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SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby
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Reviews
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroomSleeps 260.4 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Pahoa, HI
- Place, SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center4 min drive
- Place, University of Hawaii at Hilo55 min drive
- Place, Port of Hilo59 min drive
- Airport, Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)59 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
About this property
SWEET SPOT STAY-ENCHANTING GROTTO--Walk to the Beach and Warm Ponds Nearby
Welcome to The Sweet Spot Stay
NOTE- The house itself on 12-179 Kipuka however the entrance is on 12-7110 Kalaunu.
This is about as unique a place as they come in the Kehena Beach neighborhood along Puna's southeast coast of Big Island, Hawai’i. The land is a multi-dimensional park with grottos, terraces, dramatic lava walls, out of which grow massive Jurassic Park size trees. It is an awe inspiring place which took 16 years to put the three geologically connected lots together to create this 1 1/2 acres paradise. Many people think it a park when they arrive. The Sweet Spot got its name because people who came always said the same thing, "This is a really sweet spot." It is the kind of place and experience you write home about and never forget.
It is tucked under a soaring green canopy in an enchanting grotto with floor to ceiling windows looking out into a breathtaking, magical scene. The walls are knotty pine and tile/wood floors with exotic an antique Persian carpet set in a sunken living room. Everywhere you look out is green beauty laced with the colors of a tropical paradise.
Since 1991 I have been gathering exotics to plant on the property so my guests could enjoy a wide variety of fauna, flowers, and fruit. Seasonally, cacao pods, lime, grapefruit, avocado, banana, coconut, mango, and papaya, and for the cooks there is rosemary, thyme, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, oregano and many other edible items on property.
You literally stand in the tree tops as the land falls away under the giant branches of a Monkey Pod tree. A small trail dips into the grotto and the base of the trees and you step into another realm and ecosystem.
The outdoor shower is next to a massive mango tree. A truly beautiful and unique experience. The new flush toilet is also outside (private) with a spectacular view of the lush ravine and a towering monkeypod tree with a branch span of well over 80 feet.
There are ducks and cats wandering the property tending to their tasks of weeding and pest extermination.
The cottage is off-the-grid, driven by 100% sunshine however the cooking is done with propane. You will have 800mbs fiber optic speeds.
You will be serenaded to sleep by the pleasant song of the Coqui frogs and awaken by the Morning Doves cooing.
The neighborhood is pleasant to walk and there is more pedistrians than cars here. it is just minutes to the spectacular coast line and the clothing-optional Kehena Black Sand Beach. Kehena Bay is a favorite haunt for dolphins and is frequented by whales in the wintertime. A totally cool local scene has lots of color and character.
Wednesday night in Kalapana is Uncle Robert's Open Air live music event just four miles down the road. We dance, socialize and experience what it means to live Aloha. There is a wonderful farmer's market on Saturday at the same place.
The "Red Road" is one of the most stunning drives in all Hawaii and its magical beauty winds its way along the coast through overgrown tree-lined curves that create tunnels of vegetation.
Pahoa Town, 20 minutes away, is originally a plantation town and retains its down-home, funky and eclectic scene. Island Natural Food Store, Thai, Italian, Pizza, American, Hawaiian, Sushi, and Chinese restaurants offer a variety of delicious choices for your in-house or take-out dining.
A new 10x16 deck built up into the tree next to the house, up the branches where you can lounge, chill or even work as the WiFi signal reaches You can do your video conferencing there and it never fails to elicit a response from those seeing where your at.
I know you will love it here, everybody does. It is that kind of place. Rustic, chic, and 100% Aloha!
NOTE- The house itself on 12-179 Kipuka however the entrance is on 12-7110 Kalaunu.
This is about as unique a place as they come in the Kehena Beach neighborhood along Puna's southeast coast of Big Island, Hawai’i. The land is a multi-dimensional park with grottos, terraces, dramatic lava walls, out of which grow massive Jurassic Park size trees. It is an awe inspiring place which took 16 years to put the three geologically connected lots together to create this 1 1/2 acres paradise. Many people think it a park when they arrive. The Sweet Spot got its name because people who came always said the same thing, "This is a really sweet spot." It is the kind of place and experience you write home about and never forget.
It is tucked under a soaring green canopy in an enchanting grotto with floor to ceiling windows looking out into a breathtaking, magical scene. The walls are knotty pine and tile/wood floors with exotic an antique Persian carpet set in a sunken living room. Everywhere you look out is green beauty laced with the colors of a tropical paradise.
Since 1991 I have been gathering exotics to plant on the property so my guests could enjoy a wide variety of fauna, flowers, and fruit. Seasonally, cacao pods, lime, grapefruit, avocado, banana, coconut, mango, and papaya, and for the cooks there is rosemary, thyme, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, oregano and many other edible items on property.
You literally stand in the tree tops as the land falls away under the giant branches of a Monkey Pod tree. A small trail dips into the grotto and the base of the trees and you step into another realm and ecosystem.
The outdoor shower is next to a massive mango tree. A truly beautiful and unique experience. The new flush toilet is also outside (private) with a spectacular view of the lush ravine and a towering monkeypod tree with a branch span of well over 80 feet.
There are ducks and cats wandering the property tending to their tasks of weeding and pest extermination.
The cottage is off-the-grid, driven by 100% sunshine however the cooking is done with propane. You will have 800mbs fiber optic speeds.
You will be serenaded to sleep by the pleasant song of the Coqui frogs and awaken by the Morning Doves cooing.
