns Tour – tours of caves made from lava flows! Amazing!
Hilo Area - Richardson’s State Beach Park – A nicely protected black sand beach that’s good for swimming and snorkeling. Lovely setting with large trees, ponds, picnic tables and showers. Safe for children. Located on the south end of Hilo Bay.
Akaka Falls – A stunning botanical garden with one of the largest waterfalls on the island. Take a picnic and spend some time nature watching. About 15 minutes north of Hilo on the main highway.
Rainbow Falls – Just minutes above Hilo – an awesome double waterfall
Helicopter tours from Hilo airport – great experience especially on a clear day!
West side of the island
Hapuna Beach – voted the best white sand beach on the Big Island. Good swimming, boogie boarding, and body surfing, as well as snorkeling.
Captain Cook’s Bay & Monument – in south Kona in Kealakakua in one of the most scenic bays you will ever see. A small black sand beach, but the water is like an aquarium with many varieties of tropical fish.
North Coast
Waipio Valley – on the Hamakua Coast this valley has a staggering look out that will make you a believer. This was the site of the last battle of King Kamahamaha’s unification of the island. Legend has it that sometimes the spirits of dead warriors appear on the valley wall. Horseback riding tours are available!
Waimea – charming town on the North Coast that reminds one of the Pacific Northwest. The Hawaiian cowboys, the paniolos, who inhabit the area have horse shoes and rodeos. The Parker Ranch, the largest in the USA, takes up much of the surrounding area.
South Point
Punaluu Black Sand Beach – beautiful beach where you can often sea giant sea turtles!
Some things that I enjoy that are free:
1) Ride my bike to the ocean access spots and go snorkeling. My favorite spot is the southernmost cove at Vacationland.
2) Go for a soak and swim in the rain at Champagne Pond.
3) Visit Hilo on Wed or Sat mornings to go to the farmer's market. It is wonderful!
4) Visit the Makuu Farmer's Market on Sundays - local food, music, crafts, etc.
5) Swim in the Pahoa Olympic Size Pool - open daily from 8:30-5 and weekends 9-4 and it's free!!
6) Visit the Pana'Ewa Rain Forest Zoo just south of Hilo.
7) Go for a swim/soak at the Ahalanui Hot Pond
8) Hike to the new black sand beach in Kalapana where the road ends (and have an ice cream - lunch at the restaurant here is very good too!!)
9) Hike to Green Lake (lots of places to hike on the island!)
10) Visit Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar (Wed) at the end of the Red Road in Kalapana. Locals type luau – food, crafts, entertainment on Wednesday evenings.
Some things that I enjoy that are not free
1) Go to Volcano National Park
2) Visit the Botanical Gardens north of Hilo
3) Have lunch or dinner at Cafe Pesto
4) My very favorite restaurant is Kaleo's in Pahoa. "Ono" food, and live entertainment on Thursdays and Sunday evenings. Best to make reservations. A little pricey.
5) Stop for take out fish & chips at the fish market in Pahoa at the Malama Market Shopping Center and bring it back to the house to eat and watch the ocean.
6) I love Lemongrass in Keaau for a plate lunch to take back to the house too!
7) The Thai food restaurants in Pahoa are very good if you like Thai
8) Luquin's for Mexican food and a margarita (Pahoa)
9) Paolo's is excellent Italian food (Pahoa)
10) The Hilo Bay Cafe in the Walmart Shopping Center is very good and healthy
11) The Ponds restaurant in Hilo
12) Ken's Pancackes Hilo
13) Pineapples Restaurant in Hilo – my new fave – open air and good healthy meals and full bar.
14) Hike to the lava flowing in to the ocean in Kalapana
15) Take a boat to the lava flowing in to the ocean www.lavaocean.com (if it is flowing into ocean)
House Rules
Please no shoes in the home - Hawaii Style! Please no wet towels or swim suits on our beautiful wood floors or furniture.
This home is to be rented to a maximum of four guests. We do not allow children under the age of 12...too many stairs to be "safe." Thanks for your understanding.
More detailed rules are on the rental contract.
Suitability
This home is best suited for a single person, a couple, or two couples, or a family of 3 or 4 as long as there are no kids under the age of 12, due to the stairs. There are enough sleeping spaces for more, but we keep it to a maximum for four. If you are traveling with two teenagers and they don't want to share the queen bed, there is a full bed in the living room and a twin in a room off the kitchen.