This little cottage was great for a couple - wonderful back yard with great lounges and a perfect place to relax, enjoy the ocean, and watch whales. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a few kitchen supplies like oil or seasonings and maybe foil or wrap. Otherwise the kitchen is well stocked with cooking utensils. We would definitely stay again!

If you are looking for a laid back, restful and quiet place to stay on the Big Island, this is it! We’ve stayed here many times and it never disappoints. Puako is such a delightful area. Clean, comfy and laid back. Thank you and we hope to come back someday!

Hale Malia is a darling bungalow in a beautiful setting. A perfect place to watch whales and the ocean while sipping coffee! The bungalow is very clean, well equipped and charmingly decorated. The owner was very available, and proactive, when we had a small problem. Dreamy!

We really enjoyed our time staying here. We have stayed in Puako before and found this place to have absolutely everything we needed. We’d love to return!!

Love this spot. Away from the resorts. Great location on the island for day trips. Rolling waves were the only sounds I needed in the hammock.

We LOVED this place! Had so much fun watching whales and sea turtles right in the back yard! Comfy, clean, perfectly decorated, and so peaceful. Came here after the loss of my son and it was the perfect retreat from life that I so badly needed. Mahalo for letting us stay and we will be back!

This is our third time staying at this property and it gets better each time I cannot recommend it more.

We have stayed in many houses in Puako over the years. This will now be on our list of favorites...just right for two adults, a real Hawaiian feel, a beautiful location with sunset views. Though a modest sized house, it is on a large property which makes it feel private and quiet.

This place was amazing!!! would recommend to anyone. I read the only non 5 star review. it said snorkeling was 10 minute drive away. THAT"S NOT TRUE! Snorkeling is a 1 minute walk to the water. There's a walk-in area to the left of the property. Divers come in and out everyday. I dove everyday. That non 5 star review should be removed. This place should have more than 5 stars

What an incredible home!! We loved every minute of our trip and are thankful to the owners for sharing their beautiful spot on a gorgeous island. The property photos and details were accurate, even though I can't believe it was real - the ocean views and breeze and soothing sounds were calm and healing. The owner was practically immediate in responses to a few minor questions I had (and that's with a 6 hour time difference) and check-in was simple. The house was immaculate, extremely comfortable, and the furnishings were beautiful, both inside and out. Great to have a full kitchen for quite a few meals we had at the house. Pauko is a great home-base location for day trips we took to other parts of the island. There were shore access entry spots all along the street and a few perfect sandy beaches about 5-10 minutes away. We ate at some fun and delicious restaurants in nearby Kawaihae and Waimea, and a few stops for sunset snacks at the resorts 10-15 minute drive away. But don't miss the malasadas food truck at the main road coming into the neighborhood! We also walked to the General Store for items we needed and sandwiches to take to the beach. Chairs, umbrella, coolers, towels - all there at the house. Perfect stay.

We had an incredible time at this beautiful oceanfront home. Nothing better than enjoying the gentle trade winds while taking in all that this property has to offer. Snorkeling right out front, Hapuna Beach 7 minutes away, We were able to take advantage of the beach towels, beach umbrella, beach chairs, and the cooler that were there. Close to restaurants in Kawaihae Harbor, Waimea, and Waikoloa. But, we really enjoyed staying there for dinner cooking on the BBQ, and watching the beautiful sunsets. Already looking forward to our next visit.

Had a lovely stay after a recent family tragedy, and Hale Malia was a wonderful bungalow to hunker down and heal. The location was amazing, the views unbeatable, and the snorkeling incredible. Waking up to that view will forever be our happy place, and we're already trying to figure out when we can get back in happier times. BTW Kirsi was fantastic to deal with. When the winds and fires kicked up in the middle of our stay, she kept us up to date on what roads were open and closed, and when the emergency road out of Puako was opened. She was always concerned with our safety over the property, and was greatly appreciated!

I loved the beauty and simplicity of this gorgeous retreat. Reservations and check in were a breeze. I will absolutely return!!

