Reviews for Volcano Vacation Rental - VRBO 133282 - 2 BR Puna District Cottage in HI, Last Minute Special!!* $135.00/nt up to 4 Guest!!

Aloha Basecamp @ Volcano National Park!

Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 04/13/13
Review Submitted 04/20/13

Mahalo Diana fora wonderful stay! Our family was @ Hale Mauka', for four nights this past week, whilst exploring the Volcano National Park and the surrounding windward side of the Big Island. The house is well equipped and beautifully decorated for both couples and families with kiddos. The Hale was comfortable, clean with as many well thought out necessities as you would find at your own home. I wish all rentals could have the same attention to detail as Hale Mauka', truly a reflection of the owners ongoing commitment to provide their renter with the best experience possible. Aloha is everywhere you turn, perfect... Please take the time to venture south and explore the Kau coffee region, green and black sand beaches, numerous farmers markets and many roadside stands that support regional growers. FYI, the effects of VOG are real and present in the Volcano area, but a trip down to the beach and lower elevation sites quickly remedied this air quality issue. Our four days was not enough time to see everything. Next year maybe we can plan on being here for the Merrie Monarch Festival :)

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

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a real gem

Guest karen
Date of stay 02/21/13
Review Submitted 03/13/13

our stay began after spending 4 days Kona side. We totally forgot about the elevation gain and with the rain, it was a bit chilly arriving after dark. What a nice respite as we found just everything we could have wanted, including the wood stove and good stock of wood. Within an hour we were all happy and sung. Diana's house was just wonderful, all you see and read it right on the mark! The guest book showing local sights to visit ( with pictures ) needs to be in every vacation rental, so helpful in making decisions. Great house, location. We know you'll feel the same way with this house!

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

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Volcano vacation

Guest Island Hopper
Date of stay 01/03/13
Review Submitted 01/16/13

Out of the three places we rented on our island hopping adventure, this was by far the best. We stayed here three nights with our two teenage children. The cottage was incredibly clean, had the most comfortable king size bed with extra pillows and blankets, an incredible video library, a dehumidifier to keep the mold at bay, and a wonderful wood fireplace. All the comforts of home. It was great just being 1.5 miles from the Volcano National Park. We really enjoyed driving up to the crater after hours when the crowds were gone and watching the glow, even if it was cold and raining at the time. Note: if you want to see the live lava, book a boat tour in advance, not available through the park.

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

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Our family loved this house!

Guest ShellFan
Date of stay 12/31/12
Review Submitted 01/22/13

We stayed 2 nights in order to visit Volcanoes National Park. We loved the way the house was set in a beautiful rain forest setting. It is decorated in a very charming and comfortable way, with everything one could possibly need for a comfortable vacation. We wish we could have stayed longer. Our daughter had to sleep on the cushions in the dining area and she was very comfortable there - much preferred to an uncomfortable sleeper sofa. Besides being a charming, beautiful and comfortable place to stay, it was very convenient for the Volcanoes park - we drove back and forth several times. If we ever make it to the Big Island again, we'd like to stay longer and explore this part of the island (Hilo, Puna).

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

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Absolutely as perfect as the pictures

Guest Virginia Family
Date of stay 12/23/12
Review Submitted 01/02/13

Our first Vacation Rental experience, and Hale Mauka along with Diana and Rob couldn't have been better representatives of the process. They were there to answer all our questions before arrival, the cottage was perfect for our family. Our son (9) loved having his own room - way better than a hotel. We stayed 5 nights and barely made a dent in any of the activities they had available. From a kitchen better equipped than home to a movie collection larger than Blockbuster to more equipment for sports than a Sports Authority - Hale Mauka had it all. One of our favorite things, however, was the idea book sitting on the coffee table. With pictures and notes, it provided many options that gave us things to do on those rainy volcano days. If you plan on visiting the National Park, definitely give Hale Mauka some thought for your stay.

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

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A perfect Volcano retreat.

Guest Naiset
Date of stay 12/07/12
Review Submitted 12/19/12

Hale Mauka was the perfect house for my friend and I in Volcano to hike and explore the area. The house is extraordinarily well equipped and Diana and Rob have anticipated almost anything you’re inclined to do. The pictures and descriptions are absolutely accurate, and the hospitality remarkable, from the first email to the helpful guide “Read This Before You Do Anything” on the kitchen counter. If only every host was this thoughtful and thorough. We loved cooking in the fully equipped kitchen and that we could connect our iPhones into a good stereo (with our own aux cable) and have a laundry room to clean our hiking clothes after some very dusty or mucky hikes. And we especially loved the amazing collection of movies to watch on those long, rainy winter nights (Volcano’s evening activities are very limited after you’ve been to the Kilauea Lodge and a show at the KMC Theatre… shout-out to the Volcano Festival Chorus!) The house was immaculate, comfortable and beautifully decorated for Christmas. Spend more time in Volcano and stay here!

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

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Fantastic Hideaway

Guest J.Q.
Date of stay 11/24/12
Review Submitted 02/05/13

We stayed here four nights in November 2012. The house is situated in a tropical rain forest and is very private and quiet. Spotlessly clean and well maintained, the house comes stocked with movies, CDs, and musical instruments. It is very conveniently located for touring Volcano National Park and the village of Volcano.

