Spectacular Oceanfront! 20' from the Sea
4.8
Outstanding(142 Reviews)House in South Kona, HI
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 4 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more
About this house rental
Hale Kai means 'Home by the Sea' and sits only 20' from the ocean. Step outside this home onto your own private white sand under the shade of your palm tree garden. Hale Kai sits 32' above the water on a pali and within a few minutes of the house, one can snorkel, swim, scuba dive, hike, surf and kayak and enjoy the pristine beauty of a quiet, serene and romantic ocean side setting. You will love lounging on the shaded and tiled lanai overlooking the Pacific Ocean entertained by the locals... Spinner Dolphins, Green Sea Turtles and Humpback Whales.
You will really enjoy our new Sunset Pool in the downstairs lanai. The pool will help you cool off on those warmer days and provide a wonderful place to watch the sun slide into the ocean while sipping on a Mai-Tai. The all tiled new pool is definitely a game changer!
The Plantation style home has 3000 square feet of breathtaking views from any part of the house and is surrounded by water in three directions and some of the most pristine coral reefs in all the islands. Located conveniently halfway between Kona and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hale Kai makes a great base from which to explore the Hilo and Kona side of the island.
Lulled to sleep by moonlight on the water, Hale Kai will flow into you as you enjoy the moonlight and stars on the water.
Beaches near the Home: 3 beaches lie close to the house. Sea Cave Beach is a 20 minute hike South & hosts a cool sea cave where one can swim. Beyond the sea cave, the beach is about two hundred yards wide & deep. It is a sand & pebble beach & provides great swimming, sunbathing & snorkeling unless there is a large winter swell.
The second beach is at Milolii Beach Park where sand pockets are surrounded by lava & coral to form a very quiet wading area for kids with great swimming, snorkeling & scuba further out. Great place for kids to play in the tidepools. Milolii Beach Park is about a 5 minute drive from the house.
The third & by far the most spectacular beach is located at Honamolino Bay, a 5 minute drive & then a 20 minute walk from the historic yellow church. It has been touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in all the islands. A true tropical paradise, the water is almost always very calm with many coconuts palms along a crescent of black sand.
Location, Location Location: Located conveniently between Kona and Volcano's National Park, this home is a great base from which to explore the island. The lushness of Hilo Town (The City of Orchids) is a beautiful drive through the rain forests of Hawaii Volcano's National Park. The nightlife and restaurants of Kona are less than an hour's drive from the house.
The area is quiet and serene with stunning sunsets and lots of room to explore. The Kings Trail runs through here and can be walked for many miles. The kayaks that come with the house can also be used to explore miles and miles of coastline. Secret beaches, sea caves and lots of marine life can be discovered with a trip either up or down the coast. You will see parts of Hawaii that very few visitors ever see. If you are lucky, the local Spinner Dolphins, Green Sea Turtles and Humpback Whales may choose to swim with you. A once in a lifetime experience!
National Parks Near Hale Kai: Haunaunau National Historical Monument is North of the house about half an hour and features a comprehensive look back into the ancient Hawaiian culture with a reconstruction of the 'City of Refuge'. Watch an outrigger canoe be carved from a single log as well as sea turtles haul out of the bay. Lots of great info in a beautiful setting. A short walk North at a site called 'Two Step' also hosts some of the islands best snorkeling and diving and a chance to swim with dolphins.
Hawaii Volcano National Park is located about an hour's drive East and features one of the only places in the world where one can hike and watch fresh red hot lava waterfall into the sea. Petroglyphs, rainforests, lava caves, a world class visitor center, Hawaii Volcano National Park should not be missed. Guests should easily plan on spending at least a full day here exploring the park and another full day in Hilo hunting out waterfalls and enjoying the Tsunami Museum among other attractions. We want you to have a great time at Hale Kai just like we have over the years and are here to help in the planning process.
You will really enjoy our new Sunset Pool in the downstairs lanai. The pool will help you cool off on those warmer days and provide a wonderful place to watch the sun slide into the ocean while sipping on a Mai-Tai. The all tiled new pool is definitely a game changer!
The Plantation style home has 3000 square feet of breathtaking views from any part of the house and is surrounded by water in three directions and some of the most pristine coral reefs in all the islands. Located conveniently halfway between Kona and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hale Kai makes a great base from which to explore the Hilo and Kona side of the island.
