John I.
February 2025
This is either the third or fourth time I’ve stayed. Obviously we love it. As an architect and hedonist, you couldn’t find a better place! We’ll be back. Thanks Jeanne and Terri!!!
Erik A.
January 2025
This was the most beautiful home we have ever stayed in. From word work to stained glass, the whole home is a living breathing piece of artwork. Waking up to the birds each morning and drinking our coffee on the lanai was the highlight of the morning. While in the evening we sipped cocktails and watched the sunset from the pool. Not sure how it could have been more magical. Thank you, we will be back every year.
Adam B.
January 2025
We loved our stay at the Onion House. It is a beautiful house, and one of a kind design. It is quirky so you have to be in the mood for that. Super relaxing, very well located, and just beautiful. The whole house is a work of art.
Julie K.
January 2025
We really enjoyed our stay. Jeanne gave us all the information we needed. The house is comfortable (I loved the bed and linens), so beautiful and certainly one of a kind! We had everything we could possibly need. The erupting volcano was the only thing that we left the house for!
Christopher L.
December 2024
We enjoyed our stay. We had 5 people total. The owner communicated all the details well in advance of our stay. And, the property manager followed up with us the week before our trip. Communication. Was excellent! Everything was clean. In good shape. The property is really a unique place. We enjoyed staying @ the onion. Location is close to everything. Grounds are impressive.
Paul D.
November 2024
Must be a nature lover to stay here we were absolutely happy every single moment of every single day. We were visitors during monsoon season with pouring down rain, but the weather was still warm and we were able to sit out and enjoy the pool during the day. A favorite part of our stay is watching the parakeets fly overhead by the dozens and having the geckos overhead in the house an absolutely beautiful property with never-ending new fines of eye candy. It’s a must do.
Karen L.
September 2024
This place is amazing! This was our second stay, and we brought some family members this time. They were amazed by the uniqueness of the property, the view, and especially the huge private pool. All the stained glass everywhere gives the place a magical quality. I can’t say enough good things about both the manager and the owner. It seems almost tacky to mention money while discussing a work of art, but the value you get for the price here is quite impressive. Stay here and stay here often!
Don M.
August 2024
So unique and so much fun! Loved the open air experience. Great views of the ocean and sunsets. Beautiful landscaping! Loved the pool and outdoor areas. Would highly recommend (as long as you don’t have a problem walking up and down steps).
Theresa E.
July 2024
The property is a one of a kind experience. After a couple nights you get used to all the animal sounds. The pool and view is great and the sunsets are beautiful.
James D.
July 2024
What a house. The most incredible home i have ever been in. My father was an architect and designed and built the house i grew up in - it was wonderful and featured in architectural magazines. Ive been in several flw houses and lived in a beedle house as well. All to say that the onion house is in a class all by itself. Really innovative, beautiful and surprising at every turn. Impeccable design with custom even down to the soap holders. Lush garden, huge pool too. House manager Jeanne was very helpful and made us feel at home with her spirit and smile. Can’t say enough. Would love to come back.
Randee R.
June 2024
Wonderful stay in a beautiful work of art for my birthday. Peaceful and private gem of a property. Looking forward to a return visit.
debbie n.
April 2024
I've dreamed of staying at the Onion House for about 25 years. I saw it on an Amazing Vacation Homes tv show and promised myself that some day I would visit the Big Island and stay at the Onion House. One might think that a crazy, unique home built in the 60's would lose its charm. Maybe it would be in disrepair or need some TLC. Not the Onion House. It is still a living piece of art and it's timeless. I found something new to look at every time I walked through the house. It's simply spectacular! The pool is huge - (it's freezing this time of year though so we didn't use it much). The location is perfect and very close to Kona and all the restaurants. The beds are comfortable and the amenities are great. The house is perfect for two couples and a child or even three couples if you are family or close friends. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us!
Dave U.
March 2024
This amazing property was our home away from home for a too short 5 weeks. There are tons of things to do on the big island, but nobody wanted to leave the pool and this absolute work of art house!
Jeanne the manager was extremely helpful and made us feel at home.
The most enjoyable trip ever!
Dawn F.
January 2024
This property is a must experience. You will never stay anywhere like it. Built in the 1970s it has been well preserved. The atmosphere on the property makes you feel like you are staying in a far away oasis but it is actually in town with surrounding neighbors. The Onion House has also been named as one of the top 10 places on the Island to view a magnificent sunset. The pool is cool and refreshing. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Such a great space for friends and family. I highly recommend.
