Corey B.
July 2025
Our stay on Hawaii Island was wonderful. The Balinese style was unique. The location of the house across from a beautiful black sand beach was perfect. We walked to the beach with our morning coffee enjoying the sunrise and then again after our return from being out and about. The climb down can be a bit difficult especially after the rain, so be careful. Point to note, you will encounter people who are nude as this is an optional clothing beach. The fans and the breezes kept the house comfortable. I can see why the owners requested you take off your shoes; black sand can get everywhere. The rain shower was great to wash everything off you from top to bottom. We prepared several meals at home instead of eating out. The kitchen layout allowed the two of us to be in there together. The whole area lost electrical power on the day we were leaving. The owners were very gracious in allowing us to stay past checkout to clean up when power returned, but we had to catch a flight so we couldn’t enjoy their hospitality.
Anita S.
July 2025
Really cool place. A lot of attention to making it unique. Beds were super comfortable.
Matt E.
April 2025
Only downfall was there was no internet service and upon arrival we had to leave to get service to find check in info then go back.
Kalee P.
March 2025
So secluded yet close to things. Such a fun experience!! Really cool house. So relaxing
Christopher M.
March 2025
Great communication with the hosts, from booking to arrival and departure. Nice traditional house with tons of space, and almost across the street from a black sand beach. Great location for a base to explore Kilauea and other spots on the big island.
Terry J.
February 2025
Fantastic Host that was very quick to make our stay the Best. Great Location on the Ocean for Whale & Dolphin watching and one of the best beaches on the Island steps away. What more could you want.
Lee R.
January 2025
The Bali house was a great place to stay. Very clean and quiet. If you haven’t stayed in this area before you need to know it’s remote, which we love. Bring your supplies before arriving as the nearest town is about 20-30 minutes away. We have stayed in the area multiple times and the Bali house offers great views of the ocean and quick access to the clothing optional beach. At night it’s nice to listen to the frogs and the ocean with very little artificial noise to interrupt. I would stay here again.
Sheri T.
January 2025
Quick responses. Better than expected. Loved the location.
keith W.
January 2025
An amazing place. Super tranquil. Kehena beach has amazing black sand and a few naked people, lol. The market was great and the little country store down the road was nice to have. Every night we fell asleep to thousands of geckos and fringes signing us to sleep. 100% recommend this place.
Tim A.
September 2024
Property is lovely but the current upkeep of the grounds and house us in need of some TLC. The furniture is not that comfortable however the beds are very comfy. The inside lighting does not offer enough light at night. The appliances were all very nice and easy to operate. The explanations of how the house operates was lacking, id: TV, lights, fans, hot tub, close up, etc. A book or a PDF with instructions would have been helpful.
Kristy W.
June 2024
Exactly as described. Loved the property
Mike C.
April 2024
Great location with ocean views and access to nearby beach. Perfect spot to unwind and get away from busy resorts. Lots of space for friends and family. The Bali House is cool!
Jess S.
March 2024
This is a great, unique place to stay. I liked how the owners gave ideas on places to go and eat. The view was great but the photos of the grounds made it seem like it would be bigger than it actually was. The living space was great however! It is definitely rural with geckos and critters in and around the residence, but they kept to themselves. Over all it was a nice stay.
Ken T.
March 2024
The house was GREAT and BEAUTIFUL!!! Close to a black sand beach in a wonderful neighborhood!!
Keegan A.
February 2024
This place is so absolutely perfect for a getaway as a couple. A few steps from the beach is amazing. We didn't hardly want to leave because sitting on the porch watching the water felt like a worthy excursion in itself.
The place is very private, with foliage and structures keeping other properties out of view. But you are quite close to other properties, and can hear them. It was not a problem or disruptive at all, but may be helpful detail for other guests.
Joella U.
February 2024
This property is true to the listing. Perfect location for watching waves and having the ocean and frogs lull you to sleep at night. The bedrooms in the main house share the main bath and not totally private to others in your party. But for a couple it is super awesome! Was nice to go explore the island during the day and come back to a quiet neighborhood on the beach to relax at night :)
Stacia H.
February 2024
We had a wonderful stay at the Bali House, the view was awesome, comfortable place to stay. The hosts were great. Def a top pick stay!
Kamran D.
December 2023
Great location and lovely spacious place. Would definitely recommend for larger groups for the layout or smaller ones just for the location.
Julie C.
December 2023
My husband and I enjoyed our stay at the breathtaking Bali house (December 2023). Tim and Iliahi are amazing hosts. It's a bit far from everything, but this can also be a great thing. I truly recommend this place.
Keil A.
November 2023
We love this part of the island and return often, and this is one of the nicest homes we've found. Stunning views, wonderful character and welcoming hosts. Perhaps not completely practical - keep in mind the bathroom in the main house is shared and one of the beds is not private, and the furniture is not the most comfortable, but we slept well, serenaded by frogs and waves, and we were able to cook a complete thanksgiving dinner! Hard to beat this retreat on the red road.
Dennis O.
September 2023
The Bali House was a great place to finish out our 2 weeks in Hawai’i. It was unique and beautiful! We enjoyed our time there.
Gloria Z.
September 2023
Where do I start? This home is so beautiful with surreal surroundings and everything you need! There were only 2 of us during our stay but this home could certainly work for families or multiple couples. The waves lulled us to sleep every night and the sound of the rain was a major bonus! The home is fully stocked to cook full meals and so cozy that you can easily spend days/nights there. It was very hard for us to leave to venture out!! The owners are so sweet and you can really feel the love for their home and their guests. We loved every second being there - the trees and greenery, the hot tub, the stone shower, having coffee on the lanai, meditating in the garden, the sounds of the frogs at night, and even the beautiful geckos! If you're looking for a traditional hotel- this probably won't be a great fit for you - but if you really want to indulge in the beauty and energy of Pahoa, this place is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
Louise G.
September 2023
We loved this little house. The extraordinary attention to detail - all the little touches. It did really feel like you were in Bali. The close proximity to the beach and water and w the sound of the waves - but mostly the sound of the tree frogs - just loved it. Great beds - slept so well. Amazing shower! Thank you for everything!
Carly P.
September 2023
We loved the unique design at the Bali house and proximity to the black sand beach.
Liz R.
August 2023
We had a wonderful time staying at the Bali house! It is so beautiful and tranquil. My family had a great time!
Craig S.
June 2023
Very nice property in a terrific location. Empty lot between the house and the Ocean make this stay very enjoyable.
Just down the street are beautiful ocean views. If you watch the surf there, very often you will see smaller Sea Turtles bobbing for air. It rains nearly every day. Very different from the Kona side. Lots of singing frogs that begin towards dusk. NO ROOSTERS! Hurray! Hilo is a 45 minute drive straight north. The Hosts here leave you alone and seem very friendly.
Gale F.
May 2023
The Bali House across from Kehena Beach is beautiful. Truly a magical, relaxing, remote getaway. Exactly what we were looking for to celebrate our 40th anniversary.
The house had everything one would need and then some. Beach chairs, ice chest, books, DVDs, and coffee filters. It's obvious the owners take great pride in making sure every detail has been thought of for a great experience.
The communication was very informative, and the check-in/out process was very easy.
Mahalo to Tim and Iliahi for sharing your home with us.
P.S. Tim - thank you for leaving the freshly cut coconuts on our doorstep. They were a yummy surprise on our anniversary when we came back from the beach!
Charlie & Gale
Kim C.
May 2023
Enjoyed the view and privacy of this location!
Ellois F.
April 2023
extraordinary wood and stone interior, open to cool breezes. Amazing view of the Pacific.
Charles R.
January 2023
We loved our time at the Bali house! Tim and Iliahi we so kind and hospitable. They worked with our delayed plane flight and helped us get in after hours. The house was spotlessly clean and so nice. The house has such a cool feel very true to its location south of Pahoa. We were there rain shine and it is such a cool vibe. The kitchen was so nice to have and the multi tiered layout of the house is really fun! Only things to be prepared for is that there are geckos who occupy the walls and house. They would occasionally startle us but as Iliahi told us they were good luck and we got used to them! Also total bonus for us but the ocean and rain make a really cool background noise. Not good for people who need total silence to sleep but we loved it! If we ever get to come back would definitely be our place of choose on the Pahoa side of the island. Such a nice alternative to a hotel!
John A.
January 2023
Loved the Bali house
Kaethe I.
January 2023
This location was fantastic! Really nice part of the Big Island. House was beautifully decorated and the experience was well worth it!
November 2022
We loved the Bali House. It was the perfect vacation spot, so cozy and serene.
Mark F.
November 2022
This is an exceptional property in an amazingly beautiful location. It was so much more than the physical building with so many little private spots across the property to relax. Although there are houses close by we didn't notice them due to the design of the property. We absolutely loved the interior which was well appointed and both cozy & surprisingly large at the same time. The super large fans do an amazing job of keeping things cool. The frogs, located across the island, added to the experience as we felt like we like we were in the jungle. We were able to sleep with no problem.
We especially appreciated the stunning views from the different balcony's as well as from the open land in front of the property.
The beach is a clothing optional beach with rough surf but it was beautiful and super cool to see people swimming up to, climbing, & diving off a cliff outcrop though it wouldn't be advisable due to the risk of drowning.
The hosts were accommodating and a pleasure to work with.
Mark & Sarah
Lynne P.
October 2022
This home is everything as described/pictured and beyond. Private, clean, peaceful and so beautifully done yet so comfortable at the same time. We’ve already recommended to others and will continue to do so. If you want quiet, private, off the beaten path, comfortable and peaceful this is the vacation home you will go back to time and time again.
Christine S.
October 2022
We traveled from NY to stay at the Bali House. Like most, we hoped it was all it appeared to be. It was far more than we could have dreamed of! The pictures can not possibly capture the reality. Breathtaking inside and outside. The overall vibe..the spirit..very powe4ful! The hosts Iliaha (I'm sure spelling wrong..forgive me) and Tim poured their hearts and soul into this home and it shows! We absolutely enjoyed every aspect of "our" home and the neighborhood. We loved Kehena Beach and the spirit there as well!
We will definitely return!
The only thing we would recommend, is definitely contacting the host when you get off the plane as there is NO cell service as you get closer to the property. Once in the property, you can connect to the wifi.
Thank you so much for our stay! We loved it and you!!!
Christine & Anthony
John L.
October 2022
It took us more than a few hours to get used to this. We arrived in the middle of the afternoon so the non-airconditioned house was very warm. But later on after dinner and showers, we noticed that the many powerful fans and windows worked their magic. Even the many pretty loud night sounds, (yes that means you Coqui frogs) managed to lull us to sleep each night. - John & Lisa L.
Brendan K.
August 2022
We had a wonderful time here. The space looks as photographed and even more spacious. There were some house issues but they were able to address them right away and we liked having access and communication close by. The area is pretty remote so it’s a good 20-40 min drive to anything you need. The beaches nearby are so special and worth the journey. A different side of Hawaii than the resorts but we enjoyed the rustic and detached feel of this part of the island.
Michael M.
July 2022
The Bali house is a very neat house with amazing views. If you are looking for a quiet relaxing getaway this is the place. Beautiful black sand beach is 5 to 10 minute walk down the road.
Robyn B.
June 2022
The property is very unique and probably would be enjoyed more if you just want to stay at the property. It is across the road from a black beach that is not easily accessible and we found out after we arrived with our 13 yr old daughter is clothing optional and quite the party place on weekends. We did not care for the extremely low lighting especially in the master suite which made iit feel like a dungeon but I was beautiful.. the kitchen is 8 steps above the main level and gets pretty warm when you cook. We booked 5 nights and left after 3 because we got tired of the long drive to everything. This would be a beautiful property for someone who appreciated it but not for our family.
Erin H.
May 2022
When my wife and I arrived at the property for our honeymoon, we immediately noticed an awful smell. After speaking with the property managers husband, we learned the smell (and pieces of poo scattered throughout outside of the property) was from a feral cat colony that has decided to make the property their home. This was a major issue since my wife has severe cat allergies. After staying at the property for about an hour, her breathing began to get worse and the itchiness began. We left about 1-2 hours after we arrived because we could not stand it anymore. The property has no AC, so all the windows would have to be open and have the fans on. This allowed for the smell of cat poo to enter the property anytime there was a gust of wind (and with the ocean being right there, that was all the time). Since the windows stayed open, lizards and mosquitos had made their way into the home. A lizard was on the internet router on the wall and would occasionally run around on the walls, and the amount of mosquitos inside the home, we were constantly getting bit. One of the beds even had a mosquito net over it so you don’t get bit as much at night. Don’t get me wrong, the house was beautiful, but because of the feral cat colony and their excrement, the lizards, and the mosquitos, it was definitely a waste of a chunk of money which was not refunded, except for the cleaning fee. If you’re torn between getting this property or staying at a resort, I would suggest staying at the resort and saving yourself thousands, mosquito bites, and the possibility of disease from the feral cats and their fecal matter.
