Tara Cottage, a Haven of Serenity in its 15 acre tropical setting
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)
Keywords: Cottage
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 in Honaunau) National Park are both less than 10 minutes away.
Three lovely beaches are within a 15 minute drive. Tara Cottage is within minutes of fine 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 dramatic 300 sq. ft octagonal main room with a 15 ft apex and skylight. Furnishings include: a raised platform bed with an excellent queen mattress, 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 CD player and iPod/MP3 dock and high speed wireless internet.
Tara Cottage is beautifully appointed with original artwork, fine furniture and Indonesian wood carvings and fabrics. You will also enjoy the excellent libraries of fine books, CDs and DVDs.
Surrounding the octagonal main room are: the kitchen with its door to the service porch with washer and dryer and recycling center; 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 'water closet'; and an intimate day room with its twin bed, window to the garden and its birdbath, and the back door opening to the shower area in a gorgeous bamboo and bromeliad 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 shower/massage. The shower is the most complimented amenity of the cottage... Guests love this waterfall shower! Complete privacy is provided by the landscaping and the surrounding lush Thai bamboo.
On the ocean side of the cottage is a bi-level lanai with superb unobstructed views of Kealakekua Bay and the coastline, featuring a dining table and chairs and chaise lounges for sunning and relaxation. 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 a truly remarkable destination for adults desiring a peaceful environment with few distractions--perfect for honeymoons, special anniversaries, contemplation and preparation for life changes, and creative endeavors.
(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
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Spelunking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Kona coffee tasting at many farms nearby
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
HOLIDAY Season... Dec 16-Jan 04: $235/night,$1505/week, extra nt $215,5 nt minimum
PEAK Season.......Jan 05-Mar 31: $215/night,$1365/week, extra nt $195,4 nt minimum
HIGH Season.......Apr 01-May 31: $195/night,$1225/week, extra nt $175,4 nt minimum
MID Season.......Jun 01-Nov 15: $175/night,$1085/week, extra nt $155,3 nt minimum
HIGH Season2......Nov 16-Dec 15: $195/night,$1225/week, extra nt $175,4 nt minimum
Rates for 2 guests;3rd guest +$15/nt,$70/wk Max occupancy of 3--adults/chid 5+ yrs
Two taxes total 13.416%, Out cleaning Fee: $80
Discounts available for longer stays: Please Inquire
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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- Tara Cottage, a Haven of Serenity in its 15 acre tropical setting - Kona Coast, Big Island, HI - Hawaii Cottage Rental - In Rural Kona Coffee Country!
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- Bi-level lanai: Upper for dining, lower for relaxation and sunning - Kona Coast, Big Island, HI - Hawaii Cottage Rental - In Rural Kona Coffee Country!
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- Tara Cottage nestled in its lush, beautifully landscaped setting - Kona Coast, Big Island, HI - Hawaii Cottage Rental - In Rural Kona Coffee Country!
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- Owner's 'Greenhouse' cottage is to left of Tara and well out of its sightline
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- Breathtaking view of Kealakekua Bay from Tara's lanai and grounds
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- Octagonal Great Room- cathedral ceiling with skylight and queen bed
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- View from Great Room to Dining area to the left, Kitchen to the right
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- DIning area with table and seating for 6
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- Kitchen has all you need for meal preparation inc. outdoor gas grill
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- Desk area with WiFi and private land line with free long distance calling
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- Entrance to twin bedroom--note the beautiful furnishings
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- Twin bedroom with window looking out to garden and birdbath
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- Walkway through bamboo gate to rear garden and lava rock shower grotto
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- Luxurious 'Waterfall Shower' with door to left for cottage exit and entry
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- Yet another gorgeous view of Kealakekua Bay
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- Unforgettable Sunset from the cottage lanai
Traveler Reviews (26)
The perfect place to reload your batteries
Guest: Beat and Anita
(Heidelberg, Germany)
Date of Stay: 11/27/09
Review Submitted: 01/30/10
You can read all about the attractions and the beauty of Big Island in appropriate travel guides. So, let's concentrate on Tara Cottage, the cottage surroundings and the host Michael. We arrived at night after a long trip and did not take much notice of anything and went to sleep in the very big and comfortable bed. When we woke up the next morning, we could admire the sheer beauty of it all: the view over the Pacific Ocean and Kealakekua Bay, the very tastefully furnished cottage, the exquisite choice of classical music CDs, the vast assortment of books on the shelves, the welcoming basket of treats that waited for us (including delicious coffee from the farm Tara Cottage is located on). To make a long story short: we had the feeling, we had arrived in paradise and this cannot get any better... but then we met Michael, our host. He is the most charming man you can imagine: warm, friendly, very willing to share his knowledge, considerate and always observing our privacy. The whole atmosphere in and around Tara Cottage is the perfect place to relax and reload your batteries or for a romantic time-out with your significant other. We decided and promised to come back and can hardly wait to do so. It is a pity that I only have the possibility to assign 5 stars here. I would like to add a PLUS.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Paradise Found
Guest: IslandLover 1
(Ukiah, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/18/11
Review Submitted: 10/30/11
We just returned from a week at Tara Cottage. Trying to find the words to describe our stay is difficult; Paradise is an understatement to be certain. From the minute you enter the driveway to Tara Cottage you know you are entering a magical place. The grounds are as beautiful and well kept as any resort we have ever stayed at in our 15+ years visiting the Hawai’ian Islands. The comforts of Tara Cottage reveal themselves one after the other. The bread, nuts, chocolate, bananas, papaya and lilikoi waiting for us on arrival were just the beginning. We love to cook and the kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed to prepare all of our meals, including roasted coffee beans from the coffee trees on the property. If you are a coffee lover, you are in for a treat. The sky light directly over the bed makes for great late night star gazing. The outdoor shower was a lot of fun, hands down the most beautiful showers you will ever have in your life. From the top of the line Bosch washer and dryer, snorkel gear, beach chairs, boogie boards, gas barbeque, flat screen TV with DVD player (and library) and a nice stereo system that is I-Pod ready and a great mix of music CDs, Tara Cottage has it all. Speaking of libraries, you will have a hard time choosing which book to start first, when you have time to read, that is. Kealakekua Bay is about a 10 minute drive down the hill with lots to do and see. There is a real local feel to the place with friendly people. It is an interesting place, activity wise and historical. One neighborhood lady proudly told me the bay was the world’s largest aquarium, plus you could swim in it. The City of Refuge is nearby. All this is within minutes of Tara. There are good groceries stores, local restaurants; and the produce is the best with organic veggies and fruit found everywhere. Speaking of fruit, in addition to coffee trees and pineapple there are mango, breadfruit and lime trees right outside. You can see them from the lanai while taking in the view of the bay from above. Simply put, a week at Tara Cottage will add weeks to your life.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Private, tranquil, beautiful, and romantic.
Guest: Marie M.
Date of Stay: 05/17/11
Review Submitted: 08/12/11
We had very high expectations for Tara Cottage and they were completely exceeded - what a rare pleasure. Tara is the perfect Hawaiian getaway - all the comforts of a close-in resort but none of the crush or regimen. It's extremely private, tranquil, beautiful, and romantic. Every convenience and eye-catching detail has been thought out and is lovingly maintained by Michael, the warm but very unobtrusive host (who lives nearby). Inside, the furnishings are tasteful and comfortable and include a fair-sized and varied collection of good books, music, and DVDs. The kitchen is small but well-equipped. Basically, nothing seems extraneous and nothing has been overlooked. Everything is very clean and in good shape, no signs of wear or damage. Outside, the patio and sunny deck overlook lush and colorful, well-tended grounds. The care shows. From almost anywhere, inside or out, you have a panoramic view of the Kealakakua Bay and the peninsula enfolding it. Walking the rural neighborhood lanes, you see the locals just living their various but distinctly Hawaiian lives in pleasant places tucked among vegetable gardens, fruit and macadamia orchards, and coffee groves; An older style of Hawaii seems to persist here. The Painted Church and a lovely zen garden are both within reasonable walking distance. Nearby restuarants and cafes offer excellent food and coffee beverages - but don't miss the coffee grown at Tara (or other treats provided by Michael) and definitely plan to cook and dine there often because the view from the tables, inside or out, is endlessly beautiful and romantic, perfect for watching the sunsets. And it all feels like yours alone. On clear nights, the sky is thick with stars - a good time to lie on the deck or perhaps enjoy the unique outdoor shower. Want to know what to see on Hawaii? Ask Michael, who also gives perfect, vivid directions to get there. Ask even if you have a destination in mind because so many special and worthwhile places lie just off every route. There's a lot to visit on the Big Island but don't schedule heavily if you stay at Tara because ... you will be inclined to STAY at Tara. We thoroughly enjoyed the place and the host and we will definitely be back.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Amazing Getaway
Guest: Katy
(Idaho, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/21/10
Review Submitted: 05/26/11
What a wonderful place! Staying at Tara was like having our own private estate. Michael was helpful and gracious, and the house and grounds are exquisite. We stayed last year and can hardly wait to get back!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
Lush and Romantic
Guest: Steven and Beth
(Falcon Heights, MN)
Date of Stay: 05/10/11
Review Submitted: 05/24/11
What an eye-popping paradise for two winter-weary Minnesotans! From the lushly landscaped grounds to the exquisitely furnished interior, Tara Cottage is a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul. Michael provides guests with every conceivable amenity: fresh fruit and coffee from his farm, treats galore, a well-stocked fridge, and folding chairs, beach towels, and a cooler for your days at the beach. There's also a marvelous array of literary fiction, Hawaiian guidebooks, CDs and DVDs. Everyone raves about the outdoor shower (which we loved, too!), but our favorite Tara experience was sipping mai tais while listening to Iz on the stereo and watching the sun set over Kealakekua Bay. In terms of practicalities, Tara was spotlessly clean and well-maintained, and Michael was very helpful in providing information regarding directions, grocery stores, restaurants, and places of interest to tourists like us. Our favorite places matched Michael's recommendations perfectly: Two-Step for snorkeling; The Coffee Shack for sandwiches; Mi's Italian Bistro for a special dinner; Mauna Kea Beach for the ideal sunny Hawaiian beach experience; Ho'okeena for a low-key beach picnic. Tara Cottage was the perfect place to celebrate our 35th anniversary, and I'm sure we'll find our way back quite soon!
