Vacation Rentals by Owner

A remarkable home away from home

Guest: Lindsay & Marc (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 12/10/11 Review Submitted: 02/11/12

First, it's important to echo what other reviewers have named as the best part about Peaceful Cove Cottage: Cheryl. Her warmth and care -- coupled with her intimate knowledge of the surrounding area and all things Hawaiian -- make this a true home away from home. Don't get me wrong: Cheryl definitely gives you the privacy you want, but is never more than a phone call away. She answered all of our questions and gave us invaluable advice (especially about the Kilauea Iki hike at Volcanoes National Park -- be sure to ask her about this!) whenever we needed it. Thanks for everything, Cheryl: you are wonderful. The house is fantastic. It is cozy, conveniently located and has absolutely everything you need. We cooked most of our meals in the cottage each day and never wanted for a single utensil or cooking implement -- as previous reviewers have suggested, ***see what's in the house before you go grocery shopping.** Cheryl has been kind enough to leave snorkeling gear for her guests to borrow, so our absolute favorite thing to do while we stayed at Peaceful Cove was to take the short (20 minute) drive to the Kapoho Tide Pools: they are spectacular! The surf is REALLY strong on this part of the island, so Kapoho is a great place to spend relaxing time in the water while looking at beautiful fish and sea life -- it really is awesome. At the end of the day, tired out from swimming and walking around, we'd cuddle up on the futon and watch TV: a great way to end the day. For those looking for what might be considered an "insider's" tip (and for the adventurous only!) try Uncle Melvin's Lava Boat Tour -- there's no better way to get close to the lava as far as I'm concerned. Don't expect frills, but expect the adventure of a lifetime! We'll be back, Cheryl! Mahalo for your care and hospitality. Lindsay and Marc, Chicago, IL

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

Privacy, Serenity and Beauty, all rolled into a peaceful cottage

Guest: kim (costa mesa)
Date of Stay: 10/22/11 Review Submitted: 11/01/11

It's not necessarily what's at the cottage that makes it so special - it's what's not there: no noise except for the frogs, birds, ocean and very occasional car. No tourists or neighbors within hearing. No smog or traffic. No street lights. What we really enjoyed was the tranquility and the setting. So amazingly beautiful, just set back from the road. The actual cottage is very cute and Cheryl did such a great job in making it comfortable and homey. The kitchen has everything you need. (Tip: check out which provisions are already there prior to going to the store). The bathroom is large and there is nice water pressure for showers - a tub also. The master bedroom has a queen size bed with lots of closet space and private lanai. We actually enjoyed the flat screen with satellite tv on those late nights. The cottage has lots of natural lights because of all the windows - which also provide plenty of air flow. There are also ceiling fans. A great perk were the washer, dryer and clothesline. We packed light. Cheryl is also conscious of our environment and provides bins for recycling and composting - a nice touch. The main lanai is awesome and we spent lots of time there as the garden is beautiful and is surrounded by trees. There's a little pond. The smell of the air is incredible! A small trail takes you to the ocean. There is no beach and it's not for swimming, but very relaxing and perfect to view sunrises. The black lava is amazing! Nearby is Kehena beach - a steep hike to get down to, but definitely recommended...clothing optional. Kalani retreat is not too far from there and we had a delicious organic dinner there. Also, they have yoga classes and provide massage services. The Kalapana cafe was very good.We also prepared several meals at the cottage. We went to the farmers market in Pahoa. So nice! It's far enough away, yet not too far a drive from the Volcanos, Hilo, Falls, Botanical Gardens, etc. I recommend at least a week to really appreciate the area and have time to enjoy the East side of the island and the cottage. Mahalo, Cheryl! kim and jeff, costa mesa.

Owner response:We so appreciate all the kind words written by our guests. It truly brings us pleasure to be able to share this incredible slice of paradise and to know we've helped create a memorable experience. With warmest aloha, Cheryl & family

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

Absolutely Perfect!!

