Vacation Rentals by Owner

Best Vacation Getaway Location Ever!

Guest: Patrick (Skagit County, WA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/12 Review Submitted: 04/29/12

We had a wonderful time these last 6 days and I wanted to personally write to you that of all the places I have traveled to for vacation, your property rates the best!! Some of our party was a bit disparaging at first, when we said we were staying on the east/Hilo side of the Big Island, but all concerns and hesitation were instantly dissolved when we arrived and settled in. From the location on the beach, the detail and care in the house construction, the warm feel of the furniture and decorations, and the fantastic information on the local activities created an instant feel of olu'olu (comfort)! This is my second time to the Big Island and I have spent some time before (for work and vacation) in Oahu and Maui. After our stay at the Beach House in Kea'au I am now recommending this property to my family and friends and will definitely plan on staying again for our next visit to Hawaii. Patrick Booth

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

Beautiful Home

Guest: Jerry (Kansas)
Date of Stay: 02/08/12 Review Submitted: 02/11/12

We spent 11 days here with two other couples. This place is beautiful, comfortable and spacious. The only thing I can say bad is that we couldn't stay longer. Enjoyed this house so much we spent more time here than planned. Sometime you want to leave the house you rent to see the island but in this case the house was as much a vacation pot as all the other attractions. When we come back to The Big Island we WILL stay here again. Unless we buy the place. lol

Recommended for:Age 55+

Loved it!

Guest: Kathy (Seattle area)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 10/28/11

It was hard to leave the wonderful sound of the waves breaking on shore and the sea spray reaching up to the palms. I fell asleep each night and woke up again each morning the rolling sound of the waves. I watched the sunrise over the water , framed by tall palm trees, from my upper story bedroom, and could hardly believe I was finally here. The only thing that seemed a bit strange to me was the upper floor could be accessed only by an outside stairway. This was well lighted, and no problem, just unusual. This beautiful home was just perfect. The secluded private hot tub and private pool were among the palm trees and had a ceiling of stars- a great way to end a wonderful day. The 4 of us had such a great time-my significant other and I, both 63, his grown step-son and my grown son. This was the1st time to Hawaii for 3 of us. We spent 4 nights here in Hilo, then drove to Kohala for 4 more nights. The weather was warm and alternating cloudy, rainy and sunny, with no crowds. On this side of the island we took a helicopter ride over the rain forest and Kilauea, visited the amazing Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden, saw Imiloa the astronomy center, checked out Punalu'u black sand beach, and one of the warm ponds, and drove through the Volcano National Park. I would highly recommend this home to anyone who wants luxury, privacy, and the ocean waves at their doorstep.

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

Beautiful Home at Hilo

Guest: Lorna (Ocean Shores, Washington)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 11/24/11

My husband & I and our best friends, recentltly stayed at this property celebrating our 40th and 50th Anniversaries. The Listing description and the photos accurately reflected this lovely home's appearance and amenities. It was very clean and well mainitained. Beautifully constructed with great attention to detail in the woodwork. We thoroughly enjoyed the back deck, pool and hottub, especially in the warm balmy evenings. The home is tucked away off the road with palm and coconut trees in the yard. We were serenated to sleep every night, by the sounds of birds and frogs, and the crashing waves of the Ocean in the back yard. The hardwood floors were elegant and the stained glass windows and doors absolutely gorgeous. The beds were very comfortable, and the house was nicely decorated with Polynesian furniture, unique lamps and appointments. Charming! to say the least. We enjoyed using the bicycles in the garage and riding to the nearby Tidal pools. Also Enjoyed the nearby farmer's market and all of the restaurants in the mall. The vegetation was breathtaking, and neighborhood delightful! Would definitely return to this home, and have already reccommended it to several family members and friends. Mike and Lorna Valdez, Ocean Shores Washington

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

Great family base for the Big Island!

Guest: Kris (Ohio)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/22/11

We were here for a week with the kids and my mother. It was perfect for the 5 of us! The kids loved the pool and hot tub. I loved sipping coffee on the lanai while watching the sun rise. My mom loved the fact that she didn't have to go up and down steps. Not far from activities. Jack and Barbara were wonderful in their emails with things to do and directions to places to visit. Would come back in a heartbeat.

