Luxury home on 20 private acres, ocean view, streams in Hilo

Absolute Magic

Lish T. ()
Review submitted: January 20, 2013   Date of arrival: January 18, 2012

My husband and I stayed here in November 2011 for a week, and I have to say that it was the best place I have ever stayed (and I have stayed in some pretty nice places around the world). Yet here I am almost 14 months after we stayed, and if I close my eyes I can still feel the breezes, see the lush landscape, hear the sound of the waterfalls and the nightly frog chorus - just utter perfection. Each day I had to be dragged away to explore the island because I just wanted to stay in my own personal paradise. Picking fresh fruit every day and wandering down the lawn to lie in the hammock with the ocean in the distance was just spectacular. Mere words cannot do this place justice -- Kapehu House is truly a piece of heaven on earth.The sunken hot tub on the wrap-around lanai was the perfect remedy for muscles tired from day-tripping. The kitchen (with its spectacular view down the slope to the Pacific) made it difficult to decide whether to go out or dine in! Marcy was lovely to deal with -- she answered all questions promptly and accommodated each request.
I wish I was there right now! I truly cannot express just how in love we fell with this property! Thank you!

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More lovely than advertised

JBen (CA)
Review submitted: November 29, 2012   Date of arrival: November 16, 2012

We first fell in love with this beautiful home from the pictures. When we finally arrived, we were happy to discover it's far lovelier than the pictures expressed. It really has to be experienced to be appreciated -- the elegance of the home, the lush beauty of the surroundings, the quiet serenity like a temple, the immaculate cleanliness.
We're city kids, so we were shocked to find there were no curtains in the master bedroom or master bath! It took us two days to understand why the owners didn't put up curtains -- there is no one around. No one. No roads, no houses, no neighbors, no lights. From the master bath you have views in two directions of green rolling hills and pastures. From the master bedroom you have green hills in one direction and the stunning ocean view in the other. Btw, if you like to sleep late, choose one of the west-facing bedrooms, because in the master bedroom when the sun rises over the ocean it hits you right in the face. But we loved that.
The location couldn't be better - it's central to all the sights in East Hawaii. We had a great time at the zipline a couple of miles away in Honomu, and the Onomea botanical gardens, and snorkeling at the tide pools in Kapoho, and spent two full days exploring Hawaii Volcanoes Park. Our sons went surfing at a nearby beach I think was called Honolii and said the surfing was as good as any in CA. We did make one day-trip over to the Kona side, and decided we like the Hilo side much better.
The owner pleasantly answered all our many questions before we booked. The manager Chris met us at the house when we arrived and showed around and answered more questions.
We'd definitely recommend the kapehu house, and we hope to return.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Moe'uhane

Tom and Jane (Boca Raton, Florida)
Review submitted: May 4, 2012   Date of arrival: April 15, 2012

Moe'uhane.....that's "dream" in Hawaiian. Just what Kapehu Wailele is............truly a dream come true. You plan a vacation in Hawaii and you think you're going to eat at wonderful restaurants and mingle with the locals every night. Think again. This property is so wonderful you'll never want to leave. Marcy was so lovely and helpful; she gave many suggestions of great things to do. We drove to Volcanoes National Park and spent a day there (plan to stay for hours hiking and ending after dark so you can see the glow). Local snorkeling is great; I'd recommend purchasing a pair of tabis from S. Tokunaga Store, wonderful felt bottom shoes that give great traction on the shoreline's volcanic rocks. When you leave the tidepools stop at Suisan in Hilo and purchase some fresh ahi to sear on the stove when you get home.....and be back early enough to sit in the hot tub to watch the cruise ship leaving the island (about 5-6 pm). Be sure to rent a 4-wheel drive jeep so you can go everywhere, such as Waipeo Valley. After leaving there, drive to JJ Market (best price in the area for beef) in Honokaa and pick up a delicious locally raised grass-fed beef steak to cook when you get back to the house. Add some wonderful fresh organic arugula from one of the local farmer's markets and you'll have a special meal as you sit on the beautiful lanai at Kapehu Wailele. Don't miss the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Stop by What's Shakin for a Peanut Bruddah or Lava Java smoothie after you leave the garden and are making your way to Akaka Falls. Plan to spend a day just lounging and walking the retreat property, as it is incredibly beautiful, quiet and peaceful. You'll have the best sleep of your life with the windows cracked open and the gentle sounds of the coqui to lull you to sleep. Mornings are especially wonderful. We awoke to gentle showers and an incredibly perfect rainbow one morning. We enjoyed fresh papayas from the trees on the property for breakfast along with delicious Kona coffee. Many colorful birds will be fluttering around the lanai and the air is so fresh you won't want to leave. Inside, the home is beautiful--with granite counters, gorgeous wood floors, luxurious bathrooms, spacious living areas, and a fireplace in case you get chilly. Thanks Marcy and Tom.....it was the best!!!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2