Owner response:Beth and Steven were delightful guests and I do hope they return soon! Initially Beth had some concern about the outdoor shower, but she came to love it... And as she notes, reviews by previous guests show it to be one of the most popular features of the cottage. And they did love their Mai Tais-- made all the more delicious by the use of fresh limes they picked themselves from a tree on the property. Soon the Big island's prized white pineapples will be in season--also grown on Tara Farm along with Tara's own delicious Kona coffee!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Pampered Privacy and Beauty
Guest: Brenda
(Pine, AZ)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10
Review Submitted: 07/16/10
Tara Cottage is a rare jewel set on the lushly landscaped manicured grounds of Tara Farms in Captain Cook. The view is spectacular and the cooler elevation offers a comfortable climate. All one must do is arrive with their personal belongings, for the host and owner Michal has thoughtfully furnished everything else needed for a perfect stay. There are quality linens on the beds and thick soft towels for the bath. You will find various and sundry toilet articles and appliances for your personal care. There are spa robes for the absolutely wonderful outdoor shower set in lava rock and thickly surrounded by greenery for privacy. The kitchen is fully equipped, and then some. The cottage has books, music and movies to choose from. The furnishings are lovely and most interesting and obviously have been lovingly amassed over the years. The cottage reflects a real pride of ownership and fondness by the owner. One of the real pluses for me was the privacy......for which Michael shows a sincere respect and at the same time allows one to roam and enjoy his beautiful grounds and coffee and pineapple farm. He truly is a warm, friendly and generous host. I feel privileged to have experienced Tara Cottage.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+.
Comfortable, tranquil retreat
Guest: Nancy and Bruce
(Plymouth, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/10/10
Review Submitted: 03/29/10
We highly recommend Tara Cottage. The cottage sits in a private corner of a small Kona coffee farm. The comfort, serenity, amenities, books, music, soaring cathedral ceiling, ocean view, lawn, gardens, privacy, and all of the helpful and aesthetic details combine for a beautiful, tranquil vacation retreat. Yet, Tara Cottage is located conveniently close to outstanding restaurants (whether you are looking for a good burger or fine dining), grocery stores, shopping, historical sites, and the ocean. Access to the Hawaii Belt Road is quick and easy. And, the host is never intrusive, but accessible and helpful when appropriate.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Guest: Anita Wilson
(Captain Cook, HI)
Date of Stay: 01/23/10
Review Submitted: 01/23/10
"The Perfect Place to Reload Your Batteries" You can read all about the attractions and the beauty of the Big Island in appropriate travel guides. So, let's concentrate on Tara Cottage, the cottage surroundings and the host Michael. We arrived at night after a long trip and did not take much notice of anything and went to sleep in the very big and comfortabel bed. When we woke up the next morning, we could admire the sheer beauty of it all: the view over the Pacific Ocean and Kealakekua Bay, the very tastefully furnished cottage, the exquisit choce of classical music CDs, the vast assortment of books on the shelves, the welcoming basket of treats that waited for us (including delicious coffee from the farm Tara Cottage is located on). To make a long story short: we had the feeling, we had arrived in paradise and this cannot get any better... but then we met Michael, our host. He is the most charming man you can imagine: warm, friendly, very willing to share his knowledge, considerate and always observing our privacy. The whole atmosphere in and around Tara Cottage is the perfect place to relax and reload your batteries or for a romantic time-out with your significant other. We decided and promised to come back and can hardly wait to do so. It is a pity that I only have the possibility to assign 5 stars here. I would like to add a PLUS! Recommended for: Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
Recommended for:
Guest: Linda Kelsey
(Arvada, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 01/03/10
Review Submitted: 01/03/10
From the moment we arrived at Tara Cottage we felt like we had arrived in Paradise. We were greeted with the smell of fresh roasted coffee (Tara's own), homemade banana bread, local "mac" nuts and home grown bananas and mangos. Each day dawned with the sound of birds outside in the birdbath. We enjoyed the start of the day with the delightful outdoor shower and the relaxing comfort of the lounge chairs overlooking the ocean below. Tara Cottage was lovingly built and managed by our Host and now Friend Michael Sisk who thought of everything we could possibly need for our stay. The decor of Tara Cottage is first class and the accomdations provided everything, Oh, and ,did I mention the outside shower? We will always remember our evening of Kava and songs with all of our new friends at Mamma's. Thank you Mike for sharing Tara with us and we look forward to our next visit. For anyone looking for complete relaxation and the joy of experiencing the true ALOHA SPIRIT you will not regret staying at Tara Cottage, and did I mention the outdoor shower? Linda and Sonny, Denver, Colorado
Recommended for:
Guest: Marcia and Jerry
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/18/09
Review Submitted: 10/18/09
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.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #37172
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