Lulled to sleep by moonlight on the water, Hale Kai will flow into you as you enjoy the moonlight and stars on the water.
Beaches near the Home: 3 beaches lie close to the house. Sea Cave Beach is a 20 minute hike South & hosts a cool sea cave where one can swim. Beyond the sea cave, the beach is about two hundred yards wide & deep. It is a sand & pebble beach & provides great swimming, sunbathing & snorkeling unless there is a large winter swell.
The second beach is at Milolii Beach Park where sand pockets are surrounded by lava & coral to form a very quiet wading area for kids with great swimming, snorkeling & scuba further out. Great place for kids to play in the tidepools. Milolii Beach Park is about a 5 minute drive from the house.
The third & by far the most spectacular beach is located at Honamolino Bay, a 5 minute drive & then a 20 minute walk from the historic yellow church. It has been touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in all the islands. A true tropical paradise, the water is almost always very calm with many coconuts palms along a crescent of black sand.
Location, Location Location: Located conveniently between Kona and Volcano's National Park, this home is a great base from which to explore the island. The lushness of Hilo Town (The City of Orchids) is a beautiful drive through the rain forests of Hawaii Volcano's National Park. The nightlife and restaurants of Kona are less than an hour's drive from the house.
The area is quiet and serene with stunning sunsets and lots of room to explore. The Kings Trail runs through here and can be walked for many miles. The kayaks that come with the house can also be used to explore miles and miles of coastline. Secret beaches, sea caves and lots of marine life can be discovered with a trip either up or down the coast. You will see parts of Hawaii that very few visitors ever see. If you are lucky, the local Spinner Dolphins, Green Sea Turtles and Humpback Whales may choose to swim with you. A once in a lifetime experience!
National Parks Near Hale Kai: Haunaunau National Historical Monument is North of the house about half an hour and features a comprehensive look back into the ancient Hawaiian culture with a reconstruction of the 'City of Refuge'. Watch an outrigger canoe be carved from a single log as well as sea turtles haul out of the bay. Lots of great info in a beautiful setting. A short walk North at a site called 'Two Step' also hosts some of the islands best snorkeling and diving and a chance to swim with dolphins.
Hawaii Volcano National Park is located about an hour's drive East and features one of the only places in the world where one can hike and watch fresh red hot lava waterfall into the sea. Petroglyphs, rainforests, lava caves, a world class visitor center, Hawaii Volcano National Park should not be missed. Guests should easily plan on spending at least a full day here exploring the park and another full day in Hilo hunting out waterfalls and enjoying the Tsunami Museum among other attractions. We want you to have a great time at Hale Kai just like we have over the years and are here to help in the planning process.
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of South Kona, HI
Reviews
4.8
Outstanding(142 Reviews)4.8
This location was amazing for views and enjoying the sound and view of the ocean! The house was amazing with all the amenities needed for a week stay. Would recommend having a 4x4 to get to the property. It is not an easy drive to get to neighborhood and is very intimidating the first time you drive it. The drive is worth the views from the house and the lava cliffs tbat are just amazing and serene. Definitely recommend staying here!
4.8
If I could pick this house and view up and move it to an easier to get to location, I would give it a much higher rating. The 12 minute very windy road was very hard to handle everyday coming back from a long day out. My kids and I all had to wear sea bands every time we left and came back because of that road made us so car sick. There is nothing to do at the house. No easy accesses to water to swim. There are no decent beaches and no restaurants. We would leave the house in the early morning to make an hour or longer drive to beaches restaurants or other activities we had in mind. We would just stay out all day and then return at night. This was our only place we stayed and that was our fault. I had no idea the amount of driving on windy roads we would have to do to get to anywhere really. I picked this place because it was in the middle of the observatory and the VNP. I should have just chose one place closer to each. We wasted a lot of time in the car.
The house was comfortable and there was plenty of room for us all. It was too hot for us the first night. We are not comfortable sleeping with the doors open, especially with kids sleeping downstairs, so we bought three fans, one for each room. That helped a lot. We left those there. The locals would come down and “party” right in front of the house at night, and it would get very loud. My husband would have to go out and turn the outside lights on to show them we were there.
4.8
The location is stunning. The last 3 miles to the house takes almost 15 minutes to drive just that segment. There is a local grocery store about 20-25 minutes away, and aside from that there are some restaurants 45 minutes away. We felt more isolated than the listing conveyed.
