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Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach

Photo gallery for Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach

Private 180 degree views from the property and the waves crashing on the reef
Hale Honu-the blue roofed 2 story house- enjoy being TRULY oceanfront here!
view of Hale Honu from the ocean-  top floor-1st BR on left, 2nd BR in middle
The park next-door... grassy areas and a sandy gentle kids beach
A kitchen for people who love to cook- well stocked with spices & staple foods

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Kailua-Kona, HI
  • Magic Sands Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Kahalu'u Beach Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Kailua Pier
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Convertible bed(s)

1 King Bed, 1 Double Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach

E komo mai (welcome) to HALE HONU!! (“Hall-eh Ho-new” ~ meaning the Home of the Sea Turtle) This is a great vacation home, really oceanfront, right on the water, just 3 miles from Kailua-Kona! **** SPECTACULAR LOCATION!! UNSURPASSED VIEWS!! PERFECT VACATION HOME!!

If you are looking for a unique, private, oceanfront home, where the unobstructed ocean view and sounds of the waves will lull you away from all your cares, offered by experienced and trustworthy owners, LOOK NO FURTHER! YOU'VE FOUND HALE HONU! Hale Honu has a 4.9 Traveler Review rating from nealy 100 of our Guests! Read on, you'll see why everyone loves this home, the original Kona 'Hale Honu'!

HALE HONU IS AN APPROVED AND REGISTERED SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL IN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII:
STVR REGISTRATION NUMBER SVTR-19-361476
NUC NUMBER: NUC-19-1650
Tax Map Key: (3) 7-7-004:039-0000
NUCR#: PL-NUCR-2024-002359

Hale Honu is a two-story, two bedroom three bath, plus ground level rumpus & den room , TRULY OCEANFRONT home with extraordinary views of the ocean from all rooms of the home. The house is designed with an upstairs 2 bedroom/2 bath main house (plus a private day bed) , and a large (650 sq feet) rumpus room with full bathroom and wet bar on the ground level with a separate entrance. This is a lengthy detailed description of Hale Honu… there are several unique features of this house worth learning about! You might read in some older reviews about the ground level space being rented separately. That is no longer an option. Your booking is for the entire property with no other guests present.

The entire house has undergone a major remodel, including all new windows, bedrooms and baths, kitchen, and exterior. The main living area of Hale Honu ('the upstairs house') is on the second level, and offers two large bedrooms (with really comfortable king beds and down pillows), plus an alcove with a full bed. Upstairs are two full baths, and a sunny, open kitchen and living area, with a fully retractable glass wall that opens onto our 450 sq. ft. lanai, making the kitchen, living/dining room and oceanfront lanai one contiguous open air space. The kitchen is a gourmet's delight with a 2022 new induction range and oven, stainless steel appliances with a new 4 door GE Profile french door refrigerator, tons of cabinets, a huge kitchen island with power supply, pantry, and reverse osmosis water purification system (no more plastic water bottles!), plenty of workspace and everything a serious cook wants. We get a lot of comments from guests who tell us the kitchen is the best equipped of any vacation rental they have previously rented. Provided for you is a blender, toaster, whaffle iron, griddle, Kitchen Aid electric stand mixer, hand mixer, rice maker and food processor. And of course, a drip coffee maker and basic espressor maker. The 180 degree views of the Kona coastline are breathtaking from every window. You may never want to leave this spot!

Upstairs, the two large bedrooms upstairs each boast a 4 X 10 foot retractable Nana window that completely opens to the ocean below. It's like being on the bow of an ocean liner, with the waves breaking literally a stone’s throw away. The master bath has a soaking bathtub and a custom Mango wood vanity and vessel sink with a private WC. The second bathroom upstairs is entered from the hall, and has a large walk-in travertine tiled shower and new fixtures.

The alcove room upstairs is a perfect place for an afternoon nap on pune'e full sized bed. It's cozy, though with the three large jalousie (louvered glass panes) windows overlooking Pahoehoe Beach Park and the ocean encompass almost all of one wall, plus another window at the head of the bed, this room seems roomier and is filled with the sound and breeze of the ocean.

The upper lanai is 450 square feet of travertine tiled, partially covered open air space with cable railings that are almost invisible and gives you unobstructed views of turtle cove, with its reef fishes and Honu (sea turtle) directly below, as well as 180 degrees out to 2500 miles of unbroken Pacific Ocean. Flood lights can be operated from upstairs or from the studio on the ground level, and create a dramatic scene of the surf at night. There are six chairs for the 52" round glass table, and an outdoor sectional that will easily sit six.

On the garden/ground level is the large rumpus room with a king sized murphy bed, full bath and a wet bar with refrigerator. This space has a separate, secured entrance, outdoor garden, with dining and relaxing areas. The bathroom has luxurious marble tile and glass block, and a walk in shower for two with dual shower heads. Windows and sliders encompass all of the makai (ocean side) walls, so you can simply let the ocean air in, or step out and be right at the ocean’s edge. There is a free standing AC unit in this room.

This gated property is surrounded by a beautiful lava rock wall and borders Pahoehoe Beach Park (an oceanfront beach park with shaded sitting areas, grass and a small keiki (child) friendly beach). A two minute walk takes you to MAGIC SANDS BEACH, the best white sand beach in Kailua-Kona, and renown for body surfing & boogie boarding. It’s a kid friendly beach too, with a gentle slope, and sugar white sand. Magic Sands Beach is also known as Disappearing Sands Beach…. It gets this name because winter swells can make much of this beach disappear and limit access for swimming.

Hale Honu is located just three miles south of Kailua-Kona village, and two miles north of the Keauhou shopping and cinema complex. Here you are close enough to everything but still in a world of your own!

The grounds of the property are nicely landscaped and totally private, enclosed within 6 foot lava stone walls. We have 6 padded chase lounges in addition to 3 sets of outdoor tables and chairs, love seats, and two outdoor futons. You can bask in the sun just meters from the waves or wile away the hours swaying in our oceanside hammock for two.

When the sea is calm, there is excellent snorkeling at the abundant reef and arches directly in front of the house. We enter the ocean right off the property, but this requires a climb down the sea wall, and is for people comfortable with a rock entry into the ocean. You can also easily enter the ocean from the always sheltered small beach at Pahoehoe Beach Park adjacent to Hale Honu. We swim with Honu (turtles) almost every time! A large lava shelf has excellent tidal pools for exploring at low tide.

Throughout the home there are open beam cathedral ceilings and nearly floor to ceiling windows making the home light and airy, with full ocean views everywhere. The sound and energy of the ocean is present in every room. Decorated with travertine tile and bamboo flooring, Balinese antiques, island art, as well as elegant tropical furnishings, you will feel like ali'i (royalty) in this home.

Hale Honu has a second covered lanai on the ground level, where you can spend your evenings in the Kama'aina (Local way ...barbequing and talking story. This 400+ square foot outdoor lanai is filled with the sound of waves, trade winds, and Hawaiian ambience.

Hale Honu would be a PERFECT SITE FOR A FAMILY EVENT (reunion, celebration). The beautiful outdoor areas will accommodate a larger party, with room for outdoor cooking/reception areas, seating, and spectacular ocean views.

We strive to make our homes and your experience in them unique and filled with the spirit of aloha. You’ll find the home tastefully decorated, carefully maintained, and filled with lots of extras; binoculars, books on local history and cultural sites, guidebooks, etc.

Hale Honu imbues a special feeling of Peace and Aloha to everyone who visits, and it is with that Aloha that we welcome you!

With warmest aloha!
Peter Knoblich and Darla Mabery

*This is an oceanfront home, and in the winter months there are many days (and nights) when the waves outside are 4-7 feet high and crashing onto the rocky shoreline below. If you are someone who must have a very quiet place to sleep, think about staying at least 1/4 mile off the shoreline. We provide ear plugs at the house for those who need them. This is not usually a concern the other 9 months of the year.

