Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perfect Cottage,Perfect location.

Guest: Wendy (Mount Gambier, SA Australia)
Date of Stay: 03/27/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

So glad I found this house after searching the internet. The owner Cheryl was very helpful answered all our questions. The house was delightful, very clean and well maintained, with everything we could possibly need. Great location, definitely on sunny side of Volcano. It was wonderful to stay in a well equipped house for a couple of nights in-between hotel stays. So much to see and do in the area, so loved the whole of The Big Island, what an amazingly beautiful place!

Owner response:The Big Island is awesome with so many wonderful things to see. Mahalo to our Aussie visitors. I'm glad you enjoyed your time there.

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

Highly Recommended!

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 03/13/12

Mahina Cottage was an excellent choice for our 2 night stay in Volcano Village. The location is stellar being just a few minutes from the park and yet is on a quiet street. From the minute we walked in the door we felt right at home and the cottage had everything we needed to be comfortable and prepare our own meals. Cheryl was very friendly and helpful in setting up our time there and we all appreciate your sharing your cozy cottage with us and other tourists. Mahalo!

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

Great Place to Stay!

Guest: Carrie (Hastings, MN)
Date of Stay: 02/09/12 Review Submitted: 05/12/12

We loved staying at the Hale Mahina Cottage. It was the perfect location to visit the volcano and surrounding areas. The cottage is very clean and well maintained. There were even some toys and games available to keep our 2 year old daughter entertained, so that was a great perk. Overall, we had a wonderful experience staying here and would recommend it to anyone. If we ever get back to the Big Island, we would definitely stay again!

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

Great Home

Guest: Brian S.
Date of Stay: 01/31/12 Review Submitted: 02/16/12

We really enjoyed our stay at Hale Mahina. The property was very clean and in excellent shape. We found the property to be well stocked with things like: hand soap, paper towels, garbage bags, etc. The kitchen facilites and utensils were very useful because the location is somewhat remote with limited restaurant options. The open layout of the kitchen/dining area/living area worked well for our family so we could keep an eye on our little one while we were preparing our meals. The owners were very nice, easy to work with, and very accomodating. The location does get cool during the evenings, but makes for a nice crisp morning. We would definitely recommend this property and hope to have the opportunity to stay here again.

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Volcano Charmer

Guest: Urban Island Girl (Kailua, Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 12/25/11 Review Submitted: 01/04/12

This lovely home had everything necessary to make our stay comfortable, and then some! It was even more charming than the photos. The owner was friendly and responsive. The location was a short drive to Volcano National Park, perfect for night time caldera viewing. The village of Volcano had great restaurants with food ranging from Thai, to hearty sandwiches, to lodge-elegant at the Kilauea Lodge. We took a day trip to Kona that confirmed our decision to stay on the east side of the Big Island and enjoy its cooler climate and dramatic scenery, from active lava flowing into the ocean to the gorgeous Hamakua Coast. Will definitely recommend this property to friends and relatives.

Owner response:It is always nice to have good restaurants to dine at when you don't feel like cooking after a day of hiking and sightseeing. The Volcano area does provide some nice choices. Glad you enjoyed "our side".

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

Comfy retreat from the winter weather

Guest: Liz B.
Date of Stay: 12/10/11 Review Submitted: 01/02/12

I stayed in Hale Mahina Volcano Cottage in December 2011 with my parents and children and was very pleased with our accommodation. The weather was very poor when we stayed here but the house was cosy, clean and warm. The kitchen was very well equipped and had everything you would want in a house from home. There was also lots of herbs and spices in the cupboards and hot chocolates and tea waiting for us on arrival. The beds were comfy and cosy with lots of spare blankets if required and it does get cold in Volcano at night. We really enjoyed visiting the lava tube, caldera and crater top and the house is perfectly situated to explore all the attractions. There were board games that we enjoyed playing and we used the gas fire daily, which made the house wonderfully cosy and warm on a damp, windy evening in Hawaii. This house is very good value for money and much better idea than staying in a hotel. Thank you very much Cheryl for letting us stay in your house.

Owner response:Frank and I had many fun nights playing board games with our children and it is still a "lets play" whenever we get together. Mahalo for staying with us Cheryl

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

Great place to stay

Guest: John R. (-)
Date of Stay: 11/29/11 Review Submitted: 12/08/11

Very nice people to deal with and they have provided a well-equipped and spacious house, in a convenient Volcano location just outside the park. The gas fireplace was a great addition on the cool nights; the area was incredibly quiet, virtually silent at night, and the night-sky star were exactly what is displayed in the pictures on the Homeaway site. Thanks!!

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Wonderful Little Cottage near Volcano National Park

Guest: abellaire (Grand Rapids, MI)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

My husband and I went on a second honeymoon to the Big Island in October 2011. The place was a little hard to find when we arrived late at night, but once we found it, it was easy to get in and feel right at home. The house is very well equipped with all the little things you need. We didn't bring our toddler, but if we had, they had all the things there for little kids. The place looks just like the pictures, and is actually even nicer in person. It was very clean and neat with lots of other little touches you wouldn't even think about needing until you get there. We went to see the volcano at night, and they even had flashlights for a night hike. The owners are amazingly helpful and friendly. Cheryl gave me great information about a local farmer's market on Sunday morning that had some of the best produce we found on our whole vacation, and locally grown too! The cottage is also incredibly close to Volcano National Park, and quite close to Hilo and Puna. We spent one of our days down in Hilo and near Puna snorkeling in the tide pools there. We also went to Punalu'u black sand beach and saw sea turtles, just like our guide book said there might be. Volcano is definitely a great place to stay while exploring the south and east part of the Big Island. The groceries are quite expensive there though. We bought most of our stuff in Kailua before we drove in and I would recommend that or buying them in Hilo. We stayed there a few days and then went to the West side of the Big Island. When we left, we realized we had forgotten our camera charger plugged in the kitchen. We called the island caretaker, and she mailed it to our next rental. What a wonderful place to stay and wonderful people to rent from. We'd love to go back another time someday, if we can manage to save up for another vacation. This was probably the best vacation we've ever had, and this place definitely was part of it. Thanks!

Owner response:We do have the most awesome person taking care of our cottage!!! I'm delighted you enjoyed your visit.

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

Best place to Stay in Volcano

Guest: Jill (Atascadero, California)
Date of Stay: 08/19/11 Review Submitted: 08/22/11

Hale Mahina Cottage is the best deal in Volcano, if not the entire Island. It's immaculate and well stocked with everything you need, including a great DVD collection and toys. You only have to bring your own food to prepare. We hated to leave.

Owner response:We were delighted that you were able to make the trip and stay at Hale Mahina Cottage....you will have to visit us again. We have found an absolute treasure in the person who keeps the cottage so clean. Mahalo, Cheryl

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

Great Base to Explore Volcano

Guest: cathyw (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11 Review Submitted: 08/22/11

We had a great 3 nights in this house exploring everything that the area has to see. The place is well equipped with all the things a lived in house would have. The fire was very cosy as it does get cool enough to use at night (even though this is Hawaii). Our 3 year old had a great time with the toys although it took us awhile to work out they were kept in the hassock = chest. Also has a well stocked DVD library. Was nice to have a bath for him as well although we did run a bit low on hot water. Very close to the park entrance which is handy for night viewing of the glowing caldera, but in a very quiet area. The front porch has a nice view of one of the big mountains. We thought about staying down near Pahoa but after visiting both areas are glad we decided to stay in the Volcano area as most of the sights are closer.

Owner response:We had our grandkids there and realized some toys would certainly be helpful especially if it was rainy and they couldn't be outdoors.

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

Brighter than Moonlight

Guest: J (Kaneohe, HI)
Date of Stay: 07/27/11 Review Submitted: 08/29/11

We have stayed in many rental properties (several through VRBO) in many places, and Hale Mahina was by far the best value of any of them. Well-designed, very clean, thoughtfully appointed, charmingly decorated, bright, cheerful--we really can't say enough about how much we enjoyed this lovely home. We had one minor issue with water pressure that was promptly and pleasantly remedied. The cottage's proximity to the park was a big plus--and don't miss the Volcano Arts Gallery inside the park. If you like Thai food, Thai Thai restaurant in Volcano Village gets better every time we visit. We were three adults and two children under 10; everyone loved Hale Mahina.

Owner response:Thank you for mentioning the Volcano Arts Center....it has some wonderful works of art. I hope you also got to visit the Volcano Garden Art Center. Thai-Thai is great - although I have to go for the milder version - my husband likes the hot! We hope you will come again.

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

Terrific home with a great location to Volcano National Park

Guest: Lynn (Littleton, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/27/11 Review Submitted: 08/14/11

We visited the middle of July 2011 and had a great stay. It's home away from home. Very relaxing. The home was comfortable with a very well equipment kitchen. The best part was it's location in close proximity to Volcano National Park. We spent several days there. The park is always open and we went there at night to see the glow of the volcano and the amazing star studded sky!

Owner response:Going over to see the glow of Halemaumau is a favorite of ours. The Volcanoes National Park has a link that is updated every 15 minutes so when it is especially glowing we grab our jackets and go. I never tire of seeing it. Glad you also enjoyed it.

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

Cozy Home

Guest: amyifc (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/25/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

Our family of four stayed here in July 2011 while we visited Volcano Nat'l Park. The house is very cozy and comfortable. The owners have done a great job preparing their home for guests, thinking of even the little things (such as night lights in the bathrooms). The neighborhood is very quiet. While you cannot walk to town, the house is very close to the National Park entrance, so we were able to drive in for early morning hikes and beat the busloads of day tourists. We would stay here again and recommend it if you would like to be close to the National Park for a few days on your Hawaii vacation.

Owner response:My husband and I especially like the quietness of Hale Mahina Cottage. A nice change from the hustle of a city. We are glad you also enjoyed the cottage. Mahalo

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Great House, Great Owners

Guest: Diana (Livermore, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

We enjoyed our two-night stay at Hale Mahina in April of this year. It was easy to find, clean and comfortable, with all the amenities one might need. We appreciated the warmth of the fireplace on those chilly Volcano mornings and watching the local birds off the front and back decks. It's proximity to the National Park can't be beat - you're right there! I especially appreciated the owner, Cheryl's, advice and enthusiasm for that part of the island. Having never been there before, it was much appreciated, and I felt like I was corresponding with an old friend. I would definitely stay at Hale Mahina again.

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

Relaxing Vacation Home

Guest: Peggylou (Shoreview, MN)
Date of Stay: 02/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/11/11

My husband and I stayed at Hale Mahina for six weeks (February - March 2011). The home is just as it is depicted on the website. We especially enjoyed the bright colors and open floor plan, the comfortable master bedroom and the electric blanket for those cooler nights. It is at 4,000 feet in elevation, so doesn't have the heat or humidity of the coastal areas. At times you can see the top of Mauna Loa and by driving a short distance, the top of Mauna Kea. It is only a few blocks to the Volcano Winery, which has excellent wines. It is a great home base for exploring the Island - 1/2 hour to Hilo area and 2-1/2 hours to Kona and 45 minutes to the tide pools of Pahoa (excellent snorkeling). For those interested in volcano activity and hiking, it is a short 5 minutes from the Volcanoes National Park. The proximity to the park enabled us to more fully explore the park with shorter hikes, and at a more leisurely pace. The local village of Volcano has two convenience stores for those last minute grocery needs, a hardware store, a quilting shop, and several excellent restaurants, including our favorite, The Kilauea. The home has a selection of books to read as well as some games for those at home evenings. A great place for a short or an extended stay. Cheryl was especially helpful in our planning and making sure everything was taken care of for our stay. We would recommend this home for anyone wanting to enjoy the Big Island. Shopping in Hilo is more relaxed and there is a lot less traffic than in Kona. We found the people to be very friendly and helpful. This was our second extended stay on the Big Island.

Owner response:We do hope that giving extra attention to details and making our place seem like "home" will appeal to all our future guests and that we continue to convey the 'Aloha" spirit. Absolutely loved having this couple stay there as they updated us on the volcano activity and area information while they stayed there. Mahalo and I hope to see you again on your 3rd visit to Volcano.

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

Wonderful family home in a great location

Guest: Charlotte (CT)
Date of Stay: 08/16/10 Review Submitted: 10/06/10

Our family of 5 stayed here in August 2010. We all found it incredibly clean, comfortable and very well appointed. Our stay was at the end of a two week vacation on the Big Island and Kauai, and it was one of our favorites. Hale Mahina is in a great location for exploring the volcano, and just a wonderful place to hang out in front of the fire, playing games and drinking wine! We love this home and would recommend it to anyone traveling in this area.

Owner response:Mahalo, we are so glad you enjoyed our home. Please come back again.

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

Wonderful Place to Stay!

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/11/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

My family of four thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Hale Mahina Cottage. It was very clean and very comfortable. The location is excellent for touring Volcanoes National Park and also for visiting the town of Volcano - both only a 3 to 5 minute drive away. This cottage is quiet and peaceful and fully equipped to make your stay in this beautiful and unique area memorable. From the fresh cut flowers that greeted us upon our arrival to the good supply of information on local hikes, restaurants and activities everything has been thought about to truly make you feel welcome and to encourage exploration of the area. There is a great local winery one minute from the cottage where the free wine tasting is fun and the local wines are good. The town of Volcano has a number of good restaurants, but our favorite was Thai Thai -- a great Thai restaurant that we went to for dinner two nights in a row. The cottage was well described in the listing and the pictures accurately present the cottage's appearance and condition. However, I must say that they do not convey the coziness and charm of the cottage! We will stay in this cottage again when we return to this area. It is much better than staying at a hotel.

Owner response:Thai Thai is also one of our favorites. We are so glad you enjoyed the cottage and hope you will return for a visit. Mahalo

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

Very nice property. Very friendly owners

Guest: richfei (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 10/06/10

We stayed 2 nights at late notice in this wonderful cottage close to the National park. The correspondence I had with the owners was very warm and positive. They gave some good advice and there were no problems finding the place. The cottage was well decorated, warm, clean, comfortable and child friendly. It was stocked nicely and we didn't have to go out and purchase any supplies. The area is very quiet and secluded and within a short driving distance to the park and other amenities. We enjoyed our stay here and I'm sure you will too. We would definitely come back here again

Owner response:Mahalo - we hope to see you again on your next visit.

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

Great Stay

Guest: Ken & Betty (Missouri)
Date of Stay: 04/19/10 Review Submitted: 05/05/10

We recently stayed in the Hale Mahina Cottage for one week. What a lovely cottage in a wonderful location! It is extremely clean and updated with many ammenities. The owners have thought of everything including an electric blanket on the bed for those chilly Volcano evenings. We wouldn't hesitate recommending this cottage to our friends and family who vacation in Hawaii. It's a great value!

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

Great base for working at Kilauea

Guest: fergiesdad (Davis, California)
Date of Stay: 03/20/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

I'd highly recommend Hale Mahina Cottage as a base for those - like me - who are working on the volcano. Very close to HVO and to KMC (if you have students staying there). It's a really comfortable cottage with nice amenities. Very quiet, so great sleeping. Loved the gas fireplace for those chilly mornings!

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