Becky G.
May 2022
What a wonderful, unique, private get away!! Breathtaking views everywhere!! WOW!!! Hosts were very welcoming and accommodating! 1 thing off the "bucket list". My most sincere Mahalo to the "Bali House"!
Meg M.
April 2022
we loved our stay here and are definitely going to come back soon!
Sandy and Gerry J.
April 2022
The Bali House is in a lovely setting with a wonderful ocean view from the lanai. It is obvious that the owners/managers have taken pride and care in maintaining its front gardens. The house itself is unique both in design and furnishings. We would have rated it with an additional star but for a few unmet expectations:
1. The house was not as bright or in as good shape as the pictures on the VRBO site suggest. It was in need of some repairs and a thorough and detailed cleaning (including walls, appliances , couch cushions, couch pillows, valance and curtains, and it’s many nooks and crannies.) A few screens needed mending or replacement so bugs were fewer.
2. It was damp and somewhat dark. For example, the second bedroom in the main house, although nicely furnished, did get very damp and cold when it rained all day (as it often did when we were there) as there are no regular windows but only slats covered by screening that could not be closed. Also, that bedroom had a faint smell of old cigarette smoke (perhaps from the next door rental?) and had dim lighting.
3. The beach close to the house was usually busy with people (locals?) who were often partying. The beach is difficult to get to as it requires a steep, slippery, and rocky hands-on climb down to the small beach.
If a visitor arrives with expectations that consider the above realities, they will likely enjoy and cherish their stay. The managers are good people who are friendly, responsive, and trying hard to keep up with what Mother Nature throws at them.
Kathy R.
March 2022
We absolutely loved the house! Such a unique place to spend our days on the Big Island.
Michael K.
March 2022
Our 4th time visiting this area, and our 2nd at this house - and we can’t wait to go back again!
Rob C.
February 2022
This property is very unique in the southeast corner of the Big Island. It definitely feels like you've stepped into a Bali house!
The photos are accurate, and in some ways don't reflect the feeling of being in nature that actually exists. With geckos aplenty and the nightly serenade of common Coqui frogs (that sound like chirping birds with their pleasant tones); occasional nighttime rain storms on the tin roof; and distant waves crashing on the rocks across the road, it is definitely a tropical vacation.
The one bathroom/shower has plenty of room, while the kitchen is small but functional. The beds and linens are comfortable!
We refrained from a 5-star review because of a few unexpected surprises:
1) The Internet worked for the first 24 hours, but the rest of our stay it was intermittent at best. As a result, we were able to watch the equivalent of three-quarters of one movie on the in-house Roku system (using our Amazon account). That proved frustrating. While our cell phones were able to get texts and emails, phone service was spotty.
2) The neighbors are much closer on either side of the house than photos suggest. However, both neighbors were quiet and respectful. The point is, it's not as remote as we had thought--probably our misinterpretation of the listing.
3) The beach across the (fairly busy) street is indeed beautiful, but not remote. It was filled with locals and tourists throughout our weeklong stay. And, to top it off, it's a nudist beach. Whoah! Didn't expect that. Thus, for us, it made going to the beach and enjoying the black sand and water challenging and uncomfortable. There are, however, others spots in Hilo (30 mins north) where swimming or sunbathing is not a problem.
4) If you want to eat out, expect at least a 20-minute drive north to Pahoa. And unfortunately, half the restaurants are still only allowing for take-out.
chris R.
February 2022
We stayed a week and used it as a base to see most of the Big Island. The house is well located for that. It was immaculate and furnished very nicely (no crappy garage sale stuff) with many places to sit and read. It is across the road from one of the main beaches in the area. The beach is a beautiful black sand beach with a rough surf at least in the winter. The owners were extremely easy to deal with and very accommodating. The whole place is well-maintained. I walked every day to the government property up the road which is open to the public. I also walked down to the secret beach every day and saw a pod of dolphins. We ate at the Pahoa Fish House twice and Kaleo’s once and had good meals. Mother Nature is the boss here and there are reminders everywhere which we liked.
Sandra F.
January 2022
Had a great stay at the Bali House. Photos are a great representation of the property. Larger than we were anticipating and many areas to relax and enjoy inside and out. Unobstructed view of the ocean. Owners also own empty property filled with Palm trees in front of the house. Beautiful black sand beach across the street and we could see the sunrise from the primary bedroom or deck. Two of us stayed, but four could easily be comfortable in the space. A short 15-20 min drive to town for essentials/restaurants. Quick communication with Owners when booking and arriving. Many past visitors enjoyed the frogs singing at night (per the guestbook), perhaps we are not as in "tune" with nature, but thankfully we had brought ear plugs. LOL. Would not hesitate to recommend or stay again. Thank-you for a serene, romantic and exotic place to end our visit on the Big Island.
Paul A.
January 2022
The house and location were great. We have been to the Kona side of the Big Island many times and wanted to see the Hilo area. The black sand beaches, waterfalls and thermal pools were great. Seeing the lava lake at the volcano was an experience to remember. We would definitely stay here again on another trip to the area.
Kaitlyn M.
December 2021
Unfortunately we arrived during a terrible storm. The property was flooding, no power. And poor communication. The owners could have communicated with us tarring at 10:00am (we arrived at 9:00am) that the power was out and we could have decided whether to stay. With no power meant no water. The property is advertised as a 3 bed 2 bath but it’s actually more of a 1.5 bed/1 bath. It was so wet inside that the beds were moist which was very uncomfortable.
The property is in an amazing location and the property is beautiful. The circumstances or our visit were unfortunate. However, the owners did refund our visit which I appreciated.
Chintankumar P.
November 2021
Property was beautiful no complaints!! The hot tub was an added bonus. Even though the tree frogs were a little loud at night I think they actually helped us fall asleep. It’s was so peaceful and 100% recommend you stay here if you ever visit Big Island!!
Ellyn W.
November 2021
The Bali House and Cottage is an amazing property overlooking the ocean. It is a unique architectural structure surrounded by lush vegetation. While it is in a more remote location there are amenities within a ten to fifteen minute drive with some outstanding restaurants, an excellent grocery store and an array of fast food establishments. The owners are accessible and very willing to assist with any question or issue. We would highly recommend.
John C.
October 2021
A great escape that was well designed both inside and outside. Lots of great places to hang out and relax. We did not want to leave. The proximity to the beach on a stretch of coast with few beaches or areas with ocean access was a big plus.
Jennifer G.
September 2021
Beautiful house, perfectly furnished. We didn't want for anything. The bed was wonderful, the nature sounds from outside put you to sleep every night. We loved every second we were there. The owners are so warm and friendly, we would definitely stay here again.
Diane M.
September 2021
Our hosts were the best, so nice and very helpful! the place was beautiful with so much attention to detail. We had the best time and plan on returning again!
mark s.
September 2021
Great location--beautiful and peaceful. Beach across the street is not a swimming beach, little difficult to climb down...but gets easier with practice. Once you get down it is so nice. If you are staying longer than 3 days..buy toilet paper, shampoo and paper towels.
Jay R.
August 2021
The Bali House across from Kehena Beach is beautiful and offered everything my father in law and I needed for a week's stay with a overlapping dates. For the few days we were at the property together, the layout offered the personal privacy that we needed as well as great indoor and outdoor shared spaces for coffee and evening happy hours.
Checking in, one of my first impressions was of cleanliness - it didn't just look clean, it felt thoroughly clean! Personally, I can't say enough about how important that is for a first impression.
The home is really well appointed - I was pleasantly surprised throughout my stay when I looked for something I needed/wanted and found it provided - from a cooler, to beach chairs, to charcoal to coffee filters. It's obvious the owners put a lot of thought and care into their property and consideration of their guests.
The hosts are super-communicative, the rental and checkin/out processes were very easy and it was really a great stay.
The Bali House is definitely remote - as long as that's what a renter is looking for and comfortable with, then it's highly recommended. Kehena Beach is one of a kind - absolutely gorgeous.
Mahalo to Iliahi and Tim for sharing their home with us!
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.