SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby

Photo gallery for SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby

A wooden cabin interior with a sofa, chairs, a table, and large windows offering a view of greenery.
A small, turquoise wooden structure with a red door and windows, surrounded by lush greenery and a tree.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stove, a coffee maker, and a sink.
A window with a view of dense foliage and trees outside.
A wooden deck structure built into a tree, surrounded by lush greenery.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Your own private chef
    One of the few properties offering private chef services.

Popular amenities

  • Massages in spa
  • Patio
  • Breakfast for a fee
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine
  • Internet

Explore the area

View map
Pahoa, HI
  • Place, Pohoiki Beach
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Hawaii at Hilo
    ‪53 min drive‬
  • Place, Port of Hilo
    ‪58 min drive‬
  • Airport, Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪57 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Studio bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Outdoor/Flush Toilet

Spaces

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

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Pahoa

Located by the sea, this cottage is in Puna Palisades, a neighbourhood in Pahoa. Mackenzie State Park and Pohoiki reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center and Hilo Coffee Mill. Akatsuka Orchid Gardens and Aloha Candy Company 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 hiking/biking trails and ecotours nearby.
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Map
Pahoa, HI

What's nearby

  • Kehena Beach - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Star of the Sea Painted Church - 11 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Pohoiki Beach - 18 min drive - 14.8 km
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 53 min drive - 63.9 km
  • Port of Hilo - 58 min drive - 69.2 km

Getting around

  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪paradise - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Behind the Bamboo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Hale Aloha At Kalani - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Ono Korean Bbq - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪The Jokers Hideout - ‬27 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby?

As of 2 November 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby on 13 November 2026 start from NZ$542, 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 SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby located?

Located in Puna Palisades, this cottage is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center and within 6 miles (10 km) of Star of the Sea Painted Church and Mackenzie State Park. Pohoiki and Pohoiki Beach are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 12 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved this stay! The shower under the mango trees and stars was one of my favorite parts of vacation! The toilet isn’t as scary as it sounds and everything was just so wonderful and pleasant!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely property. Wonderful friendly host. Lots of room. Nice living room with giant windows overlooking a forest view. Well equipped kitchen with if cooking equipment. Dark sky for stargazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 14 February 2026
Thank you for the kind words. We look forward to having you back again
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Sweet Spot is a very special place. The house is tucked under a massive tree canopy that made it the perfect place to escape the mid day heat. September must be mango season because the mangos falling on the tin roof caused quite the racket. We enjoyed the rustic house and outdoor shower and we had everything we desired to cook and enjoy a lovely vacation. Mickey who lives on the property made us feel right at home and had great recommendations for our daily excursions. Thank you Michael!!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

It's Just Like Avatar!!!

A beautiful and slightly secluded property that is practically in a jungle. This is the coolest place I have stayed for sure. Imagine Avatar the movie in real life, that's what I kept thinking to myself! Also there is a great black sand beach within walking distance!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 March 2023
Mahalo for the review. What a wonderful comparison to Avatar and yes all the treetop scenes in the movie, I can see the similarities. Again, thank you for staying with us.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
The place is great value for money, a good location, and a unique experience. A couple things to know: 1. The coqui frogs are extremely loud and shrill. At other places we stayed at on the big island, the coquis were not as close or as dense, so they didn't bother us at all, but here they were right outside every window and possibly also on the roof. We got used to it and it's only at night, but if you are sensitive, bring earplugs. 2. There are no blinds/curtains for any of the windows, and the host's place is right in the line of visibility from the bed. It would feel a lot more private and cozy with curtains or something. 3. There is a duck on the grounds that will block your way to the bathroom. It seriously will not get out of your way unless you have a big stick or umbrella to hold out in front of you as you walk.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

What a great place

We live on the Big Island, but on the other side, and about once a year have a "staycation" in or near Pahoa. This has been one of our best experiences yet. This was island living as it should be; quiet, self sustaining, and filled with aloha. The grounds are full of tropical fruits and local plant life, and you are welcome to explore. The cottage has a very open but safe appeal to it snuggled under majestic trees. While there is not an ocean view, when it is still at night you can hear the surf, (The surf was high during our stay so no guarantees, just our experience). Kat and her daughter are amazing hosts who live just up the hill, and they are full of aloha to share. Loved meeting them and hope to see them again soon. Aloha from, Gabe, Jana, George, and Geneva
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Aloha Gabe and fam. It was so nice to meet you all! Thank you for taking good care of Meow Meow and the cottage. You are such a sweet family. We look forward to hanging out on the other side with you!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Really beautiful place but...

Cons: no hot water in the shower or house. At all. Ran ONLY the hot water line & never got hot water. Hubby bathed in kitchen sink with water from tea kettle. No privacy. At all. Other houses can be seen clearly from all windows & shower of this house. That deck? It's for anyone to use & anyone on it can look right down into your shower. A house up the hill can be clearly seen from shower which means they can clearly see you in the shower. We bought 50ft clothesline and 2 shower curtains from Walmart. Removed when we left. House has no curtains or blinds or any other attempts for privacy. Maybe a dressing blind would be nice to hide behind when getting dressed? No air conditioning. Cools off nicely at night & is fine into the am but then the humidity starts to climb & it's time for a cold shower & leave for the day. Off grid/solar power. Ran out of power one night. Came close on other nights. Issue if you need cpap. Very hard to find in the dark. Poor lady there had to direct us in. The good? Overall it was great! We slept well. The little peeper frogs sang loudly all night. The stars were beautiful! Vegetation like a lush rainforest. If you approach this with tent camping in mind, you'll do fine. We are both very happy we did this. Even with all the 'cons' for us, this place was a great experience & it's one we'll never forget. We talked about it since we've left & agree that we would stay here again but would be better prepared. Thanks for this place! Truly unique!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 May 2023
Hi Jennifer, thanks for reviewing us! I’m glad we got the electricity stable enough for your cpap. Regarding the hot water, I am so sorry to read you were struggling in silence. The whole house runs off one hot water system so the fact that you had hot water in the kitchen - I wonder if you missed my initial message about the hot water tap in the shower being blue, rather than red - ie, you were using the wrong tap in the shower. Regarding the privacy, we haven’t had complaints before but are reviewing the setup. Generally the huge mango tree and jungle hide the shower from the neighbors.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Very private

Quite and relaxing
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stay here.

Kat was very welcoming and a great host. Her place is a perfect place to stay. The house is very comfortable with a huge window and view of the rain forest surroundings. Her yard and property is nicely landscaped with interesting plants and fruit trees. The location is great, a short walk to a beautiful and laid back beach, a short drive along a scenic road to snorkel spots, warm pools and flowing lava. I would definitely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Three weeks at Puna Palisades

To begin, I must state that Kat is a wonderful host and was a delight to meet. However, the cottage was advertised as having a "composting toilet." The composting toilet was actually a 5 gallon bucket. While the contents may technically be composted, this was technically NOT a composting toilet. Upon arrival, we were informed that the resident cat needed to be fed twice a day. This detail was omitted in the description of the property. I graciously fed the cat, but as I was on vacation I would have preferred not having this assignment. I don't own a pet because I don't want to care for a pet. Finally, the bed pillows in the cottage reeked and should have been changed out years ago. In fact, the stench was so bad that I bought 2 new ones. So, to the next occupants, "you're welcome!"
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Aloha John! Thank you for being wonderful guests. Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate the opportunity to make each visit better for future guests. I'm sorry the toilet was more rustic than you expected. I will be more clear on the listing so that people have an accurate idea of what to expect. That being said, it is a functional system that tends to be unoffending to the nose because of the sawdust that is used in the process. And you have to admit, it's an epic view to enjoy while doing your business ;) I apologize for not checking in with you about feeding Meow Meow. I usually give guests the option to feed her or have me feed her, and when I reviewed our communications, I realized that I did not offer that option to you. No one else has ever actually taken me up on the offer to have me feed her, I think generally people prefer their privacy to having me come over to do it. But thank you for taking on the chore while you were here. She definitely appreciated it! And darn it I'm so sorry I missed the musty pillows. It's the most common frequently replaced item because in this humid climate, they do tend to get icky rather quickly. I wish that you had asked me about it, I would have grabbed some new ones for you no problem! That's part of my job here, keeping everyone taken care of! So hopefully future guests who read this know that I'm here to help make their stay as fantastic as possible. Thank you for staying with us. A hui hou!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Loved it. Exactly what I had imagined. Close to everything we wanted to see.

The house is in such a perfect setting. The sounds are incredible. It's like nature putting you to sleep every night. The interior fits it all. Meow Meow is awesome. There is something to be said about simple living. No stress and a great place to meditate. Thank You Kat. You are wonderful and perfect to deal with. Hope you have a wonderful day. I will be back. Aloha
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great location, relaxing stay

We had a wonderful time visiting the big island and staying in this cozy, relaxing home. It is tucked away nicely in the woods in a quiet area that is close to the beach, but not too far from the city life and attractions that the big island offers. Would highly recommend staying here if you plan to visit the big island, especially if you are flying into Hilo. Was a great weekend getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thanks for staying with us Joe! You are welcome back any time!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Beyond great expectations!

I was very comfortable in a charming and rustic cottage in beautiful surroundings. Kehena black sand beach, Wai'opae tidepools and bike ride or hike to lava flow into the ocean were very close by. I love the friendly locals, and Kat the property manager and her daughter are the nicest and most helpful people. Also the pets (2 dogs and 3 cats) are super friendly and add character to this wonderful place.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
Archival

8/10 Good

Charming with lots of frogs. Kitchen could use a good cleaning.

Private and jungly.
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
I am not sure what Gene means by "Kitchen could use a good cleaning" because other than using scouring powder on the stove so there isn't a spot on it, or the counter tops or the sink the next step would be, paint? The wood in the kitchen is recycled old growth redwood and I admit it looks rustic and like it is 100 years old. I could bust out a floor sander and re-do it. The stone work I have scrubbed on my hands and knees. I am always open to improve the experience and after each guest I go through the place with vacuum, mop, scrub brush (where needed) soap, scouring powder and pads. The fridge does have some rust on it, (which may make it look dirty) and that is due to living so close to the ocean. The salt air corrodes everything. The next option is to get a new fridge that is stainless steel.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Authentic Hawaiian experience

This is a beautiful place!!! The bed was comfortable, the shower under the mango tree unique and warm water. It was was unusual for us and out of the box. We ate and enjoyed the hot tub at nearby kanalui resort. Also enjoyed uncle jimmys, a place where wonderful food and art store with jewelry and pottery. Withinin 6 miles the most amazing lava experience, 4 m bike ride to see lava firehose. Never saw anything like it. Micheal is a wonderful host, did his best to help us! Lord Bless him and his house was special place to us.
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
I love to hear this from my guests. I want them to really feel the magic of the land and nature. As an FYI: it is Kalani Honua eco resort that has spas, massage, hot tubs and meals served to the public. And it is Uncle Roberts' (not Jimmy's) Aloha all, Marlin Sweet Spot
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sneekily private close to lots of attractions

Marlins place was a perfect place to crash after full days or just chill around. The outdoor shower, huge trees and beautiful gardens made me feel like I was right in the jungle! It was a funky place with a welcoming host. Ill visit again. Thanks Marlin :)
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
This Canadian couple was a dream to host. Appreciative for the closeness of the natural surroundings and digging the 'cabin in the woods' feeling but more like "cabin in the jungle". They even took me out to dinner. WoW! that really blew me away. I think what they mean by 'funky' is that the place looks homemade because it was. Not a contractor/subdivision type dwelling but built in such a way that it brings the beauty of the property into the cabin with the giant floor to ceiling windows. Nature lovers really love the location as so much is so close and no need to go far to see alot. I look forward to hosting you and make your vacation epic
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