Andy D.
December 2023
The house exceeded all of our expectations. It is beautiful, perfectly laid out and fully stocked for a relaxing or activity filled vacation. We took advantage of snorkel gear, beach supplies, puzzles and board games. We also had no problem cooking a small Thanksgiving dinner in the well-appointed kitchen.
The backyard beach is the real draw though. We spent ours beach combing and swimming in the tidal pond. There is wonderful snorkel right there as well, but it can be a bit tricky to access due to the surf and reefs. However, with some effort we managed it with our two children under 11. Perhaps our favorite part of the beach was the green sea turtles who visited every evening. They made the place feel pretty magical.
Although we really didn’t need anything, Nancy was very communicative and helpful. We hope to return to her lovely property again someday!
Andy D.
November 2023
The house exceeded all of our expectations. It is beautiful, perfectly laid out and fully stocked for a relaxing or activity filled vacation. We took advantage of snorkel gear, beach supplies, puzzles and board games. We also had no problem cooking a small Thanksgiving dinner in the well-appointed kitchen.
The backyard beach is the real draw though. We spent ours beach combing and swimming in the tidal pond. There is wonderful snorkel right there as well, but it can be a bit tricky to access due to the surf and reefs. However, with some effort we managed it with our two children under 11. Perhaps our favorite part of the beach was the green sea turtles who visited every evening. They made the place feel pretty magical.
Although we really didn’t need anything, Nancy was very communicative and helpful. We hope to return to her lovely property again someday!
Shawnda A.
November 2023
We had such a great trip and the house was possibly the highlight. It was a perfect spot for us and Nancy was so welcoming. I can't imagine it being more perfect for our Hawaii experience.
Mark C.
October 2023
Very comfortable...great beds.
snorkels.umbrellas...floats...
Best equipped home we have stayed in.
Hope to come back.oopo
Sarah S.
July 2023
My family has traveled extensively and we always have a lovely time. This home and location stand out as simply perfect. The location is stunning in private, but close to amenities, restaurants and tourist destinations on the big island if desired, we would love to stay here again, and we rarely say that as there’s so many places to go and see, thank you so much for sharing your lovely home
Mary S.
July 2023
A quiet and gorgeously appointed house in a quiet and beautiful area. House was clean and well appointed. A lovely deck facing the ocean was a wonderful spot to eat our home cooked meals. We enjoyed the little ‘pool’ made up of a natural lava flow and the snorkeling just beyond. The owner Nancy was gracious and accommodating. All in all a wonderful property and location.
Jeffrey W.
June 2023
When you think of the idyllic ocean front beach house this is exactly what you would imagine. The home is well appointed in a beautiful area.
This is my family's second time staying in this home. I hope to return and stay again someday.
June 2023
Amazing property!
Carl D.
May 2023
Great location, and house is well equipped with everything you need.
Leigh A.
April 2023
Great location. Great views. Need bug spray.
rita w.
April 2023
We loved our stay at the Pauko Beach House! The house was clean and comfortable and the ocean views were incredible. There is excellent snorkeling in front of the home.
We enjoyed wildlife watching from the wrap-around deck.
Nancy and Greg provide complimentary 100% Kona coffee from their son's Keopu coffee plantation. Wonderful!
Brent K.
March 2023
House was as listed. No complaints
Beach was one of best on the island. Having access to a few water toys was perfect and made the house even better. Good communication w owner. Would definitely rent again.
Mckenzie L.
February 2023
Exceptional beachfront property with easy access to tide pools, snorkeling, whale watching. The house is great and has everything you need to have a great vacation. Owners are friendly and easy to communicate with. We hope to stay again soon.
Tom S.
February 2023
A highlight was watching whales from the deck everyday. The only problem we had was finding the place at night. There were no numbers on the street.
Nancy C.
January 2023
This is a very thoughtfully designed, practical family beach house with outdoor entries to both inside showers (plus an outdoor shower). The house is on the second level, built on stilts for views and storm protection, making space underneath for storage, ping pong and BBQ. The master K and second bedroom Q are separated by the main living space and there is an extra space next to he second bedroom that worked well for two children. The only thing that might bother some Puako aficionados would be the thick hedge that separates the house from the beach giving privacy and some protection from high surfs, but obscuring views of the beach. Water and sky are clear, above the hedge. Despite sun setting far to the South, green light sighted!
