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Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property.
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Reviews
9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4900 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Pahoa, HI
- Place, Mackenzie State Park2 min drive
- Place, SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center8 min drive
- Place, Pohoiki Beach10 min drive
- Airport, Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)58 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property.
The Original Rainbow Dreams Cottage - with a spectacular oceanfront view - is the only vacation rental so close to the ocean on the scenic Old Red Road (Rural Route 137) in the small village of Opihikao. The cottage is Off-Grid with limited (ATT & Cricket) only cell service.
Situated on the beautiful Puna Coast of the Big Island amidst a majestic 'king's-grove' of coconut palms, the cottage faces directly on the Pacific Ocean with stunning, 180-degree views framed thru palms and native, mahogany trees. Set within a tropical garden planted with over 100 coconut palms, exotic fruits and the fragrance of tropical flowers, this cottage is simply the best rental in the area.
Inside this private home is a new kitchen and bathroom with tropical decor and vintage koa wood, mahogany and bamboo furnishings. The cottage is set up with everything you need - a well-appointed kitchen, one full bath, an extra outside shower for washing off after the beach, and two bedrooms with queen beds and plenty of closet space. All rooms have windows to let the natural trade-winds in, and there is a front porch and a screened lanai on the side to enjoy the balmy air.
Rainbow Dreams Cottage is the perfect eco-retreat, where you can really get away from it all. We are entirely solar-powered, so alternative energy serves your needs with a few limitations to this rental. Because we are off the grid, there is limited cell service (2 bars) and no WiFi - just the beauty and the power of nature, and the sights and sounds of the ocean. Also, we have catchment water from the rain, so we advise using bottled water, or free Pahoa town water available at roadside taps, for cooking and drinking. Full-grid services are just minutes away, up the road or in the nearby town of Pahoa.
With a direct view of the ocean, you may spend your whole vacation simply gazing at the waves, yet the cottage is the perfect base for exploring the unique nature and culture of the Big Island. All along the coast in the Puna District, you will discover special places to explore, from scenic parks to sheltered coves. Three miles from the cottage is exotic Kehena Black Sand Beach, and two miles in the other direction is MacKenzie State Park, where steep lava cliffs form a rugged shore.
Hilo is the largest town on the Big Island with a quaint Old Town that features historic architecture, specialty shops, many restaurants, and nearby attractions, including Rainbow Falls, Banyan Drive, Lili'uokalani Gardens, and the "singing bridge' across the Wailuku River, to name a few.
Volcanoes National Park, is a major attraction, and the improved Saddle Road in between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea Mountains is both scenic and convenient, connecting between our cottage and the Kona side of the island in a 2.5-hour drive.
Situated on the beautiful Puna Coast of the Big Island amidst a majestic 'king's-grove' of coconut palms, the cottage faces directly on the Pacific Ocean with stunning, 180-degree views framed thru palms and native, mahogany trees. Set within a tropical garden planted with over 100 coconut palms, exotic fruits and the fragrance of tropical flowers, this cottage is simply the best rental in the area.
Inside this private home is a new kitchen and bathroom with tropical decor and vintage koa wood, mahogany and bamboo furnishings. The cottage is set up with everything you need - a well-appointed kitchen, one full bath, an extra outside shower for washing off after the beach, and two bedrooms with queen beds and plenty of closet space. All rooms have windows to let the natural trade-winds in, and there is a front porch and a screened lanai on the side to enjoy the balmy air.
Rainbow Dreams Cottage is the perfect eco-retreat, where you can really get away from it all. We are entirely solar-powered, so alternative energy serves your needs with a few limitations to this rental. Because we are off the grid, there is limited cell service (2 bars) and no WiFi - just the beauty and the power of nature, and the sights and sounds of the ocean. Also, we have catchment water from the rain, so we advise using bottled water, or free Pahoa town water available at roadside taps, for cooking and drinking. Full-grid services are just minutes away, up the road or in the nearby town of Pahoa.
With a direct view of the ocean, you may spend your whole vacation simply gazing at the waves, yet the cottage is the perfect base for exploring the unique nature and culture of the Big Island. All along the coast in the Puna District, you will discover special places to explore, from scenic parks to sheltered coves. Three miles from the cottage is exotic Kehena Black Sand Beach, and two miles in the other direction is MacKenzie State Park, where steep lava cliffs form a rugged shore.
