Vacation Rentals by Owner

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/03/08

I cannot believe we didn't leave a comment from our stay almost two years ago - we rented the cottage for our honeymoon and it was the PERFECT spot for us. romantic, quiet, quaint...the evening rains, cool mornings and unbelievable snorkeling,,,well the reason i am on this site again is because we are looking to return for our second anniversary - that says it all right there:)

Recommended for:

Guest: Lynn & John
Date of Stay: 04/16/08 Review Submitted: 04/15/08

We cannot imagine a BETTER place to have celebrated our 25th anniversary! The timeless beauty of the sea, song of birds, patter of rain, scents of flowers, and the peaceful nature of this sublime setting and comfortably cozy cottage have provided all we have needed these 3 days. The lounge chairs were perfect for sunning and spotting meteors. We appreciate the lovely accommodations and elegant solitude.Thanks! We SHALL refer others…

Recommended for:

Guest: Steve & Liz
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/31/07

Wonderful aloha spirit everywhere here! Thank you for everything. We’ll see you again.

Recommended for:

Guest: Julie & Mark
Date of Stay: 10/25/07 Review Submitted: 10/24/07

We came here for our last big vacation before our first baby is born – and it has been a great time for this pregnant body. We really loved going to Champagne Pond every morning to swim with the turtles. We also liked having breakfast on the patio, listening to the ocean and watching the sunrise. We are looking forward to coming back with our little one soon.

Recommended for:

Guest: Kazue & David
Date of Stay: 10/12/07 Review Submitted: 10/11/07

A Piece of Paradise – truly a paradise! It’s such a beautiful place! All the flowers here are so colorful and different from flowers back home in Japan. All the different tropical trees and fruit I saw here boost my holiday mood. On our first day we couldn’t find our way to the accessible beach and it was getting dark so we couldn’t swim, but on the second day we found our way to Champagne Pond. We went swimming & snorkeling & I was SO EXCITED when I saw a sea turtle swimming! And then another one came!The next day we went to Volcanoes National Park – it was quite a view! Then went snorkeling at Vacationland. It was even cooler than Champagne Pond – but no sea turtles. Yesterday we drove to Pahoa for some groceries then did a lot of nothing. We enjoyed walking around here taking pics of plats. Today we’re heading to Mauna Kea and tomorrow we’re going to Kauai Island. We definitely want to come back here! Thank you so much for the beautiful, well-equipped property & the beautiful flowers. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in my life!!!-Kazue, on our honeymoonI agree pretty much entirely with what Kaz said, although I doubt I could put it across as enthusiastically as she did. As an addendum, we’d totally recommend the Mauna Kea hike, but take plenty of sweaters and jackets – it’s cold up there. Thank you so much for the wonderful vacation in Hawaii-David

Recommended for:

Guest: Sara & Ross
Date of Stay: 09/26/07 Review Submitted: 09/25/07

We have just spent 2 glorious weeks here. So wonderful! What a perfect place to spend our honeymoon. We took a helicopter ride with Blue Hawaiian to see the lava. So awesome! Book online 3 days in advance to save $$$. We had so many wonderful experiences here on the Big Island. And we ate well too… Paolo’s in Pahoa is so yummy, Merrimans in Waimea wow & Hilo Bay Café in Hilo we enjoyed great lunch and dinner. We got a lot of useful info from the blue guidebook.Now my turn (this is Ross). OK, this place is incredible. I loved swimming out front hwne the tide was low. Many sea turtles are around if you go around the whose bay. Also check out the white binder and find University Pond. It was amazing, but only safely accessible at low tide. One final VERY IMPORTANT tip: If you visit Lava Tree State Park – highly recommended – be prepared with plenty of OFF. Have fun!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/01/07

absolutely fell in love with this place. I loved the roar of the ocean right outside the door. The weather was perfect, the property beautiful and the hammock well utilized during my visit. Nothing like taking a good book outside to read while swaying between the trees. The water was warm, loved the turtles, the volcanic rock and just everything about it. Champagne Pond was extremely nice to swim in. The host was most gracious as well. Everyone should go there at least once in a lifetime.

Recommended for:

Guest: Dick H.
Date of Stay: 05/25/07 Review Submitted: 05/24/07

Having returned from our trip to Hawaii, during which time we stayed at this Cottage, I want to send you this brief note to thank you (and others as appropriate) for your efforts to make our stay so enjoyable. From snorkeling in the early morning with sea turtles to relaxing in the Cottage, we greatly enjoyed our stay. In particular, please thank KC for us, as she was so helpful and friendly, and even arranged for us to dry our clothes the morning we were leaving. She is a real asset to your operation, and please let her know that we are very grateful for her help and for her friendship. We have already told some friends about this accommodation, and hope to return ourselves one day. For now, thank you again . . .

Recommended for:

Guest: Beth & Josh
Date of Stay: 05/23/07 Review Submitted: 05/22/07

We had a wonderful stay! We also had the chance to swim with EIGHT sea turtles in the pond, what a joy! The hammock rocked us to the ocean’s songs. Our honeymoon has been a delight! Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise with us.

Recommended for:

Guest: Brenda & DIck
Date of Stay: 05/17/07 Review Submitted: 05/16/07

Such a wonderful place! Champagne Pond gave us the honor of swimming with 8 sea turtles, how absolutely marvelous. Thank you for the peace and tranquility.

Recommended for:

Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 03/27/07 Review Submitted: 03/26/07

ABOVE AND BELOW THE SHIMMERING CHAMPANGE LIGHT BATHES THE POOL, AND YOU

Recommended for:

Guest: Mary
Date of Stay: 10/06/06 Review Submitted: 10/05/06

Kapoho – the sound of the ocean on the far off reefs - the sweet smell of the air. I have returned and I feel at home. I am content to be here even in the rain.

Recommended for:

Guest: Stephen & Devora Y.
Date of Stay: 06/15/04 Review Submitted: 06/14/04

This little Cottage occupies one of the most enjoyable and beautiful areas on this island. We are inspired to build on one of the acre lots we purchased on this side of "Big". Thank you for the opportunity to call this home for a few days. Mahalo!

Recommended for:

Guest: Josi & David
Date of Stay: 06/03/04 Review Submitted: 06/02/04

First time in Hawaii. Fell in love as soon as we landed at the airport. Cottage & neighborhood amazing. Ponds were breathtaking (turtles, fish, eels, sea cucumbers). Perfect start to our 12 day Hawaiian excursion (off to Waipio Valley). Lastly, really got attached to Akua! Left our dog at home, and he had the same traits as our dog. Really enjoyed his company. Thank you for the perfect vacation! Our time here will truly be missed! Thank you also for the memories. We'll definitely be back someday!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Mary & Kevin
Date of Stay: 05/27/04 Review Submitted: 05/26/04

We arrived here 10 days ago and we are leaving tomorrow. Every time we come to Hawaii we stay a little longer, and it's never long enough. We found Kapoho by accident, and it's the best accident we've ever had. Heaven on Earth is here! We have looked for our retirement place for years, and here it is!! We got married at Champagne Pond & it was the most beautiful place and experience ever. we devoured a fresh picked pineapple. We hate to leave and hope who ever replaces us takes good care of Akia (Buster to us), the little dog who we wanted to take home with us.

Recommended for:

Guest: Britt & Dione H.
Date of Stay: 05/18/04 Review Submitted: 05/17/04

This was our best vacation ever. There is so much to do on this island that we didn't even make it to the other side. We loved the black sand beaches and Volcano National Park. The long drive to South Point and the 2 hour hike to the green sand beach was well worth it. The Cottage was great. Kapoho Bay is a wonderful place to stay. Swimming with the sea turtles in Champagne Pond was the perfect ending to this trip.