Curt B.
January 2023
Always enjoy Puako, and this time was no different!! Thanks for making your place so special!
Debbie W.
November 2022
We have three vacation rentals and use VRBO often. This home was great. All you need to bring is your dinners and a bathing suit! They have snorkeling gear, beach things and lots of other extras to make you feel right at home.
Thank you!
Mary A.
September 2022
Thank you Nancy for letting us spend time in your special place. Everyday, yes everyday, we had so many turtles coming on shore to rest and then head back in the water to eat, play, swim. The little “pool” was an exploration in itself and a perfect float pool. The house has everything we needed to prepare meals, the cookware was quality. The coffee was great! I bought additional bags at the general store to bring home. We all left relaxed but sad to leave. I can’t say anything negative about our stay. Mary, Bill, Lisa and Michelle
Chris C.
July 2022
The photos and description of the house and location are all accurate - if anything, they understate how great it is here. The house was awesome with a well appointed kitchen, comfortable beds, and all the toys and accessories needed to hit the beach. The location with access to the beach was so quiet and easy to reach lots of other places on the island if you ever want to leave. Loved the sound of the surf every night and seeing turtles every morning and evening. Nancy was a great host and met us at the property to give us the rundown and other helpful hints. Definitely would stay here anytime we come to the Big Island - probably one of the two best rentals we have every made through VRBO.
Ruth H.
June 2022
There’s no doubt that the Big Island of Hawai’i is a magical place, and that Puako retains the charm of “old” Hawai’i, so different from the frenetic pace of the big resorts on the Kohala coast. It is difficult to describe the powerful force that draws us here time after time, to renew our spirits and rejoice in the natural world laid out before us. Perhaps “mana” is the right word—meaning spiritual energy, power and strength.
Nancy and Greg’s home in Puako captures that charm of old Hawai’i—in its Polynesian architectural elements, thoughtful use of local wood, its vintage art collection and antique furniture. Their home was more than adequate for our family of five. We spent mornings sipping coffee on the lanai and evenings on the beach watching the sunset in anticipation of the famous “green flash” (we saw two or three during our stay). Our days were filled with swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, while in the evenings we shared a meal on the lanai and enjoyed each other’s company, or sat quietly absorbed in a good book. We took a day trip to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, sampled the local cuisine, visited the farmers’ market in Waimea, and grilled fresh ono from Kawaihae’s fish market.
Nancy was the perfect host and easily reached. The kitchen was well stocked and the home was clean and ready for our arrival. We highly recommend this Puako Beach house for your next visit to the Big Island. But be forewarned—once you visit, you may find yourself returning again and again.
Therese M.
June 2022
The house is very comfortable with the ocean right outside. Turtles rest on the beach every night. Snorkeling is great but getting in and out of the water can be tricky. The owners have a guide on the best way in and out. Tide pools galore. No air con but the breezes are lovely. Close to beach parks, big resorts, malasada truck, grocery… Everything you need for a restful stay on the Big Island.
Chris & Jana P.
June 2022
We were blown away, not only by the property, but also by the helpfulness and hospitality of the hosts. To start, our flight was delayed by half a day and the hosts offered to get us a few critical groceries for that evening and the next morning due to our late arrival. This was amazing and relieved so much stress. The property exceeded all expectations: beautiful open layout with so many doors and windows, and right on the surf. The property was one the best appointed rentals we've ever stayed in, with all the appliances you'd ever need. More important, the owners provided everything you'd ever need for a day at the beach (chairs, cooler, foot wear, snorkal gear, cooker, etc.). This was turn-key, in the truest sense of the word. Great location: on the water, central to everything, turtles every day. Truly paradise.
James N.
April 2022
We didn't think it was possible to find waterfront property with privacy in Hawaii. We were wrong! This property has everything you hope for in VRBO. Fantastic hosts, amazing views, spotless accommodations, new appliances, and plenty of amenities to keep everyone happy. The gentle ocean breezes, waves rolling onto shore, and beds that sleep like a cloud make us wish we never had to leave.