The only drawbacks may be the parking is tricky if you are driving a larger vehicle (ie Jeep Wagoneer) and if the neighbors are cutting trees on the neighboring property it can ruin the ambiance. We had chainsaws running one day of our stay starting at 7 in the morning. Only a big deal if you are spending your day on property Not a big deal if you are going to be out for the day. Otherwise, the evenings were quite peaceful.
Kevin V.
January 2024
This place is very unique and beautiful! We love the history book it came with.
Michael W.
December 2023
A great 10 night stay and the Onion House. The house is so unique and interesting. The pool is huge and super clean. Great views of the Pacific. Do pay attention to the description provided of the house as it is accurate and not for everyone. The wall panels are half screen and half window or door, so it is sort of inside/outside living. There is a fair number of stairs and hard edges, so not for the very young or infirm. All in all, we loved it!
Jill C.
November 2023
Onion House has been on my bucket list for decades and it did not disappoint. We were beyond happy to eat our meals, hang out in the pool and watch the amazing sunsets from our perch on the hillside. Truly a magical place like no other.
Karen K.
October 2023
Loved our stay at the Onion House. Communication was clear and consistent throughout the entire process, house instructions very clear, and we appreciated the additional information about the house and advice for the area. My in-laws checked in and out but instructions were clear and sounded like it all went smoothly. The property was simply breathtaking; we loved the "outdoor indoor" living set in a very quiet neighborhood while still conveniently close to Kona and surrounding attractions. Really couldn't have asked for a more perfect stay. Thank you for such a special, memorable experience!
Kevin G.
August 2023
This was a special stay. The Onion House is amazing. It is such a creative, unique structure. Our family of four absolutely loved our time here in late July, and we will forever cherish the memories of our stay in this work of art.
Janice P.
July 2023
The property was really unique and beautiful, we were very comfortable staying there. My only complaint would be not having the knowledge of the flight of stairs to enter or exit the property. As two 71 year old women bringing our luggage up those stairs was close to impossible!
James M.
July 2023
A perfect stay with plenty of stimuli for all guests. Beautiful sunsets, landscape, flowers, camilions, and birds. Very relaxing. The pool is large and welcoming. No one wanted to leave.
Keith B.
July 2023
The Onion House is simply gorgeous! It was the perfect place for our week on the Big Island.
Pros:
- Great location. Convenient to everything.
- Great views.
- Truly incredible home. It really was like living in a piece of artwork.
- Pool was awesome - huge, clean, and unique.
- Caretaker was very friendly and helpful.
- Well stocked kitchen and laundry. Tons of pots and pans, towels, detergent, soap, paper products, sunscreen, etc.
- Master suite was large, beautiful, and very comfortable.
- The grounds were stunning and although the home is in a neighborhood, you do have plenty of privacy.
Cons
- The roosters in the neighborhood were pretty annoying. They started crowing at about 5:00 (which didn't bother us because we were awake anyway) but never really stopped until it got hot the afternoon.
- Two of the burners on the stove didn't work properly.
- No ice maker.
- The living room furniture isn't very comfortable.
Misc:
- We were a family of 6 with 2 adults and 4 children ages 13-19. We had plenty of room, but the two bedrooms in the main building are somewhat open (at the top of the wall) to the living room and kitchen. Our kids are pretty heavy sleepers so it didn't bother them, but it would be a problem if couples wanted privacy.
- We (kiddos included) LOVED EVERYTHING about the property except the roosters. My husband and I appreciate unique architecture and landscapes. If that isn't your thing, you might not appreciate it as much.
Karen W.
May 2023
Great fun! Loved having our own pool and well-provisioned kitchen for breakfasts on the deck. Perfect for our friends' week on the Big Island. Great selection of guide books to help us with our planning. Be sure to check the basement for pool floaties! Thanks for a great stay!
Anne-Marie G.
April 2023
I’ve wanted to stay at The Onion House for 16 years and it did NOT disappoint! Everything about it was magical from the view to how you feel like you’re living in nature with the screens. I LOVED hearing all the birds in the mornings to wake me up. Super close to everything which was great and Jeannie, the caretaker, was phenomenal. Thank you for sharing this home with my family!
Tricia C.
March 2023
We loved Onion House so much. The fantastic architecture and light made the house so calm and welcoming. The pool was the perfect temperature after a hot day. The kitchen was well equipped and the house had everything we could need. The location was great as well. Loved the roosters! I thought that they would be annoying but they were no bother at all and cool to see! Jeanne was so welcoming and wonderful. The only bad part was having to leave!
March 2023
The onion house was amazing !! The view and the landscaping itself is just stunning !! Instead of heading to the beach everyday we spent our time there on the deck and enjoyed the pool. The house was very well stocked when we arrived there. Jeanne the caretaker is a lovely lady. She was easy to communicate with and was a pleasure to meet. For us it was a once in a lifetime experience.
Patti T.
February 2023
Friends told me about their stay at The Onion House. They highly recommended the experience. It was MORE than I expected! Perfect location ... 5 mins from downtown Kona & shopping. I didn't want to leave.
John I.
January 2023
Our second visit. One of the most amazing rental property available anywhere! An architectural masterpiece by San Diego architect Ken Kellogg. Perfectly suited for the environment with complete openness between inside and out. Nicely equipped kitchen, amazing bathes, comfortable beds and a fantastic pool. Can’t wait to return!!!
Ellen H.
January 2023
The online photographs wonderfully show the beauty of the Onion House. I could go on for paragraphs about how delightful and soothing the environment is. But also, the floor plan allowed for wonderful family time together as well as space for individuals to have “down time” alone. This is important when traveling as a family with independent, adult children. The master bathroom had an unusual and not pleasant smell, which I guessed came from the natural lava stone walls. The other bathroom didn’t have the same type of walls or the unpleasant odor. The kitchen is definitely a one (or two) person space! It worked best for us to be in it alone, or to assign one person as the cook at the stove!
January 2023
We had the most amazing time at The Onion House. I have been wanting to stay here for 15 years and finally the timing worked for us. First impression was magical, I have never stayed in a house like this before and I feel it's perfectly stated as "luxury outdoor living". It took us a day or two to adjust to the feeling of living outside with all the screens instead of windows but once we adjusted it was heavenly. We became friends with the geckos living at the house and actually looked for them throughout the day (they stay pretty well hidden). The house felt very tidy and clean, very little bugs considering there isn't much between us and the outside world. We enjoyed listening to the neighborhood roosters chat with each other and the other various birds chatting about. The house is old- built in 1962 and she shows her age in a charming way...I swear I can feel Aunt Dofeen's spirit in every corner of this special house. We CANNOT wait to come back.
KRIS W.
December 2022
I've dreamed of staying here since I discovered it over five years ago. My sister from the mainland was coming and wanted to stay somewhere special, so I booked The Onion House. Unfortunately she cancelled but I not me! I read of it's fascinating history and looked at dozens of photos. However, I was unprepared for the grandeur of the experience. There is so much detail and art in it's construction and it's furnishings that it clearly was, and continues to be, an astonishing labor of love. A craftsmen myself, I was continually intrigued by every thoughtful detail; from cement work to light switches, walls of lava rock and stained glass. There was simply nothing lacking in the house in the way of amenities. Although it's situated in a residential neighborhood, I felt totally alone in the privacy of the house and it's amazingly landscaped yard. I had a few friends over for an outside dinner and it was marvelous. I feel so grateful to have been able to experience myself within the magical embrace of The Onion House ... and I hope to return one day. Many mahalos!!
Scott L.
December 2022
The experience was first class.
Elizabeth (Betsy) M.
November 2022
I am so thankful to have recently enjoyed my second visit to Onion House. Knowing what to expect made this visit even better than the first. This is such a special place, I so look forward to my next visit.
barry s.
October 2022
Wonderful amazing property. Beautiful historic house. Loved staying here and the Island is so beautiful
Rocco A.
September 2022
I found the property to be the most interesting and inspiring property I have ever stayed in. I am an architect and the creativity displayed in this home were beyond expectations. I plan on returning as soon as time allows. I found it to have everything needed to have one of my most memorable vacations. I say this as someone who has travelled the world. I also found the management to be exceptionally helpful with any of our needs. Thank you for the use of your property. Rocco
Katherine F.
August 2022
This was our 2nd time staying at the Onion House and it did not disappoint! This time was just as awesome, if not more awesome, than the first time we stayed 6 years ago. The place is an absolute Polynesian Paradise (not a boring hotel room or condo) and you will have a constant feeling of aloha surrounded by flowers, palms, pool, and the most unique architecture around anywhere! It is even more beautiful than the pictures if that is even possible. Every turn and every time the lighting changes the house and gardens look more spectacular than just before. It is so fun to wake up to the open air with the birds and breeze and glow from the translucent roof and stained glass. Sunset is gorgeous. The pool is unreal. So much fun. Beautiful day and night. We brought our 2 college-aged sons again and they just loved it just as much if not more like they did when they stayed as middle schoolers. They said it feels like a place James Bond would stay and they are right- it's a very cool and sexy house! The trails around the house are fun to explore, like having your own private rain forest. The view from the pool area on all sides is awesome. We are active travelers so we enjoyed a lot of activities on the island. We hiked Polulu Valley, hiked Kileau Iki Trail, did a manta ray night snorkel (very cool), did a day time snorkel to Captain Cook (recommend the company Sea Paradise), snorkeled at Two Step (amazing fish and reef with easy water access), Kahalu'u Beach Park (crowded and hard to get in the water due to rocks, but only 10 minutes from the house and lots of fish), and Punalu'u Black Sand Beach (fascinating snorkeling with the most diverse fish we saw and only place we saw sea turtles), drove to South Point (very windy!), did a tour of Kula Kai Caverns (highly recommend- very educational and different), hiked up the cider cone at Mauna Kea Visitor Center, went to Hilo and saw some waterfalls, hiked Makaula Cloud Forest Trail in Kona (rainforest with lots of ferns), and hiked Ohi'a Trail in Kona (dry through Ohi'a trees). We still had plenty of time to enjoy the house! If you have never been to the Big Island there is so much to do and it doesn't take long to get anywhere so it's easy to explore and enjoy the Onion House at the same time. Everything is immaculate and clean. HIGHLY RECOMMEND staying here- you will never want to stay in a boring hotel or resort again!. We will be back!! Thank you Jeanne for a wonderful stay!
Nancy B.
July 2022
We loved The Onion House! Hope to be back someday.
jennifer l.
May 2022
Definitely not for children
Just like the description-lots of steps and angles and critters
Very relaxing
Elizabeth (Betsy) M.
May 2022
I hesitate to write this review because I want this place all to myself. From the time I pulled into the carport, I was in awe. Having read the background of the Onion House, I have to say Dofeen and Kendrick Kellogg created a space so amazing that absorbs all of your senses. There is so much to take in, I lost all sense of time and day, releasing control to the beauty of the house and grounds. I’m already planning my next visit 🌺. Jeanne provides all information you could ever need, such a bonus welcome to paradise!
Catrina & Richard W.
May 2022
This property is not only met, but exceeded our expectations.
Was close to everything we wanted to do and see. Very private and the most unique structure I we ever experienced. The openness to nature was amazing.
Trish V.
May 2022
It’s hard to put into words how amazing the Onion House is! We have been waiting 2yrs to stay here and it was definitely worth the wait. Location is great, amazing views of the ocean and you cannot beat staying in such a work of art! Everything you need is there and communication is the best I’ve dealt with in a vacation rental. We loved all the writings about the history from the start of the build to it coming back to life. My husband is an architect and he was definitely in awe of the detail and design put into this place. We can’t wait to come back!
Stephanie G.
April 2022
My family and I loved this house, it was like staying in a work of art. Communication and experience was one of the best I’ve ever had. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. We will cherish this.
Tincy G.
April 2022
So glad we stayed here. You discovered something new each day. But needs attention to the security system, some of the furniture and instructions on what to do when it rains so hard that water comes into the house from multiple directions.
Still this minor inconveniences were far out weighed by the house and its story.
Michael K.
April 2022
We enjoy coming back to the Big Island from time to time and we have always stayed at the Onion House. The only first-time, unwelcome event was that the neighbors currently have a couple of roosters - so much for quiet hours.
March 2022
It is a magical property - loved our stay there.
Wini H.
February 2022
We totally enjoyed our stay. Felt like living outdoors but in luxury. Beds were comfortable, shower hot, pool was perfectly situated for great views (if a bit nippy) and the gardens beautiful and wildlife cheerfully noisy😁 👍👍👍👍
Libby G.
February 2022
This historic property is magical. I'm sure back in the day it was even more so. Property boasts beautiful gardens and grounds. They are nice a short walk around the property. Back in the day you can see that there were multiple fountains that are no longer working. The view from the pool area is lovely. The kitchen is definitely only a two person kitchen at most but well appointed with cooking supplies. No amenities such as seasonings or oil. We truly enjoyed our stay. The property is advertised to accomodate 6 people....however extra charges beyond two. Thank you to check something wonderful off of our bucket list!
John & Rose H.
January 2022
This house is amazing! Very unique and eccentric. Everything you need for staying in and cooking is provided - minus the food. The pool and gardens are stunning. We loved how the main house and king en suite bedroom were separate.
Stay here…you won’t regret it!
Kelly H.
January 2022
The Onion House is a truly magical getaway. My parents, brother and our partners (6 people) all stayed for 4 nights. The property is gorgeous - you have a ton of privacy. We absolutely loved hanging by the pool. The hosts were fantastic to communicate with and super helpful and accommodating when we needed anything. Can't thank them enough!
James R.
January 2022
Loved this property. Jeanne was great. Kitchen and bedroom was perfect.
Tim R.
December 2021
The Onion House is a delightfully quirky place to stay. A true indoor/outdoor living experience.
The property was accurately represented in the listing description. The rental agent was prompt and courteous with response to inquiries. The maintenance staff did a wonderful job and kept in contact with us during some very stormy weather displaying a real concern about our comfort. It was a genuine pleasure all around.
Ann W.
December 2021
We were drawn to the Onion House because of its architecture and gigantic private swimming pool. It didn't disappoint. Staying there was like living in a tree house or a giant screened porch -- open air living in total comfort. Birds and geckos made themselves at home in the lush gardens surrounding the house. Each evening, after watching the sun set into the ocean, we enjoyed dinner on the terrace and a swim in the moonlight. Every morning, we awoke to the sound of the neighbor's roosters (!), then tumbled from bed into the pool while coffee was brewing. It was a private oasis in an otherwise busy area of Kailua-Kona. I'll admit it took a few days to get used to the layout of this unique home -- so many stairs where we didn't expect them, yikes! But in the end, the Onion House charmed us all. It's perfect for two couples. Beds are very comfy. Plenty of towels and supplies. The laundry room and washer/dryer are awesome. And the communications with all the folks who care for the house were outstanding. P.S. Bonus: The most wonderful little French restaurant, La Bourgogne, is just a block away!
Jennifer M.
November 2021
I don't know how I can sum up how wonderful this experience was. The house itself is every bit as breathtaking as the pictures. The view is amazing. The house was clean and stocked well enough with cooking supplies and a barbecue grill. We made most of our meals at the house and didn't have any problems.
The house was clean with more than enough pool and beach towels. There is a water filter so no need to stock up on bottled water.
We really appreciated Jeanne taking the time to give us a tour of the house and show us where everything was.
The neighborhood is quiet and very safe, which was great to take in a morning walk. It's only about a 15 minute drive from Kailua town, where most of the restaurants and shopping is located.
There is really amazing snorkeling all within a 25 minute drive of the house. One spot, in particular, Kahalu'u Beach Park is only a 7 minute drive.
My friends and I would definitely stay here again.
anne l.
November 2021
All of us (four sisters) enjoyed the Onion House--the amazing house; gorgeous pool, all the various outdoor and indoor areas, the beautiful plants...we loved it!
James H.
November 2021
Staying at the Onion House was certainly the highlight of our trip to Hawai'i. It is an iconic property that has intrigued me for over 30 years - and I finally got to stay there. The architecture is certainly 'unique.' It is well maintained, has beautiful grounds, and stellar sunset view. November was a perfect time to visit and the weather was very pleasant. The hosting team (Jeannie & Terry) provided the right level of support for the booking and trip without being intrusive.
Birke K.
October 2021
We are completely in love with the Onion House. I admit my expectations were high and I was afraid of being disappointed but the house exceeded all expectations. I’ve stayed in some lovely art houses and eco retreats which were beautiful but short on luxury. The bed in the master bedroom was wonderfully comfortable. The shower was hot. The kitchen seemed very functional (I didn’t cook much). The pool was perfect. I loved the sound of the birds and the sense of seclusion. It felt very private. I’m glad I’ve been to the Big Island many times because I really didn’t want to leave the house once I got there. There were stores and restaurants very close and it’s in a very handy location. I would very much like to return.
Hilary G.
September 2021
Absolutely stunning one of a kind house. A must stay. Would 100% return. Thank you
Robert R.
September 2021
Its a beautiful piece of architecture!
Property needs updating from plumbing, lighting and furniture
outdoor lighting is either unfunctional or nonexistent...
The Rooster's on both sides of the home start crowing before dawn and don't stop till about noon, problem being most of the house is screened in so noises are everywhere...bring earplugs unless you get up before dawn.... Needs outdoor covered sitting area, no place to sit outside during the rain (rains often) patio umbrellas are too small so when you are seated at the outdoor table the rain drains off the umbrella down your back...
Beautiful place but 2 days is a long enough stay!!
David E.
August 2021
I will dream about this house for the rest of my life. It seems impossible to me that this architectural masterpiece and artistic gem is available as an "accommodation". It is a privilege to be a guest here. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who so lovingly maintains it. Our time here was perfect and inspirational.
Sherry F.
August 2021
We have traveled a lot and this by far was one of our best vacations!! Thank you! We will definitely be back!!
Becca R.
June 2021
We had such a lovely time at the onion house! The check in process was very smooth and communication by the owner and property manager was excellent. We loved having our own space and private pool. Far better than staying a hotel in the area!
The house is driving distance from the beach, which was just fine for us but worth noting :) the lack of air conditioning (though noted as having AC on the amenities portion of listing) was barely noticeable as the fans circulate air and the house cools down nicely at night.
Overall we had an excellent time and would 100% stay here again!
Arceli (Sal) S.
June 2021
I’m not sure what I can add that hasn’t already been said but the Onion House truly is the most beautiful combination of the built and natural environments.
Architecture and ocean/sunset views to inspire?
A pool that makes you want to abandon your plans?
A responsive and communicative team should you need it?
check. check. check.
Thank goodness for people like the owners, Terri, Jeanne and the team that maintain this property, who embody the aloha spirit in sharing this special place with the rest of us. I’m already plotting my return.
David K.
June 2018
The Onion House is a unique home that is nestled on the slopes overlooking the ocean and Kona. If you love nature, you will LOVE this house! The surrounding gardens are full of birds, which fill the air with their multitude of songs. The patio has geckos and other lizards to be amused by, and of course, this house is only a 7 minute drive to many wonderful attractions such as surfing and snorkeling!
My family loved the indoor/outdoor, organic architecture of the Onion House. Although the humidity was on the high side when we were there, the many fans throughout the house kept it comfortable. The house has all of the creature comforts you would want, except air conditioning, such as a full kitchen, living and dining great room, etc. The house has a open floor plan - there are no floor to ceiling interior walls with the exception of the bathroom. The two main-house bedrooms' walls are high enough for privacy but are open enough for conversation to be had from the living room to the bedrooms.
The smaller structure on the north side of the pool is the master bedroom. It has a full bathroom, closet, and a wonderful view of the pool from a love-seat that overlooks the pool. It also boasts a king-sized bed that is very comfortable. I slept through the night. The master bedroom is connected to the main house be a covered walkway, which also has stairs that lead into the pool,
The pool is wonderful. Perfect temperature, well-maintained, and goes from 3 feet to 8 feet deep! Very nice for floating, playing, or swimming laps!
Anthony F.
June 2018
Wow!!! I had very high expectations of the onion house, and they were absolutely met and exceeded! Truly a living work of art, and I’d spend the rest of my life in that pool if I could.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: leading up to our stay, we were very worried about the air quality due to the volcanic eruption. It was absolutely not an issue for us!!! We had people as old as 70 in our party and nobody experienced any respiratory difficulty of any kind. Don’t let the news throw you off!! This is a fantastic time to visit the island- it’s not crowded at all, and the volcano is only affecting a very small area that is usually off tourist radar anyway.
Everything about our stay was perfect. The host was lovely, the house was very clean, the kitchen was bigger and easier to cook in than I thought it would be, and I can’t say enough about that amazing pool... even the carport had me excited!!
So to sum it up... don’t miss out on this amazing vacation experience because of worries about the volcano!!! The onion house will not disappoint!
Cheryl C.
June 2018
This is a once in a lifetime stay. It is older and an architectural marvel. We enjoyed every minute. Jeanie was great and very helpful. Terri was very easy with which to communicate. The history of the home is fascinating and we were very pleased it was so complete. The art work is gorgeous. It was like staying in an art gallery. We loved it!
Tom B.
June 2018
Everything about this house brings a smile to your face, from when you open your eyes in the morning and see the gardens to when you finally haul yourself out of the glow of the pool before bed. We thought we would tour the island, go snorkeling, see the volcano, maybe hike. Instead we couldn't leave the house except to get provisions, it's that fantastic.
Deborah "Debbie" P.
May 2018
The Onion House is an Architectural Masterpiece. Starting with the stained glass, then to the massive concrete octopus like arms that support the dome shape, the fiberglass roof panels which make the home translucent,the screened walls which connect you with the sounds of nature, to the privacy of the master suite, the lanai connecting the master & main house, the amazing pool which spans the length of the main house, the beautiful gardens and finally the amazing patio where our family spent most of our time enjoying coffee, food, feeling the warmth of the sun and enjoying the Hawaiian breeze. This home is amazing, comfortable and is well equipped with about anything you might need. It is convenient to beaches, snorkeling, historic sites, restaurants and gift shops.
This trip was in celebration of my youngest son's 21st birthday and the Onion House and the Big Island of Hawaii, certainly checked off an item on his bucket list in a big way.
Terri, the booking manager, was an efficient wealth of knowledge to point us in the direction of a book about the big island prior to our trip. We visited the Onion House the week after the earthquake and initial volcano eruptions in May of 2018 and were a little nervous about traveling to the big island during a time when some families were losing their homes and there was a "state of emergency" for a part of the island. Terri was amazing and helpful to give us facts about the home, things to do, complete information needed for our stay and to alleviate our concerns about the earthquake and volcano. She was able to fully alleviate our concerns about the volcano before the trip.
We feel in love with the Aloha spirit of the Big Island and can hardly wait to book our next stay at the Onion House. We hope you enjoy your stay there as much as we did. Many thanks to the owners for sharing this amazing home with our family.
Debbie, Judson and Josh
Lauren F.
May 2018
All of the reviews here paint an accurate portrait of a week in the Onion House-it truly feels like living in a work of art. Everywhere you look there is beauty, from the architectural details to the geckos that meander through the house. If you really don't like bugs or things that crawl in the house, this is not the place for you-it is VERY open. However, if you want to be awakened by birds, walk into the pool steps from your bed...this is the perfect place. We visited while the volcano was very active (5/6/18-5/11/18), and honestly, the vog was VERY bad. It was very hard to find accurate information about the air quality online before we went (even emailing the house manager), but the blue skies in the photos were not present and the ocean view was lost behind the smog-looking sky. Locals also said that the vog was significantly worse than the typical amount of vog expected in Kona. The air quality did affect us (lots of buildup feeling in the lungs-kind of like allergies or a cold, trouble sleeping), but it was still beautiful. We did catch one sunset during our stay and once we were able to see the ocean, but other than that, the view was completely nonexistent. If you are visiting within the next few weeks/months, we found the TripAdvisor forum section to be the most timely and reliable source for local conditions. If you can visit when the sky is clear, honestly nothing would be lacking.
Jan H.
March 2018
Like 5 star camping. Fabulous pool and view. We all loved the experience.
Mona M.
March 2018
This was our 3rd stay in 6 years as the Onion House is so inviting, private, and serene. Can’t wait to plan our next stay.
Zelda N.
March 2018
We love the Onion House! It's ono--the Hawaiian word for delicious. We live on the other side of the island, but the Onion House is one of our favorite places in the world. It's an engineering and architectural marvel, and everyone is super nice, too! And it's within walking distance of one of the best restaurants in Hawaii, La Bourgogne. Mahalo nui loa!!
Cari H.
January 2018
The Onion House is a special place to be enjoyed by the intrepid traveler. It takes a minute to acclimate to the lack of walls and curves and bends, but we fell more in love each day. The view is lovely, the sounds are captivating, the vibe is exotic. It’s kind of like glamping. (Glamorous camping). The house is stocked with everything you’ll need and location is perfect for exploring all that the Kona side has to offer. Come and revel in the magic of The Onion House. Leave your worries behind.
christine o.
January 2018
We cannot say enough about what a supreme pleasure and honor it was to be able to reside in this living temple recently . Everywhere you look is beauty , harmony and inspiration . The architecture, the lighting , the colors , everything was beautifully chosen and created and we still cannot honestly believe this place can be rented so affordably . Treasured every minute we were there and hope to return again . Mui Mahalo , We LOVE The Onion House and enjoyed reading all the books about its history too .
Terri W.
January 2018
Visited w guests from Wyoming- all were wow’d.
Heather D.
January 2018
Unique and beautiful home. Waking up to the birds and outstanding scenery. Dive into the pool first thing in the morning and BBQ in the evening.
Harry L.
September 2017
A jewel of creativity and a wonderful relaxing place to stay. Architecture and as well the engineering very impressive. We kept finding more things to admire every day of our stay. Had planned to see more of the island but just stayed home. A must place to experience.
Pat D.
April 2014
The Onion House is the best vacation home ever!! I stayed with 5 other women and it was perfect for all of us. We felt like we were in paradise. It met all of our needs and coming home at night after a long day at the beach and having our own private pool was wonderful. Loved the architecture! Just can't say enough wonderful things about the Onion House. I will return!!!!
ReNae B.
April 2014
The Onion House was a perfect place to celebrate four "special" birthdays with five of my girlfriends. I never tired of looking at the view towards the ocean through the beautiful stained glass windows. I felt I belonged there and was sorry when my stay came to an end. Thank you Beth for sharing your beautiful house with us.
Terri A.
February 2014
We made the Onion House our base from which to introduce my sister and brother-in-law to the the Big Island. Its energy refreshed and energized us all. Never before have we enjoyed such magic. We snorkeled with dolphins and manta rays, whales serenaded us while scuba-diving and entertained us while we enjoyed beautiful beaches, sunset and star-gazing - truly spectacular from the deck and from the summit of Mauna Kea (green flashes two days in a row). We will return to our Big Island as Friends of the Onion House.
Bill G.
February 2014
As a lover of architecture and landscaping the onion house was a real treat for me. It was well maintained, clean and Beth and Jeanie were very willing to help. Beth was very careful to warn people about the multiple stairs and open design of the house. An occasional bug was seen but that was expected. We had a great stay and showing pictures of the house is one of the first topics I go into when friends ask about our trip,
We went to Oahu and Kona and much preferred Kona. Whale watching, active volcanos, star gazing at Mona Kea, Scuba etc made for a busy trip. Lounging at he onion house was also great.