HALE HONU IS AN APPROVED AND REGISTERED SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL IN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII:

STVR REGISTRATION NUMBER SVTR-19-361476
NUC NUMBER: NUC-19-1650


HALE HONU IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII AS 'TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS' UNDER TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS REGISTRATION NUMBER TA-009-656-7296-01 (GE TAX CERTIFICATE NUMBER GE-009-656-7296-01).
NUCR#: PL-NUCR-2024-002359

WE HAVE ALWAYS AND CONTINUE TO COLLECT AND REMIT ACCOMMODATION TAXES AND GENERAL EXCISE TAXES. BEWARE OF OWNERS WHO ARE NOT CHARGING LODGING TAXES & CHEATING ON TAX PAYMENTS.

Keywords: Oceanfront, Private Vacation Home, Turtle cove, Beach House

Property manager

Peter and Darla
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Have packnplay, kiddie gate for stairs, cab lock2
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Events

No events allowed
Small events OK. Must adhere to 9 pm quiet time
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Shower off the sand before coming into the house
Close the big open windows when you leave for the day

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
Note from host: Small events OK. Must adhere to 9 pm quiet time
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 770040390000, GE-009-656-7296-01, TA-009-656-7296-01

We should mention

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

About the area

Kailua-Kona

Located by the ocean, this holiday home is in Kahaluu-Keauhou, a neighbourhood in Kailua-Kona. Haleo Luau and Hulihee Palace are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Kailua Pier and Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark. Travelling with kids? Consider Kona Le'a Plantation and KBXtreme. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Kailua-Kona, HI

What's nearby

  • Magic Sands Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Kahalu'u Beach Park - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Keauhou Shopping Center - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Keauhou Bay Beach - 7 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Kailua Pier - 9 min drive - 6.5 km

Getting around

  • Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪On The Rocks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Laverne's Sports Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪L&L Hawaiian Barbecue - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Magics Beach Grill - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Gypsea Gelato - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-out at Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach located?

This family-friendly Kailua-Kona holiday home is located by the ocean, within a 5-minute walk of Magic Sands Beach and Kailua-Kona Beaches. Keauhou Shopping Center and Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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 window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 115 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 115 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 115 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 115 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 115 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tanner S.

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

Amazing stay, we will be back!

Our multigenerational family loved our time at this house. The location was perfect, it had all the amenities that we could possibly need, the sleeping arrangements were ideal for everyone in our family. The hosts were gracious, informative, and so easy to work with. Everything about this stay was fantastic!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Linda J.

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

Beautiful and fun

We were a large group, three families and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the beauty of this home and proximity to the ocean. We experienced a massive storm which was pretty cool (which brought inside a tremendous amount of crawling friends), beautiful sunrises and sunsets with whales to watch for hours; followed by the moon setting. The home is showing a bit of normal age and wear but was clean and comfortable. We had to reset the hot water heater twice and the stove didn't work. The instructions were massive but clear reading when necessary to figure out an issue (no hot water). We contacted the owner several times, each of which we were responded to quickly. We have recommended this home to several friends who are visiting the Big Island here in the near future.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol A.

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

Amazing view!

We had an amazing time! We enjoyed spectacular sunsets every night from the deck area, with breathtaking views of the ocean. We saw several whales and a turtle or two. It was so relaxing sitting in the hot tub and watching the waves crash against the rocks in the evenings. The house had everything we needed and more! They thought of everything someone might need. With all of the windows it is so bright and airy with views from every window. It is in an excellent location close to everything.I recommend this home to anyone! You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chanin A.

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

Relaxing Stay!

Property was great! Had everything we needed with beautiful views. Property owner let us check in early to accommodate our flights, so that was very helpful!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Geri N.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family stay

Have stayed here 10 years ago, location wonderful on water and love large balcony and windows. Ck-in combo was given in email 3 days in advance and a text sent day of arrival with a different combinations to door- caused last minute confusion getting inside. Termite dust terrible in kitchen floor and counter and on chairs and table on balcony. Homeless sleep in park next door, and a woman in a van parked immediately next to house with music blaring from her van on 3 occasions, sleeping in car there overnight.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann N.

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

Grandmas trip

This property was awesome. As advertised, right on the water, amazing views. House was well stocked with everything you needed for your stay. I went with my kids and grandkids and we couldn’t have been more please with the accommodations. Close enough to everything in Kona but far enough away to just enjoy the beach. Hosts were responsive and easy to deal with. This was an excellent experience I would highly recommend this house for your family vacation you won’t be disappointed.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Toby M.

