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Hawaii Spinner dolphins visit Kealakekua Bay

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Exterior
New flooring & paint in July 2021.
Living area
Next to the Wallis a dehumidifier. I run it every time it rains.
The Ohana (rental apartment) is the entire ground floor of my 3-story house.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Captain Cook, HI
  • Place, Kapahukapu Manini Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
    ‪54 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchenette
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Hawaii Spinner dolphins visit Kealakekua Bay

A rare find at the beach! Just painted April 2026. Dolphins come in often and swim me while I am out playing in the Bay. The "Ohana"-guest apartment for rent is on the GROUND floor. It is completely separate from the two floors where I live upstairs. You can walk down the street to enter Kealakekua Bay where you swim in the nourishing crystalline blue water. Or walk 5 minutes the other direction to snorkel/swim, enjoy many species of marine fishes, turtles at Manini beach. Sleep to the lullaby of ocean waves. Two other beloved swim spots, Honaunau Bay is 10 minutes and County Park Ho'okena is 20 minutes drive away. My Ohana is spacious (600 s.f. =56 sq. m.). I just added a deck on the ground level for you:) A 12'x16' lanai on the second floor with spectacular ocean view is also available for guests. It has one bedroom with a comfortable Queen size bed. In the living room, one futon pull down to a 50 in. bed and a Queen size Sealy air bed available by request. All with 100% cotton bedding. The kitchenette has more cookware than you will ever use. Floor laminate installed in July 2021. My place is chemical free. I will assist you in every way possible so that you enjoy your time on the Big Island. The road that connect my house to highway 11 was paved last year!!! see photo. Once you turn off Mamalahoa Hwy, you will ride smoothly for ten minutes to come to my house. Smooth road is uncommon on the Big Island unless you stay at a resort. Internet access is by Fiber Optics, super fast: 500 Mbps Download, 340 Mbps Upload. The posted rate is for 2 persons per day. Each additional occupant is $50 per day. Your questions are welcome anytime. I have received many more 5-star reviews on airbnb, the other popular vacation rental site.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Put all trash in a big garbage bag before inserting in outside trash can located past the deck, behind cedar fence. NO small loose trash inside trash can. Mahalo.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number GE-041-388-6976-01, TA-041-388-6976-01, 0038250280000
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Captain Cook

Located in Captain Cook, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Kona Coffee Living History Farm and H.N. Greenwell Store Museum are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Keauhou Shopping Center and Kona Farmers Market. Big Island Bees and Bay View Farm are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and mountain climbing nearby.
View more Holiday homes in Captain CookOpens in a new window
Map
Captain Cook, HI

What's nearby

  • Kapahukapu Manini Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park - 10 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Magic Sands Beach - 22 min drive - 23.8 km
  • Kailua Pier - 29 min drive - 32.9 km
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - 54 min drive - 70.0 km

Getting around

  • Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Korner Pocket Sports Bar & Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Tacoz - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Kona Chips - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Coffee Shack - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Walk 3 minutes to Kealakekua Bay to see dolphins pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Hawaii Spinner dolphins visit Kealakekua Bay?

As of 5 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hawaii Spinner dolphins visit Kealakekua Bay on 4 September 2026 start from NZ$599, 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 Walk 3 minutes to Kealakekua Bay to see dolphins?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Walk 3 minutes to Kealakekua Bay to see dolphins?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Walk 3 minutes to Kealakekua Bay to see dolphins?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Walk 3 minutes to Kealakekua Bay to see dolphins located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Hikiau Heiau State Monument and Kealakekua Bay. Kapahukapu Manini Beach and Big Island Bees are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 22 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 28 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juli L M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything about this property and location was amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Mel B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
If you are considering this property, be advised to read all the fine print in the descriptions. We noted afterwards that the high ratings given to this bnb all refer to the area and activities (snorkeling, dolphins, etc), but do not offer much about the space you will be staying.We found it uncomfortable to stay there. It's good as a crash pad. If you plan to hang closer to home and don't mind clutter in your outdoor relax area, footsteps and voices overhead, the need ask for soap/shampoo, dirty barbecue, noisy water heater,dim indoor space, this will be fine. In discussing these items with the host, she did provide soap/shampoo and offered to clean the bbq.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony M.

