Entire home

Exceptional Historic Home in South Kona

Photo gallery for Exceptional Historic Home in South Kona

Pool
Back yard
Pool
Pool
Pool area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6185.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Captain Cook, HI
  • Ho'okena Beach Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Captain Cook Monument
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

#1 Master

1 King Bed

#2 Second Bedroom

2 Single Beds

#3 Third Bedroom

1 Double Bed

#4 Optional Small Bedroom

1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms

House Bathroom at Entry

Toilet · Shower only

Master

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Shared Hall Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Exceptional Historic Home in South Kona

The very best place to gather as a family where social distancing is easy with your own gourmet kitchen and private pool! We have adopted expanded and more thorough cleaning procedures due to Covid 19.

Experience Old Hawaii but with all the modern comforts you desire. The location could not be better for exploring and relaxing. Nestled in the green belt of South Kona among the Kealia ranch lands you are just minutes from a beautiful beach with easy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

The house has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a huge chef's kitchen, lovely dining room, and a spacious living room. The expansive outdoor lanai, with swimming pool and BBQ, is perfect for lazy days, outdoor dining, enjoying sunsets and stargazing.

This is a lovely house for family and small gatherings of friends but there are no parties allowed and total guest number may not exceed 6 people booked to stay overnight with no more than10 allowed on the property at any one time.

This historic house was built in 1955 as the Manager’s house for Kealia Ranch. It was designed by noted local architect Albert Ives who, early in his career, designed the additions and alterations to what is now known as the Winterthur Museum in Delaware. Native materials such as Koa, Ohia, and lava rock were sourced and finished on-island by local artisans. In 1957 an annex was added across the courtyard with additional bedrooms and baths. The old ranch brand is inscribed in the brick walkway at the top of the entrance stairs.

The house is near Ho’okena Beach - a wonderful sparkling bay bordered by a black and white sand beach. Situated amidst ranch lands, the house offers a gracious escape from a busy world.

Fragrant and fruit-bearing trees and shrubs planted around the house include plumeria, ylang ylang, cinnamon gardenia, mango, pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, avocado, starfruit, acerola cherry, tea tree and rosemary.

This historic home is an ideal location from which to explore the shoreline of the Kona coast including the City of Refuge, Painted Church, Kealakekua Bay, Kona Coffee living history farm, and artisan coffee and cacao farms. From Kailua-Kona, the house lies approximately half way to Volcano National Park.

Property manager

Ekolu Properties
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Children must be supervised in the pool area at all times. Young children may be allowed on a case by case basis with a waiver signed prior to arrival
For 3-4 week stays we require an intermittent complimentary cleaning. For shorter stays you may request an extra cleaning for an additional $200

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 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
Property Registration Number TA-031-957-8112-01, GE-031-957-8112-01

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Captain Cook

Located in Captain Cook, this holiday home is near the beach. H.N. Greenwell Store Museum and Greenwell Farms are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Bay View Farm and Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative. Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Kona Boys Inc are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cave exploring.
Map
Captain Cook, HI

What's nearby

  • Ho'okena Beach Park - 6 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Painted Church - 8 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park - 11 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Kealakekua Bay - 18 min drive - 16.1 km
  • Captain Cook Monument - 26 min drive - 19.0 km

Getting around

  • Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Menehune Coffee Company - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Royal Kona Coffee - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Kaaloa's Super J's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Keoki's Roadside Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Da Poke Shack - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Exceptional Historic Home in South Kona have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Exceptional Historic Home in South Kona pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Exceptional Historic Home in South Kona?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Exceptional Historic Home in South Kona?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Exceptional Historic Home in South Kona located?

Situated near the beach, this holiday home is 1.9 mi (3 km) from Puiwa Point and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Ho'okena Beach Park. Painted Church and Bay View Farm are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Dede S.

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

Perfect family getaway

We really enjoyed being away from the crowds. The spacious, well appointed kitchen worked great to cook a family meal and the private hot tub and pool were a perfect way to end the days explorations. This is an older home with a rustic charm we appreciated! The property manager was very knowledgeable and responsive to our needs. Mahalo for a wonderful time!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Q

Was the greatest event of our year, loved the house, location, and Lisa was a great help. I just wish we could stay the rest of winter. Going home to a snow storm. I loved everything about this island. Another check off the bucket list
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tye R.

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

Great place not far from the beach

The old wood ambience was appreciated. We liked the hot tub and pool as well. Their was a little bit of an ocean view which was nice. Beds were comfortable and things appeared to be pretty clean.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan M.

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

Beautiful house beyond expections

This property blew us away. The listing didn't even do it justice. We had a group of 6 (husband and myself, three kids 10 and under, and mother-in-law) and the house was absolutely perfect for us. Tons of space, everything we needed, and beautiful craftsmanship. The location was perfect for our visits to the Painted Church, Two Step, and Ho'okena Beach. When we weren't at the beach the kids (and adults) loved the pool and hot tub. We appreciated the provided beach towels, chairs, umbrella, and cooler. We would happily stay again if our travels bring us back to the island!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie U.