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

Kona Vacation/

Beautiful location
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rhoda C.

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

Making beautiful Memories

The property was wonderful with breathe taking views. Large enough for everyone to have their own space and privacy, but cozy enough to feel like home. Close to beaches lots of site seeing and town.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynne P.

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

Family vacation

Incredible property location with all amenities. Owner provides plenty of beach stuff, appliances and condiments in the kitchen, towels and linens. Loved spending our time here. Perfect for our extended family of ten.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

LORETTA F.

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

Oceanfront retreat

Beautiful accommodations with beaches close by. Was able to relax with family and friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erika Y.

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

Family vacations

House is lovely, amazing sunset & sea view from every room, we really enjoyed the hot tub! Thank you so much
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill W.

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

Great place and convenient

Property is great with convenient access to the west side of the island. Cliff jumping a few minutes drive away, beaches, snorkeling, etc. Well stocked with beach equipment and kitchen accessories. Many great restaurants nearby! Great place for a vacation!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynda R.

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

The Perfect Lanai

Our family enjoyed the property and location. We used the kitchen every day! The bedrooms were good and comfortably fits 8-9 people. The Lanai is very comfortable and a great spot for sunsets. We did have a problem with sea urchin bites in the lava rock between the house and ocean, otherwise the property was great for our family.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian C.

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

Perfection

Spent 10 days with the wife and kids. Close to everything. Like, walking distance close. 2 minute walk to Magic Sands. 3 miles to downtown Kona. House is stocked with everything you need for a day at the beach or in the water. Peter and Darla were responsive. Check in/out was smooth. Hot tub was excellent. Sunset views were epic. Already planning our return trip lol.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B., Haddonfield, NJ

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

Spectacular location for you exploring Hawaiian paradise

This house was simply perfect for our Party of nine. And absolutely stunning stellar review of the Pacific, Ocean wildlife galore. He completely stocked kitchen with everything you could ever imagine needing. And then some. Comfortable beds incredible views ocean at Your fingertips. On a main road, easy walk to multiple beaches, snorkel, surf, paddleboard spots. As well as places to eat. Our hosts were extraordinarily easy to communicate with and completely wonderful. Could not recommend this place more.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Sara L., California

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

Five Star views!

The location of this property is amazing! We saw turtles, dolphins, yellow tang, and crabs from the patio, as well as great people watching in the park next door. We enjoyed swimming and snorkeling from the small beach right next to the house. The kitchen was well stocked as mentioned. We slept with the windows open, and enjoyed the wave sounds and waking up occasionally to gorgeous views. It will comfortably sleep 7. If you don't mind sleeping in the living room, it will sleep two more. I knocked off one star because there were a few things that were broken while we were there, but hopefully the owners (who are very responsive) will have them fixed soon. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Sue L.

Gate issues initially. Views spectacular!! Seemed casual and pleasant but very outdated decor.

Oven and hot tub did not work. Dishwasher smelled bad. Disposal backed up and would not drain even with plunger. Studio has several steps, difficult to manage especially at night. Magic Sands beach very close to walk to and great! Bedrooms are very noisy to sleep with waves crashing. Lots of outdoor chairs and towels available. Owner responsive to calls which good.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M., Port Hadlock

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

Paradise found

Better than advertised or expected. Road noise as expected with the house situated on the water side of Alii Drive, but the sound of the surf nearly drowned it out, including the tire squealers of which there were a few. Great kitchen for cooking and bartending of which there were equal amounts. Everything provided for a day outing to the beach or wading or body surfing. Astounding display of humpback whales coming completely out of the water right in front of the house, several times 3 in the air at the same time. Dolphins seem to enjoy playing/feeding a little closer in than the whales, turtles came by every day, Yellow Tang in schools right below the house. Met wonderful locals and fellow travelers at the park next door.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Samy L.

