Location: Kohala Ranch, Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii, USA (Kohala Ranch 45 Mins Kona, 20 Mins Waimea, 5 mins to beaches) View Map
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 3.5 Baths (Sleeps 8-9)
Keywords: Home, hawaii, luxury, rental, ocean view, estate, big island, property, kohala coast, gated, sunsets, four 4 bedroom
Kohala Ranch is a 4,000 acre gated ranch on the famed Kohala 'Gold' Coast running west to east from the ocean to a 3,000' elevation and encompassing three very different climate zones
- the Heathers (app. 200'-800'elevation)- warm, sunny, and dry
- the Meadows (app. 900'-1,800' elevation) - cooler, more rain, more windy
- the Summit (app. 1,700' - 3,000' elevation)- colder, most rain, strongest winds
Laughing Gecko Lodge is perfectly located in the most desirable Heathers and offers the ideal climate if your idea of a Hawaiian vacation includes sunny skies, hot dry days and clear, comfortable starry nights. The weather in the Heathers is a predictable 80 degrees and sunny year round. Annual rainfall is app. 7 inches. (Travel tip - check the location of your rental because at times some Ranch locations can seem more like temperate Europe than tropical Hawaii!)
Tucked at the top of a quiet cul-de-sac on 3.5 acres in a premiere location, Laughing Gecko Lodge is the perfect place for vacations, corporate retreats, small celebrations, or simply getting away from it all. The vistas from the main living areas and lanais feature open ranch land, coastline, ocean and mountains, offering complete privacy. And the views? Spectacular!
The location is quiet, without the traffic noise of homes closer to the highway, and offers exceptional views of the Kohala & Kona coastlines, ocean and all Big Island mountains. Guests often say photos can't capture the incredible views and do the property justice. Enjoy the tranquility of the home to relax and if you are looking for excitement or activities they are all just minutes away. The ocean is about a mile from the house and Big Island's best beaches, world class golfing, resorts, premiere shopping and dining, theater and entertainment are approximately 5 - 10 minutes by car.
This 4 bedroom home is flexible, accommodating two to eight people in individual suites. The floor-plan offers excellent separation of space between the bedrooms allowing privacy and the ability to welcome smaller or larger groups. The home is only rented to one group at a time so even if you are a couple looking for a quiet getaway and only renting the main house, the entire property is still all yours. The home is designed as follows.
1.) The main house offers 1,700 sf of tropical living and has a great-room with gourmet kitchen & pantry, dining and living areas and a large master suite (bed & bath 1), half bath, lanai & pool.
2.) The upper guest suite is on the same level as the main house and consists of a master suite (bed & bath 2). Both the main house and upper guest suite overlook the pool and spectacular ocean and mountain views.
3.) The lower guest suites are a half-flight lower and there are two large bedrooms (bedrooms 3 & 4) with a pass-through bathroom, private lanai, mini-kitchen and outstanding ocean and mountain views.
The home may be rented dependent on the size of your group and the rate varies accordingly. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and offer true value so you can enjoy your hard earned vacation.
If you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway set apart from the hustle and bustle of resort locations consider renting the main house. The resorts are just moments away and all amenities are available to you without paying the resort price tag. Inviting another couple along? Rent the main house and upper guest suite. Bringing the whole family? Rent the whole house. This is a single home and only one booking is reserved at a time. Please note, occupancy of the home is limited to the the rental group only and the home is not intended for use as an event space for reunions, weddings, group entertaining, parties, etc..
All sections of the home are designer furnished and exquisitely equipped and all necessary items are provided including luxury linens, toiletries, condiments, laundry supplies, beach chairs & toys, books, DVDs, and peace & quiet. The tranquility of the property is just moments away from all the recreation and fun you could want. There are multiple seating areas on the huge lanai, a 40ft pool, outdoor dining table for 14 and a commercial gas BBQ. Even with a full house there is enough space for everyone to find a place of their own.
Laughing Gecko Lodge is a well located gorgeous home where you can relax, explore, and enjoy a memorable stay. The times we spend in places like this offer a lifetime of memories and we want yours to be extra special. We are on-island and available at a moments notice to assist you if needed. However, we respect your privacy and will be invisible if not needed. With any home rental ongoing maintenance of pool and yard may necessitate service providers being on property during your stay. We do our best to ensure all appliances are in working order but should a system fail and repair be needed during your stay such service providers may need access.
Many of our guests love Laughing Gecko Lodge so much they come again and several have confessed it is the best vacation rental they have ever stayed in.
