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Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.

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Kapehu Falls Retreat House. Ocean view Hawaiian villa. Casual elegance for 1-10.
The Retreat House: 21st Century luxury. 19th Century Style. 20 tropical acres.
Front row seats to the gentle breezes, sights and sounds of a private paradise.
Kapehu Falls and the private, refreshing natural pool beneath.
Afternoon showers often bring rainbows into the foreground of our ocean view.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 10390.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Hilo, HI
  • Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Akaka Falls
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Port of Hilo
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Garden Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Single Bed and 1 King Bed

Studio Suite

1 King Bed, 1 Double Futon and 1 Single Bed

Waterfall Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Main Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Mater Bath

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Powder Room

Toilet · Outdoor shower

Studio Suite Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.

The Kapehu Falls Retreat House is a grand, spacious home that recalls the charm of a plantation estate from a bygone era. Yet, it is an exquisitely crafted newer home combining comfortable space, an open floor plan, and modern amenities.

High ceilings. Wainscoting and Victorian-style moldings. Rich chestnut and marble floors. Tall windows. Casually elegant furnishings. Stunning views in a refreshing, historic setting.

Our property offers the peace, serenity, privacy and nature that will melt away your stress. We are located 10 miles (15-20 minutes) from downtown Hilo, on the lush and scenic Hamakua Coast of the Big Island, with stunning ocean views. Perfect for couples, families or groups looking to escape tourist traps and the hustle-bustle of city life and relax in the vibrant natural environment of authentic Hawaii. Enjoy the property’s private waterfall and swimming hole below it. No city lights to dim the night sky: great star-gazing! Utter peace and quiet - no traffic noise, no city sounds, no nearby neighbors. Absolute privacy: between you and the nearest road is a eucalyptus forest.

ESTATE & GROUNDS
- Experience exceptional privacy
- Sweeping ocean views and the most amazing lanai from which to enjoy it.
- Surround yourself in nature and tropical beauty in all directions.
- Rolling gardens, including an orchard of fruit trees, banana groves, lilikoi (passion fruit) and pineapples.
- 15 acres of eucalyptus forest.
- Two streams.
- 2 waterfalls. 1 with with a natural swimming pool beneath it.
- Nearly a mile of private road behind the gate for running or walking.

HOME & AMENITIES:
- Large house with 4 bedrooms, sleeps up to 10 maximum (4th bedroom available for parties of 5+ paid guests)
- 3 full marble bathrooms and a half-bath, plus an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a hike or a trip to the beach. (3rd bath available in studio suite with 5+ paid guests)
- Beautiful furnishings throughout the spacious home.
- Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with ocean views, granite counters, gas range, large refrigerator, oven, microwave, blender, toaster, coffee maker, rice cooker -- everything you need to prepare your gourmet meals.
- Indoor dining room has a beautiful mango wood table and eight matching chairs.
- Wraparound lanai has an outdoor dining table for eight, chaise lounges and a hot tub
- Living room has a fireplace for those rare chilly evenings.
- Marble-floored laundry room is equipped with washer and dryer.
- Carport with space for two vehicles to keep out of the sun and rain.

LOCATION:
Ten miles (15-20 minutes from downtown Hilo) on the lush and scenic Hamakua Coast with ocean views, this is a storybook vacation paradise! Perfect location near beautiful waterfalls and river valleys. The Kapehu Retreat House offers the 'out in the country' feeling, yet you’re only a short drive from retail, restaurants and attractions

Nearby:
- Several black sand beaches for swimming or surfing
- Several gorgeous botanical gardens
- 2 zip line parks
- Famous waterfalls
- Sugar Mill and Train museums
- Scenic Pepeekeo drive and trails through Onomea area
- Akaka Falls State Park
- Hamakua Coast
- Honomu Village
- One hour drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- One hour drive to Waipio Valley
- All the conveniences of Hilo with access to many conveniences you’ll find on the mainland (movie theatre, shopping center, grocery stores, Starbucks, etc.)

CLIMATE:
The climate at Kapehu Retreat House is perfect year round. Situated at 900 feet elevation, the air is cooler than at the beach or in Hilo: upper 70's F to low 80's during the day, and upper 60's F to low 70’s at night most of the year. In the winter it can get down to the low 60's at night with a daytime high in the low to mid-70's.