The neighborhood is pleasant to walk and there is more pedistrians than cars here. it is just minutes to the spectacular coast line and the clothing-optional Kehena Black Sand Beach. Kehena Bay is a favorite haunt for dolphins and is frequented by whales in the wintertime. A totally cool local scene has lots of color and character.
Wednesday night in Kalapana is Uncle Robert's Open Air live music event just four miles down the road. We dance, socialize and experience what it means to live Aloha. There is a wonderful farmer's market on Saturday at the same place.
The "Red Road" is one of the most stunning drives in all Hawaii and its magical beauty winds its way along the coast through overgrown tree-lined curves that create tunnels of vegetation.
Pahoa Town, 20 minutes away, is originally a plantation town and retains its down-home, funky and eclectic scene. Island Natural Food Store, Thai, Italian, Pizza, American, Hawaiian, Sushi, and Chinese restaurants offer a variety of delicious choices for your in-house or take-out dining.
A new 10x16 deck built up into the tree next to the house, up the branches where you can lounge, chill or even work as the WiFi signal reaches You can do your video conferencing there and it never fails to elicit a response from those seeing where your at.
I know you will love it here, everybody does. It is that kind of place. Rustic, chic, and 100% Aloha!
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Please smoke out doors if you must. Thank you.
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
For a smooth check out leave the sheets on the bed and towels on hooks. Please take yours to the Pahoa Recycling station found with this link https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZzWma9BSn8PSLju7?g_st=ic. Mahalo
Leave the key where it was found for the next guest. Turn off all items to save our solar power.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number TA-101-069-0048-01, GE-101-069-0048-01
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
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 Hobby Garden Hawaii. Hilo Coffee Mill and Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden 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 cycling nearby.

Pahoa, HI
What's nearby
- Kehena Beach - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
- SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
- Pohoiki Beach - 18 min drive - 13.7 km
- University of Hawaii at Hilo - 55 min drive - 62.4 km
- Port of Hilo - 59 min drive - 68.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Uncle's Awa Bar - 9 min drive
- paradise - 20 min drive
- Elixir Bar & Cafe - 24 min drive
- Behind the Bamboo - 5 min drive
- Hale Aloha At Kalani - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.6/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
9.6/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
18 January 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Ash C.
27 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ash C.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Katherine A.
20 March 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It's Just Like Avatar!!!
Katherine A.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Gabriel H.
28 March 2018
What a great place
Gabriel H.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer W.
30 April 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really beautiful place but...
Jennifer W.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kevin L.
29 January 2019
Very private
Kevin L.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jordan F.
29 March 2018
Stay here.
Jordan F.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Verified
6/10 Okay
John O.
27 February 2018
Three weeks at Puna Palisades
John O.
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Deana D.
3 February 2018
Loved it. Exactly what I had imagined. Close to everything we wanted to see.
Deana D.
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Joe L.
20 November 2017
Great location, relaxing stay
Joe L.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
April C.
5 October 2017
Beyond great expectations!
April C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
Archival
8/10 Good
Gene M.
18 February 2017
Charming with lots of frogs. Kitchen could use a good cleaning.
Gene M.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Chris S.
14 February 2017
Authentic Hawaiian experience
Chris S.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ana P.
25 January 2017
Sneekily private close to lots of attractions
Ana P.
About the host
Hosted by Michael Marlin
I am a unique and rare individual and can tell you stories of running away with the circus, playing Las Vegas and headlining comedy clubs as a juggler last century. I am producer of the show LUMA: Art in Darkness which you can find by a google search. It is a human light show that has played internationally. I am the author of the Contemplative Navel, which you can see the cartoons of at mindofmarlin (dot) the the whole profile of me. I am a toy inventor Slingerzz which is based on how vines rap around things. I got the idea watching nature and you can see vids of those at MindofMarlin I am a humorous guy and a creative artist in many ways. My place is a reflection of my artistic and creative bent. I have been cited by POTUS for my volunteer work with boys and mentoring and work as a life and transformational coach as my life has been a study of communications, humanities, psychology, mythology, and various modalities of facilitation.
I have traveled to over 40 countries and have stayed at lots and lots of hotels and the like. I created a place that really embraces the person so they feel at home.
I have traveled to over 40 countries and have stayed at lots and lots of hotels and the like. I created a place that really embraces the person so they feel at home.
Why they chose this property
It took sixteen years to put the three lots together as the fit geologically, You will understand when you come. I could have gone for the view of the lava and the ocean but I wanted the lush and green grotto with the three giant trees as my companions and I am so glad I went that way. I came to the area in the 80's and founded a juggling community and lived in a tree house with no electricity for five years. But the time came to move on and I found this place which is closer to the beach and stunning. That is the best word to describe the property as it really does take your breath away when you drop down into the Magic Grotto or what Hawaiian's call a "Puka" which literally means hole. KiPuka street has a collapsed lava tube that runs the length of the street and this is at the top of the division with the most dramatic lava wall that you look out over from the window seat. The trees and terrain is what drew me here.
What makes this property unique
The view from the main room out into the Grotto is a marvel to behold. The outdoor shower next to a massive trunk of a mango tree is priceless and looking up at the big tree laying on the giant roots that snake over the ground will have you feeling like a little kid again. You have stayed and may have forgotten the many hotels you have stayed in. This place is unforgettable. The tree deck is the kind of place where people just melt over. Big enough for a dinner party and so enchanting to lounge in. The WiFi signal works well enough that you can video conference and your friends and family won't believe you are up in a tree top. Though in a subdivision, you would hardly know it give how private this location is.
Languages:
English
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