Vacation Rentals by Owner

An ideal retreat

Guest: DJ (Long Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/22/10 Review Submitted: 06/02/11

My husband and I stayed in the Miles Away cottage at Puakea Ranch in March 2011. I read about the ranch in Sunset magazine and was obsessed with the idea of staying there for many months before I could finally schedule a getaway. The cottage and the ranch did not disappoint. They were both beautiful and felt like the perfect home away from home. We made delicious breakfasts with eggs from the resident chickens and made friends with the dogs who learned our breakfast schedule. The view was amazing. And the bathhouse was better than a spa. The town of Hawi is adorable, with some of the best restaurants on the island (Zest, Sushi Rock). Due to 30 mph+ winds and rain during most of our stay we couldn't enjoy the pool as much as we would have wished. And the wind also caused the old windows to rattle mightily throughout the night, so sleeping was challenging. Locals assured us that the wind was unusually strong. In spite of the terrible weather, Miles Away is now our standard for vacation accommodations and we hope to be back soon --but I will check the weather forecast first.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Judie Moore (Walton NY)
Date of Stay: 03/10/10 Review Submitted: 03/10/10

What a lovely surprise! A daughter made the choice and reservations for our stay in "Miles Away" Cottage on Puakea Ranch and we had no idea where or what it would be. We walked in, said WOW, gave her a kiss and opened the champagne! Everything about it warranted champagne - the seclusion, the oh so tastefully decorated rooms, the private swimming pool with the sound of a waterfall, the lanai overlooking the ocean and the most amazing Japanese bath house. A niece and her family joined us for a weekend family reunion and they stayed in the treehouse up the road. Their children were amazed and delighted by it - as well as being able to collect fresh eggs in the morning and getting up on a horse. Then when they left and we had the place to ourselves, we really really enjoyed the privacy and quiet of the place, sitting on the lanai, watching the whales in the ocean, the sunsets, the rainbows, and even the neighboring cows and their newborn calves - so much nicer than any resort - yet equally as classy as any we have stayed in. We didn't want to leave so signed up for one of the other cottages that was open. I pass on a very enthusiastic recommendation for Puakea Ranch and "Miles Away' Cottage and offer heartfelt thanks for offering this unique place to the owner, Christi and her ranch manager, Claudia. Their attention to detail and the comfort of their guests is outstanding.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/10/08

I've been to the Big Island maybe 20 times for work and for pleasure, and the Puakea Ranch property was my best experience by far. I've stayed at a number of the resorts, which have their own advantages, but if you want a totally relaxing, beautiful and private getaway, and authentic experience, you will not do better than this. We stayed at the smaller cottage, and since the larger one was unoccupied during our stay, we literally had the whole ranch to ourselves -- including dogs and horses, which was wonderful. It was Stef's fist time in Hawaii and she will forever be spoiled. The location is my favorite part of the island - close to Hawi, Waimea, and the beaches at Kohala. The setting is unspoiled, quiet, and gorgeous. This place does not feel like the typical, overly-foofy B&B or self-conscious, phony cottage -- both cottages are understated, tasteful, and luxurious, with a feeling of history and authenticity. The bedding is fabulous, the views are tremendous, and what can beat having your own pool? This will be a regular stay for us.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/08/08

We stayed at the smaller of the two cottages May 29 - 31, and for me, it was my first time in Hawai'i. I have to say, it has completely spoiled me, as we went straight from Kona to the cottage. I can't imagine there's a nicer place to stay on the island. The town is quaint and quiet, the cottages are beautiful down to the smallest details, and the owner made sure all of our needs were met. The air up in Hawi was totally clear when we were there as well--I guess that's another advantage of being on the northern tip of the island. I'd love to make our visit an annual tradition! Jon (& Erin)

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/18/08

My husband and I stayed at the ranch for the 1st half of our trip. It was unbelievable. The Bunglaow is AMAZING! The decor is the perfect mix of hawaii and luxury. The sheets on the bed are so comfortable and luxurious. The setting was stunning. We woke up every morning with cows and horses in our front yard and the view of the ocean. The japanese soaking tub was one of my favorites! The town of Hawi, is the cutest town, which is about 5 min away. They have great restaurants in Hawi and it's so close to the ranch. We were really sad to leave the ranch, but excited to get to our next destination, The Four Seasons. I have to say that the accomadotions were much better at the Ranch. The bed linens were much better at the ranch and the food at the Four seasons was not as good as the restaurants we went to in Hawi. Overall our experience at the ranch was FANTASTIC and we can't wait to go back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Peter V. (Fairfield, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/11/08

We loved our stay at your Paniola Bungalow. It is a great place to escape the boring resorts and put some adventure in your Hawaian vacation. Future guests will not be disappointed in the quality touches and hospitality of the owners. Relaxation is guarenteed!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/06/08

WOW! I just got back from a week at this wonderful ranch! It is, quite simply, AMAZING! This is the way to experience the REAL Hawaii --- on a working ranch, with cattle, horses and a pair of cute dogs! Everything from the fabulous linens --- to the fully stocked kitchen --- to the sublime view was first rate! AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT BATH HOUSE!!!! A KILLER RAIN HEAD SHOWER --- OVERSIZE TUB --- HEAVENLY!!!! THANKS SO MUCH CHRISTY and JIM --- I'll be BACK!!!! Brooke

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/03/08

My wife and I had the fabulous experience of staying at "Yoshi's House", the larger bungalow at the Puakea Ranch. It was INCREDIBLE! We never felt like TOURISTS, it made us feel as though we were really experiencing the true "native" way of Hawaii, in great style. The house was so well appointed, the views incredible, the activities so close by, the main bath was like nothing we had seen before, so cool and gorgeous. There is not enough room to write how lovely and romantic this was for us! It was a once in a lifetime experience, we hope to do it again as soon as possible. Everything was fabulous. Mahalo!

Owner response:Thank you both so much for taking the time to write such great reviews! I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us. I too hope to see you both again at Puakea Ranch very soon. Aloha

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Guestbook Comment

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

The most fantastic and wonderful experience. GORGEOUS DECOR, everything shows the true beauty of the Big Island. Would go back in a MINUTE, and was there for 10 days! I miss it!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/30/08

We just finished a wonderful, relaxing stay at the bungalow. Three things stick in my mind. Spending much lazy time in the dipping pool watching the ocean. Seeing and hearing the cows, including having a calf run up in the yard. And, the unique wooden bath tub in the bath house. Great accommodations and lots of privacy. Would stay again in a heart beat.

Owner response:I hope you two will be back to visit us again soon! Thank you so much for your feedback. Aloha

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/20/08

We loved our stay at Pukea Ranch and would recommend it to anyone. It is a very lovely cottage renovated with such style and taste. Our two girls (ages 6 and 9) enjoyed the pool tremendously. And the views are fabulous. Thank you, The Alperovich Family

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