Vacation Rentals by Owner

Home again

Guest: WILL Brown (Mililani, HI)
Date of Stay: 11/27/11 Review Submitted: 12/02/11

Returning to Mango House was like coming home. This second stay with a friend from Germany visiting HI was much anticipated and our expectations were much more than adequately fulfilled. Mark and Rae are the best. From the initial contact when planning this second four day trip to our arrival at their now familiar idyllic retreat (first trip 4/10), we felt both fortunate to find availability that matched our needs and to confirm our plans with the extraordinary hosts.. Mango House is set high on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the east in a lush tropical garden of flowers, fruit trees and colorful plants. One feels close to the environment; the wind, birdsongs, and the scents of the surrounding garden. The well designed "main house" and adjacent "guest room" provide everything one needs for a relaxed time in this peaceful area of the Hawaii'i Island coast. One is greeted arrangements of flowers from just outside...and a loaf of homemade banana bread! A comprehensive menu book led us to some excellent choices. The area south of Laupahoehoe toward Hilo provides many things of interest to see; the 1946 Tsunami Memorial Park, the train museum, Akaka Falls as well as small towns and places to self discover all along the Hamakua Coast. Browsing Hilo is time well spent, then consider Volcano, and the national park. One cannot go wrong at Mango House. The facilities are extraordinary, the hosts readily become fine friends, and the serene seclusion is enviable. What a great way to introduce a guest from Europe to the outer islands of our state. We'll head back at our earliest opportunity.

Owner response:We have many guests who return so it is great to have one of them submit a review. Mahalo, Will!

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

Home in Hawaii

Guest: Liz (Omro, Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 10/11/11 Review Submitted: 12/28/11

" Thank you for opening your home to us. The mango house was the perfect getaway for our one year anniversary and for our friend’s vacation. All the small and thoughtful touches that you prepared for our arrival made our home in Hawaii perfect. Thank you for your recommendations as to beaches, restaurants, and luaus. We were never disappointed in the recommendations. You have an amazing property and we sincerely hope that we are able to come visit you here again someday."

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

What a wonderful get away

Guest: Sue (Rhinelander,WI )
Date of Stay: 07/21/11 Review Submitted: 09/18/11

We were looking for a place to go and stay for a vacation getaway with family. The mango house was just the perfect spot. Not only did we get to enjoy the company of family in a relaxed beautiful setting, but each of us had privacy and the ability to have time for each other together as well as quiet time alone. The view and morning sunrise is in credible and Mark and Rae Ann are such gracious hosts that one could only be blessed to stay at such a wonderful vacation setting. Not far from the beaches and other higher traffic areas yet not in the middle of the hussle and bustle of the higher tourist areas. If you are looking for a relaxed get away, one that truly reflects the aloha spirit, This is the place to book. Aloha....and thanks to Rae Ann and Mark

Owner response:Mahalo. Just last night one of our neighbors said he still thinks this is the best location on the island, and we agree.

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

Gorgeous Home-away-from home

Guest: Erin (Winchester, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 07/04/11 Review Submitted: 08/08/11

From the first time we called to begin planning our trip, you have been the most gracious hosts. Your home is even more beautiful than the pictures and your hospitality is exceptional. Thank you for sharing this beautiful island experience with us! We have been able to come and go at our own pace each day, and coming back to your guest house has been as welcoming as going home each evening. As our boys grow, this may be our last “big” vacation we enjoy together and I can’t think of any place nicer to have spent it. I hope at least my husband and I can return some day. The setting for this home is gorgeous with fruit trees and flowers all around. It is secluded and private with ocean views from inside and outside the house. Truly a vacation paradise!

Owner response:Since we enjoy this island so much, we want visitors to enjoy it as well. Providing information on what there is to see and do as well as providing a comfortable home for our guests to return to is something we get pleasure from doing.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful and affordable way to enjoy the Big Island!

Guest: Ja and Ekim (Richfield, MN)
Date of Stay: 06/07/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

This house was a great place to stay while we enjoyed our honeymoon. The owners are very friendly and keep the place looking wonderful! The yard is full of gorgeous plants and is landscaped with care, and the views are heavenly! They provided us with lots of information on places to explore around the island. All in all, they made it an easy and comfortable vacation. We would recommend this to anyone looking for an affordable yet luxurious stay. It was like a home away from home. Thank you for sharing your lovely retreat with us.

