Chris M.
August 2024
Great property and location. Awesome sunsets!
Robbie G.
June 2024
Beautiful property, we fell in love. Thanks to the owners for sharing it with us.
Patricia T.
June 2024
We’ve stayed in various homes in Puako for 23 years. This home/cottage is by far the best of them all.
This was our second vacation at this great, clean comfortable home.
The view is amazing!
Jay was most helpful with plumbing problems being worked on while we were there.
Looking forward to next year!
ryan b.
April 2024
Absolutely loved this place. Old school charm and comfort, quiet location, great weather and fantastic snorkeling right out front.
Stephanie M.
April 2024
We were there for 9 days and enjoyed our snorkel in snorkel out accommodations. The house fits in amazingly and it was great to have and indoor outdoor feel. Our whole family had lots of fun. Great space to kid around the ball in the front yard and enjoy space to have a dinner and watch the sunset. The stars were amazing and the beds felt like pillows to sleep on. Jay was an amazing resource to have and helped us have hula lessons right at the property
Mary K.
March 2024
Loved our stay in this perfect little cottage on the ocean. Great whale watching and lots of turtles in the tide pool. Even though the weather was windy, our vacation location in Puako was the best. Can’t wait to come back!
Pat K.
February 2024
Loved this house, just the right size for the two of us. Saw whales everyday! Great place to relax in! Would go back in an instant.
Mike B.
February 2024
The location and setting are superb. The host and local property managers were easy to work with and responsive. The house was well stocked with beach gear. As noted in the listing, this is an older style Hawaiian type beach house. The interior could use updating. The outdoors could use some furniture besides basic chairs and lounges.
Carl Z.
January 2024
Beautiful location on the ocean. A quiet Hawaiian escape. The house has everything you need. whale watching from the comfort of home.
Charlotte S.
December 2023
This property is located in the coveted neighborhood of Puako. It was comfortable, well located, and felt like a more local experience (compared to the other accommodations near by). We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
Kate K.
December 2023
The perfect ocean-front cottage for 4 people. Two bedrooms with king size beds, a well- equipped kitchen and a low-key neighborhood with good snorkeling. What more could you ask for?
Kathy F.
December 2023
We really enjoyed our stay at Puako.
The house was lovely - old Hawaii.
The area was very peaceful - host was helpful and kind .
Very clean and had all the things we needed- beach chairs , towels and a cooler . We will be back
Kimberly M.
December 2023
We snuck away for a quick get away to our favorite place on the planet. Never disappoints!
shannon l.
December 2023
Have stayed at this sweet place, now, three times. It has gone from a charming/quirky cabin w/ a pretty view to rough living w/ a pretty view. New owners as of a couple years ago and seems no decision has been made about tear/
down/rebuild or continue renting and fixing a couple things. For us, we have secured an alternative property for a month in 2022 and would recommend doing the same while letting the chips fall where they may awaiting owner decision moving forward..... am available to owner/management with my suggestions if anyone wants input....
Tom A.
November 2023
Wonderful location.
Michael M.
September 2023
Our 3rd or 4th time staying there. We love it!
August 2023
I have stayed in Puako at various cottages for 22 years. Many have been torn down.
This house is just perfect size, neat and clean and everything is provided for. Three of us stayed in comfort. It even has a newer washer and dryer too.
The view is priceless and, as always, Puako is beautiful.
We fed the birds and they had a wonderful time too!
Thank you! I hope it is available during whale season next year!
Larry G.
July 2023
This was a lovely place to stay. The ocean was easily accessible a short walk north on the beach and we had terrific snorkeling and sea turtle viewing. The kitchen was well-equipped, the big sliding screen doors were wonderful, and there were lots of towels and hangers, and a comfortable bed in a peaceful neighborhood. The only downside for us was that this main house is immediately adjacent to a studio apartment, owned by the same owner and also with a big deck. Because the houses are so close, when we were outside on our deck, we could hear the music and conversations of the people staying next door.
Chris A.
March 2023
Our stay was perfect. We have stayed in Kona town before and at Mauna Kea, Hapuna Westin and the Marriott and there is no comparison from a "chill out" standpoint. The house as others have commented is simple and quaint and a great reminder that life can be fulfilling without being over the top. We plan on returning next year. Also we had an issue with the internet and sprinkler when we arrived and Jay was quick to resolve. Thanks for sharing this great home.
Carolyn E.
March 2023
We adored our stay, far beyond any expectations that we had and our expectations were high!
The house itself was perfection - a lovely intimate easy beach house that harkened back to days gone by. Such a welcome respite from the large highly polished houses every where in Puako these days. Don't get me wrong - we love luxury and beautiful design, and yet to be in a house that feels like a precious remnant of old Hawaii was golden.
We biked and walked and visited our way through Puako and out lying areas and were always deeply happy to return to our easy welcoming nest.
Missing the magical mornings watching the light grow and play over what we called our own private marine wild life tidal pools. I thought I would miss not being directly on a beach. Nope, never, not once. Having the turtles keep us company was magic indeed. We felt as if we were living inside of a Mary Oliver poem.
Thank you, thank you for keeping this gem of house in it's original form. Cannot wait to return.
Tara H.
March 2023
Another wonderful stay in Puako! Two of us finally made it over the rocks to SCUBA right out front- but its a long haul and not generally recommended. There are easier entries at several very close by access points- but the coral right out from the house was fantastic. We also dove with Kohala divers and did our own shore dive out of 56 to the garden eels just beyond the mooring point.
At the house, we saw turtles, eels, bubble shell snails, crabs, cowrie, nudibranchs and a lot of fish and other critters in the tidal pools.
The house had plenty of towels, beach chairs and 3 boogie boards which we used at Hapuna beach a few minutes up the road. We appreciated the heated outdoor shower for rinsing off ourselves and gear.
There were enough basics to cook and serve food for our group of 4. Some essential spices and oils were stocked in the cabinet.
There are a lot of comments about the furniture in the reviews- it is not brand new and I wouldn't expect it to be at this price and location. However, the furniture is comfortable- especially the beds.
Hope they don't tear this place down. :)
Mary K.
March 2023
Such a quaint, perfect little cottage. Everything a person could want including being right on the ocean. Our time here was amazing even though we had a week of bad weather. Hope we can come back!
Chloe S.
January 2023
85 during the day, 70 at night, crashing waves, delightful friendly neighbors, close to the best beaches in Kona.
JD S.
January 2023
Our stay in Puako was great, and this home was the perfect spot to recharge and enjoy some downtime. Great views and comfortable living.
Elizabeth C.
January 2023
Our family loved our stay. Being directly on the ocean under the dark starry sky and during the day with the sunset is indescribably wonderful. Kitchen had everything we needed and beds were very comfortable. We exclusively showed outside. We loved beach 69 down the road.
Jennifer B.
December 2022
We have stayed all over Puako. This is the best house by far for a smaller group. The house is impeccably designed and it shows !
I do have a few suggestions:
Put down some gravel on the mud in both driveway entrances. It rained almost every night, and walking through the mud - not fun !
The bedrooms could use a few smaller dressers in the closets for things like underwear, bathing suits, t- shirts, jammies, etc.
Also, super well stocked with chairs, towels, etc, but could use a few hooks for hanging things like hats, backpacks, etc. ( inside).
One of the best rentals in Puako, just needs a few additions.
We will be back, plus I have already shared the house with my other Puako fans ! Thank you for a great stay! J and T.
Jeni D.
November 2022
Once again we throughly enjoyed ourselves in Puako. We enjoy the commercial free neighbor that really lets you relax. The tide pools are great for enjoying ocean life and the sunsets are lovely. The pictures represent the house very well. Though we’ve never had a problem there is always someone available if you have a question or request.
Jenifer H.
November 2022
Another fabulous vacation at Hale Aloha!
Cathy R.
October 2022
This was our second year staying in Hale Aloha and it was even better than last year. It was so nice to come to a home that was familiar - we knew where everything was and moved in as if it were our own home. Again we had wonderful ocean views, favorite beaches nearby, entertaining neighbors (we love the dogs next door!). We snorkeled out front at high tide, which was really high this year and watched for shooting stars at night. New this year was some fun beach time at local high end hotels (love the public access) and walking the fish ponds at the Mauna Lani. Anniversary dinner at Canoehouse was fabulous tho very pricey. WE enjoyed a visit to Bay View Farms on the Kona coast and hiked a bit of the 1871 trail. We appreciated the new living room furniture - nice improvement! - and left some new beach chairs and umbrella in hopes we'll use them again the next time we visit. We love this house and look forward to staying again.
Bruce F.
October 2022
Great place
fred s.
October 2022
Excellent - will look forward to doing it again
Maiya A.
September 2022
My family has stayed in this home several times. It is pure paradise! I could stay forever if given the opportunity to do so. The house is adorable and takes advantage of the amazing views right outside the doors. Yard is large and has mature plants that provide privacy from the road. House is stocked with beach and snorkel gear. Good swimming/snorkel spots right out front (just be careful and look out for sea urchins). We love the new addition of the heated outdoor shower! The kitchen could be stocked a little better but we’ve always made due with what kitchenware is there. I highly recommend this home to others who don’t want to be in a resort but would rather be in a small, quiet community in a lovely home with access to the ocean just a few steps away.
Tabitha W.
September 2022
We had a wonderful stay! Perfect balance of relaxation and adventure! We spend most of our time in the water or on the beach and this was perfect for that.
Rachel G.
July 2022
It’s a great little rambler on the ocean. The location is incredible! We went out on the rocks right outside the house and got to look in the tide pools and saw many turtles resting on the rocks in the sun. The kitchen was well stocked, both with spices/oils, and kitchenware. There was also snorkeling and beach gear galore, which is appreciated when you are traveling and can’t bring that stuff with you! The house is right on the water, so as expected, there were critters and bugs in the house. In addition to some cobwebs, which again, we expected right on the water. As long as you are good with little geckos inside (they don’t bother you), we highly recommend this property!
Mark S.
July 2022
The house was great and perfect for our family. The location is incredible being right on the ocean with amazing views.
Kimberly O.
May 2022
Great location, quiet little neighborhood, turtles galore right out front, awesome snorkel/shore dive beach 5 minutes from our doorstep. Very comfortable, any need unmet was quickly tendednto by Jay the guest manager. Ourb2d time visiting this property.
Kimberly M.
March 2022
Lovely in every potential way. Incredible location and sweet bungalow.
Bernice W.
February 2022
Clean but not well maintained
Patio floor peeling, stained.
No little lights outside for ambience
We used a big flashlight
Lawn is not attended to with equal patches of dirt and tufts of grass
A six inch tear in leather sofa.
Occasional chairs purchased at consignment and did not realize they were for children.
Only one smoke alarm, property manager? Brought an installed.
Beds were great kitchen and living space very large so well suited for six.
All lawn chairs very nice
One large pot next to stone wall which is where we looked every night for sunset, completely empty.
Fron door entrance very weak as leaves everywhere, a pot with weak plant in it.
Lastly advertised as two bathrooms
We were a family of six, there is a bathroom with shower between the bedrooms.
The “second” bathroom is at the other end of house, through pantry and past vacuum cleaner and then washer and dryer and then bathroom
Was a small room with a sink and toilet and Murrow.
So if two couples rented this and thought they would have separate bathrooms with showers that could be a big issue.
With family a little easier to work out.
To finish I would like to say over the years I have rented homes mant times, including Puako, many times in states.
The property manager said the house will be torn down and the consignment store was low on stock which is what sofa was ripped.
There were four beach towels, frayed, for not six.
Property manager offered to buy more at Costco.
They were 9.99 for four, microfibre ?
I took these with me so prepared to pay 40 dollars to owner.
Just did not want to leave cash on counter.
My adult kids arrived first takes to WestJet changing our flight and they dealt with property manager, not me
So I emailed michell next day re towels rip on sofa, etc and she never responded.
Added to our booking is fee for vrbo which indicates that vrbo has some control over rental, if not what are wevpaying the extra fees for.
Our holiday was fine, family loved being on water, but it did not meet my standards.
We moved to a small place down the road as family went home..night and day, all the small touches and no surprises.
I tend to not put my comments for readers and prefer to deal direct with owners.
I would not recommend this rental and will nit rebook.
If you have any info as to how rentals are “checked” I would like to know.
Thank you for your time.
Bernice
Linda b.
January 2022
Located in the magical town of Paulo, right on the beach with tide pools. One mile from
Several sandy beaches for swimming. Clean. Photos are accurate. Property management is excellent.
Tom A.
December 2021
Enjoyed our stay, great place and location.
Maureen T.
September 2021
The location in Puako is the best! As seen in the photos, the back of the house is right on the water, and there are two beautiful snorkeling pools just to the right of your view. The home is a short distance from Hapuna Beach and convenient to local hotels and shopping. We would definitely consider staying here again. This is a perfect spot for a peaceful, relaxing vacation. Our only suggestion would be to eliminate some of the area rugs. We slipped on them several times, and one person in our party took a serious fall.
Cathy R.
August 2021
We wanted a quiet place far from crowds where we could enjoy the island and still feel safe. This house was so wonderful - right on the water, and while it isn't a beach we had plenty of entertainment just walking around and floating in the tidepools. The house had everything we needed - well-equipped kitchen, lots of water toys, chairs, and snorkel gear for the one person who forgot to bring that. We used the bicycles, visited the general store, walked the neighborhood, watched sunset from the deck, made good use of the bbq. The back doors open completely so the living room is really just part of the outdoors. Good snorkeling is a half mile walk down the street, and several beaches are nearby (69, Hapuna, and Spencer). Be aware that there are no restaurants nearby (you have to go to the resorts, or drive 40 minutes to town) and actual grocery stores are 20-30 minutes away. The general store makes great sandwiches though! We loved this house and the historic neighborhood - will definitely return.
Brenda M.
August 2021
Spacious 2 bedroom with comfortable furnishings and adequately supplied kitchen. Great views and snorkeling right off the back yard (Extras included were beach and snorkeling equipment). We rented both this house and the studio unit on the property that worked well for our party of 6.
jen m.
June 2021
The house was just as described. Everything you needed plus more.
Renters next door did not bother us at all.
We have been renting in Puako for the last 13 years, and have since lost our normal rental house, so this made a fine substitute.
Melissa M.
June 2021
Surf Shack is simple, clean, open to the water & fully stocked. We loved it, and would be delighted to return!
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.