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Mermaid Paradise - a breath away from Kealakekua Bay

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Large comfortable lanai area to enjoy fresh air lounging with your private BBQ
Dining area, outside lanai, living room, gourmet kitchen, & 2 large bedrooms!
Plenty of room in this kitchen with everything you may need for gourmet meals!
A kitchen with white cabinets, a wooden countertop, a sink, a stove, and a bar area with stools.
Living room area with 2 new couches, that can fold down to extra full size beds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

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

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Living Room 1

2 Double Beds

North bedroom

1 King Bed

South bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

North bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

South bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Number of living rooms
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Mermaid Paradise - a breath away from Kealakekua Bay


My Mermaid Paradise, a wonderful spot to leisurely relax and re-new. Smell the flowers at my privately gated, custom home. Two large, comfortable bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Evenings provide silky Hawaiian 'mauka' (mountain) breezes. Awaken to sounds of songbirds, surrounded by beautiful gardens with lily ponds.

My home has been rented long term for 5 years! The folks who were vacationing when the pandemic began, loved it so much they never left!
They recently they bought their own home & they are sad to leave my Mermaid Paradise!

If you want to read my more recent reviews, please look at my "Mermaid Studio" (my other rental)
I have painted the entire interior and upgraded with new furniture since!

Only 2 minutes walk down the road and you are at the ocean!
I can share this sweet video with you;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJujl_el2MU

My Mermaid home, newly decorated, 1150 square feet is in the middle of the Manini Beach sub-division at Kealakekua Bay.
Charming and bright, a gourmet kitchen with coconut wood bar, a large pantry and a dishwasher. Everything you would like to enjoy dinner with an artistic dining area.
The living area has two new couches that each fold down to a bed (this home sleeps 6 total) -
If you have a larger party, downstairs my Mermaid Studio may be available too. My Mermaid Studio is lovely and spacious with a Cal King bed, a queen sofa, kitchenette, full size fridge and my favorite custom, outside shower is delightful. Please inquire for larger groups or a separate rental.
For your convenience WIFI is available throughout this home.

Enjoy the salty breezes as you barbecue on this large 450 square feet Hawaiian style covered lanai. Listen to the ocean as you relax and unwind after a day of adventure. Relish the beautiful tropical gardens, fruit trees and lotus ponds, which surround this lovely vacation home. Sweet aromas will remind you to stop and smell the essence of the island's aloha spirit.

A short walk down to Manini Beach, on the south side of Kealakekua Bay, Mermaids enjoy the snorkeling, which is so wonderful in the morning. Watching the fish go about their morning clears my mind, healing happens as my body floats!

Beach towels, beach chairs, body boards, foam noodles, coolers, some snorkel gear, life preserver and a beach umbrella too!

Only about 200 steps to the mouth of Manini Beach, or the South entrance at Kahauloa Bay is all an incredible underwater protected ocean sanctuary where Captain Cook sailed into Kealakekua Bay.

Swim with the whales, bottle nose dolphins, green sea turtles, mantas, eagle rays and enjoy world class snorkeling!

Old Hawaii reaches out in every direction as you explore the Napo`opo`o Beach neighborhood, Captain Cooks memorial, Ke`ei Beaches and experience the 'Place of Refuge' (2 steps) at 'Pu`u Honua O`Honauanu' Beach Park.
This 'Place of Refuge 'is a 10 minute drive from my location, a sacred place that is of great religious and historical value to the Hawaiian native culture. There is so much to explore, hike and the swimming is wonderful too!

Kayak, Scuba, paddle board, surf, bike, or hike, explore the Big Island, feel the power of the goddess Pele's creation, relax, rejuvenate, and cleanse your heart with the essence of the spirit of aloha!

Surrounded by the beauty of old Hawaii, discover the many ocean adventures just steps from this private 2 bedroom, 2 full baths vacation home on the Big Island.

Kealakekua bay is located on the Kona Coast, 12 miles South of Kailua-Kona. An historical location, well known for the death of Captain James Cook, the European explorer who made first contact with Native Hawaiians in 1778 at Kealakekua Bay.
(which means 'Pathway to the Gods')
Kealakekua Bay is also one of all Hawaii's most spectacular coral reefs. This is a Marine Life Conservation District where fish are plentiful and swarm over the well developed reef formations that slope steeply from the shore into the nearby deep water. Spinner dolphins and green sea turtles are commonly seen resting in the bay.

