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!
We celebrated our second honeymoon and it was just exceptional. Jill was an awesome host, and her mermaid studio was perfect.
Very clean and a great place to relax after exploring the Island. Nestled in a quiet area with a two minute walk ro a quaint local beach. The place has a very zen feel with unique decor. My wife loved the out door shower.
If you want a fun and memorable experience come visit jill in her mermaid studio, you won't be disappointed.
Our stay at Jill's Mermaid cottage was Awesome!
Jill is an excellent host who made us feel truly welcome and was on site but far from intrusive. The grounds (her yard) is an oasis that makes you feel like you're in your own island paradise.
Jill, Thank you and we hope to stay with you again,
Marilyn & Myles
We chose this place due to it's proximity to Captain Cook, as we wanted to hike the monument trail and snorkel at Kealakekua Bay. It was absolutely perfect for what we needed! Jill was there to greet us when we arrived and was readily available if we needed anything. The room was clean and very well appointed with everything we could possibly need. It is not too far away from Kailua-Kona, and right in the heart of coffee country! We would definitely stay here again!
Quiet location for enjoying snorkeling and sunsets ❤️
Quiet location for enjoying snorkeling and sunsets ❤️
I booked here specifically for snorkelling in Kelakekua Bay. This was the perfect location. I rented kayaks 3 times from Ehu and Kai Adventures to cross the bay. Their launch site is a 90 second walk from this suite. Also, it's only a 10 minute drive to 2-Step Beach. The accommodation is one very large room with additional outdoor table, lounge, shower etc. It's comfortable and has all you need. The village is small and peaceful. Jill was helpful, kind and cheerful.
(The snorkelling at the Capt. Cook monument and at 2-Step Beach is astounding.)
Host was wonderful! 2 minute walk to the beach. Awesome place to stay.
Host was wonderful! 2 minute walk to the beach. Awesome place to stay.
Our stay was great. Perfect location to snorkel captain cook. Only a half a block walk to the kayak launch spot
Our stay was great. Perfect location to snorkel captain cook. Only a half a block walk to the kayak launch spot
We enjoyed the location, very close to Manini Beach, kayaking and snorkeling. The apartment is spacious, nicely decorated and well equipped. The beautiful garden was a bonus with fresh mangoes! Gracious owner was always available and helpful.
