susan b.
December 2025
Fabulous! Hosts were very attentive to details and anticipated everything we may have needed! Perfect for a couple, great lanai, views, and the sounds of nature.
JP P.
December 2025
Esther’s cottage is amazing! Absolutely perfect. Super cute, comfortable bed, and let’s talk about the ocean view! Minutes from everything you want to do in Kailua Kona area yet away from the hustle & bustle. We will for sure be back ! Mahalo Esther for sharing your little slice of heaven with us!
Eric T.
December 2025
We just returned from a wonderful stay at Hale Maluhia, and we can't recommend it highly enough. Ester was a fantastic host, and everything about the cottage was exactly as described—and more.The amenities made our stay incredibly comfortable, and the cottage itself is thoughtfully designed down to every detail. From the artwork and beautiful design touches to the high-quality linens and furnishings, everything felt intentional, welcoming, and special. We truly had everything we needed.The expansive ocean and valley views were fantastic, and we especially loved enjoying peaceful morning coffee and relaxing evenings on the large covered lanai. The space felt private and serene, surrounded by lush greenery—perfect for unwinding.The location was also ideal: easy access to great restaurants and local beaches we love, while still feeling quiet and tucked away. This cottage strikes the perfect balance between convenience and tranquility.We would absolutely stay here again and look forward to returning to this special property in the future.
Vicki H.
September 2025
Wonderful stay at such a beautiful property that had everything needed for a perfect visit to Kona and Big Island. The location is great for exploring the Big Island and views are amazing. Excellent communication with our hosts who were so welcoming, thank you for sharing this lovely property with us! Highly recommend staying here and would love to stay again
Michael M.
September 2025
Beautiful view on a gorgeous one acre garden. Daniel and Esther are excellent hosts.
Nikolaus E.
December 2024
Beautifully appointed and designed cottage with breathtaking views, meticulously clean, and a great and convenient location in the hills above Kailua-Kona. Equipped with everything one may need for cooking and grilling and all other amenities, including equipment for beach visits. Super comfortable bed in which you wake up looking at luscious greenery and the Ocean. And a very welcoming and proactively communicating and responsive host who greeted us with delicious coffee and chocolate covered macademia nuts. Thank you, Esther, for this all around wonderful vacation in your great home!
Walter L.
October 2024
Everything was great and the views were beautiful. Very peaceful as well.
Karen B.
October 2024
While the location was great and views of ocean great, overall place could have been a bit cleaner. The back deck where the dining table was located was visibly dirty. While I realize this is a covered outdoor space, a thorough sweeping of the deck was greatly needed
MARK D.
October 2024
Most tourists opt for the resort experience and don't bother to get to know what it's like to live in that part of the world. Staying here give you a chance to see what it would be like to live on the Big Island. Be aware that you will have a more rural experience. That means night birds calling, hearing the rain at night and not fighting crowds for everything. I recommend it highly.
Brent G.
July 2024
Beautiful property with a tropical paradise feel.
Todd B.
June 2024
We had wonderful stay at the Hale Maluhia cottage. It was easy to communicate with Esther, our host. She gave us a tour upon arrival and explained all features of the cottage and property. The kitchen is small, not much counter space, but has everything you need. Plus the easy to use gas grill on the deck. The lack of air conditioning is not an issue. There are fans, and the hillside location was always cooler than down below at the beach. There was snorkeling gear, beach chairs, towels, and other beach items for our use. There are many nearby beaches requiring drives of up to 10 to 30 minutes depending on your choice. Grocery store is less than ten minutes away. The view from the deck down the hillside to the water was beautiful. It always calming to return the hillside at the end of the day after going to beaches, parks, restaurants or other attractions. The cottage is better than its pictures. The bathroom was large and has a nice walk in shower. Nice television and full size washer/dryer as well. It was the perfect space for couple. We really enjoyed our stay and would come back. Thanks Esther.
Peter O.
May 2024
Everything was perfect. The property is quaint and for 1-2 people unit has everything, including beautiful sunsets. This is for nature types — birds and frogs chirping in morning and evenings, but really peaceful, but if that’s not your thing (ie sleeping in late), then you may want a hotel room. Hosts were awesome.
