Vacation Rentals by Owner

Home away from home

Guest: Ice (Port Angeles, WA)
Date of Stay: 05/08/12 Review Submitted: 05/22/12

What more can I add to all the positive reviews? My husband and I stayed at Honoli'i for 8 days and wish it had been longer. This is not for the resort-type tourist who likes air-conditioning, pool swimming and room-service. It's really a home away from home. You can buy fresh local produce at the Farmers' Market in Hilo, open all the windows to the sea breezes, pull a book from the shelves, put up your feet and relaaaax. It might take a little while to get used to the crashing surf and the tree frogs at night. We, too, enjoyed the goodies, flowers, wine, washer-dryer in the garage, privacy, and kindness of the owners. As an Interior Designer, I might suggest repainting the kitchen cabinets in a light washable paint. And replace the faded prints with giclees on canvas which can be wiped clean. Otherwise, the apartment is clean and bright, simple and restful. We have recommended Honoli'i to many friends. Thank you for a wonderful stay, Joel and Karen!

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

Gorgeous view, comfortable home, thoughtful owners

Guest: T S.
Date of Stay: 04/30/12 Review Submitted: 05/08/12

My husband and I had a wonderful 3 night stay here and wished it was longer! The oceanfront location was amazing. We couldn't believe the gorgeous view and spent much of our time looking out the windows, watching the waves and the ever-present surfers at Honoli'i beach. The home was stocked with everything we could have wished for. We especially enjoyed the basket of fresh local produce, and made use of the well-equipped kitchen as well as the supply of local maps and guide books. The home was very comfortable, and we easily fell asleep while listening to the roaring waves outside the bedroom window. We loved the convenient location just north of Hilo. It was easy to go into town for a meal out or to pick up supplies to bring back to the house. We were able to make day trips to Volcanoes National Park, South Point, Kailua-Kona, and Hawi with no trouble. We will definitely return here if we are lucky enough to take another vacation to the Big Island, and have already recommended this property to our family on Oahu.

Owner response:Thank you so much for all your kind words. We feel lucky to live in such a beautiful place as Hilo, Hawaii...and right next to the ocean. We are also lucky to have guests as wonderful as you. We hope you come back again soon. Mahalo for all you kind words.

Recommended for:

Honoli'l House

Guest: MA (Port Matilda, PA)
Date of Stay: 04/24/12 Review Submitted: 05/09/12

My husband and I enjoyed Karen and Joel's Honoli'l House. The location was terrific and we especially enjoyed the sound of the waves. The bed was very comfortable. We like to make our own meals and the only drawback I found was the kitchenware could have been cleaner. We did have to wash some of the items before using. It was very thoughful of Karen and Joel for the welcoming basket of fresh fruit, wine, refrigerated products and other goodies to help make our stay comfortable. We definetly will recommend your home to friends and relatives that plan to visit Hilo. Thank you for allowing us to stay at your home.

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

Happy Days at Honoli'I House

Guest: Tara (Alaska)
Date of Stay: 01/13/12 Review Submitted: 01/18/12

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Honoli'I House. The location is spectacular, perched on a cliff we enjoyed amazing sunrises every morning and could watch a steady stream of surfers from our little porch. It feels very private, which we really liked. It was a treat to be welcomed with a basket of goodies and all of the basics we needed to start our holiday. Honoli'I House makes a great home base for exploring the region, we took trips to the Puna Coast and Volcano National Park and enjoyed returning every day for a delicious dinner in Hilo. If you shudder at the thought of a resort and want to feel at home while on vacation, Honoli'I House is a great choice.

Owner response:Thank you very much for your kind words. We really appreciate meeting such wonderful guests. And it is so great hearing that you enjoyed both the house and Hilo. We love being able to share Hilo with guest. We hope you come back and see us again.

