Puako Oceanfront 2BR/studio

Duke and Tomachu's (sp?) (trusty sidekick dog) place was great! We had spent 4 weeks on the island and was so glad that the last week was at Dukes. The reef area is great to wander around to see turtles and colorful eels and ocean life. Then just down the road 5 min walk, is a great little spot for some sand in the toes and not too many people. or you could go to Beach 69 or Hapuna.... all 5 min drive from here. When we were there the waves and wind had whipped up and all public beaches were closed. The hammock at Duke's was fantastic and the location was protected so we got to lay down and totally relax watching waves coming in and thinking about nothing..... The place is not flashy but it is clean and comfortable and the view is Hawaii !!! We would not hesitate to stay there again and again. Duke is a great guy and is there when you need him and not when you don't, a real pleasure getting to know him.

We loved staying at Duke's beach home! We arrived after dark and Duke had everything ready for us. We made good use of the great yard and grill right away and had the best sleep ever listening to the waves crashing on the reef at night. We saw whales and rainbows from the front yard during the day and saw turtles and the best sunsets every dusk. Everyone walks from the nearby hotel to see the amazing sunset that we got to see right from the hammock! You can hop in and snorkel right in front of the house or you have 3 of the most amazing beaches on the island all within a 5 minute drive of the house (we made good use of the boogie boards :-). Duke was only around when we needed him and he was quick to respond to every email. We rented the studio and it was plenty spacious for the two of us; a comfy bed, plenty of towels, a full kitchen and a huge front porch. It was everything that we needed and the location couldn't be beat, the only bad part about it was that we eventually had to leave!

We had an amazing time at Duke's lovely home in Puako Beach. We were so stoked when we pulled into the place. Not only was it spacious and very clean, but it was literally right on the reef. The sliding door opens to a small lawned area, where you can walk without flip-flops, but just beyond that is a reefy area, where sea urchins, sea turtles and other sea creatures abound. Our kids were thrilled. And not far north of here are some of the best beaches on the island.

Regarding the place, it was incredibly roomy and comfortable. There were 7 of us, including a 2--month-old baby, and we had no problem spreading out, sleeping in all of the comfy beds, and enjoying our home-cooked meals. I loved falling asleep with the sound of the ocean. The seabreeze is an ever-present reminder you are only feet away from the water.

Our hosts really kept to themselves, giving us all the privacy we wanted. But when we did run into them, we were stoked to do so. Duke and his wife were very kind and easy to talk to. Duke and his family go many generations back in Hawaii. We felt very fortunate to be able to stay in their lovely home.

This was our third stay at this incredible and unique property. There is nowhere else on the islands like it. The ocean-front surroundings are jaw-dropping. Gorgeous sunsets, sunrises, fantastic views up and down the coast (and even of Maui sometimes). Beach 69 (shady and great snorkeling) and Hapuna (sun, surf, soft sand and facilities) are a short drive away. The snorkeling right on the property is the best in all the islands, in our opinion. Extensive reef, marine life and corals, and you have it all to yourself every time. The accomodations are spacious, very clean and well-stocked. The beds are comfortable. There's plenty of towels, pots and pans, etc. The home is charming! "Vintage" is the word another reviewer used, and that sounds about right. Duke and Miriam are gracious hosts and an absolute pleasure to do business with. They make everything easy. They are around if you need anything, yet they give their guests total privacy. Best of all is the affordability. Nothing else Ocean-front in Puako can touch it. Puako itself is the perfect location for anyone wanting "authentic Hawaii", within a reasonable driving distance to shopping, restaurants and activities. Our family of 6 will definitely be back!

Our annual visit to the Big Island was even better this year thanks to our stay at this vintage beach front home. Nothing fancy, just everything you need to have a great time. Morning coffee and afternoon Mai Tai's in lounge chairs, peacefully watching the tide spray the lava flow that extends from the beach. Just a few minutes away from multiple beaches and 10 minutes from the dive shop - Kohala Divers (our favorite).

The owners of the home are very kind, helpful and giving. They live on the property as well, but you'd never know it - they give you your space.

It's a great place to party! We can't wait to go back!!