The ultimate ecotourism retreat. Timeless design for indoor-outdoor relaxation, dining and sleeping. Experience ocean views and crashing waves from wide-open bifold doors. Walk nextdoor to Kehena black sand beach, or drive the Red Road to Hawaii's only hot springs at Pohoiki. Swim spa is a plunge pool or hot tub; firepit brings friends and family together under starry skies. Experience Hawaii's "wild east" in Puna, live music and dance, Hilo waterfalls, and Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park.
The house is quintessential Hawaii, designed to be left open at most times.
Bedding arrangement is as follows.
Upstairs (master suite):
- one king bed, made and ready to use
- one full futon
- additional queen bedding for futon stored sealed in the upstairs closet.
Downstairs:
- one king bed
- one queen air mattress
- twin-equivalent sofa
- one queen convertible sofa outside on the back lanai, with bug net. For the adventurous.
- additional queen bedding stored sealed in the downstairs closet.
We officially allow a maximum of 8 guests, which is do-able using the air mattress and with two guests per available bed. All other bedding (twin sofa, lanai sofa) are use-at-your-discretion.
The indoor dining table is set for 6 but can accommodate 8 with its pull-out leaf, and borrowing 2 chairs from the deck.
Washer and dryer, additional towels and supplies, and beach toys (wakeboards, snorkeling, umbrellas) available to guests in the garage.
65" and 50" TVs in the living room and master bedroom, respectively. We do not have cable TV but provide Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and encourage guests to stream from their own accounts.
The swim spa is usually set to 90 degrees, allowing for use for either swimming or as a hot tub. Please allow 4-5 hours for the hot tub to heat. To cool it, leave the cover open and run the fountain jets. Observe pool rules in the house and printed on the side of the tub.
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Please read the full house rules prior to booking. By booking, you agree to follow those rules, risk eviction, forfeit all booking fees and deposit if they are broken.
LIABILITY WAIVER:
By booking the home, guests agree to waive all liability for injury related to use of equipment (swim spa, grill, gas appliances), and assume all risk for use of facilities. If this is not agreeable, the booking is void, guest must cancel immediately and notify the host.
NOTE ON OCCUPANCY:
Even though the maximum occupancy is 8, that number only works when some guests (usually children) sleep on the sofa. We strongly recommend at most 6 adults.
CLIMATE AND AC:
Puna is a tropical climate on the wet side of Big Island. We are fortunate to have a microclimate that is sunnier and dryer than Hilo and Keeau. A typical day at Kehena will be partly sunny with the occasional brief shower. Temperatures range from the 70’s to 80’s year-round. Most homes in the area including ours do not have air conditioning, and you will likely find you don’t need it! Just keep the fans circulating and windows open.
NOTE ON BUGS:
This is an old beach house in the Puna jungle. We have regular pest services and conscientious co-hosts and do our best to keep it clean. But, you will see bugs, wildlife, and many geckos! If you are not prepared for any wildlife, please do not book here! Generally, we do not have mosquitos because we are right next to the ocean. The geckos eat bug larvae and keep the house clean (even if they do poop!). Please do not be alarmed by the occasional gecko droppings in and around the house.
NOTE ON WATER:
We are 100% dependent on rain water stored in a catchment tank. We have well-maintained water filters, but DO NOT DRINK THE WATER just in case. Bathing and cooking with this water is safe. Please bring your own drinking water! PLEASE HELP US CONSERVE WATER, especially in dry spells. The upstairs bathtub is enormous (300 gallons). Please do not use the huge tub more than once every 3 days -- enjoy our swim spa instead! If you use the upstairs bathtub or wash clothes, please tell us!
NOTE ON SAFETY:
Puna is known to be the "wild west" (or east) of Hawaii. It is a vibrant and generally safe place. However, we advise guests to leave the house locked and never showcase valuables, especially near Kehena beach. While Kehena is accepted by many as a clothing-optional beach, we encourage guests to avoid drawing unwanted attention and to always be respectful of locals and other families.
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Note to guests: Hawaii state and county taxes total 17.962%, as follows:
HI state general excise tax (GET): 4.712%
HI state transient accommodations tax (TAT): 10.25%
HI county transient accommodations tax (TAT): 3%
STVR-19-364071, NUC-19-1522