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

Hilo's Cliffside Treasure

Guest: Wild thing (Sudbury Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/19/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

Very hospitable people here. Wonderful view. No swimming beaches in the area but great for surfers. I di think the apartment needed some refubushing. The windows needed to be cleaned from the salt splashes to make the best of the beautiful ocean view. There was no screen on the window next to the tv so there were bugs at night.. Eating at the bar was not comfortable because the stools are not the best.. All and all the stay here was very comfortable and private. Great for surfers visiting Hilo

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

Amazing view plus all the comforts of home

Guest: Jana H.
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 08/30/11

To echo what other reviewers have said, YES this house is really perched on a cliff. Amazing views of Hilo bay, watching the sun rise over the Pacific, watching sea turtles from the living room window, what more could you ask for? It was such a treat to find a basket of local goodies, well-stocked fridge, and our choice of wines. Karen is very thoughtful and even brought over an umbrella when the weather changed. We took in all the Hilo sights, but would have also been content to just sit on the lanai and watch the surfers and cruise ships all day. Convenient but private location, very clean, and plenty of extra linens, snorkeling gear, beach towels...you name it and they have it. We hated leaving the Honoli'i House and would recommend it to anyone staying in Hilo.

Owner response:Thank you so much. We really enjoyed meeting you, and we are so glad to hear you had a great time. This is a big reason for trying to think of all the little things that can make our guest feel comfortable, and enjoy themselves. Thank you again for all the kind words, and please come back soon, Karen

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

Would love to return

Guest: Sue (Beavercreek)
Date of Stay: 07/31/11 Review Submitted: 09/06/11

Ditto to what everyone else has said about the house, its location and the thoughtfulness of the owners. Falling asleep and waking up listening to the roaring waves was a rare pleasure. Make sure to walk to the waterfalls along the road strewn with hibiscus. The three days and nights we spent there were just wonderful in every possible way. A special delight was to browse the nice collection of books at random. We would love to stay longer next time.

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

Stunning location

Guest: Lynne S. (Golden, CO)
Date of Stay: 03/20/11 Review Submitted: 03/30/11

My husband and I stayed at Honoli'i House for four days in March. The location of this property is unbelievable -- perched atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Honoli'i Beach, and Hilo Bay. We spent hours just watching the sea, the surfers, whales at play, and cruise ships sailing in and out of the harbor. The morning light streaming through the windows is glorious. The sound of the waves can get loud (and the owners have thoughtfully provided ear plugs!) but is also relaxing, making for a delightful way to drift off to sleep. A five-minute drive takes you into downtown Hilo, and a short walk down the street takes you to Honoli'i Beach (beautifully landscaped; a great picnic location) and a couple of waterfalls. It's a perfect home base for exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well as the Hamakua Coast. The apartment itself is not pretentious -- no over-sold updates or unnecessary luxuries -- just comfortable furnishings with all the tools and equipment you need. Karen is a gracious host who welcomed us with fresh flowers and coffee, fruit, juice, muffins, and milk for our first breakfast. Honoli'i House is a great place to stay amidst breathtaking scenery.

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

Staying on Cliffs Edge....

Guest: Charlie (Greer, S.C.)
Date of Stay: 12/12/10 Review Submitted: 12/23/10

My wife and I stayed a couple of wonderful nights in Hilo. We went there just to explore the Volcano National Park, Waipio valley and Akaka Falls but found a lot more. We saw beautiful Sunrises, Surfers and the voice of the ocean, pounding waves off the cliffs just outside the bedroom window. Karen & Joel was perfect host making us feel like family. If you plan to visit Hilo I highly recommend the Honoli’I House.

Owner response:Charlie, Thank you so much for this wonderful review. We enjoyed your visit and hope you come back soon. It is easy to be a good host with such wonderful guests. Thank you again, Karen and Joel.

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

Wonderful place to stay near Hilo

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/14/10

This is a lovely place to stay while exploring the east side of Hawaii island. Close to Hilo (2 miles) and it's amenities. Refreshing cooling ocean breezes wafting throughout the apartment. Delicious ocean sounds and sights. Well stocked and just a nice place to stay if you want to be in one of the few oceanfront properties near Hilo town, with a beautiful view of Hilo Bay. Attached to main home yet very private. Very accommodating hosts.

Owner response:Mahalo Nui Loa for such kind words. It was a joy having you stay with us and hope you come back real soon. Thanks again, Karen

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

Drop Dead View - Wonderful Host!!!!

Guest: Pengiefan (WA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/10 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

You can't beat the location of this property it's drop dead awesome. The waves lull you to sleep - watch cruise ships come and go - in season, see whales off shore & watch surfers at their top rated beach.

