Enjoy a Lover's Paradise a Breath Away from Kealakekua Bay

• Lovely Stay by Kealakekua Bay

  Lovely Stay by Kealakekua Bay

  • Guest Gabriele2
  • Date of stay 03/02/13
  • Review Submitted 04/05/13
  Our stay at this Manini Beach house could not have been nicer. The house is beautifully furnished and decorated and very comfortable to live in. The grounds and garden here are truly a treasure providing delicious edibles of many kinds depending on the season. We were traveling as a couple with our young teenager and this was perfect! The location is perfect for walking to beautiful snorkeling, jogging in the early morning and a very short drive from so much more. I hope to see Jill and her amazing house again very soon. Mahalo Jill!

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Aloha, it was very nice to meet you and your family Shea. Mahalo nui loa, we hope to see you again soon... so glad you enjoyed your stay!

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• The perfect Big Island getaway!

  The perfect Big Island getaway!

  • Guest Aly
  • Date of stay 03/18/13
  • Review Submitted 03/27/13
  We returned to the Manini Mermaid House (formerly Hale Lotus) after seven years. We were so pleased to have rediscovered this gem and enjoyed another perfect week of restful relaxation and Island ambiance. Our only regret was not to have booked it for a longer stay! It is truly idyllic. The well-constructed house is beautifully appointed and very clean and comfortable. The best feature is the inviting lanai which overlooks the peaceful and lush garden where we were serenaded by birds and frogs and the gentle sounds of the waves. It was a great place to relax with a drink, read a book, eat dinner, do yoga or simply enjoy the tropical sights, sounds and smells. It's a close walk to Manini Beach and access to Kealakekua Bay. The water is amazingly clear and inviting and the swimming and snorkelling right there is great. The Place of Refuge is a very short drive down the road and offers exceptional snorkelling and water access as well. As others have described, the location of this listing is very private and low-keyed - but you have access to most of the island within reasonable driving times. We ventured out to several Big Island attractions including the Volcano (a perfect day trip), Kona Village and Hapuna Beach for bodysurfing as examples of things we did during our stay. We also played tennis at the Holua Resort at Mauna Loa village for a modest fee and the courts were nice people were really friendly. The other great feature of this house is it's location in a quiet, friendly neighborhood with a true Hawaiian feel. The owners are friendly, helpful and unobtrusive. The area is a perfect blend of new and old Hawaii - far away from the hustle and bustle of the world but with all the modern conveniences (comfortable beds,great kitchen, bbq, tv and internet, etc.). If you want a fast-paced resort experience, this is not the place for you. But if you want the best of what the Big Island has to offer in terms of peaceful beauty and nearby options for outdoor play and adventure - this is ideal. We will definitely be returning! p.s. Be sure to visit the Blue Ginger Gallery in Kealakekua for some really unique momentos and gifts.

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

  Owner response: Mahalo nui loa Tad and Anne, it was so nice to meet you again! Next time we will have to have dinner together and spend more time on the beach at sunset. Glad that you had a perfect vacation! Aloha, Jill

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• Great Place

  Great Place

  • Guest LB
  • Date of stay 11/04/12
  • Review Submitted 12/10/12
  We had a wonderful experience at Manini Mermaid House. We had discovered Kealakekua Bay on a previous trip to Hawaii and knew we wanted to stay in that area. We loved being in a beach neighborhood with easy access to both Manini Beach and Two Step. The house is lovely - clean, quiet and comfortable. Although surrounded by other homes, it feels quite private. The yard is lush and we enjoyed papayas from one of the trees. The kitchen is extremely well equipped which made food prep really easy. We loved the lanai for relaxing and meals. The location provided the 'off the beaten track' feeling we wanted, yet it is quite convenient to get to grocery stores and restaurants. We will certainly return to Manini Mermaid House in the future.

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

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• Great place

  Great place

  • Guest JA
  • Date of stay 10/07/12
  • Review Submitted 11/18/12
  We could not find a condo on the ocean in Kona because of the Ironman competition, so we decided to take a risk and rent a house that was not on the ocean, but near the bay that is so highly rated for snorkeling and paddling. From the minute we arrived, the house overwhelmed us. The pictures do not do it justice and the hospitality of the owners and ambiance of the neighborhood are hard to describe. The lanai is truly a living room, the decor is happy and artistic, and the kitchen is the best equipped of any we have ever had in Hawaii (probably 20 trips so far). We made smoothies for breakfast each morning after picking starfruit, bananas, papayas, mangoes, etc. The paddleboarding over to the Captain Cook monument was perfect and the snorkeling excellent. The location of the house is much better than Kona for exploring the island. We look forward to returning someday!