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

Great house, great value, great owners!

Guest: Jackie (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 05/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/11/11

My family of four stayed at this great house for our first three nights on the Big Island. What a fabulous place. The ocean view over the lava cliffs is captivating, and the great tide pools nearby to play and frolic in without the ocean buffeting you around (great for not so great swimmers) was amazing! The house is stocked with lots of basics so you don't have to worry if you want to cook in a night or two, though we find some great local cuisine within five miles. I thought this was going to be my least favorite part of the trip, but it turned out to be the best! The reality is, it only rained in the evenings, the days were amazing, and the house is very comfortable with all amenities you would want. Our biggest challenge was trying to get up the gumption to leave when it was so comfortable there. Great job Barbara and John, the Scott Family will return!

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

Our Favorite of All Time!

Guest: Homer (Wheat Ridge Colorado)
Date of Stay: 02/28/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

Okay - When we unlocked the doors to step foot into this VRBO - I was overcome with the total Hawaiian look and ambience! The photos on this VRBO are very nice but they don't quite depict the amazing interior openess - comfort design - just on and on. We spent endless hours on our deck - the hottub - and further out a bit on the volcanic cliffs. March is the rainiest month but we experienced 8 full days of sunshine mixed with some rain. There was only one actually rainy day and we road the furnished bikes in the rain - It is so mild! The bikes were great and we ventured the length of the Beach road and red road nearly all the way East to the volcanic heated pool park. Just can't say enough about this wonderful truly Hawaiian spot. We have been to Kona - It's okay - but this is truly Paradise!

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

Oh my! What a place!

Guest: Barb L. (Skagit County Washington)
Date of Stay: 02/02/11 Review Submitted: 02/09/11

Truly one of the highlights of our recent Girls' Week in Hawaii was our stay at the Beach House south of Hilo. Not only is the house beautiful with lots of room and fabulous wood floors, the view over the ocean is spectacular! And I can't remember when I've ever seen a night sky more beautiful! The hot tub and pool on the deck were just what we needed after our days of sightseeing. What could be better? Well, maybe our breakfasts on the deck where we could enjoy the fabulous setting enjoying a little champagne and orange juice! This home is well cared for and is very clean. The kitchen was well equipped and everything worked just fine. I was particularly impressed with the linens on the beds--lightweight duvets with very nice covers. And there were plenty of towels for sunbathing on the deck as well as for showers. The outside shower was very convenient for rinsing off after hot tub and pool time. I highly recommend this beautiful home overlooking the ocean. It truly was a highlight of our time on the Big Island. The owners provided lots of good information and were very helpful when we arrived. Activities we especially enjoyed nearby were snorkeling in the Kapoho Tidepools and swimming in the Puala'a Thermal Spring at Ahalanui Park (both on the Red Road, Hwy 137). We continued on to the end of the road to visit Kalapana, the village that was covered by lava in the 1990 flow. And not far from there, we could see the steam from molten lava flowing down the hillside. Great views from the end of Hwy 130--if you go at dusk to see the red molten lava, be sure to take a flashlight! All this less than a 45 minute drive from the Beach House! It's a wonderful place, and I have every intention of returning in the not-too-distant future!

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

Peace and quiet-at it's very best.

Guest: Val (Derbyshire England)
Date of Stay: 01/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

This house is stunning.We spent Christmas 2011 here. The website photos don't do it justice. The exquisite wood floors are beautiful. It is well equipped, there are coconuts and bananas growing in the garden, but the best thing has to be the view. And believe me, I like things nice! The people letting the house are SO helpful. It is remote, but so worth it. Maybe stay both sides of the island when you visit, but please, stay here if you are vising Hilo & area. It is definitely the best place for the volcano.-so close. Great little restaurants in Pahoa: Kaleos, Nings, Paolos and more. All great. Thank you Barbara & Jack. It was fabulous.

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

Absolute Paradise!