Anna P.
April 2024
This cottage is beautiful! Ideal cottage for two. Every morning, we were woken up by the sound of birds, which was really peaceful. The lack of air conditioning concerned me, but the fans inside really cool down the area, and it feels about 5 degrees cooler at the cottage than down by the water. There are no curtains on the sliding doors. It didn't bother us because we woke up before the sunrise due to our time difference (coming from Central time), but it's something to keep in mind.
Bridget S.
March 2024
Wonderful views, lovely lanai. Good amenities. Not much storage for a two week stay. We would like to stay again.
Amy S.
January 2024
Esther’s place was perfect for our stay! Well appointed, both inside and out, and an ideal location for visiting my sister. We will definitely be back!
Lara C.
January 2024
Really enjoyed the stay, views were amazing, great size for the two of us
Terri H.
November 2023
We totally loved our stay.
Darrell P.
October 2023
We travelled to the Big Island for IM Kona. The rental was excaxtly as described and in the perfect location for event: only 3 miles from the KBH. We were close enough to event for quick access to required race prep activities, course swims, and festivities but removed from the melee and conjestion it tends to draw. The rental is located on the mountainside in a quite residential neighborhood with a stunning view of the ocean. An added plus - the White Nene coffee truck located futher uphill opens at 6 AM and was the best coffee we found in Kona. Owners were very responsive and even gracious enough to allow us to store our bikes while we island hopped.
sheila k.
October 2023
What a beautiful and relaxing place to stay! The view was spectacular and the back deck was perfect for meals, working or just relaxing. It was great to stay in a neighborhood a little bit away from the main resorts and hotels.
Owner was very kind to let us check in early due to a flight change too. We would definitely return!
Traci S.
October 2023
We enjoyed the cottage immensely: the amazing ocean views, the detail to amenities (there was even a box of chocolates waiting for us when we arrived!), and the comfort were top-notch! I’ll admit to being a little nervous that there was no air conditioning, but the breezes and ceiling fans were enough to keep us cool at night, and we slept like babies. With the large windows, I awoke one night thinking it was morning because of how bright it was, but it was the full moon shining over the ocean! It took my breath away as I sat up to take it in. I highly recommend this cottage - it won’t disappoint. It was quiet and relaxing - everything we hoped for!
Teresa B.
October 2023
This house is perfect for one or two people. Great views from the lanai. We love being a little up on the mountain where it is a little cooler and you get such beautiful views. It does not take long to be at the beach, stores or restaurants. The house was really clean and Esther was the perfect host. Great place for a Kona get away.
Patricia C.
September 2023
Excellent location and fabulous view.
Nicola C.
September 2023
Fabulous location so peaceful with elevated views and all the comforts of home. We felt so relaxed coming back after each day of exploring the big island to pour a drink and relax on the lanai cook on the bbq and sleep so soundly with the doors open. All the extras provided such as beach chairs snorkelling gear beach towels sunblock were so very much appreciated, we would highly recommend this wee gem as your stay on the big island..Mahalo
Greg H.
September 2023
We stayed at this cottage for 5 nights and really enjoyed it. The space is perfect for a couple and we loved the design and flow as well as the way it is decorated with works by local artists. The extra half bath is definitely a great feature. The outdoor lanai is wonderful and has a view of the ocean down the hill which gave us some great sunsets. The location of the cottage is great too. It's far enough from the craziness of Kailua-Kona's crowded tourist area but close enough to be anywhere in town within 5 or 10 minutes. Esther and Daniel were wonderful hosts in every way. We had an issue where the ice maker stopped making ice for some reason, but Daniel immediately came over and brought a full bin of ice for us. My wife was initially concerned before we arrived with the fact that there is no air-conditioning, but we found it to be comfortable all day with the fans running to circulate the air. And it really cools down a lot at night (you may get chilly). The symphony of Coqui frogs is a constant background noise at night but by the second night, we found it to be kind of peaceful to be lulled to sleep by. Feels like you're in a rain forest. I'd say our biggest challenge was that on some days, we were enjoying being there so much that we didn't want to leave the cottage to go do anything.
