Ocean views, sunsets! Quiet residential neighborhood. Off-street parking. Our home is comfortable and relaxing with good mana (spirit). It is our forever home, as neither of us can imagine not living here. We've worked hard to create place that feels like home. We take care of our home and would treat yours as we do ours. Our home is up the mountain from beach about 3 miles at 1,500 feet. If you continue on up the mountain, about 6 more miles, you'll come to the town of Waimea at 2,600 feet. Nestled in the Kohala mountain range and surrounded rolling green hills, dotted with cattle, it really is to many of us "heaven on earth." It has a rich history of the Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) and deep aloha spirit. Note there are several towns in the Islands named "Waimea", which can be a little confusing. To help make sure mail gets to the right town, for post office and other purposes the town is also called, "Kamuela." While a small town, Waimea boasts of a broadway style theater founded in 1980 by Richard Smart, heir to the Parker Ranch and accomplished Broadway actor. Our town is home to several international observatories and Hawai'i Preparatory Academy, both of which add international connections. There are On Wednesday and Saturday farmers market. There are several hiking trails and we are easy drive to Volcano National Park, which is about two and half hours away. Volcano National Park is a must visit even if the volcano is not active. On the way back home from the volcano, many folks take the Saddle Road (over Mauna Kea) and stop for stargazing at the visitor center. We have extra coats, gloves and scarfs for you to use, as it can be 30 - 40 degrees (f) at the summit! Some of the best beaches on the Island are only a 15 minute drive from our house, including Mauna Kea Resort, Hapuna Beach, Wailea Bay (aka Beach 69), Waikola Resort and Anaehoomalu Bay (affectionally known as A-Bay).

We spend much of our time on the back lanai. It is a real gift to sit with a morning cup coffee staring out at the ocean or relax in the late afternoon watching the sunset and enjoying the evening meal in a indoor/outdoor space. The lanai doors have screens to keep out any bugs. But unless there has been rain (which our side of the island only gets an average of 5" a year), we typically don't have a lot of mosquitoes. We have a three person, saltwater hot tube that has a terrific jet system to unwind at the end of the day.

Our house is a simple one floor, ranch style home that we have renovated. The kitchen is our last part we have yet to update. There is no need for a heating system. At 1,500 feet the evenings can cool down into high 50s/low 60s, especially in the winter months. All three bedrooms have an A/C system for those warmer nights and for folks (like me) who sleep better with the room a little chillier. For the most part, many sleep with the windows open to enjoy fresh air.

We have two paddle boards you are welcome to use. One is 11' and the other 9'6". We also have beach chairs, beach towels, basic snorkel gear, two person kayak, surfboards, and boggie boards for you to use. We have an indoor/outdoor cat that has adopted us. Her name is "Ahinahina", which means "very gray" in Hawaiian. We ask our guests to put food in her dish for her and water in her bowl. She is loving, but generally makes herself scarce when newcomers are here. So don't be surprised if she doesn't come around when you are here. That is pretty normal.

We live in a local, neighborhood with great neighbors around us. Most folks have lived in this neighborhood since it was established in 1999. It is pretty tight knit, as many helped one another build their homes. Keiki (kids) are often playing in the street, so we drive slow (which is part of island life). We love living here. But it will mean you'll hear a dog bark or a rooster crow from time to time. If you would prefer for a resort-style community, this will not be what your looking for. However, if you want to experience local living in Hawai'i, you are kind and respectful of island culture and its peoples, you'll do great here.

Traveling to Big Island involves a flight either to Kona or Hilo. Kona airport (KOA) is approximately a 35 minute drive from our house. However, leave extra time as it is a one lane highway to and from the airport. Hilo airport is about an hour and a half drive to our home. There is a small airport in Waimea town, about 10-15 minutes from our house. Only Mokulele Airlines flies in and out of Waimea. These are small 8 person, island-hopper planes. This can be a great way to hop over to Maui for a day or two excursion. Flying with them is a great way to see the island that really only get from taking an aerial tour!

Kona (airport code KOA)

You will need a car on island. There is bus service but it is sparse and not frequent.