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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Sleeps | 3 |
| Cottage | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| Suitable for Elderly |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 16 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Cottage |
| Minimum Stay | 3 nights |
| Living space | 700 square feet |
| Bedrooms |
2 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Bathrooms |
1 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Sleeps | 3 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyAsk Smoking allowedAsk Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyYes Wheelchair accessibleAsk |
| Theme | Adventure, Luxury, Romantic, Away from it all, Rural, Tropical |
Description from the owner
Tara Cottage is a lovely redwood and cedar octagon on secluded and beautifully landscaped property in Kona coffee country, overlooking Kealakekua Bay and the South Kona coastline. Kealakekua Bay, with its unparalleled fine swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, and the Place of Refuge National Park are both only 10 minutes away. Two lovely sandy beaches are within a 15 minute drive.
Tara Cottage is within minutes of restaurants, health food stores, produce markets, shops and theater in the villages of Captain Cook, Kealakekua and Kainaliu. The bustling resort town of Kailua-Kona, with its array of fine options for dining, shopping and...Read more
Amenities
Location
Tara Cottage-- a Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
Kealakekua, Hawaii
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
The district of South Kona hugs the southwestern coastal slopes of the huge 13,679 ft. Mauna Loa volcano. This region's one main road, Hwy. 11, passes through an upslope area dotted with small villages rather than a coastal area. It is a rural agricultural region of undulating green hillsides, colorful tropical foliage and panoramic ocean views-- renowned for its Kona coffee fields, macadamia nut orchards and organic fruit and vegetable farms. Its most popular coastal region is lovely Kealakekua Bay, famous for its unparalleled fine snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving, and as the site of the demise of explorer Captain James Cook. Another remarkable coastal area is beautiful Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park, the ancient Hawaiian Place of Refuge.
Hawaii Tax ID #: W21736723-01
Location Type Away from it all, Rural, Tropical
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $180 - $225 | $180 - $225 | $1,155 - $1,575 | $3,780 | 3 nights |
| Jun. 1 2013 - Dec. 15 2013 Mid Season 2013 |
$180 | $180 | $1,155 | - | 3 nights |
| Dec. 16 2013 - Jan. 4 2014 Holiday Season 2013/2014 |
$225 | $225 | $1,575 | - | 7 nights |
| Jan. 5 2014 - Mar. 31 2014 Peak Season 2014 |
$210 | $210 | $1,365 | - | 4 nights |
| Apr. 1 2014 - May. 31 2014 High Season 2014 |
$195 | $195 | $1,260 | - | 4 nights |
| All Other Dates | $180 | $180 | $1,155 | $3,780 | 3 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Rental fees
- Additional guests - $15 / day - Per-Person Adjustment - $15/night, $70/week for a 3rd guest
- Tax rate - 13.42% of rental - Tax
- Cleaning fee - $80 / stay - Other
Additional notes from owner
Rates for 2 guests; 3rd guest add $15/night, $70/week.
Maximum occupancy of 3 adults/child 5+ years
Out cleaning fee of $80.
2 taxes that total 13.416%.
Ask about discounts for longer stays.
Before confirmation rates are subject to change at anytime.
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: May 17, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
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sfcruzcouple
San Francisco, CaliforniaA place of Peace and Serenity
Left on 07/08/2012 for a stay in June 2012
If you want a place to relax and unwind this is it. The cottage is beautifully furnished and the landscaping outside is lovely. Michael is an very considerate and friendly person who goes out of his way to make you feel welcome at his property. It's difficult to put into to words just how pleasant this place is; the view of the bay overlooking Captain Cook's Monument, the backround noise of the birds and wildlife, the warm air, the vibe inside the cottage in the afternoon while relaxing in the reading nook, the sunsets, morning Kona coffee on the patio, the geckos, the sound system and the selection of music provided, the library of books, the outdoor solar shower, the list just goes on and on... Go and treat yourself to some quality downtime, you'll have no regrets.
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JohnCSanFrancisco_CA
San Francisco, CAEven better than the pictures... a rental cottage that feels mor
Left on 06/14/2012 for a stay in July 2011
To add to the many accolades - Tara Cottage really feels like a home. Some rental properties have bare-bones kitchens; this one has almost every tool you can imagine. The location above Kealakekua makes for brilliant daily sunsets. The space is bigger and more luxurious than the photos depict. The outdoor shower is killer.
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Leanne and Jim
Bloomington INExtraordinary and unforgetable experience.
Left on 04/30/2012 for a stay in March 2012
Our choice was to enjoy a relaxed Hawaiian experience away from populated areas. This cozy and well-appointed house is nestled up the mountain from a secluded beach. The octagonal structure sits amidst a coffee plantation and has the unmistakable imprint of its ownner, Michael Sisk. It felt like staying at a friend's home instead of a generic condo. Michael has thought of everything, from reviews of local restaurants to swim fins and provides a welcome package of local goodies including his own coffee. His library is fascinating. He's in another home on the property; always available when needed, but never intrusive.
Tara Cottage allowed an easy jumping-off spot for trips to several phenomenal snorkling beaches, volcano hikes, and interesting towns and yet is not too far from Kona and the airport.
This place won't appeal to those wanting quick access to a sandy beach or shopping. But it is ideal for those wishing a quiet retreat and those interested in exploring the less commercial side of Hawaii.
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eastcoastdi
154976Best rental property in Hawaii!!
