Property Description
If you are adventurous and free spirited, but still require all the amenities a luxury rental home has to offer then Pu`uhonua ('Place of Refuge') is the place for you. Experience tropical Hawaii at it’s finest in this unique pole house nestled just above Kealakekua Bay ('Pathway of the Gods') in Captain Cook, Hawaii. At this elevation you will enjoy the perfect climate and sweeping 180+ degree views of the ocean, Mauna Loa and Kealakekua Bay, in a quiet and comfortable setting.
Convenient location, just a moment away from the town of Captain Cook, with all of its amenities including one of the islands best grocery stores, fantastic restaurants, local shops and a wonderful farmers market.
Watch breathtaking sunsets from the spacious upper lanai that wraps around the house. Just 20 miles south of Kailua-Kona Airport, Pu`uhonua House is minutes from an array of activities including horseback riding, hiking, tennis, diving, dolphin and seasonal whale watching. Rent kayaks and kayak across the majestic Kealakekua Bay, swim with spinner dolphins and snorkel one of Hawaii’s best kept secrets, the Captain Cook monument.
Enjoy a variety of tropical fruits and flora grown on the property such as bananas, papayas, lemons, avocados, breadfruit, macadamia, coffee and mangos. We are close to some of south Kona’s finest beaches and minutes from great swimming, snorkeling and child safe beaches like Hookena, Manini, Keei, and Kealakekua Bay.
Pu`uhonua House (Place of Refuge House) was built in 1988 by a physicist and his wife. As a former sailor he and his wife had traveled to many parts of the world, before they chose this spot to build their dream home where they would eventually retire. Being a physicist he was intrigued by the simplicity and structural durability a pole house has to offer. Supported by nine thirty foot tall cedar poles imported from Washington state, this house unlike traditionally constructed homes, has a more open floor plan allowing for more glass. The main living level perimeter is nearly all glass/view. You feel as though you are part of your beautiful surroundings. All of the structural and finish components of the house were all hand crafted on site. The property is a one acre private parcel located in the McCoy Plantation subdivision, once a coffee plantation. Much of the property is still rich with coffee plants and certain times of the year the air is thick with the sweet scent of the blossom. If you like peace and tranquility then you will enjoy this piece of paradise.
ASK ABOUT OUR AMENITY PACKAGE INCLUDING KAYAKS, STAND-UP PADLLE BOARDS, HIGH QUALITY SNORKEL GEAR AND BOOGIE BOARDS.
CONTACT US FOR LAST MINUTE DISCOUNTS!!!!!
WE ALWAYS OFFER A 10% DISCOUNT FOR 10 OR MORE NIGHTS!!!!!!
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB SITE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION, PICTURES, VIDEO AND GUEST REVIEWS.
Hosted property.
Keywords: House
Registration Number: GE-152-959-5904-01, 820090690000, TA-152-959-5904-01
ℹ️ Frequently Asked Questions
Where is this vacation rental located?
Relax and Enjoy! Five Star Accommodations at Affordable Rates! is located in Captain Cook, Big Island.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have?
How many guests can it sleep?
What are the check-in and check-out times?
- Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Times and rules can vary by unit - confirm the full details when you click “Begin Booking.”
What amenities are available?
Amenities may include:
- Lanai / balcony
- BBQ grill
- Dryer
- Free Parking
- Internet
- Kitchen
- Laundry
- Living Area
- Microwave
- No Smoking
- Outdoor Space
- TV
- Washer
- 3 bathrooms
- Bathtub or shower
Amenities vary by unit. Confirm the full list when you click “Begin Booking.”
What are the key policies and house rules?
Policies and house rules may include:
- Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
- Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
- Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
- This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
For full details (including cancellations and fees), confirm when you click “Begin Booking.”
Is the “Begin Booking” button the official booking link?
Yes - it opens the official listing page where you can review details and book directly.
Begin Booking
What kind of rental is this?
User Reviews
Kelly S.
Jun 30, 2025
Wow. We were blown away by how incredible this home is. From the lush landscaping and breathtaking views, to the homes comfortable and clean accomodations our expectations were surpassed on all accounts. We couldn't have found a more perfect "Hawaiin" vacation home.Our host, Bruce was very friendly and communicative.
Christeen G.
Jun 16, 2025
Awesome location for a true Hawaiian stay!! We loved the amenities and host was so friendly!