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

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Great Honeymoon Spot

Guest Zambo
Date of stay 10/28/12
Review Submitted 11/27/12

My wife and I stayed for two nights. The seclusion was awesome. We grilled out, played with teh musical instruments there and watched some of the movies at night. The park entrance is less than a mile away so we beat the crowds in the morning. The local pheasant was very friendly too! This place was a steal. We will never forget it and hope to go back with friends some day.

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

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Love it! Love it! Love it!

Guest mp
Date of stay 10/14/12
Review Submitted 10/29/12

We stayed in Hale Mauka for 3 nights but could have easily settled in for a month. We just loved this place!!! The location is SO beautiful, being surrounded in rainforest from every room is pretty hard to beat. The house is a very short drive to Volcano Village and the Volcanoes National Park is only 5 minutes up the road making return trips and night trips (for the lava glow) very easy. The house is so well equiped. For us travelling with a 20 month old the use of a pack n play, high chairs, toys, puzzles and books was greatly apprecieted and incrediably convienent. There was also plenty of room outside and on the verandah for playing. The owners leave plenty of information on what sites and resturants they like close by as well as several guide books and picture books of the island. We based ourselves here to see the National Park but you could easily make this a base to see the southern and eastern parts of the island. We didnt use any of the outdoor equipment,....but they had heaps available (bikes, kayaks, beach gear, golf clubs....). Thanks so much for a fantastic stay. I couldnt think of anywhere better to take our son on his first overseas trip. Oh and for those travelling without kids I can stilll highly recommend it. It was be a fantastic getaway for anyone interested in a quite peaceful location to stay.,

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

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A jewel in the rain forest

Guest thomas m.
Date of stay 07/27/12
Review Submitted 08/09/12

This property has set the standard for us! The short, secluded driveway leads to a covered parking area with bins for trash and recycling. From there, up a few steps, awaits an IMMACULATE and welcoming cottage which had just about everything one would need: full kitchen with cookware, laundry room with all supplies, amazing soaking tub (big enough to snorkel in if you're a 6 year old boy), 2 well-appointed bedrooms with excellent beds, an entertainment closet stocked with movies and games, comfortable living areas and nice dining on the screened porch. Ceiling fans and a wood-burning stove keep things cozy. Absolutely would stay here again and highly recommend Hale Mauka for a rejuvenating respite from the real world!

Recommended for: Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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Wonderful Volcano House!!

Guest ufgrad98
Date of stay 07/25/12
Review Submitted 07/31/12

This house was perfect!!! The pictures do not do it justice:) I would definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone looking for a house in Volcano. From the moment we made the reservation, Diana was wonderful to deal with--very prompt email responses and very helpful in providing information about the house. There were little notes around the house to let guests know how to work certain appliances. And there was a great book with information on what to do in the Hilo/Volcano area. The house was extremely clean and well taken care of. The beds were very comfortable and the house had a ton of little "extras" to make you feel like you were home. There was an extensive movie collection for rainy days, games and toys, etc. The kitchen was very well stocked with pots, pans, and other necessities. The location could not have been better. It was only a few minutes drive to the Volcano. We wish we could have stayed longer, but we definitely enjoyed our time there and hope to go back one day. I highly recommend this property--you will NOT be disappointed!

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

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superb place to stay!

Guest Mjneenan
Date of stay 07/01/12
Review Submitted 07/25/12

This is a very warm, inviting place to stay in Volcano. The layout of the house is great and it's decorated so well. My wife was very impressed. The quality of the woodwork around the house and high end appliances are just some of the things that say excellence. The bed we slept in is also very high end - super comfortable. The owners have a massive set of things you might need for excursions underneath the house: goggles for snorkeling, fins, kayaks, bikes, coolers, beach chairs, and so on ... I was floored when I first saw how much was down there. These are owners who definitely get how to do the little things, as well as the large things, to make your stay comfortable and rewarding. The ferns all around really do give a sense of seclusion ...there's no doubt that you feel like you are living in a rain forest. We have stayed in a few rental homes and condos now over the last 4-5 years and this is by far the nicest one so far for us. Bravo!

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

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Lovely Private Tree Fern Retreat

Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 06/18/12
Review Submitted 06/30/12

Mahalo nui loa to Diana, the owner, for helping us after we hit the roadblock due to brushfires. She called around for alternate lodging and checked w/her local contacts about the fire status. Despite having flown 4.5 hours and already driven 2.5 hours, we finally decided to backtrack (so glad the Saddle Rd. has been repaved) so we could spend our first night of vacation at this wonderful home nestled in the rain forest. Fantastic lanai, nicely appointed kitchen, and while we didn't love the portable dehumidifier/fan in the bathroom we understand the need for it here. It was good to be back in Volcano for the start of our vacation. A hui hou.

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

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Music sings from the fabulous Home!

Guest Grandma Joey
Date of stay 05/08/12
Review Submitted 05/14/12

The moment we opened the front door of Hale Mauka the music of friendship and caring began! Diana and Robert had been absolutely fabulous on the phone, but their home speaks to the pride and love they share of the islands. Our seven year old grandson went immediately to the drums and began playing. It was love at first sight when we walked into this paradise. We have used VRBO many times, but this is by far the best experience we have ever had! The home was beautifully appointed and charming in everyway. The art work, fabulous kitchen, fireplace, gorgeous bedrooms, enormous bath tub, dining room (great for family games!) all made us feel like we were in our own home in the rainforest. Thank you Diana and Robert for sharing your piece of paradise with all of us!!!

