Vacation Rentals by Owner

Sweet place to stay

Guest: Kim (Durham, NC)
Date of Stay: 11/01/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

From the apartment, I walked across the street to the beach and found a shady cove I had all to myself with the turtles and shorebirds. Took a dip in transparent, refreshing ocean water, sheltered by the reef, enjoying a view of Kohala, and Maui in the distance. Magic! Also enjoyed Beach 69, Hawi, the Moku o Keawe hula festival at Waikoloa. I stayed here for a week, and found the apartment exactly as described. As a solo traveler, I thought it was perfectly comfortable and functional. Counting the outdoor living space (sheltered porch for living and dining, and the outdoor shower), it was actually quite spacious. The people were welcoming, friendly, and always helpful. I feel extremely grateful to Peg and Bud for making this apartment available. I would have been priced out of staying in Kohala without it. Now, it’s among my favorite memories of the trip. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.

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

cute little rental!

Guest: moni (Lake Oswego, OR )
Date of Stay: 08/30/11 Review Submitted: 09/16/11

This place was a great place to stay in Hawaii. You get what you pay for in terms of space. It is tight, but do-able. Not much kitchen counter space. The beach across the street is perfect for snorkeling and watching turtles/ sunset. They have a grill there, which is nice for fresh fish. The wi-fi connection is spotty in the apartment, but the owners let us go to their place to use the internet when needed. The apartment is located under someone else, but he is super quiet and helpful. There was construction happening across the street during our stay which took away from the peaceful ambiance.

Recommended for:Sightseeing

Sweet Aloha Hale

Guest: Dan & Lynn (Cayucos, California)
Date of Stay: 04/23/11 Review Submitted: 05/12/11

As soon as we arrived we were greeted by the Mayor of Puako"Sancho" the dog and his assistant"Fiji" the cat. Walking into the studio was like getting a warm aloha hug. We had the honor to go for a walk-a-bout with Bud and talk story for many hours. We can't wait to come back!!! Peg...You were right. We should have stayed longer. Mahalo and Aloha Nui to you both

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Absolutely Charming

Guest: Mike & Kelley (United States)
Date of Stay: 02/08/11 Review Submitted: 03/07/11

The little apartment was wonderful! Peg and Bud are terrific owners and if you have a chance to go for a walk with Bud, say yes!. He took us through some truly beautiful areas around Puako, parts of Hawaii we might not have seen otherwise. Be sure to bring good hiking/walking shoes. It was a joy to be in Puako again and we would gladly stay at the apartment next visit . The pictures represent the apartment well and the outdoor shower is a slice of heaven. We felt so welcomed by everyone and this made our stay very special, thank you.

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

Still our favorite place!

Guest: Diana and Phil (Iowa)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/11

We just returned home after spending 11 weeks in Hawaii. We stayed at 3 different VRBO's just to get different experiences. This was by far our favorite place. We love Puako and we love staying near Bud and Peg. They are great people who have become good friends. Our walks with Bud were extra special. He knows everyone. We are pretty familiar with the island, but having locals like Bud and Peg to share their knowledge and time with us really makes our stay in their little apartment a great experience. The apartment is equipped with everything two people need to enjoy a great vacation in Hawaii. I especially enjoyed the outdoor shower this year. ( I didn't even try it last year.) What a mistake! The lani is our favorite. It's comfortable and cozy and a great place to eat meals. We'll be back again next year. Thanks Bud and Peg for your friendship and hospitality. Diana and Phil

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+.

The most charming Hawaiian cottage that has a sense of magic, beauty & ease. perfect R&R + explore

Guest: Tara & Marty (Seattle Washington)
Date of Stay: 12/17/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/11

