Vacation Rentals by Owner

AKSM

Guest: The J's@Vancouver (Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 03/26/12 Review Submitted: 04/03/12

Melouise, the owner, is extremly helpful with the rental process and providees very helpful advice re: groceries, restaurants and what to do in the area. The "tree house" was beautifully decorated with hawaiian prints, very clean and well equipped. The pictures are accurate, but do not do it justice! Yes, we would recommend this property as it is so close to the Place of Refuge, snorkelling at Two steps, Captain Cook and Manini beach. Rent kayaks at "Maile's kayaks" one block north, past the wharf. Eat at Kalema's, amazing burgers and shaved ice, a mile up the road. Wonderful stay, wish we could have stayed longer! Thank-you Meloise for sharing your home.

Owner response:Thanks so much for your kind words and for taking the time to submit your comment. I love hearing from our guests and am delighted that you enjoyed your time at the bay so much. I knew it would be perfect for your family! Hana Hou means "come again" in Hawaiian and I hope we see you for a much longer visit next time! Warm aloha, Melouise

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful!

Guest: Kirsten (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/12

We spent nearly two wonderful weeks at Hale Hana Hou this Christmas and couldn't have been happier with the home. Beautiful location in a small community, just a short walk to sweet Manini Beach. The home was very clean, and was stocked with everything we could possibly need. We all loved being surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of birds and geckos. Owner Melouise was very helpful and welcoming. We would stay here again in a heartbeat!

Owner response:Thanks so much for your great comments Kirsten. I'm always delighted to hear about my guests' wonderful visits, and especially pleased that you had such a perfect Christmas there with your family. I look forward to hearing from you again and will delight in booking your next visit. Mahalo, Melouise

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Exceeded expectations!!

Guest: RGS (North carolina)
Date of Stay: 10/12/11 Review Submitted: 10/16/11

Just completed a visit to our son who lives on the Hilo side. He recommend Kealakekua Bay. I came upon this property and the only time available in the month were the three days that we wanted. Obviously, the place is popular and our party arrived we knew why once we entered. The "Tree House" was very roomy with a great Lanai and a yard full of fruit trees, flowers and birds. My wife loved how well appointed the house and kitchen were. We were a short walk to the bay and there was a single kayak and plenty of snorkel gear. At the bay you can rent standup paddle boards as well as additional kayaks if needed. A short drive down the beach was City of Refuge and Two Steps, another great snorkeling place. Overall, this is a great place and we will return---- if our son stays in Hawaii Robert & Julie

Owner response:Thanks so much for taking the time to review Hale Hana Hou Robert and Julie. I'm so glad we had the perfect days available for you and that you enjoyed your visit so much. We look forward to your return visit. Mahalo, Melouise

Recommended for:Age 55+

Fabulous!

Guest: Pat (Honolulu, HI)
Date of Stay: 05/21/11 Review Submitted: 05/31/11

This house is wonderful! It feels like you are in a tree house, but screened in. The landscaping is beautiful, and the house has a warm, inviting hawaiian feel! The house is a short walk to an entry way into the beautiful Kealakekua Bay, with amazing snorkeling, swimming and kayaking. The owner is very kind and easy to work with. I would greatly recommend this home to anyone!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Had a wonderful time, thank you.

Guest: Lise (Homer, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

My party of seven included two moms, four teenage girls and a 10 year old boy for Christmas. We had a wonderful, quiet, safe and happy time at Mel's beautiful home. The location was accurate, the description of the home was accurate as well. The property is clean and well maintained, with a fun gardener to ask questions about the local plants. The owner was very helpful when we misunderstood our check out time, and she collaboratively problem solved so we were well taken care of. I would recommend this property heartily to anyone who is interested in exploring the Kona coast. The location was historically tremendous, situated in the bay where Captain Cook was killed. This is also the bay over which towers a looming cliff, the burial site of kings. The snorkeling in this bay was tremendous. The locals were friendly and we were welcomed as we walked around in nearby villages. Whales breached right off the shoreline. My only sadness is only being able to stay 9 days! Thanks again for a wonderful vacation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Great quiet getaway

Guest: Kit (Mount Vernon, WA)
Date of Stay: 10/26/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

The house is as nice as the pictures show, and spacious. A small group of us stayed here during a short work assignment in order to avoid the hotel scene at Keahou. We are so glad we did; it was much cheaper than putting everyone in hotel rooms and so much more comfortable. The house was very clean and the kitchen is fully stocked with dishes and cooking utensils. There was a kayak to use and assorted snorkel gear. I wish I could have stayed here with even more time to explore the nearby beaches and reefs. Thanks Melouise.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wow!