Come and enjoy a swim or snorkel in some of the world's most pristine water! Bring your underwater camera too,

45 minutes from Keahole, Kona Airport
15 minutes to local produce markets, healthy food stores, shopping, restaurants, and local theater.

Only about 200 steps to the ocean at Kealakekua Bay.
My 'Manini Mermaid' Vacation Hideaway is perfect location to enjoy Hawaii!

This old Hawaiian fishing village of Napo`opo`o is known for world class snorkeling. Enjoy my comfortable, quiet Mermaid vacation home, surrounded by tropical flowers and fruit trees.
10 minutes drive to Pu`u Honua O`Honaunau National Park (2 steps). Walking distance to many adventures in this small neighborhood.
Rental kayaks are still available at the south entrance to the ocean (please; only if you are ocean worthy enough, so that you can adventure out on the Bay on your own).

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please ask about children prior to reservation
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Please ask about events before making reservation.
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Pets

No pets allowed, service animals permitted
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Please put any used sheets & towels in the laundry baskets that are provided, located in the closets. Please start some laundry if possible.
Please turn off all lights and fans whenever you leave the house, especially when you check out.
If you decide to use the A/C close all the windows, be sure to turn off the A/C whenever you leave the house, especially when you check out! DO NOT lock doors when you check out!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please ask about children prior to making your reservations. My home is truly for adults 10PM at night is quiet time Please take garbage to the dump.
Please turn off all lights, fans, and A/C when you are out for the day and especially when you check out.
Transfer station is located 2 minutes away, (South on the lower road, open Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday. 6am - 6pm).

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number TA-048-010-0352-01, 3820060210000, W00203292-01
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 6
Note from host: Please ask about events before making reservation.
Long-term renters welcome
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

Captain Cook

Located in Captain Cook, this holiday home is in a rural area. H.N. Greenwell Store Museum and Greenwell Farms are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Big Island Bees and Bay View Farm. Travelling with kids? Consider Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Aloha Performing Arts Center. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and horse riding nearby.
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Map
Captain Cook, HI

What's nearby

  • Kapahukapu Manini Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park - 10 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Magic Sands Beach - 23 min drive - 24.2 km
  • Kailua Pier - 30 min drive - 33.2 km
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - 55 min drive - 70.3 km

Getting around

  • Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Korner Pocket Sports Bar & Grill - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Tacoz - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Kona Chips - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Coffee Shack - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mermaid Paradise - a breath away from Kealakekua Bay pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Mermaid Paradise - a breath away from Kealakekua Bay?

As of 5 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mermaid Paradise - a breath away from Kealakekua Bay on 9 June 2026 start from NZ$593, 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 Mermaid Paradise - a breath away from Kealakekua Bay?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Mermaid Paradise - a breath away from Kealakekua Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mermaid Paradise - a breath away from Kealakekua Bay?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Mermaid Paradise - a breath away from Kealakekua Bay located?

This family-friendly Captain Cook holiday home is located in a rural location, within a 10-minute walk of Kapahukapu Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Hikiau Heiau State Monument. Big Island Bees is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) away.

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. 38 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mila B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our 3 days that we stayed here were really enjoyable. The place is very nice and has everything for a comfortable stay. Jill is very friendly and responds to calls or messages right away. We wished we could stay forever. Hopefully will come back sometime soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jill was a great communicator and really accommodating. The location was wonderful; just a block to one beach and two blocks to another. The place itself is extremely comfortable, well appointed and is a real gallery of art.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Miranda K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jilli is an excellent hostess, but the real GOAT is Smuzer.They both made our stay relaxing and memorable. The location cannot be beat. Manini beach is really amazing. We kayaked with Ehu and Kai to Kealakekua Bay, a short walk away which is massively convenient—no hauling a kayak or parking woes. Big island bees is quite close and a fantastic experience. You are close enough to enjoy Kona if you wish, but you are removed enough to just relax.We loved Menehune cafe, a stop by the painted church, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Coffee Shack, and Hawaiian Ninja Shaved Ice. Jilli’s is a great place to base for a Big Island adventure! She has laundry, all the kitchen necessities, shampoo, conditioner, sand toys, towels, and a great entertainment setup.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shea B.

Wonderful Getaway

Another fantastic stay at this lovely spot. Beautifully maintained in a quiet and peaceful location. Looking forward to returning very soon! Mahalo!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt K.

Awesome place to stay!

What a beautiful spot! A block away from fantastic snorkeling at Manini Beach or just a short drive to places like Two Steps Beach. Jill was awesome and gave us fresh fruit for breakfast and even a binder with detailed instructions on how to get everywhere, personal insights, and reviews on local places. The house was clean and nicely decorated. We loved our time there and will definitely be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

Very tastefully decorated, everything we need is already there in this home. Close to the beach too!

We loved staying at the Manini Mermaid Home, Jill has snorkel equipment available to use, beach chairs, towels, even sun screen! This location is very close to Manini Beach, 2 Steps and Napoopoo where we like to swim. The yard is beautifully manicured, Jill had fresh mangos and bananas for us when we arrived. We really enjoyed our stay and the hospitality we received. 😊Another great vacation! Aloha!🌺
Stayed 7 nights in May 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelly S.

A lovely home in a wonderful, scenic location

This house is quite nice and feels more like "home" than a vacation rental, per se. It is well maintained, clean and comfortable. We spent four nights here and enjoyed our stay. The beds both were as comfortable as if we were at home. Reach the ocean by walking about a block west or north. Captain Cook monument is an easy kayak paddle across Kealakekua Bay and kayaks can be rented by walking to the boat ramp one block to the west. We highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Shea B.

Lovely Stay by Kealakekua Bay

Our stay at this Manini Beach house could not have been nicer. The house is beautifully furnished and decorated and very comfortable to live in. The grounds and garden here are truly a treasure providing delicious edibles of many kinds depending on the season. We were traveling as a couple with our young teenager and this was perfect! The location is perfect for walking to beautiful snorkeling, jogging in the early morning and a very short drive from so much more. I hope to see Jill and her amazing house again very soon. Mahalo Jill!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Louis W.

Paradise Found

Truly a remarkable place to stay..all the comforts of home, and all the beauty of Hawaii..We found everything we needed, and found the host Jill to be so nice..she had fresh fruit and flowers there when we arrived, and told us to please let her know, if there was anything she could do, to make our stay more enjoyable. Juat a short walk to the breathtaking Manini Bay, where you can hop on a paddle board, snorkel and swim in the bay, go surfing, or just have a picnic in a tropical pardise. This rental is truly paradise found. I will definitely be returning again and again
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M.

Honeymooning Forever

Our Honeymoon was truly in paradise. The home was perfect... A showering of warm smells of fruit and flowers filled us as we entered the driveway. Perfectly clean soft cotton sheets invited us to sleep off our flights... On awakening we walked out to our host's beautiful garden and were greeted by the host. A map of the island, suggestions of best restaurants, and things to do and were provided by the gracious host, Jill Ami. Later dressed, we followed Jill Ami down to the beautiful Manini bay. I loved our time, the beauty of the island and the home. Must plan to return soon. Thank you, Jill Ami for everything
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Joan A.

Great place

We could not find a condo on the ocean in Kona because of the Ironman competition, so we decided to take a risk and rent a house that was not on the ocean, but near the bay that is so highly rated for snorkeling and paddling. From the minute we arrived, the house overwhelmed us. The pictures do not do it justice and the hospitality of the owners and ambiance of the neighborhood are hard to describe. The lanai is truly a living room, the decor is happy and artistic, and the kitchen is the best equipped of any we have ever had in Hawaii (probably 20 trips so far). We made smoothies for breakfast each morning after picking starfruit, bananas, papayas, mangoes, etc. The paddleboarding over to the Captain Cook monument was perfect and the snorkeling excellent. The location of the house is much better than Kona for exploring the island. We look forward to returning someday!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Hawaiian Trip

From swimming with the dolphins to cooking fresh fish on the barby. It all adds up to a perfect vacation & it was all made most enjoyable by our stay at the aptly named “Manini Mermaid” Hideaway. Our two families had everything we needed, from the fully equipped kitchen, to lounging around on the deck sipping Mai Tai’s. Twice we entertained friends for dinner, and were never lacking for any needs from the kitchen or bar. I don’t watch a whole lot of TV, but the satellite system sure made the morning news channels readily available to me. And getting a connection with my I pad was also no problem. And they have bogey boards, snorkel gear & swimming vests available to borrow too! The better to swim to the dolphins! The house is only a short 3 minute walk to the small private beach area, which has some nice swimming/snorkeling or laying around. Or you can take a short drive which will get you to some other pretty wonderful public beach areas; all of which have some pretty great swimming and snorkeling areas. The owner is a gracious host; plus if there is any information you should need, from where to shop, to where to swim, or even where to rent a kayak, she can pretty much give you any information you might need to better your trip. It’s been a while since I have been to Hawaii, but the combination of above, which centered on our home base of the Manini Mermaid, made this just a simply fantastic trip. Thanks!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Daniel N.