Guest: Mark and Suzie (Council Bluffs, IA USA)
Date of Stay: 12/17/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/11

This was our third trip to Hawaii but our first trip to this house. This is our favorite place!!! The house is awesome and has everything one would want or need! The pictures on the webpage show how the house really looks! It is very clean and welcoming! The windows facing the deck and ocean provide beautiful scenery all day! We enjoyed swimming in the pool, sitting in the hot tub, sitting by the pool and sitting on the rocks by the ocean! The sounds of the ocean created a feeling of relaxation - great to listen to during the day and sleep to during the night! Jack and Barbara are awesome hosts - they called to check to see how we were doing and if we needed anything. We never received such wonderful care from other places! We truly felt at home and wanted to stay! We were sad to leave and miss the Hilo house! We will return!! If you are looking for a great place to stay - look no further - this is the place!! You will find absolute paradise!!

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

Wonderful house on the water's edge...Great family retreat.

Guest: Rod (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 10/26/10 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

We stayed 8 nights at very roomy and well appointed house. We were visiting my son and his family that live nearby. We looked for a place that would let us all stay together and have a pool/hot tub for relaxation. We were close enough to do day hikes (volcano caldera hike and petroglyph walk really worthwhile). Be sure to try Hilo Bay Cafe. This place is really great for a family or group of friends. We will be back!

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

Perfect location, great house!

Guest: John (Port Angeles, WA)
Date of Stay: 08/03/10 Review Submitted: 08/15/10

What a view! Just a fantastic pahoehoe flow separating you from the ocean at this cliffside house. Endangered sea turtles swim in the surf and nene fly overhead (and one day landed for a visit!) Great views of the stars with all the lights off. Everything we needed was there waiting for us. The kitchen was nice and well-equipped, wi-fi worked, pool and hot tub were great. Even in the heat of August we were cool at night with the ocean breeze and ceiling fans! Extra pillows in the closet were helpful for those of us who like 2 pillows each. Washer and dryer worked great so we just needed a carry-on for luggage. We spent 10 days here and everything was nearby -- waterfalls, ocean views, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the active lava flow, Mauna Kea for sunset and stargazing! We'll definitely be back!

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

Welcome to paradise!

Guest: Frank M. (Burlington, WA)
Date of Stay: 07/29/10 Review Submitted: 09/02/10

My partner and I spent a few days at the beginning of August here. This was simply the best vacation ever! You spend your nights listening to the rain pouring down with the waves crashing all night long with a gentle breeze blowing once the rain has stopped. I got the best sleep here and loved how everyday was a new adventure exploring the many "worlds" of Hawaii's Big Island. We simply can't wait to come back here again! This is a true oasis!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Megan45 (Los Gatos, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/23/09 Review Submitted: 04/23/09

We had such a lovely time! The house was perfect for relaxing, cooking, lounging, playing games, and all hanging out together. The pool and spa were a blast, we were swimming all day! The grounds and house are very well taken care of, the beds were very comfortable, the kitchen was well-equipped, the living area is spacious, there were plenty of towels, lots of fun pool toys, and the interior was beautiful. Such a great place to stay! I wish we could have stayed longer.

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Guest: Katie76 (-)
Date of Stay: 04/09/09 Review Submitted: 04/09/09

I wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, so I again booked the Beach Road Home knowing that I would be arriving at a beautiful house at the end of a pine tree-lined road and walking out onto a deck with a spectacular view of sky and sea. I remembered that unique feeling of peace and joy when I arrived. Once again I was struck by the beauty of the natural all-wood home and its captivating spaciousness, and the many large windows and lanais, giving you full access to the sky-swept sea right outside the front door. With waves crashing, and dolphins and whales (if you’re lucky) playing yards off the front-yard cliffs, you can have an ocean adventure without leaving the luxury of the jacuzzi or the freshness of the pool. This vacation spot is truly like having your own personal spa experience. I spent my days and nights between preparing healthy and appetizing meals, walking along the beautiful black volcanic cliffs by the Hawaiian pine forest, and relaxing on the lanai. I alternated between the healing waters of the jacuzzi and the refreshing coolness of the blue-tiled pool, all the while dreaming lazily out at the vast and wild and beautiful, brilliant blue sea. Can you hear the waves crashing, see the whales, dolphins, and sea birds flying and feel the warm Hawaiian breeze all combining to bring you the peace and joy of deep relaxation and pure fun? Whether your intention is peace and relaxation, as mine was, or fun and excitement, as mine turned into, you will be glad you choose this spot for your vacation!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/29/09 Review Submitted: 03/29/09

