Apartment
Secluded ~ Centrally Located ~ Huge Lanai ~ Onsite Owner
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Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Sleeps 2 784 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Keaau, HI
- Hobby Garden Hawaii14 min drive
- University of Hawaii at Hilo34 min drive
- Port of Hilo38 min drive
- Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)37 min drive
Rooms & beds
0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Secluded ~ Centrally Located ~ Huge Lanai ~ Onsite Owner
A private studio cottage situated at the back of a one acre property. Surrounded by thick vegetation, you feel like you're in the jungle! Vaulted wood ceilings with exposed beams and optional dim mood lighting are two wonderful features.
Garden views surround from the 384sqft. lanai, giving you peace and privacy. Included on the lanai is a hammock for 2 (up to 450 lbs.), a portable gas BBQ grill, patio furniture with mosquito net umbrella cover, wheeled cooler, beach towels, snorkels and masks, beach chairs, 2 boogie boards, large beach umbrella and 2 large umbrellas for rainy days. The lanai is 8 feet wide and runs along two sides of the cottage, extending the living space. A roof overhang of 4 feet protects the lanai on rainy days so you can still enjoy being outside without getting wet. Listen to the roosters, Hawaiian doves and other sounds of nature as you relax with your tea or coffee.
There are many sounds of nature all around us, primarily Hawaiian dove, coqui frogs at night, crickets, birds, and other frogs. We have small hobby farms on each side of us, so you will also hear their dogs, ducks, goats, chickens and roosters. I realize roosters can be very annoying if you are not used to them, so I have two fans in the unit that can be used to help muffle the sounds. There is also a sound machine with 10 different sound scenarios that is very effective in covering the roosters crowing. Roosters are very common throughout the Puna district - I've even heard them inside the Hilo airport post office! If roosters are a concern you want to avoid, be sure to ask your potential hosts about their own or neighboring roosters.
Inside sleeps 2 with a queen-size bed. The queen bed is medium firmness with a center reinforcement for back support and plush mattress cover for added comfort.
There is no A/C, however, there are two stand fans and a ceiling fan to help keep cool.
Dish satellite TV and internet are included. The TV is a 39" LED/HDTV with 120 channels.
Full kitchen with gas stove, oven, refrigerator. It is fully stocked with pots, pans and wok, utensils for eating and cooking, rice maker, microwave, crock pot, coffee maker and Starbucks coffee, blender, 4-slot toaster, 25 spices, and purified water dispenser. Dishes are a service for 4, including plates, bowls, wooden salad bowls, large coffee mugs, glasses, wine glasses, shot glass, and plastic cups.
The bathroom has a shower stall, pedestal sink, laundry basket, plenty of towels, hand towels and wash cloths. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are also provided. Our property also features tankless hot water heaters, so you will not run out of hot water.
You are welcome to use our washer and dryer located in the main house carport storage. Laundry soap, bleach, and dryer sheets are provided as well.
We provide the book "Hawaii: The Big Island Revealed" so you don't miss any off-the-beaten-path places of interest.
Although our location is central to Hilo, the Volcano Park and the coastlines of lower Puna, this is the BIG ISLAND - it is not The Island of Convenience, lol. In other words, there is no getting out of long drives no matter where you stay.
Getting here is super easy, and on paved roads the whole way. We look forward to seeing you!
Please email me if you have any questions or concerns that I may not have addressed here.
Property manager
Karla Nava
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor Space
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9.8 out of 10, (185 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed anywhere on the property.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
Property Registration Number GE-031-630-1824-01, TA-031-630-1824-01
We should mention
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Keaau
Located in Keaau, this apartment is in a rural area and by the sea. Palace Theater and Lyman Museum are local landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Prince Kuhio Plaza and Hilo Shopping Center. Hobby Garden Hawaii and Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Keaau, HI
What's nearby
- Hobby Garden Hawaii - 14 min drive - 1.9 km
- University of Hawaii at Hilo - 34 min drive - 28.4 km
- Port of Hilo - 38 min drive - 33.3 km
- Ha'ena Beach - 43 min drive - 24.3 km
- Carlsmith Beach Park - 43 min drive - 36.0 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Kaleo's Bar and Grill - 17 min drive
- McDonald's - 23 min drive
- Kurtistown Cafe - 26 min drive
- The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - 23 min drive
- Lemongrass Restaurant - 23 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
9.2/10
Amenities
9.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.0/10
Eco-friendliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Jun 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jill b.
Sep 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
nice place and location
Jill b.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Connie F.
Nov 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for us
Connie F.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michelle G.
Oct 12, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and property
Michelle G.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kimberly
Feb 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Kimberly
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Carmel G.
