Vacation Rentals by Owner

From the lava hikers

Guest: Carol and Bart from IL
Date of Stay: 01/23/12 Review Submitted: 04/10/12

Thank Susanna and John once again for sharing this amazing place. No active lava but did keep busy in the tide pools, hot pond and experiencing the quiet side of the Big Island. Hopefully will be back real soon!

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Absolute Waterfront

Guest: Brent (Cranbrook, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/16/12 Review Submitted: 01/30/12

If you want relaxation, waking up to sunrises on a large Lanai and snorkeling out your front door then this is the place. This house is in great condition and has everything you need for the stay. All the other good recommendations that you may read, are true. Highly recommended.

Owner response:many mahalos for you review, we are always working to improve both kapohomakai and kehenamakai and have begun repainting the interior of kapoho since your stay. For those unfamiliar with kapohomakai, when they say snorkeling out the front door, this is in the ocean in a preserve and not a pond in the yard as this cottage is in the ocean at high tide, really

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

Kapoho Lovers

Guest: Sheila and Lloyd, NJ
Date of Stay: 12/25/11 Review Submitted: 05/12/12

Kapoho is one of our favorite places on the Big Island, and this trip, we planned enough time to truly enjoy the beauty and aloha of this special place. Sunshine, moonrise, tides, storms that blow in and out so fast and dramatic add to the reasons we wanted to stay forever! We snorkeled and I believe w saw a purple octopus! We hiked out to the lava flow; at Uncle Robrt's on both Saturdays and Wednesdays there're live music, friendly neighbors...

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another vacation property owner has to say

Guest: Shelia and Herb from Laytonsville, MD
Date of Stay: 12/25/11 Review Submitted: 04/10/12

The home is comfortable with exceptional views of the ocean and the deck furniture is awesome-especially the big cushy rocker chairs & ottomans. We enjoyed the decor in our home away from home and thank the Billings for sharing this very special place with others like us, who wish we could stay longer in this piece of paradise...

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Beauty at the edge of the Earth!

Guest: Shelia F. (Laytonsville, MD USA)
Date of Stay: 12/14/11 Review Submitted: 01/14/12

My husband and I spent 11 fabulous days enjoying Kapoho, our favorite place in the islands, from December 14-25, 2011. The house has an unbelievable view that cannot be reflected in photos, with safe, easy access to the tidepools. You can even see and hear the ocean from the back rooms of the house! It was clean, comfortable and adorable with its island hut decor. With our bird's eye view from the lanai, we were entertained just watching the pools fill and empty with fish flipping around and moving in and out of streams of water between the lava. The big cushy lounge chairs on the lanai are to die for - especially after a long lava hike! We had dramatic showers that blew in suddently and past over quickly, leaving us with fresh air and sunshine. We found a welcoming neighborhood, fabulous snorkeling (saw a He'e (octopus), had the adventure of a lifetime as we were guided to the lava flow from Kalapana, There, at the end of the red road, we unexpectedly happend onto an all-day festival; a free concert of talented Hawaiian musicians, friendly people, and local specialties of food and crafts. We enjoyed peaceful nights with incredible star-gazing, and awesome sunrises. The owners provided excellent directions and information about the area. This is our third time to Kapoho, we highly recommend this property, and we plan to return as often as possible.

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

2nd timer

Guest: Rose, Jack and Nikki from NC
Date of Stay: 11/11/11 Review Submitted: 05/12/12

Our 2nd stay at Kapoho Makai. Had to return to this magical and mystical place on this special date 11-11-11. This is our favorite spot to re-learn how to relax and just BE. Beds in the house are comfy and the yellow chairs outside on the lanai are wonderful. Made friends with a few geckos that found their way inside. Snorkeling here is fantastic. What brought us back is the unique location of the house to experience the high and low tides. Great house, great experience.

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GORGEOUS VIEW HOME !

Guest: salmon man (North Vancouver , BC , Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/11/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

My wife and two sons just got back from the Big Island and were lucky enough to spend 6 night at the Kapoho Makai . During the day the view out over the lava tide pools was beautiful and the snorkeling was diverse with schools of fish even inside the houses breakwater at high tide ! The view at sunset and into the nightime was out of this world ! We spent hours out on the deck enjoying the view and relaxing . A weird thing with the location is that while the rest of the Puna area spent much of the day in clouds and showers ,the area arround the coastline was for the most part sunny and clear , with a light breeze to keep it fresh ! The Famers market on Sunday morning was fun with a wide range of fresh produce and other Stuff ! We used the BBQ and made dinner on the deck each night as we were not looking for fine dining in a restaraunt. Come here to relax and forget the city ! That is what a vacation here should be about !