Our family has enjoyed extended stays at “Jack’s House” for four consecutive years. We always enjoy this comfortable, well-equipped house located on a wonderfully picturesque lava beach with a wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean offered for viewing. We’ve experienced “it all”—sunny days, windy days, rainy days, rainbows, high surf, calm ocean waters; it doesn’t matter as it’s all GREAT! The house is large enough on two levels to provide “spaces” to tuck away with a good read on days that keep you inside—all with views of the ocean. On days that are welcoming, there is no place better to relax than the large deck providing deck seating and lounging along with a hot tub and pool. We always enjoy revisiting the artistic touches to this house with its warm wood interior and Hawaiiana furnishings. Humpback whale sightings are frequent during our winter stays and we’ve heard whales “blowing” as they come quite close to the house at times. The general location is what we look for: hidden away, but close to Big Island tourist attractions and general shopping—especially the Puna attractions and laid-back ambiance. As an added note, an elderly mother finds this house very suitable to her needs as she has access to everything the house offers on the ground level; she misses out on nothing! In a nutshell, it’s a great place to be on the Big Island. You’ll call it “our house” just as we do!

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Guest: N. Seifers (Kapoho, HI)
Date of Stay: 03/28/09 Review Submitted: 03/28/09

Aloha, I have been a guest in this lovely oceanfront home. Beautiful wooden floors, stained glass windows, comfy beds with crisp linens, always immaculate. Love the kitchen and the amenities provided. The sound of the ocean with the hot tub and a splendid view of the coastline, made all of my visits relaxing and pleasurable. I will indeed return. Mahalo to the host and hostess! Nancy Seifers

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/28/09 Review Submitted: 03/28/09

barbara and Jack, your house was the perfect place to be. Float in the pool and stargaze. We loved the area for the solitude yet access to fun things to do. Loved it so much we sent our daughter there on her honeymoon. Thank you for the perfect spot to relax. JW

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Guest: Jim and Sharon White (-)
Date of Stay: 03/28/09 Review Submitted: 03/27/09

Great place to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii. Beautiful house on the ocean's edge. Beautiful wood floors and furnishings. We have rented it twice for our kids and grand kids. They loved it. You won't be disappointed.

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Guest: steve186 (portland oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/27/09 Review Submitted: 03/27/09

While I do not usually take much time to comment on hotels or rentals or travel in general.....I had to comment on your Puna Coast stress management paradise! Anna and I spent four of the best days of our lives there. The huge view of the wild blue pacific and braided lava out front is one we will never forget. Especially when floating in the cozy pool. We were so relaxed we constantly forget what time it was and missed several excursions because we could not drag ourselves to the car! Go see the volcano? Let's do it tomorrow. Snorkel down by Kapoho? WE have time, don't we? I'll have some more papaya first. Isn't there a really beautiful waterfall up on the Hamakua coast? Oh, here is a picture of it in one of the many house books right here on the beautiful koa table. (the wood work and stained glass in your place is a joy to behold) On one rainy night we sat silent and drank up the sounds of the ocean and the rain. We slept the sleep of children and dreamt of fish and palm trees and glowing lava. We felt sooo at home and it is also very romantic. The beds and bathrooms are great, the kitchen is very nice and it just made us want to share it all with our closest friends and family. This Hawaii is real. A nice hotel is well, a nice hotel. But your place is so much more. Private and no need to hang a Do Not Disturb sign. We can still hear the ocean as swells from great distances meet the black lava cliffs and spray and splash and cool us down. Thanks for thinking of everything that made us so happy in your wonderful house. Steve and Anna

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