Ocean Views • Whale Watching • Sea Turtles • Sunrise Lanai • King Bed

Pahoa · Big Island · 2 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms · Sleeps 6 · 9.6/10 · 91 reviews

Rental Details

Rental Overview

Welcome to Koholā Hale (“Whale House”), a peaceful island retreat located along an oceanfront street in East Hawaii. Relax on the spacious lanai overlooking the ocean, listen to the soothing sound of waves breaking along the shoreline, and start each morning with breathtaking sunrises as you experience the beauty and tranquility of Hawaii in true island style.

Thoughtfully designed with warm South East Asian-inspired décor and comfortable furnishings, Koholā Hale feels both welcoming and serene.

The highlight of the home is the large ocean-facing lanai, where you can relax with beautiful ocean views, cooling breezes, and the soothing sound of waves breaking along the shoreline. Guests frequently spot green sea turtles playing in the surf, and during Hawaii’s humpback whale season (approximately November through April), humpback whales can often be seen offshore right from the property, making the lanai the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee, watch the sunrise, or simply unwind in true Hawaiian style.

For a quieter moment, step onto the private lanai off the primary bedroom, overlooking a lush tropical garden filled with orchids, palms, and fragrant plumeria trees. The property also features a spacious cabana, perfect for gathering with loved ones, reading a book, or unwinding after a day of exploring.

Comfortable Living & Amenities

The fully equipped kitchen has everything needed for cooking and entertaining, including generous prep space and a large granite island with seating. Gather around the beautiful mango wood dining table for meals together, then open the French doors to let the island breeze flow in from the lanai.

You'll also enjoy:
• High-speed internet/Wi-Fi
• Satellite TV
• Fully stocked kitchen
• Spacious indoor/outdoor living areas
• Tropical garden views
• Ocean-view lanai for dining and relaxing

Sleeping Arrangements

Primary Bedroom: King bed, private ensuite bath, air conditioning, vanity, and large closet

Second Bedroom: Queen bed and closet

Semi-Private Den / Optional Third Sleeping Area: Full-size futon and built-in desk — ideal for additional guests or remote work

Extras: Two rollaway beds available for added flexibility

Explore East Hawaii

Just a short drive away, the charming village of Pahoa offers grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, boutiques, a bookstore, surf shop, gas stations, and local conveniences.

Many of the Big Island’s most memorable experiences are within an hour’s drive, including:

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — witness the dramatic beauty of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape

• Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki) — home to one of Hawaii’s newest black sand beaches

• Puna Coastal Trail — a scenic hike leading to a secluded beach

• Stunning botanical gardens and tropical landscapes throughout the region

It’s easy to see why the Big Island is known as the “Orchid Isle.”

Family-Friendly Note: No charge for the first two children ages 5 and under. Please let us know before booking if traveling with children 5 or younger so we can adjust your quote accordingly.

Guest access
You’ll have full private access to the entire home and yard, allowing you to relax and enjoy your own peaceful slice of paradise.

Other things to note

Hawaii State & County Taxes

All reservations are subject to required State of Hawaii and Hawaii County taxes, totaling 18.712%, including:

• State Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT): 11%
• Hawaii County Transient Accommodations Tax (HCTAT): 3%
• Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET): 4.1885%
• Hawaii County General Excise Tax Surcharge: 0.5235%

Registration Details
GE-034-272-2560-01 ... TA-034-272-2560-01... STVR-19357474... NUC-19-925

Registration Number: (3) 1-5-087-047-0000, TA-034-272-2560-01, GE-034-272-2560-01

Rental FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this vacation rental located?
  • City: Pahoa (postal 96778) Hawaii

Nearby highlights

  • Location: Pahoa, HI (Waa Waa – Hawaiian Beaches – 3.38 km to center), United States
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a zoo
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have?

2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

How many guests can it sleep?

This rental sleeps up to 6 guests.

What amenities are available?
  • Private vacation home
  • Unit size: 1400 sq ft (130 sq m)
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed
  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided
  • Free WiFi
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Laundry facilities
  • Near laundromat
  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Lanai / balcony
  • Garden
  • Car required
  • Onsite parking
  • Dryer
  • Extra Bed
  • Free Parking
  • Internet
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Living Area
  • No Smoking
  • Outdoor Hot tub / space
  • TV
  • Washer
What should I know about check-in?
  • Check in starts at 2:00 PM
  • Check out before 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check in age: 0
  • Check in time starts at 2:00 PM
  • You will receive an email from the host with check in and check out instructions
  • Government issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check in for incidental charges
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
  • Property Registration Number (3) 1 5 087 047 0000, TA 034 272 2560 01, GE 034 272 2560 01
What are the house rules and policies?
  • Pets not allowed
  • Children are welcome.Note from host: Pack n Play and High Chair available
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
What are popular things to do nearby and on Big Island?
  • Basketball nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Location: Pahoa, HI (Waa Waa – Hawaiian Beaches – 3.38 km to center), United States
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a zoo
Do I need a rental car on Big Island, and what about parking?

A rental car may not be required for every stay, but transportation needs depend on your arrival airport, activities and how much of the island you plan to visit. Parking notes: Car required, Onsite parking.

What kind of rental is this?

This is a private vacation home rental.

Guest Reviews

Reviews

Janis M.10.0/10
Jan 30, 2026

The host was available and friendly. I enjoyed our interactions.

debi r.10.0/10
Jan 3, 2026

Richard was wonderful, easy to contact & informative. The house location was stellar for relaxation & exploration of the Island's east side. The culture, waterfalls, beaches and the Volcanic National Park were all easily navigated . The view of the ocean from the large lanai was breathtaking. A good internet connection, clean, comfortable, beds and home provided all the necessary accommodations. Thank you Richard for sharing your home.

David S.10.0/10
Dec 11, 2025

Great oceanfront location for anyone looking for a quiet peaceful stay. A world class front porch for sipping coffee and watching the sunrise. Plenty of room for a larger party, there were only two of us. The host was quite responsive for any needs we had.

Mindy S.10.0/10
Apr 30, 2025

Beautiful location easy to get to beautiful surroundings. Really enjoyed our stay! Not air condition, but lots of fans, which were very helpful.

Richard C.10.0/10
Jan 8, 2025

Our stay was cut short by unexpected preexisting damage to the property. Richard, the owner, was amazingly responsive and tried everything he could to fix the situation but ended up having to cancel part of our stay. The property itself is very nice, with a huge wrap around porch ideal for sitting and enjoying cool ocean breezes.

Lokelani K.6.0/10
Oct 8, 2024

View is amazing!

Elizabeth W.8.0/10
Sep 6, 2024

Dishes were dirty

Dennis K.8.0/10
Aug 8, 2024

House is very cute and has amazing views of the ocean across the street. Well equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay and well out of the way for a quiet and relaxing get away. Not a lot of circulation in the bedrooms leading to warm nights with no ac, but there are plenty of fans in the house to help.

scott h.10.0/10
Jun 21, 2024

Nice location in a quiet part of town. Nice place good stay.

Fred C.10.0/10
May 29, 2024

After an initial glitch (which was handled immediately by the owner), we had a terrific time at this property. We are lucky enough to be on the Big Island 2-3x per year, and frequently rent through VRBO. This unit is in the top-2 that we have stayed at. Highly recommend this location and Richard. His communication and responsiveness are unmatched.

Xiao W.10.0/10
Mar 16, 2020

I truly enjoyed staying in Richard's house. It is spacious, clean and has everything I might need thoughtfully provided. Inside the house during the evening I can hear ocean waves sounds and birds chirping, very relaxing. I enjoy reading a book at the porch facing the ocean. In the morning I went for a jog toward the south along the sea side, there was a beautiful tropical jungle. And then I drove a bit south along the scenic jungle road I got to a volcanic site, I could feel the heat from below still. I saw Richard when I check out, he is super nice and friendly. I would like to make a note, at the end I enjoyed my stay so much that I was considering to rent a house like this for a few month during this COVID-19 time and everyone work from home or kids join online course from home. Yet, this location is not for you to work from home, the wifi here is slow and has limited band, my cell phone has unlimited data but the reception here is sparse and when I am lucky at a corner I only have one bar. The advantage of limited connection is that I could forget the outside crisis of the COVID19, and truly enjoy a book and the beautiful tropical jungle and the sound of nature. I would highly recommend this house and I hope I will come back some day.

TallChief C.10.0/10
Mar 11, 2020

Very pleasant rental across the street from the ocean provides a very relaxing view from the front lanai without getting ocean spray when the ocean is kicked up. The location is very quite, besides the ocean and breeze, with good walking opportunities available in the neighborhood, even an open-space park a couple of blocks away. The house came with everything needed for a convenient stay. The owner was very communicative and friendly, even sending us off with a nice gift. A very personal touch and location we will recommend to friends coming to the area.

Sadie Y.10.0/10
Mar 5, 2020

Richard’s home was perfect as our home base for an island vacation. Check-in and check-out was easy and smooth. The home was just as described but maybe even more beautiful than expected. We felt more at home than if we had stayed at a hotel or resort. The amenities of home: full kitchen, two bedrooms, wrap-around lanai, parking for two cars and on-site laundry. We were located ten minutes by car from a cute little town and 30 minutes from Hilo. The community was sleepy at night and active during the day. Thank you Richard, we hope to visit again soon!

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Rental Location

Pahoa, Big Island

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