Our stay at the Hololua Hale was one of the best Airbnb experiences so far! The hale is located amongst Kona coffee and is nestled between several local coffee farms. Once you get to this place, you step out to lush green vegetation with a small road that leads to many other homes on Duarte Road. Renting a car is a must in the big island and the front of the house has plenty of parking. From the driveway, you have 180 degree view of the blue ocean waters. This hale is even better in person and I think the pictures do not do it justice. We absolutely fell in love in the expansive windows that overlooked the garden and ocean views. I loved waking up early to watch the sun rise and gorgeous Hawaiiin sunsets. Our friend had the master bedroom and it included a desk for her to work while my husband and I toured the big island.
Everything in the house was just perfect and comfortable. We loved driving back home from the coast because the hale is located at a higher elevation, which made it cooler during the day and evenings. There were a few evenings when we needed blankets because of the chill.
We especially loved the kitchen that had all the cooking amenities we needed with a big fridge to put in all of our groceries and tropical fruits for the week. The dining tables were placed close to the window to let in more air and views of the sunrise and sunsets. The bathroom had everything we needed from saniters, shampoos, conditioners, etc and enough towels for 3 adults. The washer and dryer located near the front door were a +++ as we were able to wash and dry our clothes and towels. A family may also find everything that they will need to enjoy the beaches. Staci left a thorough and handy manual for great eats and beaches around town, which I researched and used thoroughly. There's even beach chairs, and umbrellas outside ready for us and we packed them in our car trunk and use at the beaches we went. So handy and thoughtful that was.
Some reviews have said that the noise outside was too much at times but we didn't mind it. We understood that we were in the islands and the sights and sounds will be different. In fact, we will miss the coqui frogs and those 2 crazy roosters that woke us up every morning. To me those were the real sounds of Hawai'i.
Staci was the most attentive and generous host. She answered all of my questions quickly weeks before the trip, during and after. There was an issue with the pillows and pillowcases being damp and she took care of it right away by sending us clean pillowcases the day after my request. Staci was extremely helpful. She left clear directions and made us feel welcome. A big mahalo to Staci for making our first stay in the Big Island a comfortable and memorable one. We will definitely recommend to friends and will stay here again in the future.