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Puako Tropical Garden Retreat - Across from Beach - New AC

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Property grounds
Room
Living area
Private kitchen
Property grounds

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Puako Beach
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Waimea, HI
  • Place, Puako Beach
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Puako Bay
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Mauna Kea Beach
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Puako Tropical Garden Retreat - Across from Beach - New AC

Your Ideal Puako Beach Retreat – New Air Conditioning Installed

This perfect Puako beach home features 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ bathrooms, ideal for families, couples, or friends traveling together. Located just steps from a secluded beach entrance, you`ll enjoy peaceful sunset strolls and frequent turtle sightings—without the crowds. Some of Hawaii’s most iconic white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and championship golf courses are just minutes away.

Your Hawaiian getaway awaits in this tropical garden oasis. Directly across the street from a small beach where sea turtles often rest, this inviting home offers unmatched access to nature’s beauty. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable, well-appointed home now featuring brand new split air conditioning units throughout, ensuring a cool and relaxing environment in every room.

Whether you`re watching a vibrant sunset, snorkeling the Puako reef, basking on the white sands of Hapuna Beach (voted the island’s best), shopping at the Queens’ and Kings’ Markets, or golfing nearby, this serene beach home offers the perfect base for your Big Island adventure.

Property Highlights:

3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms, accommodating small groups and families

Brand new split AC units installed throughout for full-home comfort

Spacious, shaded front lanai for your morning coffee

Lush backyard with a hammock, grassy lawn, and mature mango and banana trees

Outdoor dining setup under the palms

Fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, BBQ grill

Beach gear included: towels, chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and boogie boards

Sleeping Arrangements:

Master Suite – King bed, private office area, walk-in closet, AC, flat-screen TV

Downstairs Bedroom – King bed, AC, closet, full bath with shower

Detached Private Ohana Pod – Queen bed, private half bath, AC, outdoor shower, small private deck

Guests have access to the entire property, and we are fully committed to ensuring a smooth and unforgettable stay. Our local team handles daily operations, maintenance, and guest needs. We’re happy to help you plan excursions or tailor your vacation to be as relaxed or adventurous as you’d like—just reach out!

Location & Nearby Attractions:

Puako is a charming oceanfront community on the Kohala Coast, located just 30 minutes from Kona Airport. From world-class beaches and luxury resorts to local shops and dining, everything you need is nearby:

Hapuna Beach & Waialea Bay (Beach 69) – Top-rated for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing

Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, and Fairmont Resorts – Just minutes away

Kawaihae Harbor – 10 minutes by car for ocean tours, shopping, and dining

Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Field – Explore ancient Hawaiian rock carvings

Marine Preserve – Pristine waters ideal for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and spotting sea turtles and whales

All guests must sign the HCP rental agreement upon booking and pay applicable state and local taxes. We’re here to make your Hawaiian vacation easy and unforgettable.
Guests are subject to the rental agreement terms. After booking you will be required to e-sign the rental agreement through your guest portal.

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (13 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guests are subject to the rental agreement terms. After booking you will be required to e-sign the rental agreement through your guest portal.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number GE-053-829-0688-01, TA-053-829-0688-01
Property # 1150117vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Kamuela

Located in Kamuela, this holiday home is near the beach. While the natural beauty of Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and Mauna Kea Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course. Manta Ray Point and Great 4-D Movie Ride are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling adventures can be found near the property.
View more Holiday homes in KamuelaOpens in a new window
Map
Waimea, HI

What's nearby

  • Puako Beach - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Puako Bay - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course - 8 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area - 9 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Mauna Kea Beach - 15 min drive - 10.6 km

Getting around

  • Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mauna Kea Cafe & Market - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Juice 101 - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪CanoeHouse - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Tommy Bahama Tropical Café - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Hawaii’s Ultimate Donut - Hot Malasadas - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Puako Tropical Garden Retreat - Across from Beach - New AC pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Puako Tropical Garden Retreat - Across from Beach - New AC?

As of 24 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Puako Tropical Garden Retreat - Across from Beach - New AC on 25 July 2026 start from NZ$4,512, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Puako Tropical Garden Retreat - Across from Beach - New AC?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Puako Tropical Garden Retreat - Across from Beach - New AC?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Puako Tropical Garden Retreat - Across from Beach - New AC?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Puako Tropical Garden Retreat - Across from Beach - New AC located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Puako Beach and 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area. Puako Bay and Puakō Petroglyph Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Troy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home / location

This home provided a great home base for our group as we explored the surrounding area. It was very spacious and had all the equipment needed for a great day at the beach!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

howard m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious home. Lovely location. Sara was very helpful

Very nice would recommend
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We absolutely loved our stay in Puako.

We loved this place. A nice spacious house with back and front patios perfect for sitting outside. The location was excellent with the lava rock beach featuring daily sea turtle visits across the street on quiet Puako Beach Drive. We like to avoid resorts so this was just the spot - thanks for having us!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place

We had a spectacular time. The house is beautiful and having all of the beach chairs, boogie boards, ice chests, etc. really helped. The kitchen well appointed for cooking and the gas grill was great. Mahalo
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mike F.

Secluded Hawaiian Paradise Found

Wow....just what my wife and were looking for ! Having tried and tired of the resort / condo Hawaii many times in the past this time we wanted something more authentic and true to a simpler Hawaii and this charming house and location delivered our dream! Located in the quiet and off the beaten path community of Puako between the Kona airport (maybe a 30 minute drive north) and Mauna Lani resort this is a 100 % local feel neighborhood with the only exceptions being a small condo development (hardly notice it) as you enter Puako and next door is the time warp Puako general Store that can provide you with your basic needs without having to drive to the Foodland grocery store in Mauan Lani Directly across from the house is a beach access ( a 30 second walk '''maybe?) where you can view the north Kohala Coast, turtles and stunning sunsets. During the winter whales can be seen right off the shore ! A short drive to the south end of Puako Beach Drive (it dead ends so no through traffic !) is Paniau beach area that provides some of the best diving / snorkeling in the Kohala Coast (just don't tell too many people, it's somewhat of a local secret :-) The owners and property managers are fully dedicated to you having the best experience ever so book your dream vacation and have the best time ever Mike and Paula Fair Oaks, Ca.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 23 March 2020
Thanks Mike and Paula! We are very happy you guys had such a great stay at our Puako property. We hope to have you stay with us again soon. Mahalo! Aloha, Sara
Verified

8/10 Good

Ema S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dream location for low key vacation

Loved the house. A block away from beautiful lava made beach with tide pools where you can meet turtles every morning. Also very close to nice beaches. Convenient location to get to Hawi, Waipio, Waimea, Hilo etc. the house has also beautiful backyard with hammock, flowering trees, front deck with nice sitting area. A responsible house manager who was very helpful in fixing issues.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bob S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Property

A roomy, comfortable house in a great area with access to the beach just across the street. Sara, and also Jameson, are very available to smooth out any bumps.
Stayed 21 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Linda W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Puako is my all time favorite

Very comfortable and charming house across the beach from a lava beach. House is well stocked and all the beach equipment you could possibly need. The back third guesthouse is adorable even though we didn’t need it. I would stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and property

We knew where we wanted to stay on the big island, and this house fit the bill. Across the street from the ocean, you can hear the waves crashing and feel the breeze dancing through the windows -- especially at night. There are bikes, snorkeling equipment, boogie boards, chairs -- everything you need for a day or two at the beach. The kitchen has everything you need. The next time we visit the Big Island, we will certainly stay here again.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay

Great location and perfect house for our family of 6 adults.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Aimee D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good overall

Good overall property. Location was great, Sara was awesome and house was pretty good. There were a few attention to details that would have made this a 5 star property for me. All of the outdoor seating was covered if very thick dust/dirt and Yard debris. It is windy there however I cleaned it when we got there and it wasn’t as dirty when we left s week later as it was when we arrived to the property. The white couches are a nice touch but very stained and feel dirty since it wasn’t a practical color for the beach environment. It made it hard to cozy up on them with all the dirt stains and lastly the dressers are not very functional and would get stuck constantly to where I would have to leave the drawers open so I could access my clothes. These changes would make this a 5 start stay for me. Nice property and a great location
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danielle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay in Puako