Owner response:We're glad our guests feel like the mango cottage does feel like a home away from home and that they appreciate the gardens, views, and information we provide.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Couldn't have been better!

Guest: Dan (Manchester, CT)
Date of Stay: 05/08/11 Review Submitted: 05/31/11

I’ll use three words to describe our stay at the Mango House: Perfect, Perfect, Perfect. If I had to find fault with anything it would be that there was only one couch to nap in. The pod/house arrangment made for all the privacy needed for two couples sharing expenses (or you could stick the teens out there and keep your sanity). The house was clean, well appointed and, for our tastes, on the right side of the island. Ocean breezes, cool nights, warm days, brief showers and convient to just about anywhere. We loved it! We will be going back and we don’t travel back to too many places. I would certainly recommend this property to anyone wanting a quiet, relaxing vacation. Dan & Tere Foley

Owner response:We're so glad you enjoyed your relaxation time at our mango house. We, too, agree that this is the best part of the island!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A beautiful home from home

Guest: Hatty (LA)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 07/12/11

We have had a really memorable stay at your beautiful home – we couldn’t have been more comfortable here, and I will never forget that sensational view – I really hope we can come back one day and enjoy waking up to it each day. We had wonderful trips to the rock pools at the point and to the beaches –a highlight was swimming with the sea turtles, especially for our six year old son. Thank you for the delicious banana cake and fruit – we really hope to return one day. April 2011.

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

Wonderful Hawaiian Hideaway

Guest: Patricia D. (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 05/18/11

We spent two weeks in the Mango House in March, 2011. When we first arrived, we thought we’d died and gone to heaven, but instead we were alive and well in the Therriens’ Hawaiian paradise! Rae and Mark put in so much work to make this such a special place, both inside the mango house and outside on the grounds. My husband, the gardener in our family, was so envious of the tropical greenery, so lush and productive, compared to what is possible in Canada. We invited friends to spend a week with us, in what we dubbed "the honeymoon suite". They loved it! There is much to do and see from this location, as mentioned in other reviews. And if it rains, you can drive in an hour or less to a drier area, or just wait a while, and maybe you'll see a double rainbow - we did! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a stay at this house or the Therriens' other vacation rental home. Make sure you plan on two weeks.

Owner response:And this couple has traveled extensively around the world! They are sure correct about spending longer than one week.

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

Perfect in every way!

Guest: Leslie (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 05/09/11

My husband & I, along with my 85 year old + parents, spent one week at the Mango House in March 2011. It was perfect in every way (except one.....we should have spent two weeks)! The cottage, with its detached sleeping cabana, gave each of us the privacy we cherish & the gathering space we need to enjoy being together. From the moment I started exchanging e-mails with Rae, I knew we had found a very special spot. I cannot imagine a more tranquil place from which to explore the Big Island. It was such a joy to come home each afternoon to the beautiful gardens and view from the lanai. The Mango House is not for someone looking for the hustle & bustle of resort areas, or for those who want to eat out every night. We stocked up at the Farmers Market in Hilo (not to be missed). It was so much fun to experiment with wonderful new vegetables & fruit. And the fish market near the farmers market was loaded with terrifc taste treats! Sights & things to do: Drive & explore the Saddle Road, including a side trip to the Visitor Information Center on Mauna Kea. It took us an entire day. Of course, since my dad is a geologist we had to stop at every lava flow to study it. The Botanic Garden is amazing. My mother, the botanist, thought she had just found paradise...she had! We had a wonderful picnic & enjoyed swimming and snorkeling at .... (you'll have to ask Rae & Mark where it is....I won't devulge the name of the mostly local beach in a public forum). Thunder Mountain Coffee Plantation was fascinating. The coffee.....nectar! The very best sight & activity...enjoying the Point at Laupahoehoe & watching the stars from the lanai! As for the hosts; there are none more congenial than Rae & Mark. They make you feel right at home and their local knowledge is openly offered. It started with the package of information we received when we paid for our reservation. It continued every day of our visit. Oh yes, there's a lovely Hawaiian Aloha welcoming you when open the door to the Mango House. Mahalo Nui Loa, Leslie P.S Can not wait to return!

