Aija and I chose Edward and George’s studio in Honaunau for a five-day stay because we wanted to experience a bit of the real Hawaii, rather than just another hotel zone full of tourists. Our hopes were for a quiet bucolic location within a reasonable distance to restaurants and shopping and the sea and sights.

The studio seemed ideal. It is located in rural Honaunau just off of highway 11. It has a great ocean view from the deck (~1000 feet above sea level) and is surrounded by lush vegetation. It is 10 minutes to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park and 2-Step snorkel site, 30 minutes to Kailua-Kona (visit Island Naturals for organic food), 5-15 minutes to good local services and restaurants/take-out (try Da Poke Shack and The Coffee Shack in Honaunau, Annie’s Burgers and Gypsea Gelato in Kaelakekua, and the ChoiceMart grocery, Ace Hardware, and Loko Wraps in Captain Cook).

The studio itself is a bit rustic, but it was clean and functional. The bed was very comfortable and you will not need an alarm clock. Like most of rural Hawaii, the roosters will wake you up. This is not the Ritz, but was well worth the money paid. All in all, we would stay there again.

Edward and George were very responsive and helpful with directions and suggestions, but sadly we never met them because no issues arose and we were very busy enjoying the Kona coast.