Property Description
PLEASE READ COMPLETELY PRIOR TO BOOKING REQUEST:
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. Groups of 6, while they can be accommodated, will find privacy is limited.
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 and these country 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) Rental guest vehicles shall be parked in the designated onsite parking area.
(D) The STVR shall not be used for commercial purposes.
(E) Guests beyond those named on the rental agreement are fairly strictly limited. Hosting gatherings with visitors outside of the rental party is quite limited - Please inquire.
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
Registration Number: 3770090520000, TA-157-258-9568-01, GE-157-258-9568-01
User Reviews
Dolores W.
May 02, 2025
Second time staying at The Onion House, enjoyed the unique experience of living in the environment. Mahalo Jeanne for your watchcare during the hard storms and flooding we addressed while there. Until next time!
David T.
Apr 26, 2025
What a beautiful and uniquely architected home. We loved the design, the surrounding foliage, the pool, and the location. Thanks!
Darla B.
Apr 08, 2025
This house is a work of art. Jeanne was a wonderful property manager. It was like staying inside a living, loving organism. The outside flows to the inside leaving you feeling like you’re an organic part of the island. This place has spoiled me for any other place.
Steve L.
Mar 27, 2025
The Onion House was a truly unique place to stay. Beautiful views, great gardens and pools, and our host was informative and fun to speak with. Close to town, but with a very secluded feel, it was perfect for a family getaway!
John I.
Feb 09, 2025
This is either the third or fourth time I’ve stayed. Obviously we love it. As an architect and hedonist, you couldn’t find a better place! We’ll be back. Thanks Jeanne and Terri!!!
Erik A.
Jan 21, 2025
This was the most beautiful home we have ever stayed in. From word work to stained glass, the whole home is a living breathing piece of artwork. Waking up to the birds each morning and drinking our coffee on the lanai was the highlight of the morning. While in the evening we sipped cocktails and watched the sunset from the pool. Not sure how it could have been more magical. Thank you, we will be back every year.
Adam B.
Jan 13, 2025
We loved our stay at the Onion House. It is a beautiful house, and one of a kind design. It is quirky so you have to be in the mood for that. Super relaxing, very well located, and just beautiful. The whole house is a work of art.
Julie K.
Jan 09, 2025
We really enjoyed our stay. Jeanne gave us all the information we needed. The house is comfortable (I loved the bed and linens), so beautiful and certainly one of a kind! We had everything we could possibly need. The erupting volcano was the only thing that we left the house for!
Christopher L.
Dec 05, 2024
We enjoyed our stay. We had 5 people total. The owner communicated all the details well in advance of our stay. And, the property manager followed up with us the week before our trip. Communication. Was excellent! Everything was clean. In good shape. The property is really a unique place. We enjoyed staying @ the onion. Location is close to everything. Grounds are impressive.
Paul D.
Nov 27, 2024
Must be a nature lover to stay here we were absolutely happy every single moment of every single day. We were visitors during monsoon season with pouring down rain, but the weather was still warm and we were able to sit out and enjoy the pool during the day. A favorite part of our stay is watching the parakeets fly overhead by the dozens and having the geckos overhead in the house an absolutely beautiful property with never-ending new fines of eye candy. It’s a must do.
Karen L.
Sep 29, 2024
This place is amazing! This was our second stay, and we brought some family members this time. They were amazed by the uniqueness of the property, the view, and especially the huge private pool. All the stained glass everywhere gives the place a magical quality. I can’t say enough good things about both the manager and the owner. It seems almost tacky to mention money while discussing a work of art, but the value you get for the price here is quite impressive. Stay here and stay here often!
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.
