Vacation Rentals by Owner
Halawa House 1BR/1BA Lush and Secluded Tropical Valley [#158987] | View Property
Kapaau
Cottage, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
$115/nt
Write a Review
Traveler Reviews (16)
Leave the crowds behind
Guest: Mindy and Tim
(Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 03/16/12
Review Submitted: 03/28/12
My husband and I just returned from a delightful stay at Halawa house. We enjoyed many an evening reading on the lovely and comfortable lanai, as well as cooking some of our meals in the well-appointed and clean kitchen. Kapa'au is a wonderful location from which to hike, enjoy beaches, shop, or take in historical sight. If you are looking for a cozy getaway, off the beaten path, this is your spot.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Halawa House: North Kohala Gem
Guest: Naamshui
(Vancouver BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/25/11
Review Submitted: 11/30/11
Hawaii is many things to many people. Halawa House is not a sandy beach, palm trees and waves Those things are close but North Kohala was once dominated by "King Sugar" and before that a critical centre of Hawaiian culture. The delightful cottage -- fully equipped -- is in a gulch off highway 270 in Kapau'a, close to the end of the road and the magnificent overlook to the Pololu valley, comparable to the Waipio valley. It is sorrounded by fruit trees and bird songs. The cottage lacks nothing to make the visitor's stay comfortable and relaxing. There are splendid books, comfortable chairs inside and out, a splendid bed, shower, a well-equipped kitchen, a covered porch (lanai), washing machine, and equipment for expeditions to the beaches which are not far away. There is so much to do and see and learn in the in the immediate area and not too far afield.. There are neighbours who are friendly and helpful and the owners of the property are close and willing to give help and advice. If you crave contact with the larger world, a wireless network can quickly connect you. Two small and pretty towns have grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlours and galleries. A magnificent mountain road will bring you to Waimea and onto the Hamakua coast oe up Mauna Kea to view stars. The coastal road can speedily bring you the Kona coast with its beaches, its surfing and its snorkeling. There is SO MUCH to see and do on the Big Island and Halawa is the perfect base to take full advantage of what it offers. From my perspective, this is the place to experience the richness of Hawaii (the island) to the full.
Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Perfect for our Honeymoon
Guest: Jacob
(Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 08/29/11
Review Submitted: 09/09/11
My wife and I just came home from 10 nights in this gem. We absolutely loved our time in Hawaii and our stay at the Halawa House. The lush tropical setting is secluded and peaceful, our own slice of paradise without having to share with a resort full of tourists. The house itself is a also a beautiful piece of work, the pictures on here really don't do it justice. As this is a tropical setting, you'll probably be sharing the place with a couple of geckos which just adds to the magic. The stunning beaches of the Kohala coast are a quick 25-30 minute drive down the highway and next-door the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au provided all the necessary amenities (groceries, gas, shave ice, etc.). The house is well-stocked with cookware, old guidebooks, snorkeling/beach gear, comfy chairs, fruit trees, and towels. We weren't missing anything we needed. A couple of very minor downsides to this locale are 1) that you need to drive to get anywhere and 2) that you may find a few ants creeping across the wall (though Susan brought over some ant bait that took care of them no problem). These are the only nicks on this jewel of a rental. We've only been back home for one night and we're already missing it! If you're looking for a standard rental with all the usual/boring details, don't stay here. If you want a beautiful, peaceful, and memorable rental that stands out from the crowd, then visit the Halawa House.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Charming and Perfect for a couple
Guest: Lisa
Date of Stay: 07/18/11
Review Submitted: 08/11/11
We had a wonderful stay in this beautiful home built meticulously by the owner, David. The foliage around the home is lovely, it's pretty private and very quiet. The little towns of Hawi and Kapaau were great for going out to eat. David is easygoing and helpful. We highly recommend it!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway
Home Away from Home!
