Vacation Rentals by Owner

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

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

Tara Cottage A Perfect Cottage in Every Respect

Guest: Mayneexplorers (Mayne BC,Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/10/11 Review Submitted: 02/16/12

Tara Cottage sets the Gold Standard for what other small cottages should try and be like in so may ways. Where to start. The kitchen is the best stocked for cooking equipment as well as the Bar-B- Q,we have ever had in any VRBO, so if you like to cook you will not be disapointed in that regards. If you don't want to cook there a some very nice breakfast place with in a few mintues drive for breakfast or lunch.Ask Mike where he gets the nut loaf he has on hand when you first arrive and go there for more. What a great view from the deck to have breakfast on, why would any one want to go out to eat when you can take you coffee or tea and sit at the table on the deck and see the Ocean at the end of the yard or lay on the lounges and do the same thing. We arrived to late at night to get milk for our breakfast the next morning and Mike knowing that to be the case asked us what we liked and he had it wating for us in the fridge so we did not have to get up the next morning and go out trying to find a place to buy milk. NO OTHER VRBO has every bother to ask us or do this for us. The out door shower was great. The selection of books is like going to a well stocked library. Like wise the selection of CDs. if you like Irish Acapella then check out the cd by the Irish group called ANUNA, I could not believe Mike had this group as I thought they were only know in Ireland and the UK. If you want to hear the neighbours talk throught the walls, then Tara Cottage this is not the place for you. If on the other hand you want a wounderfly appointed and pieceful cottage,situated on a beautifully kept yard that also has fnatastic view of the ocean, so much so that you may find you had spend the whole day on the deck watching the world go buy, then TARA COTTAGE is the place. The pictures do not do the cottage justice. We stayed at two other place on the Big Island and neither one of them came close to the standard that Tara Cottage and Mike has set. If you want to take in free Ukelele strumming sessions go to the Out Rigger Hotel in Kona at 5:30 on Wednesdays great fun. Mike is a wounderful host as is his 128 year old ( in human years) wounder dog who is very friendly. In all Tara Cottage is the one place we will GO TO FIRST when we next go the the Big Island for our winter get away

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

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

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:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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

Guest: Anita Wilson
Date of Stay: 01/23/10 Review Submitted: 01/22/10

"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

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Guest: Linda Kelsey (Arvada, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 01/03/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

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

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The perfect place to reload your batteries

Guest: Beat and Anita (Heidelberg, Germany)
Date of Stay: 11/27/09 Review Submitted: 01/29/10

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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.

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Guest: Petra and Jan (Duvall, WA, United States)
Date of Stay: 08/12/09 Review Submitted: 08/12/09

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.

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Guest: Nancy Rebecca (Gig Harbor, Washington)
Date of Stay: 07/14/09 Review Submitted: 07/14/09

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........

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Guest: Travelin' Jan (Edmonds, WA, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/14/09 Review Submitted: 07/13/09

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.

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Great Vacation at Tara Cottage

Guest: Petra and Jan (Duvall, WA, United States)
Date of Stay: 07/04/09 Review Submitted: 08/12/09

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.

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

Serene retreat with fabulous views & lush grounds

Guest: Travelin' Jan (Edmonds, WA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/22/09 Review Submitted: 07/23/09

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.

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

Guest: Marianne and Larry
Date of Stay: 02/27/09 Review Submitted: 02/26/09

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!

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Guest: Gloria and Mark
Date of Stay: 10/23/08 Review Submitted: 10/22/08

" 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.

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Guest: Lisa and Christopher
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

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.

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Guest: C, J and T (Lagunitas, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/17/08 Review Submitted: 07/17/08

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!

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Guest: Jay39 (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/04/08 Review Submitted: 07/04/08

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!

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Tara Cottage: A Perfect Place to Stay

Guest: C, J and T (Lagunitas, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/21/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/09

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!

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

Guest: Stokes and Allyson
Date of Stay: 05/03/08 Review Submitted: 05/02/08

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!

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Guest: Colleen and Bob
Date of Stay: 03/18/08 Review Submitted: 03/17/08

We have celebrated our 40th anniversary in one of the most beautiful places we've experienced. The view is permanently etched in our hearts along with the peace that comes from quiet beauty. Inside and out this home is connected with all that is lovely. Thank you for sharing it with us. We won't wait for our fiftieth to return!

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Guest: Bill and Patti
Date of Stay: 11/27/07 Review Submitted: 11/26/07

Hi, Michael- It's our last afternoon here. A lovely breeze is blowing in thru the main window overlooking Kealakekua Bay. Shadows are angling across the lawn and the bougainvillea is aglow. The Inca doves are cooing and several birds have been splashing in the fresh water I put in the bird bath. Man, it is just about perfect. But not quite. Patti and I had planned to hit the fast food joints, thereby freeing up time to go on helicopter trips, flume rides, sailing excursions, ATV'ing, etc. But it was so nice here that we hit the Choice Mart instead. Patti cooked good meals in the well-equipped kitchen while I perused some of your books on the lounge chairs. We spent way too much time enjoying Tara instead of supporting the tourist industry. Maybe next time.

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Guest: Victoria and Joseph
Date of Stay: 05/26/07 Review Submitted: 05/25/07

Thank you so much for making this blessed space available. We rested deeply and delighted in the many natural and intentional beauties of the place. Your sure and careful hand was everywhere evident, in each object and arrangement throughout, and we felt right at home. It was the perfect place to celebrate out 20th wedding anniversary. We feel blessed and re-energized for the next 20 years! Many thanks to you and the compassionate and loving energy of Tara.

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Guest: Diana and Wilford
Date of Stay: 03/11/06 Review Submitted: 03/10/06

We have appreciated your magnificent property and felt at home at Tara farm. What great coffee! We came from icy cold Nova Scotia a few days ago so the warm Hawaiian rains are like liquid gold. We especially enjoyed liking the 1871 trail by the ocean [at the Place of Refuge National Park nearby] and the great snorkeling. We saw so many turtles- amazing! Thanks for your thoughtfulness.

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