Mike D.
Apr 18, 2025
It was great! We were on the island for family birthdays in Captain Cook and it was perfect all around…
Joshua F.
Mar 02, 2025
great stay
Lawrence T.
Feb 07, 2025
My husband, grown children and their partners stayed here 12 years ago and the “treehouse” has been a sweet memory for all those years. We decided to return here with good friends of ours and it was as breathtaking as we remembered. The views are spectacular with changing lighting from sunrise to sunset. You are able to enjoy Hawaii without the crowds and traffic but you are only a few miles from stores and great snorkeling. The house itself is well maintained and the big timber construction makes for a spacious feel, especially with glass sliding doors wrapping around 2 sides. The owner's suite is huge with an ensuite bathroom and there are 3 smaller bedrooms and a loft that would accommodate a large family. The kitchen and grill with all the essentials make cooking at home convenient. In addition to all this, the owner shares his supply of beach gear with guests, including snorkeling masks, fins, beach chairs, etc. This is a very special place.
Meranda F.
Oct 18, 2024
Thank you
Piyali M.
Jul 01, 2024
One-of-a-kind home. More wildlife than people here which is how we prefer it. It had all the luxuries we needed (great kitchen and laundry). Choicemart and eggs close by. Great water pressure in the bathrooms.
Russ H.
May 09, 2024
We (7 adults ages 37 to 64) all loved this property and wouldn’t hesitant to book again in the future. The views from the main living area and lanai are awesome. The owner is easily accessible and responsive via text or phone call. There are lots of geckos that will be hanging around (mostly outside, occasionally inside), but they’re cute and don’t bother you at all. The coqui frogs will be serenading you in the evenings. You won’t find a nicer vacation rental in the area!
Eric C.
Apr 19, 2024
We loved our stay. Fantastic views, beautiful architecture, lots of space and great location
Dawn P.
Apr 12, 2024
Such an amazing place. Absolutely special! Clean and beautiful.
Maurice R.
Mar 21, 2024
It’ an excellent Hawaii experience. Beautiful trees around the house and amazing view on the pacific. Very beautiful sunset. Every one in our group appreciated the birds and crickets songs every night but it can be disturbing for someone that has difficulty to sleep.
Well equipped for cooking. The only negative point is that rooms are smaller than what it look like from the pictures on the internet site.
Carole G.
Dec 05, 2023
Roomy and beautiful view
Carole G.
Nov 27, 2023
Roomy and beautiful view
Lisa F.
Sep 27, 2023
Beautiful yard, flowers and foliage. The driveway is a bit steep but can be accomplished. The house was clean minus ants in one bedroom, which was addressed quickly by the home owner. Nice to have full sized washer and dryer. Bathrooms were dated but clean. Plenty of service ware and dishes in the kitchen. It was nice to have a few condiments stocked in the frig. We took advantage of the good sized coolers available. Trash cans and recycle cans were clearly labeled. The nosy and cute green salamanders were everywhere, outside and waiting for us to leave to gain entry to the house. The frogs are LOUD but sleeping with earplugs made them nonexistent.
Note: there is NO air conditioning. While the daytime is hot and humid, nights have a cool breeze. There are fans available for each bedroom. We enjoyed our time at the house. The views of the ocean and sunsets are beautiful!! If you are NOT a lover of nature or salamanders, this lovely open-air home may not be for you.
Lisa F.
Sep 27, 2023
Beautiful yard, flowers and foliage. The driveway is a bit steep but can be accomplished. The house was clean minus ants in one bedroom, which was addressed quickly by the home owner. Nice to have full sized washer and dryer. Bathrooms were dated but clean. Plenty of service ware and dishes in the kitchen. It was nice to have a few condiments stocked in the frig. We took advantage of the good sized coolers available. Trash cans and recycle cans were clearly labeled. The nosy and cute green salamanders were everywhere, outside and waiting for us to leave to gain entry to the house. The frogs are LOUD but sleeping with earplugs made them nonexistent.
Note: there is NO air conditioning. While the daytime is hot and humid, nights have a cool breeze. There are fans available for each bedroom. We enjoyed our time at the house. The views of the ocean and sunsets are beautiful!! If you are NOT a lover of nature or salamanders, this lovely open-air home may not be for you.
