Vacation Rentals by Owner

It Doesn't get better than this!

Guest: Michele & Bill (New York)
Date of Stay: 12/13/11 Review Submitted: 12/28/11

We just returned from our Hawaiian vacation - and had the luck to spend 6 days in this awesome location - we couldn't be happier! It all looks just like the pictures - although pictures can't capture the true beauty or the experience of actually being there. Everything was clean and well maintained. Mike and Vika were generous & kind - sharing the fruits of their labor (literally) - fruit, coffee, chocolate and flowers for the leis for our wedding. The outdoor kitchen offered a unique, beautiful, experience and had everything we needed - we cooked almost all of our meals there - so that was important to us. The location was convenient- allowing us to explore the North & South shores and the Volcano National park. The snorkeling in the bay was beyond compare! We honestly can't recommend this place highly enough!

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

An awesome blend of simple ingenuity & nature

Guest: Pat (Vancouver, Wa)
Date of Stay: 05/19/11 Review Submitted: 05/27/11

We stayed a week at this property. What a unique lodging! The owners were so warm & friendly. Mike has built an incredibly simple but very comfortable lodging in a place that is so quiet and absolutely private. We loved the lush landscape of palms, fruit trees, bananas & other plantings. They all blend together to give visitors a feeling of serenity away from the busy and noisy town of Kona. The cabins are made of a blend of warm toned woods. The roomy baths are covered in rosey toned marble tile. The lanais, lighting, connecting staircases and paths are very thoughtfully designed. The beds are very comfortable. Unlike some stuffy condos we have rented, the ventilation in these cabins was more than adequate and very airy. The kitchen has everything you need to cook anything, though we would have liked to have a microwave oven (call us spoiled). Fresh fruits that you can pick for yourself abound. The view of the bay is gorgeous. There were too many different types of birds to count. The proximity to Captain Cook town is very convenient and the drive to Kona was not difficult. I do believe visitors will benefit from having more details about how to get to the property. Finding the turn into the driveway from the main road is simple. You are then immediately faced with two options: a large ornate metal gate straight ahead or turn left onto a narrow lane down the hill. Go left down the hill for quite some distance to a plain metal gate that has a "dead end" sign with a picture of a shark. The gate was always closed but unlocked until about 5:00 or 6:00 pm after our first day. When you first arrive and see a locked padlock and chain don't dispair. This gate has two padlocks. When we arrived we did not see the 2nd lock which was unlocked & we actually had access to the property. Proceed per the directions that were sent to you. You will be provided with a key to the gate's lock. Then enjoy a most unique vacation experience.

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

Amazing Property

Guest: kf (Canby, OR)
Date of Stay: 03/18/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

This was the perfect place to stay for my wife and I and our two college age kids. Extremely comfortable with an awesome view. Felt like we had the island to ourselves, but only 5 minutes from Captain Cook and a nice grocery store. The best part may have been the outdoor kitchen where we watched the sunset and made a couple great dinners on the BBQ. Being able to hang out surrounded by coffee and banana trees, exotic plants and birds was amazing. Mike and Vika graciously answered all my questions before and during the trip. Suggested a couple fantastic places to snorkel where we ended up swimming with turtles and dolphins over a couple of days. A lot of great places to explore only 15 to 30 minutes away, but when we did come back to the house it felt like it was just us and nature. There is something about looking out over the bay, listening to the birds and enjoying good company. There were no negatives about this stay. I think my kids are already planning on getting some friends together to head back. And the price is a great deal. Couldn't recommend this higher.

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

Amazing cabin in paradise

Guest: Anna (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 02/22/11 Review Submitted: 03/06/11

It's an amazing place in unique atmosphere. We really enjoyed this cabin and the outdoor kitchen. It has everything you need. You're surrounded by beautiful nature and birds and the ocean view is amazing. The cabins are lovely and very clean. We highly recommend this place for everybody who is looking for a real and authentic hawaiian vacation. You will love it!

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

A Perfect 10!

Guest: Lesley (Beaverton, OR)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/14/10

This place is an absolute gem! The Hawaiian Kine is in a quiet, beautiful location that enables people to relax and truly enjoy their vacation. Mike and Vika were wonderful hosts! All of the important amenities are provided for you to relax and have fun. Everything was very clean and exactly as I would have done if it was my own home (and I am a stickler for cleanliness). The hale is just off the main highway, so it is close to beaches, shopping and more, but it is very quiet so all you hear are the birds and geckos. You don’t always know what you get when you see the photos; the photos here are truly representative of what the place looks like. You can watch the paragliders flying above the Bay while eating breakfast in the morning or watch the beautiful sunsets while eating dinner. If you are looking for a quiet, tropical-type retreat, this is the place! I HIGHLY recommend it! If you do stay here, don't get nervous about the directions to the hale (they really are very straight forward if you follow them correctly) nor any of the somewhat narrow roads...it's what makes this place such a gem...you will be handsomly rewarded for it!

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

A Slice of Paradise in Hawaii

Guest: Mike (Greensboro NC)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 07/29/10

We have a family of 4 and we went on a 2-week vacation in Hawaii. Oahu, Big Island and Kauai. It's been 3 weeks and the part that I keep thinking about was the part we stayed here at "Kona Coffee Shacks"at the coffee farm. It was in between two "resorts" that have the typical ammenities you would think of, but when we got to Kona, the commercial part of Hawaii was left out and the beauty and quiet was put in! It's only 20-30 minutes from the airport and Kona is a village with a unique personality and pace of life. You can relax at the hillside accomodations with a beautiful view, prepare meals and coffee grown from the estate in the open-air kitchen/dining area that is unmatched for scenery, solitude and privacy. Not to mention that the bedrooms and kitchen are equipped with everything you need for what really is a luxurious stay away from the typical pace and price of the super-resorts. If you need TV, it's there along with all of the channels or DVD playing if someone needs that. The nights ane nice and quiet ( really quiet ) with sounds of nature as the background. Add the climate with the scenery and atmosphere and this place is one we'd come back to again. The Big Island has so much to offer that our days were full of adventure with a perfect mix of relaxation back at the farm. We had other things we wanted to do and see, but our time ran out. If an island getaway is your goal, think hard about staying here for several days as the accomodations are every bit as as nice as the people and the coffee. That coffee that comes with the reservation is so good we bought 5 bags to take home and will order more when it runs low. Super-shakas to the "Kona Coffee Shacks" as to having a great setup on their property. A vacation spot you will remember for the rest of your days. Mike, Tammy, Cameron and Emma

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

An enchanting place to stay!!

Guest: Lori and Peter (Clearwater, FL USA)
Date of Stay: 06/20/10 Review Submitted: 07/17/10

My entire family agreed that Hawaiian Kine Cottage is the most memorable, unique place we have ever stayed… This rental is truly a “paradise” within paradise. Here, you will find clean, charming, well maintained cabins and a well equipped outdoor kitchen perfect for cooking fresh fish and enjoying local produce (all while overlooking your coastline view!) . You will wake to the symphony of birds in the morning and will be lulled to sleep by the cool, gentile breeze in your cabin at night. During the day, you can enjoy your peaceful retreat at home or experience the many nearby sights and attractions of the Kona Coast. There are many beautiful snorkeling locations and kayaking close by. The highlight of our stay was snorkeling with Hawaii’s Spinner Dolphins at Two Step (an awesome opportunity not to be missed!). The location is private and secluded, yet within close reach of grocery stores, restaurants and even a Costco. Vika and Mike are wonderful, welcoming hosts and were available to answer any questions we had. Vika generously shared their farm’s produce and coffee with us and Mike gave our family a tour of his farm. A couple of mornings, my daughter walked up the hill to the main house to help collect fresh eggs from their chickens for our morning french toast. The personal touch we received from Mike and Vika greatly added to our wonderful experience. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to stay at this rental and give it my highest review. It is in stark contrast to a typical hotel or commercial resort vacation and offers a distinctive appeal and serenity not present anywhere we have ever stayed. This property set the groundwork for our family to reconnect in a very special way. If you want to experience a real slice of Hawaii and feel part of the local landscape, this place is for you!

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

What a treasure!

Guest: Sharon36 (Pacifica, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/23/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

Incredible location with great views of Kealakekua Bay! Mike and Vika were very helpful although we were pretty independent and out and about every day. I highly recommend kayaking on the bay. Bring your snorkels and leave your kayak for swimming with the spinner dolphins - go early - be on the water by 8am!!! The bedroom "pods" were so peaceful, surrounded by wonderful foliage and lots of beautiful geckos (they're good luck AND they eat bugs)! Both had lanais, great for some quiet reading time. The outdoor kitchen was just great. More great views and very well equipped. I highly recommend this rental and hope to return some day. It was total peace and quiet, yet convenient to everything, from the northernmost part of Kohala to South Point. You can see it all from here and return hope to a peaceful night's sleep. Thanks Vika and Mike!

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

our vacation in Hawaii

Guest: eacton (canada)
Date of Stay: 02/10/10 Review Submitted: 08/27/10

What an incredible place this is – we absolutely loved it. The Hales were great – very clean and well maintained –with each having a wonderful lanai to sit and read a book on or have a nap or just enjoy the view. The outdoor kitchen was our favorite spot – it was very well equipped and was perfect in the mornings for sitting and watching the birds and gecos or enjoying the ocean view. – and at night it was incredible to sit on the stools and enjoy the peace! The owners are wonderful folks and were most concerned with ensuring that we had everything we needed. We would highly recommend this vacation spot to anyone. Ken & Elaine Moose Jaw, SK Canada

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Heavenly Place, World Class Hosts

Guest: Lilo and Family (Seoul, Korea and Los Gatos, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/18/09 Review Submitted: 03/07/11

Over a year and a half ago, my family booked the Hawaiian Kine for the week before Christmas. At the last minute, my husband had a work emergency that took him to Korea for our family vacation. We replaced him with a friend of my son's and Mom took three boys to Hawaii for the holiday. I never had time to be disappointed by my husband's absence. This was the best of all possible places to be a single mom. Not only were the boys, aged 6 though 12, thoroughly occupied by the nature around them, but I actually had moments of peace, feet dangling from a perch attached to the kine. I could see the bay, hear the wildlife and nothing else. On top of that, my oldest son developed an inner ear infection dramatic enough for a local doctor to ground him. We were unable to return home for Christmas itself. Mike and Vika had us over for Christmas dinner. There are people who stand out in your mind no matter how brief your contact with them, and Mike and Vika are such people. To this day I think of them with the fondness I usually reserve for family. We look forward to another trip, this time with Dad in tow, and a special stay at Hawaiian Kine.

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

Guest: Courtney & Steven (Kapoho, Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 03/06/09 Review Submitted: 03/06/09

This place is a gem! Attractive, clean and affordable, with genuinely nice owners. We live on the rainy side of the island and come to Kona a few times a year for the sun. We have stayed in dozens of vacation rentals on the Kona coast, and this one at Kealekekua Bay is the best! It's a working farm (coffee and tropical fruits), and the owners generously share their produce. They built the buildings (Mike's quite a carpenter - a coffee shack with inlaid wood floors and a pink marble bathroom is something rare indeed). The gardens and the orchards are amazing and so beautifully laid out. Vika's decorative skill, attention to detail and excellent housekeeping make your stay very comfortable. Great ocean view from the cabins, and utter peaceful quiet.

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Guest: John & Sherry (Berkeley, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/16/08 Review Submitted: 11/16/08

We highly recommend this lovely and most special rental. The privacy is almost total and the setting is nothing short of magnificent. One is surrounded by a remarkable display of gorgeous plants including several varieties of tropical fruits, ripe and delicious. The view from the hales is likewise wonderful. Mike and Vika are fabulous hosts who obviously care not only about the rental structures themselves, but also about the experience of the guests who stay there. Don't hesitate to ask Mike about local dive and snorkel sites and about places to obtain phenomenal fresh shellfish, etc.

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Guest: Jennifer Burke (Bainbridge Island, Wa)
Date of Stay: 05/02/08 Review Submitted: 05/02/08

Vika and Michael, Thank you for sharing such a wonderful place with us!! The hales are wonderful, spacious, and what a lovely setting. We loved all of the plants surrounding the hales, and enjoyed the fresh papaya. Everything was so well kept. Thank you for sharing a little bit of paradise with us! Jen and Doug, Kathryn and Mark

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Guest: Jody,Shea, Grace
Date of Stay: 03/24/08 Review Submitted: 03/23/08

We finally swam with the dolphins yesterday!!! 100's at the Place of Refuges. Highlight of our trip! Aloha! (from guest book)

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Guest: DRS.Branda and Muhammad
Date of Stay: 01/19/08 Review Submitted: 01/18/08

wonderful accomodations, great view, and several birds:hawaiian hawk,japaneese ehite eyes, saffron fidches, mynah birds. Your hospitality and care were greatly appretiated. Aloha:) (from th guest book)

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Guest: Bill and Ying
Date of Stay: 01/19/08 Review Submitted: 01/18/08

1.Happy Holidays! A great vacation had here at your place. You got a great thing going here! 2. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful property and Xmas with us. We were talking last night again how great of a time we had. You really have created something real special. 12-25-07 Bill (from the guest book and a card)

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Guest: Beth Montes
Date of Stay: 01/19/08 Review Submitted: 01/18/08

Thanks for a peacful retreat. (From the guest book)

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Guest: John and Kathy
Date of Stay: 01/19/08 Review Submitted: 01/18/08

Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and all the little "extras" you provided. It made our stay a very pleasant and memorable one. Aloha. {from the guest book)

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