Thanks Isaac & Nancy for making our stay truly memorable!
Jeffrey W.
April 2022
We had a wonderful stay. The Big Island is a magical place.
Octavia C.
March 2022
Essential Puako feel- old casual neighborhood with tide pools, turtles and whale watching. Fun to have all the gear for kayaking ping pong ,beach living. Great porch for dining and reading. Well stocked. Thank you!
Sarah N.
February 2022
The Puako Beach house was just incredible. The pictures can't capture how special this place really is. A quiet, lovely neighborhood with breathtaking views and beach access. We loved every minute of our stay. Thank you, Nancy and family!
Curt B.
January 2022
Great property-enjoyed our stay so much! Lots of toys we could use, beautiful, clean house!!
Sandra T.
January 2022
We were so happy with our stay in this lovely home. The house is exactly as pictured and the grounds are a private slice of Heaven. We loved watching the turtles and snorkeling right off the beach. Nancy was hospitable and communicative, ensuring we had the best experience possible. We would definitely recommend this property and hope to return!
John W.
December 2021
Property is as advertised. Had a great stay despite the weather! Nancy was very helpful in meeting us when we arrived.
adam b.
December 2021
The house is great. The location is amazing, right on tidal pools and best reef around. All the supplies and water toys you need. Easy access to other beaches.
Only suggestions: Could be a little warm without AC at night. Update bedding, pillows, linens, add some dressers for storing clothes
Bruce F.
October 2021
Wow. A beautiful relaxing home & location. Overlooking the waters of Puako and if you go under the water you will discover one of the most scenic coral reefs on the island.
This home was stocked with everything you need and a little more too. The owners were very friendly & showed us the property. A scenic surprise for us was looking right across from the ocean at Maui’s Mt. Haleakala!! Best place we have stayed & will be back. 🤙
Lisa H.
October 2021
Fabulous home, fabulous view, fabulous time. Well stocked kitchen. Hosts checked in on us via text. Can't say enough nice things about the house, the turtles on the beach and in the surf . . . Highly recommend this property.
Kathy J.
August 2021
We had the most marvelous week in Nancy and Greg's beautiful beach front home. Our group of 6 included my husband and myself, and our daughter, her husband and her two boys ages 7 and 11. Nancy was a wonderful host - very easy to communicate with, and went out of her way to make us feel comfortable. Their home is truly special with a beautiful open layout, outdoor access from all the rooms to the wrap-around balcony, and a spacious lanai with tables and chairs for outdoor family meals, as well as with couches perfect for relaxing with a good book. Right in front of the house we snorkeled, fished off the rocks, watched turtles on the beach, and saw the most beautiful sunsets. The kids, well actually all of us, loved the bikes, hammock, ping-pong table, and lots of beach toys/equipment. It's hard to put into words how fabulous our week was, and as a result how many memories we as a family will always share. Thank you, Nancy and Greg!!
Andrew B.
August 2021
Delightful location. Very pretty property using local materials. Would A/C be nice? Yes. Would we go back again without A/C? Yes.
David R.
June 2021
We had such an amazing stay here. The house is fantastic, well equipped and in a perfect location. We never had to leave. Nancy was an awesome host, welcoming us into her family's home and offering ideas and advice to help make our trip great.
Dayna A.
June 2021
We had a fantastic experience. The home is perfectly situated on a private cove with turtles daily, excellent snorkeling, location amazing and near Mauna Lani and Hapuna. The house is beautiful, well appointed, lovely wooden floors, wrap around balcony, kitchen and bbq with all equipment, etc. Lots of beach toys, snorkels, boards, reef shoes, towels, hammock, they thought of everything. We loved it and hope to return again.
Tyson W.
June 2021
If you're looking for a very nice house with its own "private" beach with wonderful snorkeling and sea turtles on the beach daily (and who isn't?), this is your spot. Owner family was very accommodating and easy to communicate with. House has everything you will need from the kitchen to the beach. None of us, including our teenage daughters, were ready to come back home. This house definitely felt like our home away from home - very comfortable.
Puako is a small community about a 30 minute drive north from the KOA airport, and has a small general store. There are some add'l shops/grocery store located at a resort about 5 minutes away.
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.