Recommended for:

Guest: Ray & Robbin K.
Date of Stay: 05/13/04 Review Submitted: 05/12/04

Perfect home for our first anniversary. We rented a Jeep Wrangler and figured out how to take the sides off. Ray is a "water dog" and couldn't wait to borrow the snorkel gear - I'll see him later. Watch for turtles eating on the bottom. We have been to the volcano and hiked across to see the magma. We saw the black sand beach and had a cold drink at the cafe there - those guys are great and full of info! South Point was windy and a super photo op. Lunch at Shaka's. We visited the zoo, Kona coast, Mac nut farms, Waipio Valley - a MUST DO. We bought new teflon skillets for all to enjoy. 10 days went fast but both our businesses need us, so it's back to the mainland for us. P.S. the geckos are very friendly. Watch for the cute little one with the twitchy tail.

Recommended for:

Guest: Ray & Sandi A.
Date of Stay: 05/02/04 Review Submitted: 05/01/04

Its hard to leave so much happiness behind, but we will always carry this wonderful & beautiful place in our hearts. I think the only reason we are leaving is because our first grandchild is coming soon! We have come to believe this island is God's playground & we are forever grateful to have had our time here. Enjoy and... hang loose!

Recommended for:

Guest: Nici, Dave, Chloe & Emma
Date of Stay: 04/04/04 Review Submitted: 04/03/04

Weather very good, Cottage fantastic!! We enjoyed Pahoa, Keaau, Volcano National Park and especially the turtles & fish at Champagne Pond. We'd all love to come back some time. Husband complains that people insist on driving wrong side of road! Sorry to leave - Mahalo!

Recommended for:

Guest: Stacey & Greg E.
Date of Stay: 03/05/04 Review Submitted: 03/04/04

What a wonderful place this is! We love the fact that there are no big resorts... just old Hawaii! The Champagne Pond... listening to the waves at night... the beautiful sunrises will all draw us back here on our next trip to the Big Island. Kehena Beach... what a freeing experience! We will miss our gecko buddies and their antics in the evening. The baby geckos are adorable! Thank you Steve and KC for all you do to make this such a wonderful experience!

Recommended for:

Guest: Dmitry, Julia, Victoria, Nicole K
Date of Stay: 12/31/03 Review Submitted: 12/30/03

We had so much fun here! It's such a beautiful place. Swimming with the turtles, watching all the pretty fishies, walking along the beach... so amazing! I wish we could have stayed here longer - there's so much to do! We loved this place!! Happy New Year!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Jace & Adam
Date of Stay: 12/19/03 Review Submitted: 12/18/03

WOW!! We loved it here! Listening to the waves, relaxing on the porch and watching "Team Gecko" do their thing in the evening - just the kind of nightlife we wanted... All was wonderful. We snorkeled in Champagne Pond every day and saw turtles - also loved dipping in the hot pond and tidepools. Loved the Cottage. Pahoa is a wonderful, funky town caught somewhere between the Summer of Love and the '68 Democratic Convention! To (mis)quote our new governor Ah-nold: WE'LL BE BACK! Mahalo to Steve and KC! We'll always treasure the memories we made here!

Recommended for:

Guest: Mary & Alex
Date of Stay: 12/06/03 Review Submitted: 12/05/03

Our first trip to the Big Island was most memorable! We stayed in three different places and this (the final stay) was more than we could have dreamed of! No sense saying anymore than the rest of the guests in this book. However, we loved it so much here we found a real estate agent and are now purchasing our own little piece of paradise! So we won't say we'll be back to the Cottage - however we will most definitely send friends here! Aloha & Mahalo!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Russ & Norma Y.
Date of Stay: 11/12/03 Review Submitted: 11/11/03

We have been to many places in the Islands and this area is the Old Hawaii we have been looking for. Paolo's & Nings Thai were both excellent. We enjoyed the warm water & snorkeling with the turtles. The lack of big resorts in the area is truly a blessing and keeps the rustic feeling intact. We have no desire to go to any other area in the islands than right here. We will be back. Mahalo & Aloha

Recommended for:

Guest: Steve & Jolina L.
Date of Stay: 11/07/03 Review Submitted: 11/06/03

This cute little Cottage became "home" for us this past week. will never forget our little gecko friends! I am so saddened to leave, but we will be back! Thank you Steve & KC for setting up and for the work you do to allow us to stay! Mahalo! Love the papayas! and the sea turtles! and the music!

