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"The Happy Seal" Oceanfront House, watch seals sunbath from our deck while BBQ

Beachfront holiday home for sun and fun

Photo gallery for "The Happy Seal" Oceanfront House, watch seals sunbath from our deck while BBQ

Want to sing a love song to your loved one? feel free to use our guitar!
Property grounds
Outdoor shower
Bring a book, or read one of ours.
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8103.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Hauula, HI
  • Place, Hauula Beaches
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Hauʻula Beach Park
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Polynesian Cultural Center
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Honolulu, HI (HNL-Daniel K. Inouye Intl.)
    ‪56 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Loft open to the living room

2 Single Beds

Master bedroom

1 King Bed

Portable inflatable mattress

1 Queen Bed

Small bedroom with half bath

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Hallway Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master bedroom bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Small bedroom bath

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

"The Happy Seal" Oceanfront House, watch seals sunbath from our deck while BBQ

[A legal rental of minimum 30 days]
This is the story of a little beach house doing its part in preserving a sanctuary on this stretch of sand for the endangered Hawaiian monk seals. For many years the beach in front of the house was known as the home of a famously beloved seal named Honey Girl (Google her). After her passing in the Spring of 2020, other monk seals have taken over residence. One or two of them come to bask in the sun for an afternoon every few days and can be clearly seen about a stone's throw away from our patio.

You and your family (especially the little ones) are asked to participate in our effort in Hawaiian sea life conservation! When the monk seals are here, please help by erecting signs (available) around them to direct people away from the seals.

Don't be surprised if a roosters' crow wakes you in the morning. Located on the spectacular North Shore of Oahu you are surrounded by the Kualoa Mountains (Kualoa Ranch/Jurassic World) and your front yard is a sandy crescent beach (swimmable, sandy bottom) protected by barrier reefs, and turquoise water-great for swimming and watching our sea turtle and seal friends!!

Our comfortably furnished living room opens to the oceanfront patio with spectacular views! A small country kitchen and dining room have an ocean view and we have seen seals and turtles swam by right outside the dining room window. When you are not enjoying the beach (we have life jackets, swimming fins, children's sandbox toys, boogie boards, floaties, freesbee, etc.) there is cable TV (on a 60 in. TV), Netflix, Hawaiian-themed Hollywood blockbuster movies on DVDs, music CDs, books, some toddler toys, puzzle pieces, and board games for your family's enjoyment. How about turning off the TV to gaze at the stars with the little ones (telescope provided). Check the moon phase calendar as you may even be able to catch a full moon rise over the Pacific Ocean (you would never forget the view)!

Bring your fishing rods or spears. You may fish right out front (please obey size and species restrictions) and grill it for dinner on the patio under the stars!

Yoga mats are also available.

When it rains in the afternoon be sure to look out from the deck for 180 degrees of a giant rainbow arch, sometimes even double arches. Let the ocean surprise you during your stay with: driftwoods, drifting coconuts, sea turtles, moon light shooting through the clouds onto the distant ocean, and more! Fall asleep every night to the sound of the soothing waves. Run down a few steps from the patio and jump into the warm ocean waves whenever you want (no life guards, no tourists). Every angle and every view is Instagram-worthy! (Best colors at noon.)

The master bedroom has a private full bath and an oceanfront French door that opens to the ocean that will make you want to stay in bed forever!! Master bedroom has a newly renovated bathroom with a shower with a peekaboo view of the ocean.

The small second bedroom has a queen size bed and a cozy half bathroom.

The open space-design elevated loft area adjacent the living room has two twin size beds, a comfy lounge chair, and a desk with a printer. Fabulous ocean view from this loft space.

There is an inflatable queen size air mattress (about knee-high) that can be deployed in the living room for extra people. In total it sleeps 8, but 7th and 8th person would be on the air mattress.

The full bathroom in the hallway and the master bathroom are newly renovated each with a huge walk-in shower and a soothing rain-shower head.

Mature plantation provides privacy from adjacent neighbors.

Across the street: small convenience store for beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, charcoal, etc. 5-min drive north: Grocery store, pharmacy, Fish Taco, ice cream, 7-11, cold coconut stand, tiki woodcarving stand, and gift shops. 10-min drive: Famous Giovanni garlic shrimp truck in a field with 10+ other food trucks. 15-min drive north: fine dining, golf, spa at the Turtle Bay resort. 17-min drive north: Sunset beach, Banzai Pipeline, world famous surfing competitions (The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, HIC Pro Sunset Beach, Vans World Cup of Surfing, Billabong Pipe Masters, Volcom Pipe Pro, Da Hui Backdoor Shootout & Da Hui Pipeline Warriors, Sunset Open & Sunset Pro Junior).

This is the ultimate Hawaii experience for the family!!

** Air conditioning in all bedrooms and the living room (except the kitchen and bathrooms). In addition, ceiling fans are available in every room and living space.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 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
Smoking allowed on the patio, outdoors.

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
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
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-063-051-2128-01, 000054009028, GE-063-051-2128-01

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Hauula

Located in Hauula, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Polynesian Cultural Center, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Turtle Bay Beach and Kualoa Beach Park. Kahuku Farms and Kualoa Ranch are also worth visiting. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby.
Map
Hauula, HI

What's nearby

  • Hauula Beaches - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Hau'ula Forest Reserve - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Kaluanui Beach - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Kokololio Beach Park - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Polynesian Cultural Center - 6 min drive - 4.9 km

Getting around

  • Hālaulani / Leeward Community College Station - 58 min drive
  • Honolulu, HI (HNL-Daniel K. Inouye Intl.) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shrimp The Bomb - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Pounders Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Seven Brothers - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Papa Ole's Kitchen - ‬20 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is "The Happy Seal" Oceanfront House, watch seals sunbath from our deck while BBQ pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at "The Happy Seal" Oceanfront House, watch seals sunbath from our deck while BBQ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at "The Happy Seal" Oceanfront House, watch seals sunbath from our deck while BBQ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "The Happy Seal" Oceanfront House, watch seals sunbath from our deck while BBQ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is "The Happy Seal" Oceanfront House, watch seals sunbath from our deck while BBQ located?

Nestled on the beach, this Hauula holiday home is 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from Hauʻula Beach Park and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Polynesian Cultural Center. Hauula Beaches and Kaluanui Beach are also within 1 mile (2 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. 99 out of 103 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 103 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 103 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 103 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 103 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

A guest from Nashville, IN

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

Great location

Perfect for sitting on the porch watching the sunrise, seal watching, turtle watching, and just appreciating the beauty. North shore is the best!
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin K.

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

Awesome week on the beach

Pictures don't do the house justice. Amazing beach and amenities. Communication was great from beginning to end. Looking forward to booking this location in the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Raffi M.

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

How to vacation in HI

Great place, you're literally off the water. So close, in the mornings the water came up to the back deck. Nice and quiet and easy access to the different parts of the island without the insanity of Honolulu. Tony was a great host and was always available to help. Couldn't ask for more.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zan S.

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

Perfect location in Paradise

We wanted a place outside of the hustle and bustle of the South Shore, and we found it in Hauula. A beautiful house on its own beautiful, private beach, and the owners were nothing less than amazing. They provided every amenity we needed and quickly answered every question we had. Next time we come back to Hawaii, there is no doubt where we are staying!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karla M.

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

Special Little Happy Seal House!

It was SUCH a treat to stay in this amazing beach home. "Sadie" the monk seal came to see us almost every day. The true gem of this home is the location on the beach. What a perfect little "backyard"! House had everything we could have wanted. Our family of four got to spread out and all slept comfortably in our own little areas. Convenient sundries store across the street to pick up ice, beer, etc. Amazing time at this amazing house. Thank you Tony for everything and for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jim O.

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

"The Happy Seal" Oceanfront House is Amazing!

This home is the perfect location to see the sunrise every morning while watching and listening to the waves roll in on the beach from the lanai. The owners are so pleasant to work with, give very prompt replies, and their suggestions on which favorite local spots to visit are top notch and only minutes away. Our group of 5 had everything we needed for a great stay and enjoyed a visit from Sadie the Hawaiian monk seal while sitting on the lanai. Such a beautiful drive to visit our favorite snorkeling spots along the North Shore that ranged from 10 to 30 min of driving. Each day we all enjoyed swimming right off the lanai which is only steps away from the ocean. The convenience store and bakery directly across the street from the home came in very handy from time to time. The location of this home offers the Country experience we were looking for during our stay on Oahu. Mahalo nui loa for providing such a perfect beach house! We are looking forward to a return visit to this North Shore paradise.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Agnes L.

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

Just perfect

We recently had the good fortune of staying at the "Happy seal". The house was perfect!!! Clean and inviting. There were 4 of us, all over 60. The house is situated on the beach, ocean waves lull you to sleep each night, and a morning swim is a necessity. Close to all kinds of things to do, not too far from Honolulu and the action, but far enough to forget the crowds. We would definitely book it again- the hosts were friendly and respond promptly to any message. Thanks again- we loved it!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

nichole h.

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

Amazing Family Home

My husband, our 10 year old girls, 3 year old son, grandma and I all stayed here. It was A DREAM. The house is so well equipped with EVERYTHING you need to enjoy the beach with a family. They have chairs, a wagon, beach umbrella, snorkel gear, ample beach towels, well stocked kitchen, the list goes on. The owner was INCREDIBLE to work with. Very prompt answer to all Of my questions, very kind and generous. This was our first time in Hawaii and the location was an absolute dream. We swan in the ocean every morning right off our deck. There’s not a doubt we WILL be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zach B.

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

Paradise

This house was amazing! Great location too! Private beach with a short drive to stores and restaurants. Right across from a small store with drinks and alcohol. We were lucky enough to see 2 seals during our week stay and plenty of turtles! The house was stocked well with everything we needed for the week. Awesome beach chairs and toys to make it even easier to hang at the house all day. Would highly recommend this stay for any family or friend trip. The pack and play worked amazing for our 2 year old and there was even a mattress pad for it. Tony was an amazing host who was very laid back and easy to communicate with.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jay P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property location and ocean access are spectacular. We watched the sunrise every morning from the deck, and every evening the sound of the waves lulled us to sleep.Tony was quick to respond with any questions we had. He also left an orchid lei in the fridge to greet my 90 year old mom with a touching birthday gift.The amenities were modern, clean and well kept. Showers were roomy and modern, and washer & dryer looked brand new.We saw Sadie the seal every day and that was a treat.We were close to most everything we planned on doing in a week.There were 6 of us on this trip and we fit very comfortably in the home.Plenty of beach toys for body surfing at Pounders and snorkeling at Shark’s Cove.Food trucks were close from Laie PCC to Kahuku to keep our bellys happy.Mahalo for a wonderful 90th birthday trip for my mom and a few of her Ohana.
Sadie the seal just up the beach from the house
Morning sunrise, each one beautiful and unique
Sunrise from the deck!
Mom loved her beautiful lei from Tony
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Grant R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
4.5/5 stars. Mostly positive experience here. The properly manager communicated with us very well and was very friendly. The beach that the house sits on is wonderful, there is good snorkeling right out your back door and a seal even came up on the beach during our stay. The house was well stocked with beach toys, the kitchen was also well stocked. AC units worked well. A couple minor things keep it from being fully 5 stars. The mattresses are pretty old and sag pretty hard in the middle. I had back pain by the second day. The mattresses all need to be replaced (at least the king and queen ones). Also, we expect ants when you’re in the tropics, but we had to kill quite a few cockroaches at this house as well. It could use a thorough exterminator treatment and some kitchen deep cleaning. Finally, this is a residential area that, while having a beautiful shoreline, was very clearly populated with locals that made no secret that they weren’t fond of tourists from the mainland. It’s also worth mentioning that the parking situation is borderline dangerous. It’s not the owners fault, but there is such little space for a vehicle that you have to back out in reverse blindly onto a pretty busy highway. I had my teenager step out and hold traffic every time we pulled out, but would have been pretty nervous pulling out if I was by myself. Overall, a great location, great property manager, and a truly beautiful beach. Would stay here again if in Oahu.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second time visiting Oaho. Our family had a great time at this oceanfront home. We enjoyed being able to sit on the deck and just enjoy the view!! Not in the busy city, but we could get to places in a timely manner. Thanks again
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

