Big Island Retreat on 10 Acres W/Ocean View

• Kohala Heaven

  Kohala Heaven

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 04/17/13
  • Review Submitted 04/26/13
  The only negative thing I can say is that Jileen spoils you for any other vacation rental. The home, grounds and neighborhood are the perfect blend of country and Hawaiian paradise. Suzie and Festus (the mules) reminded us that we were staying in paniolo country with serious cattle ranches in the vicinity. But just a short drive gets you to the coast for perfect whale watching. The house itself is divided into two separate "pods", one for cooking, eating and socializing; the other for sleeping and bathing. The shower's glass block wall gives ultimate privacy but the feeling that you're taking an outside shower. The views from every single room in this house are incredible. Fresh fruit is growing on the property and Jileen left us lovely food goodies to tide us over. I can't say enough about the home, provisions, location and ho'okipa (hospitality), it was all so lovely and peaceful. Mahalo nui loa- The Matsumotos

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

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• House of the White Owl

  House of the White Owl

  • Guest Marty
  • Date of stay 10/08/12
  • Review Submitted 10/18/12
  If you are looking for a place to get away from hustle and bustle on the “Big Island”, Hale Pueo Kea is the place for you. We stayed from October 8, 2012 through October 13, 2012. Evertyhing about the property was as advertised. This wonderful vacation home sits on 10-acres a couple of miles south of Hawi town on the north end of the “big Island” Hawaii. The home is clean, well maintained, pleasantly situated, and comfortably furnished. The inn keeper, Jileen, is very gracious and knowledgeable about the island in general, and she is great resource for beach, and snorkeling destinations. The small things such as fresh flowers including beautiful orchids, a starter kit of provisions in the refrigerator, and fresh fruit on the counter added to the wonderful and relaxing time we spent in the House of the White Owl. There are plenty of things to do within short drives from the property. There are also several good choices for dining in Hawi or nearby, including great sandwiches at the Lighthouse deli. We would definately stay again, and certainly will recommend the property to friends and family.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

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• Mauka Heaven

  Mauka Heaven

  • Guest Runs With Dogs
  • Date of stay 09/30/12
  • Review Submitted 10/18/12
  My husband and I travel to the Big Island frequently. Our favorite area is the Kohala Mountains, for their beauty and remoteness. Hale Pueo Kea was our first VRBO experience, and we are now officially spoiled. I can't imagine staying anywhere else. The house was airy, clean, amazingly well stocked, and about as private as you can get if you stll want a sunset view over the ocean (and a view to Maui). All we heard in the morning was bird calls, and an occasional car on the country road below. The classic Hawaiian layout (sleeping quarters separated from kitchen/living) suited us well, as did the large patio and outdoor/indoor fireplace. The house was everything we wanted, and nothing we didn't. Extremely positive experience and arguably our best trip to Hawaii in over 15 years. Thanks again to the wonderful generous hosts.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

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• Private, quiet, ocean view, many extra touches

  Private, quiet, ocean view, many extra touches

  • Guest Frequent BI visitor
  • Date of stay 02/26/12
  • Review Submitted 03/15/12
  This charming, compact, but modern home sits at the top of the hill above tiny Hawi town, along the cooler, windswept, verdant green Kohala Mountain Road. In winter, it was 15 degrees cooler here than in Kona, with high's in the 70's, and frequent, brief, rain showers in late afternoon. Ocean view is far off but lovely. You'll need to drive everywhere - five miles to town for coffee and dinner, but if you prefer to cook, the kitchen and barbeque are well supplied, including coolers for hauling groceries from Waimea, which is 17 miles. The home is clean, private and has lovely landscaping, and if you want to pick oranges from the tree, help yourself. (The bull calves in the surrounding pasture love oranges, and it's hilarious to toss them an orange and watch them enjoy the fruit.) Your host lives close by and is happy to give you inside information on beaches and things to do; places to shop for fresh vegetables, fish or beef. We were surprised and pleased by many extras she supplied, including fresh flowers. This is an enchanting place for two seeking a quiet retreat. Two compatible couples would be fine but would share a bath. We love quiet rural areas and this is it. If you prefer busy, more exciting places, or hesitate to drive distances at night, this might not be the best choice. The driveway off the highway would be easy to miss at night for a person unfamiliar with the island. Study the map before you go. Beds were comfortable, but regular size. This is is a "small but beautiful" home, so don't expect big rooms with king beds, massive dressers, master bath layouts etc. Great sushi at Sushi Rock in Hawi and the Lava Rock's coffee is superb. Lots of quiet country roads to walk on this part of the island. Nicest place we have stayed on the Big Island, and we travel here frequently. But again, for people who like rural places.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.

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• Fantastic vacation home

  Fantastic vacation home

  • Guest House hunter
  • Date of stay 02/12/12
  • Review Submitted 03/09/12
  Ditto to everything said about everything, the house, the location, the hostess!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: My intention is to have you feel the same sweet welcoming spirit that I experienced my first visit. I hope to see you next year!

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• Great Week

  Great Week

  • Guest Sandy and Steve
  • Date of stay 02/04/12
  • Review Submitted 02/12/12
  Since we live in a colder northern climate, we very much anticipate our Hawaii vacation each year. This is our first experience with VRBO and with the northern tip of the Big Island, usually choosing to stay in the Kona resort areas. We could not have been happier with our choice of accommodations and area this year. Jileen made us feel so welcome with fresh flowers and fruit (the bananas were particularly wonderful, but the papayas and oranges were a close second) as well as having music playing upon our arrival and the house open. She had also provided us with morning essentials so we could relax for our first evening and not have to rush out for groceries after traveling all day and feeling quite worn out. She was a gracious and helpful hostess; we cannot say enough nice things about Jileen and her preparations for our stay. The house was clean and comfortable. The linens wonderfully soft, and the bed comfortable. The house was well-appointed in every way with all our needs anticipated and met. The photos are an accurate representation of the house and the surroundings, and Jileen gave us very complete and easy-to-follow directions. We loved the Hawi area; enjoyed the town, the restaurants, and the shops. We also very much appreciated the cooler evenings the house's higher elevation offered us after a day of sightseeing or local beach activities. Wonderful stay. We hope to be invited back again.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: I love to highlight our local food and our local life. I think I will never tire of these people who arrive as guests and leave as friends. Thank you so much.

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• Privacy Amidst the Ranch Lands with Ocean Views

  Privacy Amidst the Ranch Lands with Ocean Views

  • Guest Mary
  • Date of stay 12/02/11
  • Review Submitted 01/28/12
  Well designed small home with no need to draw the curtains unless you don't want the cows looking at you!We liked the thoughtful design of the 2 buildings allowing early or late risers equally peaceful mornings. The proximity to the town of Hawi was nice and we enjoyed shopping and eating there. There is excellent snorkeling at the state historic park just down the road. Our hostess was very helpful and made us most welcome with groceries, fresh fruit and Kona coffee! We plan to return!

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

  Owner response: Thank you. It was my pleasure to make your stay so wonderful

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Additional information about rental rates

Visa, Mastercard, Discover, personal check or cashier's check or money order.

Additional Fees and Taxes:

GE Tax 4%

Transient Accommodation tax 9.25%

$300. refundable damage deposit

$150.00 cleaning fee