Vacation Rentals by Owner

Fantastic views

Guest: Catherine J. (Pleasant Hill, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/16/11 Review Submitted: 11/15/11

This is a beautiful second home on a large property, on the side of the island where the flora is more luxurious. The house is new, clean, and well equipped. The pool is in front of the main house, and shared by renters of both. This was not a problem as our schedules seemed to work out so that we had exclusive use while the other renters were out for the day and vice versa. The guest bedroom would benefit from having a night stand with a reading light, and there is no storage in the guest bathroom except for the medicine cabinet. A shelf under the window would be nice. The bedrooms are close together, so privacy might be an issue. That said, we loved our time at this property, the view is incredible, and we spent most of our time outside on the large lanai. There is a nice outdoor dining set, the barbeque is new and clean, the kitchen has everything you might need to cook your own meals. The beds were very comfortable, with nice linens. The cleaning lady, Johanna, met us on arrival and made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. Dan the owner came by a couple of times (taking care of a problem in the main house). The gardener/maintenance man is at the property for several hours a couple of times a week. That's what it takes to maintain such a large property, and no different than what you would have if you stayed in a resort, so this is not a complaint. We were lucky enough to see the large owl that lives just outside the gate when we came home late one night. He flew to the ground on the street right in front of our car and let us observe him. A car is a must, as this is a distance from stores, activities, etc...

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our fantastic stay at Captain Cook's Dan guest house this August 2011

Guest: Jean (France)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

We stayed in Dan's guest house for a full week, looking for a relaxing stop for the family on our California/Hawaii Honolulu-Waikiki /California 3weeks vacations trip. This was just overachieving our expectations in all respect : - guest house is marvellous with ocean morning breakfast view, - infinite edge pool - volley ball for fun and sport , - supermarket and like-at-home cooking on gourmet kitchen and barbecue - kayak and dolphins experience , snorkeling only require 3mn drive ! - volcano visit , helicopter tour, beaches were convenient to get in from Dan's property , all amazing discoveries of Hawaii big island But even more, Dan is making his upmost to make your stay just perfect with passion on sharing history of this Captain Cook paradise and many good practical advises on nearby restaurants. Just giving real warm welcome to his guests . I strongly recommend to try and you will love it The guest house itself is high quality Dan not just warm welcomed us but

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Stunning views, Fantastic Property

Guest: Chuckles (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/10/11 Review Submitted: 05/18/11

The guest ohana was in superb condition and exceptionally clean. The views from the lanai were wonderful; the pool area in front of the main ohana was superb (especially since we were alone on the property). You would think you were in heaven while gazing towards the bay from the inifinity pool! Kayaking in the bay was fantastic and reasonably priced. The property grounds are absolutely stunning; pride of ownership is strongly evident. It was an easy drive from the airport yet totally away from all the hustle & bustle. There are a number of small, decent restaurants/coffee shops in the area which appear to close fairly early (5 or 6 PM).Dan provided much information when asked and we thouroughly enjoyed our conversations with him!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What we were looking for and beyond our expectations.

Guest: Steve Nancy Paul Cassie (Petoskey, MI.)
Date of Stay: 01/27/11 Review Submitted: 02/17/11

What can be said about this property that hasn't been said before in the reviews. Not too much. We were looking for place away from the crowds. A place to relax, sit by the pool, in the jacuzzi. A walk to the beach to snorkel or play in the waves.. Seeing whales surface and breach everyday. Seeing dolphins. Hiking down the trail to the Monument and swimming back accross the Bay. Cooking meals in the well equiped gormet kitchen and on the grill. We would leave for trips to the Volcano, Hupana Beach, South Point, Kona, Hilo and always returned happy to see our "home' of privacy and security. Dan was a gracious host and was very informative to all of our questions. We would return in a minute. Unfortunatly, it takes almost a day of airline travel to get there.

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

Awesome Home!

