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"Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play

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Let your stress drift away...
Privacy with a front row seat to antics of whales, dolphins, and amazing sunsets
Miles of uninterrupted views. There are 6 lounge chairs on pool patio
sunset at the sun bench
view of Hualalai

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 6325.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Kamuela, HI
  • Place, Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company Visitor's Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Garden view

1 Queen Bed

master 2

1 King Bed

Master 1

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms

Garden view Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Master Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

pool side bathroom

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

"Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play

Wonderful experiences await your arrival at Whales Play, a secluded and tranquil retreat. Take in the panoramic views while lounging on the upper lanai, watching whales and dolphins at play. Savor a lingering sunset and then be dazzled by the starriest night sky from the serenity of your private, ocean-dark infinity pool. Allow the subtle sounds of the ocean and warm tropical breezes to lift your spirits and clear your mind.
This is your Hawaiian oasis – a stately 3 bdr 3 ba ocean-front home, providing for your comfort and enjoyment in every detail. Eclectic décor features natural treasures and art from around the Pacific. From beach chairs to pool-side barbeque, we have you covered. The Chef’s kitchen accommodates gourmet endeavors to take out. There are lots of cozy spaces to gather for a good talk or to curl up with your favorite book. When the day is done, Whales Play features two master suites each with vast ocean views, and a third bedroom with a garden/waterfall view. Sleep sweet and awake, renewed and refreshed, to the sounds and sights of the vast Pacific.
Whether you seek island adventures, a chilled-out vacation, or anything in between, make Whales Play your ultimate, most memorable home base.

We take extraordinary measures to keep you and your family safe at our home. We guarantee a thorough stem to stern cleaning and sanitizing prior to your arrival.

STVR #19-351309
NUC#19-588

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
W.P. is not appropriate for children under 6 yrs
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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
Absolutely no smoking anywhere on property
Whales Play is not appropriate for children under the age of 6. Quiet Hours are 9pm-8am. please respect our neighbors!
There is a mandatory $200 mid stay cleaning for reservations in excess of 14 days.

Important information

You need to know

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number GE-072-928-6656-01, TA-072-928-6656-01

About the area

Kamuela

Located in Kamuela, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Mauna Kea Beach and Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Rutgers Tennis Center, or consider a night out at Anna Ranch Heritage Center. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and ecotours.
View more Holiday homes in KamuelaOpens in a new window
Map
Kamuela, HI

What's nearby

  • Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company Visitor's Center - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Pua Mau Place Botanic & Sculpture Garden - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site - 5 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Pua Mau Place Arboretum - 5 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area - 9 min drive - 11.7 km

Getting around

  • Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ikena Landing - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Copper Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Mauna Kea Cafe & Market - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Hau Tree - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play?

As of 1 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play on 4 May 2026 start from NZ$4,045, 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.

Is "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Pua Mau Place Botanic & Sculpture Garden, Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company Visitor's Center. Mauna Kea Beach and Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

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. 70 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible house, view, pool, huge lanai! The property is super private. Has a large kitchen and tons of outdoor seating. We saw a humpback whale from the house! Would definitely go back!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rike C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house is magical. Great views, great amenities. Best stocked kitchen for supplies and ingredients I’ve ever seen. Friendly host and property manager. Pool and hot tub clean and functional. Awesome!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The highlight was the amazing view and infinity pool. Sunsets every night were amazing. The house had everything we needed for a family of five so cooking meals was a breeze. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joel S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views (ocean from 2 rooms). Pool was amazing for kids and adults. Plenty of lounge space inside and out. Hot tub was great. All kitchen and bathroom supplies you would need.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidi R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing house with stunning views. Susan was very welcoming and the house was very high end and well stocked. Would absolutely return.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Royce A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic location and a beautiful home .Well equipped and decorated.We would for sure return to this amazing place .
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

K M B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Whales Play exceeded our high expectations!! The home is lovely--well-maintained, beautifully appointed, thoughtfully stocked. It offers incredible privacy while still being a short hop to all the amenities. We not only saw whales, we could HEAR them from the lanai....truly magical!Highly recommend, would love to go back, would rate it 6 stars if we could!!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was exactly as shown in the pictures. The kitchen had everything you could need. The new TV room down by the pool was a great addition. Check in was easy.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unbelievable property! Can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

gail C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property! The view especially the sunset is spectacular from the pool area and lanai. The house has everything you could want and it is hard to leave to see other parts of the island. The owner and property manager were very responsive and quickly resolved any questions. Hope to come back again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John B S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this beautiful home! First of all, Sue was great. She was VERY quick with her responses when I had questions. She was very helpful and she wanted to make sure that we had a great trip. The pictures of the house are nice but it is even better once you step foot on the property. Plus there are a number of great things that are not included in the online VRBO pictures. There is a bar and den area downstairs by the pool that is not pictured. Also a beautiful garden on the side of the house that we had no idea was there before we arrived. We enjoyed the pool, hot tub, grill, etc. The big kitchen was fully stocked with everything we needed. And most importantly THE VIEW. I can't imagine that there is a house on the island that could have a better, more private view of the ocean. Sunsets are the best! And we whale watched from the pool deck. The house sits up high enough that you have an AMAZING 180* view of the pacific ocean--looking due west. There are no homes down the coast to the north, so you feel like you are all alone at times. We had an amazing trip and hope that we can return sometime! Sue, thanks again!
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Whales Play fully lived up to its name as a freeway for whales and dolphins! Mornings spent sitting in bed or lanai with coffee just watching them! The house is a fantastic layout and everyone had a private spot. Lower pool level room made for fun movie nights. Incredibly well appointed kitchen! The artwork was so tasteful and fun. Evenings spent on the lanai watching the plethora of geckos and praying mantis all doing their part to keep the big bugs at bay! So many amazing outdoor sitting spots where the sun could always be found. The pool and hot tub were SO relaxing, just floating watching the world go by! Lots of fun coastal areas to explore down below as well(the acacia thorn warnings were appreciated as they were gnarly!!). While a bit of a hike from Kona, it was close to several beautiful beaches and the Mauna Kea and Waikoloa resorts were close enough by that amenities were reasonably accessible. Mauna Kea Luau was also really good for an evening out! Beach chairs, towels, snorkel gear, boogie boards all added to the fun! Just cannot rave about this home enough...we've stayed at many gorgeous homes but this one truly stands out as a showstopper. It was very easy to adjust to and the communication with the homeowner, Sue, was fantastic. The house was so well set up that we didn't even need to connect much at all with Leilani, the property manager, but initially I did and she was very quick to respond! Cannot recommend enough!!!
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidi H.

