Gorgeous Modern Guest House & Pool, Published in the NY Times!
- Minimum stay:2-3 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Why not make your trip unforgettable by staying somewhere so remarkable that it made the front page of The New York Times?
On June 30, 2005, POHAKUNANI (Hawaiian for 'The Beautiful Rocks'), appeared on both the front page and inside the home section of The NEW YORK TIMES, having also been featured in the June issue of CALIFORNIA HOME & DESIGN magazine. With architecture by Craig Steely and interior & landscape design by Robert Trickey, Pohakunani also appears in two design & architecture books: ISLAND LIVING, by Linda Leigh Paul, (pub: Rizzoli), and MINIMALIST HOUSES by Simone Schleifer (pub: Taschen).
Why all this publicity?
When you see the sleek simplicity of the design setting off the jagged lava field, framing stunning views that sweep from the ridge of the rift zone down to the glimmering ocean, you’ll know why.
We now offer either the self-contained Guest House (sleeps 1 to 4) or the Guest Room in the Main House in a shared arrangement (sleeps 1 or 2). The Main House is no longer available-- Sorry.
At 850 square feet, the private Guest House Studio Unit is spacious enough to feel like a real home, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors (opening onto the unit’s own lanai) seem to extend the space, capturing the lovely garden like a gorgeous painting.
The Guest Room in the Main House, though smaller, has a lovely view of the expansive lava field and ocean through the wall of glass. It contains a Cal. King bed, closet and desk, and shares the downstairs bath, and access to the kitchen can be arranged for additional charges. This is a great option for people on the go who want to do a lot of sight seeing, and don't require a lot of space in their accommodation.
Please note that the automated calendar below tracks ONLY the availability of the single Guest House unit, so if you're interested in the Main House Guest Room, please contact us directly.
At Pohakunani, you'll find a more stylish, tasteful and private experience than any of the other rentals in the area, at comparable prices. Here, you can enjoy all the wild beauty of this place from a comfortable and sophisticated vantage point.
Many of our guests find themselves just hanging around the deep-blue pool for hours on end, relaxing in the quiet, other-worldly beauty of the place (and most express the wish that they didn’t have to leave!)
With regard to Puna, if you haven’t stayed in this area before, you’ll be amazed to find such a truly heavenly and unspoiled part of “Old Hawaii” as these parts— Lush and green, yet drier and better for outdoor activities than other parts of Puna— You’ll see why residents think of it as “our little secret”.
GUEST HOUSE AMENITIES:
Use of the beautiful in-ground swimming pool; Handsome designer furnishings; Fully equipped kitchen & dining areas; Good quality Cal King & Twin beds; High thread-count sheets & fluffy towels; Satellite TV (200+ channels of programs & music); DVD player & VCR; Local calls on phone & internet access; Ceiling fan & dimmers on all switches; Large selection of books; Charcoal barbecue.
Arrangements can also be made for: Rental bikes & other sporting equipment; Tours & activities; Massage & bodywork (all at discount rates through our local connections.)
OTHER NEARBY ATTRACTIONS and SERVICES:
- Kehena Beach; Beautiful black-sand, clothing-optional beach (2 minute drive, 10 minute walk).
- 'Ahalanui;' Gorgeous natural warm pond, coconut grove, and park (15 minutes).
- Kalapana/Kaimu; Lava hiking, restaurant, small store (seven minutes).
- Kalani Retreat; Restaurant, café, yoga and hula classes, massage (five minutes).
- Kapoho; Snorkeling and Water Activities (20 minutes).
- Pahoa Village; Restaurants, stores, gas, banks, post office, etc. (20 minutes).
- The 'Red Road'; Bike or drive along our pristine stretch of coastline.
Keywords: Guesthouse Studio Unit; Single Rooms
Property Type
- Cottage
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Clothing Optional/Nude Sunbathing Nearby
- Alternative Lifestyle
Bedrooms: 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4, Beds for 3-4
Kitchen & Dining
- Microwave
- Cooking Utensils
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
Amenities
- Parking Off Street
- Linens Provided
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Satellite / Cable
- CD Player
- VCR
- DVD Player
Communications
- Wireless Internet
Pool & Spa
- Communal Pool
Outdoor Features
- Lanai / Gazebo
- Deck / Patio
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
- Ocean View
- Water View
- Mountain View
Activities
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Cycling
- Museums
- Restaurants
- Cinemas
- Surfing
- Sight Seeing
- Shopping
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Carl & Sam
Carl & Sam
- Guest Carl & Sam
- Date of stay 05/13/13
- Review Submitted 05/20/13
We've just returned from spending 4 wonderful nights/ 5 days at this hidden oasis of peace and quiet. Robert, our host, was spot on with his local information and his tips for making our stay more enjoyable.Comfortable and clean, with a beautiful setting, we couldn't have asked for much more.( Robert, we will tell all our friends). The only thing we have left is to decide when we'll go back next year to stay at this fine location!Recommended for: Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers.