If you want to experience Hawaii, relax to the sound of the ocean, see turtles relaxing after a long day of swimming... stay in Puako. Yes there are massive homes being built (which is a site) but if you get the opportunity to stay in a small, original style hale, with ALL of the comfort of home, stay here. Worried about not AC? It was very comfortable with temps around 82 daily, the ocean breeze is constant and keeps you cool. Besides, you live in your sarong or shorts anyways! A short walk to the Puako store for anything you need. A definite favorite.

Very nice house and area. Love sitting outside and watching the whales. The house is cute.. very nice decor and everything you need for your stay. Would rent again!!

Our first time staying in Puako. Fantastic location right on the water in a quiet neighborhood. This is an authentic Hawaiian home perfect for 2 people or a family (children slept on L shaped sofa). Appreciate the beach chairs and cooler. Hope to stay again

Loved every minute! Amazing location, views, tranquility!!! Saw tons of whales Rented paddle boards from Lat72 and they were delivered to the house. We enjoyed SUP entering the beach from 2 houses down. I could stay there forever Can’t wait to go back

"Hale Malia" is our "Happy Place." We have visited many times. It is beautiful, cozy and the perfect spot for us. It is in a spectacular location, right on the water in laid-back Puako. We love to look for sea turtles and migrating whales, and the sunsets are spectacular! The property is beautifully maintained--the kitchen has recently been remodeled--and tastefully appointed. We always feel so relaxed and welcome there. We look forward to our next opportunity to visit.

The cottage was as advertised but access to snorkeling was more limited than we expected. It didn't cause any issues because access isn't more than a short drive or bike away.

We absolutely loved everything about our stay here !!

Everything was perfect except that the trade winds weren’t blowing and the house was extremely hot, which made for uncomfortable sleeping. At this price point, the house should have some sort of air conditioning unit.

My husband and I really enjoyed our stay here. The location was perfect for accessing some of the best beach’s on the island. The snorkeling out front is amazing, but could be a little tricky getting in for a novice swimmer/snorkeler. The cottage is quaint and quiet. No AC, which can get hot in the afternoon, but we enjoyed the trade winds which blow through the cottage. We definitely would stay here again!

Fantastic place to enjoy watching the waves & feel close to the sea.

Can't say enough, perfect quiet location, close to everything. Snorkeling, sun.

We stayed at this lovely cottage for 2 weeks with our 2 teenage daughters. The two twin daybeds in the living room were very comfortable for our daughters. We spent most of our time outside so we didn't feel like we were crammed for space. The only thing missing was a beach umbrella and a cooler, which we bought and left behind for the next guests. Thanks for a fabulous stay...we hope to return one day.

Hale Malia is the perfect place to get away. It’s right on the beach in one of the most idyllic places on the Big Island.

This was more than we could have even imagined! The view from the deck of the surf was breath taking! We loved lessening to the surf!

Perfect

A great place to relax, read a book and enjoy the great view and weather.

Easy peasy!

This is a lovely home, very nicely updated and well-maintained. It is very comfortable, has a well-furnished kitchen, and the outdoor spaces and furniture provide for enjoyment of its wonderful perch right on the ocean. There is some water equipment, e.g., masks and boogie board. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would happily stay again. We did have a problem at check-in and initially could not reach anyone, but we soon reached the owner who took care of the problem immediately much to our satisfaction. Overall this was a great stay, and the property is highly recommended.

This little house on the water is just lovely. Beautiful, tasteful and elegant in its simplicity. The location couldn’t be better… right on the water under breezy trees. I found the outdoor spaces to be well designed with a nice table outside, great hammock and chairs. The bed was comfortable and while lying in bed you can listen to and watch the little waves come in all night. So relaxing! The kitchen is nicely designed although we did have ants. It didn’t really bother us though, I know the islands have lots of bugs. And this lovely house is traditional, simple and elegant…and so quiet. And it has the flavor of authentic old Hawaii. Like stepping back in time. I really couldn’t imagine a nicer place. I hope we get to return again.