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Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead

Photo gallery for Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead

Keolamauloa - Homestead
Pond below the house
Photo: Roberto Trama - a guest who captured this image in our yard at night.
A Ride in the Countryside
A young neighbor

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 583.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Paauilo, HI
  • Hawaiian Vanilla Company
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Kalopa State Recreation Area
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Waipio Valley Lookout
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Convertible bed(s)

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead

This hidden gem, nestled amongst lush greenery in Paauilo Mauka, offers a peaceful refuge during your Big Island adventures. Our two-bedroom, garden apartment is situated on the ground level of the historic Main House at Keolamauloa Homestead. With a private entrance, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom overlooking ferns and the pond below, this retreat has everything you need. Each bedroom has a double-size bed, and one includes the soothing sound of a small waterfall outside. A pull-out couch can accommodate an additional 1-2 guests. The cozy living room is stocked with books on Hawaiian culture and botany and includes a propane fireplace for cool evenings.

Please note that the apartment is accessed via a sidewalk that includes several steps, and there are also a few steps inside, including a shower/bath combo that requires stepping in. These features may be considerations for guests with mobility concerns.

Wake up to the sounds of birds in the surrounding native O’hia, Kukui, and Koa trees, relax in our Japanese-style wood soaking tub, take a cool dip in our pond, or lie on the grass under the sun. In the evening, you might enjoy the firepit while listening to tree frogs and crickets and stargazing in the backyard.

Keolamauloa will welcome you home, whether you've taken a stroll in our rural neighborhood, explored nearby Kalopa State Park and historic Honoka’a town, or ventured out to Kohala, Kona, Hilo, or Volcano.

Property manager

Sally Lundburg

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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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
To ensure safety, children should be supervised at all times.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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 GE-082-401-5360-01, TA-082-401-5360-01

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Paauilo

Located in Paauilo, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Hamakua Heritage Corridor and Kalōpā reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Hawaiian Vanilla Company and Kalopa State Recreation Area. Mauna Kea Observatory and Keck Observatory are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and surfing/body boarding nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and hiking/biking trails.
Map
Paauilo, HI

What's nearby

  • Hawaiian Vanilla Company - 9 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Kalōpā - 10 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Kalopa State Recreation Area - 14 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Waipio Valley Lookout - 24 min drive - 24.4 km
  • Mauna Kea - 118 min drive - 116.7 km

Getting around

  • Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hawaiian Vanilla Company - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪T & T Parel Mini Mart & Snack - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hamakua Incubator Kitchen - ‬12 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Garden Apartment w/ Hot Tub on Historic Homestead located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is steps from Hamakua Heritage Corridor and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Hawaiian Vanilla Company. Kalōpā and Kalopa State Recreation Area 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. 82 out of 89 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 89 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 89 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 89 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 89 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steve C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous
Everything was great!
Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Penny M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A tranquil retreat on the big island
We wanted to get away from it all for a couple days and this was a great escape! Quiet, peaceful, and relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrea W., Lafayette, California, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Property
Gorgeous property! LOVED the hot tub! Cute place!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

cindi p., haleiwa, hawaii

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous!
If anything, the pictures etc do not do this property justice. Everything about it is wonderful. We were able to completely relax. This place is very very special and glows with care. Thanks so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the garden getaway
Loved the setting. Bed was really comfortable. Kitchen was adequate for our needs. Really quiet setting. Hot tub was interesting but great. The high wall into the shower was a surprise. Didn't see that in the property description on vrbo. Fortunately we are pretty spry for 75 & 77, but others less physicalky abke could have had a real problem. Had communication with manager but no response to our replies, wondered if i was doing it wrong. All in all we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Quiet Getaway
We totally loved this property, Sally was so easy to work with and we have absolutely no complaints except we couldn’t stay longer!! The property is simply beautiful!!!! You felt like you’re really in a Hawaiian Paradise! ! At night you can sit by the fire pit or soak in the hot tub and just listen to nature!! The home was spacious and we didn’t need to ask for anything more!!! Staying there brought me to a place that I can honestly was I was the most relaxed ever on Amy trips I ever taken !! I HIGHLY RECOMMENDED this paradise retreat.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Renee S.

Marvelous
Tthis is a most special property which far surpassed our expectations. The owner and her family care for their accommodations and make every effort to keep guests comfortable and happy. We especially loved the plantings on the land and learning about the history of the area as well. Though we were lucky and enjoyed good weather, there were dehumidifiers and a good heater in our cottage that would keep folks cozy and warm should it rain. The outdoor hot tub is a delight. We will definitely come here again and would recommend it as a special get away location that evokes the old Hawaii that is disappearing from many of the typical tourist destinations.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Tessa B., Virginia

Lovely Property
This property was a perfect reprieve from the hot east coast of the island. The grounds were just right for our toddler but the unit itself was not very toddler friendly. Exposed outlets, open bookcases, and a large step made it hard to keep her safe inside. (She was walking but not able to use stairs yet.) The land is beautiful. the gardens, the animals, the fruit trees and the owner make this property that little peace of happiness. We will return and we will continue to recommend this to others. But if you have tiny mobile ones, travel with outlet covers.

2/10 Terrible

barbara c.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Long sloping sidewalk that a older person could never walk
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brittany W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacation all in it's self
We were very impressed and happy with our stay here! We loved having the kitchen to cook our own meals and listening to some tunes on their record player. They have dehumidifiers in the room, which we really appreciated because this is the wet side of island it is pretty humid. For the most part we were up and gone while it was still dark out side and came back after the sun had set. The last day we made a point to come back early to have a relaxing night in their hot tub. It was wonderful and I couldn’t believe that we didn’t do it sooner. You could enjoy your vacation just as much with out ever leaving their property. I recommend visiting the vanilla farm up the road! Its within walking distance and they have great coffee and delicious bread pudding.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

David L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique and relaxing
You will not find a more unique and relaxing property in all of Hawaii. We spent a week here exploring this property and the area around it. Wish we could have stayed longer. Apartment offers everything you need on your vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Delia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our 3 Day Stay in Paauilo
The apartment, located on a large property, was clean, spacious and beautifully decorated with the hosts’ art. Our stay there was so peaceful and relaxing with the sound of birds and frogs, and the water fountain flowing in the koi pond below our bedroom window. From there we were able to explore the eastern and northern parts of the island. We would definitely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nancy L., Port St. Joe,FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Terrific place to stay for 4 months
The downstairs apartment was well equipped, very clean, and quite comfortable. The setting was lovely and very peaceful. The lanai was a terrific place to "hang out". The Lundburg family treated us very well and were quite accommodating.
Stayed 91 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

gyanesh b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
fantastic stay
beautiful house and property, mauna kea in the backdrop, stargazing at night from the backyard, waking up to cool sounds, cats, pup and a pig, would stay again

10/10 Excellent

Flavia R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderfull!!
31 décembre au 5 janvier
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tracie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect sanctuary
We had a family emergency and needed a place to stay last minute. Keolamauloa was a perfect sanctuary for us. After a stressful day, it was nice to be in a remote area, surrounded by beautiful views and greenery. Loved the animals outside- I'm allergic to cats, but that didn't stop me from petting them a little...the chickens were adorable, and it was fun feeding the pig...I even looked forward to seeing the bullfrog (as long as he didn't jump towards me). The upstairs neighbors were sweet - treated us to homemade cupcakes and kindly folded the laundry I had accidentally forgot in the dryer. Sally (the owner's daughter) was kind, helpful and considerate - made us fresh iced tea and plucked fresh flowers from the garden. Kaye (the owner) was always responsive and attentive to any questions I had. If you're looking for a rustic getaway to be your temporary home, then Keolamauloa is a perfect place.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful place
It was a nice place. I liked looking over the pond while having my morning coffee.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

christine d.

Charming country cottage
I really loved this cottage. I wanted a place to call home while I explored the North side of the island, and the cottage was perfect. Sally was a gracious host, who made herself available if I needed anything. The property is beautiful, full of birds, flowers and amazing smells. The cottage had everything I needed and then some. Including a lovely cat that joined me every morning for coffee at the pond. Honokaa is a little town about 5 miles north that has a market with great wine at a great price and a Redbox, restaurants, a couple bars and shops. This is a great off the beaten path place to stay. Highlights: took one of the best photos of my trip at the Waipio valley lookout at sunset! Smoked Ahi chunks bought at 485 Lehua street just down from the market. It was so good I brought some home. A much better gift then the typical macadamia nuts. Lowlights: The beds, a bit on the uncomfortable side. However, my bed at home is amazing, so I might be a bit spoiled. Thanks again Sally, I had a great time. Say “hey” to HD.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

8/10 Good

Annette N.

Historic stay in Paauilo
This was the first time we stayed on this side of the island and will not be the last. It is a quiet and serene place.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Monica M.

Lovely quaint and charming accommodations
We loved getting away from the crowds! Thank you for having everything we needed to make our stay enjoyable. The hot tub was especially wonderful.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tim S.

She is a person with wisdom.
What can you ask more? People who you meet is always the most important thing during our trip.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Abby L.

Wonderful
We had a wonderful time. So peaceful. Sally and Keith are awesome. Thank you Kaye for sharing with us. Get out and walk. The roads are perfect a for seeing all the beautiful trees and rolling hills on foot. Hi Dasher!
Stayed 12 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Vicki B.

Idyllic back to nature feel. Welcoming hosts who were helpful.
Well appointed rooms with charming character. Especially loved the sounds of the coqui and chickens. Grounds were a botanical paradise! Hosts were helpful without being intrusive.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Johan G.

We had a great time!
Spacious, beautiful garden and ocean view from the hot tub :)
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Susan K.

The property is what makes this place special
This lovely farm is high enough in the hills to get comfortable cool in the evenings. The outdoor living area, including a private hot tub and outdoor eating area with romantic lighting make this place special. It's even possible to swim in the man made pond. One of the resident cats became out special friend on the first day and came running to visit every time we sat outdoors. The living unit itself is a little underwhelming. It's in the bottom of the main house with rental units overhead. It has awkward spaces and some of the feel of a basement apartment. The beds are small and soft and the pillows are lumpy. We spent five nights here. We loved it, but were ready to move on.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2018

About the host

Hosted by Sally Lundburg

Host profile image
Both raised on the Big Island, my husband and I returned to Hawaii in 2003 to help manage my family’s homestead. We had completed our education at the San Francisco Art Institute, and we were about to have our daughter, Kia’i. Our vision was to create a sustainable lifestyle that balanced both work and play, and to raise our daughter surrounded by the vibrancy of nature. Today, in addition to being educators in local schools, we own and operate Manukai Designs, a workshop & art studio located here on our homestead. We produce fine art for exhibition and by commission, as well as bodysurfing handboards made from foraged wood and old surfboards, and jewelry crafted from upcycled surfboard resin. We are lifelong surfers and if we're not working on the homestead or in our studio...you'll find us in the ocean.

Why they chose this property

When my parents found this homestead in Paauilo in the early '80s, they felt it was full of possibilities. Restoring 80-year-old buildings and reclaiming land that was overgrown from years of neglect was daunting, but was a project for a growing family. Today Keolamauloa is a family treasure that continues to evolve.

What makes this property unique

I love living here. Our normal weather pattern mixes sunshine and rain most days. The evenings are cool and sometimes the fog rolls in, or heavy rains pound on our plantation era tin roofs. A great day is to heading to the West side for scorching sun, white sand and coconut trees, and then retreating home to the cool of Paauilo Mauka with its forest overstory, snuggling under blankets and listening to the sound of the tree frogs singing in the evening. The Hamakua Coast is truly magical.

Languages:

English