Guest: Judy (Dana Point, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/19/11 Review Submitted: 02/07/11

Oh my! I wish I had this home as my permanent residence. This home was perfect for our vacation this past January. Our party consisted of 4 adults and all 4 of us loved this home. The rooms, furniture and accommodations are first class. The views were magnificent. Every morning we had breakfast on the lanai and watched humpback whales breach and blow. Although these amazing creatures can be seen with the naked eye, it was really special to see them through binoculars. The sunsets were absolutely gorgeous and the trade-winds just perfect. Captain Cook Monument is in view from the lanai and the Place of Refuge is a short 5 minute drive from the home where the best snorkeling ever is experienced. Our last day at the Place of Refuge the dolphins were a-plenty and we received quite a performance, which took us back to the days of the TV show "Flipper". The Lu'au at the Royal Kona was the best ever and an evening dinner at the Kona Inn was so romantic and delicious. But, the best part was returning to this beautiful home, where we really didn't want to ever leave. As a side note, Dan the owner was Johnny-on-the-spot whenever we needed anything, which helped make this vacation a memorable one. Enjoy!

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

Luxury rental with great amenities

Guest: kbigelow (Santa Cruz, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/04/11 Review Submitted: 01/08/11

Our family of four [boys 13 and 10] loved our stay here in January 2011. Regarding the facilities, we made dinners several nights in the well-appointed kitchen, used the pool almost every day [we were alone on the property, no one in the main house], and took morning walks to the shore to enjoy the beautiful bay. For activities we went up the coast two days, and to the volcanos one day. Food-wise, there is a great French pastry / coffee shop at the top of the hill, and we ate their pastries 3 of our 4 days [really that good, yes!]. Dinner two nights at home [the BBQ works incredibly well and is clean], and one night at Big Jake's BBQ (loved it). There is a liquor store at the top of the hill too [called EGE I think], and we picked up makings for Mai Tais there. To complete happy hour, we picked up ahi pupus from Kona Seafood. The house feels brand new, is super clean, and exceeded our expectations.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Unbelievable views!!

Guest: Paradise Seeker (Chicago, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 11/02/10 Review Submitted: 11/15/10

This rental is beautiful and I cannot say enough of the view!! Amazing!! Endless activities awaited and the biggest suprise bonus was our swim with the Spinner Dolphins! The property is emaculate. Birds galore, to watch frolicking each day, was a treat too!! Kealakekua Bay has wonderful snorkeling! If you want to feel pampered, I recommend staying here!!

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

Kathy, Colorado

Guest: Kat (Kingman,AZ)
Date of Stay: 11/01/10 Review Submitted: 12/01/10

Top Notch, had a great time and looking forward to doing it again soon!

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Kathy, Colorado

Guest: Kathy (Denver, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 11/01/10 Review Submitted: 12/01/10

Top Notch, had a great time and looking forward to doing it again soon!

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Relaxing vacation

Guest: Johanna (Big island and Arizona)
Date of Stay: 10/09/10 Review Submitted: 10/14/10

My family and I from the Phoenix area stayed in the Ohana in mid Oct. Dan's place was awesome....it felt very luxurious. The huge lanai has a birds eye view of Kealakekua Bay with snorkeling, kayaking and Keei Beach just minutes away. I personally enjoyed the infinity pool--perfect for exercising or just hanging out. The property was very neat and clean and very well maintained. I would definitely recommend this vacation spot to friends and family.

Recommended for:Age 55+

WOW ! What a lovely way to start a vacation,

Guest: g (Los Angeles, Ca)
Date of Stay: 08/08/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

Our stay exceeded expectations.It is beautiful and one of my favorite views looking out at the cove with the mountain ridge meeting the water and then the sun sets.The house felt very private even though we shared the pool with the grand house.The rooms, the furniture, the well stocked kitchen all show attention to detail and quality.The house and grounds are immaculate.I would definitely come back again and I might try the big house and share with another couple or family .

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

A piece of paradise

Guest: Curly (Canon City,)
Date of Stay: 08/03/10 Review Submitted: 08/15/10

We had a wonderful stay and enjoyed the house and the magnificent views from the patio. We would highly recommend this beautiful place and hope to come back within the next couple of years.

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

The View Was Marvelous

Guest: Curly (Canon City,)
Date of Stay: 08/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

We had a marvelous stay. The trip really exceeded our expectations. We were celebrating our anniversary and it was perfect. The property was clean and very well kept, and we enjoyed the owner. He was so helpful in telling us what activities were available and where to go for our special dinner. I would highly recommend this place to our friends. We are thinking of going back within the next couple of years.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Slice of Paradise

Guest: Barb (Nanaimo, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/29/10

My husband and I stayed at the Ohana in June - it was way beyond our expectations - the owner, Dan, was very helpful with local knowledge and ensured our stay was more than we expected. The views were awesome - it was so peaceful just to have a coffee and look out over the water every morning. The Ohana was in immaculate condition with all the amenities of home - we only needed our personal effects and supplies - everything else was supplies. This is a must for a return visit - maybe with our family at the big house.