In home chef, massage therapist, maid service, private hiking guide, professional photographer, gourmet pastries and pre-arrival pantry stocking available.
Please don't hesitate to contact us, without obligation, for more information.
Mahalo nui loa,
The laughing geckos.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Not needed. All rooms & lanais have fans.
- Linens Provided : 100% cotton hotel quality.
- Washer : Dedicated to home / not shared.
- Dryer : Dedicated to home / not shared
- Garage : 2 car
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed (3) : 1 king in upper ohana, 2 cal-king; 1 in master suite main house, 1 in master suite of lower ohana
- Queen Bed : 1 queen in lower ohana
- Twin/Single Bed : Sofa in living room is twin bed size
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Oceanic Time Warner Cable in HDTV with recorable DVR and premium package as well as high speed wireless internet access.
- DVD
- Video Library : BOSE home theatre system.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Many channels available through the cable provider. BOSE audio system.
- Private Pool : 40' pool edges the main lanai with incredible ocean, suset and starlight views.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Gourmet kitchen with gas range, Sub-Zero fridge/freezer, professional grade equipment, huge walk-in pantry, all necessary utensils.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : All utensils you could possibly need provided
- Refrigerator : Sub-Zero fridge/freezer. Wine cooler in main kitchen, and mini fridge in lower ohana.
- Dishwasher : KitchenAid
- Microwave (2) : One in main kitchen and one in lower ohana
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available : Several good commercial caterers and personal chefs available.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Commercial grade stainless steel 4 burner barbeque with rotisserie.
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai : Very large shaded lanai with multiple seating areas and dining for 14.
- Gazebo : At both entries to the Ranch there are gazebos providing lovely places to sit and enjoy the views or take photographs.
- View/Location
- Ocean View : The best views available in the Heathers. Ocean, coastline and mountains. The views are just stunning.
- Mountain View : Hualalai, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Kohala, Haleakala
- Communications
- Broadband Internet : Wireless Broadband high speed service through Oceanic Time Warner Cable
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : You will be able to plug into the home network but if you have a wireless card like Verizon you have easy access all over the island.
- Other Amenities
- Private chef, maid service, private hiking guide, in home massage therapist, professional photographer and pre-arrival pantry stocking available. 4 lanais provide private relaxing areas for everyone. Large landscaped gardens with secluded sitting areas. Quiet cul-de-sac location away from the highway.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Contact owner for more information
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : The main house is all on one level with wide doors and should be accessible. All bathrooms have walk in showers with a 3" plinth.
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly : Open pool requires child supervision
- Smoking Allowed : Outdoor smoking is permitted.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking indoors is not permitted.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Observatories / Star gazing, Botanical Gardens, Historic Homes, ATV Tours, Farm tours, Whale watching, Sailing, Zip line, Jungle hikes, Waterfalls, Swim with dolphins.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Up to 2 persons, master suite .. $275/night + $125 cleaning
Up to 4 persons, both upper suites .. $445/night + $160 cleaning
Up to 6 persons, three suites .. $595/night + $210 cleaning
Up to 8 persons, four suites .. $635/night + $250 cleaning
15% surcharge Dec 20-Jan 05.
HI taxes 13.416%. Refundable security deposit required.
US check preferred. Credit cards accepted via PayPal with 3% processing fee
Additional adult guest 9th person $35 per night. Cleaning $275
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Map & Owner's Profile
Spectacular Ocean, Mtn View. Private, Quiet, Affordable Luxury
Year Purchased: 2003
Why the Owner Chose Kohala Ranch
I grew up on a 2,500 acre ranch in Zimbabwe and when I came to Hawaii and Kohala Ranch I found a place that was so strikingly similar to my 'home' and fell in love with the area. The location struck an emotional chord and met a career goal at the same time. Quite simply, the Kohala Coast is the most popular place to vacation on Big Island and the Heathers at Kohala Ranch is one of the nicest spots to rent a vacation home. Being here is like being 'home' for me. Guests love the house and the views and I love sharing this beautiful place with them.
The Unique Benefits at this House
One of the best aspects of renting this particular home, especially for couples, is the affordability. Due to the nature of the design the home can be divided and rented to groups of 2, 4, 6 or 8 and pricing is adjusted accordingly. For couples this means paying just for two but enjoying all the benefits of the entire property without the cost. It's a perfect place for enjoying your vacation; quiet, private, beautifully designed and appointed, and with exceptional views. Located just minutes from beaches, golf, dining and shopping, all a holiday-maker needs is close at hand but can seem a world away when it's time to relax and get away from it all.