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

Absolutely Stunning

Whales Play is a truly special property. Incredibly private and quiet! Well appointed kitchen and lovely/comfortable furniture throughout the house. The pool area is perfect! Would highly recommend this home!
Stayed 14 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Don B.

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

Wonderful home

Fantastic views on in a secluded and private setting. Beautiful home and loved the outdoor dining and lounging spaces the most. Great stay.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John T.

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

An Amazing House and Stay!

We have had stayed at a number of VRBOs and houses on the island, but have been wanting to stay at Whale’s Play for several years. We finally got our opportunity and it was an amazing experience that did not disappoint. The views are unmatched and the house is well stocked with everything we needed for our 5 night stay. The lanai and pool area were our favorite spots to relax. Definitely stay at Whale’s Play if you have the opportunity. Sue, our host, and Leilani were also amazing throughout with recommendations on where to eat and things to do. Would have given this house a higher rating if VRBO allowed
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robin H.

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

Perfect!

We’ve stayed at this property twice - both times it’s been amazing. Clean, well stocked, wonderful pool and incredible views. Easy check-in and out and communication with the host was fantastic. 5 stars all the way.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nick D.

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

Incredible

This place is amazing and even better than advertised. Sue is a wonderful, responsive host. Would love to stay here again
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

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

Excellent VRBO

Beautiful setting perched above the Pacific with breath-taking views of whales playing and amazing sunsets. Quiet neighborhood. Very safe. Owners were quick with inquiries and delightful hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin G.

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

Incredible Beyond Words

Everything about this place is incredible beyond words. The location is private and peaceful. The views are breathtakingly beautiful. The house is extremely comfortable and has so much to admire it was hard to leave and go enjoy the island. We will definitely be back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a perfect retreat for anyone seeking spectacular views, comfortable living spaces, and every imaginable amenity - from binoculars for whale-watching or bird-spotting, to any conceivable kitchen utensil or appliance to get you from morning coffee to evening nightcap. The entire house is tastefully decorated, yet the draw is always outside to sit by the infinity pool or take in the ocean views and moving sunsets. Sue was very quick to respond to every question or concern. The house is immaculate. The landscaping is wonderful, right down to the koi pond. Very convenient for heading uphill to Waimea, or south along the coast to Kona beaches and resorts. Can't wait to return!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mai H.

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

3rd time stay was still wonderful

Even in the off season for whale watching, you’ll still be able to enjoy the peacefulness of Kohala Coast while seeing dolphins from time to time. The amenities are top-notched. The only hiccup was the grill ran out of gas and there was no back-up.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James B.

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

Amazing stay at Whales Play

Visited the big island for a week with family and a few of our daughter’s friends prior to moving to Oahu for a meeting. I cannot say enough good things about this property. The location in wonderful and the house is immaculate and well maintained. While we have had the fortune to stay at many nice villa/home rentals around the world, this is the first review I have ever written. The property is that good.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt H.

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

Incredible - In every sense of the word!

The property was as listed - but better. The experience with the owner and management company were in line with the reviews - but better. The location was perfect. We hope that this property is still an active VRBO option when we return to Hawaii. The owner has thought of every amenity - it is the most well appointed home we have experienced. Simply wonderful!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Raymond H.

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

Simply Incredible

Unbelievable property with stunning views. The owner and property manager were very communicative and accommodating. The beautiful pictures do not do this place justice. The views and grounds were incredible. Location was great. Everything was clean and secure. Could not rate this place highly enough. Would recommend to anyone looking to spend time on the big island.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris A.

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

Amazing View

Absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. The house and location were better than I could’ve imagined-incredibly peaceful and private. The view is breathtaking and unobstructed. Sunsets, as others have described, were stunning. Sue and Leilani were fantastic to work with. It is a magical spot-you will not regret the chance to make lifetime memories here. Thank you Sue and Lani!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Sue Kruse

Host profile image
We are long time Alaskans with a penchant for quality, privacy, and a fundamental need to be surrounded by natural beauty.

Why they chose this property

After years of searching on 3 Hawaiian Islands, the first time we entered Whales Play it was game over. This property is beyond anything we could have dreamed to own.

What makes this property unique

There's something about this piece of property and the land around us. It embraces you, welcomes you. There is a warmth and comfort that seems to emanate from everything.
Then there's the vast unobstructed views of the headlands, the ocean and Maui. It’s so rare in Hawaii where you dont have distracting structures, people, vehicles in your view plane. Its just you and the natural world.

Languages:

English
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