Guest: Melissa and David (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

My new husband and I arrived and were absolutely amazed. We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay on our honeymoon. Lush, beautiful, tropic, every single amenity you could possibly ask for. A 2-minute walk through beautiful woods to the rock-beach (not great for swimming but wonderful for walking and exploring). Neat little market up the street, groceries & fast-food 30 minute drive away. Cheryl was very helpful & professional to deal with. They have 2 kitties on the property which were good company as we sat outside on the Lanai, and lots of beautiful birds, geckos, and frogs to keep you company too :-) All-in-all we ABSOLUTELY LOVED it, and if we get back to the big island this is where we would stay... p.s. perfect for honeymooning because it is so quiet/private but we would bring our 10-yr-old boys back with us in a heartbeat!

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

A Lovely Retreat

Guest: Louise (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11 Review Submitted: 08/18/11

I stayed at Peaceful Cove Cottage with my daughter for 3 nights, while touring the big island of Hawaii. It was our first stop. We were welcomed warmly, given the keys, and left alone to enjoy our stay. The accomodation was so comfortable, and were reluctant to leave when the time came. It was a pleasure to be able to make our own meals, sit on the veranda to sip coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. The garden was ours to explore the variety of beautiful flowering plants and the path to the ocean was it's own pleasure. I would return to Peaceful Cove Cottage in a heartbeat.

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

A true gem!

Guest: Steve (West Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/07/10 Review Submitted: 12/21/10

Oh, my goodness! We discovered the Peaceful Cove Cottage last year (Nov 2009) and I neglected to write a review! Of course, on our return to Hawaii this year (Dec 2010) there was simply no other choice but to return!! A true oasis on the Big Island of Hawaii. This is a wonderful place to relax and get away from it all. It can be your steppingstone to the many highlights the Big Island has to offer. We love this place due to its location on the Puna Coast . .. no big resorts, no golf courses, no tourist attractions (although plenty to do nearby). Just relax here and enjoy the true nature of Hawaii. The Peaceful Cove Cottage is a wonderful home away from home while visiting the Big Island. Very comfortable. Just sitting on the lanai, relaxing with a beverage, enjoying the beautiful gardens is a treat. The easily-navigable path leads you out to the ocean and the spectacular lava formations to explore. I enjoy nearby Ahalanui (warm pond), and Hilo is not far away, with many things to see. This time we had to good fortune of meeting Kea, the house kitty. He was a joy and made the Peaceful Cove Cottage seem like a home (for two weeks at least!!) Cheryl is a wonderful host! We hope to return very soon.

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

Absolutely perfect!

Guest: Cindi (Chico, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

We were beyond thrilled with Peaceful Cove Cottage! It suited our needs beautifully and made coming home in the evenings after a long day of exploring most enjoyable. Breakfast and dinner were enjoyed on the lanai, along with an evening beverage or two. The sounds of the tropical night were loud, but not at all disturbing. We loved the crazy tree frogs! We were even fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the company of the most charming and lovable cottage kitty, Kea. What an absolute delight to kick back on the lanai with him! The path to the cove was terrific, and once there, the views were fabulous! Kea even joined us on our strolls. We went to the nearby Farmer's Market on Sunday and then again to one in Hilo on Wednesday. Found some great buys on fruits, veggies, t-shirts, and jewelry! The highlight of our trip was being able to hike to an active lava flow just a few short miles from the cottage. Got some incredible pictures and even better memories! I really don't think we could have found a more comfortable, secluded home to stay in. Many thanks to our wonderful hostess..........we will surely be back, and next time for a much longer stay!

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

Guest: Firecracker1 (Juneau, AK)
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/19/09

This place was amazing. The cabin is clean, cozy and very private with everything that we needed. The trail to the cove was great fun and the hostess was fabulous. When we return to the Big Island I will definitely stay here again.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/10/09

This place was amazing... the perfect place to spend our honeymoon! The lava flows were nearby, and the plume could be seen from the cove behind the cottage. The lava fields and black sand beaches were beautiful, we'd never seen anything like them. We also really enjoyed eating at the Kalapana Cafe down the road. It was a pleasure, and we hope to be back soon!