denae W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely the most beautiful vacation of your dreams!!! I cant wait to get back here, it was so relaxing. The house has all the things that you need to cook, relax and enjoy the beach.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle L.

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

Pleasantly perfect!

From the moment we walked in the door, our eyes were mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the ocean! Talk about gorgeous! We pretty much had our own private beach. The other side of the house was on a busy road and it was a tight squeeze to get the rental in, but we made it work just fine. I have already recommended this place to others and know at least one family who’s wanting to book it. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat if we come to Hawaii again. The property manager was beyond amazing too and the sweetest lady ever along with her dog Richard. Thanks for having a great beach home!
Stayed 10 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol F.

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

Fabulous stay

This is a special spot right on the beach. Had a wonderful stay with my family. Would love to return in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelli C.

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

Nothing short of amazing

Not only was this home a slice of heaven but the host was such a kind person. They even gifted me a lei with a happy birthday because they took the time to remember i had briefly mentioned it was one of the reasons we vacationed. If i get the chance i am definitely going back!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claiborne C.

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

Great stay!

The house is nicely remote yet very near the Polynesian center and many beach areas. Everything was clean and nicely decorated. The host was a pleasure to work with.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bracken F.

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

Perfect

If you want to stay on this side of the island, on the beach, and it fits your party size, don’t hesitate, this place is great. Sadie the seal visited 3x during our stay. Comfortable accommodations. Excellent communication with the property manager.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catheryn L.

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

Amazing experience

We had a fabulous stay! We were visited by seals on our first day and went for dips in the beautiful ocean every evening upon returning from our adventures. The sound of the waves is amazing and this is a fabulous location to experience local Hawaii! Air conditioning works great and the host was amazing. Super kind and responsive. Would stay again 100%
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth A.

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

Wonderful time on the North Shore!

Perfect location to see the sunrise every morning and watch the waves roll in while enjoying a cup of coffee. Our favorite beach of the week was a suggestion of the owners just a few minutes down the road. We had everything we needed for a great stay and saw two different seals from the back deck. Quick drive to visit our snorkel spots on the north shore and my kids enjoyed swimming right off the back deck.Mahalo for such a great time!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea F.

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

Seal house

Our stay in Seal house was fantastic. We had 3 adults and 3 kids. There was plenty of room and the house had everything we needed. I really appreciated all of the beach towels, chairs, cooler, umbrella and sand toys. The house was clean and beds were comfortable. Getting in and out is a little hard but the location on the beach more than makes up for it.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

brad m.

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

Heaven on the beachfront

Our stay was perfect..couldnt have asked for more..The house was on the beach..The Monk Seal was on the beach.We were on the Beach..Except for 1 big storm Our hosts could not have been friendlier.The house was beautifly appointed...All was Heaven
Stayed 13 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela D.

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

Great place!

The view is great! The owner was great to work with! The house is very comfortable and fits all your needs! Everything was as described in description!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trish B.

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

Excellent location and attentive host

We stayed for a week, and hiked, swam, and generally enjoyed our place that was 10 feet from the ocean.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kortni L.

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

The best location!

We enjoyed staying here so much. It was the best location. Not too far from the Northshore. We had a wedding at Kualoa Ranch and it was only about 15 mins away. It was so peaceful. We spent a day in Waikiki and were so happy to come back to the calmness around this house. I wish we had more time! The beach being in the backyard was perfect! The host, Tony, was so great with communication!!! We can’t wait to come back! 💗
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

Hosted by Tony Chailoh

Host profile image

Languages:

English