We rented this lovely cottage online and on arrival were so surprisingly amazed at the home away from home that we had arrived at. The cottage itself is absolutely lovely, inside and out (lanai etc). Bud and Peg are wonderful hosts and we had the enormous pleasure to be there while their families were also gathered there for the holidays. The beauty, generosity, and sense of serenity as well as fun was apparent on our arrival on so many levels throughout the cottage, the land and the family!! Initially I noticed previous guests had 'paid forward' and left lovely things here and there. Of course Bud & Peg have the place beautifully put together and outfitted with everything one could possibly need - including their magical touches in art and other things that bring such charm, and then it seems other guests have also left mementos that have added additional charm to the cottage as well. We would not hesitate to go back anytime!!!!! In fact if planning on being on the big island, over being at a resort this would be our #1 pick hands down. Thank you, Mahalo, so much Bud and Peg and to all of your family too. We were so pleased that we had access to all of our favorite beaches, and through you and your family, new ones and 'secret ones' that we got to enjoy! Another thing we loved was that it was quiet enough on Puako that we would drift off to sleep at night with the sound of the ocean to hear (at one of the nearby oceanfront resorts we've stayed at in the past - we could not hear the ocean over all the resort noise). And in the morning we would wake to the melody of the doves!! Your property so beautifully covered with flowers and various living spaces at different levels. We were AMAZED at the number of turtles there were to swim with at the beaches across the street from the cottage and your home! We enjoyed every moment Bud took time to stop and share his amazing life stories with us - and then also drive us and show us some incredible places. Truly - his life would be an amazing biography to read (most fun to listen to from him directly!!). Sancho seems to keep you all in order =)! Many Blessings to you all, in gratitude; Tara & Marty

Owner response:Marty and Tara, Thank you for your wonderful comments. It was indeed wonderful having you stay with us and we look forward to your next visit. Peg

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Nirvana in Puako

Guest: Jim & Jen (Newport Beach, Ca)
Date of Stay: 04/27/10 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

This is our 3rd time staying in Bud and Peg`s "little slice of heaven" Can`t get enough and the time flies too quickly! Love our walks to the beachclub each morning, snorkling at beach 69, listening to those goofy turkeys on Puako Dr, paddling at 6:00am with Bud, and sunsets, sunsets & sunsets! Peg has furnished the little apartment all Hawaiian. Tasty decor and so comfy. It lacks nothing. If you`re really lucky, the "King" of the house, Sancho, might come by for a visit. Ask him to show you his teeth. It`s always hard to leave Puako, but we take refuge in knowing we`ll be baaack.......

Owner response:Thank you for your wonderful comment. We look forward to your return. Peg

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

Found: A piece of heaven with heavenly people, and one fantastic dog companion!

Guest: T and C (Seward, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 03/28/10 Review Submitted: 08/20/10

My husband and I stayed with Bud and Peg, and best pal, Sancho, this past Spring. I chose not to write about it until now, as I wanted to savor that visit for as long as I could, and sometimes, traditions say, that to speak the word, is to dissipate the energy. We found a new and treasured part of Hawaii when we found Bud and Peg and Sancho. It felt like a reuniting of long ago friends. They have created a little Puako Paradise! We loved exploring their end of the island, especially Havi - a little secret spot for sure. Our short visit was topped off with an invitation to spend Easter Sunday with them at their local Hawaiian Church for a very special island Easter service! Aka threads have been attached from our hearts to theirs. Thank you for creating this awesome space. And, poochie kisses to Mr. Sancho! We hope to visit again.

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Guest: Todd, Jamie, Nico Shearer (Anchorage, AK)
Date of Stay: 03/08/10 Review Submitted: 03/08/10

What a wonderful little find! Whales, turtles, and great sunsets just across the street. Peg and Bud's guest apartment was just our style - cozy and well stocked. We enjoyed showering outdoors with geckos and being able to cook all of our meals here. Peg and Bud were also very accommodating for the two of us and our 8.5 month old. We can't wait to go back!

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Guest: Phil and Diana Hegwood (Urbandale, IA)
Date of Stay: 03/03/10 Review Submitted: 03/03/10

We are very pleased to have met Bud and Peg. They are wonderful hosts and their rental is great. It's small but has everything needed to have a great vacation. The location is ideal! We've already booked our time for next year. What a great find! Diana and Phil Hegwood, Urbandale IA

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Guest: Christine & Bob Madar (Corvallis, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/02/10 Review Submitted: 03/02/10

Puoko is a rare find. Bub and Peg's charming, cozy, Hawaiian style cottage was everything we hoped for. Our time there was calm, relaxing and reflective in a most beautiful setting. Our neighbors upstairs were so friendly and welcoming. We immediately felt at home. We didn't want to leave after two weeks. If time permitted we would have stayed longer. We look forward to returning. The cottage is conveniently located so it's only a short distance to shopping, Beach 69 and Hapuna Beach for great body surfing. The best snorkeling we found was right across the street and every night we ended our day with a magnificent sunset from our beach. We appreciated the well stocked kitchen because we love to cook. We wanted to experience the local cuisine so we shopped the local farmers markets and we found a great fish market only minutes away in Kawaihae. We thoroughly enjoyed the amenities of home. The highlight was the outdoor shower. It was enchanting, like taking a shower in a little tropical forest. If you are looking for a comfortable cottage in a very quiet and peaceful setting this is the place for you.

