My sister lives in Hilo and so we have had the pleasure of exploring different parts of Hawaii Island and yet I had never been to the Captain Cook area. Dawn's place was the perfect place to stay. I had realized from her descriptions, of course, that it was close to the water and yet somehow hadn't visualized how very close and how sweet it would be to be able to amble over to sit and experience the ocean at any and all times of day, watching and listening to the waves, scanning for whales, catching sight of the dolphins throwing themselves up and out of the water (spinner dolphins indeed!). Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, a short drive away, is not to be missed, and snorkeling places abound. Dawn is so responsive and has equipped her home so thoroughly that you feel very well cared for (we even found a pair of sunglasses to borrow when I realized I didn't have mine!). There's an interesting assortment of books to peruse, diverse spaces for hanging out, a wonderful lanai for sharing meals and playing cards, beautiful details in the house, a fun outside shower and bathroom. I did find the security camaras a little creepy (somehow I had missed that in her listing, which is probably good as it might have dissuaded me from booking). I had to simply believe her when she says that she only looks at the footage in the case of a dispute. Dawn is, understandably, very protective of her sweet place. Please take good care of it, people! I so appreciate her willingness to share.
Dream vacation at dream location!!
This house is absolutely lovely to stay at! There are so many wonderful creatures to see and birds to listen to. The snorkeling is unbelievable and it’s a Wonderful place to be!
Beautiful heritage property nestled within a bustling waterfront community. The lanai is a special feature really adding to the living experience. Just as advertised!
Spent 4 great nights at this hidden gem. Immediately felt comfortable with easy check-in/ directions, quiet private location, and one of the most organized and well stocked rentals we have ever stayed in. The porch cat 'Bobbi' was an added bonus! Recommend thoroughly reading the guest book. It is loaded with helpful info on snorkeling spots, area restaurants, and of course, the house.
The house is lovely and the location is incredible. The property is within walking distance of 2 parks and 1 pier. All with access to Captain Cook Bay.
We had a great time in the homes proximity to the bay and loved hearing the waves while being in the garden sanctuary of the front porch and lanai. We ate most of our meals outside and tried to soak it in. The house was stocked with every amenity we needed including beach items and snorkeling gear. We visited the honey farm just up the street and walked to Manini neighborhood beach park nearby. You could stay close or be able to jump all over the island and have a wonderful time.
We had a great time in the homes proximity to the bay and loved hearing the waves while being in the garden sanctuary of the front porch and lanai. We ate most of our meals outside and tried to soak it in. The house was stocked with every amenity we needed including beach items and snorkeling gear. We visited the honey farm just up the street and walked to Manini neighborhood beach park nearby. You could stay close or be able to jump all over the island and have a wonderful time.
We had a wonderful experience staying in Kealakekua Bay for 11 days. The kitchen is very well appointed and it’s wonderful to have so many books available, including guides with suggestions for visiting other parts of the island and for learning more about the various fish that we spotted while snorkeling. We had brought our own snorkeling gear but our daughter’s fins turned out not to fit well enough, so it was great to find a huge selection of good quality gear to borrow.
We had a wonderful experience staying in Kealakekua Bay for 11 days. The kitchen is very well appointed and it’s wonderful to have so many books available, including guides with suggestions for visiting other parts of the island and for learning more about the various fish that we spotted while snorkeling. We had brought our own snorkeling gear but our daughter’s fins turned out not to fit well enough, so it was great to find a huge selection of good quality gear to borrow.
This home was the perfect spot for our foursome of 3 adults and one child (6 yo). Located a minute’s walk from one of the most picturesque cove of natural beauty and wildlife, with other cove access points within walking distance. The house was well equipped, functional, and simply stylish in its local decor and furnishings. Communication with the owners was easy, responsive and helpful.
The fenced in property was great for a free roaming kiddo. We ate dinner on the covered lanai and could have stayed for well longer than our 4 nights.
That particular stretch of dead end road is special. Mahalo!!
This home was the perfect spot for our foursome of 3 adults and one child (6 yo). Located a minute’s walk from one of the most picturesque cove of natural beauty and wildlife, with other cove access points within walking distance. The house was well equipped, functional, and simply stylish in its local decor and furnishings. Communication with the owners was easy, responsive and helpful.
The fenced in property was great for a free roaming kiddo. We ate dinner on the covered lanai and could have stayed for well longer than our 4 nights.
That particular stretch of dead end road is special. Mahalo!!
We loved our stay! The historic house was super cool and we enjoyed its character, plus it had all of the amenities we needed. We were a group of four adults and had plenty of space. We saw one person snorkeling off the nearby beach but the water was a bit too rough for us to try. Overall, a great stay and we hope we can come back again.
We loved our stay! The historic house was super cool and we enjoyed its character, plus it had all of the amenities we needed. We were a group of four adults and had plenty of space. We saw one person snorkeling off the nearby beach but the water was a bit too rough for us to try. Overall, a great stay and we hope we can come back again.
First of all, the owners thought of literally EVERYTHING. The check in process was so smooth. Every cupboard is labeled, so you don’t have to spend anytime opening and closing and reopening and closing every drawer or door. We wanted and wished for nothing that wasn’t already readily available. The book!! Read the book! I wished I had read it a day earlier because the way they host makes you WANT to do everything accordingly. I love that they recycle and compost and respect the surrounding environment. None of the other places we stayed offered those HUGE opportunities to be responsible visitors. I loved the restful areas to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the end of each full day of fun, sun & sea. Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo
First of all, the owners thought of literally EVERYTHING. The check in process was so smooth. Every cupboard is labeled, so you don’t have to spend anytime opening and closing and reopening and closing every drawer or door. We wanted and wished for nothing that wasn’t already readily available. The book!! Read the book! I wished I had read it a day earlier because the way they host makes you WANT to do everything accordingly. I love that they recycle and compost and respect the surrounding environment. None of the other places we stayed offered those HUGE opportunities to be responsible visitors. I loved the restful areas to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the end of each full day of fun, sun & sea. Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo
Very comfortable house just a few steps from one of the boat launches where you can dive in and swim around. An easy walk to the local beaches. The house was clean and tastefully decorated and Dawn was a great host!
Very comfortable house just a few steps from one of the boat launches where you can dive in and swim around. An easy walk to the local beaches. The house was clean and tastefully decorated and Dawn was a great host!
This community is an absolute treasure. Dawns home was the perfect home base for our 3 generation group. I myself am physically disabled and found the house perfect, easy driveway, three steps onto the porch then it’s single floor living. This was a big deal coming home absolutely exhausted from exploring the beautiful island. Every room in the house was well equipped and comfortable but the highlight is the front porch. We lived out there. Plus the additional use of snorkel and beach gear for those who didn’t bring it, this was the perfect house for a remarkable vacation.
