Created for the McCormick Spice family, the Onion House is a unique architectural treasure with stunning visual aesthetics. It has been featured on MTV, Travel Channel, Learning Channel, Fine Living Channel, HGTV, Global Architecture Magazine, and Architectural Digest.
You will have the entire house to yourselves. Swim and sunbathe in privacy on the huge lot that is well screened via foliage. You'll feel alone in your world, enjoying the 70' pool (unheated), gardens and lily ponds. The terrace faces sunsets and Kailua Bay, providing the ideal setting for candlelight dinners. The translucent roof and walls of stained glass allow filtered sunlight throughout. The detached master suite features a private walled garden. A covered outdoor walkway leading to the master bedroom structure is flanked by lily ponds and the turquoise pool overlooking the sea.
With grounds of nearly an acre, five minutes from town or beach, this is the perfect base camp for exploring the Big Island. If you google this property name, you can learn a great deal more about it from our personal website. Read the page "Vacation at the Onion House" for more information on your stay.
The Onion House does have limitations that make it unsuitable for younger children (under 12) or individuals who have difficulties with stairs and/or mobility. The owners do no allow guests under 12 years of age. Please contact us for further information. In addition, the Onion House is most ideal for smaller groups of 2-4.
The rates quoted are for two guests. Additional guests have an additional fee of $25/person/day added to the quote identified in a separate line as "additional guest fee."
Please note that the County of Hawai'i has implemented strict vacation rental regulations which must be clearly published on this site. The Onion House has been officially licensed by the County. Common sense rules apply to guests:
(A) Quiet hours shall be from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., during which time the noise from the STVR shall not unreasonably disturb adjacent neighbors.
(B) Sound that is audible beyond the property boundaries during non-quiet hours shall not be more excessive than would be otherwise associated with a residential area.
(C) Guest vehicles shall be parked in the designated onsite parking area.
(D) The STVR shall not be used for commercial purposes.
The STVR Registration Number is: STVR-19-361289
The Nonconforming Use Certificate Number is: NUC-19-1205
("Nonconforming" basically means that our vacation rental is not located in a resort zone.)
Hawaii State Tax ID # GE-157-258-9568-01, TAT: T-157-258-9568
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Registration Number: 3770090520000, TA-157-258-9568-01, GE-157-258-9568-01
Don M.
Aug 03, 2024
So unique and so much fun! Loved the open air experience. Great views of the ocean and sunsets. Beautiful landscaping! Loved the pool and outdoor areas. Would highly recommend (as long as you don’t have a problem walking up and down steps).
Theresa E.
Jul 22, 2024
The property is a one of a kind experience. After a couple nights you get used to all the animal sounds. The pool and view is great and the sunsets are beautiful.
James D.
Jul 05, 2024
What a house. The most incredible home i have ever been in. My father was an architect and designed and built the house i grew up in - it was wonderful and featured in architectural magazines. Ive been in several flw houses and lived in a beedle house as well. All to say that the onion house is in a class all by itself. Really innovative, beautiful and surprising at every turn. Impeccable design with custom even down to the soap holders. Lush garden, huge pool too. House manager Jeanne was very helpful and made us feel at home with her spirit and smile. Can’t say enough. Would love to come back.
Randee R.
Jun 16, 2024
Wonderful stay in a beautiful work of art for my birthday. Peaceful and private gem of a property. Looking forward to a return visit.
debbie n.
Apr 30, 2024
I've dreamed of staying at the Onion House for about 25 years. I saw it on an Amazing Vacation Homes tv show and promised myself that some day I would visit the Big Island and stay at the Onion House. One might think that a crazy, unique home built in the 60's would lose its charm. Maybe it would be in disrepair or need some TLC. Not the Onion House. It is still a living piece of art and it's timeless. I found something new to look at every time I walked through the house. It's simply spectacular! The pool is huge - (it's freezing this time of year though so we didn't use it much). The location is perfect and very close to Kona and all the restaurants. The beds are comfortable and the amenities are great. The house is perfect for two couples and a child or even three couples if you are family or close friends. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us!
Dave U.
Mar 19, 2024
This amazing property was our home away from home for a too short 5 weeks. There are tons of things to do on the big island, but nobody wanted to leave the pool and this absolute work of art house!
Jeanne the manager was extremely helpful and made us feel at home.
The most enjoyable trip ever!
Dawn F.
Jan 28, 2024
This property is a must experience. You will never stay anywhere like it. Built in the 1970s it has been well preserved. The atmosphere on the property makes you feel like you are staying in a far away oasis but it is actually in town with surrounding neighbors. The Onion House has also been named as one of the top 10 places on the Island to view a magnificent sunset. The pool is cool and refreshing. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Such a great space for friends and family. I highly recommend.
The only drawbacks may be the parking is tricky if you are driving a larger vehicle (ie Jeep Wagoneer) and if the neighbors are cutting trees on the neighboring property it can ruin the ambiance. We had chainsaws running one day of our stay starting at 7 in the morning. Only a big deal if you are spending your day on property Not a big deal if you are going to be out for the day. Otherwise, the evenings were quite peaceful.
Kevin V.
Jan 08, 2024
This place is very unique and beautiful! We love the history book it came with.
Michael W.
Dec 07, 2023
A great 10 night stay and the Onion House. The house is so unique and interesting. The pool is huge and super clean. Great views of the Pacific. Do pay attention to the description provided of the house as it is accurate and not for everyone. The wall panels are half screen and half window or door, so it is sort of inside/outside living. There is a fair number of stairs and hard edges, so not for the very young or infirm. All in all, we loved it!
Michael W.
Dec 07, 2023
A great 10 night stay and the Onion House. The house is so unique and interesting. The pool is huge and super clean. Great views of the Pacific. Do pay attention to the description provided of the house as it is accurate and not for everyone. The wall panels are half screen and half window or door, so it is sort of inside/outside living. There is a fair number of stairs and hard edges, so not for the very young or infirm. All in all, we loved it!
Jill C.
Nov 03, 2023
Onion House has been on my bucket list for decades and it did not disappoint. We were beyond happy to eat our meals, hang out in the pool and watch the amazing sunsets from our perch on the hillside. Truly a magical place like no other.
Jill C.
Nov 03, 2023
Onion House has been on my bucket list for decades and it did not disappoint. We were beyond happy to eat our meals, hang out in the pool and watch the amazing sunsets from our perch on the hillside. Truly a magical place like no other.
Karen K.
Oct 19, 2023
Loved our stay at the Onion House. Communication was clear and consistent throughout the entire process, house instructions very clear, and we appreciated the additional information about the house and advice for the area. My in-laws checked in and out but instructions were clear and sounded like it all went smoothly. The property was simply breathtaking; we loved the "outdoor indoor" living set in a very quiet neighborhood while still conveniently close to Kona and surrounding attractions. Really couldn't have asked for a more perfect stay. Thank you for such a special, memorable experience!
Kevin G.
Aug 20, 2023
This was a special stay. The Onion House is amazing. It is such a creative, unique structure. Our family of four absolutely loved our time here in late July, and we will forever cherish the memories of our stay in this work of art.
Kevin G.
Aug 20, 2023
This was a special stay. The Onion House is amazing. It is such a creative, unique structure. Our family of four absolutely loved our time here in late July, and we will forever cherish the memories of our stay in this work of art.