We really enjoyed our stay here in Puako away from the tourist packed Kona. We could walk across the street and watch the sunset, investigate the tide pools or drive 5 mins to the best beaches on the island. The kitchen was stocked with all the cooking instruments needed and we used the grill often. Ate outside every night! Note that the 2nd bedroom is right between the kitchen and family room, with little sound proofing, so if you have light sleepers in your group, that room is not for them. The 3rd bedroom is a disconnected pod with lots of privacy. But, the outdoor shower isn’t totally private. Our group didn’t seem to mind.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect home base

We had a lovely time at this home in Puako with our family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids). Great location, all beds comfortable, spacious layout for a family, cool beach gear provided (boogie boards, chairs, bikes), excellent host. The kitchen was well equipped, the patios and gardens were relaxing to hang out on and the house is directly across from the rocky Puako shore with daily visits from sea turtles. We wish we could live here forever and will surely be back!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renate S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hawaii at its best!

Sunrise and sunset on a beach just across the street. What can be beat? We have rented several homes on Puako Beach Drive, but this home was the BEST. Quiet neighborhood, spacious lanai mountain and ocean side, and a well equipped kitchen and laundry. Nice bikes and beach chairs, great garden shower, and good walking to many shoreline access points. We were grateful for the good aircon on some more humid days. Our hostess was fabulous in reacting quickly to any questions we had from start to finish. Highly recommend her and this relaxing home away from home.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in Puako

Loved our stay at Sara's place in Puako. Such a great neighborhood! We loved the snorkeling and sunsets on the lava strewn beaches. Sara's place was perfect for 2 couples and 1 child. Would book again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An excellent house in downtown Puako

We were here for 3 great weeks on our second visit to 85 Puako Drive. The house was very comfortable for us (an old husband and somewhat younger wife). Beach walks and lawn sunning were part of the daily routine ... as were visits to North Kohala, Honoka'a and Holualoa. Most days, we had lunch on the back deck with twittering birds and a mongoose as company. Covid19 hampered us somewhat in the latter part of our vacation but we persevered. We consider ourselves spiritual kama'aina (who have visited the Big Island yearly since the 1980s) ... and we very much regret that this was our last trip to Hawai'i. Sara was a wonderful help in every way ... and was very supportive when we had to cancel next year's visit to 85 Puako because of health complications. J & E
Stayed 23 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Johan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway

We will be back! We loved everything about this place. It had everything we needed to feel at home away from home and the location was perfect for a nice relaxing stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just what we were looking for

This property was delightful, near a shoreline access path, beach chairs and wagon (!) provided. Situated on a quiet road where we could take an easy stroll. We enjoyed coffee outside the kitchen door every morning. A pair of mynah birds kept us company there. Other outside decks provided alternative spots for reading and knitting, accompanied by the sounds of the oean. Kitchen was well equipped with a comfy dining table nearby. The living room had a great TV where we enjoyed both the Superbowl and the Oscars. We loved the tasteful decor, not too fussy, just right. Manager Mike was flexible on check-in time, and made sure we got a new microwave when ours stopped working. We were very happy with the house, and hope we can stay here again!
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Honu Hideaway

This was our second VRBO rental in Puako. We tucked in six people into the main house and adjoining cottage. It's comfortable for three couples. If you are travelling with children, you'll need to get creative with sleeping arrangements. The house was well stocked with appliances, dishes, towels and beach toys. The home could use some TLC (minor repairs). The property manager was very responsive to a housekeeping issue we encountered upon our arrival. If you are seeking a quiet get-away for your Big Island adventure, this is a good way to go.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cara M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay for family of 5

We really enjoyed our recent stay in this Puako home. The neighborhood is lovely and the house was accommodating. We cooked dinner most nights, the kitchen was well equipped. It would be nice to add additional outdoor lights on the front porch and back patio. The back house includes nice privacy. Overall, great visit to Puako. Hopefully we will be back.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Miranda J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house in a great spot

This house is better than it appeared in the listing. Clean, simple, comfortable furniture and uncluttered style throughout the house. It is very well set up for renting, with switches all labelled and other good info provided by the owner. The kitchen is in a separate section from the master bedroom and living room, so it is easy to have privacy and quiet while other people are cooking/socializing. It is just across the street from the ocean and 5 minutes drive from fantastic swimming/snorkling beaches.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Rod & Brooke S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Puako

House was nice and clean and has a fantastic location. There needs to be a door to the master bedroom when sharing the house with other guests or kids. The yard is not up to par compared to other VRBO’s in the area. This was a little disappointing as part of the attraction in the neighborhood is the lush gardens that you enjoy in the morning and evening. They definitely need to make improvements here or charge less. The property manager is awesome and the owners replaced the BBQ with a new one during our stay because the old one was rusted out. We appreciated that. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate this place a 7. You can’t beat the location but there are other properties that will give you more bang for your buck.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris K.

Puako 85

Wonderful trip. Loved the house. Swam every day. Sunsets with friends. Hope we can make it an annual event.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan B.

Wonderful and spacious updated home in the best location!

My girlfriend and I very much enjoyed our stay in Puako. The home is located right across the street from the ocean and some of the best snorkeling and free dive spots are within a two-minute walk to the water. The home was very clean and recently updated and offered an array of beach equipment as well as two outdoor showers. Check-in was a breeze and I am looking forward to coming back!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie P.

💯

💯
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

About the host

Hosted by Hawaii Coast Properties

Host profile image
Hawaii VRBO Homes manages multiple vacation rentals on island. We are committed to ensuring our guest have the best Hawaiian experience. Our staff oversees all the day to day operations: repairs, communications, arrivals and guest requests. We are on call every day for any emergency. We also can help you plan your adventures! Let us help you create your ideal vacation, whether it is a relaxing or an adventurous experience you are looking for, we can customize your trip. Please inquire with us directly for more information on our services. Please feel free to reach out to us before, during or after your stay with us.

Why they chose this property

Puako (Pu-ah-ko) is the only small, quaint oceanfront community on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. It is located about 30 miles north of Kailua-Kona and 22 miles north of the Kona airport. The island's largest white sand beach, Hapuna, is right next door. The major resorts such as Hapuna Prince, Mauna Kea Resort, Fairmont, Hilton, and Marriot are all a short drive away with some of the best beaches and golf in Hawaii.

Puako is conveniently located for enjoying all the resort hotels and restaurants on the Kohala Coast. The Mauna Kea, the Fairmont Orchid, the Mauna Lani and Hilton Hotels are just minutes away with their beaches, fine dining, shopping and world class golf courses. Kohala Divers and Ocean Sports is nearby at Kawaihae Center, and offers various ocean activities including scuba diving and sunset/afternoon sails. Kawaihae Center and Harbor are just 10 minutes by car, with several great restaurants and shops. You are close to almost any activity you may desire, with the exception of viewing the volcano which is a 3 hour drive.

Several fabulous beaches are minutes away. Hapuna Beach (voted best beach in Hawaii by Conde Nast Magazine) and Waialea Bay (Beach 69) both are wonderful for swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding.

The neighborhood is called Puako, and it is conveniently located for touring all parts of the island. All homes in this neighborhood are on small acreage, so it is a very low-density area. Driving time to the Kona airport is approx. 30 minutes, Kailua Kona 45 minutes, Waimea 20 minutes, Hilo 1½ hours, Captain Cook, coffee country, 1¼ hours, Hawi and Polulu Valley 20-30 minutes.

What makes this property unique

Puako is rich in Hawaiian history. Walk south along the ocean trail to see the petroglyphs. There are approximately 3,000 petroglyphs scattered throughout the Puako Archaeological Fields. These pictures are etched into the lava rock that dominates the Kohala and Kona Coasts. Access to the Puako Petroglyph Park is through the adjacent Mauna Lani Resort.
The waters around Puako are extremely clear due to the freshwater runoff and strong coastal currents. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy waters abundant in sea life along the shallow reef at Puako. The Puako Marine Preserve is a protected environment for endangered sea life. Green sea turtles are a protected species and should not be bothered, only enjoyed and admired. Watch the humpback whales play along the coast during the winter and spring months. Beyond Puako's reef shelf the whales play and breach during their migration to Hawaii from Alaska. It is quite a sight!
There are many, many great restaurants… All within a 5-10 mile radius. There are lots of ocean activities and fun things to do! The Big Island is jam-packed with adventures!

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