Alex C.
June 2023
This is a beautiful, modern, private, house in a great location away from tourist town. Not far from the highway or town, it feels miles away in a rural, mountain-side setting.
The house is positioned to take advantage of the coastal view complete with spacious covered patio and lush gardens. But even better is the modern and clean interior that makes it a perfect place to reenergize after a morning beach trip.
The hosts were very hands off and very welcoming and communicative at the same time. 10/10 would stay there again. We were very grateful for finding this gem.
Sharyl H.
June 2023
Just a few of the things we loved about Hale Maluhia:
Wonderful view + stunning sunsets
Expansive covered deck w/gas grill
Kingsize bed
Extra 1/2 bath
Washer + dryer
Responsive + helpful host
Geckos
One thing to note: If you are a light sleeper, be sure to bring earplugs to help reduce volume of the nightly Coqui frog chorus.
John B.
April 2023
Rear cottage balcony looks down on a lovely property, with a view of the sea. Convenient location near the north/south Kona highway.
David A.
March 2023
Great "home base" for couples visiting the Big Island. Awesome views & accommodations. Minutes to town. Quiet and in a great neighborhood. Beautiful property!
Kristen T.
March 2023
We were so happy here. Our young adult son and his new girlfriend came by a few of the evenings, we made dinner and hung out on the lanai and talked and talked and talked. Kitchen is small but worked great for our purposes. Spectacular western view = magnificent sunsets!
Only thing I would change is that some sort of reclining chairs on the lanai would be wonderful - the lounge furniture out there is not super comfy although it is quite attractive!
Bed was quite comfortable.
Jennifer T.
March 2023
We wanted a centrally located but out of the bustle of Kona accommodation, peaceful and private, and this divine little house has that in spades. It is on stilts and is literally a tree house. Great for bird watching. There is a view over the tree tops to the ocean. What a gem. It is small, but the outdoor space doubles the living area and makes it a perfect size for two people. Owners are a lovely family next door and built this place for their mom. Upgraded finishings, with all the bells and whistles you could want. I will dream about that lanai when I am back home in wintry Oregon. It isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. You will need a car.
February 2023
My wife and I loved this place. It was very clean, comfortable and well equipped. The location is easily accessible in the hills just above Kona with a beautiful view from the lanai. Very homey and just the right size for two people. If we someday return to the Big Island this is where we would stay.
Terry G.
January 2023
We just loved our stay. Peaceful and beautiful neighborhood. All the amenities you could ask for. What a view!
Susie B.
January 2023
My partner and I had a wonderful time staying at Esther’s mom’s cottage. It is clean, bright, and beautifully but simply decorated. The area is close to everything we needed but feels semi-rural, which we loved, and there is now an adorable goat family in one of the yards behind the house. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the lanai each morning, watching them, drinking coffee, and enjoying the beautiful view. We arrived in Kona - Kailea during the biggest storm in 30 years (supposedly) and enjoyed lying on the bed listening to the rain and thunder. Esther was friendly and available but gave us our space. Highly recommend!
Thomas A.
December 2022
This place was perfect, in fact maybe too perfect. We had all sorts of activities panned, but in the end we spent most days just relaxing on the beautiful lanai. We barely saw anything of Kona! But we loved it and Esther and Daniel were awesome hosts full of Aloha.
Narda P.
December 2022
We spent most of our time on the covered lanai enjoying the view of lush greenery and the ocean beyond as well as the antics of the local goats. The cottage was very comfortable for a couple, with a recliner sofa in the living area and a nice King bed and sitting chairs in the bedroom area. The full and half baths were very nice, with a large tiled shower and a double sink vanity in the full bath. The well designed cottage includes a complete kitchen and a full sized washer and dryer—it is amazing all that was available in a cottage with a small footprint.
Tess R.
November 2022
We absolutely loved this property. We stayed here for a week and really enjoyed ourselves. The view is stunning and the house is really cozy. The kitchen has everything you need to cook, the bed is comfortable, and the in-unit laundry is awesome after days of exploring (as is the reclining couch and tv for a movie night)!
The pictures match the place exactly and the host was very quick to answer any questions we had. It was the perfect amount of space for us (2 adults). We would definitely stay here again and wished we would have stayed for longer.
We were a little worried about no A/C but the temperature drops at night and we slept great with the windows open. Waking up refreshed with a view of the ocean was a real treat every morning.
Thank you again Esther!
Robin S.
October 2022
Beautiful home and location. Enjoyed the peace and ocean views.
Kathy S.
October 2022
But no AC, ceiling fan in master bedroom did not work and traffic was a bit noisy
Kathleen B.
October 2022
This was our second time visiting and we loved it just as much as our first. The property is clean and well appointed with everything needed for a comfortable stay. Communicating with Esther was easy and she was quick to respond. Our absolute favorite part is the beautiful view from lanai. We highly recommend Esther’s cottage and hope to return again!
Yulia P.
September 2022
The house is absolutely beautiful and well equipped. We had everything we needed during our stay. The location is perfect- 7 min drive to the town, 15 min to the airport, very convenient to explore the island, at the same time very private.
Esther was very responsive, the communication was easy.
Thank you for everything, we enjoyed the house very much!
Laurie B.
May 2022
We loved our stay in this home away from home on the mountain. It is now surrounded with lush gardens and is as depicted in the listing. We especially loved the location related to the major travel routes around this very big island, the views from the lanai, sleeping with the windows and doors open to the night noises, the comfortable bed, beautiful hot shower area and full kitchen. Thank you to Esther and her family for providing this haven away from home and making it easy to book! Special thanks for working with us through 2 previous cancels due to the pandemic.
Ava B.
May 2022
Located in a quiet neighbourhood this cottage was the perfect place to stay while we explored the Kona coast of the island. Being up on the slope of the mountain its lanai overlooks the ocean, giving spectacular views of the setting sun. If you want to be away from the crowds and yet not be too far from town, we would definitely recommend it.
Connie W.
April 2022
Loved the design, style, artwork and location of this terrific cottage!! Mahalo nui!!!
Stan S.
April 2022
Wonderful views, and beautiful place. Very well set-up. Easy drive for groceries, etc.
Great place to relax!
James K.
March 2022
View from deck was superb. Loud motorcycles from nearby road was distracting to disturbing. Facilities well laid out and had all the needed items. Height of microwave bordered on dangerous.
Stephanie B.
February 2022
Wonderful. Amazing views from the lanai. Enjoyed our Kona coffee on the lanai every morning.
Julie S.
January 2022
The cottage was as advertised and we enjoyed staying there very much. It’s up the hill about 2.5-3 miles from town which was perfect for us. It has a wonderful lanai and we enjoyed many sunsets from it. Construction on a new house behind the property started when we were there so it was pretty noisy evenings and weekends. It’s not something they had any control over. It just is what it is. Esther was nice and easy to communicate with. If we could, we would stay there again.
Sue S.
January 2022
We were away from the hustle and bustle of the busy part of town, but close enough to everything you need. Lots of birds singing, roosters crowing, cows mooing and a little bit of country life. We very much enjoyed the Lanai watching the beautiful sunsets over the ocean. This quaint little home has everything you need. The host was very nice and always responded to any questions we had. We would stay here again.
Lisa C.
January 2022
We had a wonderful stay! Beautiful sunsets and views and awaking to the sounds of nature. The home is beautifully designed, plus it has all the modern amenities you want. We also loved the artwork! Esther was lovely and welcoming. We would definitely recommend and stay again!
Kenneth K.
January 2022
The location View and amenities were exceptional and the host did a great job highly recommend this place
David W.
December 2021
Every sunset was beautiful. The temperature was cooler for sleeping because of the moderate altitude. Nice and quiet low traffic road. Everything in the unit is modern and thought out. Lots of nice touches. Would stay at again.
Christine R.