Owner response:Thank you very much for you very kind words. We are happy you enjoyed your visit so much. We hope you come back and stay with us again. Thank you again, Karen & Joel

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

Honoli'i House

Guest: BugsBrains (Woodbury MN)
Date of Stay: 02/03/10 Review Submitted: 02/11/10

I just got back from a week in Paradise. This house is the perfect place to stay in Hilo. The pictures don't do it justice. The location is beautiful. I saw whales breaching every day, right outside my window. The beach is just a few steps away with a nice sitting area. Karen and Joel have thought of EVERYTHING in stocking the house. They even provide fresh flowers, fruit and food in the refrigerator! Mahalo

Owner response:Thank you very much for the wonderful review. The whales have been out in greater numbers this year and they are fun to watch. We hope you come back soon, and we hope your daughter decides to live on our island. Thank you again, Karen.

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

Honoli'i House,YES really is on cliffs edge

Guest: Doretta (Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 12/23/09 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

Can not thank Karen and Joel enough for having treats/ local flavor there to get one started without having to run to the store right up. You are truly on cliffs edge there and sleeping for us was the best as the waves did lull us all night. If I could just sleep here every night, WOW.

Owner response:Doretta, Thank you so much for this lovely review. Joel and I enjoyed meeting you and talking with you. We hope you come back and see us again real soon. Good luck and Happy New Year to you. Maholo Nui Loa, Karen

Recommended for:Sightseeing

Hilo Retreat

Guest: Jim and Sandy (Midwest, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 12/01/09 Review Submitted: 12/15/09

Absolutely wonderful stay. The surf right below. Surfing beach next door. Location is perfect to explore the volcano to South and Waipio valley to North. Good restaurants. Available markets. Karen and Joel provided snorkel gear, beach mats, chairs, coolers to enable us to explore this wonderful island. Kapoho tide pools are a must visit! We loved Hilo and would love to return for another stay.

Owner response:Thank you very much for your very kind words. We hope to see you again soon. Karen and Joel

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

Honoli'i Beach

Guest: 722 (Columbia CT)
Date of Stay: 09/21/09 Review Submitted: 10/06/09

The minute my husband and I walked into this beautiful place we were enchanted by the sight of the ocean and the sound of the surf. Karen and Joel have been blessed with this spot and we were so thankful to have been able to spend four fantastic days there. Hilo has so very much to offer, I have been before, but never in such a beautiful location. We will be back.Thanks again Karen and Joel your hospitality will never be forgotten. Mary and Ed Wendus Columbia CT

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

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/23/09 Review Submitted: 07/23/09

Honoli’i House is a great place to stay while exploring Hilo and surrounding areas. The home is right on the ocean. This apartment has its own entrance, and is very private. It is only a short drive to the many waterfalls, Waipio Valley, and Volcanoes National Park. The many amenities, including WiFi, are a bonus.

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Gorgeous retreat place!

Guest: Yan (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 01/16/09 Review Submitted: 10/19/10

We spent two nights in the property and it was a wonderful experience. Gorgeous ocean view and it worth the time to get up early in the morning to see the sunrise! The property was clean and neat. We had a great time there! Wish we had more time and could stay longer. Definitely would return if we visit Hilo again.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/03/08

Absolutely gorgeous vacation home away from home with breathtaking views from ocean-facing windows. No, the pictures you see do not do the location justice. Honoli'i House must be experienced to be believed.

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close to the ocean

Guest: Katkat (Piqua, OH USA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/11/08

We were thrilled to live so close to the ocean. From sunrise across Hilo Bay each morning, to the whales frolicking, to the constant surfers' activities, we loved watching the sea from our living room and bedroom window walls. Though situated high on a cliff, we could hear the rollers (waves) crashing on the beach below. We had easy access to the beach from the nearby Honolii State Beach Park. The owners welcomed us with a bowl of fresh fruit and starter supplies in the refrigerator. With our car we had easy drives to the Hilo sites and beaches, Puna, Volcano and the east coast of Hawaii. Though we expected rain, it didn't rain at all for the whole week.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Natural Comfort and Dramatic Setting

Guest: Norma K. (Fresno, California/USA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/13/08

We have traveled worldwide and stayed in many places with impressive natural settings but this perch above the ocean near Hilo tops our list. To be lulled by the ocean each night and to wake to view the dramatic sweep of sea and sky is a traveler's dream. Just a few steps away is a popular surfing beach and all the dining and shopping conviences of Hilo are minutes away. Your hosts are friendly and accomodating and the rooms are beautifully clean and comfortable. Easy day trips to spectacular botanical gardens, the high, wide ranch country and of course the volcanos add to the advanatges of staying here. And you can watch whales from your living room!

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