Hilo is the largest town on the Big Island with a quaint Old Town that features historic architecture, specialty shops, many restaurants, and nearby attractions, including Rainbow Falls, Banyan Drive, Lili'uokalani Gardens, and the "singing bridge' across the Wailuku River, to name a few.
Volcanoes National Park, is a major attraction, and the improved Saddle Road in between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea Mountains is both scenic and convenient, connecting between our cottage and the Kona side of the island in a 2.5-hour drive.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Outdoor space
Water view
Parking available
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- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Free Wi-Fi
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (36 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:30 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; 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
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
Property Registration Number TA-138-334-6176-01, GE-138-334-6176-01, 3130020930000
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Pahoa
Located in Pahoa, this cottage is on the waterfront. Mackenzie State Park and Pohoiki reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center and Hobby Garden Hawaii. Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden and Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Pahoa, HI
What's nearby
- Mackenzie State Park - 2 min drive - 2.7 km
- Kehena Beach - 7 min drive - 7.6 km
- SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
- Pohoiki Beach - 10 min drive - 6.5 km
- Isaac Hale Beach Park - 10 min drive - 6.5 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue - 29 min drive
- paradise - 24 min drive
- Uncle Dexter's Margaritaville
- Elixir Bar & Cafe - 29 min drive
- Behind the Bamboo - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 window10/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
1 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Alan H.
9 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Alan H.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
John H.
23 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
John H.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Richard T.
18 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Richard T.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
8/10 Good
Terry W.
2 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Terry W.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
MARGARET B.
22 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
MARGARET B.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jacqueline W.
29 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rainbow Cottage
Jacqueline W.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
david m.
17 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dream cottage
david m.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Pam R.
10 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Celebration
Pam R.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Gordon F.
23 Mar, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second stay!
Gordon F.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Gerhard D.
14 Oct, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved every day of our stay.
Gerhard D.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Larry S.
8 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Anniversary Trip
Larry S.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jim L.
20 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice
Jim L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
tanya m.
3 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage...beautiful setting...enjoyed every minute there
tanya m.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Laurie E.
31 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It is awesome.
Laurie E.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Karen S.
9 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely stunning house and view
Karen S.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Karen S.
9 Nov, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very beautiful home, so relaxing and wonderful
Karen S.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Charles M.
5 Apr, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful
Charles M.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Barbara W.
21 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barbara W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Frantisek T.
18 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rainbow Dream Cottage
Frantisek T.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joly & Ingo Hoffmann /.
11 Apr, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cottage in palmgarden close to shore
Joly & Ingo Hoffmann /.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dr. Heather F.
24 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful
Dr. Heather F.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jeremy R., Poynette, Wisconsin
20 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Escape
Jeremy R.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Alan H.
15 Nov, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet and Peaceful
Alan H.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
William G.
28 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our happy place
William G.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025
About the host
Hosted by David Shaw
My partner and I have owned this property for 20 years, which we purchased in year 2000 as our Y2K getaway, and now we have recently retired and reside in the middle cottage. Previously, I led communications efforts for several large, nonprofit organizations in the SF Bay Area, including the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, KQED Public Broadcasting, the James Irvine Foundation and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. We are nature enthusiasts and love the natural environment that surrounds us here in this rural part of the Big Island.
Why they chose this property
We looked all over the State of Hawaii for our perfect place and found many areas that we loved, including Hanalei Bay on Kauai, and Hana, Maui, and this area reminded us of those areas, and we liked the nearness to Hilo, which is the second largest city in Hawaii after Honolulu. We especially liked the rugged quality of the Puna Coast and the primal feeling of the land in this area. Being "off the grid" and without cell service - turned out to be heaven. We have many repeat visitors, because people love coming back again and again to this very special and powerful place.
What makes this property unique
The Rainbow Dreams Cottage is extremely unique in its proximity to the ocean and its surroundings in an area that is entirely dominated by the beauty and serenity of the natural world. Also, the off-the-grid experience is becoming more and more unique as people need a place to unplug and get away from the daily bombardment of internet and email. For those that need to be connected, it's just a short drive from the cottage in either direction to access the web and cell service.
Languages:
Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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