Guest: Michelle (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 08/04/10 Review Submitted: 08/11/10

We stayed at this property while visiting the Kona side of the island. My husband was all smiles while driving the 4 mile curvy, winding road down to the bottom of the mountain by the bay. "Wow" is what all of us said when we opened the door and walked into the house. The open air and breeze from all the screen windows is perfect. We also enjoyed waking up to the birds every morning. The home is about 30 minutes away from the Kona hotspots, but that is exactly what we were looking for. It is located in a wonderful, intimate community. Karen (downstairs) and Fred (gardener) were very friendly and helpful. He cut down coconuts for the kids and Karen opened them so we could drink coconut water. We looked for dolphins, but we didn't have any luck. We saw TONS of honu (green sea turtles) however. The Place of Refuge just down the road (10 minutes) is a beautiful and interesting place to explore. It is also right next to a great snorkeling area (Two Step) where the honu are abundant. The waters seemed a little rough for us to canoe over to the Captain Cook monument to snorkel, so we just went to Two Step instead. We weren't disappointed - while snorkeling, we saw yellow tang, convict tang, pufferfish, eels, picasso triggerfish, parrotfish, etc. Our kids were a little scared to snorkel, but enjoyed playing in the water. At one point, while were watching Daddy snorkel, my daughter yelled "honu!" as he had just poked his head up right in front of my stomach. We had 3 honu swimming around us eating. Very magical. The property had everything we needed with all the comforts of home. The home is very clean and well stocked. The pictures on the website are accurate, but it doesn't really do it justice. You've got to see it to believe it. We definitely hope to come back soon. Mahalo Melouise!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jeannine
Date of Stay: 05/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

We had a marvelous time except for me trying to hike up Waipio Valley. It's why god invented SUVs. The highlight of our vacation was snorkeling with the spinner dolphins in the bay. It was an incredible experience seeing a large pod of dolphins in the clear blue water swimming around and under you. The snorkeling at the Captain Cook monument ws the best I've ever done.

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Guest: The D clan from Seattle
Date of Stay: 03/23/10 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

Wow! What an amazing place! We absolutely loved our "tree house" (as we affectionately call this house). It was a joy waking up each morning to thesounds of the birds and feeling the breezes day and night - always the perfect temperature. The lay-out of the house was perfect for our needs. Loved the proximity to Manini Beach - we went snorkeling there nearly every morning - perfect way to start the day. We explored other parts of the island, but were always happy to come back "home". Appreciated Mel's notes on what to see and do, as well as all the gerat snorkeling gear. Would definitely stay here again - thanks so much!

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Guest: Ami, Bianca, Sasha, Nicole
Date of Stay: 03/20/10 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

This was an all ladies trip. The 4 of us had a great time and loved this beautiful and wonderful house. We took full advantage of the kitchen and visited the farmer's market to cook with local ingredients. My personal feelings are that we couldn't have stayed anywhere better! I loved walking in the mornings down to the beaches with a cup of coffee in hand.

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Guest: Michael81 (-)
Date of Stay: 11/03/09 Review Submitted: 11/03/09

Dear Melouise, I just wanted to let you know that we had a fantastic trip to the big island. We especially loved Kealakekua Bay and the beach access so close to your house. The snorkeling was the best we have ever seen. Thanks so much for opening your wonderful house to us.

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Guest: The Bridge 5 from Seattle, Washington
Date of Stay: 09/27/09 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

Needless to say we had a grand time here in this great house. We appreciated the information of where to go and what to see. For the last night we loved Huggos. We went to the wrong side - we were not on the rocks. We only discovered that when we came back from a stroll down the beach. We are going home tired, full of good memories & some of us sunburned. We snorkeled with too much exposed. Loved our gecko friends! Mahalo.

