The May Rose Cottage (downstairs) is set in a tropical flower garden. It is a beautiful space! The design and decor have an Asian aesthetic with fine materials and elegant design--especially the bathroom which is unlike any I've ever seen--both beautiful and functional and comfortable. Fine workmanship and high quality appliances and fixtures throughout the house.
The kitchen is well-equipped and easy to use. The bed, bedding, and linens are high quality, which makes them comfortable. Attractive, comfortable furnishings. Lots of screened windows, ceiling fans, and sliding doors bring the outdoors in. Two large, usable outdoor spaces with tables, chairs, and a bench with a handmade table extend the living area. And flowers everywhere!
Nat and John each encouraged us to let them know if there was anything lacking, and quickly responded when we requested a corkscrew and a bigger garbage can.
Location is wonderful--minutes from Kealakekua Bay which sports excellent snorkeling and often pods of dolphins. Manini Beach is just down the hill in Napo'o'po'o Village and other places to snorkel are nearby, as is a wonderful Hawai'ian historical park, the Place of Refuge.
Captain Cook is minutes away and hosts a post office, hardware store, restaurants, and a large grocery store with all the usual stuff plus a decent selection of wine and beer and--best of all--fresh seafood, including sushi-grade ahi, enormous local shrimp, and a plethora of other seafood, plus local (and imported) fruits and vegetables. A big amenity is Big Rob's bakery--open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a great source for pastries. We loved the macnut tarts and lilikoi cheesecake especially, but tried out a number of other treats and supplied ourselves with his sour dough and nine-grain bread--all excellent. Loco Wraps is next door to the grocery store and serves delicious local food and juices.
There is a Green Market on Sundays with live music, lots of farm produce at great prices (including coffee and macadamia nuts) and many hand-made items such as clothing and jewelry. Coffee farms with tours and tasting are nearby.
Kainiliu, a small town a few miles north, offers lots of cute shops and galleries, plus restaurants and old Hawai'ian businesses. We bought resale items at great prices. South you'll find the famous Two-Step snorkeling and dolphin site (Honaunau Bay) and Ho'okena, a beautiful, palm-fringed bay where you can snorkel, boogie-board, or kayak (rentals + food + showers and restrooms).
We have rented lots of houses and cottages, and Nat and John's place ranks among the best. This is our favorite stretch of the Hawai'ian paradise, and our hosts and their cottage can't be beat.
Have a fine vacation! John and Diane Williams