Regarding the house, it was adequate & comfortable. There were a lot of little aspects that needed attention though. Broken flapping trim, a smelly dishwasher and washing machine, lots of grime and dead bugs, etc. The tap water is not potable, and there is a dispenser with a 5 gallon jug for drinking water. There was only 1 jug for our 9 day stay. We ran out of water, & despite numerous contacts since day 3 it wasn't replaced until our 7th day.
We were excited to kayak, surf and swim since equipment was referenced. There was no surf board, and the only option to kayak was along a 15 minute rugged hike. The winter swells are strong, & there is no closer option to swim then.
We were excited to use the plunge pool but it was a very cold 75 degrees. With all of these factors we ended up staying around the house for just 1 day. Driving to Hilo, Kona, etc, just be prepared to spend a LOT of time driving. Hilo is 4.5 hours roundtrip, & Kona 2.5+. We drove 30 hours total over a 9 day stay
There were a couple other issues like arriving to a dishwasher full of dirty dishes, and a dryer full of laundry. We reached out to the owner after our stay to explain all of our concerns, but never heard back from him.
4.8
We lived this property! The view cannot be beat! You can hear the waves crashing against the sea walls and it’s just magical! There is so much to explore just off site! Our kids had a blast exploring the lava sea cliffs and playing in the tide pools. The neighborhood is quiet, peaceful and safe. We enjoyed having our breakfasts and dinners out in the balcony and the kids loved the soak pool. I would absolutely stay here again!
4.8
We couldn't say enough about this property and really enjoyed our stay here. The pool was cold so we didn't use it and the only other suggestion is to ensure you are prepared and have what you need. It is a drive to get to the nearest stores, but once you have what you need, staying here is just amazing. The waves, views, sunsets and all is just as advertised. Excellent walking along the rocks/coast close to the property and would advise to have some good hiking boots, or gymshoes at the least. Not for sandals. The rest is just amazing!
4.8
The house is beautiful! Great views of water and the whales swimming by. The drive down the hill was very curvy and made the trips in and out very planned. Wish the pool had been a little warmer for swimming, but the top deck is where we did most of our hanging out.
4.8
Quiet Location except for the unending ocean sounds! Beautiful view of the ocean and surrounding area. Loved seeing whales from the deck.
The house has definitely rooms with views. Would have loved curtains that fully closed. Visitors to the open lava area next to the house made us a bit uneasy at night.
4.8
The property is a nice place with full accommodations and plenty of room. We were extremely comfortable. The view is amazing!!!!
The drive down to the house is long…. we did lots of driving because there really isn’t anything local.
The house is at the water so you will hear the waves crashing all the time. It was nice to wake up to but a challenge falling asleep from the upstairs master bedroom. It’s loud.
Overall, the property is lovely. A good place for a family gathering. We did not have any issues so there was no need to contact the property manager.
4.8
If you're really wanting to get away, and enjoy the amazing sunsets this is your place. The home is big, very pretty, with an awesome balcony with panoramic views! We had to reach the owner for a couple of reasons, and he was so polite and responsive. Definitely would recommend!
4.8
This is a remote location with no shops in town, 1+ hours to Kailua- Kona and more to Volcanoes National Park. That said, the tradeoff is not even close. The house is at the end of the street on lava flow. 5 steps and you're on the waves with white foam from clear blue water. Sunrise, sunset both spectacular. You could spend a whole day at home and not feel like you missed out on anything because the setting is so stunning. Since we only had 4 full days we kept pretty busy, and the drives are not too bad either since the island is so beautiful. Not having ac is something I noticed while goingto sleep, but did not think about it while chilling out on the porch in the evening to the lulling waves. To sum it up, this was beyond what I hoped for and I hope to return someday.
Couple of details. We went to Miloli'i boat launch area and snorkeled - fantastic. The house is spacious and nicely laid out with the common area in the second floor. Mosquitoes were annoying.
4.8
The property is aging a bit and/or a bit weathered; however, the pool was nice (though there was a small leak somewhere that needed to be fixed - it may or may not have been done while we were there). There is no air conditioning so if the winds aren't blowing it can get a little sweltery but there are fans everywhere so it was not intolerable. The view from the porch is outstanding. Every day in the morning when the sun is just right the waves crashing on the rocks will produce a rainbow. We enjoyed our time there and were able to relax and just take in the Hawaiian experience. Thank you for providing us the opportunity to stay there.