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

Hawaii Calls

Spectacular. The pool and hot tub were simply the cherry to the pie. The landscape is beautiful. We woke up to the fragrant smell of gardenia went to sleep to the songs of the coqui frogs. The house is so spacious definitely a must book for parties of 4 or more. The Star fruit Ashley left for us upon arrival was so sweet and juicy. Many laughs and hood times to be shared at this gem of a location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Raylinda P.

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

Nice country Hawaiian vacation

Nice place to spend a family Hawaiian vacation. Hope to visit again sometime soon.
Stayed 15 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

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

Beautiful Island Paradise

Our family had a wonderful time at this beautiful home. We loved the quiet setting and amenities! Thank you for the opportunity to stay at this amazing house!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Briana F.

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

Fantastic stay in private setting

We stayed 6 nights in this South Kona house. It was a perfect place to stay in a great location. The hot tub and pool were great, the home is spacious and setting is private. The frogs are loud but we knew that and used earplugs. There are geckos galore, pigs, mongoose, chickens and lots of beautiful birds on the property. Our family will remember this stay fondly. Thanks!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamey J.

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

Captain Cook perfection!

This property is so private, comfortable, and convenient to all the best things on the Kona side of Hawaii. The pool and hot tub make it so easy to relax and not feel the need to go anywhere. This was our second stay with two families and three younger kids (8, 7, and 4 this year). We will definitely be back next time we're on the big island. Mahalo.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamie L.

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

Mahalo for the Aloha

We love this special place and are grateful for the beauty and comfort of the home and for the kindness, ability and generosity of Ashley who really made our stay a joy.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue S., Canada

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

South Kona peace and comfort!

After a deluxe week at Hilton in Waikoloa, the lovely Ho’okena Country House charmed us all with its rural setting, historic nature and creature comforts. Airy, spacious, comfortable and excellently equipped, the house is set amongst heavenly-scented flowering trees with views of the Pacific from the enormous paved terrace surrounding the pool and hot tub. We explored the southern half of Hawaii - Volcanoes Nat. Park, South Point (southernmost area of the USA), the Ho’okena Beach, Hala Tree coffee farm, Paradise Valley macadamia, coffee and chocolate farm, the Place of Refuge and the Island Breeze Luau in Kona. A great holiday venue for family and/or friends!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly A.

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

Great vacation home in the country

Our family - two teens, two adults, had a fantastic time in this home. We were very comfortable, lots of space here. We cooked many meals, played games, spent time in the hot tub and pool, and enjoyed coffee in the mornings while listening to the birds. The home is in a beautiful location, 10 min drive / 40 min hike from a lovely beach. We will be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie K.

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

Rare Find: Unique and Welcoming

I am not much for leaving extensive reviews, but I can echo the other 5-star reviews for this property. In a rental property- good owner communication, accurate instructions, easy check-in/out, cleanliness, and a well equipped kitchen are important and this stay checked all those boxes. Our family of two adults and two teens enjoyed our stay in this unique, historical, thought provoking home.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tamara C.

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

Views & Vibes!

We were given detailed directions which made checking in a breeze, arriving to a thoughtful note and feeling aloha immediately. The pictures of this historic home don’t quite capture it’s magic. You can feel the good memories in the space, the mana (energy) holds positivity and good vibes. The home is spacious and was spotlessly clean. Our group of five women was extremely comfortable staying here, cooking all our meals in the well-appointed kitchen. We enjoyed the pool and hot tub, star gazing and watching the sun and moon rise. It was incredibly private and quiet, which was conducive to complete relaxation. Ho’okena Beach Park is a short drive down the hill and offers great swimming and snorkeling. We really enjoyed swimming out to where the dolphins cruise, admiring them from a distance. What a gift! Truly, an extraordinary property which offers an unforgettable experience of real Hawai’i. An experience I’ll never forget and a property I plan to book again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim M.

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

Ho'okena Country House

This property was actually better than advertised for our family. There is a special uniqueness to this property; all wood interior, spacious and thoughtful layout, large tastefully modernized kitchen, private pool and hot tub and so many more small details that made our stay easy and comfortable. This is a more remote stay than a typical rental, gated for security and privacy--secluded but not far from things eithwr
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Duane R.

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

A private place for celebrations

This historic home, has been lovingly cared for. In the rain zone of the Western side of the Big Island, we had the expected intermittent rain storms, punctuated with blue sky and beautiful clouds. The home is ranch style - with wood walls in many common spaces - its spectacular and would be impossible to replace. The layout is spread out, with a gracious living room. The hot tub and pool were awesome and the privacy made it special for my wife and I. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Adhis B.

