Kalapana Beach Haven is a private, architect-designed oceanfront retreat offering expansive views and exceptional seclusion. Designed for comfort and understated luxury, it provides generous space for a peaceful escape or time with family and friends. 4 distinct sleeping areas, each with its own bathroom ensure privacy and flexibility. The home features a refined indoor–outdoor tropical design, set directly on the coastline.
The central staircase in this 3 level home bisects the house into two independently functioning wings affording privacy in the bedrooms.
The home has 4 sleeping spaces: a large main California king suite with a TV lounge area, a queen suite with a full bath, a double library suite with a shower. There is also a screened lanai at the garden level with a queen & single room (which can also serve as a yoga/exercise/massage studio) with a half bath and outdoor shower. The linens are all high quality with plush towels and high thread count sheets. The well-equipped gourmet kitchen has lots of counter space.
There are several outdoor spaces: an upper deck with commanding ocean views, a large main deck nestled at tree level with a gas grill, an umbrella and a table seating 6, a covered garden lanai great for meditation and reading, and a hot tub with a deck.
The house is spacious, but not overwhelming. It was built with the idea that everyone should be able to feel at home here. Rich tropical timbers, beautiful natural sandstone, high ceilings, beautiful views from every window and a dramatic open stairway give the feeling of space and calm.
Kalapana Beach Haven feels grand, rich and earthy. The oversized front doors open onto a foyer and a dramatic wide, open stairway that runs up through the center of the home. The stairs were designed with wide treads and a low rise making the house easily accessible. The central staircase was constructed in Bali and shipped back to Hawaii in large sections. custom doors, windows and furniture made from tropical hardwoods (Merbau, Teak and Tigerwood) all imported from Bali. The Bathrooms and decks are covered in gorgeous Palimanan sandstone tiles. High ceilings throughout the home give it an expansive feeling, and showcase the magnificent views.
There is a higher cleaning fee for parties larger than 4 people.
As of January 1, 2022 Hawaii County has added an additional Transient Accommodation Tax of 3%. All guest who have confirmed bookings made for 2022 prior to this new tax announced on December 14, 2022 will be contacted, and an additional charge will be requested to cover that cost. Mahalo for your understanding.
Permit Numbers: STVR-19-364989 NUC-19-1724
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Good Neighbor Policy : quiet hours are between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
No large parties unless it has been discussed with the owner and approved.
If you use the library, please return the books to where you found them.
Please shower before using the hot tub and use no soaps or products in the hot tub. Please turn the temperature down after use.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number TA-002-481-5616-01, GE-002-481-5616-01
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 are allowed on site
Note from host: With prior approval by the owner
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
About the area
Pahoa
Located in Pahoa, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the ocean. Volcano Garden Arts and Volcano House are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center and Pohoiki. Hobby Garden Hawaii and Akatsuka Orchid Gardens are also worth visiting. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Star of the Sea Painted Church - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Kehena Beach - 11 min drive - 7.2 km
Isaac Hale Beach Park - 27 min drive - 21.3 km
Pohoiki Beach - 27 min drive - 21.3 km
Port of Hilo - 52 min drive - 60.5 km
Getting around
Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 47 min drive
Restaurants
Uncle's Awa Bar - 13 min walk
Conscious Coconuts - 13 min walk
paradise - 12 min drive
Kalapana Night Market - 3 min drive
Hale Aloha At Kalani - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Private Architect Ocean Retreat • Sleeps 8–9 pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Private Architect Ocean Retreat • Sleeps 8–9?
As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Architect Ocean Retreat • Sleeps 8–9 on 10 May 2026 start from NZ$1,076, 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 Private Architect Ocean Retreat • Sleeps 8–9?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Architect Ocean Retreat • Sleeps 8–9?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Architect Ocean Retreat • Sleeps 8–9?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Private Architect Ocean Retreat • Sleeps 8–9 located?
Situated by the ocean, this holiday home is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Star of the Sea Painted Church and within 9 miles (15 km) of SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center and Mackenzie State Park. Pohoiki and Pahoa Museum are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The house was in excellent condition and prepared well for our arrival. Communication from the host was excellent both prior to our arrrival and during our arrival. The views from all rooms of the house are beautiful and the access from the path to the water made for a great stay.Thank you
This home is perfection. The location is quiet, private, and a bit remote, which is exactly what we wanted. The home itself is extremely well appointed and immaculately clean. Cooking was easy in the very well equipped kitchen. Listening to the waves at night was very relaxing and perhaps our favorite part was the very short walk to the lava cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I would not hesitate to stay here again.
Great residence on the volcanic rock coast of Kalapana, close to the volcano national park. The property is beautiful, has plenty of room and a great open space area in the kitchen and deck for everyone to gather. We enjoyed the beautiful sunrises on the water and the amazing volcanic rock formations along the coast. Had a fantastic time visiting the southeast coast of the island in our stay.
Stayed at house with my family. Plenty of room for everyone in this well equiped house-everything we needed. House is besutiful, property is beautiful, walk to beach with spectular ocean views is amazing. We all enjoyed our stay.
This house was spectacular for 8 of us girlfreinds & our getaway. We would ABSOLUTELY go back!!!!!
Mahealani C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Vallejo G.
11 February 2016
Beautiful location, gorgeous house
The location is dramatic, overlooking the ocean and lava flow. It is great for families. We were there for Christmas. Its a short drive from a gorgeous black sand beach, and you can visit the active volcanic areas. The garden is great with a path out to the lava coast. Shop in Hilo on your way in though - there is not a lot immediately around the house.
Vallejo G.
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thanks for the great review. You'll be pleased to know that a shop has opened up down by Uncle Roberts and it carries a lot of groceries, alcohol, freshly scooped ice cream, sandwiches and coffee made to order!
Fantastic location and house tucked in at the end of road surrounded by a dense forest. The host was excellent and very helpful, in fact when the washing machine was broken she did the laundry at her house! The description of the house is spot on but much more fantastic when experienced in person. The kitchen was a joy to prepare meals. The evenings where magical with the stars, the sounds of the fauna and the sound of the ocean.
We (my adult sons ages 30 and 27 and I) rented this home as a base for our several day visits to Volcanoes National Park. The location was quite good taking us less than a hour drive each way. This is a fabulous home both inside and out. We loved the interior decor and Zen feel of the structure, furnishings and art. The bedrooms were like being in tree houses at night with the sounds of rain and waves crashing on the lava beach. The master bedroom has a very comfortable bed, pillows and linens. Our favorite things were the top floor outdoor balcony and the short walk to the lava and black sand beaches. So relaxing and incredibly beautiful. I would definitely stay here again. Thanks to our host for the fruit basket, brief history of the location (very interesting) and great tips on our arrival!
Nancy I.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Cory H.
6 April 2017
Great property and great location
Staying at Tim's place with my family provide the space and convenience of a massive house at the price of a hotel room. The location was great as the main focus of our trip to the big island was the volcano attractions. I highly recommend taking a bike ride out to the lava flow at night which was only a 5 min drive to the park entrance. The space was great providing bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone. Very nicely decorated and the huge central staircase have the house a luxury feel. The ocean is a short 3 minute stroll down a path from the house and you can walk out to the old lava flow. Additional things to do around the area include the Kapoho tide pools (favorite after the lava flow viewing) near by as well as the Saturday market on the way back to Hilo. Pahoa had an interesting selection of restaurants that would provide enough variety for at least 4 or 5 days. I would definitely stay here again. Thanks Tim for your hospitality.
Cory H.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Mahalo Cory I'm so pleased you and your family enjoyed my home and your stay in Kalapana. It was a pleasure having you as guests.
Our stay in Kalapana was everything we imagined it would be and more. The property was absolutely breathtaking and was nothing short of a dream in paradise. Every angle of this home was incredible. From the front door to the spectacular view out every window, we were in awe. My children ages 3-12 loved the property and the geckos. They spent hours in the hot tub as well. My in laws that are in their 70s loved the lanai and having breakfast and dinner outside listening to the ocean. My personal favorite, the shower! I loved having a view of the jungle and the ocean every morning in the shower. It was stunning!
The house is very much in the jungle. Be prepared for bugs, geckos and frogs (all night). We personally loved the nighttime lullaby of the frogs, but the hosts provided ear plugs if it is a bother. The bug situation was a little unnerving at night to my 12 year old daughter, but if you just close your eyes and pretend they aren’t there, you will be fine. I expected them, so it wasn’t a concern.
The home had absolutely everything that we needed for our stay and Kate was an incredible host. She greeted us at the property when we arrived and had fresh fruit for us. What a pleasant surprise. She provided recommendations for the area and made our stay a vacation we won’t soon forget. We will definitely return if we ever come to the island again.
Kellie A.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Joseph M.
16 September 2017
Paradise in paradise
I recently spent three weeks at Kalapana Beach Haven. This extraordinary home is in complete harmony with its surroundings. At the end of what is in effect a small cul-de-sac, the house is built to maximize views – and privacy. There are neighbors on either side, but thick vegetation meant that I never saw them, and almost never heard them. The house is ocean front, but a strip of jungle separates it from the beach. This ensures beautiful, garden views from the ground and first-floor lanais, and an exceptionally stunning panorama from the upstairs lanai that takes you over the treetops and off toward the horizon. I brought books to read and DVDs to watch and touched none of them; instead I spent countless hours savoring the view from the upstairs lanai…
Others have written about how well-appointed the house is; I’d like to add how well it breathes. Screens and louvers capture and circulate every breeze; on the rare occasions that the trade winds die down, there are a couple fans to fall back on. I don’t know if the architect planned it this way, but the house also lets in light at all the right times, but shields you from the harshest effects as the sun moves across during the day.
The location is, to be fair, remote – but that’s exactly what I was looking for. Pāhoa, Keaʻau and Hilo are all easy drives, and you’re well positioned to explore the Big Island’s spectacular scenery. The best access point to the lava flows in the Volcano National Park is just a couple miles away; seeing lava burbling out of the ground inspires awe.
Tim, the owner, could not have been more accommodating; I appreciate his patience with all my questions beforehand, as well as his suggestions of things to see and do. Kate, the house manager, was equally helpful. I am forever in her debt for recommending the Makuʻu Farmers Market on Sundays and its stunning selection of tropical fruit (among many other things). Although I did not meet the cleaner, Selah, in person, she did an thorough job mid-stay and was admirably honest in her timekeeping.
Kalapana Beach Haven is the perfect house in the most beautiful part of the best side of the best island in Hawaii. I could not recommend it more highly.
Joseph M.
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Mahalo Joseph for this wonderful review. We thoroughly enjoyed having you as a guest and are so happy you made the most of your time in the house and the area. Your review shows how much you appreciated the intention with which the house was built... it was built to breathe and inspire people to connect with themselves and nature. Warmest Aloha.
Very nice. No crowds, living with the locals. If you want some distance from the tourists, this location is perfect. House is one of the best available and would definitely rent again. Watch the stars come out and the moonrise from the deck as you relax to the sounds of the jungle and the waves crashing against the rugged coastline.
The Puna Coast is beautiful and in a constant state of change. Great ocean access from the house. Really interesting area with huge lava flows as young as four years ago. See geology in action. Pele is the ultimate recycler. Great for 2-8 guests.
Tim - you designed a beautiful house! Thank you so much for sharing it. I fell in love with everything. Design, function, ambience, details, property, VIEWS, sound of the surf. I didn’t mind the frogs, although my two friends didn’t enjoy them as much. I sure wish I was there right now!
Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Two families enjoyed three nights at this beautiful house.
The description of the house is spot-on. There were gorgeous views of the ocean during the day and the sounds of the waves, rainforest, and views of stars at night. We loved the rainforest path to the ocean. It is important to note that although the ocean is walking distance, the waves are treacherous and not for swimming.
We really appreciated Kate's amazing communication, the well stocked kitchen (including pantry items like spices, coffee and oils). The check out process was fast and easy.
This property was exactly as we had pictured it. Lying in bed looking out over the ocean and listening to the crash of waves was amazing and very calming. We have never had a more relaxing vacation. The house was well stocked and there was a small store 1/2 mi away that has everything at reasonable prices and the small town of Pahoa was only 9 mi away and had several good restaurants and shops.
Unique opportunity to stay in a custom designed home with beautiful open floor plan listening to the waves and looking at the stars from our bedroom. Home was beautifully furnished with comfortable beds and amply supplied kitchen. Location was remote but markets within 15 minute drive and wifi worked well. Short 2 minute path leading from property to coast line with unique views of old lava flow and stunning views of the ocean.
Wonderful location to explore the east coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Lava flows to the coast, organic towns with those simple pleasures of coffee, bread...ice cream! Be ready for the sounds of the rainforest...I loved it.
We couldn’t have enjoyed our stay at the house more. It was absolutely amazing.
The views and sounds of the ocean were not to be beat. The house was well appointed. We appreciated beach towels being provided. Lots of extras like detergent, pantry supplies, etc that made the stay very comfortable.
There is a great smoothie and coffee place walkable distance from the house. Would definitely come back to stay here again!
My family (party of 9) stayed in this tropical retreat for 9 nights. The house is beautiful and exactly as the pictures show it. I wanted a place for my family to relax in a Hawaiian home and our expectations were far exceeded! The house is beautifully decorated and appointed; you won’t miss any comforts during your stay. The kitchen had everything you need for meal preparation; the yard and gardens were beautiful and lush. The walk to the ocean was short and the coast and ocean waves were spectacular! Views and the sounds of the ocean were a delight to wake to each morning and fall asleep to every night.
There was an abundance of gear available for recreational activities for day hikes and picnics, boogie boards and snorkeling. We fell in love with this house and can’t wait to return!
Tim and Kate were a delight to work with and very prompt to respond to emails/questions. We made day trips all over the island and looked forward to returning each time to the comfort of this Hawaiian beach haven. Farmers markets, the shops and restaurants in Pahoa (don’t miss the Tin Shack Bakery!) and hanging out in Hilo were favorite nearby activities.
Our stay was just magical and I’m already looking forward to another visit. Highly recommend this home!
Lisa C.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2021
About the host
Hosted by Tim Ambrose
When designing the house with my architect, it was important to me to create spaces where everybody could feel at home. While the house is large, none of the spaces is overwhelming. Each room offers an opportunity to sit and chat, or read and reflect.
Why they chose this property
I was living in Kaimu when the owner of this property contacted me. It had been buried for 20 years by jungle and when I opened the street I saw the colonnade of tall palms along the street and at the front of the property. I knew I could build a large home without it feeling out of proportion because of the 30 foot palm trees. Stepping into the jungle below, there are ruins and it feels as though there are Menehune, or Hawaiian pixies in the trees. It's magical.
What makes this property unique
Before building, I was told that this land use to belong to a Kahuna, or Hawaiian healer. The site used to be the site of the "free house." It was called the "free house" because it was a space free from spirits where people could sleep. The louvers in the house create a nearly constant breeze. The design feels like a big set of lungs surrounding a central core and as I walk up the stairs I feel inspired - I breathe.