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

Great place. As described. Snorkeling RIGHT off of the lanai. Comfortable and well appointed.

Guest: J and K (Washington State)
Date of Stay: 08/05/11 Review Submitted: 08/17/11

Our family of four had a great time. The house was exactly as described and worked perfectly for our needs. The location was BEAUTIFUL. Up every morning for great sunrises! Snorkeled in the tidepools. We snorkeled on 3 islands and this was BY FAR the best overall for variety of sea life and clarity of water. LOVED IT. A couple things to be aware of: no AC, but that's OK, 'cause the breeze kept us cool and we slept like babies. Could have used twin beds in bedroom #2 'cause we had 2 kids, but we drew straws for couch-sleeping. :) Well appointed house with all we needed and more. Rent here, you'll be amazed at the view!

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

Comfortable and gorgeous!

Guest: SF Lou (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/26/11 Review Submitted: 07/06/11

My 14 year old son and I had a relaxed and happy stay in this home while exploring the east side of the island. It is an easy trip into Hilo or to the Volcanoes national park. The view from the ocean-front bedroom and the lanai is lovelier than the pictures can convey. The kitchen is very user-friendly with everything we needed for fixing dinner, and the sink island and dishwasher made clean-up easy. I would stay here again without hesitation. My son was so impressed with the "awesome" house and the "amazing" snorkeling (his first time) in the tidepools, and as a 14 year old he is difficult to impress. Thank you for sharing your home!

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

Almost in the sea

Guest: chrisgraeme (Bristol)
Date of Stay: 03/08/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

We spent a month here in March. Being right on the edge of the sea, watching the changing tides and exploring the lava pools was fascinating. The house had everything we needed and was very comfortable. We were able to self cater, which was a nice change as we had been travelling for several months. The supermarket on the edge of Pahoa was well stocked. We can't comment on nearby restaurants as we hardly ate out. Having a car is essential as its about 30 miles to Hilo. We very much enjoyed visiting and walking in the Volcanoes National Park.

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

Awesome place

Guest: Bruce&Bee (Reno)
Date of Stay: 02/17/11 Review Submitted: 03/02/11

This is the most beautiful place we have stayed on any of the islands! The small house has all the "stuff" you will need. Very homey and comfortable. The snorkeling is awesome. Very quiet and peaceful. A refreshing "oasis" from the usual tourist scene. 15 minutes to Pahoa town with a good market and dining. Only one good restaurant in town but very good! We will be back next year!!! Old Hawaiian at it's best!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Absolutely beautiful and peaceful

Guest: Michelle (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 08/11/10

This home is absolutely beautiful with an incredible location. The Kapoho area is pretty secluded and a little ways from Hilo - but exactly what we were looking for in a vacation rental. The home is about 1 hour away from Hawaii Volcano National Park. When we weren't at the National Park or heading past Hilo for the waterfalls, we were enjoying the deck and hammock. The kids loved playing and exploring on the lava rocks in the tidepools (they were a little scared to snorkel). We snorkled and saw pufferfish, eels, Moorish idols, convict tangs, etc. The home is only 20-30 minutes away from the current lava viewing area. We didn't have much luck with the lava viewing (they had people set up way too far back to see anything), but the drive through the rainforest roads was mesmerizing. Watching the clouds, sunsets and the incredibly bright stars was such a nice way to end each day. 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 do it justice. We definitely hope to come back someday. Mahalo Susanna!

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

Unforgettable experience

Guest: Mariela (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10 Review Submitted: 07/08/10

This place is amazing! It was our best stay on the Big Island (better than a super luxurious hotel in Kohala and a fancy, but soulless, cabin in the rainforest). The place is very welcoming, we felt at home as soon as we walked in. There was nothing we missed. The location, right on the water, is unbeatable as well. We could swing in a hummock on the beautiful, spacious deck, all day or go just down the stairs and snorkel in the tide pools. We had out meals on the tastefully furnished deck as well, and at night, a glass of wine under the beautiful full moon with it's reflection in the ocean beneath us. This place is absolutely unforgettable and we can't wait for the chance to come back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Kim and Kris (Salt Spring Island, BC)
Date of Stay: 02/08/10 Review Submitted: 02/08/10

Aloha Susanna, We have stayed in some wonderful places on the Big Island, but once again we were completely captivated by your magical house. We were so busy just sitting on the deck watching sunrise, watching the stars, lying in the hammock, exploring the tidepools, and snorkeling, that we neglected to leave time to write in your book to tell you so. Of course, the setting is breathtaking and unmatchable, but the house too is so comfortable, with all the necessary items and many extra touches that make it feel just right. We have friends who live in Leilani and we liked being close to them, close to Pahoa, close to Ahalanui, close to all the wonderful places along 137. Anyway, I could go on and on, but suffice to say that we'll return as soon as possible and try to rent your Kapoho Makai house for two weeks next time instead of one. Mahalo for opening your home to lucky visitors like us.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/29/09 Review Submitted: 08/29/09