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

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Fabulous!

Guest Grandma Joey
Date of stay 05/08/12
Review Submitted 05/12/12

Music begins to play the moment you enter this fabulous home. We have used VRBO many times and this is the BEST experience we have ever had. The joyfulness of Hale Mauka greets you as you arrive at this gorgeous home. The rain forest location adds the most amazing privacy and love you can experience on this planet! Thank you Dianna and Robert for making our stay with our grandson one we will always remember. Volcanoes National Park is just around the corner and so absolutely accessible which for us was the main reason for coming to Volcano. Jake did earn his Junior Ranger Badge! The fireplace and popcorn made for a perfect evening after exploring the park. Soaking in the tub was a bonus and tranquility surrounds you at every turn. Jake loved playing the instruments that you so generously shared. We have now purchased a ukulele for him to take back to California and enjoy! We shall always be appreciative of your kindness in sharing this fabulous place. Aloha and Mahalo, Grandma Joey, Jake, and Bill

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

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Perfect! Spectaular! Amazing! Wonderful! No Kidding!

Guest Jill T.
Date of stay 04/12/12
Review Submitted 04/26/12

I wish I could give Hale Mauka more than 5 stars- it really is that wonderful. My family has stayed in vacation rentals up and down Hawaii and across the mainland and we have never come across a more relaxing, beautiful, comfortable and accomadating retreat. This cottage has everything you could ever want or need on an island vacation plus instructions to go with it. The pictures are inticing but don't even do justice to how comfortable you really will be here. It was certainly the best laid out vacation house we've ever been in- no wasted space without feeling crowded for the five of us. The movie and book library were a treat, as was the luxury of the fireplace and, of course, the huge tub! The beds were incredibly comfortable. You will definitely get a good night's sleep here. It is shockingly quiet, you feel like you are much deeper in the rainforest than you actually are. Volcano Village was cute and fun. Volcanoes National Park being in such close proximity was fantastic- we spent a lot of time there and it was well worth it. Hilo is also close enough to be convenient. We spent the other half of our vacation in Kona and desperately wished we could be back at Hale Mauka- we fell in love with this home. Diana was a dream to work with- very available and accomodating. This will always be the home we turn to for trips to the Big Island.

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

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A little piece of heaven in the Rainforest!

Guest kauaigirl
Date of stay 03/30/12
Review Submitted 04/09/12

If you are searching for a place to stay in Volcano you can stop right now cause you've found it! I live on the island of Kaua'i and my friend from gradeschool and his family came to visit! We decided to make a trip to the Big Island with the purpose of seeing the Volcano. After asking around we heard that Volcano is a quaint little town and boy were they right! It's a great place to stay as it is not only close to the Volcanoes National Park but also Hilo Town and other tourist attractions. The House itself was spectacular! VERY well and thoughtfully furnished and supplied with everything you could ever need from spices and seasonings if you like to cook, to kayaks, bikes, toiletries, games and movies. The house is soooo comfy we just didn't want to leave! Diana was very easy to deal with and made an already great vacation even better with her beautiful home!

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

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Hale Mauka is an ideal retreat

Guest Jeanne
Date of stay 02/15/12
Review Submitted 02/27/12

Don't bother searching elsewhere, you can't go wrong at at the peaceful Volcano Hale Mauka where we (3 adults) spent 4 nights. Diana and Rob were lovely to work with; e-mails and calls were returned promptly. The property is thoughtfully-laid out with a quiet seating area in the garden and wonderful tree ferns and other tropical plants surrounding the lot. No neighbors are visible from the property. The large front porch is welcoming and a lovely place to relax. The porch and house are spotless. We loved the open concept of the living room to kitchen space. There was plenty of firewood for the efficient wood stove which we used in the evenings. The bathroom is spacious and the soaking tub divine! We loved the large windows in the ample bedrooms through which we could see the ferns and forest from our beds! The beds in both rooms are wonderfully comfortable, the linens topnotch. We took full advantage of the gourmet kitchen and gas grill to cook our meals. As was recommended, we shopped in Hilo (KTA Superstore on Rtes 11 and 2000) for supplies before heading up to Volcano. The ethernet cable worked well for computer use. We also enjoyed the large library of DVD and VCR movies to watch. Time and weather did not allow us to take advantage of the generously provided kayaks, snorkel gear, and bikes, but we hope to next time! The house is close to Volcanoes Nat. Park and the beautiful Mauna Loa Road overlook. We have stayed at numerous property rentals and Hale Mauka is without a doubt one of the best!

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

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Home Away from Home

Guest mary
Date of stay 01/26/12
Review Submitted 02/14/12

Everything that has been written by previous guests is extremely accurate and, if anything, understated. The house, the furnishings, the kitchen, the grounds are all first class and combined, give one the sense of peace and relaxation. We enjoyed the wood stove each evening as well as the large selection of DVDs. The well equipped kitchen made cooking a delight and the sunny dinning area a pleasant eating spot. Thanks for all the thoughtfulness that has gone into this home.

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

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Perfect holiday getaway!

