Overview
A closer look
About this property
Tucked into the quiet Paukaʻa neighborhood just north of Hilo, Kai Cottage is a charming plantation-era beach cottage with a distinctly old-Hilo feel. Built in 1966, this simple, comfortable home offers something you don't always find in a vacation rental: a genuine sense of place. It's a little bit nostalgic, a little bit breezy, and perfectly positioned for exploring the waterfalls, coastline, Volcano, and everything that makes Hawaiʻi Island's east side special.
The cottage was designed for life in the tropics, with the home raised off the ground, ventilation windows, and ceiling fans that invite in the coastal trade winds. Across the street, you'll catch lovely ocean views from the living room and front lanai—and if you're an early riser, the sunrise can be extraordinary.
Kai Cottage has two bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed, and comfortably accommodates up to four guests. A full bathroom with a combination tub and shower sits between the bedrooms, while the larger bedroom has its own ensuite half bath.
The kitchen is equipped for most cooking adventures, with cookware and dishes provided, and a bar-height table with seating for four. After a day of exploring, settle into the living room with a view of the ocean or step outside onto the small front lanai and enjoy the breeze. There's also a TV for streaming your own accounts and complimentary WiFi.
Explore from Kai Cottage -
One of the best things about staying in Paukaʻa is how easy it is to experience both Hilo and the Hamakua Coast. Historic downtown Hilo is just a five-minute drive away, putting you close to the Hilo Farmers Market, Rainbow Falls, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, local restaurants, galleries, and charming shops.
Head south for a day at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore one of the world's most remarkable volcanic landscapes. Or turn north and follow the scenic Hamakua Coast, with stops at ʻAkaka Falls, local farms, and some wonderfully unexpected experiences—including vanilla farm tours and even cow cuddling.
Kai Cottage isn't about polished resort living. It's about opening the windows, feeling the trade winds, watching the ocean, and having a comfortable place to come home to after a day of exploring. If you're looking for a vacation that feels a little more connected to old Hilo and the real rhythm of Hawaiʻi Island, Kai Cottage might be just the place.
Book with confidence—this is a licensed, legal vacation rental managed by professionals with decades of local experience. Always double check that you are booking a place that is operating legally in Hawaii - no surprises, just aloha!
STVR: 19-365316
NUC: 19-1823
TA-021-648-2304-01
Registration Number: 3270160400000, GE-044-043-6736-01, TA-044-043-6736-01
Availability
Make time for Hawaii
Availability calendar
Choose an available check-in date, then your check-out. Your selected dates and booking link will appear in a popout.
Availability can change. Final availability, rates and booking details are confirmed by our partner.
Guest reviews
Guest experiences
Guest reviews
We had a great stay!
The host did a great job in accomodating our requests and was readily available when needed. The property itself is beautiful...someone did a beautiful job of stone masonry in the backyard. Would definitely stay here again
Rating Details: The property manager was adequately helpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The online pictures and reviews were not what we found upon entering the cottage for the first time. It was not clean or well maintained. We took our shoes off as we do at our home in CO. My white socks that I wore before unpacking my slippers were totally black on the bottoms. Our guest relations contact responded in a timely manner to our texts.
Good location, fit our needs, host responded promptly. Fresh avocado was bonus and much appreciated!
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Cosy little cottage. There’s no A/C, only fans - but it was alright (we didn’t stay in during the day). There’s no dishwasher, but it’s fine if you don’t cook and eat a lot at the cottage. The furniture is old, but it works. What I’d suggest is to put clear labels on all the light switches or write instructions, because it’s confusing: what switch is for what fixture or outlets, plus the remotes and fans - we ended up flipping switches to get lights where we wanted them and still didn’t figure it all out.
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Absolutely beautiful location - just minutes away from the most wonderful pebbly sand beach, Honoli'i Beach Park, where you can also play in a lagoon undearneath the Hawai'i Belt Rd bridge. You can see the ocean waves from the lanai and you really feel nestled into the forest. The house was super cute and well laid out. Cons include a lack of attention to detail of the house - cheap curtains don't do much against the morning sun, the front screen door was broken, and there weren't ceiling fans and the floor fans didn't do much to circulate the air unless pointed directly at you.
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Our family of four had the best time at this cute spot. Honoli'i beach is just around the corner! Quiet and peaceful neighborhood. The house is well appointed with extra linens, beach towels, a well stocked pantry and fridge with all the basics for home cooking. The washer and dryer helped so much too. The frogs are loud at night but we LOVED it - our own white noise spa soundtrack. We would definitely stay here again.
Location
Your island setting
Property location
Hilo District, Big Island
Photos
Take a look around
Property photos
FAQ
Helpful details
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about this property and the reservation process.
Where is this vacation rental located?
- City: Hilo (postal 96720) Hawaii
Nearby highlights
- Location: Hilo, HI (Keaukaha – Paukaa – Pepeekeo Scenic Drive – 0.73 km to center), United States
- Near a zoo
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have?
2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
How many guests can it sleep?
This rental sleeps up to 4 guests.
What amenities are available?
- Cottage
- Unit size: 984 sq ft (91 sq m)
- 2 bedrooms
- Bed sheets provided
- 1.5 bathrooms
- Bathtub or shower
- Hair dryer
- Towels provided
- Free WiFi
- Coffee/tea maker
- Cookware/dishes/utensils
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Laundry facilities
- Washing machine and dryer
- Garden
- Lanai / balcony
- Onsite parking
- Dryer
- Free Parking
- Internet
- Kitchen
- Laundry
- Living Area
- No Smoking
- Outdoor Hot tub / space
- TV
- Washer
What should I know about check-in?
- Check in starts at 4:00 PM
- Check out before 11:00 AM
- Minimum check in age: 21
- Check in time starts at 4:00 PM
- Contactless check in 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 3270160400000, GE 044 043 6736 01, TA 044 043 6736 01
What are the house rules and policies?
- Pets not allowed
- Children are welcome.
- Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
What are popular things to do nearby and on Big Island?
- Cave exploring nearby
- Cycling nearby
- Fitness facilities nearby
- Golf nearby
- Hiking nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Mountain biking nearby
- Snorkeling nearby
- Swimming nearby
- Whale watching nearby
- Location: Hilo, HI (Keaukaha – Paukaa – Pepeekeo Scenic Drive – 0.73 km to center), United States
- Near a zoo
Do I need a rental car on Big Island, and what about parking?
A rental car may not be required for every stay, but transportation needs depend on your arrival airport, activities and how much of the island you plan to visit. Parking notes: Onsite parking.
What kind of rental is this?
This is a cottage rental.
Does the Check Availability button open the booking page?
The button opens the partner listing page where you can review final rates, fees, availability, policies and booking details before booking.