Owner response:Leslie, mahalo nui loa for your comprehensive review! We. too, are glad you enjoyed your stay and we certainly enjoyed meeting you and your family and do hope to see you again.

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

The Mango House- the pictures do not do it justice!

Guest: Geri (Appleton, Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 04/13/11

Our hosts, the owners of this property, were most welcoming and helpful to us as we planned our stay on the Big Island. We became very comfortable with them and eagerly anticipated our vacation. We were not disappointed! This was one of the most worry-free, relaxing and restorative vacations we have taken. From the moment we stepped foot in the Mango House which had fresh floral arrangements in every room, a bowl of tropical fruit and freshly baked banana bread welcoming us, we knew that we were fortunate to have chosen to stay here! We found our "home" to have every convenience that we desired. We especially appreciated the boogie boards at our disposal (smiling as I write this). There was a very complete list of suggestions of things to do on the island that we found most helpful. We enjoyed everything that we were able to get in. After busy days taking in all these activities it was most enjoyable coming "home" to our beautiful surroundings. The Mango House is landscaped with a wide variety of tropical plants that enhance the natural beauty of this location. On our last day here we did not venture further than Laupahoehoe Point for we wanted to stay and soak up all the natural beauty of this lush, tropical paradise. Recalling this vacation continues to evoke feelings of peacfulness...the "Aloha spirit" carries on in Wisconsin.

Owner response:We're very appreciative of your review and are happy you were not disappointed. Glad you felt comfortable in the mango house and that you ventured out on the boogie boards!

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

Mango House in Laupahoehoe

Guest: JMH (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 02/20/11 Review Submitted: 04/15/11

Feb. 20 – 26 – "Thank you for all you did for us to make our stay at the Mango House so comfortable and welcoming. We loved the flowers, banana bread, fruit, and soft Hawaiian music playing as we came into the house. You have a beautiful spot here and we feel lucky to have found you. We appreciated the privacy and the beautiful scenery of the flowers, plants and ocean. We also liked the visit with the owners who gave us some history of their site. We hope to be able to tear ourselves away from Minnesota another winter and return."

Owner response:Mahalo to both of you as well. We really do enjoy making guests feel at home and welcomed.

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

Mango house - heaven on Earth Dave and Carol

Guest: Carol (Lincoln, NE)
Date of Stay: 01/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

Jan. 26 – Feb. 4 – Oh my – too awesome for words or pictures. You made us feel so comfortable and at home even before arriving. So quiet and beautiful. Great views from every window….We have had the pleasure of coming to the Big Island many times. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to look for homes or cottages to rent. This was so wonderful – the mango house. You are so giving and sharing – it felt like home. So wonderfully supplied. I do so hope to return next winter….this would be a perfect place for our family to be together yet have space. Thank you so much Mark and Rae for providing us a little piece of heaven here on earth.

Owner response:We are happy you "stepped out of your comfort zone", t oo, and we certainly enjoyed meeting you both and are glad you also really enjoyed this island and our guest house.

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

A great Island escape...

Guest: Bill (Carbondale, IL )
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/11/11

My wife and I stayed in the Bamboo House for two weeks and found it the perfect base for exploring the Big Island. It's a place where the clouds meet the ocean and the flowers, tropical trees, and interesting creatures that inhabit them connect you to nature. We were sorry to leave. We hope to return to the Big Island permanently, and the Bamboo House was a perfect "sales pitch" for island life.

Owner response:We, too, are glad you both enjoyed your stay in our mango guest house, and we look forward to seeing you again.

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

great cottage, clean and stocked

Guest: outofnyc (Brooklyn, NY USA)
Date of Stay: 07/29/10 Review Submitted: 09/08/10

We stayed at the mango house in July for part of our honeymoon. The cottage is lovely, clean, well-stocked and Rae and Marc, the owners are the most gracious hosts. We highly recommend the mango house to anyone.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Exceptional, private cottages; many amenities

Guest: WILL Brown (Mililani, HI)
Date of Stay: 04/08/10 Review Submitted: 05/17/10

This rental filled our needs in every way; a seperate cottage for my sister from WV, visiting HI for the first time with its own bath, and our cottage connected by walkway with bedroom, bath/laundry, spacious, completely equipped kitchen and extensive living/dining space overlooking the lanai surrounding it outside and a Hamakua coastal view. Contacts and correspondence with Mark & Rae prior to our arrival were detailed, prompt, friendly and helpful. We were greeted in a most cordial way with supplies in the kitchen and refrigerator, a note from the owners, and some tips about local fare. A notebook of menus (with directions) for area restaurants is a helpful addition. It wasn't until we were leaving that we had a brief opporunity to meet the owners, the Therriens. The magnificent gardens on the property reflect a great deal of tending and care...spectacular. This location was a perfect place from which to experience the eastern part of Hawai'i Island (Big Island), the Volcano National Park, and the coastal lava fields, south of Pahoa. A shopping day in Hilo itself, exploring all of the varied and unique stores is a treat there. Our visit was co-incidentally at the time of the world renown annual Merry Monarch Hula Festival; the celebratory parade of bands, hula halau (schools) and dignitaries that Saturday morning was the very best! We particularly enjoyed two meals at the famous "Back to the 50's Cafe " in Laupahoehoe, and had found the railway museum there interesting on a previous visit, Much of this area "down at the point" was destroyed by a tsunami, where a memorial park is now found. We live on O'ahu Island, location of Waikiki, Diamond Head and surfing beaches and are used to the tropical best; this location is better than the best as we experience it, and the perfect location to bring a newcomer to HI. Not to be missed on an Hawaiian vacation!

Owner response:Thank you for taking the time to submit this thorough unsolicited response. We appreciate it very much.

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

Darling hideaway on the jungly Hamakua coast

Guest: Laura444 (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/28/10 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

I can't imagine a more tranquil getaway than these tidy, lovingly decorated little cottages tucked away on a densely landscaped slope high above the sea. We were lulled to sleep each night by singing tree frogs and soft tropical rain, and woke early each morning to birdsong. (Morning is the loveliest time of day here, by the way--don't squander it in bed!) Rae and Mark are exceptional hosts. They provided us with so much--from homemade banana bread and home-grown papaya to binders thick with information on what to see and do, where to eat, etc. We had beach towels and umbrellas, guidebooks, videos on Big Island social and natural history, and a terrific volume on volcanoes (my husband loved that book especially). Bathrooms and kitchen were especially well-stocked; we wanted for nothing. I can't imagine a better base for exploring the Hamakua coast and beyond--the stunning Kohala coast beaches and even Volcanoes National Park are not too long a drive from here.

Owner response:Mahalo, Laura!

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

Mango House

Guest: Hodags (Rhinelander, Wi)
Date of Stay: 02/09/10 Review Submitted: 03/30/10

We love staying on the Big Island. There are so many things to see and do. In the previous year, we spent our vacation in Jamaica. Jamaica was non-stop noise and confusion. We were very happy to be able to come back to Hawaii for rest and relaxation. The Mango House was clean and comfortable and had everything that we needed. We will definitely be coming back to the Big Island.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Ben and Becca Day (Draper, UT)
Date of Stay: 10/17/09 Review Submitted: 10/17/09

This house was wonderful! Located 25 minutes from Hilo and nestled in the hills of Lapuahoehoe we wish we could move in! Sunrise on the lanai was amazing, the beds were very comfortable and the owners had everything you could need inside down to the rain ponchos! We visited three restaurants the owners suggested during our stay and loved them all! Mahalo Mark and Rae, we hope to return again soon for a longer visit! Ben, Becca, Robert and Marissa Day

Owner response:We hope you are able to return for a longer time as well. Mahalo again, Rae and Mark

Recommended for:

Guest: James Goodridge (Denver, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 08/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/24/09