4.8
The location is incredible! The house sits on a lava cliff and the sunrises, sunsets, and ocean views from the deck and windows never disappointed.
We loved the remote location and lack of touristy feel. There's not a lot of facilities nearby, but there's plenty to do in either direction on the belt road and plenty of services on the way from Kona. Just be aware and plan ahead.
The house is well stocked, appointed, and cared for. We didn't have any problems with connectivity and cell service for those who need it. We had an issue with the dishwasher and were in good communication with the house manager. Totally understand that life is different than the mainland and it's not as easy as popping into your local DIY store to get things done on the islands! Also, being 20' from he ocean has its realities with the constant salt air. A new house next door has wear just from the environment and we could tell that the caretakers were doing as much as possible.
We were a little worried by some of the reviews about Miloli'i itself and it was described as having "a lot of Aloha down there," but with a little respect, figured out parking and had a great day at the nearby, incredible Honomolino Beach. There's a way down the cliffs into he water at the house if you're willing to climb, as well as a nearby "park" to get into the ocean for kayaking/snorkeling etc. The pool was nice, but a bit chilly.
Overall, our family loved our time and the house and would definitely return!
4.8
Lovely home with unparalleled views and vibes. Amazing water, night skies, and home. So peaceful falling asleep to the sound of the waves when you can pull yourself away from the stars to go to sleep. Great host. Great island. Great home. Mahalo
4.8
Nice quiet relaxing place. A good spot to get away.
4.8
Living on the cliffs for these past 9 days has been much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your home with us. Bedrooms and bathrooms were fine for the 5 of us. We had what we needed to cook for our family. The new fans were helpful to keep us cool. Coolest spot is the lanai of course. My daughter tried out the sitting pool and enjoyed that. My favorite spot is sitting on the 30ft lava rock over the ocean. Drinking water was supplied for when you're at the house. We kept water bottles for being out and about. The only disappointing thing to me was not being able to use the kayaks like we had envisioned to go up the coast. Unless you have a trailer you can't use them easily. We were able to get the single one down the street and in the water there and we took turns with it but couldnt do this as a family as it was. Thank you Mike for taking our late night call and resending the email we misplaced. Thank you Dan for your help fixing some things while here.
4.8
We had a great stay here! The sunsets were spectacular and we saw dolphins swimming by several times during our weeks stay. We had similar issues thinking we could use the kayaks but there really isn’t anywhere nearby to walk with them. We were under the impression that there was a sandy beach within walking distance but there isn’t. Kids had fun in the pool and we did enjoy relaxing on the little private beach patio. Would liked to have utilized the garage, but the door was broken also, the main screen door to the upper deck was broken but we managed. Loved the sound of the waves crashing onto the rocks every night! Made for some peaceful & excellent nights sleep. The views every morning were spectacular!! Such a lovely stay.
4.8
Let me first say, the house and location are stunning! You stay at the end of a lava flow, with the ocean out your door. The sound of the waves lull you to sleep every night in a house that is comfortable. If you are looking for a hidden away hideaway, where you can cook your meals and enjoy solitude, this is the property for you! If you are wanting a place in the middle, or close to the town, this won’t fit your needs. The closest grocery store is about 45 minutes, Kona is an hour, Hilo is 2 1/2 hours, and the volcano is about an hour away. If you are planning on exploring Hawaii, from this house you’ll spend a lot of time driving. There are kayaks available to use, but no launching site at the property, and no way to transport the kayaks other than carrying them by hand down the road. We were informed upon check in that the house has water trucked in and we needed to be careful with water usage (like showering and doing laundry). There were plenty of jugs of drinking water, and it was not an issue for us.
The kitchen is well stocked with basics and has good cooking utensils and pans. The layout is very homey feeling, with a countertop to prep on and chairs on the other side for people to keep you company.
Overall, this property fit the needs of our trip and we enjoyed the stay.
Oh! Quick side note: on the 3 mile road down to the house there are small fruit stands. Keep small bills with you so you can stop for papayas, mangos, macadamia nuts, and avocados!
4.8
So glad we chose this beautiful home for our trip to Hawaii. The house is exactly as it is described. Comfy and cozy inside, and being literally right at the waters edge makes the wrap around deck sublime for sunsets! Jumping off the cliff was a blast. The road down from the hwy is no joke, but the location was great for visiting both sides of the island. We all agreed we would come back!
4.8
We had a wonderful time at this home. The location is stunning and we fell asleep to the sound of the ocean every night. The road to get to the house from the main road is pretty windy, but somehow we got used to it. It takes 15 minutes to go 3 miles down the hill. The advice to get groceries on your way was spot on, as its about 25-30 minutes to groceries or a restaurant. While they do have snorkeling gear and some fun kayaks, the masks were not very good so if you want to see perfectly, you need to rent your own. We had a great time and looking forward to coming back!!
4.8
We didn’t want the resort type vacation. We wanted to be close to adventure and away from crowds and that’s exactly what this house offered. It was a perfect week for our family. Evening dinners together on the lanai, daytime adventures snorkeling, spear fishing and kayaking right below the house. It was a perfect base for our day time trips to Hilo and Kona as well. Best vacation and secluded, private house which added to our priceless time together as a family. Great communication with property owner and property manager. Great directions and easy to follow directions for check in and checkout. We will be back!
4.8
Very nice and relaxing, a little to far off the main road for us, but still enjoyed. Should’ve talked to property manager about trail to beach never did find one, it’s very hot walking around on the lava.
Beautiful sunsets.
4.8
We loved being right on the water and going to sleep with the sound of waves breaking on the nearby shore. While the house is remote from the centre of Kona tourism, the isolation is a great benefit to rest and relaxation.
4.8
This is out of the way in a quiet neighborhood end of the road location. Very relaxing Hawaiian experience. You can get into the ocean to snorkel and swim, but it’s not a beach. House is roomy and a great kitchen. I would recommend.
4.8
Had a great time here. As mentioned elsewhere, if you are OK with being pretty darn isolated this place is absolutely perfect. And after dealing with the traffic/crowds around Kona, we were even more happy to be on the South Side. Comfy king bed. Really pleasant sleeping at night with windows open, waves crashing and the fan blowing. Not sure we ever stayed at a better place for watching the sunset. Honomalino beach was fantastic--just great snorkeling and very few people. On the nights we could see the stars, well, you aren't going to get a clearer sky anywhere else...just magical.
4.8
I loved this home! Thank you Mike for letting us enjoy this paradise. It is out of the way, but with a much needed relaxing and down time it was PERFECT! It was my Grandaughters Sweet Sixteen and she chose Hawaii and loved every minute of it. We couldn't keep her inside! The little pool was awesome for cooling off and just enjoying the sunset. We could not have asked for more..
4.8
Nice home in peaceful neighborhood. Descriptions match the listing.
4.8
This house is unique, sits on the edge of the ocean on a lava bed. Big house, full porch upstairs looking out at ocean watching dolphins.Clean, great kitchen, bathrooms and beds are very comfortable. Mike is friendly and attentive to all of our questions and needs. Had quick response when we reached out! Master bath is especially pretty, detail of shower and sink were appreciated. Outdoor shower is the best! Private as you look at palm trees and crashing waves of the ocean. We spent 3 weeks in Hawaii on 4 islands and our week at Mikes house was our favorite! Book it, you’ll be happy you did!
4.8
Amazing place to unwind and observe the wonders of the big island. Whale watching from the deck, watching the tropical fish from the cliff, seeing the storms roll in…loved every second of it!! This place is just what I was looking for…solitude…calm…listening to the ocean waves…doesn’t get better. Just know it takes an effort to get there and your going to drive awhile but if seeing the real, rugged big island is what you want and to get away from people for awhile…this is an amazing place!!
4.8
The house was quiet and comfortable and right on the water- we saw whales every day and dolphins too. We were looking to escape the crowds and tourists and this was a great place to do just that. The lack of AC didn’t bother us and the property manager and house keeper were very helpful.
4.8
It's hard to put this stay into words. It was everything that was advertised and then some. The view was amazing, the waves were quite large due to a swell moving in so we were treated to so many huge beautiful waves. They lulled us sleep every night. We weren't able to get in the water here or put in the canoe's but we didn't mind. The house is well appointed, they had everything you needed to cook meals. The house is clean and the owners and their house manager were amazing. They were quick to respond to any texts or calls. THANK YOU for letting us stay in your beautiful house. Pro Tip - there is an awesome fresh fruit and veggie market in Hilo right down the street from Pineapple's Restaurant, we got pineapple, papaya and rambutan that were so delish and cheap! The house is not close to town so get some groceries and supplies before you head out to the house, we loved the low key private part of it so not an issue! Mike was so awesome to send a letter to let us know this so we were prepared! STAY HERE if you get the chance - I want to go back again soon!
