susan s.
May 2025
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Whale’s Tale is our favorite place to stay on the big island. We’ve rented it three times and it now feels like home away from home. We love this house. It’s so well maintained, well stocked and comfortable. The location is perfect. Sunrises, sunsets, the beach, the turtles. Already looking at the calendar to see when we might return.
Sam L.
February 2025
Perfect and private. Just what we needed. Room for everyone. Wouldn’t mind coming back!
Debra B.
February 2025
This beautiful home was exceptionally clean and comfortable. We really enjoyed the beach out front and great snorkeling. We bought fish at the market in Kawaihai and cooked lots of our meals at "home".
noreen Mc C.
January 2025
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The Whale's Tail is a beautiful property. I have been wanting to stay there for years. Sadly the neighbor next door was very lacking in aloha spirit. In fact in my over 20 years of coming to Hawaii I have never encountered such rudeness. She played her music so loud that we were forced off our deck several times. She raked beach debris onto the path my 4 and 6 year old grandchildren had to walk through to the beach. The children did not stay with us but visited some days. I thought about complaining to her or the rental management but I was afraid she would double down and be even more rude. It was unfortunate as my husband is not in the best of health and the deck was where he was most comfortable when the noise was at a better level or they were gone. I would recommend putting the entrance to the beach further fron her gate as it was uncomfortable walking by her. Her barking dogs scared my grandaughter. The 2nd to last day she did speak to me briefly but too little too late. She and her group of friends monopolized the beach between the properties every day. Despite that we did have a great time and I love the house. Next time I hope to go back to Hale Puako or somewhere else. It will just be 3 of us.
Debra M.
January 2025
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Great house on a quiet street with beach access. So much to see from the lanai and access to water sports in your backyard.
Gerry S.
March 2024
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This is a fabulous property, better than the pictures. It was clean, and the kitchen had everything we needed to cook in. It’s a very isolated neighborhood. A nice clean, virtually private beach right out the back door, with nice tide pools for the little ones. We had a great week.
Alan E.
March 2024
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Excellent home. This was the second time we have been to the property and we arrived with high expectations and were not disappointed! All the utensils and equipment in the house were well thought out. Location is one of the best on the island, quiet, great views, beach, safe and varied, snorkelling, whales and turtles. What more could you want? Will come back again!
Mary L.
February 2024
This is a wonderful location, perfect for low-key swimming and also for more serious swimmers and snorkelers. The kitchen is well-equipped, and the beach equipment includes beach chairs, beach towels, a beach umbrella, life vests and aqua socks in both child and adult sizes. There is an extra frig/freezer in the garage, very helpful. Beds are comfortable, sheets and towels very nice. We spent a lot of our time either at the lanai or on the beach in front of the house. All in all it was a great week and we will be back.
Scott T.
February 2024
Nice home in a quiet area. Enjoyed access to the ocean.
Anne G.
December 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Lovely property. Well equipped with everything you might want for your stay.
Betsy M.
November 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Can Not Wait to Come Back!
Ken S.
October 2023
We loved our stay at this beautiful property and amazing location. Our entire stay from beginning to end was 5 Stars. Everything we needed was right there including the General Store right down the street which has the best fresh baked cookies! Totally relaxing setting for a perfect "real Hawaii" get-away. The welcome basket of goodies and the welcome note were a very nice touch. We will most definitely be back! Thanks for everything!
Jack B.
September 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Whale Tails is a great house in a wonderful location. We enjoyed the beach access for snorkeling and lying around. Fabulous sunsets and star gazing. There is a great general store walking distance down the road and sometimes we were adventurous and would walk to the nearby beaches and resorts. We loved the place.
James F.
August 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The property is an oasis. So amazing. Spent a week at a condo in kona that was tons of fun but busy. The following week was spent at whale's tail and I couldn't imagine a better experience. We basically just went out to eat once a day and cooked at the property the rest of the time. It had everything we needed. My wife described it the first night as heaven on earth. I hesitate to say so much as we will definitely be back. Such a calm little oasis. There's so much to do on the island but honestly just hanging on the property and the beach I'm not sure you would need to do anything else. Maybe not for everyone but if you're looking for an amazing place to just relax and unwind I'm not sure you could do better than this spot. We all loved it.
Marco S.
August 2023
Just a beautiful home and location.
Enjoyed the morning sunrises and sunsets.
Will return next year.
susan s.
June 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Our second stay at Whale’s Tail was just as magical as our first. The house is so perfect for the location. So clean, comfortable and well stocked. The beds are comfortable. The management was very welcoming, receptive and easy to work with.
moore h.
May 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Nice charming house on the beach. Exactly what I expected
Janet M.
March 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The management team of Jenny and her husband, Matt and Robbie could not have been better, nicer or more professional. We had some things happen that were out of anyone’s control and all was handled so well
January 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We stayed in the owner's home next to the rental property Whale's Tail, due to storm damages to Whale's Tail in December.
A guest from Hayes, SD M.
January 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Beautiful home, fabulous location, excellent management company. We will be back!
Melissa B.