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

Private Hawaiian Guest Ohana is not so private

Guest: Radman (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 05/19/10 Review Submitted: 06/06/10

The Kealakakua valley is a beautiful and quiet setting for your vacation. The guest ohana is a luxury space but with a few missing parts. Internet access was not delivered as promised. I was doing my work on the internet part time during the vacation and was forced to go to another location to get access to the internet. The entertainment system was so complex that it was nearly unusable. An extra roll of toilet paper was considered a big favor by the owner. Quiet mornings were interrupted daily by the owner driving into the garage located directly under the guest house. The garage music system was turned up high during the owner's morning workout on his private garage gym. He then spent the rest of each morning on the property overseeing the maintanence man and interrupting our solitude. Although the view from the property was fantastic, all of the view pictures on the VRBO listing represent the view from the main house, not from the ohana. However, the owner did give us a few good suggestions for snorkeling and restaurants.

Owner response:Aloha Future Guests, The Guest house now has it's own modem and wireless rotor, so you can plug in a USB cable direct from the modem or get 5 bars from the wifi. The remote for the surround sound has been consolidated for easy use. 5 acres does take maintainance but only on Tues. & Thurs. not everyday and never are blowers used here or any lawn moving before noon. All pictures of the VIEWS are taken from the guest house lanai all 600sq/ft for your outdoor pleasure. Mahalo, Dan owner

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Ten Day Visit

Guest: Joe, Vicki, Barry, Sherry (Eugene, OR)
Date of Stay: 04/13/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

In April of 2010, we booked the guest house for about ten days. What a gem of a find! Everything portrayed on the website is amplified to next level and beyond. Luxurious accommodations in the most picturesque setting imaginable. The gourmet kitchen is amazing and was the setting for wonderful breakfasts served each morning on the spacious lanai. This experience was fantastic, and we would like to return again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Expectations Greatly Exceeded!

Guest: Barry & Sherry Willis (Eugene, OR)
Date of Stay: 04/13/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/10

LOCATION is the cardinal rule of real estate, and this property has the best combination of attributes I have ever seen. The pictures are accurate but do not begin to measure the scope and grandeur of this home and property. Our stay was perfect in every respect, and our lofty expectations were exceeded!!

Recommended for:Age 55+

Radman's Echos

Guest: akrovers (Juneau)
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 09/16/10

We stayed at the Guest Ohana during our stay in Feb. 2010 and had similar experiences w/ the the owner as referenced by Radman's. He was around more than not; we aren't saying he isn't a nice guy, but when is enough, enough? My fiance' felt intimidated, and to be honest despite what is said about a the hot tub, it is not a part of the guest house and we felt we were were always intruding on those who were renting the main house--who we obviously didn't know unless we forced the issue (which at times wasn't always welcomed). Bottomline--nice place, world class view, nice owner but he needs to cut the cord and keep the distance and let those who are paying his mortgage for the multi-million dollar property enjoy their stay. We have yet to stay in any VRBO property where we've had to endure that kind of day-to-day interaction w/ the owner...

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers.

Guest: Girard Family (Ottawa, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/28/10

This is truly an amazing place...even better than it appears in the photos! The house is lovely, well-appointed and very private. It is well away from the hustle and bustle of "touristy" resorts. Dan was both kind and very helpful. He knows all the secret spots to see mantas, turtles and dolphins. We enjoyed fantastic meals and sunsets on the lanai and were very close to world-class snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. Also, if you love coffee, you're right in the midst of Kona coffee plantations. It's a beautiful, relaxing hideaway that you makes you feel like you're experiencing the "real" Hawaii.

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Island Perfection

Guest: Dan (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 01/20/10 Review Submitted: 04/22/10

Hawaii speaks to each of us in different ways and the Big Island has a language all of its own. For one to truly become immersed in all paradise has to offer its best to begin and end your days where all your surroundings are as perfect as perfect can be. Dan has created such a place for those who choose the ultimate island luxury. The written description and photos provided are modest in comparison to experiencing this exquisite (guest ohana) home. Unobstructed views, island song birds and gentle tropical breezes greet you every day. Once there, you'll not want to leave.