A Mixed Bag

This property is a mixed bag: a good rental within its four walls, but adversely impacted by location and billing issues. For background, my wife and I have lived several years in Hawaii, on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, and Molokai. We have rented scores of vacation properties, both inside and outside the United States. The positives: It’s clean and well-maintained. Internet service is good. Clothes washer and dryer. The kitchen is workable (we cook, so kitchens matter). The property allows pets (we had our two dogs with us during our stay). The mediums: There are cats that frequent the property. If you bring dogs, you should know this. The cats are friendly; but if you are bringing dogs that react to cats, it’s something you need to know in advance. Now the negatives: The property is in the flat-lands near the shoreline. That may sound like a positive (and it certainly can be, because you are close to some good things on a great bay); but it means that you have no view, and the surrounding properties and vegetation limit airflow. Your view is the small yard, there is little-to-no breeze, and the house gets hot. There are window air conditioning units in the bedrooms, which helps with sleeping, but they do nothing for the rest of the house. The way you avoid air conditioning in Hawaii is exposure to the trade-winds; this house is lacking in that regard. Next is privacy. The owner lives immediately adjacent to the rental, and the rental is in a separate house that contains another basement-level VRBO. If you are looking for privacy, you aren’t going to find it here. Hawaii living typically involves close proximity on small lots, but that isn’t always what someone wants in a vacation rental. The final negative is the security deposit. We were charged a cumulative of two thousand for a three-night rental. That is more than anything we have encountered anywhere. Two weeks later, we still haven’t received a refund, although the owner says she has approved a full return. I just talked to VRBO.com, and was told that the refund was “initiated” by the owner just yesterday. I don’t know where the issue lies, but the amount and timeline are excessive. So this is, again, a mixed bag: a nice rental within the confines of its physical structure; but lacking a view, privacy, and airflow; and requiring a large security deposit that is refunded at a snail’s pace. With dogs, it's about as good an option as you can find; no dogs, and you might find better.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacqualine B.

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

Amazing stay

Beautiful mermaid beach house! Jill was a wonderful host who greeted us upon arrival. The space was super clean, decorated so cute and very comfortable. Amazing neighborhood with great snorkeling a skip away! We would totally recommend this amazing rental!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy C.

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

Amazing Getaway!

Our family of five (three teens) visited and we made the Manini Mermaid residence our home for a week - a cozy home nestled in a paradise. The location is exclusive. You're within walking distance of two water access points - one of which has a kayak rental! Parking on the Big Island is a premium in spots. From the house you have a quick walk to the water, unlike visitors who walk a distance if they found parking close. Also, the water gear. You'll likely rent water gear that can be pricey. Jill, the owner of your short lived home, has all the gear you need. We had everything we needed and used it almost every day. The a 10-15 minute drive to the main road to points across the island. So any walk to "town" would be a vigorous day hike, but we liked it that way. We burned our calories in the water - snorkeling about and having fun. Everything I needed I found here. There is even a small pantry of food in the event you didn't make it to the market. We cooked several meals from all the local produce using the stocked kitchen and refrigerator. The house is comfortable. The bonus is the deck/Lahaina (we stayed on the second floor). The property feels like a lush oasis. We listened to the birds in the trees. It is the most peaceful sound! Our morning coffee was in a jungle canopy. Just peace. Jill lives on an adjacent house on the property. She was always around for assistance or suggestions if you needed her, but gave you privacy if that’s what you wanted. Her cats would show up every so often, which my kids loved. During our stay we lived like locals enjoying all there is to do on the Big Island. We can’t wait to come back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michelle s.

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

Second time staying at the Mermaid house. Loved it and the location.

Great time.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Louise M.

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

Wonderful

We wanted a place where two married couples could have their privacy. Two bathrooms made it perfect. The kitchen was well stocked and the cats were well behaved. Washer and dryer and beach towels! The house is easier to find than I’d thought but yet has a secluded feel. Thank you Jilli!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

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

Wonderful place to stay in Hawaii

We recommend this place highly. The location is magical… And the owner is very helpful and welcoming. We were quite happy with the accommodation, it was clean, and had everything we needed.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

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

Great vacation

Beautiful, clean house &lanai
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Curtis H.