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

  Owner response: Mahalo nui loa for such a wonderful review! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay. It was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to seeing you again next year!~ Happy holidays to all, Aloha, Jill Ami

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• Hawaiian Trip

  Hawaiian Trip

  • Guest RB
  • Date of stay 10/24/12
  • Review Submitted 11/10/12
  From swimming with the dolphins to cooking fresh fish on the barby. It all adds up to a perfect vacation & it was all made most enjoyable by our stay at the aptly named “Manini Mermaid” Hideaway. Our two families had everything we needed, from the fully equipped kitchen, to lounging around on the deck sipping Mai Tai’s. Twice we entertained friends for dinner, and were never lacking for any needs from the kitchen or bar. I don’t watch a whole lot of TV, but the satellite system sure made the morning news channels readily available to me. And getting a connection with my I pad was also no problem. And they have bogey boards, snorkel gear & swimming vests available to borrow too! The better to swim to the dolphins! The house is only a short 3 minute walk to the small private beach area, which has some nice swimming/snorkeling or laying around. Or you can take a short drive which will get you to some other pretty wonderful public beach areas; all of which have some pretty great swimming and snorkeling areas. The owner is a gracious host; plus if there is any information you should need, from where to shop, to where to swim, or even where to rent a kayak, she can pretty much give you any information you might need to better your trip. It’s been a while since I have been to Hawaii, but the combination of above, which centered on our home base of the Manini Mermaid, made this just a simply fantastic trip. Thanks!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: It was a pleasure to meet you and your family. I am glad your experience here at my Manini Mermaid vacation rental was delightful one. You are always welcome to visit in the future, next time we may go on a snorkeling adventure and hike to some secret spots!

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• Hawaiian Paradise

  Hawaiian Paradise

  • Guest Big Blue
  • Date of stay 10/24/12
  • Review Submitted 11/04/12
  The house is exceptionally well kept and definitely has everything you need, including a wonderful outdoor grill and eating area. We used boogies boards, life vest,etc which are available you guest use. Lots of snorkeling equipment as well and we had our own. The landscaping is very artistic and beautifully kept. Beds, bathrooms, kitchen--all good. And a big laundry room as well. The ocean is only 3 minutes away and we did lots of snorkeling, kayaking and had the thrill of swimming near the wild dolphins on several occasions. We have already recommended the house to several friends and will not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. Several other beaches are 15 and 20 minutes away. Also grocery store, fish market, gourmet bakery and eating places are 15 minutes away as well. The owners are very helpful and you feel immediately at home.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Thank you for your exiting review! It was a pleasure to share my beautiful home and adventures with you and yours. I enjoyed getting involved in helping create your vacation plans for the day~ You are always welcome!

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• Manini Beach Mermaid House...Wonderful!

  Manini Beach Mermaid House...Wonderful!

  • Guest fathmo
  • Date of stay 10/10/11
  • Review Submitted 01/16/12
  My experience at the Manini Beach Mermaid House was nothing short of amazing and full of Aloha. The house was quite comfortable and has everything one would need with a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with showers. The deck is set up for just relaxing either on the chairs or at the the Tatami style table surrounded by pillows. There's even an outdoor barbecue for grilling up some Ahi or Ono. The house is set on a property rich with delicious hanging fruit, lotus flowers blossoming in a small pond. Orchids and plumeria seemed everywhere one looked, even lining the tiny street the house was on. While I was there in October the mango tree was offering fruit to pick right at eye level (and the best I have ever had too!). I also had banana, coconut and starfuit (best ever as well) right from the tree. The walk to Manini beach is a short block and a half away and affords you your own private entrance into the pristine Keakakekua Bay. The little sand beach is part of a small neighborhood park with lawn and picnic tables providing one with incredible sunset views around 6:30 each day. On my last day there I caught a spectacular double rainbow ouver the Pali that frames the bay. An amazing final memory. One must bear in mind, though this is paradise, you are still in a neighborhood which has a life of it's own. Yes, you may still hear a dog bark or a child fuss every now and then from the tight knit little community of 20 or so houses...but what community would be real without these sounds. I'd trade for it in a heartbeat! The week I spent at Manini Beach Mermaid house was beyond special as were the owners, hostess and host, James and Jill, who live in the main house (the other house on the property). They provide much warmth and Aloha along with all the tips and pointers one loves to get from locals on where the best experiences are to be found. My recommendation is book your week now...this hale is so special!

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

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• A delightful vacation

  A delightful vacation

  • Guest roro
  • Date of stay 12/05/11
  • Review Submitted 01/10/12
  We had a wonderful vacation staying for our second time at the Mermaid House. It it in a very private neighborhood which makes you feel more like a regular than a tourist. A great home away from home. This house is sited within a beautiful garden and within walking distance from a coved beach. Jill certainly makes you feel welcome and has many suggestions as to where to beach and eat. If you are looking for an authentic location, this is it. The house has all of the amenities that you need, it is clean and well taken care of. We especially loved the shower in the master bath. We look foward to going back to this special place in years to come.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

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• FABULOUS VACATION ON 'THE BIG ISLAND'

  FABULOUS VACATION ON 'THE BIG ISLAND'

  • Guest naomi
  • Date of stay 12/01/11
  • Review Submitted 01/09/12
  THE BEST PLACE I EVER STAYED WHILE VISITING KONA WAS AT 'MANINI MERMAID HOUSE'. IT IS AN OPEN, TROPICAL PARADISE JUST STEPS FROM MANINI BEACH. THIS BEACH IS LITTLE KNOWN BY NEW VISITORS. THE HOUSE IS TUCKED AWAY FROM ALL COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY. THE NAME 'MANINI' MEANS 'TINY' AND THIS BEACH IS THAT. THERE ARE KAYAKS, AVAILABLE, SNORKELING, AND SWIMMING VIRTUALLY AT YOUR DOOR. A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO SWIM & PLAY ALL DAY. MY HUSBAND, 10 YEAR OLD SON, AND I HAD A FABULOUS 10 DAY STAY THERE. THE HOUSE HAS 2 BEDROOMS, & 2 BATHS WITH A TYPICAL HUGE HAWAIIAN DECK. SO CLOSE TO THE BEACH YOU FIND YOURSELF AT THE BEACH ALL DAY. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO READ MOST DAYS. MY SON & I SPENT MOST OF OUR DAYS IN OR NEAR THE BEAUTIFUL & FAMOUS KEALAKEKUA BAY WHILE MY HUSBAND READ MANY BOOKS. THE 'MERMAID HOUSE' HAS A FLAT-SCREEN TV AND ALL MODERN AMENITIES. THE OWNER, JILL, IS SO WELCOMING THAT YOU KNOW RIGHT AWAY YOU BELONG IN THIS TINY, OLD, HAWAIIAN FISHING VILLAGE, KNOWN AS 'NAPO'OPO'O. LIFE DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN SWEET DAYS & NIGHTS IN THIS TROPICAL PARADISE. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS FABULOUS HIDE-AWAY TO ANYONE WANTING A TRUE, RELAXING HAWAIIAN VACATION.

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

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• Manini Mermaid House

  Manini Mermaid House

  • Guest Haole
  • Date of stay 12/22/11
  • Review Submitted 01/06/12
  We stayed in the Manini Mermaid House (used to be called Hale Lotus) for a week in December 2011. The house includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a huge lanai, firm mattresses, and is nicely furnished. The kitchen is fully equipped: large fridge, stove, microwave, toaster, toaster oven, rice cooker, blender, power juicer, etc., and a BBQ on the lanai. Secure internet is also provided. The gardens in the yard are lovely and lush, with a lily and fish pond and fruit trees. There are several cats that lounge around. The one named Cinco was pretty funny and very friendly. The owner’s house is right across the back yard. They were friendly and helpful when asked, but respected our privacy. Manini Beach is a very short walk away. Beautiful sunsets there. The snorkelling is excellent at Two Step (by the Place of Refuge) which is only about 4 miles away. The only real downside is the hovel next door. A yard full of junk and rusting crap, surrounded by a locked chain link fence and guarded by two large dogs (I think they were a rottweiler and a pitbull). Unfortunately the lanai looks over their back yard, and while you don’t see much, noise can be a problem. Barking dogs (they are kept caged up in a kennel and never get out, so no wonder), crying kids, TV in the evening, etc. It can be pretty annoying. Other than the noise problem next door, we both really enjoyed our stay.

  Owner response: Aloha & Mahalo for visiting with us, we enjoyed your company. Mahalo for your honest review. We just designed and installed new tropical bamboo fencing and planted 32 mature 7 foot tall palms which beautified and enhanced our magical environment at Manini Beach. These lush leafy palms gracefully enclosed our yard, now there's more privacy and it's so much nicer surrounded by bamboo. Hawaii has multi-cultures and we all live together the best we can. I am offering the best of Hawaii, there is so much to learn and understand about other cultures and how other people live. Let us all enjoy each other with aloha! My neighbors are genuinely kind local folks who are Hawaiian born and have so much to share. If you care; take time to talk story and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. This is the real Hawaii! (not the Hyatt or the Marriott) E`Ola!

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From $200 to $300/nt$200.00 a night/4 persons & $300.00/6 persons; 
$1,400.00 a week/4 persons & $2,100.00/6 persons; 
$3,000.00 a month; 
$300.00 damage deposit required/refunded immediately after inspection; 
$200.00 cleaning fee plus $8.34 General Excise Tax required.; 
Vacation rental/hotel tax of 139.62%; 
Cancellation must be 60 days in advance for refund minus a 10% cancellation fee.; 
Five night minimum stay. Check-in 3:00pm  Check-out 10:00am;Dates Available: Year Round.

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