Guest Stasia
Date of stay 12/17/11
Review Submitted 05/03/12

We cannot say enough about the wonderful time we had at Hale Mauka. When we arrived in the evening, holiday lights twinkled on the charming porch, highlighting a beautiful outdoor Christmas tree and rockers. Such a sweet surprise! The cottage is nestled in a gorgeous private rainforest setting with huge ferns surrounding. There's great attention to detail with a well-stocked kitchen and activity closet. There's simply a great vibe there. Our children still talk about our time there and ask if we'll ever have a bathtub that big. Thanks to Diana for providing a special place for our first family vacation. We hope to come again next year.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with young children.

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Charming place

Guest Brian
Date of stay 12/12/11
Review Submitted 01/31/12

This was our second trip to Hale Mauka. The house is a peaceful retreat, tucked back in the rainforest from a small street, with lots of wood inside, high ceilings, a large soaking tub, great beds and a great fireplace (Volcano can get cold at night). We chose to spend one of our days just decompressing there. You are close to Volcano Village for restaurants, and only a mile or so from NVP. (We were still on Pacific Time, and so it was easy to wake up at 5am and take the short drive up to Jaggar Museum to see the orange glow of the crater -- my 6-year old son loves this.) You're also not too far from Hilo, maybe about 45 minutes, and so it's a good base to explore there. Don't forget to look through the book of activities -- we bizarrely found a great nearby spa where my wife got a Hawaiian-style massage.

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

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Awesome

Guest Mike
Date of stay 11/13/11
Review Submitted 12/08/11

Diana and Rob: Sorry for the latency in my review. Our stay was so relaxing and comfortable thanks to your wonderful home. Beautiful surroundings, clean, well equipped, outstanding furnishings, everything worked as advertised, we couldn't come close to utilizing everything provided in our short stay. Volcano National Park in itself would be enough reason to stay here, but the location and accessibility to Highway 11 makes it a perfect homebase to explore all that "Big Island" has to offer. Hope to return sometime soon. Mahalo nui loa for all your help and guidance. Mike ,Stella and Clint

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

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Nothing less than 5 stars!!

Guest anonymous
Date of stay 11/02/11
Review Submitted 12/14/11

There is a reason this beautiful rental keeps getting 5 stars and top reviews...it is exactly as portrayed both in pictures and description. The owners have made this a "home" for you and thought of ALL you might need in your vacation "home" (you just provide the groceries). It is very close to the entrance of the national park and convenient to touring the East side of The Big Island. Please read the reviews for they are are all spot on with their reviews and advice.The house is extremely clean with a very comfortable Tempurpedic king bed in the master bedroom and all the "little" things that can make a vacation that much more enjoyable.This was our first VRBO rental and we were very happy.You will not be disappointed with this roomy yet cozy selection in Volcano.

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

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Great Stay

Guest Tiffany_234
Date of stay 10/18/11
Review Submitted 11/06/11

We stayed at Hale Mauka for 4 nights after spending 5 nights in Kona. One thing that stands out about the rental is how well stocked it is. Everything we needed was right there such as menus from local restaurants, childrens toys, beach gear, flash lights, jackets, laundry detergent, pots, pans, spices, shampoo, etc. The owners have even put together their own guidebook with pictures and handdrawn maps. We enjoyed the park including the Kilauea Iki Hike, the Chain of Craters Road, and the amazing glow at night from the Jaggar Museum (which is reason enough to stay in the area). We also hiked to the green sand beach (really windy, not as green as we pictured it, but pretty and unique), played golf at the Volcano Golf Course, and took our 18 month old son to the toddler beach in Hilo. We wanted to take a day trip to Puna, but needed one more day. Everything about the house was clean and in great condition. We loved how the house is nestled in the jungle, with a big porch and lots of windows to enjoy the view of the foliage. The kitchen was really nice, the beds were comfy, and the owners were great to work with. We have never stayed anywhere away from home and felt so at home.

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

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WONDERFUL STAY!

Guest Darcy
Date of stay 09/11/11
Review Submitted 09/26/11

We stayed here for one week and absolutely loved it. Diana and Rob were there since we arrived early and we were very happy to get a chance to meet them. In all the many places that we have rented and stayed at I have never been in a rental so well equipped as this. It was just incredible! I usually have to take a good knife, knife sharpener, a good peeler, and some other cooking tools. I usually take spices, coffee filters, aluminum foil, etc. This home had it all!!! Even a guitar if you play with steel strings. I'm a classical guitar player so that didn't work for me. Beach towels were provided, tons of DVDs to watch in the evening, etc. Well I could go on and on. If you read the comments below, you'll realize all the other goodies that were made available to us! Since we were 3 adults, it was a bit of a challenge with one bathroom, but, there are 2 toilettes. hehe So, that was a good thing. I highly recommend anyone to stay here because you will love it! I hope to go back in the near future... Thanks again, Diana and Rob!

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

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Beautiful Hale Mauka

Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 09/07/11
Review Submitted 10/08/11

We spent four nights here at this excellent property. Every detail you can imagine was provided - the house had everything we could have hoped for or needed or imagined. The property is a beautiful hideaway in the volcano rainforest - only 1 mile from Volcano National Park. The black sand beach is also very close where we were lucky enough to see many sea turtles swimming in the waters with us. My family and I would highly recommend this vacation property - Diana and Rob were excellent hosts - and you can certainly tell how much thought and creativity went into making this the beautiful getaway that it is. Thank you so very much Diana and Rob for your thoughtful consideration! We will be back soon!!

