Location: Kohala Ranch, Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii, USA (Kohala Ranch 45 Mins to Kona Airport, 20 Mins to Waimea) View Map
Accommodations: Home, 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths (Sleeps 8)
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 suites with additional beds for up to three extra guests. 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 just 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 (bedroom 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 (bedroom 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.
Please don't hesitate to contact us, without obligation, for more information.
Mahalo nui loa,
The laughing geckos.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer: Dedicated to home / not shared.
- Dryer: Dedicated to home / not shared
- Linens Provided: 100% cotton
- 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
- 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
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library: Many channels available through the cable provider
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Gourmet kitchen with gas range, Sub-Zero, high quality equipment.
- 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
- 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
- Telephone: Land line througb Hawaiian Telecom for local calls or dial-up internet access
- Broadband Internet: Wireless Broadband 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.
- Suitability
- 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 Not Allowed: Smoking is permitted outdoors only with care
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Observatories / Star gazing, Botanical Gardens, Historic Homes, ATV Tours, Farm tours, Whale watching, Sailing.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Up to 2 persons, master suite .. $250/night + $85 cleaning
Up to 4 persons, both upper suites .. $425/night + $125 cleaning
Up to 6 persons, three suites .. $595/night + $200 cleaning
Up to 8 persons, four suites .. $750/night + $250 cleaning
10% surcharge Dec 20-Jan 05.
HI taxes 12.25%. Refundable security deposit required.
US check preferred. Credit cards accepted via PayPal with processing fee
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
Laughing Gecko - Incredible Ocean & Mt View, Privacy, 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 Home
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.
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
- The pool entry with ocean beyond - 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
- 40 foot pool fronts the lanai of the great room
- Redwood dining table on the lanai seats up to 14 guests comfortably
- Breathtaking sunset ocean views from the lanai served daily
- Entry to the main house great-room
- View of the great room looking towards the kitchen
- The great room and all bedroom suites look out to the ocean
- The great room as seen from the kitchen
- Master bedroom (bedroom 3) in lower guest suite
- Master bedroom (bedroom 2) in the upper guest suite
- Master bedroom (bedroom 1) in the main house
- Second bedroom (bedroom 4) in the lower guest suite
- Oversize island in the gourmet kitchen looking into the great room
- Floor plan of Laughing Gecko Lodge - bedrooms in red, bathrooms blue
Guest Comments (5)
First (5) of (5). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #206093
There have been 7593 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009
Positive Rating
We could go on and on about the beautiful views and wonderful home. Simply put, our honeymoon has been amazing! Thank you for letting us stay in your home. Mahalo, the Castlemans.
Positive Rating
Thank you again for "Lending" us your stunning home. We enjoyed ourselves so much!! We will always choose Laughing Gecko as our home in Hawaii as long as it is available.
Positive Rating
We were a big group renting several different houses at the Ranch. Of all the homes we rented, Laughing Gecko Lodge is by far the nicest and the one everyone liked the best. We were all very comfortable here. The home is beautiful and very well equipped. There was never a time, when I needed something, that it wasn't there. The kitchen is wonderful. We loved our stay here. Thank you so much for making the accommodations you did to make our stay so pleasant.
Positive Rating
We arrived late at night and it was dark so we couldn't really see where we were. When we woke up in the morning and looked around we couldn't believe it. We really thought we'd hit the jackpot. The photographs on the website don't even come close to doing the home and the view justice. It's awesome and we are very happy.
Positive Rating
Thank you so much for giving our family the opportunity to stay in your lovely home. We very much enjoyed ourselves and we had a super vacation. With such a large group there is always something cooking and the kitchen was PERFECT! Lots of nice touches in this house. Plenty of towels & utensils. Very much appreciated. Mahalo. The Gray's & Sinclair's.