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Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property.

Photo gallery for Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property.

A coastal area with trees and a view of the ocean.
A spacious living room with a high ceiling, a dining area with wicker furniture, and a kitchen with dark cabinets.
A lush garden with palm trees and tropical plants, leading to a view of the ocean.
A room with a view of a garden, a green chair, and a wooden railing.
A green porch with Adirondack chairs and a glass door leading to a dining area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Games
    A rare find - enjoy a variety of games available on-site.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Refrigerator
  • Onsite parking available
  • Bathtub
  • Non-smoking

Explore the area

View map
Pahoa, HI
  • Place, Mackenzie State Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Isaac Hale Beach Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

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.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Adults only
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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
We have a strict 4 person MAX rule due to limited parking, systems and water.
Please take care of your own garbage if staying a week or more. Local Garbage Transfer Stations are free.
Guest must follow house rules, or additional fees may be incurred. Strict "no events and no parties" rule.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number TA-138-334-6176-01, GE-138-334-6176-01, 3130020930000
Property # 152979vb
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 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

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 Hilo Coffee Mill. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cave exploring.
Map
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 - 7 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Isaac Hale Beach Park - 10 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Pohoiki Beach - 10 min drive - 6.5 km

Getting around

  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪paradise - ‬24 min drive
  • Uncle Dexter's Margaritaville
  • ‪The Jokers Hideout - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Behind the Bamboo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Hale Aloha At Kalani - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property.?

As of 23 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property. on 22 Nov 2026 start from AU$1,295, 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 Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property.?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Oceanfront Cottage in Scenic 'Old Hawaii' - Off-Grid, solar-powered property. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 1.8 mi (2.8 km) from Mackenzie State Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Pohoiki and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center. Isaac Hale Beach Park and Pohoiki Beach are also within 6 miles (10 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. 171 out of 184 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 184 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 184 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 184 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 184 reviews

10/10

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

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful beautiful spot to relax and live in beautiful area of Hawaii. Best kept secret on the Big Island
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A true island paradise. The view is spectacular, the wildlife enjoyable, and the grounds are beautiful. No inconvenience being off grid. Just peaceful.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful experience all around
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was perfect. Gorgeous ocean veiw and wave sounds all night. A nice halfway point between Hilo and the national park
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A beautiful property!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property with everything you might need, easy access and very gracious hosts. This property is a gem and we'll be coming back! :-)
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place!
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
great place across from the ocean
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location
The place was amazing,the view was amazing,needs more towels for guests that stay more than 1 or 2 daysI would definitely recommend the place thoughIt’s a perfect place to unwind and just watch the waves
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
This is our fourth stay in this ohana and it has been a uniformly wonderful experience.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a beautiful one of a kind Hawaiian off-grid property experience, with breathtaking views of the sea! We enjoyed our stay, thank you. Steven and Mary King
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This lovely "get away from the world" cottage just keeps getting better and better every time we visit (we've been coming here since 2015). As always, the host was quick to respond to questions and details before the stay; I appreciate the speedy response! The cottage is, as all have noted, an opportunity to disconnect from daily duties and the pull of electronic communication; I can vouch that if you have Verizon, you can get your connection down Red Road at Kalani's--it's also exceptionally strong over at Leilani Estates. But, really, think hard before you go get "reconnected" to the world--the appeal at the cottage is to just relax and absorb what this very special part of Hawai'i has to offer--seclusion, the never-ending sound of crashing waves, watching birds and butterflies hover over the unique-to-Hawai'i landscape, discovery walks right outside the door and the beauty of the ocean right in front of you. Don't miss these! I play 'ukulele and cherish those hours sitting on the front porch, watching the waving palms and the sparkling waves.The cottage was clean, wonderfully decorated (including some vintage items) and easy to live in. The water is hot for showering and the kitchen is simple but well-stocked. Beds are comfortable with lovely linens.There are so many reasons we keep returning year after year. This is a tradition we never want to miss.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very unique and wonderful location.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location is perfect. Host is friendly and helpful but not intrusive. House is tastefully decorated and supplied with everything you might need. Perfect off grid location for a relaxing Puna vacation. We will return and recommend this house to others
Sunrise
View of the cottage from the historic Red Road
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was amazing, everything we expected and more. Was very peaceful. We cant wait to stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rainbow dreams is a wonderful cottage. It is the place where you can genuinely feel aloha.The cottage is pretty and well equipped.The setting can’t be beat. You can go across the road and sit by the shore and see all kinds of wildlife or you can sit up in a screened in porch and just relax the day away.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such an amazing, relaxing place. Still just as charming as our first visit. We’ll be back soon!
The sunrise from the front porch.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Anniversary Trip

Calm, peaceful stay at the perfect location to celebrate our anniversary.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

We loved every day of our stay.

This was our second stay at this beautiful property in a stunning location. We hope to return again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Rainbow Cottage

We had an amazing stay. Lovely hosts and adorable cottage. It was located at the best location and had such charm! Would highly recommend!!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was beautiful and quiet. Having no WiFi was a plus. We saw turtles and dolphins while sitting on the beach across the quiet street. The location was amazing - loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Second stay!

When you want to come back agai n afrer staying at Rainbow cottage twice that says alot! Beautiful cottage and a perfect escape!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect in every way.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful cottage...beautiful setting...enjoyed every minute there

Clean private well appointed...porch has an close up ocean view...kitchen dining room too.. the sounds of the ocean waves truly lulled us tp rest and sleep on between our adventures.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Dream cottage

Perfect hawaii
Stayed 14 nights in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by David Shaw

Host profile image
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

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