Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub

My husband and I spent three nights at Tropical Hideaway at the beginning of our trip to the big island. When we arrived late in the evening, we were greeted by Kathleen, the owner, and she graciously showed us around the property. The place was extremely well stocked and even had baskets of fresh fruit from the property that we could eat. We LOVED the private hot tub. There is also something so refreshing about showering outside (though the spiders outdoors made quick webs so we had to clear a path almost every time we went to shower). The screen walls allowed a wonderful breeze to blow through the house and the foliage around the house provided enough privacy so walls really weren’t necessary, plus you get a nice view of the trees and a small ocean view to boot. The inside of the house was very clean with only the occasional earwig or two. If you’re alright with a little spiderweb clearing and a more “outdoor” experience, you’ll love Tropical Hideaway!

My husband and myself just spent a week at Kathleen Carr's wonderful Tropical Hideway! The way you have such a quaint lovely place to stay and yet always feel connected to the warm air breezes of south Kona is exquisite. And then there is the hot tub, which we used morning and evening. The place is just up the road from Two Step, one of the richest places to snorkel. It has it all! The outside shower took me a little time to get used to, but soon became very enjoyable.

I loved every minute of my 5 day stay here. Now wishing I would have booked the whole month with Kathy, instead of moving around like I am. South Kona- just minutes up the hill from two-step (best snorkeling on the island) and only a few more to the best beach on the island.

A truly charming little place surrounded by vegetation and everything I needed for a comfortable stay. At first I was a tad apprehensive about taking my shower outdoors but it's so private, with it's own private yard...shower and enjoy the magnificent sunsets!

The description is perfectly accurate- including the rooster crowing in the middle of the night sometimes. Earplugs/cotton balls came in handy. Honestly, that, the frogs, the birds and geckos...all the sights and sounds of the outdoors made my stay an unforgettable adventure in Hawaii!

I Will definitely be back next year!

My husband and I had an amazing time staying at Kathy's Tropical Hideaway surrounded by tropical fruit trees and listening to calming bird and frog chirping. It felt like an ultimate paradise for people who work in the busy city. We never used earplugs, frogs sound more like exotic birds and it felt like a lullaby before we fell asleep. The only thing we didn't like was mosquitos, I guess they like it there as well. Not a big deal you just have to protect yourself if you are sitting outside.

Very close by snorkeling Two Step, it is the best, we were lucky to swim with spinner dolphins at this bay, very magical!

Kathy was very helpful, we will miss her fresh papayas and lemons she left for us every morning in the basket from her own trees.

First of all: we would stay here again - the real test. We weren't sure if this would be quite "right" for us: no windows, outdoor shower, etc. However, it was more than enough. In fact, the limited amenities promote a more relaxed, easy, "snorkel in the morning/nap in the afternoon lifestyle". The Tropical Hideaway provided all we needed much to our surprise. We used the outdoor grill when we wanted to make a real meal, and were able to manage the hotplate for steaming vegetables (the hot plate was the one appliance that I would upgrade - it is old and slow to heat up, a source of frustration for things like steaming veggies). This criticism is slight given all the blessings that the Hideaway offers: the absolutely delicious saltwater pool (no chlorine!), the lush tropical setting with heliconia flowers blooming everywhere, fresh mangoes and bananas grown on the property (the best I've ever tasted), and vivid green day geckos (famous from Geico commercials) that chirp you to sleep at night. And we appreciated the warm, unobtrusive management by Michael and Ivy who live on the large property. And last but not least, the proximity to Two Step Bay (next to the Place of Refuge National Park), the best snorkeling that we've ever experienced. We basically got in the car, rolled down the highway for two miles and were there. We snorkeled every morning. Try the Tropical Hideaway - you'll love it.