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

Mini Vacay

This place was right on the beach with one of the most amazing views. It’s only 20 mins fr Kona airport, close to many of the coffee farms, and right next to Poehoehoe Beach. I was here with my friends & family. There was plenty of space for 10 of us to easily lounge around. The kitchen was very well equipped and they even had beach chairs and umbrellas available for use. There were only a few problems we had. The gate wasn’t working, so we had to manually open and close the gate when driving in & out of the property. The dishwasher wasn’t working and it’s no fun doing dishes for 10 people when you’re on vacation. There was a lot of ants in the kitchen, especially when you leave food out. Even though we had a few problems, the location and views with beach access makes up for it. I would recommend this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lee G.

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

Hale Honu, heaven on earth!

Awesome location. Fabulous sunsets and sunrise. Comfortable home with great outdoor living space. The elders stayed downstairs in the studio suite and the young people stayed upstairs. Most of our activity was on the large lanai upstairs. We used the large round table to dine and play games. The sofas there were great for a short nap. You could see yellow tang in the ocean from the lanai each morning! The kitchen with it’s huge island was great! Very well supplied The appliances are all brand new and got a good workout each morning! Our group of 10 were well organized and with stations around the island at each meal, eating was made very easy. We changed our departure flights to later so we would have time to leave the home in order and some of the laundry done, ie beach towels. We started the laundering of the sheets and towels. The family thoroughly enjoyed their stay and would stay here again. Peter and Darla were very cordial and helpful, perfect hosts. They definitely embrace the aloha spirit! Many mahalos and a warm aloha, Claire Graham and Ohana
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel E.

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

Well-stocked home + unparalleled location = Unforgettable three-generation vacation

Pros: The home is well stocked and perfectly situated--right on the water and just a quick drive into town. When (and if) you do leave, you don't have to venture far even on foot. For example, Magic Sands beach and Magics restaurant and a shave ice truck are a two min walk, but there's a also a beach park right next door to the property which worked out great for little ones. We fully appreciated having plenty of beach chairs, life jackets, picnic equipment, and beach toys to take with us. Cons: You won't want to go home! The house has its quirks, but none that would prevent my rebooking. There was some construction going on at nearby properties (next door and across the street) so if you travel in the near term you may hear a bit of noise if you stick around during the day, but you can just sit on the lanai and listen to the waves instead! (Birds, geckos, and, in the evening, insects, also enjoy the lanai so be prepared to share the space.) The other little things we noticed, we reported to the owners and they will address, so I don't have other concerns. Other: It is one building but two separate units and separate entrances. To join the other unit, you go outside and go to the other entrance. We had three adults and two kids in the main house (upstairs) and two adults (one with mobility issues in the studio), and this arrangement worked great.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sandra R.

Wonderful venue for a family vacation

We had a great stay at this house. We were there for 6 nights and had six people with us. There was plenty of room for everyone to feel comfortable and not cramped and for one of our couples, it was their "babymoon" so a lot of privacy for them in their own suite worked out perfect. We were able to see whales off the top lanai one morning and they were breaching which was very cool. Several turtles were easily seen each time we went snorkeling as well as lots of interesting fish species. Peter and Darla did a great job of having everything documented as to where to find things at the house as well as favorite destinations on the island and directions as to how to get there from beaches to activities to dining suggestions. Everything was close by (within a 10 min. drive from most shops and beaches). We were able to go running several times while we were there as directly in front of the house was the road with very wide shoulders and the views along the ocean front were incredibly wonderful. There were also several "toys" that we were able to use such as body boards, fins and snorkels, plenty of beach towels and chairs for the beach. Overall, everyone had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend this location. The only caveat I would warn someone about is just be prepared for the surf of the ocean being pretty loud. Just know that going in and you'll be great.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2016

10/10 Excellent

Todd E., REDONDO BEACH, California

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

Spectacular view and location

Great location in Kona with amazing views from every room and space in the house. The home is well equipped with a great cooking area with the best electrical stove I have ever used, I normally hate electric stoves (prefer gas). The waters are very clear and clean here, nice aqua blue, easy to see schools of yellow tang all day long. The upstairs rooms are more modern than below, but the downstairs is fine, even though dated. Kona is a humid area, and we encountered bugs, but only really an issue at night. The first night, unfortunately, we left the windows open without screens and went to dinner, just to arrive to a lot of mostly fruit flies. Anyhow, after we smartened up, a few still snuck in, but the wave calmed down (as we were in very warm/humid week). There are plenty of geckos, but that is to be expected in Hawaii pretty much everywhere. The unit is well equipped with fans everywhere, a portable A/C in the lower unit. I adjusted to climate in a day and didn't use the A/C as the fan breeze combined with normal airflow is just fine. The beds are very comfy, was pleasantly surprised as we don't normally sleep on good quality mattresses in home rentals. Peter, the owner, was immediately responsive to our questions. The house is a stone's throw from Magic Sands beach, which is a tiny but amazing beach...just walk there first thing in the morning to avoid LARGE crowds. All in all, we had a very memorable stay on the Big Island with this home being are base of operation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Jeffrey L.