October 2022
Rating Details:
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We traveled to the Big Island with a family group to celebrate our parent's 50th anniversary. We love Puako and couldn't have picked a more beautiful home or accommodating rental agency. The house has three bedrooms with four beds and 3.5 baths. There is air conditioning available in every room (if needed). In addition to being beach-front at one of the only accessible entry swimming beaches in Puako, it was also very quiet, with lots of privacy from the nearby homes. We loved waking every morning for a dip in the ocean and walking out onto the volcanic tide pools for the best sunset view. The lanai was always shaded, and the loungers were super soft and luxurious -- five stars. We used the outdoor beach shower every day to rinse off. Plus, the gas grill worked great, and there was an extra propane tank. The beds were very comfortable, and the home was incredibly well stocked with beach chairs, towels, and everything you would need for the kitchen.I was thinking of something that would have improved the stay, which was very difficult. The one thing I'd recommend is adding hand-held shower sprayers in the showers. That is always a plus for a sandy beach. We wouldn't hesitate to rent again if we had a large group. And you really can't beat the service. Everyone we dealt with at the management company went the extra mile. We look forward to returning to Puako soon.
Donna M.
September 2022
Beautiful location and wonderful house!!
Bruce and Lynne D.
August 2022
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The Whale’s Tail perfectly matched its description - and then some! The home is beautifully appointed with tasteful art on the walls and very attractive furnishings/appliances inside & out. All you need to do is pack your clothes and toiletries and fly to Kona, Hawaii. We snorkeled daily and never failed to swim with the turtles and beautifully colored tropical fish. Did we mention the wonderfully clean and beautiful white sand beach? Our hosts could not have been more caring and thoughtful. This place could not possibly be improved upon - it is simply the BEST!
Louise R.
July 2022
Well maintained, responsive property manager
Greg B.
July 2022
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Absolutely fantastic! The home was beautiful and the location was amazing! The beach was secluded and quiet with calm waters and great views. Really felt like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Breathtaking. The home has a great layout with lots of open space, a perfect view from the master suite, and very private.We'd go back in a heartbeat!
Chad A.
June 2022
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Beautiful home and well furnished. Amazing view. Gorgeous beach! Stunning cove to swim and snorkel.Will definitely stay again.
Marcy K.
May 2022
Everything was absolutely perfect! There was room for everyone to have their private spaces and be able to all join together in a wonderful open room and lanai to enjoy treasured family time. The house is incredibly well equipped but if you need anything, Mary is right on it! The beds and sheets were super comfortable. The beauty of the ocean is in full view. It was so incredible to walk right out to the beach and relax or swim or snorkel. Thank you!!!
Zac M.
April 2022
Our family has been blessed to be able to travel all around the world and I can say, with certainty, that this is one of the best vacation rentals we have ever stayed in. Amazing location, fantastic property, great communication, and on and on. We will certainly return and hopefully sooner than later.
April 2022
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We very much enjoyed our week! The home is large, clean, and well-stocked. Mary even helped to arrange grocery delivery so we could hit the ground running after arriving in the evening. We enjoyed being right on the water and heading out for adventures. We would love to return!
Jessica L.
April 2022
I can’t say enough great things about our stay. Whale’s Tale was fabulous. The home was clean and well outfitted. The layout of the bedrooms was perfect for our family and the home is much larger than what I’d expected from the pictures. The location cannot be beat. It really did feel like we were on a private beach. The snorkeling right out the backyard was fantastic. We saw amazing fish and sea turtles every day of our visit. I actually cried when we had to leave. We will for sure be back. Thank you, 2Papyas!
Janet M.
March 2022
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Fabulous location, comfortable house, well equipped
A guest from Hayes, SD M.
January 2022
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We have stayed here for years, and it is the high point of our year! Best location because of the beach and whale watching from the lanai.
January 2022
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was more than happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This was our first trip in two years. Normally we have traveled all the time up until covid. So lots of barriers to break through, from airports, planes, etc. Returning to Puako was a dream come much so we're coming back. What an amazing way to re-enter the world-at-large. The Big Island is unsurpassed and the perfect place to re-enter with extended family. Perfect house for multi generations.
Ron G.
December 2021
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We have stayed here three times and it is one of our favorite places to come back to. I am truly torn about leaving an honest review because we feel like this place is our little secret, but the people here have been so good to use over the years that I feel I owe it to them. The house is immaculate, the staff is wonderful, and the location can't be beat. The only down side is that it is pretty far from civilization. There is a little general store within five minutes walk but the nearest real grocery store is a fifteen minute drive. But if you're looking for a quiet place to get away from it all, you can't beat the Whale's Tail.
Jennifer S.
November 2021
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Fabulous, comfortable, spacious house in a great location if you like to be away from resort madness. Very well equipped. Great swimming. Decent snorkeling if you find the right spots. We can't wait to come back.
Jan H.
November 2021
The perfect house in the perfect location. Very well equipped kitchen with beautiful view of the ocean. We were very lucky to stay in this home.
Jake G.
November 2021
Everything is better than in the pictures! Great trip.
Jennifer S.
August 2021
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The home was immaculate, well stocked and very well organized. The beach was wonderful - swimmable, sandy and very quiet. The property management company was top notch - very professional and very responsive. The home is even better in person that the pictures can show.
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.