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

Amazing stay

Amazing location for snorkeling; simple, lovely accomodations with everything we needed, and a really sweet, super helpful host. An absolutely wonderful week; not nearly enough time; will definitely come back some day!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Eric V.

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

Great getaway

A no frills great location getaway from the bustle of the Kona area. Easy walking distance to various snorkeling locations around Captain Cook and a short drive to others. Alice and her cat Om were very welcoming and an absolute pleasure to be around. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Kristen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A short walk to Manini Beach. Fifteen minute drive to good coffee shop, South Kona fruit stand, City of Refuge and Two Step for snorkeling. Shopping center nearby. Quiet neighborhood (with regards to people). We enjoyed the birds and frog sounds at night (windows are screens/shutters, not glass windows). Be prepared for ants and large centipedes (the host did mention them in her guide, but we didn’t realize how large or what to do about the centipedes). Washer broke during our stay. Kitchen had the essential cooking tools, bowls, hot plates, microwave and toaster oven, fridge/freezer. You do have to be careful using too many cooking appliances at once - we tripped the breaker.The host was responsive to issues.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve F.

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

Sweet spot

Simple lodging but comfortable. Great location with ready access to Manini Park and the bay. Alice is welcoming and delightful.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine K.

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

A Great Visit

My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We loved having fresh fruit from the garden and local information from our hostess. We loved the location so close to Two Step and Manini beaches. It was nice to have the good snorkeling so close. We would love to come back again.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine J.

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

True Hawaiian experience!

If you want to experience a true Hawaiian vacation away from the hustle of Kona, this is the place to come. The best bay on the island for snorkeling is only steps away. And yes...there are dolphins who swim into the bay while you are snorkeling! We had a wonderful vacation! Thank you Alice for sharing your homegrown fruit with us!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rod G.

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

Great stay

We enjoyed our stay here quite a lot. It’s very down to earth, and the hostess Alice is very eco-conscious which lined up well with our priorities. The papayas were in season while we were there, and Alice encouraged us to pick our own, right from the tree. The location is awesome and there is a fair amount of water gear (for snorkeling, etc.) available at the house. We really enjoyed our stay there and hope to be back again some day!!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

joann t.

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

paradise

this was the best rental experience ever- our host was perfect in every way-so helpful and kind- the home had everything we needed and more- we were minutes by foot to amazing beaches - fresh papaya and bananas and dolphins- can't wait until we can come again- don't miss this wonderful place
Stayed 10 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jess G.

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

Anchorage snow escape

Wonderful location with great snorkeling only steps away in magical Kealakekua Bay. Alice is a wonderful host, gracious and generous with information about the area as well as with fruit and flowers from her garden. Her space is a true example of home away from home, offering both a private accommodation and an opportunity for delightful interactions with a local resident in a very peaceful setting.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ramona R.

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

Wonderful trip

We really enjoyed our stay here. It’s a lovely neighborhood and it is quiet. If you are looking for a different experience than a resort stay, I highly recommend it. We had amazing snorkeling at Two Step down the street, sea kayaked to Captain Cook across the bay with Hawaiian outfitters Aloha Kayak, and hiked a lava tube near Kileaua (which is a drive but worth it). Alice is a kind and attentive host. Aloha!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gayle M.

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

Great Vacation Spot

We enjoyed our stay at Alice's property. The location is great, just a short stroll to the beach. You can lock the door without needing keys, allowing you to go to the beach with only beach stuff. The area is very quiet and peaceful. It is close enough to grocery stores by car. Alice is a great host and her cat Lula is the best. We saw dolphins on our first day. Both Alice and her neighbours shared fresh fruit and vegetables with us, which was amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura H.

