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

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On the beach, sun loungers, beach towels
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
Outdoor dining
On the beach, sun loungers, beach towels

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61350 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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 it's charm and remarkable location, the Bungalow is not a hotel. 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

Property manager

Leilani Olson

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Outdoor shower
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Lanai
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the ocean
  • On the bay

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,350 square feet

Similar properties

Exterior

Gorgeous Oceanfront Estate, Steps From Beach w/AC & Puako Bay Views: 10D

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 42 reviews
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 366002003000, GE-087-716-0448-01, TA-087-716-0448-01

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Waialea bay White Sand Beach Authentic Hawaii House Kamuela
Waialea bay White Sand Beach Authentic Hawaii House
Waialea bay White Sand Beach Authentic Hawaii Kamuela
Waialea bay White Sand Beach Authentic Hawaii
Waialea bay White d Authentic
Waialea bay White Sand Beach Authentic Hawaii
Waialea bay White Sand Beach Od Hawaii Getaway
Waialea bay White Sand Beach Currently NOT Available
Waialea bay Currently Available FOR Inter island Travelers Only

About the area

Map
Kamuela, HI

What's nearby

  • Waialea Beach - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Puako Beach - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Mauna Kea Beach - 16 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course - 17 min drive - 12.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Ikena Landing - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Mauna Lani Coffee Company - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Tommy Bahamas Tropical Cafe - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Nāpua - ‬18 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.

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!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

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

Nestled on the beach, this Kamuela vacation 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 mi (2 km).

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shannon B., Where do you live?

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Danielle W., Where do you live?

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Susan Q., Seattle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

10/10 Excellent

brian h.

great location!

Leilani was very helpful and responsive. A vacation we will never forget!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Susan Q., Seattle

A gem of a place, right on the beach

Our group of five spent Thanksgiving week here, and it’s a very special place. Well stocked kitchen, comfortable beds, and a lovely patio right on the edge of Beach 69. You’ll have lots of company on the beach during the day, but before 8am and after sunset you’ll pretty much have it to yourself. Good snorkeling right off the beach.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Catharine C.

Best hideaway ever!

Could not have been happier with the location and the property. Located behind a locked gate and down a private drtive (shared with 3 houses), Lalalimo Beach Bungalow is gem. It is tucked away on the edge of a white sand beach with a private platform overlooking the water. Perfect for morning coffee, evening cocktails and mid-day sunning. The house is vintage Hawaiian - and fully stocked with beach toys, cooking and eating utensils - even an ice machine. Swimming, snorkeling, relaxing. I can't wait to get back!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

lynn t., Asheville North Carolina

Rustic

The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is because it was so hot. There was no air conditioning and my wife was miserable at night. Leilani was very responsive and brought more fans, and it was very unusual for the weather to be so hot. But still, we expected a better experience. That being said, this is the best house on the best beach on the big island. Incredible location, very secluded after the beach park closes. I will definitely return, but leave my wife at home!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

Rustic Beach Gem!

This house could not be in a more perfect location. It's tucked right back in a cove with a great beach right out front. The water isn't super rough and it was perfect for our 4 year old, plus there was some great snorkeling right around the rocks out front that the adults enjoyed. The house itself is pretty rustic but it was comfortable. We had our family of four and two other single adults. With the space in the living room, we were all able to fit comfortably. One thing to note is that each bedroom is more of it's own unit, as is the main part of the house so you access each room through a separate entrance from the porch. I was a bit worried about our 4 year old wandering down to the water by himself since we would be totally separate but we made due. Also, the bathroom is detached from the house which is not a big deal, just different. There was a resident lizard that lived in there but it just took a little getting used to. Overall, this is a wonderful house if you're main interest is proximity to the water and a nice beach. It is quite rustic and not a particularly fancy accommodation but you really can't beat the setting!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2018