Kona Big Island Hawaii Coffee

Tara Cottage: a Haven for Relaxation and Renewal Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 37172

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Location: Kealakekua Bay, Kona Coast, Big Island, Hawaii, USA (Kailua-Kona 30 min, beaches 15 min, Volcanoes Nat Pk 90 min) View Map

Accommodations:  Cottage, 1 Bedroom + Other (See Description), 1 Bath (Sleeps 3)

Tara Cottage is a handcrafted redwood and cedar octagon on secluded and beautifully landscaped property in Kona coffee country, overlooking Kealakekua Bay and the South Kona coastline. Kealakekua Bay, with its unparalleled fine swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (the Place of Refuge National Park) are both less than 10 minutes away.

Three lovely beaches are within a 15 minute drive. Tara Cottage is within minutes of restaurants, health food stores, produce markets, shops and theater in the villages of Captain Cook, Kealakekua and Kainaliu. The bustling resort town of Kailua-Kona, with its array of fine options for dining, shopping and entertainment, is 30 minutes drive north.

The cottage features a 300 sq. ft octagonal main room with a 15 ft apex and skylight. Furnishings include a raised platform bed, Art Deco armoire, writing desk and a sitting area with an enclosed cabinet for cable TV and DVD. There is a fine stereo system with both a CD player and iPod dock and high speed wireless internet. Tara Cottage is beautifully appointed with original artwork, fine furniture and Indonesian wood carvings and fabrics.

Surrounding the octagonal main room are: the kitchen with its door to the service porch; the dining area with a 9 foot bank of windows framing a stunning view of Kealakekua Bay, and the door to the lanai; a large bathroom; and an intimate dayroom with its twin bed and back door opening to a bromeliad and bamboo garden. One showers outdoors in a dramatic lava rock grotto within this garden. The shower is equipped with Grohe fixtures and side jets, for a sensual, satisfying cleanse.
Privacy is assured by the landscaping and the surrounding lush Thai bamboo.

On the oceanside of the cottage is a bi-level lanai with superb unobstructed views of Kealakekua Bay and the coastline. The spacious lawn area with its profusion of Hawaiian ti plants and bougainvillaea provides a truly park-like setting ideal for special occasions and small wedding/ commitment/ recommitment ceremonies.

Tara Cottage was carefully sited to take full advantage of prevailing day and nighttime breezes and is comfortable year round at its 900 ft elevation. It is most appropriate for adults desiring a peaceful environment with few distractions.
For larger parties please inquire about additional B&B accommodations nearby.

Vacation Rental Features

  • Amenities
    • Washer: Bosch front loading
    • Dryer: Bosch front loading
    • Linens Provided: 400+ thread count linens
    • Off Street Parking: Ample parking directly adjacent to the cottage
  • Beds
    • Queen Bed: New, firm Serta 'Perfect Day' mattress
    • Twin/Single Bed: In the semi-private day room with Spring Air pillowtop mattress
  • Entertainment
    • Cable/Satellite TV
    • DVD
    • Video Library: Extensive library of DVDs
    • CD Player
    • Stereo System
    • Music Library: Extensive collection -mostly classical and Hawaiian music
  • Kitchen
    • Full Kitchen: There is no oven. However there is a large convection toaster oven, a two-burner halogen cook top and an outdoor propane grill.
    • Cooking Utensils Provided
    • Refrigerator
    • Microwave
    • Ice Maker
  • Outdoor Features
    • Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
    • Lanai: Bi-level ocean view lanai: Upper level with table and chairs for dining; lower level with two chaise lounges for relaxation/sunbathing.
  • View/Location
    • Ocean View: Expansive and unobstructed views of Kealakekua Bay and the coastline from within the cottage as well as outdoors
    • Monument View: Captain Cook Monument--site of the demise of this famous explorer in 1779
  • Communications
    • Telephone: Private phone line
    • Free Long Distance: Free to US mainland, Canada and all US territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa)
    • WiFi (Wireless Internet)
  • Other Amenities
    • Outdoor shower equipped with Grohe fixtures and side jets, skylight over bed, Kona coffee and fresh fruit grown on the property
  • Suitability
    • No Pets Allowed
    • Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations): With some assistance
    • Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations): With some assistance
    • Not Suitable for Children: under 5 years of age
    • Minimum Age Limit for Renters: 5 years
    • Smoking Not Allowed
  • Activities (on site and nearby)
    • Golf
    • Tennis
    • Shopping
    • Sightseeing
    • Restaurants
    • Kayaking
    • Sailing
    • Boating
    • Parasailing
    • Shelling
    • Swimming
    • Snorkeling/Diving
    • Surfing
    • Biking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Hiking
    • Fishing
    • Spelunking
    • Antiquing
    • Cinemas/Movie Theaters
    • Live Theatre
    • Museums
    • Horseback Riding
  • Other Activities
    • Kona coffee tasting at many farms nearby