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

Beautiful experience in the Ohana

I arrived in the Ohana about 10 at night. The beautiful night sounds of the bay were incredibly peaceful and remained this way throughout my stay. The Ohana is comfortable, intimate, clean, large and peaceful. It was clear to me Alice was committed to my comfort and needs. Alice is a wonderful hostess; I appreciated this a great deal. Highly recommend and hope I am able to return!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location - close to Kealakekua Bay and just a short drive to Honaunau (Two Step). We saw an incredible variety of marine life, including turtles, mantas, octopus, dolphins, eagle rays, eels, and more.The accommodations were simple, comfortable and thoughtfully stocked with everything we needed. We cooked meals using the toaster oven and induction burner, and loved picking up local goodies: coffee, fresh fruit, banana bread, and poke from nearby farmstands and shops.The bed was medium-firm, and the sheets and coverlet were especially soft and cozy. The sounds of tropical nightlife (especially the Coqui frogs) can be loud, so if you're a light sleeper, white noise or earplugs help and I slept very well. Even on warmer nights, the fans and louvered windows kept the space cool and private. We never needed to use the AC. If you're seeking luxury or vibrant nightlife, this might not be the right fit. But if your ideal trip includes snorkeling, kayaking, and the occasional drive to volcanoes or up north, this is a fantastic place to stay. Thanks again, Alice!
Manta ray
Octopus off Manini Beach
Fish near Captain Cook
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Corrie K.

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

Delightful stay

This is a great off-the-beaten path place. It’s rustic but comfortable with 2 beaches in walking distance. Alice, the host, is delightful and readily available if there are any issues. She even invites guests to pick ripe papaya from her trees. Everything was nicely clean and well stocked. As a bonus there’s a great snorkeling beach about a 10 minute drive away. Bring water shoes! Everything is rocky. Make sure you stop at a market before you arrive because there are very few grocery options in Captain Cook. Overall, a great stay and experience.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara K.

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

Perfect location

Property location was great. We wanted to do a lot of diving near hunounou and this made it possible. We had 3 adults and it was more than enough room. Our only complaint was the shower. The shower curtain needs to be replaced with something that can dry out more easily (with humidity it never dried). The drain catch moves too easily so it doesn't catch hair ( I had to clean out the drain). Otherwise, it's just as advertised. Great location and the rooms were very clean! I loved the window slats. Alice was always friendly and easy to talk to during the whole trip! Would definitely book again!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Steven C.

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

Extremely disappointing; p

This property falls far short of the standards to which we have become accustomed for VRBO properties. The grounds look like Tobacco Road. The interior is not particularly clean or well maintained. The kitchen has no sink and no running water, let alone a dishwasher. To wash dishes you have to take them to the laundry room and wash them in the laundry room sink. There is no stove only two hot plates not usable simultaneously as you will blow a circuit. The living space is on the ground floor with no view other than the cluttered exterior of the house. The location is unfortunate to say the least. It requires a thirty minute drive to get to Kailua-Kona where you can find decent restaurants, shops and food stores. Coming home from dinner requires a long descent down a narrow, dark, switch-back road to get to the house. We stayed one night and then left. I would recommend you not book this property at all
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom M.

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

Little Slice of Heaven

This rental is really about two things: the location and the host. It is like staying with your favourite aunt. Alice lives upstairs and therefore you will bump into her. While not intrusive in the least, she will insure you have everything you need, offer you fresh fruit from her trees (the bananas and avocados were great), and offer to take you for a morning swim with the dolphins (while obeying all the rules of course). The location is beautiful we kayaked the bay twice, once with a tour and once by ourselves. As good as the tour was, going by ourselves was even better since we could snorkel as long as we wanted. Speaking of which, it is a short drive to Two-Step (we went to the right and down the shore a klick or so). Even the dive from Manini Beach around the point to Grandma's Beach where the kayak rental is set up was pretty good. The sunsets from Manini were spectacular, we even saw the green flash once. A hidden treasure was Ke'ei beach. Getting there in our small SUV was no problem. Special shout out to Fred - gardener and raconteur extraordinaire. Be sure you read the listing and look at the pictures. There is a outdoor barbeque, but it often rains in the evening. There is an induction hot plate, rather than a full stove, but I still made great meals with it. There is no dishwasher and the sink is a laundry tub in the laundry room, but it was not a big deal. There are great restaurants and grocery stores with delis 11 minutes up the highway. The road is narrow and windy, but two lane and perfectly safe. Finally, because it is a screened ground floor unit in the tropics there will inevitably be a few bugs. The evenings it didn't rain little gnats or midges would get in attracted to the light. They don't bite but they do die during the night so they had to be swept up in the mornings. There were some tiny ants which could be dealt with by the vinegar spray provided. There was only 1 other bug observed. In all it was a very special time and I cannot thank Alice enough for her hospitality. PS we did see dolphins every day.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle D.

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

Cozy stay near Captain Cook's Monument

We enjoyed our stay and loved being able to walk just a couple of minutes down the road to the water where we enjoyed the beautiful views and our son played on the rocks, exploring tide pools. We especially loved the resident cats who were very friendly. Alice had lots of good tips and it was a treat to eat papayas from her yard. It's just a short drive to Honaunau Bay where the snorkeling is fabulous. Kayaks can be rented nearby for a trip to Captain Cook's Monument. There are also many coffee plantations to explore within a few minutes drive. The rental is small and nicely ventilated with many levered windows. We found the bed to be very comfortable and our son slept well on the futon. It was pleasant to hear the frogs at night and the birds in the morning. Because there isn't a full kitchen, we had simple meals for breakfast and lunch and then drove to town (only about 15 minutes) for dinner. We don't care for resort vacations and find it fun to see how the locals live so this rental was a good fit for us.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward M.

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

Kealakekua Bay Vacation

This is an awesome property right across the street from Kealakekua Bay. The ideal location to relax and enjoy the spectacular ocean life in the Bay. Alice is an outstanding host who is very responsive to any requests. She is full of information on local beaches and the best places to see dolphins and whales. Manini Beach is less than a 10 minute walk from the house and is a quiet secluded area to relax and watch the waves and the sunset. Several remote beaches ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling are within a 10 minute drive. The Big Island is our favorite place to vacation and this house is the best place to relax and rewind in the constant Hawaiian sun. Definitely coming back to see Alice and the bay.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sondra L.

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

The relaxation we were looking for!

We swam and searched for dolphins every morning. No luck this time, but we will be back! Thank you, Alice - wonderful experience for our holidays!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John S.

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

Great stay by the bay!

We couldn't be happier with our VRBO choice for our stay on the Big Island. The unit was spacious and comfortable and well-equipped, and just steps away from Kealakekua Bay. Hard to beat for snorkeling, and host Alice has a special relationship with the dolphins. Our first morning there she introduced us to a large pod of them plus a manta ray! (We were lucky with our timing.) Another great snorkeling spot, Honaunau Bay or 2-Step, is a very short drive to the south. Highly recommended for a quiet getaway to enjoy the Hawaiian waters!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen F.

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

Great base camp for paddling, snorkeling, relaxing

I felt very safe and relaxed under the current coronavirus crisis because the place was very clean, very ventilated, and the owner could tell me exactly who had been there and how long ago. In general, this is a great, practical location for paddling and snorkeling in Kealakekua - I wish I had been able to stay longer to explore the neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lavant W.

Everything just fine......

All was great here, and very close to manini beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

About the host

Hosted by Alice Tobin

Host profile image
I live a dream life. During my first visit in March 2017, I felt in love with Kealakekua Bay and its dolphins, so I moved here later that year. I love humpback whales who visits us in the winter, and I love the crystal blue water here in this Bay. The energies at this Bay is incredible. I lived on the east cost, USA for 44 years. I am a practitioner of Eden Method-Energy Medicine and Sound Healing, working just a few hours now- saving most of my time for water activities and experiencing the spectacular Big Island. . There is beauty around every corner here! My boy-cat, Om lives here with me. He stays mostly indoor.

Why they chose this property

When I decided to move to the Big Island, I knew exactly where I want to live. Here in Kealakekua Bay so that I can be in the water by walking across the street, or walk 5 minutes down the street. I walk 5 minutes the other direction to Manini Beach-a local favorite. There is no commercials once you are down here, yet go ten minutes uphill you'll find all that you need. I am very fortunate to have purchased this house, 200 feet from the ocean, just two months after I arrived Kona in 2017.

What makes this property unique

I will let you know when dolphins come in during most mornings. Or where to see Manta Ray, Eagle Ray during the day! If you love water, the sound of the surf or bird songs, you'll love it here. Note: my tap water from Hawaii County measures at 7.0pH. I installed a filter and water energizer at the main water line. You will be properly hydrated while you're out in the sun.

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