JOHN K.
December 2013
To be able to stay in such a house was a thrill. Placed up on the hillside overlooking Kailua Bay, the views were spectacular. The warmth and energy the house generates makes for a very relaxing stay. With six adults there was more than enough room. The ten days we stayed seemed to go by slowly. It's a quick drive to Alii Dr. for sightseeing and shopping. Just south you find the Kona Boys rentals for some of the best canoe and snorkeling trips. Many things to do and see and explore. We will be retuning!
Robert H.
November 2013
The Onion House has been on our bucket list for a great many years, and attending a conference on the Big Island finally gave us the opportunity to stay here...and stay here we did. It was very difficult to leave the property even to visit the myriad other attractions nearby. The beauty of the Onion House combined with its complete privacy provided us with the perfect opportunity to relax and decompress. Much of our time was spent on the simple pleasure of identifying the birds, the geckos and the flora on this beautiful property and swimming in the wonderfully designed pool. Beth's assistant Jeannie took very good care of us and was always available on request to answer our questions and look after anything we needed.
Laura H.
February 2013
From the minute I opened the gate to the Onion House, I was left speechless. My husband immediately began shooting a video while I, on the otherhand, was walking around taking in every walkway, room, lanai, body of water, etc. and when he would put the camera on me, I couldn't find words to explain the amazement I was feeling. The architecture of the home is better described as a piece of art. The way the outside is brought into the inside and vice versa is magnificent. The beauty just envelopes you. It made me feel like a small child again on Christmas morning.
There is much literature provided on the table for you at the Onion House and we enjoyed that extra surprise very much. My husband read aloud to me during our sunning sessions about the history, the family and people behind the building as well as all sorts of good nuggets of info. regarding the area. It was a real treat hearing about it all.
The location of the home is convenient as it was in walking distance to the fabulous "La Bourgogne" french restaurant, as well as a small convenience mart that had last minute items we needed.
Beth was so easy to work with. Her attention to detail and directions , and her quick responses to emails was superb and professional during our first inquiry, our booking, and then as follow-up emails to ask us about our stay. Her passion and love for the Onion House is easy to read.
Mahalo and Much Aloha, Laura from Indiana
Colleen S.
January 2013
The other side of the coin from Waikiki. No loud kids screaming at 2:00 in the morning in the hotel room next door. This place is quiet and secluded. Beautiful pool, view, and the crew make you feel right at home. The location is perfect; halfway between tourist inundated Kailua, and the small towns and coffee plantations up the mountain. The architecture of the Onion House is beyond impressive, but the true draw is how much at home you will feel within moments of arrival. Don't make the mistake I did and eat out every meal. Use the facilities provided at the Onion House. It took me three days to figure out that a meal on the lanai was much better than the restaurants down town. Just watch out for the geckos.
Daniela T.
November 2012
We stayed at the Onion House with 4 friends for 2 weeks. Not only enjoyed we the serene athmosphere with all the surrounding nature and a beautiful view we also appreciated the proximity to Alii Drive (Kona Downtown so to say) and to grocery shopping (Safeway).
Be prepared to wake up by the sounds of nature (toads, birds, geckos) and the rising sun. We found that our night-day rythm shifted to an earlier time (=wake up by 6.30 - 7 am and go to bed between 9 and 10 pm) to make best use of the daylight.
The only (neglectable) downside was that the house is relatively close to THE main street on that side of the island and we heard ambulances and police quite frequently.
But other than that there is nothing to complain about. All Amenities were working and Annie (the care taker) is just precious. Always available and always helpful.
Rudy S.
April 2012
We waited more than 20 years to stay at the Onion House and all I can say is "WOW." Although located in a residential area, the moment you enter the archway of trees in the driveway, it's as if you entered your own private world. The architecture is stunning, the vegetation lush and the sounds of the birds and frogs a serenade to the senses. With no conventional walls, but rather simply stained glass doors and screening, you feel as if you are living with nature. My wife, who studied architecture in college, couldn't stop taking pictures, while marveling at the incredible and unique design.
Everything you need is provided and you, like us, might be tempted to never even leave to explore the wonders of the Big Island. And, at the end of the day, I highly recommend opening a bottle of wine and sitting by the pool to watch the sun as it sets right in front of you, accompanied by the sound of birds singing all around you. If you like cookie cutter resorts, than the Onion House is not for you. However, if you want, even for a short time, your own piece of heaven in paradise, than this is the place for you. We waited 20 years to see it, but we won't wait that long again.
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.