OFF-THE-GRID LIVING & LUXURIES:
The property is rural which means you can use this time to truly unplug, but we do have options available should you choose to stay connected. We do not have a landline phone, but most cell phone carriers work pretty well in the area. We offer DIRECTV and high speed cable fiber Internet from Hawaiian Telcom.

Water is provided from Hawaiian rainwater purified by filtration and UV light. Propane tanks supply the gas for the stove and dryer, and the hot water heater is solar powered. Like most homes in Hawaii, there is no air conditioning or heat on the property, but the home’s temperature can be regulated through the many windows which catch the cool ocean breezes. It rarely gets hot at this elevation, and the nights always cool down to 70 or below. If heat and humidity are a problem for you or your guests, you may wish to rent an air-conditioned hotel room.

ABOUT KAPEHU FALLS PROPERTY
When you rent the Kapehu Retreat House you don't share it with anyone. You get the whole house, all 4 bedrooms, the washer/dryer, carport, hot tub, everything - all to yourselves. You'll share the 20 acres with the guests of our Creekside Cottage vacation rental, but it's unlikely you'll see or hear them: the 1-bedroom cottage is across a creek and 2/10ths of a mile away.

RESTRICTIONS
Because of zoning restrictions and the one-lane farm road it's located on, the owners cannot allow any events, receptions, commercial activities, or large gatherings on the property. Maximum number of people using the house: 10. Maximum number of vehicles at the house: 3. NO EVENTS.

Studio Suite is available to groups paying for 5 or more guests. Groups of 5 or more get access to the studio bedroom. Groups of 4 and fewer do not. Your price reflects this. It is available to groups of 4 or fewer as an upgrade, simply by booking a 5th guest at a cost of just $35/night.

Property manager

Robert Tag

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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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

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number GE-177-007-1040-01, TA-177-007-1040-01

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Pepeekeo

Located in Pepeekeo, this villa is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and Akaka Falls State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and Onomea Tea Company Estate. World Botanical Gardens and Pacific Tsunami Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hilo, HI

What's nearby

  • Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - 10 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Akaka Falls - 17 min drive - 13.5 km
  • Rainbow Falls - 21 min drive - 18.8 km
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 21 min drive - 19.3 km
  • Port of Hilo - 22 min drive - 20.2 km

Getting around

  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Onomea Country Market & Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪What's Shakin - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Onomea Country Market & Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Blue Kalo - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪What's Shakin - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens. have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this villa is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Hamakua Heritage Corridor and within 6 miles (10 km) of Onomea Bay and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Onomea Tea Company Estate and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

J. Chris W.

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

Perfect Paradise

This property was spectacular. We couldn’t have chosen a better option for our visit to Hilo. The house was amazing and the grounds were beautiful. Check in was smooth and easy. There is no better place to stay on the island. Highly recommend it!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brendan W.

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

A stay beyond our expectations

Although we had been anticipating a much needed break from the reality of our day to day life and a chance to recouperate after a challenging year, our stay far exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the tranquility, beauty, and comfort of this property welcomed us and allowed the opportunity to create memories that will be forever cherished. We have been wishing we were still there since the moment we left!
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Peace and Tranquility

We loved our stay at Kapehu Falls. The house is gorgeous and well appointed. The owner and manager were responsive and really worked to make our stay the best ever. The property is amazing. BUT, the best part of our stay was the location! The peace and tranquility of the location is unsurpassed. Having breakfast on the lanai while watching the sun rise every morning was beautiful. The property is close enough to all the sights on the wet side of the island, but far enough away from the hustle/bustle to provide a perfect vacation setting.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Todd S., Maryland USA

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

Our stay at the Kapehu Falls Retreat House was truly amazing!

We had nothing but beautiful sunshine during our stay at the Kapehu Falls Retreat House punctuated only by magnificent sunrises and nighttime star-gazing that was a wonder to behold! We could not have asked for more beautiful accommodations, or surroundings, anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands than we enjoyed at Kapehu Falls. From the moment we checked in with Jack we knew we were in good hands and in for the treat of lifetime! Kapehu Falls, was for our group, a very secluded, and a very special, base of operations from which to explore and enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer. While in Hilo, we snorkeled with the Sea Turtles at Carl Smith Beach Park, we Zip-Lined with Botanical World Adventures and even flew from Hilo to Maui for a day trip of exploration. The Kapehu Falls Retreat House offers everything anyone vacationer could possibly want and so much more! Thank you Robert! Thank you Jack! Hope to return very soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brett R.

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

A Memorable Retreat

The Kapehu Falls Retreat House was really a retreat for us. Its secluded and gorgeous location made it ideal for a family to just breathe and relax. The Property was amazing and the house was exceptional in its design and layout. We however were staying when a tropical storm created a lot of wet weather so many days were rainy. (the casualties of hurricane season). But other than that we were able to really enjoy and visit many of the breathtaking sites around the area. We really enjoyed visiting the sleepy town of Hilo, the gorgeous waterfalls, the great restaurants scattered throughout the area (What's Shakin, Suisan, Jacqui Rey's Ohana Grill and Ken's Pancake House). We also enjoyed a unforgettable zipline adventure over the Omauma Falls. So many beautiful waterfalls withing driving distance and so close to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden at the Onomea Bay. Of course being able to walk down to enjoy your own private waterfalls was a treat! You would often find me down there with a Maitai! We made such wonderful memories at this house. Wish we could transplant the house to our location.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S., Leucadia, CA

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

A PIECE OF PARADISE

We loved our stay and would highly recommend a visit. Our week stay included adventures the hiking Volcanos National Park, surfing at Honoli'l Beach Park, visiting Hakalau Beach Park (home of a former sugar mill taken out by the tsunami, going to the Hilo farmers market, walking about the historic downtown area, Akaka & Rainbow Falls, ziplining, ice cream at Low Store, smoothies & snacks at What's Shakin', Mr. Ed's bakery and more. We recommend going to Suisan Fish Market for fresh fish to grill and poke. Papa' a Palaoa Bakery has our favorite baked goods as well as lilikoi & keylime pie. Still need to come back to take in more of what Hilo has to offer. There is so much to do on this side of the island and we are so happy we came here to stay. It was central to all the places we wanted to go. Also, the property is absolutely beautiful. We swam in the swimming hole several times as we enjoyed the waterfall on the premises. The wildlife here is abundant: birds, sounds of the Coqui frogs at night, sounds of the wild pigs, mongooses, geckos too. The people here have such aloha spirit. We met really nice locals. Thank you to Jack for checking us in so late (1:45 am) due to our flight delay. It was so thoughtful of him to grab a few things from the grocery store so we would have something to eat in the morning. We appreciate all of Robert's detailed communications about his home and directions for arrival. It all went very smoothly. We plan on returning in the near future. Thank you for for sharing your piece of paradise with us. Mahalo! The Schroeders
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn W., Carlsbad, CA

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

Paradise

Surreal beauty. Loved this property with its views, waterfall, spa, and lovely accomodations.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

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

Best Week Ever

We couldn’t have asked for more gracious host and property manager ! Our week was fantastic. The home was beautiful and well stocked. Every detail was seen to. We needed propane for the BBQ and with one text it was there that day for us . We hope to return in the future !
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carrie K.

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

Heavenly Hawaiian Retreat

This is an amazing property that is naturally beautiful and very well done and maintained. The grounds are spectacular and the home is beautiful. It is a private paradise that maintains the Hawaiian history of the property. Grateful to be able to experience that even for a short while!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

April S.

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

Tropical Paradise!

Our family group of 10 loved our stay here. It really felt like paradise. We enjoyed watching the sunrise each morning and the waterfall was beautiful and fun to swim in. The kitchen/pantry is stocked with basics which is very helpful. We cooked most of our meals at the house. It was an unforgettable week and we were sad to leave. Thanks again!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelli H., Ohio

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

Gorgeous property!

Our stay at this property was amazing! The house and the grounds are gorgeous. The house was well stocked with all of the essentials plus many extras like beach and snorkel gear, a cooler, plenty of towels and linens and more. The property is quiet and reserved but you can get to nearby shops and activities quickly. The waterfall pool was beautiful too. Highly recommend!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Greg M.

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

Best property on the island

Absolutely amazing property. Could not ask for a better place to stay. So glad that Robert has continued on the great property from Marci. Thanks for allowing our Ohana become part of yours the past week.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jenn O.

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

Spring Break 2020

The Kapehu Retreat House was the perfect pick for our family and friends. The house is beautiful and roomy. I wish we had spent more time in it! The property is gorgeous and we loved our walk to the waterfall and checking out the orchard. Jack welcomed us and he was very easy to reach with any questions. I will miss hearing the coqui frogs at night. Thank you for an amazing stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Penny W.

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

Paradise Found

The property was absolutely gorgeous! We travelled with our friends who also had their adult daughter travel with us too. They took the house and my husband and I had the Owner's suite. It almost felt as if we were on our own vacation! The grounds were beautiful and enjoyed sitting on the wraparound lanai every night listening to the coqui and the waterfall. It was so relaxing and peaceful. When we arrived, we were greeted by Jack. He took the time to tell us about the property and also informed us of the highlights and best places to check out on the island, since this was out first trip to the Big Island. Thank you for letting us stay at this most amazing property! We will be back again! Mahalo!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S.

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

Amazing property

Beautiful home with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. This property was everything as advertised - incredible views, and such a lovely house. We'd book again, without question.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Shelley B.

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

A unique slice of paradise

We had the good fortune of renting the entire property (Retreat house and Cottage) for a 5-day family reunion. The property is stunning and the Retreat house is very well-designed to maximize socializing while still ensuring everyone has space for privacy and peace/quiet. The waterfall with natural pool is a rare gem and our times there were the most memorable part of our vacation. The house is well-stocked and we wanted for nothing. We hope to be back again soon! Thank you for making such a special place available.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Neha G.

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

Great place to unwind not too far from Hilo.

Nice secluded house with with a beautiful views and grounds.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Shelby H.

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

Gorgeous

The pictures don’t do this property justice. The grounds were gorgeous and the home was much more spacious than what the pictures show. We loved our time at this property!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Akemi S.

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

We’ll be back every year!

It was the best vacation house we stayed. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous house with us, Robert! We ‘be been renting houses through VRBO almost 10 years and all of us fell in love this property. Although our plan for the next vacation was to Cancun, please allow us to come back here.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

John B.

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

Words cannot describe the beauty and peacefulness here.

Hands down the single most amazing place I have ever rented. The house and grounds are stunning. Very comfortable and easy. The sunrises are what dreams are made of. Far enough out of Hilo to make you feel remote, but close enough to town that trips to the Safeway are easy and quick. Small convenience store is a mile away and Mr. Ed’s near Akaka Falls is a must see for the best pastries on the island. Security fenced with two gates (1 electric and 1 manual) makes you feel safe and secure. The house is very well decorated and the kitchen has everything you need to cook three meals a day. The 2nd master suite is perfect for anyone in your group that needs some extra privacy. The waterfall and swimming hole is like your own private paradise. No tourists or distractions, just you, the crystal clear water and the soothing sound of the falls. Both the Owner and the Property Manager were friendly, courteous, responsive and communicated very well through the booking and stay. I can honestly say... the pictures do not do this place justice. It will exceed your expectations in every single way.

10/10 Excellent

Philip A.

This home suited us perfectly.

A beautiful home set in seclusion, but only twenty minutes from the centre of Hilo. Every possible convenience and sufficient room for three seperate related families to have their own space.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

julie p.

Loved, loved, loved, loved, loved!!!

Loved, loved, loved, loved, loved!!! In fact, we desperately did not want to leave. I was skeptical before we arrived... it all looked and sounded so ridiculously dreamy in the listing. I didn't believe it could actually be real. BUT IT WAS! Actually, it was better than the listing. The location of the house is so private and untainted, yet it's close enough to so many incredible things. The only downside is that it's really hard to tear yourself away from the property (the view from the lanai and the waterfall were all we really needed). Thank you Robert (the owner) and Jack (the property manager) for all of the love and care you put into this incredible property. We truly appreciated every bit of it. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Evan J., Denver, CO

Beautiful home in a private paradise!

Our family had a wonderful vacation at this house. The space is nice for families needing to spread out and relax. The lanai is the perfect place to begin and end your day. The weather on the Hilo side was lovely-just one rainy day, warm in the morning and cool breezes in the evenings. The manager, Jack, was very responsive for a couple of things we needed him to fix or replace. The house is located close to Hilo, and a great base for getting around the Big Island to see its many amazing sights, or a destination where you could choose to mostly stay put. The owner, Robert, gave us a lot of great information prior to our visit as well. I would recommend stopping for groceries in Hilo before you head to the house, especially since check in occurs later in the day. Overall an excellent rental. I would definitely come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lynn M.

I will never forget that view!

We arrived late but the property manager, Jack, met us at the house and explained everything! The next morning I heard my daughter exclaim "WOW" and went outside on the lanai to look. Wow is the correct word, what a view! The house and grounds are very well taken care of, you can tell the owner truly loves this house. Robert was so friendly and easy to work with, we never had a problem with anything. We enjoyed the hot tub and swimming in the waterfall. The pictures we took of the fruits and flowers turned out incredible, what a great trip and wonderful memories. I highly recommend this house if you are looking for peace and quiet. All we heard was the rushing waterfall and birds. I hope we are able to go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Alexandru Gabriel M.

is nicer than in pictures, I swim in the natural waterfall pool and we ate garden fruits.

We bought fruits before we came though it was not necessary. The house is very nice and it had all that we needed and more. So the property it’s amazing, so nice with fruits , natural waterfall with a natural pool, a big living room with a nice view, hot tub, fireplace, internet, beatiful garden, a terrace with ocean view, dvd with a few movies, sound system, washing machine, drying machine, everything you need and more for a perfect vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

About the host

Hosted by Robert Tag

Host profile image
I've worked in the hospitality industry for years on the marketing side and worked shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest general managers and operations professionals in the world. I've had the honor of serving The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. and their 250+ amazing independent properties. I have also worked with Four Seasons, Fairmont, Mandarin and Intercontinental, as well as some fine cruise lines, sailing vacations and global destinations. It has been a thrill learning from operational geniuses. While I don't pretend to be in that same league, I have always wanted to find a property that defines the best of the area, history and culture that surrounds it and share it with fellow travelers who have the same passion for experiencing a genuine "sense of place." I have found "it" in on the windward side of Hawaii, on the Hamakua Coast just 7 miles north of Hilo. And I would love to share this piece of paradise with people who appreciate authentic experiences.

Why they chose this property

Kapehu Falls is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. (And I've been to some pretty amazing places.) It incorporates the natural beauty of the land, its history as a portion of the old Metcalf Sugar Cane Plantation – and its even earlier history as forest land – and combines it with the stunning design of the fanciful Plantation-era architecture of the late 1800s into a modern-day Hawaiian paradise. The 20+ acre estate has breathtaking ocean views, 15 acres of replanted forest, nearly a mile of private roads, waterfalls, streams, gardens, an orchard, huge main house, storybook creekside cottage and a natural pool beneath the falls. Kinda amazing.

This magical place was created by visionary designer Ronald Hubbard who honored the land, streams and history of the property. And the area. The 2 gorgeous buildings complement nature's bounty and recall a bygone era. It is like a more sophisticated Hawaiian version of Disney's "Mainstreet USA." And it is all surrounded by famous waterfalls, botanical gardens and other nature-focused attractions scenic byways and trails.

Previous owners and remarkable stewards,Tom and Marcy, spent the better part of a decade transforming this idyllic paradise into a comfortable, reliable vacation rental with plenty of 5-star reviews. They took me under their wing and showed me all the special details that make this such a remarkable vacation retreat. This combination of cultural enthusiasts, and operational and design visionaries made this spectacular property worth sharing.

In the end I asked myself, "Is this place worth flying 20 hours in a middle seat for?" So I tried it. With good company and paradise at the end of the journey, the hours fly by. This place is completely worth your hard-earned vacation time. You can leave the pressures of the real world at the front gate and enjoy life.

What makes this property unique

The majesty of this place is greater than the sum of its parts, and yet the parts are pretty remarkable all by themselves. As fellow travelers and I can attest, there are times when this place is so beautiful that you can just sit on the lanai and watch the ocean and the sky change colors while the birds and butterflies stop by. The choir of songbirds harmonizes with the sounds of the streams and waterfalls to provide a soothing soundtrack to the scenic wonderland. You will forget to get up to explore. But when you do, here's what awaits:

The house itself was built by a very talented designer who understood the history of the land and the magic of indoor-outdoor living.
- There are over 20 acres of pristine, gated paradise.
- 15 acres of private eucalyptus forest with private roads.
- Uninterrupted views of the ocean framed by the forest and streams.
- 2 gorgeous streams and waterfalls.
- A picnic shelter past the grove filled with fresh fruit and avocados.
- The larger waterfall has created its own natural pool or swimming hole that looks like it was built for a movie set.
- You feel far from everything, yet you are surrounded by attractions, natural beauty and the conveniences of the Islands largest city. It feels impossible. And yet here is this perfect balance. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a base for family and friends to explore the Island.

I hope you'll love it as much as we do! Aloha!

Languages:

English, Spanish