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

Kailua-Kona · Big Island · 2 bedrooms · 3 bathrooms · Sleeps 12 · 9.8/10 · 121 reviews

Rental Details

Property Overview

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

Registration Number: 770040390000, GE-009-656-7296-01, TA-009-656-7296-01

Rental FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this vacation rental located?
  • City: Kailua Kona (postal 96740) Hawaii

Nearby highlights

  • Location: Kailua Kona, HI (Alii Heights Mauka – Keauhou – Kona Coast – 2.69 km to center), United States
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have?

2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

How many guests can it sleep?

This rental sleeps up to 12 guests.

What amenities are available?
  • Private vacation home
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Local culture & ecosystem education
  • Locally owned & organized tours & activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 2200 sq ft (204 sq m)
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed
  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided
  • Free WiFi
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Laundry facilities
  • Near laundromat
  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Hot tub
  • BBQ grill grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Lanai / balcony
  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking
  • BBQ grill
  • Crib
  • Dryer
  • Extra Bed
  • Free Parking
  • Internet
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Living Area
  • No Smoking
  • Outdoor Hot tub / space
  • Toys
  • TV
  • Washer
What should I know about check-in?
  • Check out before 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check in age: 28
  • Contactless check in available
  • Contactless check out available
  • You will receive an email from the host with check in and check out instructions
  • Government issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check in for incidental charges
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
  • Property Registration Number 770040390000, GE 009 656 7296 01, TA 009 656 7296 01
What are the house rules and policies?
  • Pets not allowed
  • Children are welcome.Note from host: Have packnplay, kiddie gate for stairs, cab lock2
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
What are popular things to do nearby and on Big Island?
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Water sports equipment
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Location: Kailua Kona, HI (Alii Heights Mauka – Keauhou – Kona Coast – 2.69 km to center), United States
Do I need a rental car on Big Island, and what about parking?

A rental car is recommended for this area, especially if you plan to explore beaches, restaurants, activities and nearby towns. Parking notes: Car recommended, Onsite parking.

What kind of rental is this?

This is a studio rental.

Is the Check Availability button the official booking link?

The button opens the partner listing page where you can review final rates, fees, availability, policies and booking details.

Guest Reviews

Reviews

Jane S.10.0/10
Dec 27, 2025

Wonderful place to stay!

janelle h.10.0/10
Dec 6, 2025

What a great home. We had a perfect Thanksgiving together with family. The home is well stocked. Hosts are responsive and kind. Perfect location—kids could walk to magic beach. Snorkeling was AMAZING right in front of the house. We saw eel, turtles and every fish imaginable. We will definitely be back.

Tammy B.10.0/10
Aug 11, 2025

This house is wonderful, with plenty of room to spread out. The location and view are absolutely wonderful and perfect for kids, teens and adults. Two minute walk to Magic Sands beach! We were back and forth all day every day. Loved this place!! The host were very accommodating as well!

Paul H.8.0/10
Aug 11, 2025

A very nice property with challenges keeping up with the elements. Owners were fantastic. Property very well equipped with all the cleaning, cooking and laundry essentials. Property accommodated 3 couples with 3 kids very nicely. No A/C, of course - very open.

Linda J.8.0/10
Apr 26, 2025

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.

Tanner S.10.0/10
Apr 14, 2025

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!

Nathan D.10.0/10
Apr 11, 2025

It was our second times staying in this house, and both times have been amazing!!! The house is nice and very well supplied for beach activities, but the location is the real gem! Being located right on the water is the best part, we loved being able to eat meals and watch the waves. The snorkeling right off the house is also very good!

Carol A.10.0/10
Feb 21, 2025

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.

Geri N.8.0/10
Jan 3, 2025

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.

Mary Ann N.10.0/10
Oct 18, 2024

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.

Nancy G.6.0/10
Sep 27, 2024

Perfect location! Love the waves crashing on the rocks! Owners are very nice. House is very roomy in the common areas. Good for groups and families. Memories made!

Chanin A.10.0/10
Jul 30, 2024

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!

Rachel E.10.0/10
Apr 14, 2024

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.

Rhoda C.10.0/10
Apr 5, 2024

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.

Lynne P.10.0/10
Feb 28, 2024

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.

Lynda R.10.0/10
Jan 26, 2024

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.

Alison H.10.0/10
Jan 15, 2024

Beautiful home, plenty of space, the upstairs lanai was perfect for watching dolphins, whales and sea turtles! The waves were a bit loud during high tides, but then you are right on the beach, so take advantage of the ear plugs they provide if you need them. The owners were great.

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Rental Location

Kailua-Kona, Big Island

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