Dale W.
March 2025
Enjoyed the atmosphere and studio layout. Comfortable. Access to the ocean was great.
Carole C.
March 2025
Sweet Mermaid Cottage is delightful and a magical place to stay. If you are looking for Aloha vibes THIS is your place. Jill’s cottage has everything you may need to cook your own meals and ample space to spread out and is extremely clean. We especially enjoyed our walks around this small island community. Snorkeling is top notch and you can rent kayaks practically next door to get out on the water! Jill was always available to answer questions and we enjoyed our conversations with her. Jill is a true mermaid and we hope to return soon!
Tony J.
February 2025
This was our first time to the islands without kids and staying in a VRBO. It could not have gone better. Everything was comfortable and just as advertised. Easy to get there and get settled in. Neighborhood was quiet and relaxing, we didn't even close the doors at night. Loved being able to walk to the bay with just snorkel gear (no keys/no wallet to worry about) and go for a swim. We were able to use the snorkel gear Jill had on hand, so that was a bonus. Between the barbecue, microwave and the hot plate, meals were no problem. Weird, but I think the part we are missing most after coming home, is the outdoor shower! Thanks Jill!
Janice Y.
January 2025
Nice residential feel, away from the touristy bustle. Comfortable bed! Nice outdoor spaces. Lovely private garden. Walk in any direction to get a lay of land. Well supplied kitchen. Host is kind and accommodating offering ideas for fun excursions.
Audrée B.
December 2024
Just perfect !!!
Michael W.
November 2024
Everything we needed for a peaceful stay right near Manini beach.
Nancy C.
November 2024
I almost hesitate to say how dang awesome Mermaid Cottage is because I want it to be available whenever I want to return. I loved everything about this home and Jill, our host.
Wendy E.
October 2024
The Sweet Mermaids Studio makes you feel welcome and at home. So many lovely touches artwork and flowers. The outside shower is very refreshing. We had an amazing walk down to the ocean the first evening to watch the sunset. I'd highly recommend this as a lovely quiet place to stay
Steven A.
August 2024
I had another lovely stay at the Mermaid Studio. (9 days in July)
Historic Napo'opo'o is a tiny village on Kealakekua Bay. (The hyphens are pronounced like "oh-oh" but most locals seem to shorten it to Napopo.) One lane roads, no stores... It feels very remote but is still an easy drive from the airport, 15 min to groceries. I come for the amazing local snorkelling, the best on the island IMHO. You can kayak across the bay to the Cook Monument for snorkelling, or drive 9 min south to the equally excellent Honaunau Bay (2-step beach). I also enjoyed walking 2 blocks to Manini Beach each evening to watch the sunset and chat with the locals. Very mellow.
The spacious studio had everything I needed. You have your own outdoor table, pond, lounge chair, and shower. Jill is always cheerful, helpful and knowledgeable.
I hope to return again next year.
Jennifer T.
August 2024
Beautiful property, relaxed stay!
SUSAN L.
May 2024
A magical mermaid studio for sure. Beautiful grounds, fantastic location away from the hustle and bustle. Studio was decorated so well. It was a delight to listen to the frogs, birds, and roosters while enjoying the outdoor shower. Truly a wonderful experience
Donna G.
April 2024
Quiet and clean and well stocked with spices and fridge items. Location was within walking distance to great snorkeling and sunsets.
Nancy M.
February 2024
We had a lovely stay at Jill's Mermaid Studio. We were pleasantly surprised at the size of the studio - lots of room to enjoy.
Highlights:
*short walk to snorkeling
*gardens are beautiful
*floral smells in the air at night
*outdoor shower
*Jill is great host
*kitties are sweet
*excellent amenities (we didnt need anything)
Hints: the tropics are amazing and bugs live here - bug spray & bite lotion are needed if hanging outside
Keep a clean kitchen
Driveway can be tricky in dark
Enjoy this lovely oasis
Jana W.
February 2024
but bring earplugs. a couple of neighborhood roosters start crowing at each other around 3am.
Lynn G.
January 2024
Awesome area with nice beaches , snorkeling and a multitude if other activities……Will be back!!!!
Amy C.
January 2024
This exactly fit our needs. Small, but somehow very spacious, it had everything we could ask for and close to the beach! What more could we ask for? Thank you so much for a wonderful stay!
Adam W.
December 2023
We celebrated our second honeymoon and it was just exceptional. Jill was an awesome host, and her mermaid studio was perfect.
Very clean and a great place to relax after exploring the Island. Nestled in a quiet area with a two minute walk ro a quaint local beach. The place has a very zen feel with unique decor. My wife loved the out door shower.
If you want a fun and memorable experience come visit jill in her mermaid studio, you won't be disappointed.
marilyn d.
October 2023
Our stay at Jill's Mermaid cottage was Awesome!
Jill is an excellent host who made us feel truly welcome and was on site but far from intrusive. The grounds (her yard) is an oasis that makes you feel like you're in your own island paradise.
Jill, Thank you and we hope to stay with you again,
Marilyn & Myles
Amanda D.
October 2023
We chose this place due to it's proximity to Captain Cook, as we wanted to hike the monument trail and snorkel at Kealakekua Bay. It was absolutely perfect for what we needed! Jill was there to greet us when we arrived and was readily available if we needed anything. The room was clean and very well appointed with everything we could possibly need. It is not too far away from Kailua-Kona, and right in the heart of coffee country! We would definitely stay here again!
Sheila A.
August 2023
Quiet location for enjoying snorkeling and sunsets ❤️
Steven A.
August 2023
I booked here specifically for snorkelling in Kelakekua Bay. This was the perfect location. I rented kayaks 3 times from Ehu and Kai Adventures to cross the bay. Their launch site is a 90 second walk from this suite. Also, it's only a 10 minute drive to 2-Step Beach. The accommodation is one very large room with additional outdoor table, lounge, shower etc. It's comfortable and has all you need. The village is small and peaceful. Jill was helpful, kind and cheerful.
(The snorkelling at the Capt. Cook monument and at 2-Step Beach is astounding.)
Slevin H.
June 2023
Host was wonderful! 2 minute walk to the beach. Awesome place to stay.
nathan d p.
June 2023
Our stay was great. Perfect location to snorkel captain cook. Only a half a block walk to the kayak launch spot
Mary Ann M.
May 2023
We enjoyed the location, very close to Manini Beach, kayaking and snorkeling. The apartment is spacious, nicely decorated and well equipped. The beautiful garden was a bonus with fresh mangoes! Gracious owner was always available and helpful.
Janine S.
May 2023
My Mom and I had such a nice time at Sweet Mermaid Studio. Beautiful surroundings, short walk to Manini Beach, comfortable beds, and the studio had more than everything we needed. Loved the gorgeous outdoor shower too. I would for sure recommend to family and friends.
Tom B.
May 2023
Excellent
Carl F.
March 2023
We wanted a place to stay so that we could snorkel around the Captain Cook area and found out one way to do this is renting kayaks. The kayak launch spot is about a block away so we could just walk to it. The studio itself is extremely spacious and was a great space for us to also rest, regroup and repack for our flight out the next day. It is a bit of a drive down from all the restaurants and stores so heed the owner's advise to stock up prior to the drive down the hill!
Robert B.
February 2023
Nice large studio with two beds artistically decorated - short walk to beach A bit of a distance from stores and restaurants so plan accordingly
Danielle H.
February 2023
Way bigger than I imagined and I loved how it was decorated. Walking distance to the ocean and the studio is well equipped with anything you might need. I would absolutely stay here again.
Anne G.
January 2023
We were nervous driving down the one lane road to our location but once there the studio space had everything we needed for our relaxing stay in Captain Cook. We liked being able to walk to the little beach area where we snorkeled for the first time and sitting on the patio eating our meals. The artwork and decor was the best!
kim m.
January 2023
Great place to stay for kayaking captain cook and 2-step -if you don’t happen to go during a high surf warning like we did. However the hikes and nature nearby and the lush peaceful surroundings of the unit made up for a drive back toward Kona to get a snorkel boat. Could hear the upstairs residents - but not much and not during quiet times. The cats will visit if you invite them and stay away if you don’t. Jill was available if we needed anything but not intrusive. Would book again.
Christian B.
December 2022
Ms. Jill was a very thoughtful, kind and warm-hearted hostess who did her best to make sure we had an enjoyable stay! Her place is furnished and decorated in a very artistic fashion!
Chris F.
December 2022
We loved our stay here, the property was comfortable and inviting. With the shade and fans, the unit stays a comfortable temperature even though there was no AC (something I was slightly concerned about prior to booking). The location is great, nice quiet neighborhood, right next to some of the best snorkeling on the island. The kitchenette was just the right size, we were able to make breakfast and lunch most days and even BBQ'd for dinner a couple of times. The host (and her kitties) is very welcoming while also giving plenty of privacy. My only minor complaint is that the bed is a little uncomfortable. Jill, if you're planning to do any upgrades in the future, I would recommend a new mattress or maybe some kind of mattress topper. This was still a 10/10 experience for us though and we can't wait to return. Mahalo!
Geof G.
August 2022
We stayed 2 nights in Aug, 2022. The property is the entire bottom floor of one of two houses on the property. The owner lives in the other house, and we believe that a long-term renter may live in the upper floor of the rented property, but we never saw him/her. The upper and lower floors are completely unconnected.
The property is in a mostly quiet, small residential neighborhood, one block from Manini "Beach", which is actually a nice grassy park with lava coastline and path, and a narrow sandy gap where you could enter the water for swimming. This park has a nice vibe (except for one nosy neighbor policing suntan lotion...we were wearing the right type so she "allowed" us to enter the public park). The neighborhood is really only a few square blocks, and the vibe is mostly older/local Hawai'i with coqui frogs, roosters, overgrown jungle, raw lava, and everything from fancy houses to surfer shacks.
The best part about this property is its location. Two Step is a popular snorkeling site only a few minutes south, one of the best spots on the whole island. As an added bonus, adjacent to Two Step is Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, which is an interesting and pleasant brief diversion when you're not snorkeling the bay. Furthermore, the neighborhood where the property is located is also a favorite access point to rent kayaks to paddle to the Captain Cook monument and Kealakekua Bay: another top snorkeling spot. Each morning, dozens of cars descend upon the neighborhood and park, so they can get kayaks and go out on the bay. This happens a few blocks away from the rental property, so there was no impact on us.
The property is exactly as advertised: a modest studio with most of a kitchen (hot plate, no stove/oven), no AC, and private outdoor shower. The unit is *much* bigger than it looks in the photos...there is more space than you could possibly need. As a cold-water wimp, I was concerned about the shower, but it was fully heated and very pleasant. The lack of AC was also not a problem, as the surrounding garden is cool and shady. The unit was clean, well-stocked, comfortable, and the wifi worked. The owner was gracious and polite, and gave us some starfruit from her tree, but mostly left us alone which was fine with us.
We wanted an affordable, comfortable unit with minimal drive to the best snorkeling in the area. That's what we got. If you want a luxury beachfront condo, look elsewhere. We'll be back here. Highly recommended.
Lisa S.
August 2022
Loved this little gem. Everything we could need for a long weekend away. Beautiful garden and outdoor shower. Jill was
Friendly and helpful. Would recommend.
Jonathan B.
June 2022
Wonderful location. Jill was a delightful host; the fresh mangos from her tree were a welcome treat! A spacious studio from which to explore the Captain Cook area. Mahalo Jill!
Janet K.
June 2022
We loved staying at this wonderful home in one of the best locations ever. You’re right there at captain cook. Jill was a great host, friendly, easy to reach and very accommodating (you can just yell up to the house :-) property is lovely. I would stay again
Ellen P.
May 2022
Our 6 night stay at Mermaid Studio was a pleasurable delight.
We wished for an experience that captured a piece of the beauty there in Hawaii and found it at Jill’s ( our host) lovely space.
A very comfortable large studio with a well designed kitchen area that contained all that
would meet one’s needs.
Ripe, juicy mangoes were a
wonderful treat waiting in the refrigerator for us.
As a talented artist our host provided a pleasant area in which to relax and enjoy.
( Be sure to visit her eclectic Art Studio up on the heights.)
Outside the sliding door of the studio Paradise awaits - the scenery is one of lushness and beauty of multi fruit trees, palms of varying size,
flowers- even a water garden. Loved it all.
Located nearby one can rent kayaks( very reasonable) to explore Captain Cook’s monument across the bay- great snorkeling there.
Also a beach ( 5 min walk) beautiful , tho many rocks that can inhibit thoughts of a swim.
Would highly recommend Mermaid Studio to those looking for an amazing /unforgettable adventure in Hawaii!
Our warm thanks, again, to our helpful host, Jill.
Amy b.
May 2022
What an incredible place. We especially loved the fresh mangoes right from the trees! Highly recommend.
Emily N.
April 2022
We loved our 10 day stay in Honaunau. A wonderful base for exploring the Kona coast and the Honaunau area for the best snorkeling. Swimming in the bay is glorious. The mermaid rental was spacious and comfortable. The full size frig and cooking appliances made it feel like home. Jill was always a phone call away and helped us with snorkel gear and other beach necessities 🌴 The patio overlooking the pond and the garden was truly a little piece of heaven. Hard to say goodbye to, but we part with an Aloha. Until we meet again. Maholo to Jill and to Hawaii 🌺
Bart Y.
April 2022
When our rental of a nearby house was cancelled by the owner, we had to find an alternative but luckily ended up discovering this gem. The main room is very large and perfectly decorated & equipped, there's also a small bathroom with toilet & sink. The real beauty of this place is outside, the shower was amazing and the lily pond so gorgeous! There were 4 varieties of mango and numerous banana & papaya trees scattered around the property. Jill, the owner was a delight to talk with and was around if we needed her. Access to the ocean was super easy, Manini Beach was within a block walk one way and kayak rentals the other (the Big Island Canoe guys were real friendly and reasonably priced). The only issue we had was that 4 days was nowhere near long enough... we'll definitely stay longer next time!
Gary L.
March 2022
Beautiful suite on a gorgeous jungle-y property a short walk to the ocean. Love the outdoor shower, furnishings and the open floor layout. Great location on the island as well!
Bill U.
March 2022
. Low key. Need to be prepared to drive as 15 minutes from any store. An old Hawaii non commercial experience. Just what I wanted.
Sydney L.
March 2022
We couldn’t have asked for more from Jill’s mermaid studio. It was the perfect space for two people, and the property itself is serene. Beautiful local beaches are an easy walk away. I have family in Kona and have stayed north of the city center many times - but it was a great experience to get to know this part of town. The location is a bit removed from hustle and bustle, but if you’re looking for an escape this is absolutely the spot.
Paula C.
February 2022
We loved it - comfortable, intimate, lush and beautifully maintained - Jill is very accommodating host.
Margaret T.
January 2022
We loved the large studio with its high ceilings, generous supplies (lots of towels!!), and super outdoor shower. The best thing was Jill was a very nice and helpful host (she went out of her way to accommodate an early check-in request) but we also had plenty of privacy. It is less than 5 minutes walk to Manini Beach Park or to kayaking. Street has funky Honaunau feeling. I would stay here again and would recommend.
Al B.
December 2021
This property is superbly located. We could hear the ocean at night. Great walks down the rugged beach to the left to see amazing blow holes. The room was much larger than the pictures make it, open floor plan, very colorful and private. Everything we needed. Don’t miss the outdoor shower!
David N.
November 2021
Well cared for and maintained very large studio in a garden environment. Very comfortable amenities with well stocked kitchen/cooking equipment. Quiet and secluded location.
Benjamin L.
November 2021
Staying at the mermaid studio was amazing. It is a truly special place. The property is lovingly cared for and full of flora and fauna. The studio is very large, full of beautiful color and art pieces that reflect this special place on the big island. Also has everything you may need (kitchen stuff, beach stuff etc.) and was spotlessly clean.
Loved the cats as I was really missing mine.
Walking to manini beach is simple, and it's perfect for a snorkel, to do yoga, or just enjoy the Blue water, and community garden. I regret staying here for the smallest part of my trip. I would have stayed here happily the entirety of my 2 week trip.
Kenneth S.
August 2021
Great location right next to snorkeling and well appointed property with fruit trees everywhere. Only issue the long and winding road to get there, but we’ll worth it
Marjori T.
August 2021
This place is the Hawaii of old. A large studio with beautiful garden backyard and outdoor shower is the perfect place for people looking
for a quiet retreat. It is not fancy, but comfortable. A great location near snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding, but not near the tourist sand beaches to the north. Our host is a delightful artist, who is happy to share the delicious fruit off her trees and is passionate about her beloved island.
Kerry Y.
October 2019
Owner: Super sweet and friendly. Quick to help when asked, but definitely gave us our privacy. She even shared fresh fruit from her trees with us!!
Location: Perfect place to get away from it all. Super quiet residential area. There are a lot of vacation rentals, but everyone kept to themselves, so it didn't FEEL like a bunch of tourists in the area. There are several bay swimming entries in a very short walk, and it wasn’t very crowded at all. I snorkeled with a pod of over 20 wild dolphins!!!
Amenities: The room was stocked with condiments, spices, a LOT of filtered water, really good quality shampoo/conditioner/body wash. Full size fridge with freezer, microwave, regular coffee maker, blender, and all the dishes you could need.
The bed was super comfortable, the internet was high speed, and there was plenty of room to stretch out. There was a tv, but we didn’t turn it on.
It IS warm, but we live on Oahu and knew the rental wasn’t air conditioned so it was expected. There is a bit of a breeze and two ceiling fans. The only thing that I would suggest would be a window fan by the bed. I should have asked because the owner probably has one we could have used.
There are four cats and a duck on the property. One of the cats is super super sweet!
Overall, a very relaxing stay. I would definitely stay again.
Maureen E.
February 2019
Loved this place. Clean..comfortable and a very nice atmosphere
Jill C.
February 2019
This place was fantastic for my needs. It's a lovely studio outfitted with everything you need - including a pretty well stocked kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator and grill - which made it very easy to eat healthfully. It's located only a few paces from Manini Beach and the snorkeling was spectacular. The outdoor shower is a highlight. I started my mornings with a snorkel before setting out on my adventure for the day. It was only too rough to go out on my last day. I didn't see dolphins at this spot, but only because I wasn't out the morning they visited. The bed was very comfy and easy to sleep with the adjustable windows allowing any amount of breeze I wanted. If I'm so lucky to return to the big island, I'm definitely coming back!
Scott M.
May 2018
We stayed while it was supposed to be 'voggy" the fog from the volcanic ash. Honestly we didn't even notice it and if you are thinking about cancelling your trip, don't. Jill is awesome and her place, location and room, were exactly what we needed! So go to Hawaii, enjoy the Big Island!
Cricket W.
February 2018
We loved staying at the Mermaid Studio. A few minute walk to Kealekakua bay, and a 5 minute drive to two-step, where we love to swim. Jill is the perfect host, and we had everything we needed for a great stay. The kitchen has the essentials for simple meals, with a refrigerator, hot plate, toaster oven, coffee maker, and tea water pot, and there is a bbq outside. It works for simple meals. We loved the outdoor shower and the nice patio table. Lots of shade, and a very relaxing space. The studio feels spacious. The queen bed is very comfortable. There is another rental space above the studio. We heard occasional conversation and it was never a problem.
Loren and Sandy C.
January 2018
This is a roomy one room space and has everything you need. The kitchen consists of a hot plate, toaster oven, toaster, full size fridge, and microwave. We were easily able to come up with meals here. The owner lives next door and kept us supplied with bananas and star fruit from her yard. A relaxed, casual atmosphere and easy walk to Manini Beach. Great outdoor shower!
Claudia L.
April 2017
Am home now and miss my little mermaid studio! A lovely place. Can't say enough about it. Literally a 2 minute walk from some of the best snorkelling on The Big Island. Jills property is a beautiful oasis with fruit trees and gorgeous flowers. So grateful to have spent time there. A perfect getaway. I'll be back 🌺
Mahalo.
Megan F.
February 2017
We had a wonderful time staying at the Mermaid Studio. Jill was a delightful hostess, and made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. We loved the location, close enough to everything but remote enough to be away from the crowds. The bed was VERY comfortable, and the outdoor shower was amazing. There are two Ceiling fans and a great stationary fan that kept us sufficiently cool at night. We did have some ants, but everyone does, right? Mahalo!
kimiko h.
September 2016
Great studio for visiting Captain Cook's monument.
The owner lived in adjacent house & was very welcoming. We had lovely fresh mangoes, star fruit, orange which she provided from tree as well as cold water thoughtfully made in the brita pitcher in fridge. Even one of the cats was very friendly & greeted us daily!
Studio is great for 1 or 2, beautiful decor inside (loved that table, very Asian, I'd like one for my home haha). Very lush garden with pond.
The only reason we did not make it 4 star was because we are not bug people, I know, we are in hawaii duh... it's the tropics duh lol! So we had our first encounter with the millipedes/cane spider outside, the golden flying ant like bugs, & got bitten by mosquitoes... what was weird is we only saw one baby gecko. Also, shower is outside, none inside.
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.