The Pagoda House is a beautiful, almost ocean-front traditional Hawai'ian screen home with a private pool and lush tropical garden overlooking Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary - widely considered some of the best snorkeling in all of Hawai'i. The home's open-air design (there are no glass windows on the front of the home or on the sides— just screens) makes it feel like an oceanside treehouse. We are just across a one-lane road from the water. The home is filled with the sound of waves and birdsong and has stunning views of the Bay, the surrounding tropical gardens, and the adjacent soaring cliffs.
Pagoda House's layout makes it especially perfect for extended family (or two families) traveling together -- it has two ocean-facing master bedrooms each with their own ensuite bathroom, and two additional garden-view guest bedrooms that share a bathroom. The upstairs master bedroom, bath and private sitting area cover the entire top floor of the home and has ocean and cliff views. The upstairs master shower overlooks a giant monkeypod tree. The home is surrounded by a large and beautifully-manicured tropical garden, which makes it feel like you and your group are on vacation at your own beach resort.
The main living area is large and open-plan with high ceilings, and a gourmet kitchen perfect for cooking and socializing with family and friends. Even though the home is open-air, it is designed to stay cool whatever the weather -- the offshore breezes come through and there are ceiling fans throughout the home. Air conditioning is unnecessary (but we have one anyway in the fourth bedroom only — that bedroom does have windows that close).
We are one of the few homes in the area with a swimming pool -- it is surrounded by palm trees, plumeria, orchids, hibiscus and other tropical flowers and vines. The pool and outside dining area have tiki torches for fire-lit evening BBQs and swims. There is also an outdoor shower in our large and private back yard for rinsing off after trips to the beach or ocean paddles. Depending on the season, fresh starfruit, mango, passionfruit or bananas hang from the vines and trees.
One of my favorite things about the house is that it has plenty of places to gather with family and friends (the spacious and high ceiling'ed open-plan living / kitchen / dining area, or the pool and patio area/ the garden) but there are plenty of places to retreat for some alone-time too.
We are located directly across the street and down three lots from the Napo'opo'o wharf, where most kayak companies put in. No need to drive to the ocean -- you are there! Spinner dolphins frequent our bay and it is just a short kayak or SUP paddle over to the Captain Cook monument, which marks the spot where he was killed by native Hawai'ians in 1779. The stunning and sacred Kealakekua cliffs (Pali Kapu O Keōua) -- where the bones of Hawai'ian royalty (ali'i) traditionally were buried -- are visible from much of the home -- but especially from the upstairs master sitting area. Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park is only a few minutes walk away, as is charming Manini Beach Park. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park, local favorite snorkel spot "Two Step," the Painted Church, Big Island Bees, and Kona coffee farms / tours are all within 8-10 minutes drive. We are 12 miles from Kailua-Kona and 85 miles from Volcanoes National Park....
Registration Number: TA-000-765-9520-01, GE-000-765-9520-01
Robert B.
Dec 23, 2023
The house was as described. Walking distance to great snorkling. The pool was great to relax in the afternoons. Friendly geckos greeted us in the house. The open air kitchen was fantastic. We greatly enjoyed our trip.
Melissa C.
Oct 19, 2023
We had a great time at pagoda house. The kids loved the pool and fruit trees- the resident duck was a hit! The beach is a short walk across the street- view was gorgeous! There were a few more lizards than we anticipated and they popped up and made us jump a few times- but not disturbing. Parking was easy and the house had beach chairs plenty of towels and basic items (oil, vinegar, seasonings, all dishes….) beautiful home for an amazing trip!
Laura H.
Oct 12, 2023
We loved the property and the house.
Team R.
Sep 12, 2023
Perfect place for two families who now live on opposite sides of the US to meet, relax and reconnect. Thank you again for sharing your wonderful peaceful space.
Heather P.
Apr 30, 2023
Our group of 8 had a wonderfully relaxing stay at the Pagoda House. The pool (which was better than in pictures) was a bonus and one could walk to beautiful vistas. The gardens were lovely. It was in a more secluded area but we were able to explore different parts of the island by car. Lots of space and overall the Hawaiian style house was a different but a cool experience.
Jayne C.
Apr 12, 2023
We spent an epic 8 days here on the Big Island and this property was beyond our expectations.
The house is incredible. Your family will have to arm wrestle over who gets the upstairs “Pagota Suite”. Our daughter had to work remotely part of the trip, so she won. Lol!
The kitchen/family area on main level is amazing if you like to cook…two huge islands…one with a cook top and one for serving. Plus tons of space for dining or just to hang out.
There is a tv area. We never used it or turned on the tv. Decompression and island getaway at its best. Oh, and they had a nice book selection on Hawaii.
Loved the bird feeder. Having a cup of coffee while watching multiple colored birds swarm the feeder was a great way to start the day. Wow! (And if you are lucky you may meet Mr. Quackers-the guard duck. Lol! He hung out by the bird feeder sometimes hoping to get a handful of bird food. He was very cute.
The pool are was very beautiful! Water was perfect and refreshing. Grilling by pool is a nice option. The garden areas were incredible with beautiful flowers including orchids.
Easy 20-30 minute drive to Kona with lots of restaurants and night life. And a couple hidden gems in Captain Cook area. Black Rock Pizza for an easy no cook dinner. And Keei Cafe, which is a must. Best ribeye steak on the islands, and daily fresh fish.
You get a true Hawaii experience staying here. Your own private oasis with wonderful local beaches right there.
Katie H.
Feb 26, 2023
What a wonderful place! It’s so close to several beaches and the view from the house is just enough. Thank you Mary for sharing your home with us!
Carolyln B.
Feb 05, 2023
Loved the open air experience.
Gary L. L.
Oct 10, 2022
The first night we were all surprised by the sound of the insects and frogs chirping outside, and wondered how we would sleep, but by the second the whole family really loved the background sounds and the open concept of this house. After getting home last night, we are trying to keep used to the deafening silence !
I rented a place with a pool for the kids during the days we were not at the beach or in Kailua and it was by far the best decision. We all loved spending time in there. Just be aware, this house is around a 35 minute drive to the town of Kailua.
Lovely house, would definitely return.
Sue R.
Aug 08, 2022
The property is amazingly relaxing and beautiful. It has a bit of seclusion and a feel of what it would be like to live in Hawaii. The listing was accurate and we did not encounter any surprises. Yes, there are gecko’s but they do not bother you. There is a bird feeder right outside the window so if you’re a bird enthusiast you will love watching the many birds that feed. The ocean is close and an easy walk. There are many snorkeling areas within a 15 minute drive. If you like to just relax and stay at the rental you will find it quite relaxing. There are awesome views and if you get warm the pool is beautiful. If I visit the island again a had a large crowd I would definitely stay again! It was so relaxing!!
Julianne T.
Jul 21, 2022
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at The Pagoda House. The location was perfect for snorkeling and the ocean sports we were interested in. The pool was a big hit with all of us and we used it multiple times a day. Sunsets, morning walks, jumping in to the ocean from the loading dock happened daily. And being able to cook our own food not only saved us money but provided quality time for chatting and hanging out.
Mary was very responsive during our stay as well as prior to and after. We hope to return in the future!
Ricardo C.
Jun 23, 2022
This was our second visit to the Pagoda House! The house, location and communication is amazing. Mary is an awesome host. Very friendly, knowledgeable and responsive.
We’re looking forward to our next visit!
Sabrena W.
Jun 11, 2022
My husband and I vacationed with our two college aged kids plus a friend and this VRBO was wonderful for us. Big open spaces for everyone, pool, beautiful property and neighborhood made our visit to the Big Island feel extra special. Thank you, Aloha🌺
Jason N.
Oct 22, 2017
The Pagoda House allowed three couples and a baby to relax in comfort for a week at a fraction of what it would cost to stay at a resort. The rooms are spacious and the appliances are top of the line. We bought all the groceries we needed, and enjoyed a lovely routine of cooking our own meals, cooling off in the pool, and wandering down to Manini Beach every day. The snorkeling at the nearby beach is among the best I've experienced in Hawaii. We saw moray eels, manta rays, turtles, and a massive variety of fish, and it didn't cost a dime. The house has a pile of equipment downstairs for your use. If you want, you can rent a kayak up the road and paddle out to the James Cook Monument or chill with the pods of spinner dolphins that like hang out in the bay.
The are a couple of things to keep in mind. You'll probably want to rent a car for any sort of extended stay, as the property is a little remote. The grocery store in town at the top of the hill should be able to cater to most of your needs, but we were told it might have been cheaper to stock up at a chain store in Kona when we arrived. You might be better served staying elsewhere if you want a large nearby town with a ton of restaurants and bars, but we didn't miss them at all. If for some strange reason you have an unnatural fear of geckos, you should probably also avoid the property. You'll notice the timid little guys all around the house keeping the insect populations in check. They are actually quite pretty.
We loved the Pagoda House and wish we could have stayed longer. I highly recommend it.
Patti K.
Oct 18, 2017
2nd year staying at the Pagoda House with my closest friends. Once again we left with memories that will never be forgotten and friendships stronger than ever. Mahalo Mary for sharing your beautiful home. We will be back next year.