Welcome to South Kona, Big Island of Hawaii! I offer a private, ocean-view studio apartment on the garden level of a single-family home in a beachy, rural subdivision comprised of interesting custom homes. This self-catering studio is separate and lockable from the main house and has a private entrance via side staircase. Sleeps two guests max. (Not really a good fit for babies/toddlers... but I c
...
more +
Welcome to South Kona, Big Island of Hawaii! I offer a private, ocean-view studio apartment on the garden level of a single-family home in a beachy, rural subdivision comprised of interesting custom homes. This self-catering studio is separate and lockable from the main house and has a private entrance via side staircase. Sleeps two guests max. (Not really a good fit for babies/toddlers... but I can take one adult and one older child.)
Two minutes drive to our own secluded, uncrowded, black-pebble beach with easy access to outstanding snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. Unlike beaches in town, it's very uncrowded here most days and you will probably have the whole beach to yourself. :) This property is located between mile marker 97 and 96 in South Kona.
Spacious, cozy, clean, comfortable studio outfitted with a kitchenette. (No oven, but there is a cooktop/hotplate.) Best for cooking light meals. Includes utensils, dishes, pots, pans, coffee grinder, even blender and a pancake griddle!
NEW: Ultra-luxurious, certified organic King mattress by Nest Bedding with brand new platform. Also, pleasant cement patio outside: a picnic table, gas BBQ for grilling up that great island fish or island-grown beef. Save money on restaurantsโeating out is pricey! Cook here at home. New patio chairs and table also outside.
Please note: This is a setting quite off the beaten track, so if you are looking to walk to nightlife, convenience stores or Starbux, this location is NOT the place. If you want to see canopies of stars, hear birds and whales and the crashing surf, and be near premier, uncrowded snorkeling, well, that's more like us. Most guests love the rural location for just these reasons. At night, it's a safe, peaceful, dark, breezy and simply gorgeous out here. This is not a five-star resort room, nor should you expect it to be. It's a cozy, cottage-like, fully outfitted apartment in a mature, family neighborhood. A little bit funky, a little bit sweet, a lot homey, a lot comfy.
I have no minimum required stay (except at Christmas and NY holiday weeks, which must be booked in a minimum 7-day block at Christmas (Dec, 16-26, ) and a 7-day block Christmas/New Years (Dec. 27- January 4).
Our quiet subdivision is stair-stepped onto the dramatic, steep slopes of Mauna Loa, (the world's largest active volcano) creating commanding, 180-degree panoramic ocean views. This affords us vistas all the way to Kailua town 25 miles to the north. Clear horizon lines run 35 miles straight out to sea. Sunsets are extraordinary experiences on this part of the island, especially at our location and elevation. You feel like you are on top of the world --yet still close to the beach. Our leeward (Kona means "lee" or calm) side of the island is characterized by mostly dry, sunny weather year round, with a light increase in rain in the summer months. Average year-round temp is 80 degrees. Perfect.
In winter, we can hear the raucous humpback whales from up here (November through April). Star-swept skies astonish. Cool elevation of about 750 feet means that ocean breezes keep us naturally comfortable all day, every day. We don't have the loud shrieking frogs that have invaded much of the rest of the island.
The beach right below us is a pebble cove with protected bay. Snorkeling along the finger reefs here (in calm conditions) is excellent. Our beach is a TRUE best-kept secret. Shore divers love this area, also known for its abundant sealife, startling pinnacles and breathtaking coral gardens. (The Kona Aggressor dive charter parks just to the north of our bay.) Kayaking is premier and it's easy to launch (in calm conditions) from our paved beach parking lot. The beach is about two minutes away from me via a crazy steep road. You can walk it-- but driving is recommended.
Hiking along the ancient King's Trail and to "Secret's" mini black sand beach is also accessible from the beach. Walk even farther north and reach the place we call the "Secret Grotto."
Free use of my high-quality U.S. Divers snorkeling equipment (with signed waiver) beach umbrella, beach cooler & chairs, sunshades, reef shoes, surfwear, noodles, beach towels and beachmats. Note: Snorkel gear provided as a courtesy only. Fit and quality not guaranteed.
Free, reliable and fast Wi-Fi. Furniture includes brand new organic king size platform bed from Nest Bedding, end tables, dining table and chairs, sitting chairs and lamps, two dropleaf tables, two armoires for storage. Futon couch. New 19-inch flat screen/DVD player with a few good movies and a few B or C movies. :) We are on a self-sustaining rainwater catchment system here, so water conservation is requested and appreciated.
Enjoy often spectacular sunsets in the evenings, amidst the sounds of hundreds of roosting mynah birds, (depending on the time of year.) It's tranquil and dark out here... a great location to experience the real vibe of Authentic Kona, Hawaii.
Your hosts in the main house are friendly, longtime Hawaii Island residents with a Maltese dog and grumpy-faced cat.
We are approx. 23 miles south of Kailua-Kona, about an hour south of the airport.
LOCAL DRIVING DISTANCES (North): We are 15 minutes south of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (the best preserved cultural refuge and ancient temple complex in the state) and "Two-Step," featuring outstanding snorkeling, said to be among the top three in the state. Twenty minutes from world- famous Kealakekua Bay--a pristine bay and protected marine reserve/underwater park great for swimming, dolphin sightings and whale-watching. Five minutes to the famed coffee belt of the Honaunau Valley.
In short, South Kona is home to a great variety of different beaches and attractions all within minutes.
We are about one hour and 15 minutes to the amazing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Punalu'u Black Sand beach, with an abundance of sunbathing turtles, is about 45 minutes south as are turnoffs for the Green Sands Beach and South Point. (a 12-mile access road takes you to within hiking distance of these spots.)
It's about 12 miles north to the town of Captain Cook, with services such as gasoline, restaurants, grocery and banking. It's 45 minutes to Kailua or Keauhou if you DO want some nightlife, dining, bigbox retailers, sportfishing, golf, luaus or tennis.
(NOTE: Food and other provisions are the responsibility of the guest and are not provided.)
Hiring a car for mobility's and convenience sake is mandatory.
My place is great for a single or couple who want a nicely located spot near the beach that's still in the West side tropical zone... but seek a setting well away from the retail, heat, tourists and bustle of Kailua town.
Winter rates (November through April) are higher. Ironman week is higher. Christmas week and NY week must be booked as a minimum 7 day block. NO refunds for bookings for either of these two weeks. (Travel insurance required.) There is a non-refundable, $85 cleaning fee and $180 refundable security deposit required.
NOTE ABOUT TAX: I must collect Hawaii accommodation tax IN CASH of 14.45%. The collection of tax is mandatory and non negotiable.
I can often take you last minute, or for a short stay so please enquire.
Over 25 only please. I do ask that you complete your Profile, especially if you have no reviews or references. I'm only interested in hosting guests who are quiet, courteous and respectful. Please read listing carefully before booking. Sorry, no refunds on weather delays/flight cancellations or booking errors.
If my long ramble has not answered all your questions, write with ANY and ALL questions about the place, location or its amenities, and I'd be glad to answer!
Mahalo! and e komo mai! (Welcome).
Once you book, and they release our contact info, I will email you the detailed guest info. I've hosted guests from around the world and enjoy introducing them to this wonderful spot. :)
When you use this site, you are booking directly through the ownerโNo middle-man platform to charge us fees and/or commissions! I will email a PDF file of complete information to you once you are booked and confirmed. I must check and photograph your ID upon check in.