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Guest: Dennis & Eve Ross (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 02/11/10 Review Submitted: 02/11/10

Bud,Peg and their adorable pup, Sancho were gracious hosts during our visit to the Big Island. We enjoyed the charming and well provisioned apartment, surrounded by the beauty of local flowers & plants and the sound of melodic birds. The wild turkeys were a kick! The location was excellent - great access to the beach,snorkeling and for meeting people who live in the neighborhood. Perfect for anyone wanting to feel closer to real life on the island and making some new friends, yet the Puako location is convenient by car to quaint villages with restaurants, shops and views of magnificant vistas along the Kohola coast. Mahalo Bud and Peg for your kindnesses during our stay. Hugs and pets to Mr. Sancho. We miss you guys and will return one day soon!! Aloha - Eve & Dennis

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Guest: Maxine and Henry Woods (Basalt, CO 81621)
Date of Stay: 01/26/10 Review Submitted: 01/26/10

We just booked for the third time with Peg and Bud at their wonderful little place at Puako. I noticed a negative comment, but couldn't see it...I CAN"T IMAGINE anyone having anything but a great experience.....this is the best vrbo experience we've ever had, and we'll come back again and again. We're counting the days--only 3 more weeks!

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Guest: Sue LeComte (Ketchum, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 05/03/09 Review Submitted: 05/03/09

Aloha, As this was must first visit to this island, I really lucked out by staying at Peg and Bud's lovely garden cottage apartment. The Hawaiian style apt. is very comfortable with all the amenities. The small community of Puako is quiet and friendly with wonderful snorkeling so close by as well as the famous Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea just up the road. I found so much to do with the help of both Peg and Bud and I look forward to the opportunity of returning and staying here again. Thank you so much.

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Guest: Elizabeth E. (Burnaby, B.C., Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/23/09 Review Submitted: 03/23/09

Our 5 night stay in Puako was definitely not long enough. The cottage was perfect, with it's big patio complete with comfy loungers to read a book or sit at the table and have a candle lit dinner. The beach has the most incredible snorkelling. We saw lots of beautiful fish and were amazed at how many turtles there were. Daily we saw humpback whales go by and at night you could hear them smack the water. The cottage is a great place to soak up the hawaiian life style, happy and relaxed! Thank you Peg and Bud for being wonderful hosts.

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Guest: sue elam (sacramento, ca)
Date of Stay: 02/22/09 Review Submitted: 02/22/09

We just spent 12 wonderful nights here. This is a great place if you want to avoid the hussel and bussel of the big resorts. Very comfortable apartment, with the sounds of the ocean putting you to sleep at night. Quiet neighborhood, but still great location for resturants, sightseeing and all!!! Just a quick walk across the street to a beach with tide pools and fabulous snorkeling. Apartment is roomy; large bathroom and get patio area.Access to a gas barbeque, which makes dinner easy. We will definitely come back!!! Thanks to Bud and Peg for sharing a piece of your paradise.

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Guest: Jo OCallaghan
Date of Stay: 02/04/09 Review Submitted: 02/03/09

positive This was a perfect place for us, with the feeling of being in a lovely quiet neighbourhood rather than a busy resort, surrounded by birds and flowering plants and trees. Snorkling as good as anywhere right across the street, and there is enough snorkling gear here for two people. Friendly neighbourhood grocery store just down the road, good restaurants just a few miles away. Beaches are also close and easily accessed....and gorgeous!! Bud and Peg are wonderful hosts, allowing us privacy, but always happy to suggest places to go and things to see! And with the world being in such turmoil at this time, we have attached ourselves to a bit of wisdom offered by Bud......when things seem bad, just keep surfing!!!!!! Thanks again.....I am sure we will be back!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/01/09

Great l would stay here many times. love the hosts, very interesting people

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Guest: Yvonne Christen
Date of Stay: 01/29/09 Review Submitted: 01/28/09

GUESTBOOK TEXT: "Phenomenal!!! We loved to reside in Bud and Peg’slittle apartment with lots of exceptional features like the typicalHawaiian outdoor shower, the kayaks we could use during our stay as wellas the lovely decorated lanai with the surfboards.We really enjoyed the Beach Trail with Bud early in the morning andtheir recommendations concerning hidden places and dinner opportunities.- Don’t miss the Bamboo restaurant in Hawi – mmhh jammy!"Yvonne Christen7051 34th Ave NESeattle WA 98115