Mar 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect little home
Carmel G.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Becky H.
Sep 14, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacation
Becky H.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Amy P.
Jan 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet junjle stay
Amy P.
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2023
8/10 Good
Dale W.
Aug 16, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great base of operations
Dale W.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Matthias S.
Sep 23, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect stay for Bi Island visit
Matthias S.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Ronald Y.
Feb 24, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location for the Hilo side
Ronald Y.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Christel V., Santa Cruz, California USA
Jun 25, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hawaiian adventure
Christel V.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Darla N., Regina, SK, Canada
Feb 15, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable Cottage
Darla N.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Clark A.
Jan 19, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quick stay to see volcano eruption
Clark A.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kari G.
Oct 7, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Paradise
Kari G.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
8/10 Good
Isabelle
Aug 2, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Isabelle
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Marcia M., Red Deer
Mar 14, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute, peaceful cottage
Marcia M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
10/10 Excellent
Charlotte S.
Jan 26, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Don't hesitate to book!
Charlotte S.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sara S.
Jan 29, 2018
Loved everything about it!!!
Sara S.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2018
10/10 Excellent
Chris H.
May 19, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Stay
Chris H.
Stayed 29 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Janet A.
May 15, 2017
Would Happily Return for another Adventure in Hilo
Janet A.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2017
10/10 Excellent
Rachel F., St Louis
Dec 30, 2021
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Rainforest Getaway
Rachel F.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021
10/10 Excellent
Jared W.
Jun 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jared W.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dan P.
Feb 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Restful Respite Close to Hilo and Puna
Dan P.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dave F.
Mar 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Attention to detail
Dave F.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
About the host
Hosted by Karla Nava

We are Joel and Karla Nava. I'm 61 and he's 55. Joel and I have been married for 27 years and we have one son between us, Lakota, who is 26. I also have 3 other adult children in the mainland and 5 grandchildren. Joel works in I/T and I have been a homemaker for the past 10 years.
We took our first vacation to Kauai in 2006 and decided then that we had to live in Hawaii - but which island? So from there we vacationed on Maui in 2010, and Oahu and the Big Island in 2013. Due to economic and island growth factors, we decided that the Hilo side of the Big Island would be home. After a lot of saving up, we returned to the Big Island in Feb 2015 to purchase our new home!
We took our first vacation to Kauai in 2006 and decided then that we had to live in Hawaii - but which island? So from there we vacationed on Maui in 2010, and Oahu and the Big Island in 2013. Due to economic and island growth factors, we decided that the Hilo side of the Big Island would be home. After a lot of saving up, we returned to the Big Island in Feb 2015 to purchase our new home!
Why they chose this property
We chose this property because it is central to Hilo, Volcanoes National Park and Pahoa. It also had a separate guest cottage that we could turn into a vacation rental for extra income. It is unique in that it has 4 separate structures on the property - the main house, a detached carport, a work shop, and the guest cottage in the back. (The work shop will not be used while guests are visiting.) We love the tropical lushness and the affordability factor compared to the other islands.
What makes this property unique
Unique benefits for this location is being so close to an active volcano and having 11 of the 13 climate zones right here on one island! You don't have to travel far to be in a whole new world and we love that. If you wake up to endless rain in Hilo, go spend the day on the Kona side or make your way above the clouds and watch the sunset on Mauna Kea! Tip: You will be told that you need a 4WD vehicle to go to the summit of Mauna Kea and this is true, but only after you've reached the Visitor Center at the 9000ft. level. You can drive a non-4WD up to the Visitor's Center but the ascent can be very rough on vehicles, so I recommend that you stop and rest the car every mile or two for about 5 or 10 minutes. The Visitors Center is at the 6th mile. Things to see and do at this level are walking a path through the rare silversword plants and hiking to the top of a cinder cone hill to get a view of Mauna Loa, the clouds below and the sunset. The Visitor's Center also has a gift shop and hot drinks for sale.
As for the property itself, we fell in love with the spacious lanais that allow you to enjoy sitting outside in the cool breeze and just taking in all the sounds of nature, no matter if it is the heat of the day or if it is pouring rain. All of our dinners are had out on the lanai! Another great feature is the tankless hot water heaters - no running out of hot water, unless you run out of propane! In that case, we can have you hooked up with a new tank right away.
As for the property itself, we fell in love with the spacious lanais that allow you to enjoy sitting outside in the cool breeze and just taking in all the sounds of nature, no matter if it is the heat of the day or if it is pouring rain. All of our dinners are had out on the lanai! Another great feature is the tankless hot water heaters - no running out of hot water, unless you run out of propane! In that case, we can have you hooked up with a new tank right away.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
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