FREE SCUBA & SNORKEL TOURS at a tranquil hideaway cottage in So Kona

Before booking, this place looked too good to be true. A nice, private, clean, spacious house with a guide, tanks, and weights included? It was all true, plus more. We had a great time at the Sugar cottage, went on fabulous shore dives, and totally enjoyed the company of Garry and Susan. Their place is off the tourist track, in a jungle-like residential area. Garry loves what he does, and is a relaxed and experienced diver who ensures that his guests are happy and comfortable. You really could not ask for more if you want to experience nature of the Big island, above and below the sea. We will be back!

Garry is the nicest host. We chose this place because what we really wanted was to explore the waters. I couldn't believe it when I read he offered "Free Scuba and Snorkel Tours." We really wanted to do those things the first time we went to Hawaii three years ago, but only dabbled. Garry will take you diving but you have to be certified already. He recommended a dive instructor for my son to learn from on the island. During our six night stay, Garry took me snorkeling individually (too early for the rest of my family), then he spent a day going out with my 16 year old son and my son's diving instructor Chad (divingbellscuba) to a place Chad was unfamiliar with. After my son was certified (took 3 days) as a PADI diver, Garry took Luke out again for a couple of dives. Luke loved it. There is no way we could have afforded this without Garry's generosity. Where he took us collectively we saw dolphins, turtles, a spotted eagle ray, a big eel and tons of beautiful fish. So fun to be introduced to this rich, peaceful, underwater world.

The house itself was just perfect for the four of us. If when you see five stars you are thinking it will be really "quaint or fancy with fruit or flowers upon arrival", you might be disappointed. I gave 5 stars because of Garry and his gifts. Not only did he take us out, he had boogie boards, chairs, and umbrella and snorkel gear! The cottage is very clean, easy to get to, has everything you need- including a very handy laundry room with loads of towels, and a nice well-screened outdoor room off the bedroom for dining, playing cards, hanging out. We loved the relaxing sound of the frogs at night, (and even recorded it to bring home). You can hear Garry softly practicing his instrument in the distance, which we also loved, being musicians. When my husband got bloody from unexpected coral (we were out on our own that day) Garry came through with hydrogen peroxide, neosporin and bandaids. What I mean to convey is that, whatever came up, he was readily accessible and helpful, and has a very soothing voice/accent. Go! I'm still reeling with relaxation, and hope we can return again: )

This cottage is worth staying at. The owner Garry is part of the experience. He took our family out snorkelling too days in a row Very knowledgable and patient and good sense of humour. Thanks

Garry went above and beyond as a host. He was the perfect instructor for beginning snorkelers. Sugar Cottage had everything we needed and was conveniently located to the places we wanted to go. We particularly loved the screened porch opening to the bedroom which made us feel like we were sleeping outside. Thanks, Garry. We'll definitely be back!

We had a very enjoyable stay at SuGar Cottage. Garry and Susan are great hosts. The cottage is exactly as described on the rental site. There were even some extras that we have not always found at other rentals. However the very best of our experience was that Garry was always ready and willing to take us snorkelling , at beaches that we would never have found on our own. We always felt comfortable with him and he never took us to unsafe sites.

We stayed for two weeks but if you want to explore all the island I would suggest planning on moving your base around. We actually stayed one night in Hilo, rather than drive back. I almost said home, as that is how we felt with SuGar. We were surprised at how long it takes to drive to various locales. That said, definitely plan on staying mostly on the leeward ,west, side of the island as the weather is much drier and SuGar Cottage is a great site as it is not that far to Volcano or Kona and there are many great uncrowded beaches to discover nearby. Garry is also a great tour guide and resource.