4.8
We love our time we spend exploring The Big Island
4.8
Spent 6 restful days and nights enjoying the view, watching whales and drinking wine.
Just what we needed away from tourists and congested in-town and resort locations.
We were close to south point and still far enough north to make a trip into Captqin Cook an easy drive.
The house is well apportioned with everything we needed. There are life jackets, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, beach chairs and coolers available for day trips.
Had a great time and look forward to returning soon!
4.8
First I will say, Mike and Dan, were easily reachable and responsive with things they could control. However, due to conditions of the house, we left after one night (less than 24 hours) Our reservation was the first week of June. The house did not have a/c, which i didn't expect to be a problem since it is 20 feet from the Ocean, but there was NO air movement. It was strange to have no breeze to speak of that close to the ocean. There were freestanding fans available to try to circulate the air.However, they did not help much, making it difficult to sleep.
Also, be aware that the drive to the house is about a 20 minute very windy steep road down. For us it made it seem like a chore to leave and return to the house.
Also, be aware that the house is on the end of a road making for beautiful views, however, many locals walk up and down the road and enjoy the lava rocks to watch sunset while we were there, which made it seem less secluded.
The futon mattress, in the 'reading room' was super thin and when pulled away from wall to lay it flat, we discovered a big hole in the wall(that spanned across 3 lengths of studs in the wall and as tall as the height of the outlet )
The towel bar in the downstairs bathroom had been ripped off the wall.
Overall the house was okay, but shows it age, of years of salt water air and lack of upkeep.
We were disappointed that the bottom Lanai was a constructions site and the 'pool' was not finished and had about 30 cockroaches (or some sort of flying bug that looked like large cockroaches to us) were drowned in the water in the bottom of the unfinished 'pool'
We couldn't enjoy sitting on the upstairs Lanai during the day, because there is added plexiglass panels across the entire side that faces the Ocean diminishing the enjoyment of the view. There was only Deck table and standard deck chairs. No soft couch or comfy chairs as seen in pictures. and no breeze. But to be fair, we were not very long when it was daytime. At night, we couldn't sit on Lanai to eat dinner or enjoy the Ocean, due to a lot of flying 'roaches' and mosquitos.
Before deciding to leave this property for another location, I did speak with Mike and he was very apologetic about our disappointment in the rental house and was great about making it easy for us to move on to another property. And assured me that he would address all my concerns.
I hesitated for a long time before leaving my review, but felt it was wrong not to share my experience.
4.8
First I will say, Mike and Dan, were easily reachable and responsive with things they could control. However, due to conditions of the house, we left after one night (less than 24 hours) Our reservation was the first week of June. The house did not have a/c, which i didn't expect to be a problem since it is 20 feet from the Ocean, but there was NO air movement. It was strange to have no breeze to speak of that close to the ocean. There were freestanding fans available to try to circulate the air.However, they did not help much, making it difficult to sleep.
Also, be aware that the drive to the house is about a 20 minute very windy steep road down. For us it made it seem like a chore to leave and return to the house.
Also, be aware that the house is on the end of a road making for beautiful views, however, many locals walk up and down the road and enjoy the lava rocks to watch sunset while we were there, which made it seem less secluded.
The futon mattress, in the 'reading room' was super thin and when pulled away from wall to lay it flat, we discovered a big hole in the wall(that spanned across 3 lengths of studs in the wall and as tall as the height of the outlet )
The towel bar in the downstairs bathroom had been ripped off the wall.
Overall the house was okay, but shows it age, of years of salt water air and lack of upkeep.
We were disappointed that the bottom Lanai was a constructions site and the 'pool' was not finished and had about 30 cockroaches (or some sort of flying bug that looked like large cockroaches to us) were drowned in the water in the bottom of the unfinished 'pool'
We couldn't enjoy sitting on the upstairs Lanai during the day, because there is added plexiglass panels across the entire side that faces the Ocean diminishing the enjoyment of the view. There was only Deck table and standard deck chairs. No soft couch or comfy chairs as seen in pictures. and no breeze. But to be fair, we were not very long when it was daytime. At night, we couldn't sit on Lanai to eat dinner or enjoy the Ocean, due to a lot of flying 'roaches' and mosquitos.