Guest: Theresa and Bruce
(Warrenton, OR, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/25/11
Review Submitted: 05/03/11
My husband and I recently spent 3 wonderful days at the Halawe House. It was obvious that great care had been taken to make us feel very much at home. The living space was very comfortable, but found that we spent most of our time on the large lanai. The kitchen was open and airy and very well equipped. We were very happy to find the treasure trove of beach chairs, mats and other fun gear on the back deck. We really enjoyed our home away from home.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Amazing
Guest: Lisa
(Half moon bay, ca)
Date of Stay: 02/18/11
Review Submitted: 02/25/11
A very comfortable rental in great location. The cottage is close to everything in the Kohala area. It was clean and filed with great amenities. The owners stopped by when we arrived, giving us fruit from the trees and provided us with great recommendations. The lanai is lovely, soaking tub awesome- bottom-line heaven on earth. We will be back!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Home away from home in paradise
Guest: KT
(Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/31/11
Review Submitted: 02/06/11
We stayed at Halawa House for 7 nights and couldn't have been more pleased. It surpassed our wildest homes and we are very sad to leave. We enjoyed fresh fruit smoothies (from the property) every morning, "gecko T.V.", the rain on the roof, cooking in the well-stocked kitchen, lazy mornings on the lanai.... the list goes on! The owner is a true craftsman and hand-built this cottage, and in so doing created a very special place. Though we were quite busy during our stay, it was always a relief to get "home" to our little paradise in this valley. We have told all our friends and family and hope to return soon. The photos really don't do this property justice. Book your big island getaway at Halawa House far from the Kona crowds - you will not be disappointed!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Perfect Vacation House
Guest: Ross
(Boston, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/17/11
Review Submitted: 02/08/11
Words and "stars" cannot express how great this place was. If you are even reading this review, stop looking at other places and book. The location was fantastic in itself, and a great jumping off point for adventures in the area. And everything about the house, from the fresh fruit from the back yard to the amazing laini were perfect. David and Susan (the owners) are great, and we would definitely stay here again next time we are on the Big Island.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Couldn't be more lush & tropical
Guest: seasoned travellers
(Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/20/10
Review Submitted: 12/25/10
As advertised, the place is indeed a gem. Surrounded by forest and birdsong. The house itself is gorgeous, handmade by the owner, who's obviously quite a craftsman. Everything - the towns, the beaches, the spectacular landscapes - are close enough, but couldn't feel further away when you're down here in this little valley. I'm writing this as we pack up to leave for another location on the island - and I'm steeling myself for a letdown, since it will be difficult for anyplace else to match the serenity and beauty of this place.
Recommended for:
Hawaiian Heaven
Guest: JP and Lynn
(Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/27/10
Review Submitted: 01/03/11
We spent a week at Halawa House recently and it just wasn't long enough! The tranquility and beauty of this island paradise cottage exceeded our expectations in every way possible. David and Susan are fabulous hosts and we felt welcomed even before we arrived. Lovingly built and meticulously maintained, this is by far the best place we've ever stayed on (or off) the island. The nearby towns of Kapaau and Hawi are charming and we felt relaxed and at home everywhere we went. We are already planning our return in October and hope to return every year! Mahalo, David and Susan for your hospitality and caring, it truly was a little piece of heaven!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
TWELVE DAYS IN PARADISE
Guest: J & M
(Alameda, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10
Review Submitted: 10/26/10
We spent 7 days of our honeymoon at Halawa House last year, in 2009. We loved it so much that we returned again for 12 days this year. What a quiet gem in the green, lush area of North Kohala on the Big Island. If you want to relax, yet be close to island activities, this is a great place. It is newly built, smartly designed, comfortable, has all the amenities, is hidden away and quiet. We enjoyed many romantic dinners on the large lanai, then soaked in the large tub on the porch and watched the stars in the night sky. We love this place because it is away from the resort scene and reasonably priced, It is close to the Zipline Adventures, 30 minutes from great snorkeling at Mauna Kea, close to several great hiking spots, and is in an area of rich history from King Kamehmeha's stomping grounds to the Bond District historical area. The locals are all very friendly, especially the Eichners, who rent the house. They brought over some recipes for my wife who harvested a large bunch of apple bananas (over 40) on the property and baked 3 loaves of awesome banana bread! They also invited us to the great Huki Puke which was a ceremonial passing of the books from one person to the next from the old library built in 1929 to the new which was just completed. By participating in this event, we felt part of the community. We plan to return each year in the future to this wonderful place.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Stay in this jungle aviary
Guest: Debbie and Jim
(Carlsbad, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/22/10
Review Submitted: 10/03/10
Halawa House is a delightful get-away! The best thing - sitting on the screened lanai, reading, feeling the breeze, looking at the lush jungle plantings, while watching and listening to the birds - it's like being in a reverse aviary, because the birds are outside the screen. The yard is large, with great fruit trees and plants, with the house sited for maximum privacy. It's only a few miles to two towns, for dining out and art galleries, then "home" to sit, listen to music, watch the geckos.... There are so many thoughful amenities. If you want noise and action, don't stay here. If you want mellow peace, come stay. We stayed at another cottage across the island on the same trip, and it was not as nice as Halawa House. David was friendly and helpful. Ahhhhhh.
Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.
Our perfect vacation
Guest: pam h.
(San Diego CA)
Date of Stay: 08/31/10
Review Submitted: 09/16/10
My husband and I stayed at the Halawa House for a week including Labor Day. It was perfect for us and so much better than the pictures or the description. "Secluded Tropical Valley" is so very accurate. The house itself was built with charm and attention to details. I was very happy to find that the washer/dryer were right there along with a clothes line. We shopped at the local market recommended by David. The staff was awesome. We brought our bikes and explored the area, hiking and snorkling every day. I loved the empty beaches, warm, clear water, turtles and beautiful fish. My only complaint is that 1 week was too short.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.
Secluded but still Close
Guest: greene4ever
(Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 05/20/10
Review Submitted: 05/08/11
My Fiance and I stayed for three nights at this property while on Big Island. It was the first place we stayed and we were extremely happy with the property, in fact it ruined us for all further rentals as they did not compare. It was secluded yet a 15-30 minute drive from the beaches which was perfect for us to experience the Island life. The kitchen was clean and well stocked and had everything we needed to cook meals during our stay. The garden has an excellent herb garden for your use during your stay, unfortunately for us we found out about it on our last day but did take some herbs from it to use for the rest of our trip. Make sure to get David and Susan to give you a garden tour nearly on in your stay so you can enjoy the many fruit trees on the property. The gardens are lush and beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed having our morning coffee in them. Also close to this rental is the Ponolu lookout which is a spectacular viewpoint for sunrises, we did not have time to hike into the valley from this location and make it to the waterfalls but would recommend this if you have time. David and Susan were excellent hosts and even allowed us to have a late checkout on our last day so that we could shower etc after scuba diving in the morning. If we ever go back to big island we will definately stay here again as it was PERFECT for us.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Rarely does something exceed expectations like this property...
Guest: Hawaiian Honeymooner
(Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 04/29/10
Review Submitted: 05/08/10
We stayed at Halawa House for 3 nights: in hindsight, not nearly long enough! The house was lovely with all the creature comforts of home and a fabulous kitchen as well! The owners came to see us on the second day and it was great to gain some local knowledge of the area and what things we should aim to experience in the limited time we had available. David and Susan were lovely and it was nice to meet the people whose home you are staying in. They have done an exceptional job with this property, the surroundings are so relaxing and peaceful. Should we return to the Big Island again, we would definitely stay at Halawa House, no questions asked. A fabulous place to spend our honeymoon! Thank you David and Susan...
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Best kept Big Island secret!
Guest: Fiona and Mike
(Calgary Alberta Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/09/10
Review Submitted: 11/20/10
We had the opportunity to stay at Dave and Susan's house this past April. It was so relaxing, that there were days we didn't want to go anywhere, and when we did, we could hardly wait to return! If you want something private, secluded and 100% relaxing...this is it. The wonderful light rain showers, listening to the twittering of the birds and a visible babbling brook, added to a peace that can only be imagined first hand. Their collection of hawaiian music and artwork also added to the ambience. If you are looking for serenity, good quality time with the people that you love, you won't want to pass up this opportunity! It will be money well spent, and a truly wonderful investment in your health!! We have recommended it to many of our friends!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.