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Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling!

Photo gallery for Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling!

Lounging on the beach side patio, aka " the Pai Pai".
Paddleboards not included, but can arranged for.
Serene mornings just steps from your bedroom...
Wake up to this...
Dining with a view

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6125.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Kamuela, HI
  • Place, Waialea Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Puako Beach
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Bathroom 3

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling!


The “Lalamilo Beach Bungalow” has been a labor of love for the owners, who have taken a personal interest in the restoration and preservation of this historic,1930’s beach front home. Originally accessible only by boat (there were no roads to the beach) the owners vacationed there with just their family and friends. Now a vacation rental, the three bedroom house is available to beach lovers from around the world. Nestled against a gradually sloping hillside and overlooking Waialea Bay, one of the Big Island’s few white sandy beaches, the house epitomizes Old Hawaii with its simple, open architecture that invites ocean breezes and frames spectacular sunsets. Original hardwood floors and Ohia (a native Hawaiian wood) counter tops add to the charm as do the authentic Hawaiian furnishings and artwork throughout.

The close proximity of the house to the water make this an ideal spot to snorkel, swim, sunbathe, surf, dive and whale watch. From the kitchen, dining and living areas, you can watch children playing in the water and building sand castles on the beach. Designed for three couples or a family, the house sleeps up to 6 adults. Two of the bedrooms can made up into either king or twin beds while the third offers a double bed. All three bedrooms open out onto a lanai and have ocean views.

Please note: As desirable as this property may be due to its charm and remarkable location, the Bungalow is not a hotel. There is NO AC. We keep the property as clean and secure as possible but please understand that this home is located on the beach in a natural, tropical environment. While the house is fully screened, and we maintain a regular pest control service, guests may encounter insects. If you love the sounds of the ocean and the beauty of the great outdoors, you won't find any place better! But if you prefer a climate-controlled, manicured, hotel-like environment, this may not be the place for you.

STVR-19-359909 // NUC-19-1261

Transient Accommodations: TA-20-140-682-01

Starting January 1, 2026, Hawaii's Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) will increase from 10.25% to 11%. All guests booking in advance for 2026 reservations will be charged for the increased tax rate once it goes into effect.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view

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House Rules

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

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO STREET PARKING Guest vehicles must be parked in designated onsite parking.
Quiet hours shall be from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., during which time the noise from the STVR shall not unreasonably disturb adjacent neighbors.
The STVR shall not be used for commercial purposes.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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 366002003000, GE-087-716-0448-01, TA-087-716-0448-01

About the area

Puako

Located in Kamuela, this holiday home is on the beach. While the natural beauty of Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and Mauna Kea Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course. 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. Kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.
View more Holiday homes in PuakoOpens in a new window
Map
Kamuela, HI

What's nearby

  • Waialea Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Puako Beach - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Puako Bay - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Hāpuna Beach - 12 min drive - 3.1 km

Getting around

  • Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪CanoeHouse - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Hawaii’s Ultimate Donut - Hot Malasadas - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Tommy Bahama Tropical Café - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Ikena Landing - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Copper Bar - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling!?

As of 12 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling! on 3 May 2026 start from NZ$2,056, 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 Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic Bungalow On Idyllic White Sand Beach w/ Great Snorkeling! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Kamuela holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Waialea Beach and Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area. Puako Beach and Hāpuna Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 40 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot on a beautiful beach. Unique bungalow with lots of character and charm. Breathtaking views, one of a kind for sure! Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Douglas Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a lovely stay. the sound of the surf all day and night, plus the breeze, makes it all worthwhile alone. The beach and surf are great fun. Thank you for having this house available. Best place in Hawaii
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric B.

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

Awesome beach bungalow

Great beach, great old Hawaii bungalow, loved it.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon B.

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

Lovely stay

We would return to this bungalow in a heartbeat. It was well represented in the images online and may not be for everyone, but for our family it was perfection.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

Melissa G.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Nude beach

The house is great. It is like staying at a summer camp. Full of cockroaches.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen G.

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

Perfect Rustic Beach Cottage

I've been intrigued by this cottage for years and am grateful that I had the opportunity to stay there. I'll be back! <3
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danielle W.