Liked: Check-in, listing accuracy

Wanted to love it, only liked it

The Pacific views were great and it was nice to be close to Kona, but away from the hustle and bustle. Our group had 2 grandparents (age 72) who stayed downstairs and then 4 more adults and 5 kids between 3-13. The house fit us all and after 2 days, 2 of the adults left and we were able to spread out more. The kitchen was well stocked. The storage room was very well stocked, with quality snorkel gear, beach chairs, towels and umbrellas. We had a pretty good experience overall, but some maintenance issues made it less enjoyable, namely a broken dishwasher, broken gate and no AC unit in the downstairs apartment (we knew there wasn’t any AC upstairs and we were fine with that). The broken gate was both very hard to open and close (you don’t want vacation to feel like football camp) , inconvenient when juggling 2 rental cars and left the property unsecured. While we never had a specific problem with any of the local transients, it wasn’t a great feeling. I did bring this to the owner’s attention, he was initially helpful and told me how to perform maintenance tasks on it, then heard nothing for a day and a half, then after more questions from me he finally got someone out there our last day to simply disconnect the chain. Property owner did inform me of the broken dishwasher in advance and he had put a brand new coffee maker in the unit prior to our stay, which was appreciated. Magic Sands beach did not look as pictured during our stay…not the owner’s fault, but don’t expect what you see, it was crowded due to an adjacent hotel, there are rocks on both sides of a very narrow swimming area and rocky beach. Turtle Cove directly in front of the property couldn’t be explored during our stay, the waves were too rough during our stay, even at low tide. Again, not the owner’s fault, but had really looked forward to exploring that…just unsafe and I’m an experienced, competitive swimmer. The owner did make a concession due to the issues described above, mainly the broken gate. I understand it is hard to maintain stuff with all of the salt air and sea spray. If I find myself back in Kailua-Kona at some point, I’d probably just stay at a resort with more reliable maintenance staff. -Jeff L. Pennsylvania
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jamie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

About the host

Hosted by Peter and Darla

Host profile image
This is us, Darla and Peter, relaxing with friends and a 'Pint of Liquid Aloha' at the Kona Brewing Company! We bought our first oceanfront condo in 2002, on our first visit to the Big Island. (The Big Island definitely hooked us after several trips to the other islands!) We have been blessed to have several homes in Kona, including Hale Honu which we purchased in 2004. There is something about this particular spot on the ocean that everyone feels when they first walk on the site...maybe the turtles living in the cove, the spinner dolphins swimming by daily, or the calving humpbacks off shore every winter, but for us it was total love at first sight. We have been improving Hale Honu every year, with major remodels completed in 2008, 2014, 2016 & 2023. We make quarterly maintenance trips each year. We are both physicians (Darla retired). We have a large extended family, three grown children (all artists) and six grandchildren!

Why they chose this property

You'll know why we fell in love with Hale Honu in the first thirty seconds that you stand on the sea wall and gaze over the ocean. Paradise. Amazing. Endless Ocean. Perfect... were our first thoughts. It continues to feel the same every day even after many years.

What makes this property unique

You can simply lose yourself in this place. Here there is a peaceful and intimate connection with the ocean. Whether it's the constant pulse of the waves, palm fronds swaying and clacking in the trade winds, laying in the hammock or soaking in the spa under star studded skies a few feet from the breaking waves, Hale Honu is 'just what the doctor ordered' to escape from your cares of the world. We all need down-time in which we can just breathe and let our bodies and minds relax and rejuvenate. You need look no further, you'll find it, and more, right here at Hale Honu.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests