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The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"

Photo gallery for The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"

A modern building with arched windows and a pool reflecting its structure.
A kitchen with two sinks, a stone backsplash, and a wooden countertop.
A room with a bed, a bench, and a table, all under a yellow arched roof with a view of greenery outside.
A spacious lounge area with a stone fireplace, comfortable seating, and a view of the outdoors.
A spacious, high-ceilinged lounge with a stone wall and wooden beams, featuring a round table and comfortable seating.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Dive into relaxation
    Unwind in the top-rated pool, your perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue grill
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View in a map
Kailua-Kona, HI
  • Place, Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Magic Sands Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Kailua Pier
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Guest Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Guest Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Guest Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Master Bathroom

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Shared Guest Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"

PLEASE READ COMPLETELY PRIOR TO BOOKING REQUEST:

Created for the McCormick Spice family, the Onion House is a unique architectural treasure with stunning visual aesthetics. It has been featured on MTV, Travel Channel, Learning Channel, Fine Living Channel, HGTV, Global Architecture Magazine, and Architectural Digest.

You will have the entire house to yourselves. Swim and sunbathe in privacy on the huge lot that is well screened via foliage. You'll feel alone in your world, enjoying the 70' pool (unheated), gardens and lily ponds. The terrace faces sunsets and Kailua Bay, providing the ideal setting for candlelight dinners. The translucent roof and walls of stained glass allow filtered sunlight throughout. The detached master suite features a private walled garden. A covered outdoor walkway leading to the master bedroom structure is flanked by lily ponds and the turquoise pool overlooking the sea.

With grounds of nearly an acre, five minutes from town or beach, this is the perfect base camp for exploring the Big Island. If you google this property name, you can learn a great deal more about it from our personal website. Read the page "Vacation at the Onion House" for more information on your stay.

The Onion House does have limitations that make it unsuitable for younger children (under 12) or individuals who have difficulties with stairs and/or mobility. The owners do no allow guests under 12 years of age. Please contact us for further information. In addition, the Onion House is most ideal for smaller groups of 2-4. Groups of 6, while they can be accommodated, will find privacy is limited.

The rates quoted are for two guests. Additional guests have an additional fee of $25/person/day added to the quote identified in a separate line as "additional guest fee."

Please note that the County of Hawai'i has implemented strict vacation rental regulations which must be clearly published on this site. The Onion House has been officially licensed by the County and these country rules apply to guests:
(A) Quiet hours shall be from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., during which time the noise from the STVR shall not unreasonably disturb adjacent neighbors.
(B) Sound that is audible beyond the property boundaries during non-quiet hours shall not be more excessive than would be otherwise associated with a residential area.
(C) Rental guest vehicles shall be parked in the designated onsite parking area.
(D) The STVR shall not be used for commercial purposes.
(E) Guests beyond those named on the rental agreement are fairly strictly limited. Hosting gatherings with visitors outside of the rental party is quite limited - Please inquire.

The STVR Registration Number is: STVR-19-361289
The Nonconforming Use Certificate Number is: NUC-19-1205
("Nonconforming" basically means that our vacation rental is not located in a resort zone.)
Hawaii State Tax ID # GE-157-258-9568-01, TAT: T-157-258-9568

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
No children under 12 due to safety concerns.
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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 outdoors on deck only.
Please note that the County of Hawai'i has implemented new vacation rental regulations - as a licensed rental, we share them in the rental agreement.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 3770090520000, TA-157-258-9568-01, GE-157-258-9568-01
Property # 1194663vb
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 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
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

Kailua-Kona

Located near the beach, this holiday home is in Holualoa Village, a neighbourhood in Kailua-Kona. Dovetail Gallery and Hulihee Palace are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Donkey Mill Art Center and Kona Le'a Plantation. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Holua Racquet and Paddle, or consider a night out at Don's Mai Tai Bar.
View more Holiday homes in Kailua-KonaOpens in a new window
Map
Kailua-Kona, HI

What's nearby

  • Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Magic Sands Beach - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Kahalu'u Beach Park - 5 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Kailua Pier - 6 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Golf Course - 35 min drive - 36.6 km

Getting around

  • Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Don's Mai Tai Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪L & L Hawaiian BBQ - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"?

As of 28 Aug, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" on 25 Sept, 2026 start from S$4,482, 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 The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" located?

Located in Holualoa Village, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden, The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory and Donkey Mill Art Center. Kona Le'a Plantation and Magic Sands Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

About the host

Hosted by Terri Watson

Host profile image
The Onion House was purchased by Harry and Barbara Last from the McCormick family a few years ago. Barbara had wanted to visit this architectural wonder some time ago and when she learned that the property was for sale, she insisted that they book their stay immediately. Upon awakening in the Onion House the very first morning, Harry fell in love with the unique architecture and as well the engineering structural aspects of the overall property. They both decided that they wanted to be the purchasers, not only to enjoy for their family, but also to continue to preserve and maintain this wonderful property for guests as well. Poring over the construction details of the Onion House also brought back memories. Many years ago in the late 1970’s, Barbara and Harry, a mechanical engineer and inventor, designed, and built by hand a hillside home in the Vancouver, B.C. area, complete with an indoor swimming pool for their three children, all in competitive swimming. In order to combat humidity in the pool area, Harry soon became interested in automatic pool covers, which eventually led to him founding a business in that industry, which still exist as a closely held family business today.

Barbara and Harry will continue to connect with Beth McCormick (the former owner) as an advisor on the maintenance and preservation of the property. Guest contact will be facilitated by Terri Watson, who has also managed guest relations on another Hawaii property for the Lasts. Property Manager Jeanne Awai, along with her staff, who have managed the gardening and maintenance and welcomed the guests to the property for many years, will be staying on as well.

Why they chose this property

There's no place on earth like this. It's a wildly original form of architecture, distinct from any other structure, hand-built by architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg. It combines the indoor-outdoor living that defines Hawaii with visionary, organic architecture. You've never seen anything like this.

What makes this property unique

A unique part of Hawaiian history, the Onion House is a pivotal piece of the McCormick family history, commissioned by prior owner Beth McCormick's favorite aunt, 'Auntie Dofeen.' and build by well known architect Kendrick Kellogg Bangs of organic architecture renown.

This home is Kellogg's first piece as both architect and builder, and launched the Organic Architecture movement of the Mid-Century Modern craze that dominated Southern California. Kellogg went on to build well-known works such as The High Desert House in Joshua Tree, CA, Lotus House, Wingsweep, the Hoshino Wedding Chapel in Japan and Charthouse restaurant in Rancho Mirage, CA.

We have the opportunity to share this home with guests from around the world, who bring friends and family to celebrate special moments in their lives. Many of our guests are repeat visitors, and the "Onion House Family" spans the globe.

Of note: The Onion House isn't for everyone......
The Onion House is not suitable for families with young children (less than 12), or for those who have difficulty with steps, due to safety considerations inherent in its design. We make no representation of the house as accessible.
Smoking outside only, please.
The Onion House is true Organic Architecture - it is not a climate controlled, sterile resort- like location. There is no air-conditioning (we use many fans!). It is truly indoor/outdoor living in a shelter of roof, screen, glass and rock cooled by nature passive design.

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English
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