Vacation Rentals by Owner

Love this cottage!

Guest: Bob (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 05/14/12 Review Submitted: 05/21/12

Todd and I both loved the Ohia Grove Cottage! I'm not sure where to begin with all the reasons why. The cottage itself is great. Larger than we expected actually. And has everything we needed for our stay, and then some. The grounds were beautiful too and it was fun walking around and exploring all the plants and flowers. It didn't work out for us to meet the owners, but it was a pleasure interacting with them via email. And they were very organized with lots of notes around the cottage, a folder with everything we wanted to know, and lots of travel books/information to use. Plus the wifi, washer/dryer, full kitchen, comfy bed, screened back porch, etc. And the location was great too, centrally located for Volcanoes NP, Pahoa, and the Hilo area. I'd recommend this in a moment to anyone, and we'll definitely stay there again if we make it back to the big island. Thanks so much Rich & Don!

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

Best Rental We've Done

Guest: ERL (Bay Area, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/21/12 Review Submitted: 05/04/12

We absolutely loved our visit to Ohia Grove. Rich and Don have a clean, well furnished and supplied cottage and are incredibly thoughtful with their advice of what to see and do during our visit. We felt at home immediately and loved falling asleep at night to the relaxing sounds of coqui frogs and heavy rains. Beautiful!

Recommended for:Families with young children

Another very satisfied guest

Guest: HazeyBell (Durango, CO)
Date of Stay: 03/30/12 Review Submitted: 04/15/12

Ohia Grove was the first of three VRBOs we stayed at on our Hawaii vacation and it set the bar high for the other two. It had all the amenities that my husband and I value. All the helpful information provided by Rich and Don as well and the previous guests helped us plan our days, and the comfort of the house encouraged us to spend our evenings at home. The screened porch and sleeping room enhanced our stay, and the various well-lighted little sitting areas were very pleasant. It was close to both Keaau and Pahoa for meals out and the grocery store, and it is also centrally located to all the Puna District, Hilo and Volcano attractions. With the owners close by, I think they take pride in the property they offer, and they understand the needs of the traveler.

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

Sabbatical from the Middle East

Guest: Nazaha (Saudi Arabia)
Date of Stay: 02/15/12 Review Submitted: 03/28/12

We were in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, for three years and needed a break from the desert. The cottage was a great refuge from the heat and dry of the desert and even though it rained, we were appreciative for the green landcape and privacy. Given the amount of moisture that is always present it was very useful to use the dryer, which was very good to keep our towels and other things dry. The cottage had a well outfitted ktichen and a gas BBQ. We self catered 95% of the time so it was great to have the kitchen and grill. The queen size bed was very comfortable and the ceiling fans were great. It is a great location between the Kapoho Tide Pools, Volcano National Park, Hilo and the east coast of the island. Rich and Don were always responsive but never intrusive. We were there for 5 weeks and would suggest a long term stay if you are able.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ohia Grove

Guest: Paul & Sarah (South Hero, Vt.)
Date of Stay: 01/13/12 Review Submitted: 02/15/12

Met all our expectations. Our hosts provided everything necessary to make sure this Big Island vacation was special.

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

A Charming Retreat in a Tranquil and Private Setting

Guest: Paul (North Vancouver, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 01/18/12

We arrived at The Cottage at Ohia Grove after a hectic year in which it seemed we hadn't stopped for breath much at all. Our arrival in this cute little cottage in a rural enclave immediately put us at ease and we spent a week exploring Puna and beyond and returning here at the end of each day. How nice to come into The Cottage and find it festooned with elegant fresh-cut flower arrangements, a fruit bowl, and coffee awaiting our arrival. As we walked through the large gardens hanging with fruit and redolent with blooming orchids and anthuriums, the birdsong reminded us that we had arrived in paradise and it was time to relax. This accommodation was clean and well-appointed (a knife sharpening steel - yay!) including in-house wireless internet service, satellite television, gas stove, microwave, barbecue, and enough of a selection of pots/pans and dishes to make sure that we could prepare and serve meals of all kinds. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the lovely lanai – in fact we ate all our meals out there too. After months of busy to-and-fro’ing, it was a real tonic to our souls to be able to decompress in such a comfy and inviting spot, waking up to birdsong and, yes, we even enjoyed falling asleep to the coqui frogs! We enjoyed being away from the hubbub of the busier areas but if you are wanting to be close to shopping, streetlights, and more of a city experience you may find this place a little bucolic. It is a drive of only ten or fifteen minutes however to get you into malls and parking lots and it is very well-situated to make day trips to the sights of the southern half of Hawai'i We hope to return soon...

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L&D

Guest: L&D (White Rock, B.C.)
Date of Stay: 12/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

We found the cottage just as explained. The reviews and location sold us. After a week in a shoe-box sized condo in Kona, the space and privacy was something to look forward to. The flower vases and fruit/coffee basket were a nice warm welcome. The cottage is very well equipped and clean and tidy. The location is a good place to explore the Hilo side from. Rich and Don obviously love the property and enjoy being hosts. We would stay again without hesitation. Mahalo guys for a relaxing stay.

Owner response:We're glad you enjoyed your stay...hope Santa's arrival in an outrigger canoe wasn't too much of a culture shock! We'll look to your next visit!

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

A Comfortable Gem Nestled in the Ohia's

Guest: Rob JD (Bowen Island, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/18/11 Review Submitted: 02/25/12

We have stayed at Ohia Grove Cottage a few times over the past year and can't say enough about it. The cottage itself is of a rustic but very comfortable offering. Immaculately clean and with enough amenities to make your stay very pleasant. For us, the washer and dryer is a big convenience after a day of working and getting dirty on our own property, that we are developing nearby. The Lanai (just recently added) has taken it to the next level of comfort. Nothing like sitting outside eating dinner and having a glass of wine while listening to the Coqui Frogs and relaxing after a hard day of working or sightseeing. The location in Kea'au is also close to a store and gas station and many great restaurants and a grocery store in Pahoa. It is also very central to many tourist attractions in the Puna District or a quick 15 minute drive into Hilo. Rich and Don are amazing hosts who respect your privacy but are available to immediately address and concerns or offer advice on island attractions. I highly recommend Ohia Grove for your get away stay on the Big island!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Bargain & Lots of Good Amenities

Guest: Rob & Steve (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 10/06/11

If you are looking for a place to stay that is off the beaten path, but gives you all the comforts of home, then you should stay here. After looking at all of the reviews of Hilo hotels, we weren't very excited about the options in front of us. We started looking around at rentals, and came across the cottage. We were very pleased with our choice. The cottage is basic, but lacking nothing. The kitchen is a good size and has all of the necessary tools including a microwave and coffee maker. The full-size bath has a nice hot shower and plenty of towels. The bed is comfortable. Modern touches include free w-fi, satellite TV and DVD player, if you have the time. The lanai is the perfect place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings of the fruit trees, anthurium, and orchids. The pictures on the site are exactly what you get in the cottage. The location of the cottage feels like you are far away from nowhere, but you aren't far from wanting anything. It's in a great location for taking in all of the sites in the area. You also pass through several shopping areas on the way from the airport if you want to pick up anything to supplement your stay. You should note though, that there is no A/C. The cottage is ventilated by island breezes and ceiling fans, which means keeping the screened-in windows open most nights. This "feature" provides a great connection to the surroundings, especially falling asleep to the sounds of the surrounding forest, rain showers and the smell of fresh air all the time. However, if you are a light sleeper, you might want to consider that the coqui frogs can be quite noisy. Don and Rich are excellent hosts and will provide you with all the information that you need to explore the area. They also provide special touches such as anthurium and orchid arrangements throughout the cottage, along with a bag of coffee and a basket of fresh fruit. What a way to start your morning. We loved the place, and if you are looking for something different, then we would highly recommend this place.

Owner response:Glad you guys had a good time - hopefully we'll meet you next time you visit! Coqui frogs are, unfortunately, a fact of life in our part of the island, and I wouldn't be surprised if the construction of the new lanai in the weeks just before your visit stirred them up a bit. Landscaping work currently underway should encourage the little guys to relocate back into the jungle, where their songs become more of a background sound (which some renters actually liked....). We'll make sure to to keep an eye (or should I say "an ear") on this situation. Till next time, A hui hou!

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

Ohia Grove

Guest: Marla (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/16/11

Rich and Don think of everything a traveler needs at their lovely cottage, from the fruit basket and fresh flowers, to the travel guide that we used daily. The cottage is centrally located to Volcanoes National Park and HIlo, and to one of the best places to snorkel on the island - Kapoho Tidepools. On our arrival at the cottage, Rich gave us ideas for a day in Hilo, we followed every idea and thoroughly enjoyed our day. We felt at home at Ohia Grove and can't wait to visit again. I will recommend Ohia Grove to anyone I know that is heading to the Big Island.

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

WE LOVE THIS PLACE

Guest: Rachel & Peter (Calgary AB)
Date of Stay: 03/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/18/11

We chose this place because it was conveniently located between Hilo and Volcano, and the price was more than right. We'll come back, tho, because the the cottage is perfect! So cute! So quaint! It has all of the amenities for comfortable living plus the cottage itself is completely full of character. Some of the days we came home exhausted, my main activity was admiring the house and trying to find new and interesting angles that I may have missed before. Its on a very quiet setting (be lulled to sleep by coqui frogs singing, and woken to doves and other birds), off the main roads, and if there's traffic going by on the side street, you can't hear it. Then, when you think that's just as perfect as it gets, you meet the owners - Rich and Don, who are not only an abundance of information, suggestion and advise (for scenery, sightseeing and places to eat), but are also patient and generous hosts. We love this place, plan to return (soon). Thank you so much to Rich and Don.

Owner response:One of the rewards of operating a vacation rental is making new friends like you and Peter! And we're really glad you enjoyed your stay at the Cottage. It's not deluxe accommodations by any means (full of character is an interesting and accurate assessment...), but it's in a great location, perfect as a base for exploring this side of the Island or for those who are looking to purchase or improve their own little spot in Paradise. We'll look forward to your next visit!

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

A perfect spot to enjoy the Big Island from.

Guest: Mike (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/21/11 Review Submitted: 03/08/11

An excellent place to stay! The cottage is in a beautiful spot in a grove of trees, and is very private. It is well maintained and was very clean when we arrived. There was fresh fruit waiting to be eaten. The hosts left several guide books to the island that were available for use during our stay and turned out to be great resources for both finding activities to do and getting there. The location of the cottage makes it very convenient for exploring the south-eastern part of the island with minimal driving. And it is only a 15-20 minute drive into Hilo. If you stay here, be sure to check out Volcanos National Park ( <30 min drive) and the Kapoho tide pools if you are into snorkeling (or would like to start). Great cottage, we would stay there again in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone, although you will need a rental car if you are staying here.

Owner response:Thanks for your nice remarks! Hope your memories of sun and warm breezes will get you through the rest of your cold winter! And thanks for the reminder about rental cars -- while there is public transit here, it really isn't practical for visitors. Be sure to make car reservations well in advance - especially during peak tourist season. We're an Island, so when the cars are gone, they're gone!

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

Perfect for us

Guest: Rawk (Victoria, BC CANADA)
Date of Stay: 01/16/11 Review Submitted: 02/06/11

Everything was in fact more beautiful and interesting than described. Rich & Don were great hosts and very helpful. The cottage had everything we needed and more. It is a funky, quirky place which suited us perfectly but if you are looking for some kind of spa retreat it is not for you! I would definitely recommend it to friends and we'll be back! We love Puna - the whole area is fascinating. It's not really for those seeking a fantasy vacation (maybe stick to the Kona side) but those who are curious about the land and its people.

Owner response:You're right about the Puna District of Hawaii - it's a fascinating place with lots to see and do, but if you're looking for a "sit on the beach and sip drinks with little umbrellas in them" kind of vacation, you'll be happier at one of the resorts on the Kona side. If you have the time (and the money...) it's fun to split your vacation, and spend a few days on both sides of the Island. That way you can do the touristy stuff over there, and then do the more nature-based, real Hawaii-type activities here (like visiting the volcano, botanical garden, and farmers markets). we'll look forward to seeing you again. Mahalo!

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

Most wonderful, magical cottage with all amenities & the best host one could wish for!!

Guest: Yumi & Vanessa (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/13/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/11

I am a frequent VRBO user, but this cottage was by far the BEST vacation home I have ever rented! It is nestled in a quiet part of the big island, but easily accessible to freeway that will take you to the Volcanoes National Park, some of the best tidal pools to snorkel, lava flow viewing site, and warm springs. The small village of Pahoa is also nearby, with some local bites and small shops to explore. The cottage itself is beautifully maintained with lovely country-island style decor, and offers not only basic accommodations, but extra amenities such as access to washer/dryer, wifi, DVD, filtered water, numerous useful guidebooks, and fresh fruit & coffee. The garden is utterly magical and breathtaking; lush green world rich with tropical fruit trees and flowers perfect for a morning coffee stroll. The host is also very thoughtful and kind, and full of wonderful information for visitors that he so willingly shares. He is just such a nice guy! My partner and I (who are both youngish professionals who love adventures) truly enjoyed our stay, and we hope to come back soon. It is a gem! Highly recommended for anyone seeking peaceful place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists but still want an access to all that the Big Island can offer.

Owner response:Aloha Yumi and Vanessa, Thanks for your kinds remarks! The Cottage isn't fancy by any means, but we do our best to make it a comfortable home base for guests who want to explore the natural beauty of this side of the Island. I'm about to go cut the "utterly magical" lawn -- thanks for reminding me how lucky I am to live here even when I'm doing basic yard maintenance. Mahalo, a hui hou kakou malama pono! Rich and don

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

Ohia Grove Cottage - really good place

Guest: Bob and Jackie (Medford, OR)
Date of Stay: 12/29/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

We stayed at Ohia Grove Cottage in 1/11. We felt it was a really good place with alot going for it...just south of Hilo, 10-15 minutes; everything worked - state-of-the-art water system, washer/dryer, good shower & tub; great TV via dish; free telephone; good bed (plus a futon); etc. It's secluded, yet handy. The attractions on the east side are many, and different from those elsewhere on the Big Island...tidal pools, geothermally heated pools, the U. of H. center in Hilo (astronomy and native culture), waterfalls, H.Volcanoes Nat'l Park, separate lava viewing area at the bottom of Rte. 130, Tropical Hawaiian Botanical Gardens, the Red Road, the Hilo farmers' market, some good restaurants. The cottage is not fancy. The owners provide a myriad of little extras (some of the things you forgot to bring) plus flowers and such that you would not expect and guidebooks/literature to help you. All in all, a good place to stay, a terrific experience.

Owner response:Glad we could make your last-minute stay such a good experience! We'll look forward to seeing you again soon! Mahalo, a hui hou malama pono...

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

We loved it!

Guest: Berta (Kona, Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

This adorable little cottage was perfect for us, visiting our daughter and family who live nearby. We had a barbecue with them, made Christmas cookies and there was plenty of room for our family get-together. We really loved walking thru the Ohia Grove several times too. Don and Rich left so many special touches such as anthurium arrangement all over and a big gift basket of delicious cookies.

Owner response:We're happy that our Cottage has become the "go-to" annex for your family's visits! In our experience with family visits, we've found that staying nearby gives everyone involved the best of both worlds. During the day we get to see each other as much as we want, but then at night we can relax and recuperate in our own private space (and safely talk about them behind their backs ). Looking forward to seeing you back soon -- till then, much aloha!

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

Mark in Wilton, CA

Guest: Mark (Wilton, California)
Date of Stay: 11/07/10 Review Submitted: 11/23/10

What a great place! Nothing fancy but it sure has character. It's all but hidden in a tropical setting with wild flowers and plants in every direction. Plenty of room around for privacy and private walks. The cottage has all the makings for a relaxing time. Plenty of room for two but could probably accomodate four although a bit cozy. If you're interested in visiting the volcano or a quick hop up to Hilo, this spot is situated in between. We will be back. Thank you Rich & Don

Owner response:Thanks for your nice comments here and in our guest book -- I'm sure our future guests will enjoy following up on your recommendations. Glad you enjoyed your stay, and we'll look forward to seeing you again soon! Aloha and A Hui Hou! Rich and Don

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

Our favorite place to stay

Guest: Mark and Donna (McKinney, Texas)
Date of Stay: 10/04/10 Review Submitted: 08/06/11

This lovely cottage is the best place we have stayed on any of the 4 islands we have visited. We came here for our 40th wedding anniversary celebration and could not have been more pleased with the stay! The owners make this place feel like home, with every amenity we could have possibly have thought of or needed. Upon arrival, there was a gorgeous, delicious fruit basket awaiting us, as well as a congratulatory message for our anniversary along with 2 tickets to the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens, another favorite. The cottage, while close to many activities, provides a secluded, quiet place to relax in. The place was charming, comfortable, clean, and spacious with beautiful arrangements of tropical flowers all over the house. The tropical fruit trees are abundant on the property and graciously shared with the visitors staying in the cottage. The owners were kind and helpful at all times. We just can't stay enough about this lovely home that created so many wonderful memories for us. We intend to return and stay here again in the future and would recommend it to anyone whose stay will include the Big Island.

Owner response:We're glad we could help make your anniversary trip so special (and sorry that we were already booked when you wanted to make a return visit...). Hope to see you again soon!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Scott and Rosemarie, Hawaii
Date of Stay: 05/02/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

We enjoyed the cottage and appreciate all you've done to make it our home away from home these past 3 months.

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Guest: Clay and Anna, Montana
Date of Stay: 01/20/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Thank you so much for all the hospitality. (We appreciated) the beautiful yard, fresh fruit and cozy cottage.

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Guest: Deborah and Beth, Washington State
Date of Stay: 01/03/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Ohia Grove is "the perfect place." We'll be back!

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Sweet good vibes in quiet calm tropical setting

Guest: hawaiideborah (Keaau, HI (moved from Washington))
Date of Stay: 12/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

we stayed here for a week and absolutely loved the cottage, location and the owners. We were looking for a place to buy and this was an ideal location to explore both the Hilo, Volcano and Puna areas. The cottage is furnished with lots of books and information on the area. The owners were available and helpful with info. The email responses were fast and detailed. The bed was really comfortable and the grounds are lovely. It is secluded and on beautiful property with lots of plants. We walked the property every morning with our coffee. We now live very close to this wonderful gem of a vacation rental and we Highly recommend this cottage to anyone we know who is visiting the Big Island.

Owner response:Glad we were able to help make your transition from the Washington coast to the Hawaii coast such a successful move. Stop by sometime and check out the new screened lanai we've added since your visit!

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

Guest: Lee and April, California
Date of Stay: 11/21/09 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Mahalo for your hospitality - We really felt taken care of, Everything we needed was here for us to use. You have created a space in paradise!

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Guest: Arran, London, England
Date of Stay: 07/09/09 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Thanks for everything. Enjoyed my stay immensely.

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Guest: Paule and Alan, California
Date of Stay: 02/21/09 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Thank you for a wonderful and relaxing week. The volcano one day and the fantastic tropical boticanical garden the next -- what a contrast!

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Guest: Sindi and Jake, Washington State
Date of Stay: 02/12/09 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Loved everything -- the bird songs in the morning, the fully equipped kitchen and all the amenities, the great bed and fluffy towels!

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Guest: Debbi and Jeff, Idaho
Date of Stay: 02/05/09 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Thank you for everything! We were totally comfortable in your cottage...

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