Perched above Kealakekua Bay, Pu`uhonua offers a unique tropical retreat in Captain Cook, Hawaii. Watch sunsets from the spacious upper lanai and enjoy 180+ degree ocean views of Mauna Loa and the bay. Take advantage of kayaks, snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards available with our amenity package.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10167 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
Relax and Enjoy! Five Star Accommodations at Affordable Rates!
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
Property amenities
Beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Pool/Spa
Massage
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Music library
Stereo
TV with cable/satellite channels
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming cats and dogs only
Up to 9 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Limited housekeeping
Phone
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near the marina
Things to do
Optional golf privileges
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Parasailing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Spelunking nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Full refund if reservation is cancelled more than 90 days prior to your stay. Within the 90 day window partial to full refund if rebooked
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
1 total (up to 9 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Please contact us for details.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Please contact for details
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: Please contact for details
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
Property Registration Number GE-152-959-5904-01, 820090690000, TA-152-959-5904-01
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Captain Cook is home to this holiday home. Holua Tennis Center and Kona Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Magic Sands Beach and Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary. Bay View Farm and Big Island Bees are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cave exploring and hiking/biking trails. Visit our Captain Cook travel guide
Is Relax and Enjoy! Five Star Accommodations at Affordable Rates! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Relax and Enjoy! Five Star Accommodations at Affordable Rates! ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Relax and Enjoy! Five Star Accommodations at Affordable Rates! ?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Relax and Enjoy! Five Star Accommodations at Affordable Rates! ?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Relax and Enjoy! Five Star Accommodations at Affordable Rates! located?
Situated in Captain Cook, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary, Bay View Farm and Big Island Bees. Painted Church and Hikiau Heiau State Monument are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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Relax and Enjoy! Five Star Accommodations at Affordable Rates! Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We thoroughly enjoyed staying at the house in Captain Cook and wish we could have stayed longer. The views are just stunning and we spent our time in the comfortable upper level admiring them. The home had everything we needed and our host was very responsive to every question. They also had chairs, umbrellas and other beach items for us to use.
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.
Three generations of our family spent 4 relaxing nights at the house. The views from the main floor are incredible. My college-age son loved relaxing and reading in the hammock on the porch. If you are looking for a delicious breakfast out during your stay, do not miss the nearby Coffee Shack.
Melissa T.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Anne
28 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a beautiful and completely unique house, with sweeping views and jungle all around, and yet it's still a short hop from ameneties ranging from the amazing Coffee Shack restaurant to groceries, swimming, historic places, farmer's markets, and more. The owner is hands down the most responsive and best communicating host I've every worked with! As great as the house is, knowing that we were in such good hands with the host made a difference to reducing stress during our stay. Thank you!
We spent wonderful time at the house in mid August 2023. The view was spectacular and the weather is quite pleasant in that part of island. The sound of frogs singing at night is something unique in the area. I recorded the sound and listen to it when I go to sleep.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Private, Close In, Convenient Location. A Tropical Paradise. What a View!
Been to the Big Island four times, Captain Cook is our favorite. This is the nicest house we have stayed in, by far. Close to the beaches, restaurants, groceries, wonderful Sunday farmer's market. Host has provided a comfortable clean unique gem.
Beautiful location, lovely architecture, very peaceful.
We enjoyed our stay during the holiday. The loft was perfect for our teens. Furnishings and decor is ready to be updated but still very comfortable. Thank you.
Very nice home with incredible views from all around the house. At night it sounds like a rainforest sound machine setting with all the birds and creatures singing. The property has gorgeous plants and grounds. The house was clean and had everything needed for a nice stay. It is incredibly close to Black Rock Pizza which we ordered twice during our stay it was so good! We enjoyed our time very much.
Truly enjoyed our stay here. We had 11 family members that flew in from Alaska, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Idaho, and Texas. The upper lanai and views are unrivaled. It's truly one of those places that you can sit and enjoy for hours. It's peaceful and delightfully breezy. No complaints whatsoever. Thank you for providing us with a wonderful location for our family to enjoy all that the Big Island offers.