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Perfect getaway location

Guest: AKkayaker (Alaska)
Date of Stay: 01/24/09 Review Submitted: 03/06/09

The cottage was so peaceful and perfect to come home to at the end of the day. So nice to have a fully stocked kitchen so all you need are your groceries and you are set. The Farmers market is the ticket for fresh veggies, too. Cheryl is delightful and really made us feel welcome. Can't say enough about the beautiful grounds and truly peaceful feeling there. The location was perfect for exploring the Hilo side of the island. We will definitely be back for another stay next time we are on the Hilo side of the island!

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

Guest: Outside Magazine, Oct. issue
Date of Stay: 01/15/09 Review Submitted: 01/14/09

Listed by Outside Magazine as one of the top 50 best places in the country to "get away from it all".

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/10/09

Loved the peace and privacy of this place! Perfect for exploring lava flows and volcano. Setting is gorgeous and truly tropical. Thanks Cheryl for a great stay!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/07/08

My family loved staying at the Peaceful Cove Cottage. It felt like our home away from home. It was very cozy and had everything we needed. There is a trail from the house that leads to the ocean...very beautiful. The back porch is great for bird watching and the tropical plants and trees are breathtaking. The owner, Cheryl, is a pleasure and very accommodating. We highly recommend staying here. We hope to return again soon.

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Guestbook Comment

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

This cottage is indeed peaceful and charming in every respect. We loved the privacy, the beautiful tropical surroundings, the birds and the geckos. We even enjoyed the nightly frog chorus! We would stay here again.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/04/08

Lovely place - right next to ocean, close to tidepools, volcano. Private and secluded. Well set up - able to cook meals with no problems.Beautiful gardens, flowers, fruit trees, birds. Owner a lovely person. The coqui frogs were a little intense the first night, but we got used to them quickly. I would highly recommend this place, except I don't want lots of other people to go there - we will go back whenever we are on the Hilo side.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Nancy and Cheryl (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/29/08

We were taken with the lovely setting; the yard with colorful flowers, lush foliage, and beautiful birds. It was an enjoyable and different view of the Hawaiian coastline. The cottage was perfect; very nice decor and quite comfortable, like being at home. It had everything we were looking for.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/27/08

What a great place...very comfortable, very private and with all the amenities one needs. Cheryl is a wonderful hostess and made us feel right at home. We loved sleeping to the sound of the waves. We would highly recommend Peaceful Cove Cottage to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway by the sea.

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Honeymoon at Peaceful Cove Cottage

Guest: Rick and Dorle (Homer, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 03/19/08 Review Submitted: 04/28/08

We spent our honeymoon at Peaceful Cove Cottage and had the most wonderful time. It is a very beautiful, very private place in its awesome secluded garden setting and the lava beach a 2 minute walk away on the private pass through the forest. We could have easily stayed for months exploring the beautiful area. The cottage has all the amenities we could hope for and is less than an hour drive to Volcano National Park and the charming town of Hilo. Snorkling is fantastic near the cottage and the farmer's markets of the area are wonderful. It was a true find and we definitely plan to go back.

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

Lucky you if you find convenient availability

Guest: Frank and Eve (Santa Cruz, Calif.)
Date of Stay: 03/09/08 Review Submitted: 04/29/08

We have stayed at a number of rentals on the big island and peaceful cove has the best combination of privacy, charm and natural beauty that has come our way. Very well equipped is a nice surprise too. Plenty to do within lovely drives, but we were drawn to stay more around the home environs this time just being island residents.

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

SEPTEMBER AND RIPE MANGOS ARE DROPPING IN THE YARD...AH MANGO SALSA

Guest: MICHAEL (SAN FRANCISCO)
Date of Stay: 09/13/02 Review Submitted: 09/08/11

I SPENT 2 WEEKS HERE IO YEARS AGO IN SEPTEMBER . MY REFUGE FROM THE 9/11 MADNESS. THE MANGOS WERE DROPPING FROM THE TREES IN THE YARD AND SPICY MANGO SALSA AND MANGO BREAD WAS ON MY MENU EVERY DAY. I HAD SPENT 20 YEARS GOING ON VACATIONS IN THIS BEAUTIFUL AREA. THE TIME I SPENT AT THIS HOUSE WAS VERY SPECIAL. YOU WILL ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY IN RAIN OR SHINE. LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE BOOKING UP FAST .....DON'T HESITATE....A REAL HAWAIIAN TREAT!!!

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