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A wonderful place to be.....

Holiday home in Kamuela with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for A wonderful place to be.....

Afternoon view of Mauna Kea from the front deck - great place to relax!
Sunrise over Mauna Kea from the deck. Great start to each morning.
View of the home from the east.
View of the home and entrance area from near Puako Beach Dr.
Beach access from the house enjoyed by all-even the wild turkeys!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 51216 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Kamuela, HI
  • Place, Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Mauna Lani Beach
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Second Bedroom

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

A wonderful place to be.....

E 'Aka 'Aka Mau loosely translates as Laughs a Lot House in Hawaiian. Our two bedroom, two bath home is a perfect getaway for couples and families! Just 400 feet from the beach, and with a beautiful view of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, our house offers two sides of Hawaii, both the ocean and the mountains. Enjoy breakfast in the morning, watching sunrise over Mauna Kea on the wrap-around deck. Take a leisurely stroll to the beach, picnic and beach chairs in hand, and enjoy the warm Pacific waters. Snorkel in Puako Bay or at nearby Waialea Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Swim with sea turtles, colorful fish, and perhaps even a moray eel! Afterward, relax in the screened-in lanai living space, while your meal is grilling out on the BBQ. And end your day by watching the spectacular sunset over the ocean before walking back to your Hawaiian escape.

E 'Aka 'Aka Mau House is uniquely set up to accommodate family and friends, but still afford privacy. The upstairs area is air conditioned for warmer days and has a spacious living room; the cathedral ceiling with two fans gives the space a light, airy feel. This same ambience carries over to the dining area, where koa trimmed windows and wooden floors show off the 'Hawaiian plantation' decor of the room. Open the large sliding glass doors and windows to allow in the breeze! The galley kitchen is well equipped with everything necessary to prepare any kind of meal, from a Thanksgiving turkey to Hawaiian and Asian fare. Granite-topped counters, hard-wood kitchen island, and a large, shelved pantry provide the ideal space to create meals for family and friends. And a Weber Spirit II propane grill is readily accessible on the deck, perfect for grilling that special Hawaiian dish!

Downstairs, a second air conditioned bedroom with sitting area and separate bath lends a 'studio setting' feel to the unit, and is perfect for teenage children or when two couples rent the house. It is accessed through its own separate door. For extra guests and/or small children, there is a fold-out sofa sleeper in the upstairs living room. Finally, the screened in lanai is set up as an additional living space, with a double bed futon for those wanting to sleep outdoors.

High definition TV and wifi are available to our guests. A full-sized washer and dryer are also on the premises for your use.

Our goal is to make E 'Aka 'Aka Mau House your home away from home - a place to relax, enjoy your surroundings, and laugh alot - with family and friends!

Hawaii tax ID W24030175-01
On-island contact information sent with Welcome Letter prior to arrival
Interested in a Montana vacation? Check out VRBO 962789

Please note the following from the State of Hawaii: Hawaii SB 1396 was signed into law by Governor Josh Green on May 27, 2025. This increases the State Transient Accommodations Tax from 10.25% to 11% effective 1/1/2026. This will be added to all reservations manually on 1/1/2026 as VRBO does not have a way of doing it now. With this increase, the total tax rate will become 18.712%, up from 17.962%. Our apologies for this increase, but it is out of our control.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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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
The Puako environment includes insects and pests. Terminix sprays the outside of the home quarterly. We will inform you of their arrival.

Important information

You need to know

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
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
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
Property Registration Number TA-121-592-6272-01, GE-121-592-6272-01, 690060370002

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Kamuela

Located in Kamuela, this holiday home is in the mountains. While the natural beauty of Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and Mauna Kea Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course. Great 4-D Movie Ride and Manta Ray Point are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Kamuela, HI

What's nearby

  • Puako Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course - 7 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Mauna Lani Beach - 12 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Mauna Kea Beach - 16 min drive - 11.4 km
  • Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area - 19 min drive - 5.7 km

Getting around

  • Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hawaii’s Ultimate Donut - Hot Malasadas - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Tommy Bahama Tropical Café - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Mauna Lani Coffee Company - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Waikoloa Coffee Company - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪CanoeHouse - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A wonderful place to be..... pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A wonderful place to be.....?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A wonderful place to be.....?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A wonderful place to be..... located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Puako Beach and within 3 miles (5 km) of Puako Bay and Mauna Lani Historic Park. Francis H.I'i Brown North Golf Course and Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

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. 139 out of 144 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 144 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 144 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 144 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 144 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Luke L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place to stay. Amazing view and a few steps away from the ocean. Will definitely be back
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pat O.

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

Big Island yay!

Absolutely wonderful location with wonderful hosts.
Stayed 35 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I am in love. This has to be our #1 favorite place that we have stayed on the Big Island. I wanted to be out of the main city of Kona but close enough to travel in for shopping or our favorite restaurants. However we did find that we also loved the nearer resort shopping areas. Peaceful countryside mixed with beach/snorkeling was the flavor-goal of our trip. I actually debated about how glowing to be in this review because I am terrified that others will figure it out and pretty soon we wouldn’t be able to fight for a future reservation!! But I must be honest. The reasons I give it 5 stars: perfect for 2 couples, extremely clean and uncluttered with AC, the view out of the generous side/back windows is beautiful quiet countryside and the view from a few steps outside the front is ‘un-peopley’ pristine coastline with snorkeling, close to our favorite beach/snorkeling at Hapuna beach and Mauna Kea resort, outdoor shower makes the beaching/snorkeling cleanup so much easier, use of generous amounts of beach equipment, well-stocked home and kitchen, charming country store down the road, kind neighbors who were super helpful with tips for best beach spots near the house. I intend on booking for 2 weeks as soon as I can find a spot on my 2026/2027 calendar!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

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

Excellent house, perfect neighborhood

Book this house before someone else does; it is an absolute gem. As stated by all the other reviewers, it's very clean, well-stocked, and nicely decorated. The best thing about it for me, though, is its location. Puako Beach Drive is dreamy with its many beach access spots (most of which are great for snorkeling or just clambering around to respectfully view the sea turtles and other sea life thriving amongst the lava rock pools), views of the mountains and Kohala coast, proximity to lovely beaches (Hapuna and Wailea were favorites) and total sense of serenity. There's even a flock of wild love birds that like to hang out on the roof and trees nearby. Unreal. It's also worth mentioning how reasonably priced the rental is, given how high prices are in the area. We felt very lucky to be there. Thank you, Glenn & Nicole!
Sunrise over Mauna Kea through the living room window
Directly across the street from the house
Looking north up the Kohala coast
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Toby S.

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

Perfect location

Beautiful place. Serene and quiet. Beach just steps away, delicious fruit in the yard, and the stars were amazing every night. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annie B.

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

Lovely home in Puako

We had the best stay. Would definitely book again.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emily H.

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

Great Location

My husband, our 5 year old and I enjoyed our stay very much. We hope to come back again
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gayle S.

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

Wonderful place

This was our second time here and we loved it. The panoramic views are spectacular, it’s a beautiful space, wonderful art, and it’s peaceful . Being a block from the ocean is a huge added bonus.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maley H.

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

Fabulous 360 Views and Excellent Supplies

Our stay on Puako was exceptional. Glen’s home has everything you need to cook at home while enjoying views of both the Kohala and the ocean. The kitchen was the best stocked VRBO we’ve ever stayed in. The beach equipment they share with guests exceeds expectations. The location is so central to all of the amazing Kohala Coast beaches. Would absolutely encourage anyone to stay here! Mahalo, Glen!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

JOYCE B., FENTON

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

Beautiful Puako

This is the second time that we have stayed here and it never disappoints. We are already looking forward to the next time we can come back. Thanks for sharing your beautiful place with us.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl S., Clover, South Carolina, USA

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

Perfect for our needs

This is our second time renting and it has everything we need. This time we came with another couple and my mother-in-law. The downstairs space gave our friends the separate space they needed while allowing us all to spend time together. It is close to some of the best beaches on the island but away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauren W.

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

Perfect in Puako

We had 3 adults in our party, (myself, my son and daughter-in-law), so the 2 master bedroom on 2 different floors worked well! Each has its en-suite bathroom as well. The house was comfortable, well stocked with all you could want from coffee grinder to plentiful beach toys/chairs/umbrella/cooler. I highly recommend this home and would gratefully stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Shannon H.

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

Great property in a quiet location

We stayed at 4 different VRBO properties on our trip and this was the best!! The location was very convenient for exploring the areas of the island north of Kona. We were able to walk down the street and snorkel almost every morning. This property is extremely well-stocked for guests. Little things like providing Saran Wrap and basic spices are very important when you're cooking at home which we did almost every night. There is plenty of beach gear as well. This would be a perfect home for two couples traveling together as there is a bedroom and bathroom on each floor. The neighborhood is very peaceful and quiet which we loved, but if you are looking for night life, this might not be he best location for you. This was our second time staying at this property and we plan to stay here again.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erika L.

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

Beautiful house

We really enjoyed this lovely house. The upstairs was very nicely decorated and had ample cooking supplies. The views of the volcanos were amazing, as other people said. The beaches were close enough and the rocky coastline had lots of turtles! We didn’t spend any time downstairs at all, so we can’t speak to it. It wasn’t as nicely done as the upstairs, and no view, but comfortable nonetheless and next to the nice yard. I’d stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

jennifer s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Perfect sunrises

This house is beautiful with gorgeous views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa from the living room, bedroom and the decks. We had coffee outside every morning watching the sunrise and listening to the orchestra of birds. You can see a bit of the ocean from the kitchen, and be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. Walk across to he street to lava tidal pools and watch the sea turtles come in to rest….of course from a respectful distance. Beaches are a close drive and there is lots of snorkeling in the area. The neighborhood is great for early walking before it gets hot. The only negative might be that grocery stores and restaurants are not super close. And the food stores are not of the same quality as on Oahu or the Mainland, but definitely doable. There are some terrific restaurants and local spots….just requires a little planning and go early. But again, very doable and enjoyable. My husband and I have stayed at several locations on the Big Island and this is one is our favorite. We are already planning our next visit. Mahalo, J&J from Maine
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caren P., Portland, Oregon

Wonderful in so many ways!

We absolutely loved our stay here. Over the course of our ten days we came to appreciate how good a find this. It's a solid, well-cared for, beautiful home with beautiful views. Very quiet, since it's one house from the road, and so the sounds of birds and wind are all you hear. Location! It is literally, directly across the road from a beach access--there are less than ten beach access points for the two mile stretch of road. AND it's a very short walk to a sea turtle resting area. We spent many a morning and evening sitting near the turtles and just resting with them, and once in a while, getting to watch a few of them swim in or out. Puako Store is a short drive or bike ride away and it has a small but good selection of most anything you could need from toothpaste, deodorant, local jams and fruit, to foodstuffs if you're not up to driving ten minutes to the grocery store in Mauna Lani. Best part though, is that Hapuna beach is literally ten minutes away. And it is the best beach on the Islands. A bit crowded but not in a bad way. There was always plenty of room in the water and sand to find a place to just enjoy ourselves. While we were there the volcano was erupting but the winds in this area kept the Vog from overtaking the skies. Which was awesome because the master bedroom opens to the living room which has the view in the picture. We could see the sunrise from bed each morning, incredibly beautiful, and the full moon rising each night. Wow! The kitchen is well stocked enough so we could cook or grill what we wanted to. The second bedroom--which has it's own bathroom and sitting area, is downstairs and separate from the house which is good for each couple to have their own sleeping and showering space. We had an invasion of hornets and yellow jackets and the owners got the pest control out the next day and solved the problem. Really appreciated their quick response. There is enough comfortable seating for two couples to hang out--even though one side of the loveseat is broken. And they have provided a wide assortment of beach chairs, and other swimming gear which makes life so much easier. The only downside could be -- if you are someone who isn't okay with bugs -- there are chameleons or geckos (not sure which) but they won't hurt you. We did see the occasional roach and termite and one baby centipede but they were slow and obviously not well. Which makes me think the owners do spray regularly for insects. It wasn't a problem for us.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Dawn K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property had everything we needed and felt just like home. The location was incredible. The space was extremely clean. Glenn's information and directions were to perfection. This was the best VRBO we have ever experienced. We will be back.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We have stayed at this property several times and it is always great. We always wish we could stay longer. The house is clean, quiet and really well-stocked with everything you need. You can walk down the street and hop in to snorkel in about 5 minutes. We also enjoy walking across the street at sunset to see the turtles that hang out in the tide pools. It's a convenient location to explore the beaches and sights north of Kona. If you're looking for a quiet, relaxing place, this is it. We can't wait to come back again.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the place
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location very convenient. Wonderful accommodation well kept, clean, with a great view. Walking distance to the shore and Paniau.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barb D.

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

A new favorite

We loved staying at Glenn’s place! Everything was as described or even better. The kitchen was so well stocked! Views are lovely. Artwork is beautiful. Clean and comfortable. Birds are loud in the a.m. so you don’t even need an alarm clock. Highly recommend.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

melissa s.

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

Puako paradise!

This home was even better than expected! We knew it would be lovely because of its location in Puako, but the views were amazing (mountains at sunrise, ocean at sunset). There is also beach access and turtle viewing right across, and the home is close to the wonderful, sandy beaches of the Kohala coast. The kitchen is well-equipped and the gear provided was much appreciated. We hope to be back sooner than later!close
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John F.

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

Keeps Getting Better...

We stayed at Glenn and Nicole's 8 years ago and have been trying to make it back ever since. We were thoroughly impressed with the 'value' on our first visit. Numerous upgrades to the property only enhance our view that this remains a terrific value for the Puako area.Quick, easy access to the shore across the road, quiet neighborhood, everything you could possibly need supplied in the rental... and that morning view of Mauna Kea can't be beat.
Stayed 11 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

charles b.

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

Very nice accommodation

A lovely, extremely clean place, with everything you would need from a home standpoint. Located in a wonderful and quiet area, making for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherry T.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

This is a lovely property a very short walk to one of the public beach accesses in Puako. We enjoyed watching the sunrise over the volcano and watching the stars at night, and being in such a lovely neighbourhood. It is so quiet - not a resort area. Good snorkeling a short walk from the house. The house had lots of beach supplies to make our stay enjoyable.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

About the host

Hosted by Glenn Heyman

Host profile image
We have enjoyed coming to Hawaii over the years and have particularly enjoyed the unique community of Puako. It's a great place for family and friends. We feel at home here in Hawaii, and want to share that with others who visit this amazing paradise.

Why they chose this property

Puako is a very special place. It is a unique community blending full-time residents, retirees, and short and long term renters. Quiet, peaceful, and beautiful, it is reminiscent of what Hawaii was like fifty years ago. Some of the best snorkeling is available literally within a stone's throw of our home. However, we are close to other activities - including Mauna Lani Resort for golf or to enjoy a nice dinner out, to Hawi and the Kohala Peninsula to visit galleries, whale watch, and swim, and to Waimea for its farmer's market, restaurants and unique Hawaiian Cowboy culture!

Languages:

English

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