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

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Perfect Hideaway

Guest Leon & Gail D.
Date of stay 09/05/11
Review Submitted 09/12/11

We recently needed some R & R after participation in the Queen Liliuokalani 18 mile Canoe Race in Kona. We love the Volcano Village and found the lovely Hale Mauka to be the perfect lodging. Every detail is seen to. The space is beautifully furnished, spotlessly clean and filled with any amenity you might need. Hidden off a quiet road in the midst of treeferns and ohia forest with yellow ginger blooming all around, you feel a million miles from the busy world. But, the Village is just a short distance away and has several lovely dining options, galleries and 2 general stores. The charming town of Hilo is not more than 20-25 minutes drive away and offers a wonderful feel of old Hawaii. We are familiar with the surrounding areas, but were not able this time to stay long enough to head down to Puna district and swim in the warm geothermal heated tidepools or hike into Kilauea Iki Crater in the Volcano Nat'l Park or enjoy many of the other opportunities that exist nearby. We just wanted to hideaway and relax in the Japanese soaking tub....perfect for our aching muscles....and watch movies and go for walks in the misty fern tree forest. We cannot recommend the quality and attention to detail that this cottage offers strongly enough. We are vacation owners and vrbo listors ourselves, so we know what it takes to offer this kind of accommodation. We are already planning our next visit and telling our friends. Mahalo for your warm welcome and allowing us to stay.

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

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What a find!

Guest Travelers4
Date of stay 08/05/11
Review Submitted 08/20/11

We spent three nights at this property and loved it! It is very pretty; the house is nestled in the forest and feels very private. Lots of wildlife on the property. Well equiped with snorkels, bicycles, small kayaks, guide books & helpful advice. A mile or so drive to the "downtown" part of Volcano Villiage. If you intend to do your own cooking, it is a fairly long drive to a supermarket - come prepared! The kitchen is modern, high quality, with all major appliances and well stocked. The master bedroom is great, second bedroom is smaller - comfortable beds, nice bedding. Soaking tub in the bathroom was wonderful after a day of hiking in the park. Great selection of DVD's. Very clean. All in all, a fabulous place to stay. Highly recommend it!

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

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Awesome!

Guest EAM
Date of stay 07/09/11
Review Submitted 07/25/11

With all the wonderful reviews I thought it must be great but it was beyond my expectations and perfect in every way! A must stay if you are in the area and a great location to the National Park. A wonderful cottage/home with everything you need and more. You can tell the owners have focused on every detail and made this a super place to stay. We only stayed for two nights but I could have stayed forever! Thanks for sharing your beautiful home.

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

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Wowww....

Guest Diane
Date of stay 06/04/11
Review Submitted 06/08/11

Wowww... We had such a great time at this beautiful home. The kitchen was so well stocked with utensils, spices and all other items needed to make quick meals. The home is also very clean and spacious for a family of 4. All of the information you provided to me was as described. Your home filled our 4 days with such wonderful memories. We even had a chance to watch some movies from your extensive collection that we never got to on the mainland. Volcano is the perfect location to explore the East side of the island. Our favorite adventures were: 1) Viewing the Halema'uma crater from the Jagger Musuem at night 2) Akaka Falls (the hike down is as wonderful as the falls) 3) Punalu'u Black Sand Beach (yes. it is really black and has a lot of turtles) 4) Kilaua Iki Trail 5) Snorkeling at Wai'pae Tide Pools (Kapaho) Thank you again for your honesty and for opening up your amazing home to us. We highly recommend your home to others. Hopefully, we will get back to the the Big Island in the next couple of years to spend more time at your home. Diane, Scott, Chloe (16) and Natalie (14) from Denver Colorado

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

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Wow - Truly Amazing. All the comforts of home!

Guest Jan F.
Date of stay 05/29/11
Review Submitted 06/27/11

One word - WOW! We've stayed in a few places on this side of the island and none have come close to "Hale Mauka". Such a beautiful home in such a beautiful & private setting. Everything we needed was here! So nice to have all of the "creature comforts" of home. A fully stocked kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. Great DVD collection. Bicycles, kayaks and snorkeling gear all await you! A great book giving you ideas of what to do in the area. If you are looking for a place to stay in Volcano, look no further! This is the place to stay!!

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

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Lovely Place to Stay!!

Guest Mike & Jenny
Date of stay 04/09/11
Review Submitted 04/13/11

This was our second stay at "Volcano Hale Mauka" and it was as enjoyable as the first time we spent here. We would also not hesitate coming back for another stay, in fact, we are already talk about coming back and spending a longer time here! We have stayed at several rentals on the Big Island and this this the one we compare all to, it has many nice details that make it feel like home, not just another rental. From bikes, kayaks, and many little extras you may find you need. It is also in a great location to explore Volcano NP and the Hilo side of the Island. We will miss the peace and quiet, especially the beautiful setting nestled in among the tree ferns in this rainforest. Thank you Diana for sharing this place with us!