Owner's Map of Kohala Ranch
Ali Blackmore is a Zimbabwean who has traveled the globe, living in eight different countries over four continents. Dual careers in real estate and design have traveled with her and continue on Big Island, Hawaii where she works as a Realtor with MacArthur & Co., Sotheby's Int'l Reatly specializing in Kohala Coast and Resort property. A lifelong real estate investor, Ali knows a good property when she sees one and bought Laughing Gecko Lodge because it is one of the all-round best view lots and locations in the Heathers at Kohala Ranch. If you are visiting Big Island to look at or buy property Ali would be delighted to assist you with your search and purchase. Laughing Gecko Lodge is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with MacArthur & Co., Vacation Rentals.
Property Photos
-
- View across the lanai and pool to the Kohala Coast and Hualalai - Kohala Ranch, HI Vacation Home with Mountain and Ocean Views, Private Pool, near the Beaches
-
- Looking from the upper guest suite (bedroom 2) to the lanai, pool and ocean - Kohala Ranch, HI Vacation Home with Mountain and Ocean Views, Private Pool, near the Beaches
-
- Redwood dining table on the lanai seats up to 14 guests comfortably - Kohala Ranch, HI Vacation Home with Mountain and Ocean Views, Private Pool, near the Beaches
-
- Entry to the main house great-room
-
- View of the great room towards the kitchen. Window wall to the ocean view.
-
- Hualalai view from the lanai
-
- View from the pool deck. This home has a 180 ocean view from Mauna loa to Maui
-
- Total privacy and views forever. View of the house and ocean.
-
- Breathtaking sunset ocean views from the lanai served daily
-
- Master bedroom (bedroom 2) in the upper guest suite
-
- Master bedroom (bedroom 1) in the main house
-
- Master bedroom (bedroom 3) in lower guest suite
-
- Second bedroom (bedroom 4) in the lower guest suite
-
- Oversize island in the gourmet kitchen looking into the great room
-
- The pool entry with ocean beyond
-
- Floor plan of Laughing Gecko Lodge - bedrooms in red, bathrooms blue
Traveler Reviews (27)
Outstanding in many ways, including value!
Guest: Mark
(Welches)
Date of Stay: 11/28/11
Review Submitted: 12/11/11
My wife and I have vacationed in Kohala Ranch VRBOs three times now, staying the past two times here at Laughing Gecko. We love this place, the pictures are true to form, the place is a great value! We especially appreciated the well equipped kitchen. And, the sunsets! We sat on the lanai and watched every sunset! We We will use this VRBO again and recommend it highly.
Owner response:Thank you for your kind words. We love it too. Sunsets and moon setting over the ocean are awesome. aloha. ali
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Hope to Return
Guest: Laurie
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/18/11
Review Submitted: 10/13/11
We really enjoyed our stay at Laughing Gecko and hope to return next year. We certainly will recommend it to friends and family. All good wishes. Laurie
Recommended for:
We love it. So tranquil.
Guest: Anwyl, Whales
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11
Review Submitted: 09/06/11
Hello Ali, Firstly we wanted to let you know we love the house and are very happy here. Secondly we wanted to commend you on creating such a tranquil place for us to enjoy. We particularly like the books, the best collection we have found in a rental. Thank you.
Recommended for:
Your house is truly amazing...truly fantastic!
Guest: Leah
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/10/11
Review Submitted: 08/30/11
Hi Ali, We're on our way back to San Francisco and just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful visit. Your house is truly amazing-we couldn't be happier we had the chance to stay there. The views are incredible! And the house was spotless and stocked with absolutely everything we could possibly need. We loved the ranch and the cows, and the pool and the barbecue...truly fantastic! Thank you so much, Leah
Recommended for:
Rekindle Romance, Relationships
Guest: Mimi
(Portland Oregon)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11
Review Submitted: 08/04/11
What a fabulous home you have--and are willing to share! Aside from the location with a sweeping ocean view and spectacular starry night skies, you have created a beautiful and serene environment to enjoy these outside wonders. It is a sanctuary for those of us who live extremely hectic lives. It is the perfect place to renew and rekindle relationships. To wake up in the morning to the ocean view, the warmth of the sun and the sounds of chirping birds is such a gift. Thank you, Ali. I recommend your home to anyone who wants a place that will encourage them to relax, enjoy each other and marvel at the beauty that surrounds them. We will be back!!
