The Sweet Mermaid Studio was exactly as described/shown in the photos, and larger than expected. There was plenty of room for my partner and I to spread out and relax after long days of adventuring. Jill was incredibly kind, and it was fun to see her art on display in the space! The location couldn't have been better for easy access to fantastic snorkeling and felt very safe and secluded, although the road to get to the property might make you car sick.
Absolutely loved this place, the whole place is a work of art, and the outdoor shower was so much fun! Got to see lots of cool insects, lizards,and frogs, and not to forget Shmozer the kitty, very loving outdoor cat! Jill was very cool, laid back, and accommodating!This stay was perfect for us, not too far from Kona, but far from the city living!
Sweet Mermaid Studio was an amazing place to stay. Jill the host was very gracious and welcoming
This was my third stay at Jill's Mermaid Studio in the small, quiet village of Napo'opo'o, about 30 - 40 min south of busy Kailua. The village is right on Kealakekua Bay and close to the best snorkelling on the Big Island (IMO). Jill is very knowledgeable about the area and is always helpful and positive. The apartment had everything: good wifi, all the cooking tools I needed, lots of room and a great outdoor shower.
We loved our stay at the exquisite Sweet Mermaid Studio! The setting is a magical tropical paradise! The building has only 2 units; this is the downstairs apt. The studio is roomy and had everything we didn't think we needed... including a coffee grinder (when we realized we got coffee beans, not ground!) and snorkling gear in a variety of sizes as well as water toys! It's very quiet; we loved falling asleep each night to all the tropical frog sounds from the pond and mango trees outside. Although it doesn't have a formal kitchen per se, there's everything you could possibly need: fridge, coffee maker, convection oven, hot plate, dishes/pots/pans, and more. And it's a short walk to 2 different beaches! Our host was very friendly and accommodating. We highly recommend this magical tropical getaway!
The Mermaid Studio is a hidden gem south of Kona. We absolutely loved our stay. The apartment was larger than expected and very clean. The grounds are gorgeous and it has the best outdoor shower I've ever been in. It's large and clean, and I didn't want to get out! The property is a two-minute walk from excellent snorkeling. The drive to the property is beautiful with winding roads and lush greenery all around. All of the basic supplies were available on arrival. I would absolutely stay here again. The fresh mangos were an added bonus to our stay. Delicious! The host Jill, has created her own little oasis here, and was a wonderful host!
Enjoyed the atmosphere and studio layout. Comfortable. Access to the ocean was great.
Sweet Mermaid Cottage is delightful and a magical place to stay. If you are looking for Aloha vibes THIS is your place. Jill’s cottage has everything you may need to cook your own meals and ample space to spread out and is extremely clean. We especially enjoyed our walks around this small island community. Snorkeling is top notch and you can rent kayaks practically next door to get out on the water! Jill was always available to answer questions and we enjoyed our conversations with her. Jill is a true mermaid and we hope to return soon!
This was our first time to the islands without kids and staying in a VRBO. It could not have gone better. Everything was comfortable and just as advertised. Easy to get there and get settled in. Neighborhood was quiet and relaxing, we didn't even close the doors at night. Loved being able to walk to the bay with just snorkel gear (no keys/no wallet to worry about) and go for a swim. We were able to use the snorkel gear Jill had on hand, so that was a bonus. Between the barbecue, microwave and the hot plate, meals were no problem. Weird, but I think the part we are missing most after coming home, is the outdoor shower! Thanks Jill!
Nice residential feel, away from the touristy bustle. Comfortable bed! Nice outdoor spaces. Lovely private garden. Walk in any direction to get a lay of land. Well supplied kitchen. Host is kind and accommodating offering ideas for fun excursions.
Everything we needed for a peaceful stay right near Manini beach.
I almost hesitate to say how dang awesome Mermaid Cottage is because I want it to be available whenever I want to return. I loved everything about this home and Jill, our host.
The Sweet Mermaids Studio makes you feel welcome and at home. So many lovely touches artwork and flowers. The outside shower is very refreshing. We had an amazing walk down to the ocean the first evening to watch the sunset. I'd highly recommend this as a lovely quiet place to stay
I had another lovely stay at the Mermaid Studio. (9 days in July)
Historic Napo'opo'o is a tiny village on Kealakekua Bay. (The hyphens are pronounced like "oh-oh" but most locals seem to shorten it to Napopo.) One lane roads, no stores... It feels very remote but is still an easy drive from the airport, 15 min to groceries. I come for the amazing local snorkelling, the best on the island IMHO. You can kayak across the bay to the Cook Monument for snorkelling, or drive 9 min south to the equally excellent Honaunau Bay (2-step beach). I also enjoyed walking 2 blocks to Manini Beach each evening to watch the sunset and chat with the locals. Very mellow.
The spacious studio had everything I needed. You have your own outdoor table, pond, lounge chair, and shower. Jill is always cheerful, helpful and knowledgeable.
I hope to return again next year.
Beautiful property, relaxed stay!
A magical mermaid studio for sure. Beautiful grounds, fantastic location away from the hustle and bustle. Studio was decorated so well. It was a delight to listen to the frogs, birds, and roosters while enjoying the outdoor shower. Truly a wonderful experience
Quiet and clean and well stocked with spices and fridge items. Location was within walking distance to great snorkeling and sunsets.
We had a lovely stay at Jill's Mermaid Studio. We were pleasantly surprised at the size of the studio - lots of room to enjoy.
Highlights:
*short walk to snorkeling
*gardens are beautiful
*floral smells in the air at night
*outdoor shower
*Jill is great host
*kitties are sweet
*excellent amenities (we didnt need anything)
Hints: the tropics are amazing and bugs live here - bug spray & bite lotion are needed if hanging outside
Keep a clean kitchen
Driveway can be tricky in dark
Enjoy this lovely oasis
but bring earplugs. a couple of neighborhood roosters start crowing at each other around 3am.
Awesome area with nice beaches , snorkeling and a multitude if other activities……Will be back!!!!
This exactly fit our needs. Small, but somehow very spacious, it had everything we could ask for and close to the beach! What more could we ask for? Thank you so much for a wonderful stay!