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

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Deb & Danny

Guest Deb & Danny
Date of stay 03/23/11
Review Submitted 04/08/11

We visited Volcano, HI and stayed at Hale Mauka for almost two weeks. What a serene and peaceful location. The cottage was clean and neat and Diana supplied everything you would need to enhance your vacation get-a-way. Every detail was taken into consideration as to what an "adventure" seeking vacationer would need...backpacks, beach towels, kayaks, snorkeling gear, bicycles and boogie boards. The closet was filled with a wide selection of movies and books to read as well as puzzles, games and beach toys for little tots. We highly recommend this rental for anyone visiting Volcano as a couple or family. Thank you, Diana, for such a wonderful vacation experience. We hope to spend time with you again. P.S. The king size Tempur-pedic bed was heavenly...

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Wonderful accommodations!

Guest Nancynb
Date of stay 03/09/11
Review Submitted 03/13/11

We are two couples and a teenage boy who just spent two nights in Hale Mauka in Volcano Village. Every aspect of this rental lived up to or exceeded our expectations. The owners were prompt in their responses to our questions and the details re directions, access etc were simple and easy. The cottage itself was exactly as described, nestled in the rainforest foliage and very quiet and private. The quality of the fixtures and furnishings was a surprise. Having stayed in numerous private rental properties around the world, there are few that offer the fine cabinetry, extensively stocked kitchen and range of 'extras' (even a set of drums and a guitar!!!) that were made available to us in Hale Mauka. This home was lovingly created and it shows!! The location proved to be excellent for exploring both the Volcano national Park and the Puna district (take the time to drive the Rt 130-132-137 loop...stunning!). We could have easily stayed longer and enjoyed the comfort and serenity of this beautiful property. Maybe next time! Thank you for a memorable stay.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Lovely vacation rental w/ great location!

Guest HawaiiFan
Date of stay 01/19/11
Review Submitted 03/28/11

My husband & I and our little boy stayed 5 nights in January and really loved it. It was clean, very nicely decorated, beautiful craftsmanship, and felt like home. My husband & little boy loved playing the bongos and guitar. We were grateful for the well stocked kitchen as we ate in every night (except one). It was wonderful being so close to the national park. We were able to go in several evenings to see the lava glowing. This has been our favorite vacation rental and we would highly recommend to all. (FYI, there is no central heating in the house but the wood stove comes stocked with wood to burn and fire starters. Once we figured out how to use the stove we had no problems at all.) Absolutely wonderful house, very clean, lots of hot water and great location.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Peaceful and Relaxing Cottage

Guest anonymous
Date of stay 01/16/11
Review Submitted 02/07/11

My husband and our daughter thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Volcano Hale Makau. The owners were very thorough with directions how to get to the cottage The cottage was clean, and the owners provided everything we needed to be comfortable. The location was convenient being so close to the Volcano National Park, and the little town of Volcano. I wish we would have had more time to explore the southern part of the Big Island. We will definitely recommend Hale Makau to friends traveling to the Big Island who want a comfortable and relaxing experience. Mahalo, Sig, Sheryl & Elise

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Best Place We Stayed in Hawaii

Guest John
Date of stay 12/08/10
Review Submitted 12/24/10

This house became our home for 6 nights this December 2010. From the first sight to the last glimpse of it, we thoroughly enjoyed staying here. The owners had tastefully decorated the porch with a little Christmas tree and inside on the hearth where a pot-belly stove stood were Christmas stockings. The pot-belly stove was a real treat for the cool evenings and we kept a small fire going every night, snuggling on the cozy couch and listening to the birds and other critters. The home is very well appointed. The kitchen had everything we needed to prepare our meals and the bathroom had a shower and a wonderful deep tub to soak in with candles to light the night. We travel lightly and only had a couple changes of clothes so the washer and dryer were a real bonus. The bed in the master bedroom was very comfortable and the pillows were not the hard foam variety! Yippee! We kept the windows open at night in the bedroom and often drifted to sleep with the sounds of frogs, other nighttime critters, and gentle rain. This place was truly the best accommodation we stayed at for the entire 2 weeks we were on the island and the owners were always prompt and thorough in all communications with us. If you're plans include time in the Volcano area - which it should - try to reserve the Hale Mauka. You won't be disappointed! We have already recommended it to some friends who will be traveling to Hawaii in March 2011.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Hale Mauka is WONDERFUL!!!

Guest Unpapillon
Date of stay 11/04/10
Review Submitted 11/13/10

My husband and I spent four peaceful nights and five relaxing days at Hale Mauka. We had the Volcano rain our entire stay and spent our days cooking, reading, soaking in the tub, listening to the rain and the birds, watching television, enjoying the fire, doing yoga, getting a massage and going to farmers markets. It was a wonderful time. The listing description is accurate and the property is clean and very well maintained. The kitchen had everything we needed, the living room was great for relaxing and watching movies. The owners provide a huge selection of movies! The temperapedic bed was comfortable and we slept well every night. Volcano is a beautifuly place, almost magical. I would recommend this property to anyone who is thinking of staying in Volcano.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

This is what heaven feels like!