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Guest: The M Family from Kalamazoo, Michigan
Date of Stay: 07/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

Thank you for entrusting us with your special space! We enjoyed this special community and it felt really special to discover Auntie Margaret's house right down the road to Ke'ei Beach - and one day a few people played ukeleles and sang Hawaiian songs on her porch - that was so beautiful to experience. Love your art - especially the kapa cloth hangings and we were so happy to find great snorkeling gear here. Also GREAT resource books! And the AMAZING hula outfit on the master bedroom wall! ALOHA!

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Guest: Phil & Brigitte
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

What a lovely house! We felt like we were on an old Hawaii Plantation. The best feature was no glass in the windows, just screens everywhere! With all the great birds, it was like living on a tropical jungle island, far removed from reality. We will recommend it to our friends. Manini Beach was the best snorkeling.

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Guest: Beate Gr? (Ulm/Germany)
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 07/05/09

Wonderful! The location is great, green around the house, but you can hear the ocean. Inside the house everything is easy, its well furnished and decorated and the athmosphere is really good. So we spent some quiet hours in/outside the hose and at the lanai. We enjoyed snorkeling and sunset at Manini Beach, swimming , kayaking at Kealakekku Bay..and more. If we ever come back to Big Island we`ll try to stay in this house again. Thanks to Melouise foir running that place so well, and to Karin fo being so kind!! Beate ans Karsten with Wilhelm and Jolanthe. P.S. Maybe there are some mistakes in my english but I can recommend the house also in german. Beate

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Guest: Beate, Karsten, Yolanthe und Wilhelm
Date of Stay: 05/27/09 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

We had a wonderful stay here. Thank you Melouise for letting us stay in your beautiful house! It's comfortable, well decorated and really everything we need. The children were happy at the lanai and in the garden - watching birds and geckos! We'd love to come back one day although it took us many days to come here from Germany. We enjoyed swimming at Napoopoo Beach, snorkeling and sunset-watching at Manini Beach...and many other things. Also thanks to Karen for her patience!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/03/09

We’ve rented homes on the various Hawaiian islands for about 15 years now, and before now we have never found one on the Big Island we’d go back to. We’re so glad to have found Hale Hana Hou, as we would return to your lovely home in a heartbeat. The location is prime; it was a joy to wake up to the sounds of birds and the surf every morning. The walk to Napoopoo beach was short and the snorkeling there was stupendous. And the owner's attention to detail is amazing; we’ve never stayed in a home that was so well-equipped. The kitchen, laundry room, and outdoor areas had everything we could possibly have hoped for to make our trip memorable, relaxing, and a joy, including an amazing array of snorkeling equipment and an outdoor grill. We also enjoyed all of the fruit trees on the property (grapefruit, breadfruit, mango, papaya, coconut, lime, pineapple, etc.) The local artwork in the home also helped make the ambiance restful; there are beautiful pieces of Kapa (Hawaiian handmade and hand-printed art paper) and the paintings are very nice as well. Overall, we could not have wished for anything else, it was truly a superb visit. The owner, Melouise, was also very accommodating and attentive and a pleasure to work woth. Next time we’ll plan to stay longer. Mahalo for everything, Aloha

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Guest: Stephen
Date of Stay: 02/25/08 Review Submitted: 02/24/08

A direct quote by owner from a recent guest, "Aloha Melouise, I want to let you know how much we enjoyed staying at your house in Kealakekua. It was a perfect site for our vacation - wonderful location, beautiful property, gerat house. It is clear that you do an excellent job maintaining the house and keeping it very well stocked for your guests. We certainly hope to stay there again in the future and will certainly recommend it to our friends. Stephen, Sivi & Isabella

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

NOTE: OWNER IS COPYING GUEST'S COMMENTS FROM GUEST BOOK AT HALE HANA HOU. We've had a wonderful week here. Melouise you've done a great job with this place, it's very thoughtfully equipped. Suzanne, Indiana My family and I have had a wonderful month in this very accomodating house. This is a beautiful place and a good home to enjoy it from. Julie, Ken and family. We arrive to such a beautiful space. So much space to dream in to revitalize. The flowers such a welcoming in their powerful and delicate hues arranged so beautifully. Melouise has been thoughtful with this house. Rohmanna & Jeff

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

What a wonderful place. Comfortable house, great weather, great snorkeling (the manta ray swim .. what a surprise! And swimming with the dolphins..amasing)interesting exploring around the island, beautiful flowers. Maryann & Clay Came to the Big Island for a friend's wedding; fell in love with the beauty of this place. Great house! Outstanding island. Thank you for letting us enjoy your beautiful house. Courtney, TJ, et al We loved our time here and will definitely be back. Swimming with the dolphins was fabulous. The house is beautiful and very well equipped. Debbie, Craig, Alma and Tom

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

We had a really good time here. We went snorkeling every day. We will definitely come back here again. Tom, Meg, Maria, David & Mary We can't thank you enough for the time you allowed us to stay in this beautiful place. Fond memories will remain of the spectacular snorkeling, amazing scenery and kayak adventures. Thank you for your generosity - this house is wonderful with all the amenities of home. Lindsay & Walter

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

What a wonderful place. Comfortable house, great weather, great snorkeling (the manta ray swim .. what a surprise! And swimming with the dolphins..amasing)interesting exploring around the island, beautiful flowers. Maryann & Clay Came to the Big Island for a friend's wedding; fell in love with the beauty of this place. Great house! Outstanding island. Thank you for letting us enjoy your beautiful house. Courtney, TJ, et al We loved our time here and will definitely be back. Swimming with the dolphins was fabulous. The house is beautiful and very well equipped. Debbie, Craig, Alma and Tom

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

We came from Washington State - a beautiful place - waterfalls, rocky beaches, moderate weather. Then we came HERE!!! After we went different places on the island, we felt so lucky to get home to our house at Kealakekua Bay! Lisa, Kris, Meeka, Pat

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

What a wonderful respite. My soul is healed and I'm ready for the next challenge. And a glorious close of my 59th year - look out 60, here I come! Thank you..I will always treasure my Hawaiian memories. Carmine

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

What a fabulous location. Kayaking in the bay is a must! Spinner dolphins. Sea turtles. Great snorkeling. Beautiful sunsets too! Couldn't have picked a better place to heal our hearts and mend our souls. Thank you so much! Anne & Joe Happy anniversary to us!!! Great way to spend it! Great place - especially for a big family like ours. Thanks so much. Kath & Greg and family

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

What a fabulous location. Kayaking in the bay is a must! Spinner dolphins. Sea turtles. Great snorkeling. Beautiful sunsets too! Couldn't have picked a better place to heal our hearts and mend our souls. Thank you so much! Anne & Joe Happy anniversary to us!!! Great way to spend it! Great place - especially for a big family like ours. Thanks so much. Kath & Greg and family

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

What a fabulous location. Kayaking in the bay is a must! Spinner dolphins. Sea turtles. Great snorkeling. Beautiful sunsets too! Couldn't have picked a better place to heal our hearts and mend our souls. Thank you so much! Anne & Joe

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

What a fabulous location. Kayaking in the bay is a must! Spinner dolphins. Sea turtles. Great snorkeling. Beautiful sunsets too! Couldn't have picked a better place to heal our hearts and mend our souls. Thank you so much! Anne & Joe

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

Thanks for the comfortable spot for three sisters to spend a memorable ten days together. Lisa, Melanie, Linda What an amazing week we've had. Seven "old" friends sharing the beauty of this place, our lives, our trails and triumphs! Thanks for sharing your home and your island way of life with us. Cia How quickly time flies when you're having FUN! This is a wonderful taste of paradise - sharing lives with old friendships renewed. Thanks for the memories. Kay Thanks for a wonderful week that surpassed all expectations. It was an ultra-comfy house that we loved coming back to and napping in after our adventures. We can't wait to come back. Chris, Christina, Mike & Laura

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