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Guest: stef + kaoru + kai (San Jose CA)
Date of Stay: 01/19/09 Review Submitted: 01/19/09

Nearly at the end of Puako Drive (and therefore quiet, and a peaceful part of the lava tide-pool beach), this cozy little spot was just the right thing for the three of us - two parents and a 2-year-old (who slept in the bed with us - there wouldn't be room for a crib). Peg and Bud were wonderfully pleasant and helpful with information, and the property was comfortable for the toddler to cruise around on. And the snorkeling across the street was just fabulous. Strongly recommended.

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Guest: Jim and Syd Powell (Charleston, SC)
Date of Stay: 05/03/08 Review Submitted: 05/03/08

We felt right at home from the moment we arrived at this charming cottage. Bud and Peg made us feel very welcome. We enjoyed chatting with them as we came and went daily. We would definitely stay here again,if available. Book early to make sure you enjoy this little treasure!

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Guest: Heidi and Keoki
Date of Stay: 04/27/08 Review Submitted: 04/26/08

Aloha Bud and Peg Coming from the cold but beautiful Olympic Pennisusla Wa. We embraced the warmth of your special hospitality and the Puako ocean weather. Your well equiped vacation apartment supplied everything we needed. We especially enjoyed our early morning breakfast on our private lanai surrounded by tropical flowers and birds. Mauna Kea Beach is our favorite beach for swimming, snorkeling and beach walks. Make sure you get a beach pass by arriving by 9am. as they are limited to the first 30 cars. It feels like having your own private beach. we love it here and will be back Peg and Bud, Mahalo Heidi and Kioki

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Guest: Val and Andy (Amherst, Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 04/21/08 Review Submitted: 04/21/08

A perfect vacation home for 1 or 2 people. The apartment is fully equipped and perfect for the climate and setting. There is a gas barbeque and a table on the lanai. The hosts are knowledgeable and gracious. The location if perfect for almost any activity, yet on a quiet street with houses on the other side at ocean's edge. We could not have asked for more!

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Guest: Greg & Millie (Escondido, California)
Date of Stay: 04/20/08 Review Submitted: 04/20/08

We loved our stay at Puako Beach at the Hale O'nalu. We travel to the Islands alot and we try to use VRBO rentals whenever we can. This is the best place we have found on the Big Island. Bud & Peg were perfect hosts, we had everything we needed and more. We will return (Lord willing) many times in the future.

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Guest: Caroline & Michael (Basel, Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 04/20/08 Review Submitted: 04/19/08

Best place to stay! It is a beatiful nice little apartment with absolutely everything you need. The place is kept with a lot of love for details. The owners are very hearty, obliging and give a lot of helpful tips for adventures and hidden places. We definitely will be back!

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Guest: Karin McKenna (-)
Date of Stay: 03/22/08 Review Submitted: 03/22/08

We spent one month in this apartment during February-March of 2008. It is very small, suitable for one or two people; however, that is more than made up for by the location and hospitality of the hosts. It is directly across from tidepools, which are great for snorkeling. We saw whales, sea turtles, manta rays, eels, coral, and many beautiful, bright-colored fish. It is suitable for beginning snorkelers with easy entry. The very best beach in Hawaii (Hapuna)is just eight minutes away by car. It is long and wide, sandy, has lifeguards, is swimmable and terrific for boogie boards. There is another beach even closer and other fine beaches just a little farther away. This apartment is in a residential area and it is very quiet and peaceful here. There are many birds and wild turkeys in the area to enjoy if you are a bird watcher. We found everything we needed in the apartment. There is a small general store in the area and a Catholic church in walking distance.

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Guest: Scott and Vicki
Date of Stay: 02/17/08 Review Submitted: 02/16/08

Had a great time! What a wonderful place. The last 10 days have flown by and I wish we could stay longer. Maybe next time. Thank you very much to Bud and Peg for creating such a welcoming atmosphere.

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Guest: Dick and Sue roberts
Date of Stay: 10/24/07 Review Submitted: 10/23/07

We loved your place so much we extended our stay! Thanks also for the extra refrige so we could keep our juice and beer cold. The outdoor shower is a real treat. I wish I could figure oout how to do that is Washington. We hope to return again.

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