Owner response:Thank you so much! We look forward to your next visit. We have Maui Gold and Maui White pineapples fruiting at the moment, and I know how you love them, and - just for you - we have planted your favorite orange lilikoi. Sunsets are as spectacular as ever and we will soon have tiny calves frolicking in the pasture. So adorable.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Peaceful setting with spectacular views..
Guest: tom swanson
(NY, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
Hi Ali, Just wanted to drop a line to say thank you, thank you, thank you. This really was one of the best vacations we have ever taken. Your home and gardens are amazing. The kitchen is a cooks dream with views down the entire Kohala Coast. I watched sunrise over mauna kea, mauna loa and hualalai mountain every morning. Simply breath-taking. Your gardens are breathtaking. The air around the house was constantly filled with the fragrance of all your plumeria trees, gardenias, jasmines lavendar etc..We loved having the herb garden right by the kitchen. Very helpful for all the delicious meals we made while at your home. We will certainly be back next year and this time we will bring the whole family. You have done an outstanding job with the property. Feels like our second home now. Much Aloha and thanks again for all your assistance Ali! A Hui Ho, The O'Briens
Owner response:Hi Tom and thanks. Right now the stephanotis on the front lanai is blooming and the fragrance is amazing. It lulls you to sleep as it floats on the trades into the master suite. Our specialty plumerias (some of them very rare) are also in blossom and we have planted many more herbs. The arugala is in flower and the bees just go mad for it. So good for the garden.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Some of the best views in Hawaii. Kohala Coast Oasis.
Guest: Robert Seidle
(Napa Valley, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/27/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
I have traveled to Big Island for over 20 years specifically for diving and relaxation. This was my first stay at Laughing Gecko and I might say my best stay ever on Big Island. Thank you Ali for sharing your beautiful home with my family. The location is perfect for diving the entire Kohala Coast (which I believe is the best diving in ALL of Hawaii). Your home was furnished in a very elegant yet comfortable manner. Just stunning throughout! I don't think I have ever seen a pantry so well stocked. We lived on the lanai and in the pool. The veiw is too spectacular to even describe. I will recommend your home to all my fellow diving friends. We will be back next year! Thanks again Ali for all your recommendations and helpful advice, it was invaluable to me and my family. Mahalo! The Seidle Family
Owner response:Thank you. Isn't Puako just the best for diving? Best in Hawaii I think and practically just around the corner from the house. We are so fortunate to be here.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Amazing Place!!!!!
Guest: Big Al in Ohio
(Orange County, California USA)
Date of Stay: 03/10/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
I was talking with my father about a trip to The Big Island this morning and was telling him about this amazing place I have stayed in Kohala Ranch. We discussed dates that he was available so I went on VRBO to check the dates for this property and found this scathing review. I was appalled that someone would write this about this particular house. The views are so amazing it can't be explained and there is nothing like floating in the pool and watching the sun set. The inside of the house has wonderful African art work and decorations that I spend hours enjoying. The house is pristine clean as if no one ever stays there and I love to cook and grill when on vacation and I have to say walking into the pantry is like walking in the front door of Williams-Sonoma. And yes I have seen a spider or two but it is the desert - besides the colors of the Day Glo Geckos are so vivid and so much more fun to watch. I can't wait to book our trip and get checked in!!!
Owner response:Hi there Big Al. Many thanks for your kind words. Most cooks LOVE the pantry! We have had proffessional chefs stay who say it is the best equipped they have found. The day-glo geckos are such a joy. Many people don't realise that the garden spiders are very valuable to the eco-system and, of course, being all organic, sustainable, and permaculture we do not use any harmfull chemicals in the yard. Also, the little critters, quite naturally make webs overnight. That's why we love our geckos; clean up after dark. Great news, I have just heard we will be receiving our certification as a Natural Habitat. We are so happy about this.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Mrs. Stukey
Guest: Betty
(Kansas)
Date of Stay: 08/01/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
I have stayed at this home several times and loved it. The accommodations were perfect. I have never seen such a perfect pantry room. The sunsets are breath taking. The loving care that the owner gives this home shows in all the rooms and landscaping. I would highly recommend this as a perfect vacation rental for your family. The setting is so peaceful with such a lovely kitchen with views of the Pacific.
Owner response:Thanks Betty, we always love having you come and stay. We have added more herbs to the kitchen herb garden. Now boasting, arugala, purple fennel, mint, nasil, parsley, sage, rosmary, lavender, chives, oregano and margoram. The tahitian lime is going crazy and we have pinapples, bananas, surinam cherries and pomegranites as well as the usual papayas.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
First (10) of (27). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #206093
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - Sunday, January 22, 2012