Guest Carrie B.
Date of stay 10/03/10
Review Submitted 11/02/10

Having a week at Hale Mauka was not nearly enough time, but we got to meet some great neighbors, eat at great little restaurants in Volcano Village and hike, swim and go on adventures everyday. The best part was returning home to this lovely respite in the middle of the rainforest and knowing that soaking tub was there waiting. The kitchen had more than everything we needed so when a neighbor dropped off an entire bunch of apple bananas I made up chocolate chip banana loaves so we had quick breakfasts and snacks for the days ahead. There was nothing missing about this home and I have recommended it to all of my friends visiting the big island. You won't be sorry you chose this one! It's a real find!!! Not to mention the owners are awesome, friendly and super-helpful folks!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Rain Forrest dream house

Guest Dian H.
Date of stay 09/19/10
Review Submitted 10/16/10

We stayed for four days in September and loved every minute. Flew into Kono, made a trip to Costco and drove to Volcano. What a joy our stay was, all the conveniences, beautiful home and gardens. We had coffee on the deck every morning and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Daily excursions (out of the blue book) we great fun, loved the Saturday Hilo farmers market, Volcano park and our stay in your lovely home - we would love to return staying longer here next time (we split our time with the Kono side). Thank you again for making your home available and at such great rates.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

This Place is Wonderful!

Guest Susan
Date of stay 09/11/10
Review Submitted 10/17/10

We were in Hawaii for 11 days and spent 3 nights on the Big Island at this lovely home. The place is even better in person! Very well designed and nicely stocked kitchen and BBQ. We had two couples and had plenty of room and were very comfortable. The location is superbly close to Volcanoes National Park and is an incredible value for the fantastic accomodations! Go back at night and see the glow from the volcano...it is thrilling!! So many fun things to do that we would definately go back and stay a week...didn't realize how diverse the Big Island is. Hilo is very close and there is lots of good snorkeling and swimming near Puna and south towards the lava flows. Also, you must visit the Ahalanui naturally heated pool...pure heaven!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Great House

Guest HRGuru
Date of stay 08/23/10
Review Submitted 08/31/10

My family and I stayed at Hale Mauka for 2 nights, the house was perfect for us. The property is obviously much loved and was therefore, very well maintained. The layout is perfect for a small family or group. The layout of the property was perfect and the owners provided great amenities for guests to utilize. Everything from flashlights to use at night while visiting the volcano, to a cooler for a picnic, along with kayaks and everything you need to use them (as well as directions on the best places to go). The house was extremely comfortable and well thought out for renters. The kitchen was well stocked with everything you need to make an excellent meal. Our only complaint was the choice in local restaurants was a bit lacking (3 total), so I would highly recommend planning on bringing in food and preparing meals at the house especially if you have small children who typically can't wait long periods of time for a table. We will definitely be back.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

I'd go back!

Guest San Antonio Rose
Date of stay 07/19/10
Review Submitted 08/14/10

We stayed for 3 nights and cooked all of our meals. We grocery shopped in Hilo before arriving, but Diana keeps the kitchen well stocked with basics(tea, coffee, dressings, etc.). The accommodations were clean and comfortable. The space was good for 5 adults. Since the house was located very close to the Volcano Nat'l Park, we spent very little time in the car. Instead we were able to spend all of our time hiking and sight seeing. The house ambiance reminds you to slow down and smell the flowers in Hawaii!!! A GREAT place to stay and relax!!!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Simply Spectacular!!

Guest yusuf o.
Date of stay 07/14/10
Review Submitted 07/27/10

Our family chose this place based on the reviews and pictures only, and we couldn't have been happier with our decision.We are a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 teenage daughters). We stayed for 2 nights in July 2010. From our first contact with Diana, the booking process was quick and easy. when we arrived at our destination we were simply "blown away" by how clean, tidy and luxurious this place was in a very quiet and secluded location. the house itself is fully equipped with all you would require for a vacation getaway.from the large tub with a beautiful view of the forest to a gourmet kitchen and beautiful veranda overlooking the compound , this place has it all. our girls loved the bathtub soaks while we prepared dinner nightly. the house is conveniently located 5 minutes by car to the Volcano National Park and a scenic 30-35 minute drive from Hilo. the pictures of the place DO NOT do justice to how comfy and beautiful this home is. we just were disappointed with ourselves for not booking the home for more days once we got there. upon our departure we flew to Maui. at the airport my wife realised she forgot her cellphone at the house. not only did Diana and her husband go out of the way to locate the phone, but they also mailed it that same day to us on Maui , so my wife could have her lifeline back in her hands. this went above and beyond our expectations. If anyone is looking at staying at a luxurious, comfortable, convenient gateway to Volcano National Park,at a very reasonable cost, then Hale Mauka has it all AND MORE!!! We have no problems recommending this location to any prospective guests as we ourselves hope to be back to Hale Mauka should our travel plans ever take us back to the islands.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Every bit as beautiful as the pictures

Guest Steve R2
Date of stay 06/14/10
Review Submitted 06/24/10

We just returned from two weeks on Hawaii. We spent three nights in this beautiful house. It came highly recommended by my niece, who grew up on the Big Island. And I will recommend it to everyone I know. Try to spend more than three days there though. There is a lot to do and see. Very nice and helpful owner too.

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

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Wonderful retreat after long day hiking and exploring!

