What a wonderful intimate and open cottage Karen and Ron have created in the garden behind their house. Literally steps from a lovely little beach, the sound of the surf mingled with innumerable bird song serenaded us continuously. The pictures on the website are an accurate reflection of the place, though they don't do its warm outdoor charm justice.

Karen and Ron are great hosts, with just the right mix of available and private. Their advice on things to do and see was unerringly accurate. Their knowledge of things like drive times and what to take on an excursion, invaluable... your own private pre-tour guide.

The area around the cottage is off the beaten path which, given the traffic on the big island these days, is a good thing. Karen provided a three ring binder of things to do and places to eat (don't miss the Mamalahoa Hot Tubs & Massage) and very helpful guidebooks for the island at large.

We spent 10 days at the Kealakekua Bay Bali Cottage and found it the perfect place to relax and a great launching point for big island adventures. You will need a car but a jeep is not necessary.
My wife loved the interior attention to detail within the cottage, the romantic aspects of outdoor living with its sounds and especially the immediate availability of ocean access to deep ocean swimming and snorkeling. Falling asleep and waking to the sighs and rhythm of waves crashing against lava is a memory to be cherished.