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Amazing!
Amazing!
- Guest Michele
- Date of stay 02/04/13
- Review Submitted 02/18/13
Not only was the location perfect, the home was simply fantastic! Robert was incredible as a host and a fast friend! We really enjoyed doing Qigong each morning and the wonderful gifts of a beautiful and quiet location to simply, be. Not far from the house was Kalapani Farmers Market on Wednesday evening we enjoyed Kava and vegetarian and vegan eats and many artisan wares! It was complete perfection and we never wanted to leave! Thank you Robert!!! Thank you Epo and Aca too for sending great canine energy our way!Recommended for: Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, people with disabilities, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Owner response: Mary and Michelle, you were totally awesome guests! I only wish we could have had more time together, because you are such kind and lovely people, and it was such a pleasure to be with you. Please come back whenever you can, and Ipo and Aka will be patiently waiting with sweet doggie kisses for you. Aloha, Robert
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Beautiful secluded guest house
Beautiful secluded guest house
- Guest eeeyosh
- Date of stay 10/08/12
- Review Submitted 10/14/12
Robert's spacious guest home was a great retreat in the more secluded Puna district of Hawaii. Robert was a warm and gracious host, and communication and logistics were easy to work out with him. The modern design is amazing, and I loved the big windows of the guest house allowing views of the beautiful garden. When we came, it was rained about everyday, which we were naively not so ready for, but the rains were brief. The home is located amongst the surreal lava fields, and coming from Waikiki, really has that rural island feel. The only thing that kind of detracted from the stay was the high humidity, but it's not something that you can do much about. Otherwise, a great stay and I'd definitely recommend for someone looking for a quiet relaxing getaway!Recommended for: Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
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Above the norm
Above the norm
- Guest B & J
- Date of stay 04/10/12
- Review Submitted 04/29/12
Far exceeded our expectations in every way. For anyone interested in architecture, fine design, and landscaping this was a paradise. Very clean and well appointed. Everything one would need for a comfortable stay. Owner was helpful in every way, but not obtrusive. A great place to relax, read, and enjoy the pool and beautiful surroundings. Several good restaurants about fifteen minutes away in Pahoa; especially enjoyed Kaleo's, Ng's (Thai), and the new Vietnamese place. A real treat!Recommended for: Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Owner response: Thanks, Bill and John, and we are a regular mutual admiration society, because you both were model guests-- It's so easy to be a good host when people are as well-mannered and appreciative of the details of the architecture and landscape, and the other features that make the house outstanding. I hope you come back very soon, and thanks for your kind & generous words. Aloha, Robert
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Wonderful and beautiful vacation!
Wonderful and beautiful vacation!
- Guest IVLT
- Date of stay 02/12/12
- Review Submitted 02/22/12
Thank you for letting us stay at your cottage. We had an amazing time, and the rental was absolutely beautiful! Fantastic architecture and furnishings, and a fabulous location. It was a great jumping off point to see so many things, like the volcano and Waipio Valley. But, with it being somewhat remote, it was perfect for relaxing in the evenings after a long day of adventure, as well as just to escape everyday life. As a side note, the stars at the house are amazing and hypnotizing - we'll never forget the shooting star we saw on the first night that looked like a firework blasting across the sky. It was unbelievable.Truly a wonderful vacation.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.
Owner response: Kristina, it was a delight to have you and Christian, and I'm so gratified that you had such a relaxing and rejuvenating time. Please come back soon! Aloha, Robert
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Thanks Very Much!
Guest comment entered by ownerThanks Very Much!