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

Amazing Stay at Napo'opo'o

This is a very special VRBO property due to the perfect combination of accommodation, location and management. We texted Jill when we got off the plane and she made us feel welcome immediately. After we arrived and settled in, she came by with a basket of fruit from her garden. The house is even more impressive than photos show and our family of 4 was very comfortable in the two king beds and huge lanai. I love to snorkel and found amazing adventures steps away in Kealakekua Bay, and short drives to Ke'ei, Honaunau and Ho'okena. My son picked up a ukulele in Maui, and Jill invited him to her house to sing and play with friends. The property is very quiet and relaxing, and remains off the beaten path. We have stayed in several vacation properties and this is one of our favorite.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tasmin T.

A beautiful, serene retreat

This Manini beach home is a wonderful retreat, with quick and easy access to kayaking and snorkeling. It is set in beautiful, lush gardens, with flowers and birds in abundance. It is a perfect location to unwind and relax. Jill, the owner, is charming and delightful. She is very responsive to any needs that you might have, and a pleasure to work with. The property has plenty of space, and is filled with eclectic pieces of art. It has everything that you could possibly need.I highly recommend a stay here!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

Authentic Hawaii Experience

We've been visiting the Big Island for 25 years and this time, we decided to stay near our favorite snorkeling area. The neighborhood is sweet, charming and somewhat quiet; we took many walks down to the old pier and state park. The Mermaid House is so wonderful and relaxing. The lanai is amazing, the perfect place for dining, chatting, reading or even napping. The interior is cheery and full of beautiful art. The kitchen is well-stocked and we were able to watch Netflix in the evening. Jill is extremely relaxed and lovely; she helpfully provided snorkeling equipment, beach towels and chairs, and boogie boards. The best part was having the fantastically chill beach park with world class snorkeling just steps away. Needless to say, we slept well after days crammed with recreation and fun. After two weeks, we were completely relaxed and filled with aloha. We can't wait to come back!!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzie W.

A very special home within a true Hawaiian community

We loved our stay at Jill's place. On the first half of our trip we stayed at a condo in the Waikaloa resort area north of Kona. That was fun..., but we were sooo delighted as we drove into this beautiful Captain Cook area, which had a charming, authentic, old Hawaii feel. Jill's neighborhood is lush, beautiful, eclectic, welcoming, and perfectly situated. Being able to walk one block to Manini beach was a highlight. We went there everyday, whether we were cooling off for an afternoon swim/snorkel, watching the sunset, renting kayaks (one block away) to get to Captain Cook, or talking to the very friendly locals. It was so fun to get a sense of and feel part of this special Hawaiian community. We started each day with a snorkel at Two-Step (an easy 10-minute drive down the street) - which was amazing! We also loved going to the quaint, locally owned shops and restaurants in town (Iwa Cafe, Rebel Kitchen, Kaya's...were some of our favorites). We enjoyed a visit to the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, followed by lunch at the Coffee Shack (yummy with an amazing view). Jill was very helpful and responsive to our questions and quickly made us feel at home. The home itself is very comfortable with lovely art, a well appointed kitchen, very comfortable beds and furnishings. The lanai is awesome to hangout on, eat meals, etc. The yard is gorgeous and we were welcome to stroll around and rinse off in the beautiful outdoor shower. There was plenty of snorkel gear, beach towels, and beach chairs for our family of four. A few tips: Instead of grocery shopping in Kona on our way to Jill's, we wish we would have waited and gone to the local 'Choice Mart', which we found to be a better store. Also, it's good to go to the house before shopping, so you can see what items are already in the kitchen and fridge (there were lots of staples and condiments already there. This is a special vacation rental, and I'm so thrilled we had the opportunity to stay there. Mahalo Jill! Suzie & Evan (and our two kids Iris -21, Elliot -14)
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug R.

This place is amazing! The house is fantastic, spacious, and inviting. Jill is a great host!!!

We rented Jill's unit Jan 18th - 27th, 2018. I read all reviews for the unit and can now say I agree - this is amazing! The house is very spacious, inviting, and modern. The bedrooms are amazingly large with very nice modern bathrooms as well. I can't tell you if the TV worked because - we were in Hawaii! We ate every meal on the table on the covered Lanai in the picture, I cooked almost every supper on the grill. We loved the full laundry in the mudroom. Our typical day consisted of grabbing our cup of coffee and walking the 90 seconds to Manini Beach for the sunrise, then walking home (and this truly was home!) to eat breakfast and decide what our plan for the day was - we hit about 10 beaches with all but one being within 30 minutes of the home (including) lots of time at Manini. I snorkeled at 4-5 of them and was able to swim with both turtles and Dolphins. We planned almost all days to ensure we were home in time to grab a beer and walk the 90 second walk to our Manaini Beach for the beautiful sunsets. Jill was gracious to share the proceeds of her fruit trees in the yard with us so we always had fresh fruit. Jill has snorkel gear, beach chairs, boogie boards,.... and is gracious to share all. Jill lists that she has a few cats on the property and you will get visits - we are cat lovers. After the first day we told jill she may not see Cinquo the entire 9 days we were staying. Cinquo adopted us! We bought her a bag of cat treats and gave her that as well as milk and shared our fish, shrimp,.... from the grill with her daily. I can honestly say this was the most relaxing vacation I have ever had and I want to come back to the Big Island and stay here again (and again...). My only complaint is I had to come home to Indiana and it was still cold! :( Seriously this is an amazing place and you will never regret renting it - only going home. Jill sent the most detailed directions and tips 2 weeks ahead and has loads of info for you when you arrive so even if you just book a ticket and rental car, once you get to her mermaid house you can plan anything you ever wanted to do in Hawaii. There were just the 2 of us staying, but 4-6 would be extremely comfortable here!
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Charles G.

Rental - and refund!

Back in January 2015, we reserved #380054 for a week at Christmastime 2015-6. Unfortunately, due to a family illness that was diagnosed in November 2015, we had to cancel. We were not entitled to any refund unless a new renter could be found, and even then we were only entitled to an 85% refund. The owner went out of her way to list the property again, and eventually (almost at the last minute) secured a new renter! And then she refunded 100% of the rental fee. We feel that we were treated very well, and we greatly appreciate it. BTW, we passed the property on several occasions, and it is even nicer than the photos!

About the host

Hosted by Jill Ami Meyers

Host profile image
I am an artist, a mom, a gardener, designer, and athletically inclined. I visited other Hawaiian Islands several times over 5 years before I came to the Big Island to live in Kona, 40 years ago. I have lived at this Manini Beach location for 35 years. I love the ocean, the elements, and the whole laid back lifestyle here on the Big Island. I enjoy snorkeling and paddle boarding on the Bay early in the morning almost daily or whenever possible!
I owned and operated the Blue Ginger Gallery in Kainaliu for 37 years. I designed art on fabrics, jewelry and fashions, displayed hundreds of other artists work over the many years in Kona.
I love meeting people and enjoy learning other cultures.

Why they chose this property

This old Hawaiian village is very special, you can feel the "mana" or energy from the history.
There are many stories yet to be told here!
Back to the days of King Kamehameha, there were many thousands of people living around this bay. Captain Cook sailed in and put this location on the world map.
Manini Beach is one of the first sub-divisions developed in Kona. The relaxed lifestyle and neighborly feeling has not changed much over the many years I have lived in this area.
Mostly, I love the pristine, wonderful ocean here at Kealakekua Bay. This area is like nowhere else on earth. The tropical smells, local flavor combined with the sound of the ocean, and at night it is quite dark so that you can see many stars, in this quaint neighborhood, Napo`opo`o Village.

What makes this property unique

My Manini Mermaid land is a colorful, tropical oasis
privately located in the middle of this Manini Beach sub-division. Surrounded by tropical plants, flowers, fruit trees, and artistic touches are everywhere!
I really enjoy the proximity to jumping into the ocean's clean magical water at Manini Beach. There is cold, underground, mountain water from lava tubes, which enters the ocean at Manini Beach and along the coast. This creates brackish water which is said to be healing. I always appreciate the peacefulness of swimming with the beautiful reef fish and the sea turtles... the visibility is beyond compare. Beach access road is wonderful for biking or jogging. Walk to Manini Point for a sunset or to watch Humpback whales breaching in the winter months and sometimes exciting surf too. Dolphins play in the bay all year round, seeing the Spinner and Bottle nose dolphins is always an exciting experience for anyone to enjoy!

Languages:

English

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