Jo Mitchel's Kapoho Beach House in Kapoho

Jo Mitchel's Kapoho Beach House was built in the 1940s. She and her children and grandchildren still use it from time to time and have created many wonderful memories swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying this peaceful and tranquil setting. Jo hopes others will create their own family moments here, and in fact many guests return year after year.

You've heard how important location is, and this is it! The house is part of the Kapoho Beach Lots, a gated neighborhood of homes with a mix of full-time residents and vacation homes. This area is one of the few where you can safely get into the ocean on the Hilo side of the Big Island. Here nature has created wonderfully clear lagoons and tide pools that make snorkeling a favorite pastime. Jo's home sits directly on one of the lagoons, with steps gently leading you into the warm water.

The house itself can be described as rustic old Hawaiian style -- not fancy but comfortable. It has two bedrooms plus a loft, with mats that is good for kids. The master bedroom has a queen bed and a single bed, the second bedroom has a double bed, and there is an additional single bed in the living room. (Please note, the second bedroom also functions as the hallway to the master.) One full bath is inside with a second full bath outside. But guests don't come for the house, they come for one of the most perfect ocean locations you can find in East Hawaii.

Most guests spend their time on the large lanai with picnic tables and a barbecue, but there are also lounge chairs to put out on the lawn and enjoy the Kapoho sunshine (Kapoho gets about 50% less rain than Hilo). When you feel like a dip, just walk about 10 steps to the calm, clear lagoon where huge sea turtles swim in the warm water. The lagoon opens into the ocean and the setting is about as charming as it can be. Snorkeling here is fabulous and the house and setting make for a very relaxing stay.

Year-round rate range is $115 - $255 per night, depending upon party size and dates of your visit. Cleaning fee ranges from $125 to $165, also depending upon party size.

Year-round rate range is $115 - $255 per night, depending upon party size and dates of your visit. Cleaning fee ranges from $125 to $165, also depending upon party size. There is a $35 damage waiver and tax of 13.416% on all reservations.