 

Rate Details (In US Dollars)

Personal Currency Assistant

COTTAGE: $1100/wk mid season; $1250/wk high season;$1350/week peak season
$175/night mid season; $195/night high season; $210/night peak season
Monthly rate: $3200 mid season; $3400 high season; $3600 peak season
HIGH SEASON: 11/20-12/19/09; 3/01-5/31/10; PEAK SEASON: 12/20/09-2/28/10
MID SEASON: 6/01/10-11/19/10
Two taxes total 12.416%
Out cleaning Fee: $80
Maximum occupancy: 3 adults/older children (5+ years)

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

  • Credit Cards Accepted:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover

Dates available: Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates.

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Map & Owner's Profile

 
 

Tara Cottage: a Haven for Relaxation and Renewal

Year Purchased: 1994

Why the Owner Chose Kealakekua Bay

While rebuilding my home and business on Kauai following Hurricane Iniki in 1992, I would periodically visit the Big Island for relief from the physical and emotional stress associated with recovery from that truly devastating (Level 4) hurricane. Instinctively I was drawn to Kealakekua Bay and the Place of Refuge National Park area of South Kona-- though I had previously visited there only once before during my years of exploring the Hawaiian islands beginning in 1981. In this area that I later learned was and is sacred to the Hawaiian people, I experienced what I can only describe as profound healing energy. This healing allowed me to return to Kauai again and again over the next two years -- each time invigorated, energized and able to engage in the demanding hurricane recovery efforts.
My love for the beauty and the healing that I found in the Kealakekua Bay and Place of Refuge area was so remarkable that I was literally compelled to move here. This I did in late 1994 after selling my property on Kauai. And after months of careful searching I finally was led to the land that I have developed over the years into Tara Cottage and Farm.
I believe that this land that I now call Tara-- and that I am privileged to caretake-- is imbued with the sacred healing energy so often associated with the Big Island in general--and this region of South Kona in particular. This belief has been shared and reinforced by native intuitives/healers from both Hawaii and other cultures who have visited this property over the years.
But please-- don't take my word for it! Come and see if you too find here some of that connection that ultimately led me to move here and make this place of beauty my permanent home.

The Unique Benefits at this Cottage

Tara Cottage is ideally located between Kealakekua Bay and the beautiful Place of Refuge National Park--both less than a 10 minute drive way. The Bay--the site of the demise of famous explorer Captain Cook in 1779--is a marine preserve that is truly the best place on the island to swim, snorkel, kayak and scuba dive-- while enjoying the infinite varieties of reef fish, sea turtles and the famous spinner dolphins that come closer to shore here than anywhere else in the world.
The Place of Refuge National Park, sacred to the Hawaiian people, is another wonderful place to explore, with educational exhibits on the life of the Hawaiian people, a superb picnic area, and wonderful hiking trails along this historic coast. There are three lovely beaches within 15 minutes of Tara Cottage. Also the villages of Captain Cook, Kealakekua and Kainaliu are within a 5-15 minute drive and offer an array of fine restaurants, shops with local arts and crafts, and markets and produce stands featured the organic fruits and vegetables for which this area is well known.

A
Painted Church

This church was erected in 1899 by Father John Velghe.Without any professional training and using house paint on ordinary wood he beautified the church with his paintings.

B
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge in Honaunau) National

This accessible and enchanting National Park is the most complete restoration of an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary in Hawaii. http://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm

C
Paleaku Peace Gardens

This 7 acre botanical garden facilitates educational, spiritual, and cultural programs.Walking paths weave through beautiful vistas, gardens and private sitting spaces. http://wwww.paleaku.com

D
Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District

Kealakekua Bay's waters are nearly pristine and the diversity of coral and fish is exceptional. Fish are tame and spinner dolphins are common. http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/coral/mlcd_kealakekua.html

E
Ho'okena Beach Park

This dark-gray coral-and-lava-sand beach offers good swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing. Rest rooms, showers, and picnic tables are available at the park.

F
Honaunau Bay (Two-Step snorkeling/diving spot)

A former stronghold of Hawaiian chiefs, Honaunau Bay has some of the best underwater sights on the island, if not the entire state. Rare fish and sea turtles can be seen playing amidst colorful coral.

G
Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden

In this 15-acre botanical garden you will see over 200 species of plants that grew in the native forests of Kona before Captain Cook arrived in the late 18th century.

 

Owner's Map of Kealakekua Bay

My name is Michael Sisk and I have been living above Kealakekua Bay on the Kona Coast of Hawaii's Big Island since 1994, when I moved here from the island of Kauai. I live on land that I developed and named Tara Farm--a 15 acre Kona coffee and gourmet white pineapple farm,also the site of beautiful Tara Cottage.
I was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, moving to San Francisco to take a job as the Audiologist for Alameda County in 1978. After 13 years in the Bay Area I moved to Kauai in 1991 and managed a B&B there for 3 years. The move to the Big Island followed in 1994 where I managed another beautiful B&B at Kealakekua Bay while developing my farm upslope at the 950 ft elevation. I moved onto the farm full-time in 1997 and have been privileged to live there ever since.

 

Property Photos

Guest Comments (14)

  • 10/18/09
    Positive Rating
    Marcia and Jerry ,
    • The cottage is a jewel! Very tastefully decorated. You will not want for a thing as Michael has provided absolutely everything you will need for your stay. Very private; lovely view; tropical ambience. We highly recommend Tara Cottage.
  • 08/12/09
    Positive Rating
    Petra and Jan , Duvall, WA
    • We stayed at Tara cottage for three weeks this July and were completely taken away by the tranquility and beauty of the place. We had really great time, enjoyed gorgeous sunsets from the lanai, watched birds drinking and washing in the bird pool, loved the company of the almost tamed geckos but most importantly fantastic host and owner of the place, Michael. The cottage is situated away from the noisy and touristy areas but still close to any attractions that the Big Island can offer. It is an ideal spot for relaxation or just enjoyment of Hawaii in its almost original form. Restaurants, coffee farms and houses, art galleries and other shops nearby are all in the same spirit. Adding the perfect snorkeling area (Two steps) which is only 5 minutes drive from the property, this place has really everything we were looking for during our vacation. We would definitely recommend this place to any of our friends and are looking forward to our next visit to Tara cottage.
  • 07/14/09
    Positive Rating
    Nancy Rebecca , Gig Harbor, Washington
    • April 2009 was my 3rd stay at Tara Guest House. My first stay was after finding it on the internet and seeing the photos. The actual Tara Guest House is so much more than the photos and I felt I was in Heaven. The gardens, the fragrance of flowers and fruit. The view of Kealakakua Bay, and the proximity of several places to swim, and snorkel. Each visit, I have seen dolphins. I come to the Big Island as a retreat and time with Yvonne and Tara meets all of those requirements. Michael your humor and great heart you have is a bonus. We will always be back. We feel like it is our home........
  • 07/14/09
    Positive Rating
    Jan , Edmonds, WA
    • I have stayed at Tara Cottage for many years and this location in South Kona in a quiet residential neighborhood has so much more charm and peacefulness than the noisy resorts on the island. There are some nice restaurants with creative cuisine, coffee houses, gift shops, fruit & veggie stands, and a large market with deli all within a few miles of Tara Cottage. The cottage has a sweeping view of Kealakekua Bay framed by beautifully- manicured grounds including a platform with lounge chairs. I am always exhilarated by the private, outdoor shower--an experience not to be missed! I enjoy grilling fresh local fish, veggies & grass-fed steak on the grill while watching the impressive sunset over the ocean--what a treat! Tara Cottage is a very special, exquisitely furnished home to be appreciated & respected by those who want to experience the flora & fauna of Hawaii in a serene, but convenient locale on the Big Island. In conclusion, this is a heavenly destination managed by a charming host, Michael, who has a vast knowledge of the island and a great sense of humor. Highly recommended! I look forward to my next visit to Tara Cottage.
  • 02/27/09
    Positive Rating
    • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
      We feel like two of the luckiest people in the world getting to spend 1/12th of each year here. Tara is something special! Thank you Michael for making it so. We just love hanging out here. The view is amazing. The art is superb. The bed is so comfortable. The sheets are silky. The kitchen has everything we need. The outdoor shower is the best shower we've ever been in... We love going to Painted Church Road where Larry runs and I walk. I love walking thru Paleaku Peace Gardens. We go to Place of Refuge picnic grounds for breakfast granola and dinner from Jake's [BBQ stand near Tara]. During the day we sit by the ocean and watch waves and whales. We snorkel at Two- Step. We sit on the twin bed and read and watch birds bathing in the bird bath. We go to Farmer's Market in Captain Cook on Sundays. What a life!
  • 10/23/08
    Positive Rating
    • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
      " Do not say that I depart tomorrow, for even now I still arrive." (Thich Nhat Han) When we think about leavingTara (our 3rd visit) we feel sadness, but we know we have a year's worth of memories to sustain us: the sweet little birds that come to visit, the expansive view to Kealakekua, playful geckos popping up in unexpected places,the warmth and beauty of the outdoor shower... Mark and I treasure our memories of this wonderful place and talk about it often when we are at home. Michael, thank you for the beauty that you have brought forth here--you have enriched the lives of many people and we feel fortunate to be among them.
  • 08/01/08
    Positive Rating
    • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
      Thank you for being such a generous host and for creating such a lovely haven. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Tara and on the Big Island. We will miss our geckoes and the easy access to delicious coffee, so we will look forward to periodic care packages of Tara coffee! We also enjoyed the opportunity to meet someone else from the DC who succeeded in breaking free to live a dream. Thanks again for everything.
  • 07/17/08
    Positive Rating
    Cindy Wasserman , Lagunitas, CA
    • I would recommend Tara Cottage without any hesitation to anyone considering a vacation on the Big Island. My husband, 11 year old son and I found the property, cottage and host to be even more welcoming than we anticipated. Tara Cottage is wonderful. It is charming, beautifully situated, clean and very comfortable (the beds are amazing and the outdoor shower cannot be beat!). The grounds are even more impressive than they appear in the photos. It is, in fact, a farm, complete with Kona coffee trees amazingly sweet white pineapples, huge mango trees and abundant flowering plants. The property is extensive; the landscaping made it among the most beautiful properties we saw on the island. We thoroughly enjoyed relaxing each morning and evening at home, taking in the sunsets and the superlative view of Kealakekua Bay. Tara Cottage is wonderfully situated on the west side of the island. It was a great home base from which to visit Kealakekua Bay (we strongly recommend renting kayaks and heading over to Captain Cook Monument where the snorkeling is wonderful-and don't forget to watch for resting spinner dolphins)as well as the very interesting and beautiful place of refuge. We would love to return to Tara Cottage. We really can't recommend it highly enough. Michael is the perfect host. He was very respectful of our privacy but he was also readily accessible whenever we had questions. And we greatly enjoyed the welcome basket of treats he had waiting for us when we arrived (the mango bread was unforgettably delicious). And his Kona coffee is the best! Tara Cottage is a wonderul place for an individual, a couple or a small family. Relax, enjoy the colorful birds, the abundance of the farm and the warm hospitality!
  • 07/04/08
    Positive Rating
    Jay , San Diego, CA
    • This was a truly amazing experience. The attention to detail on this property was superior. Great, quiet location. Very magical place to call "home" while on the Big Island...We cant wait to return. Thank You Michael for a very special week at your cottage!
  • 05/03/08
    Positive Rating
    • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
      Once again we've come home ( is this the 7th or 6th time? ) and it's even more beautiful. Mahalo for another fantastic visit. It's too short, but as always, it keeps us coming back!! Our spirits are rejuvenated, revived and rested and, of course, loved!

First (10) of (14). View all comments

Dates available: Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates.

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #37172

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This listing was first published here in 2004.

Date last modified - November 22, 2009