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Guest: Jill Guthrie and Mike Webber (Vancouver BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/21/09 Review Submitted: 12/21/09

We booked a week with my 80 and 83 year old aunt and uncle and had an amazing time.... the house has a perfect layout for a group of couples (or couples and kids)... Pool and Jacuzzi is amazing (deep pool) and may be shared with larger house guests if any but otherwise totally private. We basically had it to ourselves much of the time in our case. Dan is very helpful if needed. We ate breakfast on the huge balcony every morning with a birds eye view of the bay. We snorkled at two step.. kayaker would love this location as well. The master bedroom has large king and ensuite with ocean view... The kitchen and dining area with counter bar between is perfect for socializing while throwing dinner together.. then eat at the large table with the 25 - 30 foot ceilings just adds to the relaxed feeling of this get away. Nice launching point to Volcano park and yet still very close to Kona and easy shopping at Captain Cook.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/29/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/09

WOW! This place is straight out of MTV Cribs! Perfect for our Honeymoon, but big enough for 2 couples with kids.Plush interior, top notch kitchen, huge showers, satellite radio, ice machine, coolers, snorkel gear, grill, boogie boards and a daily MULTI MILLION DOLLAR SUNSET!I looked over this site for months before emailing Dan. I thought it was too good to be true! Dan was extremely helpful with directions, recommendations and respecting our privacy! This gated location is on 7 acres in a rural setting. 500 yards down the road is the best snorkeling in Hawaii and City of Refuge National Park is about a 5 minute drive. There is a burger stand about a half mile up the road that sells shaved ice: perfect on the way home from a day at the beach.The pool was huge and had a deep end! We sat in the jacuzzi with drinks every evening after exploring the big island.I wish I could buy this place- can’t wait to come back again. Feel free to contact me with any questions! The pictures on this site do not give it justice!Kona Airport=30 minutes

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Guest: Jacque1 (Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/12/09 Review Submitted: 07/12/09

My husband and our sons, ages 10 & 12 had a truly magnificent time at this property. The guest house sits on 5 acres with access to a walking trail, sand volleyball court and a beautiful pool. The house was very comfortable with a wonderful kitchen and amazing views of the Kealakekua Bay, which was only a short walk away. The owner was also very hospitable, telling us about many beaches and other places only the locals know about. The snorkeling was absolutely gorgeous, and you will never run out of things to do! We also found it to be a great location for the many "day trips" we took while exploring this breathtaking island.

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Great Vacation!

Guest: Steve (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 10/10/10

My wife Judy and I both enjoyed our stay at 207105, in the middle of June. The place has an excellent view and wonderful amenities. The owner's attention to maintenance needs and upgrading services shows excellent attention to details. The owner Dan was very hospitable, giving us suggestions on what to see and in one case gave us the opportunity to hike the lava fields near the volcano. Dan was very helpful and yet never invaded our privacy. I rate our stay "5 Star", and I strongly recommend this accomodation to anyone searching for a place to stay on the Big Island. Steve Didcoct

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: The Linger Family (Winnetka, IL )
Date of Stay: 03/31/09 Review Submitted: 03/31/09

We absolutely loved the Ohana Guest House! We visited for a week during spring break and found it to exceed our expectations. A short walk to the beach to launch kayaks, snorkel and take in the beauty of Kealakeua Bay with swimming dolphins in the morning. A peaceful and beautiful place we would love to visit again. We enjoyed the owner, Dan, and found him to be delightful, accommodating and an excellent resource on the area and activities. You will be pleased with this wonderful rental!

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Guest: Carol37 (Olympia, WA)
Date of Stay: 03/04/09 Review Submitted: 03/04/09

We just spent 3 weeks at this property and we were thrilled with the house and the location. The house was clean and had everything we needed. The grounds and view were spectacular. Bring your binoculars to whale watch in the mornings. It's a 5 minute walk to the water with easy access to kayak rentals and snorkeling. The one lane road down the street is great for jogging. Restaurants are limited in the immediate area, but we ate on the lanai almost every night and watched the sun set. There is a great market (Choice Mart) at the top of Napoopoo Rd. and we bought fresh fruit just down the road from the fruit stand. We had a great vacation and hope to return.

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Guest: Erik4 (Redmond, WA)
Date of Stay: 01/23/09 Review Submitted: 01/23/09

We found the process to reserve the Ohana easy and Dan was very responsive to our inquries. We plan to report back on our satisfaction with this rental after our stay in March of 2009.

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