Vacation Rentals by Owner

Above the norm

Guest: B & J (Sun Valley, Idaho)
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!

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

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

Wonderful and beautiful vacation!

Guest: IVLT (United States)
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.

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

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Thanks 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! Robert

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Little piece of paradise

Guest: Honeymooners (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

fresh air and stylish setting

Guest: suzie (vancouver, canada)
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:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Didn't want to leave

Guest: monique (seattle, wa)
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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Relaxing, beautiful getaway

Guest: Brian & Dennis (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/10/11 Review Submitted: 04/19/11

My partner and I stayed here for five nights and it wasn't nearly enough! We stayed in the guesthouse and it was perfect for our needs. It is large enough to be quite comfortable for a long stay. The kitchen is well-stocked which was important for us. The garden and lava flow out back make for a beautiful view and wonderful environment in which to relax. There is plenty to do in the local area. A black sand beach is a short walk away. We also walked to a farmer's market, there are several things to do a short drive away and, of course, Kilauea isn't far. Robert and Miguel are the perfect hosts. Very friendly and helpful but also very respectful of space and our need for alone time. Thank you two so much for making our trip just what we needed it to be. We can't wait to go back and stay twice as long!

Owner response:Thanks so much for this lovely testament, Brian. I love sharing my beautiful little corner of Hawaii with guests, and it is such a deep pleasure when they enjoy it as much as you did. Please do come back again (you'll be in good company, as I have tons of repeat guests) and thanks again! Robert Trickey

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

An awesome hideaway for our much belated honeymoon

Guest: Fred & Jeri (Long Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/05/11

We had never been to the big island, so we were a little nervous about where to stay, but we knew we didn't want any part of a hotel or a tourist area, which Hilo really does not offer. The tour books say to stay away from Pahoa, but were we ever pleasantly surprised. The area was exactly what we were looking for. It was secluded, relaxing, romantic, yet there were so many places to visit and explore within just a couple miles. Some of the best tide pools we have ever snorkeled are just a few miles away, stocked with tropical fish and occasional sea turtles. The most beautiful forest drives are unavoidable. The beautiful lava fields were everywhere, with black sand beaches very close by. Let me tell you about our experience here. This studio apartment is absolutely stunning. We spent every night on the lanai listening to the tree frogs, and seeing more stars than we had ever seen. Robert and Miguel were perfect hosts, making sure we were comfortable, but yet giving us the privacy that we wanted. We didn't use the pool because we were out exploring during the day, but would definitely use the pool next time since we won't explore as much. Grocery and necessity shopping is in Pahoa, just a few miles away. We had one of the two best meals on the island at Kaleos in Pahoa. Awesome food at a very reasonable price. Farmers markets are in town; a great place to get local fruit and veggies. One of the unadvertised bonuses is the occasional piano and singing concerts that waft from the main house during the early evening, making it a romantic getaway for us. Thank you Robert and Miguel. Cell phone service goes away in this area, but there's a house phone there. There's also wifi, which was a little spotty, but a small compromise to make given all the other wonderful things about this spot. We will definitely stay here again.

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

Rejuvenating retreat

Guest: Rejuvenated (Topanga, California)
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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guest: Debra Joy (Santa Monica)
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 03/01/10

Robert's house was more beautiful than we imagined. The photos do not do it justice. It's a spectacular feat of elegance and design both inside and out. The beds are SO comfortable, the views are breathtaking, and the landscaping incorporates the lava with a lush colorful blend of flora. We had a wonderful time and will return.

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A great location to relax

Guest: Todd (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 02/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/28/10

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the guest house earlier this year in February of 2010. The property is beautiful and well maintained. We were determined to see as much as possible during our stay on the Big Island planning this as more of a base, but found that relaxing by the pool and spending the day at the guest house to be one of our more memorable highlights. The accommodations were very aesthetically pleasing and far exceeded our expectations despite the accurate photos from the listing. When we did not feel like cooking, we enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches very reasonably priced less than a 5 minute drive away. The beauty of the area was intoxicating with an incredibly scenic drive along the coast that would have made for an excellent bike ride if one was so inclined. Being able to vacation in Hawaii was a great opportunity, but being able to stay at place so well designed and decorated and without kitsch on our budget helped provide a better experience than we could have ever hoped for. We hope we have another opportunity sooner than later.

Owner response:It's so great to have folks enjoy the Guest House as much as they do, and I love sharing my sweet morsel of paradise with them. Mahalo!

