Jean Pierre R.
Sep 11, 2025
Fabulous. We found this place last year and we came back. Elegant, beautiful surroundings, extremely quiet, excellent privacy.
Stunning views, peaceful, private and quiet. Well stocked kitchen, bathroom, laundry. Enjoyed the additional outdoor shower. Good grill. Kitty was sweet and we enjoyed the little geckos. Very clean overall, but outdoor kitchen cabinets and drawers, as well as the oven & broiler could have used a bit more cleaning.
This place was perfection! It was exactly what we were looking for- peaceful and relaxing. Our host Pele (the cat ) met us when we arrived, guided us up the stairs (that aren’t that bad), and was a pleasure to have around. In all seriousness, Gus was very responsive and helpful and we are very thankful that he offers his little piece of paradise for others to experience.
This was an absolutely awesome place to call home for a week! We only wish it could have been longer! We loved the open air quality of the space, and our daily visits from Paele the cat, the wild pig, wild turkey, and many geckos! The temperature was perfect with the cool breeze coming into the room, and we were so happy for the chance to meet Johnny and tour the properties. You can feel the healing of this space, and you definitely can't beat the view or the company! The bed was also so comfortable- we'd love to know what kind it was :-) Can't wait to go back!
This property was unique and we're so happy to chose to stay here.Pros: The views are incredible and the outdoor living spaces were very comfortable - in particular we spent a lot of time on the high top chairs, sofa bed, and two person dining table. The kitchen was fully stocked and operational with everything we needed. The bedroom was perfectly sized and comfortable. It was so easy to access Manini Beach (you can walk). By staying in Captain Cook you have a much more "locals" experience. There was plenty of privacy. Both indoor and outdoor showers worked well. The grounds are very pretty. Internet worked well. Roofing allowed you to stay outside while it rained. Items to Be Aware Of: You'll receive visits from local wildlife (we got to see turkeys, pigs, cats, roosters, lizards, and slugs). It takes awhile to drive "up the hill" whenever you go somewhere. There is a large staircase from where you park to the property. You park on the side of the road rather than a garage/carport. There are lots of bugs; so you 100% need bug spray. No air conditioning (the fans worked well enough). The bathroom is not connected to the bedroom. The Aloha sign in the directions is small (hard to see), the better landmark is that there's a dilapidated big rig truck just before the turn.
Absolutely loved this cottage. Spectacular views from porch and bedroom. The sounds of birds chirping and distant ocean waves. So very peaceful and relaxing. Open air kitchen. Owner responds in minutes! Perfect location , so close to good snorkeling spots …2steps, nice Manini beach park, Captain cooks 11/10!!! Perfect!!!!!!!
This house was beyond fantastic. The view alone was stunning, but the SUNSETS were insane!!! We had so much fun here! Our 6 year old daughter loved when the cat came to visit! We also enjoyed the geckos, the birds, and we even saw a pig in the backyard one morning! HA! (We gave it its space & took some fun pictures from afar!!) I have already recommended this house to friends who will be in your area for their honeymoon.. I just loved it so much. We hope to be back someday! Thank you for sharing this glorious house with us!!
Location and property were amazing, just be aware the bathroom is enclosed but open air and no way to keep the bugs out, one day we had a cane spider in the bathroom, I am not someone who is scared of insects by any means, but I was not messing with that thing. I guess it enjoyed the views as well.
We loved how we felt like we were living outside. Even though we experienced wind, rain, sun and all kinds of weather the house is built to be dry and comfortable even though there are no windows and the much of the house has no walls. Beautiful views of Kealakakua Bay. You need to be comfortable with bugs since it’s exposed to the outdoors. We loved it!
We really enjoyed staying at this absolutely beautiful little paradise. Everything was perfect, how it is integrated right in the middle of nature with so many lovely details. The owner is Super nice and we enjoyed the company of his sweet little cat - we will definitely rent it again next time when we come back here for vacation.
As always, this is our favorite vacation rental! This is our 3rd year here and we can’t wait for the next! Gus is amazing! We love our vacation kitty, Palele. We can’t say enough wonderful things about our time here.
Everything was perfect. 5-12 drive to 3 beaches which provided terrific swimming and snorkeling spots. Everything you need is on property except for food of course. Will stay again and highly recommend.Gus was also available every time I reached out.
Second time we've stayed and the vibe is chill. Everything there is perfect! And we were so happy to see Madame Pa'ele again!
This little spot was perfect for our 4-night stay in the fall. It felt like we were in a treehouse. It might be a little too warm for my husband in the summer, but in the fall the fans provided were enough to keep us cool. Bugs were not a problems either. The bed was very comfortable and the view from it WAS AMAZING!The place was very clean and we really could hear the ocean. I loved the company of the geckos and the little black kitty :)We would love to stay there again!!!!
This was our second time staying at this property. Both times were as perfect as it gets. The property is in a secluded private area with a perfect view of Kealakekua Bay. Very relaxing place to stay! There is a wonderful cat named Paele that stops by to visit and receive treats. Gus is readily available for any questions or concerns of which there were none. We will return again in the future!
Lovely stay with responsive host. Beautiful location. Warm walk back up to the property from the water (quite a bit of uphill) but worth it for the sunset!
We could not have enjoyed our stay more. The building and grounds were more than we had hoped. The bedroom was situated in a way that provided an exquisite view of the bay while still feeling private and secluded. The kitchen in the back of the building had all we needed to prepare our meals. We hope to come back and visit again in the future. We could not have been more pleased. The only problem we have found is that other rentals will have a very hard time living up to this experience.
Thanks so much allowing to stay at your property.
We stayed here for 4 days and fell in love with the views, privacy and quiet. Could hear the waves crashing in the distance. All of the amenities you might need in the kitchen, comfortable bed, beach chairs to use. Location is really convenient to exploring this side of the island, particularly for any tours to Captain Cook or night snorkeling with manta rays as well as city of refuge and Two step.. And we enjoyed the visits from the neighborhood cat Parks.
This cottage perches on a steep slope overlooking the sacred waters of Kealakekua Bay. Incredible sunsets and starry nights with Venus to the west. Surrounded by lush foliage. Fruit trees (mango, lime, breadfruit, etc) right by the outdoor kitchen. A sweet black kittycat for occasional company. It felt like living in a Miyazaki movie, a mashup of "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "My Neighbor Totoro". Cottage is one large room with bed. Covered kitchen behind bedroom, accessed from outside. Small separate shower/bathroom/laundry area - shower has windows open to the surrounding beauty and the occasional gecko friend. Lots of outdoor seating and resting areas on wrap-around porch. Long set of stairs up to the cottage. Friendly and responsive host. We loved our time here.
Jean Pierre R.
Aug 21, 2024
This rental is fabulous. There is only one (bed)room, with windows on all four sides. In front the ocean view is stunning. On the back there is the outside kitchen and a beautiful back yard. From the kitchen, one sees the ocean through the room. Sanitary is detached. The place is very quiet, as we expected, and the privacy is very good. The property is very well kept and is well equipped. We had many very good rentals (and a few not so good). This one is by far the best one.
We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our honeymoon. Gorgeous views of the water and beautiful sunsets. The host is nice and helpful as well. Highly recommend this property.
We enjoyed the beauty of Hawaii. We walked down to the water. Not sure about "minutes from Dophin swimming" but the property is wonderful regardless.
This is a vacation that I will never forget. It could not have gone more perfectly.
This stay was absolutely incredible! The place was so clean and had everything we could’ve needed and more. The views and ambiance was incredible and the surrounding food was amazing. I would stay here over and over again
We stayed for three nights, but I wish we could have stayed for an entire week. The property was probably the best VRBO I’ve ever used. The open air layout was wonderful. And the views were spectacular. We would love to go back. My girlfriend really enjoyed the cat!
We had an amazing time at Gus’ property. It is absolute paradise. we enjoyed the lenai for watching whales and sunset each day. Loved the outdoor kitchen and partial open air shower. 11/10 recommend.
Staying at the cottage was one of the highlights of our family trip to the big island in winter 2023. This location is in the middle of a residential area, but the cottage itself is nestled in the hill overlooking the bay. During our stay, it was incredibly quiet and the sounds of birds calling to one another was really the only communication we heard. The walk to the local beach Was short but steep. Agree with all other comments that the view was well worth it. During our stay, we experienced all of the amenities described, including whale siding, dolphin, siding, hiking the little kitty and other sea creatures at the beach. Highly recommend.
Such a wonderful little bungalow. Fantastic views and even more amazing views from the shower. Love the outdoor kitchen and overall such a relaxing spot!
It's such a beautiful place to stay, clean and well maintained. They went the extra mile with soft towels and quality linens, everything you need is there. The view is insane (and so are the sunsets), the images of the whole property do not do it justice, it's even more beautiful in person.
Gus was super responsive when I had a really dumb question, so nice :)
The kitty coming by is a fun treat and so are the curious geckos. The drive in and out of the area is so lush and beautiful, and the beaches nearby are great. There's a nice row of unique shops in the area too, not that the Kona shopping districts are far.
Do note that like others have said, it's indoor/outdoor living, so unless you are a super heavy sleeper, you will be up with the birds in the morning :) But, in Hawaii, that's a natural fit.
An open concept home that has the perfect tropical views of the bay. If you want to experience tropical living then this is the place. Everything needed for your stay is available. Very clean. Quiet. All the better to hear all of the birds and wind in the foliage. Highly recommend a stay here.