The photos just don't do this wonderful cottage- actually 2 cottages-justice. Surrounded by colourful plantings in a private setting, nicely-appoined and supplied,with a view of the ocean and up the coast, these charming cottages are all we could have asked for. As well as the gracious helpfulness of the owners. Mahalo, Rae and Mark!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/17/08

Comment Text: Deb and I have rented from Mark and Rae five times over the past decade. We would never consider going anywhere else. Even a popular island Bed and Breakfast can't compare to the value and serenity you receive here. One summer we rented two homes, so we could take our entire family; that was an unforgettable lifetime experience. This past July for the first time we rented the Mango house. It turned out to be a gem. The house has unmatched privacy and beauty. For two couples, it would be outstanding since there is a second building behind the house proper. The second building has a sizable bedroom and bathroom. And to be honest when you are in Hawaii, you spend very little time indoors. The Lanai of the Mango house is a great place to waste away the day. Also, I loved waking up before sunrise, and walking behind the house to pick perfectly ready to eat mangoes for our breakfast. Mark and Rae are wonderful hosts and we consider them special friends. They always go out of their way to make you welcome. Rae's little touches of freshly baked muffins and beautiful flowers throughout the house are heart-warming. Mark has done an awesome job landscaping the properties throughout the years. Sometimes we feel as if we are in a tropical rainforest. We especially enjoyed their dinner invitation and then geocaching with them later in the week. This vacation has solidified our dream to retire in the same vicinity of beautiful Laupahoehoe. The Therrien properties are the best kept secret of Hawaii:). Mark and Rae--thanks again for the many wonderful memories over the years and sharing your niche of paradise! I just purchased Keola Beamer's cd Island Born and the new John Cruz cd to maintain a little touch of Hawaii until we return. Thanks for sharing the Beamer cd with us!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/15/08

We stayed in Rae and Mark's wonderful cottage in February 2008 and were thoroughly delighted with our experience. Rae and Mark are terrific hosts who have achieved the perfect balance between respecting their guests' privacy while being friendly and available. They even invited us over for a memorable gourmet breakfast one morning, which included lively conversation and a tour of their lovely garden. Our cottage was beautiful, roomy, uncluttered, bright, super clean and had everything one could possibly need for a comfortable and relaxing time. The location is quiet and secluded yet within easy reach of many of the best places to visit on the Big Island. We lucked out with sunny skies throughout our stay, but if it were to rain it is not far to travel to the Kona side for a day at the beach. The view of the Pacific Ocean from our lanai was fantastic, and out of every window one could see lush, tropical plants...this is exactly what we fantasized for our Hawaii vacation!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/02/08

"The two of you have done a marvelous job with the houses. We can't think of anything else that they need. We wanted for nothing. Thank you for sharing this beautiful place." – Craig and Pam, Oshkosh, WI

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/02/08

A one week sojourn in Hawaii – especially here with such lush, peaceful surroundings and gracious hosts – what's not to like? If staying here doesn't do it for you, chances are no place will.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/30/08 Review Submitted: 05/30/08

One could choose to vacation in a cement, sterile hotel or one could choose to stay at a spectacular green, alive Hawaiian home! Unlike most rental homes, the Mango House welcomes the vacationer immediately as a second home and not just a place to sleep as some are. Also, you are not surrounded/crowded by other vacationers, because it is just you and Hawaii. We are so thankful to leave with such wonderful memories! – Tina, Kent, Clark, & Joel – Bonduel, WI

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/30/08

Sitting on the mango lanai in the midst of a "mini jungle" fed my soul. Mark and Rae saw to our every need. With all of their tips we were able to enjoy the "best" of the island. Mahalo, Rae and Mark for sharing your home, your life, and your love of the island with us. Staying at the Mango House has put life in our years!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/29/08

One could choose to vacation in a cement, sterile hotel or one could choose to stay at a spectacular green, alive Hawaiian home! Unlike most rental homes, the Mango House welcomes the vacationer immediately as a second home and not just a place to sleep as some are. Also, you are not surrounded/crowded by other vacationers, because it is just you and Hawaii. We are so thankful to leave with such wonderful memories! – Tina, Kent, Clark, & Joel – Bonduel, WI

Recommended for: