Located in Kehena Beach Estates, a neighborhood in Pahoa, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. Mackenzie State Park and Pohoiki reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center and Hilo Coffee Mill. Akatsuka Orchid Gardens and Aloha Candy Company are also worth visiting. Snorkeling and motor boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting and ecotours nearby.
University of Hawaii at Hilo - 50 min drive - 61.7 km
Port of Hilo - 55 min drive - 67.0 km
Rainbow Falls - 57 min drive - 68.5 km
Getting around
Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO) - 53 min drive
Restaurants
paradise - 17 min drive
Behind the Bamboo - 4 min drive
Hale Aloha At Kalani - 4 min drive
Ono Korean Bbq - 18 min drive
The Jokers Hideout - 25 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Whale House w/ AC @ Kehena Beach, Hawaii (Oceanfront) pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Whale House w/ AC @ Kehena Beach, Hawaii (Oceanfront)?
As of Oct 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whale House w/ AC @ Kehena Beach, Hawaii (Oceanfront) on Oct 31, 2026 start from $199, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Whale House w/ AC @ Kehena Beach, Hawaii (Oceanfront)?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Whale House w/ AC @ Kehena Beach, Hawaii (Oceanfront)?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Whale House w/ AC @ Kehena Beach, Hawaii (Oceanfront) located?
Located in Kehena Beach Estates, this cottage is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center and within 6 mi (10 km) of Star of the Sea Painted Church and Mackenzie State Park. Pohoiki and Pohoiki Beach are also within 9 mi (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
This property was so very quiet, quaint, and peaceful. Lol, except for the frogs. We loved the area and did a lot of site seeing in the area! Would stay here again!
Cute property, private, very clean! Love the patio with views of the ocean! You may want to consider renting a small to midsize car as parking is tight and can be a challenge..
Peaceful and beautiful location! In the past, we stayed at the Kailua-Kona side but wanted to give this side of the island a visit. The area is so beautiful and the vista to the ocean was spectacular The space had everything we could ask for including a cooler and beach chairs which made all our beach trips more comfortable! A/C in the bedroom made for restful sleep. Keep your screens closed and that will help with bugs. Dust on lamps and a small fan made me sneeze, but all good.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 24, 2026
Lamp shade and fan replaced. We always remind our guests that we are close to the rainforest and yo close screen doors at night when lights are on.
The house was really clean and in a great location to enjoy Kehena beach which is just across the road.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 7, 2023
While most guests ( young and senior) really enjoy this beach, there are some folks ( usually disabled in some form) that have trouble w/ the rock stairs so it’s not for everyone. It is however the MOST POPULAR black sand beach on this side of Hawaii.
My family and I were only on the Big Island for two days but this property was just what we were looking for.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 1, 2023
If you are looking to avoid busy tourist areas and want to experience ‘ real Hawaii’ , this may be the place. It’s across from the ocean where you can hear the waves crashing on the cliffs below. During winter months, you can see and hear whales from this cottage … and that’s why we named it Whale House. 🤟🏽
This was a lovely cottage facing the ocean. It has an AC unit in the bedroom that was helpful with the humidity of the coast. The fold out sofa worked just fine for our family of 4, and everything felt comfy with a great beach vibe. We only stayed one night for our Hilo and Volcano National Park trip but would have enjoyed a longer stay too.
Loved the whale house, cute little kitchen, lots of beautiful flowers and a walk across the street to Kehena Beach, which we liked more than Pohoiki Beach.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 3, 2023
It warms our heart when we get great reviews like this. Yes, Kehena Beach is the most popular black sand beach in Puna, Hawaii. On Sundays you will see a line of cars on both sides of the street as people come from all over to the famous ‘ drum circle’ and static dance festivities. When Monday comes, the place is so peaceful.
It’s truly a unique place.
Great little bungalow tucked away in paradise. Check-in was easy, kitchen supplies were sufficient for the two of us and wifi was more than sufficient. It’s “off the beaten path”, but if you want a touch of tranquil Hawaii, this place will transport you there
This place was peaceful and so relaxing. It does have 2 other homes on the property, but it felt very private. Definitely worth a stay! Loved the patio! One of favorite stays ever!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 27, 2024
Yes, the 3 cottages are located in lower Puna across from Kehena Beach. We love the fact that it’s not only beautiful down here but a great place to get away from the city and relax.
Clean, easy check in. Owners were very quick to respond and very accommodating when our plans changed. We really enjoyed our stay, nice place to decompress.
This was an absolutely lovely location. Hosts were amazing. The property was great. I would stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 29, 2022
We work hard to get reviews like this and are thrilled to here them. This truly is a beautiful semi- remote location that most people love. If you want to see the ‘ real’ Hawaii and not a tourist trap - this is it!