- Guest Nathalie
- Date of stay 09/11/11
- Review Submitted 10/31/11
It is such a pleasure to host such sweet and appreciative guests here at my house, and such an honor to be so kindly thanked and praised. Please come back any time and enjoy some more of Pohakunani and the Big Island's magic! RobertDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Little piece of paradise
Little piece of paradise
- Guest Honeymooners
- Date of stay 09/11/11
- Review Submitted 10/30/11
When we unlocked the door to step foot into this VRBO - we were overcome with this guesthouse! The photos on this VRBO are very nice but they don't quite depict the amazing interior openess - comfort design - just on and on. We spent many hours on our deck, just relaxing and enjoy the pool - and further out a bit on the volcano grounds. It was very clean, and everything you need was there. There was only one actual rainy day out of 5 days staying. The owner Robert is a respectfull and warm welcoming host and we are so amaze that he gives us the chance to share a little piece of paradise with him. We are so lucky to have found this place and we enjoyed every part of it. Peacefull and breathtaking place is the least we can say. - Just can't say enough about this wonderful truly Hawaiian spot. We have been on other islands of Hawaii - but this is truly Paradise! Thank you so much Robert, one day we'll be back !! Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
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Rejuvenating retreat
Rejuvenating retreat
- Guest Rejuvenated
- Date of stay 09/15/10
- Review Submitted 10/14/11
My wife and I recently spent a wonderfully rejuvenating two week stay in the spacious and stylishly fitted guesthouse. We came for a healing and healthy getaway and found it to be the perfect location. The owner and housekeeper were wonderful, friendly and helpful and made us feel very welcome and comfortable. The extraordinarily designed house is atop a lava flow and beneath some of the brightest stars I have seen, giving you a feeling of well being and connection. We could not recommend it higher.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, adventure seekers.
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fresh air and stylish setting
fresh air and stylish setting
- Guest suzie
- Date of stay 04/18/11
- Review Submitted 05/25/11
This accomodation is very comfortable and stylishly appointed. It matched the listing photos very well. Our host was always helpful and friendly. Overall, the property was clean and well-maintained. Our lanai offered a relaxing view of beautiful plantings and wide-open sky; we enjoyed simple barbeques and star-gazing. Swimming in the pool was very refreshing, we did visit the nearby black sand beach and even dashed in for a quick dip - it's quite active and requires good swimming skills and or familiarity with the water. We slept very well, the mattress was extremely comfy. The kitchen area was easy to work in, with a very quiet fridge that I'd like to have at home! We both enjoyed the tiled walk-in shower and the ample counter and storage in the bathroom. Wireless access was much appreciated. The neighbourhood is quiet, and we enjoyed strolling around looking at people's beautiful gardens and the dramatic lava landscapes. We'd definitely recommend this to friends who enjoy quiet without distractions. It would work well for people with a young child, particularly for enjoying the pool. The nearest town, Pahoa, is useful for immediate necessities, eg laundry, banking, post office, groceries. Our main destination was the city of Hilo, which is a half hour drive away, for museums, shopping, and cultural activities.Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, people with disabilities.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Didn't want to leave
Didn't want to leave
- Guest monique
- Date of stay 04/11/11
- Review Submitted 05/25/11
Everything about this stay was easy and relaxed. The property is beautiful and the sunrises were magical. The "cottage" is very spacious and airy and we loved being lulled to sleep by the coqui frogs at night. With all the amenities of home, it's the type of place where you can really settle in for a while. We like to be active and it was easy to get to the hiking at Volcanoes National Park and snorkelling at various tide pools. Plus the entire area is just gorgeous to drive around in. If you have a convertible, take the top down and enjoy all the stunning trees and foliage that form canopies over the road. If you're looking for an intimate, relaxing getaway, I highly recommend this place.Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 2 night min stay |
$169 | $1113 | $3864 | |||
| High/Holidays Dec 12 - Mar 1 3 night min stay |
$219 | $1463 | $5292 | |||
Additional information about rental rates
Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Paypal, Dwolla
Additional Fees and Taxes:
Cleaning Fee of $60.
Plus applicable Hawaii Taxes
Rates are double occupancy; $25. per night, per person for each additional guest.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
- Nearest Airport: Hilo (ITO) at 40 Miles
- Nearest Beach: Kehena Beach at 0.5 Miles
- Nearest Restaurant: Kalapana at 5 Miles
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2000
About the owner: I'm an interior & furniture designer, and I am lucky enough to live full-time at my beautiful house here on the Big Island of Hawaii's magical Puna coast.
Why the Owner Chose Kehena:
I've enjoyed sharing this amazing place with so many people over the years since I built it. It is always wonderful to see it again through their eyes. Robert
Contact us
- Primary: (808) 965-7710 (Hawaii, USA)
- Secondary: Cell: (415) 531-3963 (California, USA)
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Main house and Pool
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Guesthouse Interior
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View of the pool
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Guesthouse Living Area & Lanai
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Guesthouse Bath Interior
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Night shot of the pool and Living room
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Floor Plan of the Main House
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Garden and Terrace
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View of the Main house from the Lawn
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Guest house lanai and main house
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Guesthouse and Garden from the Pool
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View of the pool looking toward the Guest House garden
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The ocean view from the main lanai
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View from the Guesthouse Lanai to the Pool Steps
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Pool
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Stairway and interior shot of the Main House
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This listing was first published here in 2003.
Date last modified - Thursday, May 23, 2013
