This hidden gem, nestled amongst lush greenery in Paauilo Mauka, offers a peaceful refuge during your Big Island adventures. Our two-bedroom, garden apartment is situated on the ground level of the historic Main House at Keolamauloa Homestead. With a private entrance, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom overlooking ferns and the pond below, this retreat has everything you need. Each bedroom has a double-size bed, and one includes the soothing sound of a small waterfall outside. A pull-out couch can accommodate an additional 1-2 guests. The cozy living room is stocked with books on Hawaiian culture and botany and includes a propane fireplace for cool evenings.
Please note that the apartment is accessed via a sidewalk that includes several steps, and there are also a few steps inside, including a shower/bath combo that requires stepping in. These features may be considerations for guests with mobility concerns.
Wake up to the sounds of birds in the surrounding native O’hia, Kukui, and Koa trees, relax in our Japanese-style wood soaking tub, take a cool dip in our pond, or lie on the grass under the sun. In the evening, you might enjoy the firepit while listening to tree frogs and crickets and stargazing in the backyard.
Keolamauloa will welcome you home, whether you've taken a stroll in our rural neighborhood, explored nearby Kalopa State Park and historic Honoka’a town, or ventured out to Kohala, Kona, Hilo, or Volcano.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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To ensure safety, children should be supervised at all times.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number GE-082-401-5360-01, TA-082-401-5360-01
Property # 219419vb
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
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Paauilo
Located in Paauilo, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Hamakua Heritage Corridor and Kalōpā reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Hawaiian Vanilla Company and Kalopa State Recreation Area. WM Keck Observatory and Mauna Kea Observatory are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and surfing/body boarding nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails.
Is Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead on 11 Jul 2026 start from £181, 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 at Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is steps from Hamakua Heritage Corridor and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Hawaiian Vanilla Company. Kalōpā and Kalopa State Recreation Area are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We never used the hot tub. For us the place was located in a wonderful place! My brother-in-law lives in the area near it. The host was on his toes when we needed something.
We had a wonderful stay here. Communication was excellent with host and the property was just what we needed. Couldn't have asked for a better first stay in Hawaii! Everything was wonderful.
Keri A.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jan 2026
Mahalo for your message and for staying at our homestead!
We had the most amazing time. The accommodations were the best we have ever experienced! Sally was very attentive - she even gave me minute-by-minute updates when the electricity went out due to a storm. The beautiful property and home were among our top favorite things from this trip - thank you!
Shary T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jan 2026
We’re so glad you had a great experience! Mahalo for staying with us!
beautiful house and property, mauna kea in the backdrop, stargazing at night from the backyard, waking up to cool sounds, cats, pup and a pig, would stay again
If anything, the pictures etc do not do this property justice. Everything about it is wonderful. We were able to completely relax. This place is very very special and glows with care. Thanks so much!
cindi p.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2022
Thank you for finding Keolamauloa! We are so happy you enjoyed your stay! - Much aloha,
Sally, Keith and Kiaʻi
We totally loved this property, Sally was so easy to work with and we have absolutely no complaints except we couldn’t stay longer!! The property is simply beautiful!!!! You felt like you’re really in a Hawaiian Paradise! ! At night you can sit by the fire pit or soak in the hot tub and just listen to nature!! The home was spacious and we didn’t need to ask for anything more!!! Staying there brought me to a place that I can honestly was I was the most relaxed ever on Amy trips I ever taken !! I HIGHLY RECOMMENDED this paradise retreat.
Dorothy G.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan 2023
Aloha Dorothy,
We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and found our homestead relaxing and peaceful. Thank you for visiting Keolamauloa!
Much Aloha,
Sally and Keith
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Renee S.
12 Mar 2016
Marvelous
Tthis is a most special property which far surpassed our expectations. The owner and her family care for their accommodations and make every effort to keep guests comfortable and happy. We especially loved the plantings on the land and learning about the history of the area as well. Though we were lucky and enjoyed good weather, there were dehumidifiers and a good heater in our cottage that would keep folks cozy and warm should it rain. The outdoor hot tub is a delight. We will definitely come here again and would recommend it as a special get away location that evokes the old Hawaii that is disappearing from many of the typical tourist destinations.
Loved the setting. Bed was really comfortable. Kitchen was adequate for our needs. Really quiet setting. Hot tub was interesting but great. The high wall into the shower was a surprise. Didn't see that in the property description on vrbo. Fortunately we are pretty spry for 75 & 77, but others less physicalky abke could have had a real problem. Had communication with manager but no response to our replies, wondered if i was doing it wrong. All in all we enjoyed our stay.
Verified traveller
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jul 2024
Aloha,
Thank you for your feedback and for choosing to stay at our vacation rental. We’re glad to hear that you loved the setting, found the bed comfortable, and enjoyed the quiet surroundings and hot tub. We apologize for any confusion regarding communication. We strive to be responsive, and I did message you every day to check in , and provide any additional info. But I never got a reply. Perhaps there was a glitch in the VRBO messaging or your information is not up to date to receive messages? I will review the VRBO messaging process to ensure a smoother experience for future guests.
Much aloha,
Sally & Keith
Archival
8/10 Good
Tessa B.
16 Dec 2013
Lovely Property
This property was a perfect reprieve from the hot east coast of the island. The grounds were just right for our toddler but the unit itself was not very toddler friendly. Exposed outlets, open bookcases, and a large step made it hard to keep her safe inside. (She was walking but not able to use stairs yet.)
The land is beautiful. the gardens, the animals, the fruit trees and the owner make this property that little peace of happiness. We will return and we will continue to recommend this to others. But if you have tiny mobile ones, travel with outlet covers.
Tessa B.
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jul 2020
Thank you for staying with us. I appreciate your suggestion of outlet covers for curious children. They will added to the accommodation. We strive to provide our guests with a wonderful and safe stay at Keolamauloa.
We were very impressed and happy with our stay here! We loved having the kitchen to cook our own meals and listening to some tunes on their record player. They have dehumidifiers in the room, which we really appreciated because this is the wet side of island it is pretty humid. For the most part we were up and gone while it was still dark out side and came back after the sun had set. The last day we made a point to come back early to have a relaxing night in their hot tub. It was wonderful and I couldn’t believe that we didn’t do it sooner. You could enjoy your vacation just as much with out ever leaving their property. I recommend visiting the vanilla farm up the road! Its within walking distance and they have great coffee and delicious bread pudding.
You will not find a more unique and relaxing property in all of Hawaii. We spent a week here exploring this property and the area around it. Wish we could have stayed longer. Apartment offers everything you need on your vacation.
The apartment, located on a large property, was clean, spacious and beautifully decorated with the hosts’ art. Our stay there was so peaceful and relaxing with the sound of birds and frogs, and the water fountain flowing in the koi pond below our bedroom window. From there we were able to explore the eastern and northern parts of the island. We would definitely come back!
The downstairs apartment was well equipped, very clean, and quite comfortable. The setting was lovely and very peaceful. The lanai was a terrific place to "hang out". The Lundburg family treated us very well and were quite accommodating.
We had a family emergency and needed a place to stay last minute. Keolamauloa was a perfect sanctuary for us. After a stressful day, it was nice to be in a remote area, surrounded by beautiful views and greenery. Loved the animals outside- I'm allergic to cats, but that didn't stop me from petting them a little...the chickens were adorable, and it was fun feeding the pig...I even looked forward to seeing the bullfrog (as long as he didn't jump towards me).
The upstairs neighbors were sweet - treated us to homemade cupcakes and kindly folded the laundry I had accidentally forgot in the dryer. Sally (the owner's daughter) was kind, helpful and considerate - made us fresh iced tea and plucked fresh flowers from the garden. Kaye (the owner) was always responsive and attentive to any questions I had.
If you're looking for a rustic getaway to be your temporary home, then Keolamauloa is a perfect place.
It was a nice place. I liked looking over the pond while having my morning coffee.
Rebecca T.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
christine d.
20 May 2019
Charming country cottage
I really loved this cottage. I wanted a place to call home while I explored the North side of the island, and the cottage was perfect. Sally was a gracious host, who made herself available if I needed anything. The property is beautiful, full of birds, flowers and amazing smells. The cottage had everything I needed and then some. Including a lovely cat that joined me every morning for coffee at the pond. Honokaa is a little town about 5 miles north that has a market with great wine at a great price and a Redbox, restaurants, a couple bars and shops. This is a great off the beaten path place to stay.
Highlights:
took one of the best photos of my trip at the Waipio valley lookout at sunset!
Smoked Ahi chunks bought at 485 Lehua street just down from the market. It was so good I brought some home. A much better gift then the typical macadamia nuts.
Lowlights:
The beds, a bit on the uncomfortable side. However, my bed at home is amazing, so I might be a bit spoiled.
Thanks again Sally, I had a great time. Say “hey” to HD.
christine d.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Verified
8/10 Good
Annette N.
11 Apr 2019
Historic stay in Paauilo
This was the first time we stayed on this side of the island and will not be the last. It is a quiet and serene place.
Annette N.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Monica M.
11 Mar 2019
Lovely quaint and charming accommodations
We loved getting away from the crowds! Thank you for having everything we needed to make our stay enjoyable. The hot tub was especially wonderful.
Monica M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Thank you to this lovely family for choosing Keolamauloa during their Hawaii Island stay. We hope they will consider returning on their next family trip to Hamakua.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tim S.
2 Jan 2019
She is a person with wisdom.
What can you ask more? People who you meet is always the most important thing during our trip.
Tim S.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Abby L.
11 Dec 2018
Wonderful
We had a wonderful time. So peaceful. Sally and Keith are awesome. Thank you Kaye for sharing with us. Get out and walk. The roads are perfect a for seeing all the beautiful trees and rolling hills on foot.
Hi Dasher!
Abby L.
Stayed 12 nights in Nov 2018
About the host
Hosted by Sally Lundburg
Both raised on the Big Island, my husband and I returned to Hawaii in 2003 to help manage my family’s homestead. We had completed our education at the San Francisco Art Institute, and we were about to have our daughter, Kia’i. Our vision was to create a sustainable lifestyle that balanced both work and play, and to raise our daughter surrounded by the vibrancy of nature. Today, in addition to being educators in local schools, we own and operate Manukai Designs, a workshop & art studio located here on our homestead. We produce fine art for exhibition and by commission, as well as bodysurfing handboards made from foraged wood and old surfboards, and jewelry crafted from upcycled surfboard resin. We are lifelong surfers and if we're not working on the homestead or in our studio...you'll find us in the ocean.
Why they chose this property
When my parents found this homestead in Paauilo in the early '80s, they felt it was full of possibilities. Restoring 80-year-old buildings and reclaiming land that was overgrown from years of neglect was daunting, but was a project for a growing family. Today Keolamauloa is a family treasure that continues to evolve.
What makes this property unique
I love living here. Our normal weather pattern mixes sunshine and rain most days. The evenings are cool and sometimes the fog rolls in, or heavy rains pound on our plantation era tin roofs. A great day is to heading to the West side for scorching sun, white sand and coconut trees, and then retreating home to the cool of Paauilo Mauka with its forest overstory, snuggling under blankets and listening to the sound of the tree frogs singing in the evening. The Hamakua Coast is truly magical.
Languages:
English
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