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

Charming old Hawai'i house and nature

2 adults & 3 teens (12-14yo), stayed for 3 weeks Cool house is like stepping back in time! Old timey door and window locks surprised me, but we were assured it is a safe area and we slept peacefully even with the doors and windows open. Common in Hawai'i, there is no A/C and one relies on breezes and fans for cooling. Surrounded by vegetation, expect creepy crawlies and adorable geckos in the house. (The kids miss them!) Mongooses, chickens, doves, and pua'a (pigs) on the property. Coqui frogs, crickets, and cicada take turns seranading the night. (I miss that!) The kids enjoyed the pool and hot tub regularly. The property manager was super responsive. *****5 stars for her! Suggestions: • Update binder with accurate info about garbage, hot tub, etc. • Add new sharp set of cooking knives. The honing rod helped a little. • Most of the house was clean but some high-use items could use more frequent attention (lamp bases covered in sticky film, closet shelves dusty, some lightbulbs burnt out). • Address inside of drawers in the living room antique sideboard, so to be useful during long stays. • New ceiling fan for kids' bedroom. We really enjoyed living at this house. We were so sad as the end of our stay neared. We've been back home for 2 weeks and still think of this place fondly. It's a charming piece of history!
Stayed 24 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael M., Corvallis, USA

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

Relaxing

Highly recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel S.

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

Secluded, spacious, and serene

This lovely property was perfect for our family (4 young kids). It's a bit unusual, but the charms grew on us the longer we stayed. It was very comfortable and fun. Plenty of room for everyone and the yard and grounds are fun to explore. The pool is really nice to have and we used it a few times, but probably the most important thing is the location. The house itself is pretty isolated, but you're conveniently located in the Captain Cook area. Kona is ~30 minutes north, Waikoloa is ~60 minutes north, Volcano park and black sand beaches are about 60-90 minutes south, so it feels "right in the middle". Also, Ho'okena beach is ~5 minutes down the road and is actually quite lovely. We loved it -- definitely recommended for people wanting their own space in the lush green side of the island.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ashley P.

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

Wonderful & beautiful place to stay!

My wife and I had an incredible time staying here and highly recommend it. Such a beautiful house and piece of property. It’s like your own oasis with the private pool + hot tub and amazing views of the landscape and ocean in the distance. The host was wonderful to work with, she was very kind and highly responsive. Highly recommend a rental car, restaurants and the nearest grocery is about 15 minutes away and about a 5-10 minute drive to the beach (which is beautiful as well!). Missing It already!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jamie L.

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

Heavenly Haven House

We were in real need of a relaxing and restorative stay in a quiet natural setting. We had no idea how wonderful this property actually is. I'm hesitant to express just how fantastic our experience was as we want to be able to book it again! In honor of the host and all the lovely beings who helped our celebraion stay be truly special, however, I am happy to share how incredibly special Ho'Okena House is. We are filled with the exquisite beauty and aloha of this place, Mahalo.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

charles b.

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

Great character, location, functionality

We loved the country house. The house design, original stained woods, and built in cabinetry feel like a nice step back in time. Furnishings are good quality, the locally focused decor fits, and all six in our party agreed about the comfy beds. We particularly enjoyed the site and relief maps in the hallway. The pool, hot tub and deck are clean, functional and inviting. We experienced no hiccups with the kitchen, pool equipment, plumbing, sticking doors, etc. Fruit trees on site are a fun amenity. We enjoyed the day and night sounds of birds, frogs, insects, and more. Location and site are private but there’s easy access to shops & groceries. Hosts were highly responsive but unintrusive. Overall an exceptional stay and we appreciate it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shawna S.

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

Amazing Country Charm

Out of the way in a good way. The house was gorgeous and full of surprises. Much larger than described. Great kitchen and pool - very comfortable for our family of 5. We were very disappointed we didn't book a star-gazing tour at the Mauna Kea summit in time for our visit, but we saw every star in the sky at the Ho'okena Country House. I have never been treated to that kind of view. Great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

4/10 Poor

Yesenia A.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Cleanliness

So this property was interesting and not accurately advertised. 1- lack in towels for 6 people we use hand towels to dry . 2- needed to be cleaned i even took pictures of how dirty the bathrooms were . However the kitchen and living room were great .
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nathan C., Las Vegas

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay in Old Hawaii

Beautiful historic home in the country. Hardwood and built-ins everywhere. Great kitchen for cooking and the pool and hot tub made the stay resort like. The property is expansive, private and free from human noise. Lots of nature sounds, but they helped us sleep. Just down the road is Ho'okena beach, a real gem that is mostly local with more adventurous tourists. Good swimming and snorkeling and uncrowded during the week. The house is a bit out of the way, but the Big Island isn't so much about nightlife and shopping as it is being in nature and escaping the crowds that plague the other islands. We loved it.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ekolu Properties

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

Experience a gracious historic home designed by Albert Ives and surrounded by agricultural lands. In his early career, the architect was associated with additions and alterations to the original du Pont residence, now known as the Winterthur Museum in Delaware.

What makes this property unique

An upcountry feel but only 5 minutes away from the beach. Enjoy outdoor dining, swimming, sunsets and stargazing on the expansive lanai - all in a very private setting.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests