Escape to Hale Honu, a unique oceanfront home in Kailua-Kona. This two-story retreat boasts unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean from every room and offers a 450 sq. ft lanai with cable railings for seamless ocean gazing.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12204 sq m
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Add dates for prices
About this property
Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach
E komo mai (welcome) to HALE HONU!! (“Hall-eh Ho-new” ~ meaning the Home of the Sea Turtle) This is a great vacation home, really oceanfront, right on the water, just 3 miles from Kailua-Kona! **** SPECTACULAR LOCATION!! UNSURPASSED VIEWS!! PERFECT VACATION HOME!!
If you are looking for a unique, private, oceanfront home, where the unobstructed ocean view and sounds of the waves will lull you away from all your cares, offered by experienced and trustworthy owners, LOOK NO FURTHER! YOU'VE FOUND HALE HONU! Hale Honu has a 4.9 Traveler Review rating from nealy 100 of our Guests! Read on, you'll see why everyone loves this home, the original Kona 'Hale Honu'!
HALE HONU IS AN APPROVED AND REGISTERED SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL IN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII: STVR REGISTRATION NUMBER SVTR-19-361476 NUC NUMBER: NUC-19-1650 Tax Map Key: (3) 7-7-004:039-0000 NUCR#: PL-NUCR-2024-002359
Hale Honu is a two-story, two bedroom three bath, plus ground level rumpus & den room , TRULY OCEANFRONT home with extraordinary views of the ocean from all rooms of the home. The house is designed with an upstairs 2 bedroom/2 bath main house (plus a private day bed) , and a large (650 sq feet) rumpus room with full bathroom and wet bar on the ground level with a separate entrance. This is a lengthy detailed description of Hale Honu… there are several unique features of this house worth learning about! You might read in some older reviews about the ground level space being rented separately. That is no longer an option. Your booking is for the entire property with no other guests present.
The entire house has undergone a major remodel, including all new windows, bedrooms and baths, kitchen, and exterior. The main living area of Hale Honu ('the upstairs house') is on the second level, and offers two large bedrooms (with really comfortable king beds and down pillows), plus an alcove with a full bed. Upstairs are two full baths, and a sunny, open kitchen and living area, with a fully retractable glass wall that opens onto our 450 sq. ft. lanai, making the kitchen, living/dining room and oceanfront lanai one contiguous open air space. The kitchen is a gourmet's delight with a 2022 new induction range and oven, stainless steel appliances with a new 4 door GE Profile french door refrigerator, tons of cabinets, a huge kitchen island with power supply, pantry, and reverse osmosis water purification system (no more plastic water bottles!), plenty of workspace and everything a serious cook wants. We get a lot of comments from guests who tell us the kitchen is the best equipped of any vacation rental they have previously rented. Provided for you is a blender, toaster, whaffle iron, griddle, Kitchen Aid electric stand mixer, hand mixer, rice maker and food processor. And of course, a drip coffee maker and basic espressor maker. The 180 degree views of the Kona coastline are breathtaking from every window. You may never want to leave this spot!
Upstairs, the two large bedrooms upstairs each boast a 4 X 10 foot retractable Nana window that completely opens to the ocean below. It's like being on the bow of an ocean liner, with the waves breaking literally a stone’s throw away. The master bath has a soaking bathtub and a custom Mango wood vanity and vessel sink with a private WC. The second bathroom upstairs is entered from the hall, and has a large walk-in travertine tiled shower and new fixtures.
The alcove room upstairs is a perfect place for an afternoon nap on pune'e full sized bed. It's cozy, though with the three large jalousie (louvered glass panes) windows overlooking Pahoehoe Beach Park and the ocean encompass almost all of one wall, plus another window at the head of the bed, this room seems roomier and is filled with the sound and breeze of the ocean.
The upper lanai is 450 square feet of travertine tiled, partially covered open air space with cable railings that are almost invisible and gives you unobstructed views of turtle cove, with its reef fishes and Honu (sea turtle) directly below, as well as 180 degrees out to 2500 miles of unbroken Pacific Ocean. Flood lights can be operated from upstairs or from the studio on the ground level, and create a dramatic scene of the surf at night. There are six chairs for the 52" round glass table, and an outdoor sectional that will easily sit six.
On the garden/ground level is the large rumpus room with a king sized murphy bed, full bath and a wet bar with refrigerator. This space has a separate, secured entrance, outdoor garden, with dining and relaxing areas. The bathroom has luxurious marble tile and glass block, and a walk in shower for two with dual shower heads. Windows and sliders encompass all of the makai (ocean side) walls, so you can simply let the ocean air in, or step out and be right at the ocean’s edge. There is a free standing AC unit in this room.
This gated property is surrounded by a beautiful lava rock wall and borders Pahoehoe Beach Park (an oceanfront beach park with shaded sitting areas, grass and a small keiki (child) friendly beach). A two minute walk takes you to MAGIC SANDS BEACH, the best white sand beach in Kailua-Kona, and renown for body surfing & boogie boarding. It’s a kid friendly beach too, with a gentle slope, and sugar white sand. Magic Sands Beach is also known as Disappearing Sands Beach…. It gets this name because winter swells can make much of this beach disappear and limit access for swimming.
Hale Honu is located just three miles south of Kailua-Kona village, and two miles north of the Keauhou shopping and cinema complex. Here you are close enough to everything but still in a world of your own!
The grounds of the property are nicely landscaped and totally private, enclosed within 6 foot lava stone walls. We have 6 padded chase lounges in addition to 3 sets of outdoor tables and chairs, love seats, and two outdoor futons. You can bask in the sun just meters from the waves or wile away the hours swaying in our oceanside hammock for two.
When the sea is calm, there is excellent snorkeling at the abundant reef and arches directly in front of the house. We enter the ocean right off the property, but this requires a climb down the sea wall, and is for people comfortable with a rock entry into the ocean. You can also easily enter the ocean from the always sheltered small beach at Pahoehoe Beach Park adjacent to Hale Honu. We swim with Honu (turtles) almost every time! A large lava shelf has excellent tidal pools for exploring at low tide.
Throughout the home there are open beam cathedral ceilings and nearly floor to ceiling windows making the home light and airy, with full ocean views everywhere. The sound and energy of the ocean is present in every room. Decorated with travertine tile and bamboo flooring, Balinese antiques, island art, as well as elegant tropical furnishings, you will feel like ali'i (royalty) in this home.
Hale Honu has a second covered lanai on the ground level, where you can spend your evenings in the Kama'aina (Local way ...barbequing and talking story. This 400+ square foot outdoor lanai is filled with the sound of waves, trade winds, and Hawaiian ambience.
Hale Honu would be a PERFECT SITE FOR A FAMILY EVENT (reunion, celebration). The beautiful outdoor areas will accommodate a larger party, with room for outdoor cooking/reception areas, seating, and spectacular ocean views.
We strive to make our homes and your experience in them unique and filled with the spirit of aloha. You’ll find the home tastefully decorated, carefully maintained, and filled with lots of extras; binoculars, books on local history and cultural sites, guidebooks, etc.
Hale Honu imbues a special feeling of Peace and Aloha to everyone who visits, and it is with that Aloha that we welcome you!
With warmest aloha! Peter Knoblich and Darla Mabery
*This is an oceanfront home, and in the winter months there are many days (and nights) when the waves outside are 4-7 feet high and crashing onto the rocky shoreline below. If you are someone who must have a very quiet place to sleep, think about staying at least 1/4 mile off the shoreline. We provide ear plugs at the house for those who need them. This is not usually a concern the other 9 months of the year.
HALE HONU IS AN APPROVED AND REGISTERED SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL IN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII:
STVR REGISTRATION NUMBER SVTR-19-361476 NUC NUMBER: NUC-19-1650
HALE HONU IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII AS 'TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS' UNDER TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS REGISTRATION NUMBER TA-009-656-7296-01 (GE TAX CERTIFICATE NUMBER GE-009-656-7296-01). NUCR#: PL-NUCR-2024-002359
WE HAVE ALWAYS AND CONTINUE TO COLLECT AND REMIT ACCOMMODATION TAXES AND GENERAL EXCISE TAXES. BEWARE OF OWNERS WHO ARE NOT CHARGING LODGING TAXES & CHEATING ON TAX PAYMENTS.
Keywords: Oceanfront, Private Vacation Home, Turtle cove, Beach House
Property amenities
Beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
Music library
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
13 steps to reach entrance
Handrails in stairways (86 centimetre high)
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Safe
Location highlights
Near a hospital
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the ocean
Things to do
Water sports equipment
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Parasailing nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling 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
Shower off the sand before coming into the house
Close the big open windows when you leave for the day
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Have packnplay, kiddie gate for stairs, cab lock2
Events
No events allowed
Small events OK. Must adhere to 9 pm quiet time
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Small events OK. Must adhere to 9 pm quiet time
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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 770040390000, GE-009-656-7296-01, TA-009-656-7296-01
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located by the ocean, this holiday home is in Kahaluu-Keauhou, a neighbourhood in Kailua-Kona. Haleo Luau and Hulihee Palace are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Kailua Pier and Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark. Travelling with kids? Consider Donkey Mill Art Center and Kona Le'a Plantation. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and cycling. Visit our Kailua-Kona travel guide
Is Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-out at Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach located?
This family-friendly Kailua-Kona holiday home is located by the ocean, within a 5-minute walk of Magic Sands Beach and Kailua-Kona Beaches. Keauhou Shopping Center and Kahalu'u Beach Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach 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.
Our multigenerational family loved our time at this house. The location was perfect, it had all the amenities that we could possibly need, the sleeping arrangements were ideal for everyone in our family. The hosts were gracious, informative, and so easy to work with. Everything about this stay was fantastic!
It was our second times staying in this house, and both times have been amazing!!! The house is nice and very well supplied for beach activities, but the location is the real gem! Being located right on the water is the best part, we loved being able to eat meals and watch the waves. The snorkeling right off the house is also very good!
Property was great! Had everything we needed with beautiful views. Property owner let us check in early to accommodate our flights, so that was very helpful!
Perfect location! Love the waves crashing on the rocks! Owners are very nice. House is very roomy in the common areas. Good for groups and families. Memories made!
The property was wonderful with breathe taking views. Large enough for everyone to have their own space and privacy, but cozy enough to feel like home. Close to beaches lots of site seeing and town.
Incredible property location with all amenities. Owner provides plenty of beach stuff, appliances and condiments in the kitchen, towels and linens. Loved spending our time here. Perfect for our extended family of ten.
Property is great with convenient access to the west side of the island. Cliff jumping a few minutes drive away, beaches, snorkeling, etc. Well stocked with beach equipment and kitchen accessories. Many great restaurants nearby! Great place for a vacation!
Beautiful home, plenty of space, the upstairs lanai was perfect for watching dolphins, whales and sea turtles! The waves were a bit loud during high tides, but then you are right on the beach, so take advantage of the ear plugs they provide if you need them. The owners were great.
This property was awesome. As advertised, right on the water, amazing views. House was well stocked with everything you needed for your stay. I went with my kids and grandkids and we couldn’t have been more please with the accommodations. Close enough to everything in Kona but far enough away to just enjoy the beach. Hosts were responsive and easy to deal with. This was an excellent experience I would highly recommend this house for your family vacation you won’t be disappointed.
We had an amazing time! We enjoyed spectacular sunsets every night from the deck area, with breathtaking views of the ocean. We saw several whales and a turtle or two. It was so relaxing sitting in the hot tub and watching the waves crash against the rocks in the evenings. The house had everything we needed and more! They thought of everything someone might need. With all of the windows it is so bright and airy with views from every window. It is in an excellent location close to everything.I recommend this home to anyone! You will not be disappointed.
Our family enjoyed the property and location. We used the kitchen every day! The bedrooms were good and comfortably fits 8-9 people. The Lanai is very comfortable and a great spot for sunsets.
We did have a problem with sea urchin bites in the lava rock between the house and ocean, otherwise the property was great for our family.
Have stayed here 10 years ago, location wonderful on water and love large balcony and windows. Ck-in combo was given in email 3 days in advance and a text sent day of arrival with a different combinations to door- caused last minute confusion getting inside. Termite dust terrible in kitchen floor and counter and on chairs and table on balcony. Homeless sleep in park next door, and a woman in a van parked immediately next to house with music blaring from her van on 3 occasions, sleeping in car there overnight.
We were a large group, three families and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the beauty of this home and proximity to the ocean. We experienced a massive storm which was pretty cool (which brought inside a tremendous amount of crawling friends), beautiful sunrises and sunsets with whales to watch for hours; followed by the moon setting. The home is showing a bit of normal age and wear but was clean and comfortable. We had to reset the hot water heater twice and the stove didn't work. The instructions were massive but clear reading when necessary to figure out an issue (no hot water). We contacted the owner several times, each of which we were responded to quickly. We have recommended this home to several friends who are visiting the Big Island here in the near future.
Awesome location. Fabulous sunsets and sunrise. Comfortable home with great outdoor living space. The elders stayed downstairs in the studio suite and the young people stayed upstairs. Most of our activity was on the large lanai upstairs. We used the large round table to dine and play games. The sofas there were great for a short nap. You could see yellow tang in the ocean from the lanai each morning! The kitchen with it’s huge island was great! Very well supplied The appliances are all brand new and got a good workout each morning! Our group of 10 were well organized and with stations around the island at each meal, eating was made very easy. We changed our departure flights to later so we would have time to leave the home in order and some of the laundry done, ie beach towels. We started the laundering of the sheets and towels. The family thoroughly enjoyed their stay and would stay here again. Peter and Darla were very cordial and helpful, perfect hosts. They definitely embrace the aloha spirit! Many mahalos and a warm aloha, Claire Graham and Ohana
Well-stocked home + unparalleled location = Unforgettable three-generation vacation
Pros: The home is well stocked and perfectly situated--right on the water and just a quick drive into town. When (and if) you do leave, you don't have to venture far even on foot. For example, Magic Sands beach and Magics restaurant and a shave ice truck are a two min walk, but there's a also a beach park right next door to the property which worked out great for little ones. We fully appreciated having plenty of beach chairs, life jackets, picnic equipment, and beach toys to take with us.
Cons: You won't want to go home! The house has its quirks, but none that would prevent my rebooking. There was some construction going on at nearby properties (next door and across the street) so if you travel in the near term you may hear a bit of noise if you stick around during the day, but you can just sit on the lanai and listen to the waves instead! (Birds, geckos, and, in the evening, insects, also enjoy the lanai so be prepared to share the space.) The other little things we noticed, we reported to the owners and they will address, so I don't have other concerns.
Other: It is one building but two separate units and separate entrances. To join the other unit, you go outside and go to the other entrance. We had three adults and two kids in the main house (upstairs) and two adults (one with mobility issues in the studio), and this arrangement worked great.
This house is a dream! Comfortable, well set up, and with a view to die for! We especially loved waking up to the wide open window looking out on the ocean, and being just steps or minutes from great beaches. We saw humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles and tuna all from the back deck. The house is very well stocked, and the hosts are incredibly helpful and responsive. We were here with young children and the house was perfectly set up for a family vacation. Can’t recommend it too highly.
What a great home. We had a perfect Thanksgiving together with family. The home is well stocked. Hosts are responsive and kind. Perfect location—kids could walk to magic beach. Snorkeling was AMAZING right in front of the house. We saw eel, turtles and every fish imaginable. We will definitely be back.
This house is wonderful, with plenty of room to spread out. The location and view are absolutely wonderful and perfect for kids, teens and adults. Two minute walk to Magic Sands beach! We were back and forth all day every day. Loved this place!! The host were very accommodating as well!
A very nice property with challenges keeping up with the elements. Owners were fantastic. Property very well equipped with all the cleaning, cooking and laundry essentials. Property accommodated 3 couples with 3 kids very nicely. No A/C, of course - very open.
Spectacular location for you exploring Hawaiian paradise
This house was simply perfect for our Party of nine. And absolutely stunning stellar review of the Pacific, Ocean wildlife galore. He completely stocked kitchen with everything you could ever imagine needing. And then some. Comfortable beds incredible views ocean at Your fingertips. On a main road, easy walk to multiple beaches, snorkel, surf, paddleboard spots. As well as
places to eat.
Our hosts were extraordinarily easy to communicate with and completely wonderful. Could not recommend this place more.