December 2021
I had an amazing stay here. The home is modern and clean. The porch is wonderful to look out over the beautiful trees and ocean - rain and shine. Breakfast every morning on the porch was a highlight. Sleeping with all the windows and doors open (there are screens) and listening to the birds and insects at night was incredible. The house has everything you need. I especially appreciated the coffee grinder and French press that I used to sample all the different kinds of Kona coffee from farms nearby as well as the bullet blender for fresh fruit smoothies. Super close to town for the essentials but above town in the hills away from the tourism buzz. Close to restaurants, beaches, hikes. The best.
Dawn N.
November 2021
This place is a perfect setting for staying in Paradise. Lovely, quiet, perfectly equipped and nicely appointed. Ocean sunsets on the deck and the sounds of nature at night. Very convenient to Kailua-Kona, but tucked away in your own little Eden, overlooking the ocean. Many great touches and really well stocked for vacationing. Esther was super easy to work with and quick to respond to my questions. A wonderful home base to explore the island, and return to tranquility and beauty each day. Mahalo!
Christian D.
October 2021
We didn't miss a sunset. Great view fom deck. Perfect altitude and day/night temperatures. No AC required.
Linda W.
October 2021
My wife and I stayed at this home for our anniversary. It is in a great location and the view is wonderful, both in the morning and at sunset. It’s perfect for a couple, and all the details have been thought if. We loved the leather recliner sofa! Our hostess was very responsive and even gifted us some chocolate and brut for our anniversary, which was really thoughtful. We highly recommend a stay here.
James H.
October 2021
A great home base to explore the island
Tom M.
September 2021
We stayed in mid-September at Esther's place and it was a great, relaxing place to stay while on the Kona side. Esther greeted us with a nice "house-warming" welcome gift for our anniversary. Everything about our stay was spot-on... balcony with sunset view, beach supplies available, well equipped kitchen, friendly gecko's, frolicking goat, great breeze from ceiling fans, comfortable bed and layout. Felt like our own home while there. Highly recommended.
David M.
September 2021
This was our second stay in four months. We basically returned home after our first stay and booked another trip three weeks later, because, we love The Big Island and this wonderful property! It's beautifully furnished, peaceful, quiet and relaxing. Downtown Kona is five minutes away, beaches are close by, and the location on the hill side of Holualoa provides this home with the most amazing afternoon breeze (no A/C required!). The Hosts provide all the essential amenities; beach chairs, umbrella, cooler, snorkeling mask and fins (for one), right down to, sunscreen and any mosquito repellant you might need for an evening cocktail on the deck (the most incredible view of the ocean and sunsets!). What do you need? Pack your favorite suit and shorts, Esther and Daniel will provide the rest! This will be our forever "go to" Bungalow. Mahalo, E & D! ~Lisa and David
Lori F.
September 2021
Absolutely loved this property and the host. Esther was welcoming, responsive and helpful. The cottage was well stocked with all appliances and other amenities. Everything very clean and organized. Felt right at home. The view and property are beautiful and really feels like a tropical getaway. The bugs and the frogs contributed to the tropical ambiance. I hate bugs but there were no bugs that I could not live with - but you may wish to bring slippers to wear around the cottage and outside - especially at night.
Claire C.
August 2021
We loved the cottage! The view from the patio, the great setup with a kitchen and gorgeous bathroom, the proximity to Kona... it was perfect. The bed is comfortable and it was super convenient to have a washer/dryer in unit. Seriously the best Vrbo we've ever stayed in.
Jenna A.
August 2021
We loved this cute little house in Kona! It was extremely clean, updated, and nicely decorated. We woke up every morning to a beautiful sunrise and view of the ocean. The back deck was great for eating breakfast and drinking our morning coffee. It was so nice to have a full-sized fridge, all the necessary kitchen essentials, and a washer and dryer. The bathroom was also so nice with a double sink and newly updated. We had some trouble getting the TV to work, but didn’t have much time for that anyways. The outdoor grill was perfect to make a few dinners in. The hosts were very nice and communicative. The neighborhood was quiet and we were just minutes from downtown Kona:
rob s.
August 2021
While perhaps not a most convenient location for visiting restaurants and shops, the spectacular elevated ocean views, birds, rainforest and flowers make it a special place. The unit itself is tastefully decorated and very comfortable. Lovely and spacious lanai included.
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.