Recommended for:

Guest: Sophie & Douglas
Date of Stay: 10/31/03 Review Submitted: 10/30/03

We enjoyed spending 3 nights of our tour around the Big Island here whilst enjoying our honeymoon. After reading everyone else's comments we agree with the best places: Champagne Pond, Hot Pond just down the road was fantastic, and we can recommend both the Thai and Italian restaurants in Pahoa. Mahalo!

Recommended for:

Guest: Michael & Sharron
Date of Stay: 10/10/03 Review Submitted: 10/09/03

First time to this part of the island. Sunny days, rain at night. Nings Thai A+; Paolo’s also good. Vacationland best snorkeling. Good "Old Hawaii"

Recommended for:

Guest: Stacey & David
Date of Stay: 09/30/03 Review Submitted: 09/29/03

We loved staying here at the Cottage. It was so peaceful and relaxing. A perfect way to spend a few days of our honeymoon! Thanks to Steve for such a welcoming environment, complete with all the extra touches: the paper in the morning, the snorkeling equipment (which came in very handy while we waited for the airline to find our luggage!) the spices in the kitchen, etc. We loved exploring the area, particularly Kapoho tide pools (feels like swimming in an aquarium) Champagne Pond where we saw 2 turtles, and the black sand beach at mile 19, even though we were the only people with suits on!! It was also really nice to just relax here on the porch and read, play a little Scrabble each night. We think it is a good omen that the guests just before us were celebrating their 55th anniversary! It's the start of many many happy hears of marriage to come. Thanks so much, Mahalo P.S. Thanks KC for bringing such beautiful flowers to start off our time here

Recommended for:

Guest: Gene & Mary B.
Date of Stay: 09/23/03 Review Submitted: 09/22/03

On our arrival in Hilo area we saw the most beautiful full rainbow - a good sign! We came to the Islands to celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary, which was a best choice! We have wanted to see an active volcano and we were able to see the molten lava flow. Walking on the black sand beach and watching turtles surfing was awesome. Another most beautiful place is the botanical gardens in Hilo with its tropical flora - enjoyed! I must mention the Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots (in Hilo) and Lava Tree State Park were very interesting. Restful nights listening to the ocean and awakening to birds cooing was wonderful. Thank you KC for opening the gate at a late hour in the rain!

Recommended for:

Guest: Corel & Nellie
Date of Stay: 09/17/03 Review Submitted: 09/16/03

Moving from a below-sea-level, not so sunny country to the Hawaii Islands makes one appreciate both trivial and big differences in vacation time wonderland. We have especially enjoyed the great diversity of choices for spending time on the Big Island. As a result we will travel back home refreshed and with unforgettable memories. Thanks for making this possible!

Recommended for:

Guest: Iwao & Naoko S.
Date of Stay: 09/08/03 Review Submitted: 09/07/03

First of all, we thank God to give us a chance staying in such a wonderful place. We had a good time at the Cottage, reading books, writing diary, drinking and so on. Sometimes it rained but all things were very special for us. And last, thank Iku & KC to arrange us the best life in Kapoho Beach. See you!

Recommended for:

Guest: Richard & Carissa
Date of Stay: 08/28/03 Review Submitted: 08/27/03

We came for a short visit and cherished our time here - enjoyed swimming in the lagoons. We were blessed with honus (sea turtles) so gentle and their eyes filled with wisdom and peace. Our visit inspires us to do everything possible to save our planet by protecting the habitats so that these amazing beings can grace our seas for future generations. May we all find peace and compassion for all beings on earth.

Recommended for:

Guest: Herman, Janice, Cole, Kian, Galen
Date of Stay: 08/14/03 Review Submitted: 08/13/03

This week was very fun and exciting because of all the pools like Champagne Pond and the cool beaches like the black sand beach. It's so neat to see the turtles because we don't see them every day. We don't see things like this in New Jersey!! It's a nice cozy Cottage, perfect for our family. The sight of the turtles will never be erased from my life. They say more with their silence than humans do with words. Have peace in your heart!

Recommended for:

Guest: Mary, Jan, Hanalei & Jasper E.
Date of Stay: 07/13/03 Review Submitted: 07/12/03

We felt very privileged to stay here. Great to see this style of living in Hawaii, a far cry from the Kona coast. Highlights were Champagne Pond and a flight over the lava flows - worth every penny!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Rick, Katrina, Maya & Dylan
Date of Stay: 07/06/03 Review Submitted: 07/05/03

What a great place to get away and do nothing. By nothing I mean swimming in Champagne Pond with turtles & eels, checking out the coral at Vacationland, walking along the fresh lava at Volcano National Park. Dinner in Pahoa. We'll be back to do nothing again. Mahalo nui loa for a great getaway!

Recommended for:

Guest: John, Kristin, Amanda & David S.
Date of Stay: 07/01/03 Review Submitted: 06/30/03

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing this wonderful Cottage. We had a wonderful time. What a wonderful experience to see our kids swim with the turtles - a true gift. KC was great too. Aloha & Mahalo

Recommended for:

Guest: Sue & Ike B.
Date of Stay: 06/01/03 Review Submitted: 05/31/03

Enjoyed your little Paradise. Swimming with the turtles was a unique & wonderful experience. The lava flows are awesome! The "tunnel of trees" by Lava Tree park is beautiful. Aloha, Mahalo

Recommended for:

Guest: Lois & Charlie B.
Date of Stay: 05/25/03 Review Submitted: 05/24/03

We were grateful for all the extra amenities. Swimming (floating!) in Champagne Pond was a dream, and the stargazing was amazing! Wish we could stay longer!! Aloha & Mahalo

Recommended for:

Guest: Peter & Stefania B.
Date of Stay: 05/16/03 Review Submitted: 05/15/03

What a beautiful, romantic place - we loved to stay here in the Cottage and in Puna. Aloha!

Recommended for:

Guest: Will & Sherry
Date of Stay: 04/27/03 Review Submitted: 04/26/03

Truly a slice of paradise: fresh banana, papaya and coconut falling from the trees for breakfast; the music of makani a me moana to lull us to sleep at night; excellent swimming with honu; and a comfortable cozy hale, nicely appointed for casual island living... Mahalo nui loa, a hui hou

Recommended for:

Guest: Mary & Sue
Date of Stay: 04/15/03 Review Submitted: 04/14/03

Highlights of our stay: - University pond and the neighbor who directed us - Snorkeling, fish turtles & waves - Thai food in Pahoa - Route 137 - the sheer beauty - Warm waters at Champagne Pond - The friendly and attentive nature of Steve's emails - Laying in the hammock with flower petals falling over us - The total relaxation and beauty of this Cottage P.S. Special thanks to KC for taking such good care of us!

Recommended for:

Guest: The Whittenburgs
Date of Stay: 04/10/03 Review Submitted: 04/09/03

Thank you so much for the wonderful stay. We've done cottage stays before on two other islands. We've enjoyed this one the most! Champagne Pond can't be beat. I'm not sure I can snorkel any where else now w/out the natural heating! Not to mention the turtles. For my 5yr old son's first snorkeling in his little blow up ring, it was perfect! Standing on brand new lava that sizzled beneath our feet as rain fell and watching an advancing flow from 7 feet away truly moved us. The incredible stars from the Mauna Kea Visitors Center at 9200 ft up dazzled our imagination as we looked at constellations through a 16inch telescope. We've had a vacation of unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Thanks for making it all possible. Thank you KC for the cleanest cottage ever! Aloha Nui Nui

Recommended for:

Guest: Lynn & Ron
Date of Stay: 04/04/03 Review Submitted: 04/03/03

Our stay here fulfills the name "A Piece of Paradise" for that is exactly what the Cottage, its location and the total serenity and peace has afforded us. Steve, you have so improved this Cottage from what I remember (10/31/97). My friends stayed here then and every touch you have added has enhanced the ambiance. Living, if only briefly, in a botanical garden refreshes the soul, enabling a return to the chaos & stress of the mainland. Even though I have based myself on Maui and San Diego, I shall always return here to rest. Mahalo & Aloha!

Recommended for:

Guest: Kayne & Laurelle P.
Date of Stay: 03/13/03 Review Submitted: 03/12/03

We enjoyed our 2 weeks at the Cottage. The snorkeling was great. Kehena black sand beach is beautiful. The dolphins stopped by to swim with us. The green sand beach near South Point can't be reached by car. Approx. 3 mile hike. The beach at the bottom of Waipio Valley was spectacular. Thank you for sharing a piece of your paradise!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Jeff & Agnes K.
Date of Stay: 02/22/03 Review Submitted: 02/21/03

We started our first visit to Hawaii the best way we could. From monsoon like showers to the warm trade winds, our visit has been an experience. Saw the turtles in Champagne Pond and it was delightful to wake up to the songs of the many birds surrounding the Cottage. The Cottage itself is homey & cozy with every amenity. The highlight was watching the lava flow - where else could you experience that?! Many thanks for a great place!

Recommended for:

Guest: Doug, Lana & Zachary W.
Date of Stay: 01/30/03 Review Submitted: 01/29/03

We enjoyed our walks in tropical paradise! First trip for our family to Hawaii's Big Island. Cottage living is certainly different from our home on the mainland. Our experience here will not be forgotten. Most memorable spot on the island was Kehena black sand beach at milepost 19 on HWY 137. Thank you for your hospitality!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Greg & Debby F.
Date of Stay: 11/29/02 Review Submitted: 11/28/02

Enjoyed a wonderful 2 weeks taking back roads, finding treasures, snorkeling and enjoying the sun. The turtles & the ponds were great fun. Celebrated our 30th anniversary in private, learned about Bonsai and had orchids sent home. Visited the Hilo & Pahoa farmers markets. Went to our first clothing optional beach - oooh la la! Will have many memories to reminisce about for the next 30 years. Thanks!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Raymond K & Nadia T.
Date of Stay: 11/11/02 Review Submitted: 11/10/02

7 days of sun, sea turtles and wonderful people. Our memories of Kapoho will never fade from our minds. Thank you very much!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Jim & Linda W.
Date of Stay: 10/22/02 Review Submitted: 10/21/02

Must be a place for anniversaries! We spent our 15th here - bought live lobsters in Keaau and cooked them up here. Had everything we needed and had a wonderful time. Got to see lava, lots of beautiful flowers, fish and listened to the frogs at Lava Tree Park - eerie! Go at dust - it's very interesting! Went to farmers market & OD'd on veggies & fruits. We'll be back again with our kids. Love Kapoho!! Thanks Steve & KC for a wonderful vacation!

Recommended for:

Guest: Reg & Judi O.
Date of Stay: 10/12/02 Review Submitted: 10/11/02

What a fantastic place to celebrate our anniversary! This truly is paradise. We explored Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, and all of the area around Kapoho. It was fantastic to drive to the lighthouse and hike out to the ocean and sit on the volcanic cliffs. The best was relaxing in Champagne Pond while snorkeling and watching the green sea turtle and all the tropical fish. The eerie night ride to the end of 137 was a unique experience. Thank you Steve & KC for providing all that we needed.

Recommended for: