The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"

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Entire home

Architectural mood lighting for a soothing evening

Aerial view of the main house and adjacent master bedroom area.

Aerial view: main house (R) and master suite (L) connected by covered breezeway

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6151.6 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Barbecue grill
Kitchen

Explore the area

Kailua-Kona, HI

Magic Sands Beach
‪5 min drive‬
Kahalu'u Beach Park
‪6 min drive‬
Kailua Pier
‪7 min drive‬
Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Guest Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Guest Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Guest Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Master Bathroom

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Shared Guest Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Balcony

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining area

About this property

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

Property manager

Terri Watson

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 12

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Adults only

No children under 12 due to safety concerns.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Smoking outdoors on deck only.

Please note that the County of Hawai'i has implemented new vacation rental regulations - as a licensed rental, we share them in the rental agreement.

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

Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Property Registration Number 3770090520000, TA-157-258-9568-01, GE-157-258-9568-01

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Kailua-Kona

Located near the beach, this holiday home is in Holualoa Village, a neighbourhood in Kailua-Kona. Holualoa Gallery and Hulihee Palace are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Kona Le'a Plantation and KBXtreme. UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Estate and Kona Community Aquatic Center are also worth visiting.

View more Holiday homes in Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, HI

What's nearby

Magic Sands Beach - 5 min drive - 3.1 km
Keauhou Shopping Center - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
Kahalu'u Beach Park - 6 min drive - 4.3 km
Kailua Pier - 7 min drive - 6.8 km
Kailua-Kona Wharf - 7 min drive - 6.8 km

Getting around

Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

‪On The Rocks - ‬6 min drive
‪Laverne's Sports Bar - ‬6 min drive
‪Gecko Girlz Shave Ice - ‬6 min drive
‪L&L Hawaiian Barbecue - ‬5 min drive
‪Humpy's Big Island Alehouse - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe" located?

Located in Holualoa Village, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden, Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory and Donkey Mill Art Center. Kona Le'a Plantation and Magic Sands Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

David T.

26 April 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Uniquely Beautiful

What a beautiful and uniquely architected home. We loved the design, the surrounding foliage, the pool, and the location. Thanks!

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darla B.

8 April 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best place ever!

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.

Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve L.

27 March 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Unique Stay

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!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John I.

9 February 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Habitual guest

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!!!

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erik A.

21 January 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Splendor in an Onion

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.

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam B.

13 January 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of a kind place to stay

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.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie K.

9 January 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unforgettable!

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!

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher L.

5 December 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Property

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.

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

27 November 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical in Nature

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.

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

29 September 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

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!

Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Don M.

3 August 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Onion House

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).

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa E.

22 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quick Fun Trip

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.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

James D.

5 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow!

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.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randee R.

16 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday at the Onion House

Wonderful stay in a beautiful work of art for my birthday. Peaceful and private gem of a property. Looking forward to a return visit.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

debbie n.

30 April 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A living piece of art

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!

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave U.

19 March 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Like being in another world!

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!

Stayed 37 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dawn F.

28 January 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A once in a lifetime must

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.

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin V.

8 January 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place!

This place is very unique and beautiful! We love the history book it came with.

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

7 December 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and Excellent

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!

Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill C.

3 November 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Staying in a beautifully unique piece of art.

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.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

19 October 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and perfect

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!

Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin G.

20 August 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Work of Art

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.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Janice P.

20 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Stairs

The property was really unique and beautiful, we were very comfortable staying there. My only complaint would be not having the knowledge of the flight of stairs to enter or exit the property. As two 71 year old women bringing our luggage up those stairs was close to impossible!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

James M., Santa Clarita

8 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Future repeat customer

A perfect stay with plenty of stimuli for all guests. Beautiful sunsets, landscape, flowers, camilions, and birds. Very relaxing. The pool is large and welcoming. No one wanted to leave.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keith B.

7 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An INCREDIBLE piece of architecture and art!

The Onion House is simply gorgeous! It was the perfect place for our week on the Big Island. Pros: - Great location. Convenient to everything. - Great views. - Truly incredible home. It really was like living in a piece of artwork. - Pool was awesome - huge, clean, and unique. - Caretaker was very friendly and helpful. - Well stocked kitchen and laundry. Tons of pots and pans, towels, detergent, soap, paper products, sunscreen, etc. - Master suite was large, beautiful, and very comfortable. - The grounds were stunning and although the home is in a neighborhood, you do have plenty of privacy. Cons - The roosters in the neighborhood were pretty annoying. They started crowing at about 5:00 (which didn't bother us because we were awake anyway) but never really stopped until it got hot the afternoon. - Two of the burners on the stove didn't work properly. - No ice maker. - The living room furniture isn't very comfortable. Misc: - We were a family of 6 with 2 adults and 4 children ages 13-19. We had plenty of room, but the two bedrooms in the main building are somewhat open (at the top of the wall) to the living room and kitchen. Our kids are pretty heavy sleepers so it didn't bother them, but it would be a problem if couples wanted privacy. - We (kiddos included) LOVED EVERYTHING about the property except the roosters. My husband and I appreciate unique architecture and landscapes. If that isn't your thing, you might not appreciate it as much.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Terri Watson

The Onion House was purchased by Harry and Barbara Last from the McCormick family a few years ago. Barbara had wanted to visit this architectural wonder some time ago and when she learned that the property was for sale, she insisted that they book their stay immediately. Upon awakening in the Onion House the very first morning, Harry fell in love with the unique architecture and as well the engineering structural aspects of the overall property. They both decided that they wanted to be the purchasers, not only to enjoy for their family, but also to continue to preserve and maintain this wonderful property for guests as well. Poring over the construction details of the Onion House also brought back memories. Many years ago in the late 1970’s, Barbara and Harry, a mechanical engineer and inventor, designed, and built by hand a hillside home in the Vancouver, B.C. area, complete with an indoor swimming pool for their three children, all in competitive swimming. In order to combat humidity in the pool area, Harry soon became interested in automatic pool covers, which eventually led to him founding a business in that industry, which still exist as a closely held family business today.

Barbara and Harry will continue to connect with Beth McCormick (the former owner) as an advisor on the maintenance and preservation of the property. Guest contact will be facilitated by Terri Watson, who has also managed guest relations on another Hawaii property for the Lasts. Property Manager Jeanne Awai, along with her staff, who have managed the gardening and maintenance and welcomed the guests to the property for many years, will be staying on as well.

Why they chose this property

There's no place on earth like this. It's a wildly original form of architecture, distinct from any other structure, hand-built by architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg. It combines the indoor-outdoor living that defines Hawaii with visionary, organic architecture. You've never seen anything like this.

What makes this property unique

A unique part of Hawaiian history, the Onion House is a pivotal piece of the McCormick family history, commissioned by prior owner Beth McCormick's favorite aunt, 'Auntie Dofeen.' and build by well known architect Kendrick Kellogg Bangs of organic architecture renown.

This home is Kellogg's first piece as both architect and builder, and launched the Organic Architecture movement of the Mid-Century Modern craze that dominated Southern California. Kellogg went on to build well-known works such as The High Desert House in Joshua Tree, CA, Lotus House, Wingsweep, the Hoshino Wedding Chapel in Japan and Charthouse restaurant in Rancho Mirage, CA.

We have the opportunity to share this home with guests from around the world, who bring friends and family to celebrate special moments in their lives. Many of our guests are repeat visitors, and the "Onion House Family" spans the globe.

Of note: The Onion House isn't for everyone......
The Onion House is not suitable for families with young children (less than 12), or for those who have difficulty with steps, due to safety considerations inherent in its design. We make no representation of the house as accessible.
Smoking outside only, please.
The Onion House is true Organic Architecture - it is not a climate controlled, sterile resort- like location. There is no air-conditioning (we use many fans!). It is truly indoor/outdoor living in a shelter of roof, screen, glass and rock cooled by nature passive design.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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The Onion House "Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe"

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Guest Bedroom 1

Guest Bedroom 2

Guest Bedroom 3

2 bathrooms

Master Bathroom

Shared Guest Bath

Spaces

About this property