Guest WhoDat Family
Date of stay 06/05/10
Review Submitted 06/29/10

What a wonderful home to relax in after hiking and exploring all day. It was everything promised and more. Home was spotless, plenty of linens, well equipped kitchen, plenty of hot water. Owner wonderful to arrange accommodations with. So close to the national park and loved the restaurants nearby. Our family would love to return in the future.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

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Best Rental Of My Life

Guest Best Rental Of My Life
Date of stay 05/23/10
Review Submitted 07/03/10

This place is beyond words. The moment you walk in, the house welcomes you with open arms. It's a cozy cottage with all of the comforts from home. This cottage is clean, beautiful, relaxing and most of all well taken care of. Diana takes pride in this place and you can tell she cares about her guests by providing essential items and sharing her personal outdoor activity items such as bikes, snorkels, movies and more. I would never stay anywhere else. The bedrooms are beautiful, the mattresses are like sleeping on a cloud and the sheets are luxurious. To top it off, the views from every room are amazing!! We did not want to leave. My mother - in - law wanted to stay in instead of exploring the island. Don't hesistate to rent this place. You will not regret it. Thank you for sharing your cottage with us, we will never forget our stay.

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

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Best place we stayed- Top Notch Everything!!

Guest Frank & Beth
Date of stay 05/05/10
Review Submitted 05/18/10

I can't even find words strong enough to describe how wonderful Hale Mauka was. The pictures and description on VRBO, while very appealing, still do not do it justice.We stayed in 5 VRBO properties while visiting 4 Islands and this was our unanimous favorite. The property was immaculate and so well-equipped- Diana has thought of everything it seems. It is so convenient to the sites of the area but it was hard to tear ourselves away from the cottage- a true slice of paradise.EVERYTHING was first class- from the fully equipped kitchen to the luxurious bed linens. I need not recommend activities in the area- Diana has a booklet with pictures, directions, and personal comments on everything you might want to do. Even when we left- that dear lady found something I had forgotten and immediately emailed me and offered to send it to our mainland home.. We drove back 65 miles to get it and got to meet her and her husband- and they are delightful- even gave us more tips for our next few days in the Captain Cook area. An extraordinary experience and a highlight of our 3 week trip. Only one negative- we didn't stay longer!We have decided when (if) our two adult children get married we will send them to Hale Mauka as a wedding gift and that should tell you something!

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

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Volcano Hale Mauka was great

Guest living the life 9
Date of stay 03/16/10
Review Submitted 03/27/10

March 16-20, 2010. Wonderful accommodations!!! We wanted to spend some time at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Volcano Hale Mauka is approximately a mile away and it could not be any more convenient and relaxing. The kids loved the beds, internet access and the TV. The parents loved the well laid out kitchen, its accessories, and the romance of a wood burning stove. Volcano Hale Mauka is very tastefully decorated. Our only disappointment was that we had to leave.

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

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Guest The Halls2
Date of stay 03/07/10
Review Submitted 03/07/10

It is rare to find a treasured home offering such respite and comfort! We settled in quickly to the lush surroundings and the quiet. We heard only birds for the five days we were visiting. Hale Mauka, while being close and convenient to everything, offers a hide away full of easy days and a wonderful evening stillness. Our "hosts" had thought of EVERYTHING!We had a wonderful stay and plan to come next year.

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Last Minute Special!!* $135.00/nt up to 4 Guest!! [#133282] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (78)

Aloha Basecamp @ Volcano National Park!

Aloha Basecamp @ Volcano National Park!

a real gem

a real gem

Volcano vacation

Volcano vacation

Our family loved this house!

Our family loved this house!

Absolutely as perfect as the pictures

Absolutely as perfect as the pictures

A perfect Volcano retreat.

A perfect Volcano retreat.

Fantastic Hideaway

Fantastic Hideaway

Great Honeymoon Spot

Great Honeymoon Spot

Love it! Love it! Love it!

Love it! Love it! Love it!

A jewel in the rain forest

A jewel in the rain forest

Wonderful Volcano House!!

Wonderful Volcano House!!

superb place to stay!

superb place to stay!

Lovely Private Tree Fern Retreat

Lovely Private Tree Fern Retreat

Music sings from the fabulous Home!

Music sings from the fabulous Home!

Fabulous!

Fabulous!

Perfect! Spectaular! Amazing! Wonderful! No Kidding!

Perfect! Spectaular! Amazing! Wonderful! No Kidding!

A little piece of heaven in the Rainforest!

A little piece of heaven in the Rainforest!

Hale Mauka is an ideal retreat

Hale Mauka is an ideal retreat

Home Away from Home

Home Away from Home

Perfect holiday getaway!

Perfect holiday getaway!

Charming place

Charming place

Awesome

Awesome

Nothing less than 5 stars!!

Nothing less than 5 stars!!

Great Stay

Great Stay

WONDERFUL STAY!

WONDERFUL STAY!

Beautiful Hale Mauka

Beautiful Hale Mauka

Perfect Hideaway

Perfect Hideaway

What a find!

What a find!

Awesome!

Awesome!

Wowww....

Wowww....

Wow - Truly Amazing. All the comforts of home!

Wow - Truly Amazing. All the comforts of home!

Lovely Place to Stay!!

Lovely Place to Stay!!

Deb & Danny

Deb & Danny

Wonderful accommodations!

Wonderful accommodations!

Lovely vacation rental w/ great location!

Lovely vacation rental w/ great location!

Peaceful and Relaxing Cottage

Peaceful and Relaxing Cottage

Best Place We Stayed in Hawaii

Best Place We Stayed in Hawaii

Hale Mauka is WONDERFUL!!!

Hale Mauka is WONDERFUL!!!

This is what heaven feels like!