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

Perfect beach house

This home is the rare Big Island single family home that is directly on the beach. It’s such a beautiful location that is secluded during the time that the park is closed. Since it is in a park, people do come use the beach as soon as it opens in the morning, but it really didn’t bother us and there were plenty of times when we had it all to ourselves. This is such a unique property that was perfect for our family. We’d love to come back!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hilary H.

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

Paradise

Location is everything! Bungalow on the beach made for amazing memories. We loved being able to enjoy meals on the patio and then pop back down to the beach. Not packing up for all day beach outings was an absolute joy! We used the recommended company for groceries upon arrival which was a life saver! Thank you for letting us stay at the bungalow and enjoy such an amazing piece of Hawai’i! What a treat! Mahalo!
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick F.

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

Bungalow right on the ocean

If you love the waves crashing, which did take some getting used to because of the winter storm sizes. The bungalow is a100 years old and has its quirks and mostly charm. If you like to cook the kitchen tools etc and equipment is a C. Your outdoor patio is a A. Enjoy it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kari T.

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

Perfect Hawaii Getaway

This home on the beach provides all the amenities and opportunities you could wish for. It's a spectacular spot for a getaway. While the beach gets crowded during the day (like all nice beaches in Hawaii), between 7 pm and 7 am when the state park gate is closed, it's empty. We loved eating on the beachside lanai and swimming early in the morning before anyone else arrived. The water is safe for children and perfect for swimming. Leilani has thought of every detail, from extra towels and boogie boards to quality furnishings, a cooking-ready kitchen, and more things than I can name. We loved our stay and would come back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Debbi B.

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

Location, Location, Location

Overall a fabulous stay! If you are a beach bum and escaping town is your goal, this is the place to stay. Leilani was great to work with via VRBO. Bungalow is very well stocked with kitchen supplies and beach/water equipment. Laundry machines were top notch. Plenty of towels and comfy beds. Wifi worked very well - even on the lanai. Did not use the tv so can't speak to that.I know bugs are hard to control in this climate, so no shade on property management, but future renters should be aware they will encounter bugs, especially in the bathroom.Depending on time of year, do not expect to have the beach alone except when the park is closed and the neighbors aren't out. During open hours, the public beach can get busy, but most were respectful of the lanai being private, and we felt it added to the atmosphere, like a chill neighborhood gathering.The ocean is LOUD. We found it to be white noise, but felt I should mention it - it is persistent through the entire house including the bedrooms. Make sure your rental car has clearance. Gravel road from park/st entrance to bungalow.Overall, great combo of being a laid back cabin, but with all the necessary modern amenities.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan Q.

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

Still wonderful!

What a hidden gem of a place, just as wonderful and relaxing as it was in 2018 when we’re last there. Can’t wait to return!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan W.

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

A wonderful stay

We had a wonderful stay in this bungalow on the beach. Thank you so much.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Joe F.

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

True Hawaiian Experience

We loved the beach location and the day of Iron Man we had the whole beach to ourselves. Rustic and very Hawaiian type of experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan W.

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

Amazing property

Look back at my review 1 year ago. Nothing has changed. Very pleased with my stay. Family had a great time. Prince had a great time. Feel free to look forward one year from now and read my review then. Good luck renting this place as it is crazy popular.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

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

Lovely Beach Vacation

We so enjoyed our week staying in this charming beach bungalow. As others have stated, it may not be for everyone, but it was exactly what we were expecting - charming, a little rough around the edges, and beachy! The side yard was perfect for a little seclusion and morning yoga. Sunset cocktails on the patio were breathtaking and the sound of surf at night lulled us to sleep (and occasionally woke us from sleep:) So glad we were able to enjoy this speacial place! Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Megan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Beautiful Place

Best vacation yet. The house allows you to actually relax because you don't have to go anywhere to enjoy the beach and ocean. We had Connor and Kristin cater our stay with pre-prepped meals and one meal where they came and cooked and served. We also recommend the masseuse Angelica.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gina D.

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

Amazing bungalow

WOW simply sums it up! This was our 1st stay here and we cant wait to go back. The beach bungalow was perfect for us. The property was just like described. The beach is public but still had plenty of privacy in the morning and evenings. Leilani was great to work with too. I highly recommend this place.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S.

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

Best Vacation Ever

This little bungalow nestled at the end of the beach is all we needed for rest and relaxation. We snorkeled and slept and enjoyed the stars. Feels like summer camp! Love this place! Thank you Leilani for everything! We will be back!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan W.

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

Amazing location

Sad to see the price go up for next year, but I will be reserving 2022 happily. This should speak for itself. The location, and atmosphere cannot be beat. The kitchen and living room was amazing and well equipped. We really appreciated the hot shower right off the beach to wash off between beach sessions with our child. The white noise provided by the ocean meant we could hang out without worrying about our 3 year old waking up at night. The amount of toys and beach equipment in the rental is impressive...snorkel gear, flippers, body boards, shovels, toys, umbrellas, extra chairs, you name it. Things you should know, but are not negative: 1. This unit is at the end of a public beach/park. It opens from 8-8, so expect a crowd during the day, but fairly private after sunset and in the mornings. This is especially true on weekends. 2. The house is old. Very clean, but you can see signs of wear such as certain wooden structure rotting. This makes it feel very authentic, and is not a problem in a beach cottage that is probably at least 70 years old and located directly next to ocean spray. 3. The bathrooms are a little separate from the house, due to needs of the septic system. You just step out the back of the house and walk a few steps. The facilities are very nice, and this would only be an issue I think if I brought my elderly parents who would be nervous about navigating to the restroom in the dark. We had no problem with it. Overall, best stay I have ever had in Hawaii. Highly recommend you rent the stand up paddle boards for the week that the owner suggests.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharlane C.

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

Amazing, amazing, amazing

This is the only home we ever want to rent in Hawaii! It is right on the best Big Island beach. It is decorated in a charming, vintage Hawaii style but has all the modern facilities you could want. Leilani went out of her way to make our stay comfortable and fun. It was an absolutely amazing vacation and we only left to buy groceries; there was no need to go anywhere else!
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

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

Perfect relaxation!

Loved our week there at our little piece of paradise! Having the beach right outside the door made everything so easy. Mornings and evenings when it was totally ours were blissful. The snorkeling was surpringly good, even swam with a sea turtle! Whales even passed the bay a couple of days. The screened in house really kept you right in the ocean feel night and day. Would happily return to this perfect world!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Great time!!

Great location and great view. Snorkeling was superb most days. The bungalow itself had all the amenities and then some. The beach got a little crowded at times, however, having our own beach side patio was wonderful.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney H.

love this rental!!!

We love this property!! You truly can’t find another place like this with so much character. Yes, the beach is crowded but everyone was great and my girls loved all the action. Leilani was so great to work with and made our stay that much more enjoyable. The bathroom is outside but it’s not a problem at all as it’s about 5 steps outside the kitchen. We rented paddle boards and had them delivered to the house for the week. Definitely a bonus to have them. The downstairs shower is wonderful with a great washer dryer in the room as well. The rooms all open to the outside porch and slept the 6 of us comfortably.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather R.

Breathtaking

From the moment we walked in the front door until the moment we departed ... the Lalamilo Beach Bungalow took our collective breath away. We have stayed in amazing places around the world and the bungalow is a new favorite. If you’re looking for poolside service and views of the golf course this is not the place. If you’re looking to kick off your shoes, bury your feet in the sand, grill your own fish and make your own cocktails then this place is heaven. Our family of 5 needed to get unplugged and that we did. But don’t worry- the WiFi works! Not to mention: The sound of the surf — The gorgeous beach— The moonlight on the water— The sunlight on the sand— And the friendly people! It’s a vacation to remember :) We plan on returning! Thank you Leilani! Mahalo!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2019

About the host

Hosted by Leilani Olson

Host profile image
My Mother, Debbie & I began managing this beautiful property in 2005. It was then that the owners decided to renovate this historic home that was built in 1938. We have taken pride in caring for this unique home on Waialea bay and enjoyed watching it gain much popularity over the years. In 2015, I began Leilani Properties LLC. a "sister company" to AlohaKai Properties and manage this home along with the family's other two properties next door to the one. I love caring for these beautiful beach homes and offering our guests a professional and friendly service. It is a pleasure to welcome our guests to this little piece of paradise year after year. I am available 24/7 for any questions or guest needs. I am a licensed Real Estate Broker born and raised here on Hawaii island and live just 20 minutes away.

Languages:

English

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