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

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 02/06/10

This is accommodation you'll want to spend time in. Notwithstanding the attractions in the local area, we found ourselves lingering over breakfast on the sunny terrace looking onto the private garden and returning early for drinks by the pool and to cook supper in this comfortable, bright, modern, well- equipped garden suite.

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Guest: why (ohio)
Date of Stay: 12/05/09 Review Submitted: 12/05/09

We had our wedding 3-28-2007 at Roberts home. My familly attended as well as my husbands. It was the most amazing experience WE will ever share. The island was great, the ISLANDERS were more than hospitable, and Robert was a gem to do business with. I recommend this home to everyone that mentions they may go to the island.

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Guest: Ken and Elizabeth (Honolulu, HI)
Date of Stay: 05/27/09 Review Submitted: 05/27/09

We've stayed at Pohakunani many times with our daughter and our labrador retriever. The quiet, the architecture, and the location on a relatively undeveloped part of the Big Island keep on bringing us back. The pool is our daughter's favorite. We appreciate the dog-friendly policies. Robert and his caretakers are wonderfully accommodating. This is our first choice rental whenever we go to the Big Island.

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Guest: Ethan Halter and Gabby Maor (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/08 Review Submitted: 07/11/08

My girlfriend and I had an outstanding, if too short, stay at this wonderful guesthouse. It is difficult to top the location—a 15 minute walk from the most beautiful black sand beach. Also, a 15 minute drive north to tidepools and south to see the current lava flow into the sea. The pool and the backyard of lava rock are serene and beautiful. Inside, the decor is tasteful, modern and comfortable (especially the mattress! Great for the back!) We quite enjoyed it.

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Guest: Kenneth Peters (Los Altos, Ca.)
Date of Stay: 11/20/07 Review Submitted: 11/20/07

We enjoyed the guesthouse immensely. Very comftorable with all of the appreciated amenities. The service provided was impeccable. The outdoor pool and garden are beautiful. The location is great-near Kalani and the beach. I recommend highly.

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Guest: Miriam and David (Berkeley, Ca)
Date of Stay: 02/10/07 Review Submitted: 02/10/07

Thank you for letting us discover this wonderful part of Hawaii. We were also fortunate to find you, our hosts, and your wonderful home. It was very hard to leave; we will be back.

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Guest: Mai and Ken (Encinitas, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/21/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

Thank you both for your generous hospitality. The local advice you provided made our trip even more special. Your home is beautiful and the guest cottage couldn't be more comfortable. We enjoyed every minute and can't wait to come back.

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Guest: Deborah, Peter and Princess (Kamuela, HI)
Date of Stay: 05/10/06 Review Submitted: 05/10/06

We recently spent several days enjoying the guest house and Robert's wonderful hospitality - he even provided flashlights and helped us look for the Princess (a rather exuberant border collie) when she decided to go exploring one rainy night! The guest house is open but private and very spacious and well-appointed. The pool setting is serene and the water very refreshing as it's rain water. Definitely a place to visit again and again!

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Guest: Linda Charles (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/30/06 Review Submitted: 03/30/06

This is the best place to stay on the Big Island if you want a beutiful, self-contained, clean, private home away from home atmosphere. Not only is it beautiful and serene, but the hosts are wonderful, gracious and helpful. Can't say enough good things about it!!

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Guest: babette1 (-)
Date of Stay: 03/12/06 Review Submitted: 03/12/06

You have created such a beautiful space! I loved the time spent there. The view, the house, the pool are all so wonderful. Whenever I think of Pohakunani I have a warm, wonderful feeling. I cannot wait to return!!

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Guest: Nikki Florendo (Pahoa, Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 02/10/06 Review Submitted: 02/09/06

Spectacular!!!!! Great views, beautiful land scape, a dream home in hawaii. The host are always showing their aloha spirit. Hats off to both of you, Robert & Tim. Mahalo Nikki

Owner response:Mahalo, Nikki-- We feel so blessed to be able to share a bit of our world with lovely folks like you! Aloha, Robert & Tim

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Guest: Robert Trickey, Host
Date of Stay: 11/27/05 Review Submitted: 11/26/05

Our greatest pleasure is sharing this beautiful place with others, and watching their reactions to how stunning the stark lava field that borders the property is-- It really is "other-worldly"-- truly unique. Most of our guests find their stay here at Pohakunani one of the nicest they've ever had-- In fact, most of them are really sad to leave, and we almost always feel like we've made new friends in them, and want to see them return.

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