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Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub

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Tropical Hideaway, showing patio entrance with hot tub, outdoor dining, gas BBQ
Living area with double futon couch, Smart TV
Queen bed with ocean and garden views
Smart TV with Netflix, Pandora, streaming, cable and DVD player
Kitchenette - fridge, 2 burner hot plate, coffee maker, toaster oven, microwave

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
0+ bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View in a map
Captain Cook, HI
  • Place, Painted Church
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Bay View Farm
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Studio

1 Double Futon and 1 Queen Bed

1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub

Tropical Hideaway is a charming Hawaii-style downstairs studio apartment in a lush garden setting, with ocean and sunset views, plus a chemical-free swimming pool with waterfall and private hot tub. Tropical Hideaway is just a three minute drive from fabulous snorkeling, kayaking, and diving experiences at Honaunau (Two Step), and close to Kealakekua Bay & Ho'okena Bay. Recently upgraded.

The beautifully landscaped garden is filled with mango, papaya, banana, likikoi, lemons, pineapple, figs, limes and other fruit trees and flowers. Relax in the back to nature environment or explore the island by day and return to your cozy retreat by night. Private hot tub and outdoor shower. The Studio is screened in the Hawaiian style (no glass), so as to be open to the tropical outdoor setting, pleasant breezes and nature's wonders. Explore the awesome beauty of Hawaii's active volcano or the upcountry pastures of Parker Ranch and the cowboy country of Waimea--each just a 1.5 hour drive.

Tropical Hideaway is located on the west side of the 'Big Island' of Hawaii about 20 miles south of the town of Kailua-Kona, 1 mile off the main island highway near the 'Painted Church,' and 2.5 miles from the 'Place of Refuge' National Park at Honaunau.

Rates: Studio $145 per night + tax and $130 cleaning fee for 1-2 persons, 3 night minimum with advance reservation. (Futon couch also available for a child 10+ or third person, $15/night additional for 3rd person.)

Keywords: Studio Apartment
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
Children 10 and over are OK
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking permitted in lower lawn area
Quiet time after 10pm and before 8am

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number TA-136-958-1568-01, GE-136-958-1568-01
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Captain Cook

Located in Captain Cook, this apartment is by the sea. Kona Country Club and Holua Tennis Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Bay View Farm and Big Island Bees. Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Greenwell Farms are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
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Map
Captain Cook, HI

What's nearby

  • Painted Church - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park - 3 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Bay View Farm - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Kailua Pier - 34 min drive - 40.8 km
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - 41 min drive - 59.4 km

Getting around

  • Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shaka Tacoz - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Kona Chips - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Coffee Shack - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Black Rock Pizza - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub?

As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub on 7 Jul 2026 start from £108, 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.

Is Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming Tropical Hideaway, Best Snorkeling, Pool, Hot Tub located?

Situated by the sea, this apartment building is within 1 mile (2 km) of Painted Church and Bay View Farm. Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary and Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 95 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 95 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 95 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 95 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 95 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our stay here - truly, it was as advertised - a tropical hideaway indeed!Kathy and Mark made us feel welcomed and offered anything we needed. Including apple bananas and other fruits grown on-property.The coqui choir sang all night long and made our stay memorable. Two step - the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii in my opinion, just a few miles down the hill - and we were able to go each day of our stay.We even took in the Saturday evening mass at the painted church an were greeted with beautiful Aloha and leis.Highly recommend this lovely location.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It’s a charming place
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kathleen was a very welcoming host and had everything we needed for our stay. A great experience to be out in the jungle with an outdoor shower and with surrounding screen windows in a private area that gives the stay a true getaway feel. Just be prepared to experience all the sounds of the jungle with roosters and frogs. Would stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tropical Hideaway

Kathy was an excellent guest! Very communicative and helpful. The location and unit was perfect for us and we loved the Hawaiian vibe!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan and Jim E.

What a wonderful vacation. Kathy is helpful and kind. The cottage is comfy and it was very convenien

Second visit and we had a grand time. Kathy thinks of every way she can make your visit pleasant. Highly recommend the cottage.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Thank you for your wonderful review. It was a delight to have you here at Tropical Hideaway for a second visit. You are always welcome to return. Mahalo, Kathy
Verified

8/10 Good

KMountain Farm girl

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tropical hideaway

Great location, just a short walk to the painted church and a quick drive to Two step or Kealakekua Bay. The outdoor shower was a treat and we loved the screened in windows to hear the sounds of the coqui at night and have the moonlight shine I. With the warm breezes. Fresh bananas every morning from trees on the property was appreciated!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emilie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect and peaceful

I had such a relaxing stay. Supplies for the beach and snorkeling. Perfect location- minutes from two step. I would go back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracey K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cool little hideaway

My daughter and I absolutely loved this place. Its secluded and chill. The property is beautiful. Tons of things to do in the area. Definitely 5 stars.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

J S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Rental

We had such a great stay here. The scents and sounds of nature were wonderful. Comfortable beds and everything we needed. Loved the salt water swimming pool. Be sure to stop by the bakery near the bottom of the driveway…delicious.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A delight just a couple of miles from Two-Step

It was more than pleasant to live in our little screened in studio. Very private. Ecologically conscious. Wonderful hot tub and outdoor shower, Hope to return one day!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jungle Retreat

Relaxing and had everything we needed to cook and recreate. Jungle setting and elevation made it great for sleeping - cooler and the short bits of rain were great! Could smell flowers from hot tub. Appreciated the garden/jungle setting with views down to ocean from backyard. Wonderful location since we love snorkeling. Two Step and great snorkeling nearby. Painted church within walking distance was wonderful and so inviting! Another amazing thing was having the fresh bread stand at the bottom of the driveway. You gotta try the Ube and white chocolate chip cookies! We hope to be return guests!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place

Rustic, that’s why I like it. Clean with everything we needed. Complimentary in season fruits grown on the property. Two roadside bakery stands about a two minute walk from our room. Five minute drive to the best snorkle spot. Our host is very nice and
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Larry and Beth K.

Peaceful Relaxing and Great Location

Very nice hideaway in abeautiful setting. Very private. We loved watching the sunset through the palm trees and laying in bed looking at the ocean. Fresh fruit was a plus as was the pool and hot tub. Kathleen provides lots of extras to make your stay comfortable. Close to lots of beaches, snorkeling, hiking and other sites to see. If we get back to the big island we’d enjoy staying here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Thank you Beth and Larry. You were wonderful guests and I hope you do return to the Big Island and Tropical Hideaway.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

donna s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Authentic Island Vibe!

It’s hard to choose a place to start when everything is so wonderful. The space is adorable and has everything you need for your stay. We used it as our home base for exploring the island, the close proximity to excellent snorkeling was amazing. We spent one day just at the space enjoying the hot tub and bbq, watching the sunset from the garden. I loved being serenaded to sleep by the tree frogs and gently awakened by the birds. Kathleen is a wonderful host and gave us a tour of the extensive tropical garden. I would stay here again!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place

We loved everything about this place. We slept so well here. The coqui frogs are loud but we like sleeping to loud waves or rainfall. You can hear cars on the road sometimes during the day but they didn't impact our stay. We made good use of the hot tub, pool, and outdoor shower. The pool was bigger then we thought it would be and deep. The sunset views were great. We'd return.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MJ G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

We loved the atmosphere of this great, laid back place. So fun for us as a couple. Location is easy to access, a little cooler than sea level, pleasantly breezy, close enough to play at numerous beaches, and visit the entire island. You have plenty of privacy, but Kathy the host, and Mark, the caretaker are quickly accessible and ready to help when needed. Friendly, willing to offer suggestions. Yes there are insects, frogs, and roosters talking at times, but we found them funny and relaxing after the initial introduction. Facilities are completely adequate for preparing meals when you want to. Bed is comfortable. Outdoor shower and hot tub were fun.Really, our stay felt magical, relaxed, and thoroughly enjoyable. We both loved it and hope to return next year.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect tropical hideaway

This property is on a hill with a bit of an ocean view, better when at the pool which was a beautiful small saltwater pool that was ten feet deep! The hot tub on the porch was nice for relaxing and listening to all the birds around you. It's mostly open air with an outdoor shower... loved it!! Kathleen is a photographer and her stunning photos decorate the rooms. The yard is lush with all types of tropical plants and trees. Lots of bananas and papaya they set out for you. They have a washer and dryer and lots of gear you can use. I would definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kara c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Romantic Tropical Hideaway

We greatly enjoyed our stay at the tropical hideaway, conveniently located a few minutes drive from two step beach+many coffee shops and about 30 minutes from Kona(which is you ask me, is the perfect distance from the busy tourist town). The space itself is beautiful and private, although the space is below Kathy’s living quarters, we truly felt we had the whole property to ourselves on our honeymoon and barely saw/heard anyone the whole week we stayed. The sunsets from our private hot tub were gorgeous, the home is well stocked, and the frogs put us right to sleep at night( bring ear plugs if you never have slept in a place with frogs as they can be loud to some people) . Kathy was a great host, giving us a tour when we arrived then leaving us to enjoy our privacy. She is responsive and very helpful of what’s locally around. We came for our Honeymoon and wished we could stay longer! 100% would stay again on our next visit to the BI!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise!

We have nothing but good things to say about our stay at Tropical Hideaway! We had everything we needed, and it was the perfect place to enjoy beautiful Hawaii! We loved waking up every day to such a beautiful view, and going to sleep to the chirping of the birds, frogs, and bugs! The privacy of the property was awesome, and it was still such a short drive to great snorkeling and our other adventures! The hosts were so kind and ensured we had everything we needed, and gave us some good pointers for things to do on the island. We loved the fact that the place was just screened in instead of windows, it allowed for a really nice breeze and even without heating and cooling we were always comfortable! We enjoyed using the hot tub every day, and the grill and cooking appliances allowed us to cook several meals while we were there. We loved the ease of recycling and composting as well-everything is set up for little waste! We highly highly recommend this stay, and would love to stay here again if we make it back to Hawaii someday!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

4/10 Poor

Caroline and Paul P.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Communication, location, listing accuracy

A learning experience

Some good things here - cute place, easy access, charming looking, private enough, outdoor shower works great, pool access, lots of beach stuff to borrow, washer dryer available, and kitchen is well enough stocked, and general area interesting. Some not so great things here too, and in our opinion non-disclosures. We made the mistake of booking several months in advance, sight unseen for 4 weeks because we love the island and even the coqui frogs, so we thought that based on the description of this place, it would be similar to our previous location just south of here. But this place is a lanai (no glass on windows and main door), and I'd say just one step up from glamping - we had geckos inside and (one night) a cane spider in the bathroom sink. So this place is subject to little critters getting inside and doing what they want. The biggest problem though was roosters, to which the owner claimed ignorance and said they were new. Earplugs are not enough against the piercing noise of the highway or (especially) the roosters crowing day and night. Felt that we were dealt with in bad faith by owner and company when we had to leave after 4 nights of no sleep, and the experience cost us some stress and money and time to research a new location. The owner opined that our sensitivities to noise were the problem but that is demonstrably false, and other hosts give us 5 stars. We weren't the problem. Might be good for a short stay if you win at the rooster roulette, but not for us.
Stayed 15 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Nov 2024
I am sorry that staying at Tropical Hideaway didn’t work for you. However, I need to set the record straight for some of your comments. The description on VRBO states that there are half walls with screens (no glass), the photos show exactly what it looks like, and other reviews comment on the indoor-outdoor space and enjoying nature’s sounds. The roosters had just arrived across the street—they are feral and roam the wider area. We may see them briefly every 3-4 years. It seems they started crowing around 3am, but since I sleep through the night, I did not hear them and didn’t know they were around until you told me that your wife couldn’t sleep. On Oct. 4 when you were going to Hilo and might find somewhere else to stay, I immediately offered to refund half of your rental cost that I received for the 24 nights that you wouldn't be here. It was two more days before you said that you weren’t coming back. That refund was money that I didn’t get back. VRBO took 12 days to refund your money, with me calling VRBO several times and regular updates to you on the VRBO site of the refund progress. I don’t consider any of this ‘dealing in bad faith.’ I was supportive of you in every way that I could. Of the 45 reviews on VRBO for my place, 42 are 5 star reviews. On other booking sites I have a rating of 4.83 stars for 210 reviews. I've been in business for 22 years, and I want guests to have the best experience they can have. One can’t please everyone, but my track record is good.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sarah g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So comfy and beautiful

Very enjoyable and easy to feel relaxed in this space. Had everything we needed both inside and out. Area is beautiful to walk and enjoy fresh produce and baked goods right down the road. The host is a available if need but is invisible if your doing your thing. Definitely will book again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We felt like we were in our own little rainforest!!

We absolutely loved our experience at Paradise Hideaway! It was so peaceful listening to all the nature sounds and I loved how everything was closed in with screens instead of windows! Everything was very clean and Ms. Kathleen was very kind and made sure we had everything we needed. We felt at home and didn’t want to leave once our stay was up :( I’m very glad we found Paradise Hideaway! It was like our own little rainforest!
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Miriam L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Special place in Honaunau

Kathleen's place is a wonderful, relaxing hideaway. The inside is screened all around so you feel like you are always outside in the air, even when snuggled in bed. Hot tub outside your door, swimming pool a few steps away. Walk to the Painted Church, 5 min drive to Two Step and the Place of Refuge. Love it.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing, Truly tropical getaway

We loved our private ohana.Pictures are accurate to web site. Even though there are other people living here still very private and enjoyed working on our sun tans by the pool.The temp of pool in Jan was 75 degrees,which I found prefect We were treated to various fruits during our stay.We enjoyed the breeze that drifted various flower fragrances into our ohana as we slept at night.This is the tropicals and no windows but we found very few little creatures to bother us,we found geckos so entertaining .The hot tub was fantastic to enjoy before and after a day of exploring.This is a great location for snorkeling and hiking.We appreciated the quiet evenings as you are staying under the main house so be mindful not to be loud and as we appreciated the same as you can hear when there is only screens.The road is close but this is a quiet road at night,only the chickens ,frogs and some dogs so if you are a light sleeper you will need ear plugs.Over all I give this hideaway 5star. Mahola
Stayed 30 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janis P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

Real Hawaii, not the prepackaged-looks-like-any-other-resort type of thing. Kathleen is a wonderful host who gives you privacy while being quick to answer any question. Fresh fruit from the trees, refreshing outdoor shower and hot tub, and great access to tourism sites. Got to sleep to the song of coqui frogs. (Bring earplugs of this bothers you) Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019

About the host

Hosted by Kathleen Carr

Host profile image
I've had a love affair with Hawaii since I first lived on Maui in the '60s. I am thrilled to be able to offer a vacation rental in the Captain Cook/Honaunau area, which is my favorite place to live.

Why they chose this property

This wonderful location is three minutes from the best snorkeling on the island, with wild dolphins and turtles as well. It is in a lush, tropical area, filled with fruit trees and gardens--private, quiet and rural, yet within easy driving distance of a variety of cultural sites and natural wonders.

What makes this property unique

I start each morning with a swim or snorkel in the ocean, then enjoy breakfast either on the lanai or poolside. Kayaking is a favorite pastime, as well as hiking nearby trails. Volcano National Park is a 1.5 hour drive, and if I want an evening in town or to dine at a nice restaurant, I'm within 30 minutes of Kailua-Kona.

Languages:

English

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