Before deciding to leave this property for another location, I did speak with Mike and he was very apologetic about our disappointment in the rental house and was great about making it easy for us to move on to another property. And assured me that he would address all my concerns.
I hesitated for a long time before leaving my review, but felt it was wrong not to share my experience.
4.8
We enjoyed every minute of our stay here. From beautiful sunsets to thunderstorms out on the ocean in the evening. In November the temperature was perfect for us, even if it was raining on the highway it would still be sunny and warm down by the water. The volcano erupted while we were there giving us a great view of the evening glow from a safe distance!
Everything you would expect from a beachfront house.
4.8
The home was nice but the lack of climate control eventually required us to cut our stay short. I'm not sure if we just got unlucky with the heat and humidity during our visit but even with all the windows and doors open it remained uncomfortable in the house and really affected our sleeping. We hoped that the weather would change but since it was important for us to to be comfortable on our vacation, in the end, we elected to leave the home early for a location with AC.
The owner Mike was great at communicating with us, and shared some great recommendations for activities. It is a neat house with great views but without the relief from the climate it diminished the experience.
It may have been unlucky timing but I felt that the listing could have done a better job of calling out that climate control was not available. These things happen...
4.8
The description and reviews summarize this properties beautiful location accurately. The ocean was brilliant and wild. We traveled as a family of 5 and overall had a nice experience. My youngest kids were 9 & 11 and handled the cliffs well, but I would caution this location for younger families. No AC didn’t bother 4 out of 5. To my surprise (since I am motion sickness prone) the winding roads were manageable. The Honomalino beach was our favorite part of this location and is a must see!
My biggest disappointment was not using the kayaks as the sea had no access from the home to drop in the water. The neighborhood water access was unsafe with high winds/ tides and rocks while there. The home is also in need of some minor updating such as towels, dingy furniture cushions and minor repairs noticed throughout. Check out instructions would also be great to provide to guest. We did not receive any communication during our weeklong stay from the property owner or manager.
4.8
Pros:
-the view truly is to die for.
-Both Mike and Dan (host and assistant) were incredibly helpful and responsive.
-Away from touristy crowd and people.
-We really appreciated on site washer, dryer, use of sea kayaks, and fully stocked kitchen.
-the best snorkeling we have experienced ever was right off cliff behind house (this was 3rd Hawaii/Maui trip and have snorkeled in Central America also).
Cons:
-No AC. Even though great breeze we slept poorly bc of the humidity and temp. We are from AZ where AC runs cold so maybe for some people no big deal.
-The beaches nearby were all volcanic rock with little sand. Not ideal for younger kids. We ended up driving farther than anticipated for sandy beach.
-The mosquitoes were awful sitting on deck and we had to use bug spray at all times. There were holes in the screens in a few areas and some snuck in when opening doors.
-The road to get to house was insane windy.
Overall amazing place. Just know what you are getting.
4.8
Hale Kai was a wonderful house surrounded by amazing scenery. It’s not often you can see the sunrise and the sunset from the same spot…but here, we did every day! We used the snorkel equipment and kayaks that came with the house…however, the life jackets could use an update. The property manager was not prompt in his responses…we could not figure out how to turn on any lights in the upstairs bedroom; and we could have used another bottle of drinking water for the kitchen. But overall, well worth the cost to stay here!!! All four of us want to come back and stay at this exact place again!
4.8
We absolutely loved this house and location. It was advertised accurately. Such a wonderful peaceful spot, from falling asleep to the waves crashing or to having morning coffee looking out over the ocean. One morning our friends who stayed with us saw a good sized hammer head shark right from the rocks overlooking the water! This house was so homey, we didn’t even get that home sick feeling! We were very happy with the house and location!! So beautiful! We would highly recommend this place!!!!
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in South Kona?
The average price for a rental in South Kona is $503 per night. This rental is $120 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Spectacular Oceanfront! 20' from the Sea. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Spectacular Oceanfront! 20' from the Sea. Enjoy the water!
Is Spectacular Oceanfront! 20' from the Sea pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Spectacular Oceanfront! 20' from the Sea?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
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