My husband I am truly enjoyed a week-long get away in this sea-side retreat. The house is extremely well appointed with every kitchen utensil you could imagine. There were plenty of sheets, towels, and other linens to make our stay very comfortable. The wood floors and other decor are lovely at not at all tired. The snokeling just downstairs is unbelievable and should be enjoyed everyday you are there. Be aware that this property is a considerable drive from restaurants and other tourist attractions, but that is part of what makes it so perfect - you don't want to go any where else anyway.

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Guest: Carla, Phil and Ben, BC
Date of Stay: 05/15/08 Review Submitted: 05/02/11

Thank you so much for making this spectacular vacation home available to us! From the crystal clear coral gardens, gorgeous views, and fascinating "jungle" drives and whales - we had a wonderful time! McKenzie park, Kehena Black Sand beach, viewing the volcanic steam - all were great! We look forward to coming back!

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Guest: The Haltoms, CO
Date of Stay: 04/25/08 Review Submitted: 05/02/11

We loved the tide pools and saw the reef octopus and many other cool things. The house has a beautiful view and comfortable to stay, we will be back to see the big island again and stay at this beautiful house!

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Guest: Ernesto, Heather, Nic and Jae
Date of Stay: 04/05/08 Review Submitted: 05/02/11

Thanks for sharing this wonderful home with us. We really enjoyed the view, tidepools and fishing (to the left of the sigh of course). The sea turtles, fish and other wildlife were amazing. We will definitely come back. We stayed at many places on the island and this is by far the best! The lava flows were great too!

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Guest: The Olsons of Minnesota
Date of Stay: 03/16/08 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

We were pleasantly surprised that the house was as nice as advertised. For my seven year old boy it was like an adventurous, week long oceanic field trip. From our first morning upon arrival when we found a comical reef octopus, through end of the week snorkeling with sea turtles, we discovered so many creatures. it was great to have the book collection to I.D. our finds, watching the moon light tidal changes was one of our favorites, we even spotted breaching grey whales one evening just past the breaks. The property was just what we needed to break up the minnesota winter. we will be back! Grandparents write: for two seniors, this was a dream come true. Walking on the lava out to sea was remarkable. We had never snorkeled before, it was so cool. This place is what every oceanside should have.

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Guest: Steve, Angela and Taylor of Houston, TX
Date of Stay: 01/07/08 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

This is a great house with some awesome views. The sun was amazing almost everyday. Even when it is overcast it is gorgeous because the sun gets so hot. Hopefully we get to come back soon.

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Guest: Steve, Angela and Taylor of Houston, TX
Date of Stay: 01/07/08 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

This is a great house with some awesome views. The sun was amazing almost everyday. Even when it is overcast it is gorgeous because the sun gets so hot. Hopefully we get to come back soon.

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Guest: Cindy and Doug, Susanville, CA
Date of Stay: 01/02/08 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

This is a great home and what a view! We loved the high tide, completely surrounds the house, floods the driveway and the road, or plan to stay in or out during the highest tide - it can rise a few inches up the car tires! It was nice and warm even under over-cast skies, we loved the weather and didn't mind the rain at all. It was really nice to have an extra bathroom - always comes in handy. This house is very well stored. Wish we could stay longer!

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Guest: Jeff, Kirk and Hilda
Date of Stay: 12/23/07 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

This is heaven! We are so happy!

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Guest: Jim and Jan of Sacramento, CA
Date of Stay: 11/29/07 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

We are glad that we chose this place. I love the mornings the most! As they say location, location, location. And there's the location - it's perfect. We appreciate your efforts and what I am sure is ENDLESS work here! You are doing a great job at keeping up wiht what the elements and nature are constantly breaking down. The place is vert homy and reall has just about everything we could need or think of.

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Guest: The Harringtons of Kodiak, AK
Date of Stay: 11/09/07 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

Thank you for anticipating the needs! Everything we needed were within reach. Our only mistake was planning for one week's stay rather then two.

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Guest: John and Gail of Oregon
Date of Stay: 09/15/07 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

We had a wonderful time staying in your beautiful home. The accommodations were perfect. We really enjoyed your deck and the surrounding was amazing!

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Guest: Ted and Lori
Date of Stay: 06/26/07 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

We had a great 10 days at this house. The best snorkeling in Hi I've seen. The house has the best view of the sunrise! Hope to be back soon.

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