Left on 04/27/2012 for a stay in April 2012
This is the best vacation rental on the Big island. Tara Cottage is a haven of tranquility and peace in a sublime location on the hillside overlooking Kealakekua Bay. We are seasoned travellers but we have never discovered a more special place to unwind ,renew and seek adventure than Tara Cottage. The surrounding gardens and upland forests are magical and the artful landscaping is breathtaking. The cottage is beautifully furnished with carefully selected antique furniture and the beds are extrordinarily comfortable. Your gracious host, Michael Sisk, has anticipated your every need from snorkling equipment to sunscreen. The property has a grove of the best Kona coffee plants on the island and if you are lucky you may be able to purchase the best coffee in the world...grown on your doorstep! The well designed and equipped kitchen is very convenient.
The wireless internet access is speedy and calls to Canada or the us are free which saves on those costly data plans!
We travelled to Volcano National Park on one day and adventured north to snorkel in Kohala on another day. The Honaunau National Park is only minutes away and is a beautiful historical park celebrating Hawaiian culture. There is a wonderful ancient shoreline hiking trail beginning in the park and superb snorkling at "Two Step" just outside the park.
If you rent this extrordinary property , Michael will send you a packet of invaluable information about local restaurants, beaches and activities. We tried many of his recommended eating spots and had some memorable meals.
You will return home feeling that you have truly been immersed in Hawaiian culture.
You may search far and wide but you will not find a vacation rental to compare with this special place.The birds in the bamboo and the birdbath will keep you entertained for hours.
Return home with unforgettable memories after the vacation of a lifetime! -
Island Lover
Ukiah, CAParadise Found
Left on 11/04/2011 for a stay in October 2011
We just returned from a week at Tara Cottage. Trying to find the words to describe our stay is difficult; Paradise is an understatement to be certain. From the minute you enter the driveway to Tara Cottage you know you are entering a magical place. The grounds are as beautiful and well kept as any resort we have ever stayed at in our 15+ years visiting the Hawai'ian Islands. The comforts of Tara Cottage reveal themselves one after the other. The bread, nuts, chocolate, bananas, papaya and lilikoi waiting for us on arrival were just the beginning. We love to cook and the kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed to prepare all of our meals, including roasted coffee beans from the coffee trees on the property. If you are a coffee lover, you are in for a treat. The sky light directly over the bed makes for great late night star gazing. The outdoor shower was a lot of fun, hands down the most beautiful showers you will ever have in your life. From the top of the line Bosch washer and dryer, snorkel gear, beach chairs, boogie boards, gas barbeque, flat screen TV with DVD player (and library) and a nice stereo system that is I-Pod ready and a great mix of music CDs, Tara Cottage has it all. Kealakekua Bay is about a 10 minute drive down the hill with lots to do and see. There is a real local feel to the place with friendly people. It is an interesting place, activity wise and historical. One neighborhood lady proudly told me the bay was the world's largest aquarium, plus you could swim in it. The City of Refuge is nearby. All this is within minutes of Tara. There are good groceries stores, local restaurants; and the produce is the best with organic veggies and fruit found everywhere. Speaking of fruit, in addition to coffee trees and pineapple there are mango, breadfruit and lime trees right outside. You can see them from the lanai while taking in the view of the bay from above. Simply put, a week at Tara Cottage will add weeks to your life.
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BayAreaKololia
Bay AreaA Heavenly Place!
Left on 07/17/2011 for a stay in July 2011
It is simply heavenly to be at Tara. The house, the gardens, and the view are all so lovely that one feels constantly surprised and pleased. The delicious goodies, the sweet birds, and the lovely decor are a delight for the senses. We always feel at peace when we are there.
My husband and I just completed our fourth stay there. We come back because Tara is simply one of the most beautiful and comfortable places we have ever been. We are avid snorkelers and go every morning to "Two Step" at nearby Place of Refuge which has superb snorkeling.
Tara's host and creator, Michael, is very sensitive to people's desire for privacy. He is the soul of discretion and hospitality and just the nicest person ever. The previous reviews are detailed and accurate and I agree with all of the other positive comments. Yes, the two person outdoor shower is unique and memorable! I feel grateful that Tara is there... an oasis we can return to again and again. -
RUBY044
Weehawken, New Jerseya "turn-key" operation
Left on 07/13/2011 for a stay in June 2011
We walked in and it was ready to go. Nuts and chocolates along side local fruit and home-made banana bread for us. I dug right in.
The owner is quite involved, yet not at all intrusive. We felt right at home here.
... coffee that had grown in the garden was ready to grind and waiting in the kitchen. . . . the full selection of condiments and other staples in the refrigerator...
My wife and I found it easy to get comfortable. The flow that any guest might want to have was taken into consideration. We put our clothes into the drawers and were ready to unwind.
... a collection of Dvds and CDs... a nice selection of books...
The grounds quite beautiful and well maintained. Laundry on site. Snorkeling gear and folding chairs.
The outdoor shower was well used during our stay. Nicely done with all sorts of rainforest type vegetation.
My wife frequently enjoyed relaxing at the dining table in front of the huge window that gave a view of the ocean, I caught up on my reading while reclining on the bed.
We would have loved to stay longer. -
Taos_NewMexicoBeth
Taos, New MexicoLush and Romantic
Left on 05/24/2011 for a stay in May 2011
What an eye-popping paradise for two winter-weary Minnesotans! From the lushly landscaped grounds to the exquisitely furnished interior, Tara Cottage is a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul. The owner, Michael, provides guests with every conceivable amenity: fresh fruit and coffee from his farm, treats galore, a well-stocked fridge, and folding chairs, beach towels, and a cooler for your days at the beach. There's also a marvelous array of literary fiction, Hawaiian guidebooks, CDs and Dvds. Everyone raves about the outdoor shower (which we loved, too!), but our favorite Tara experience was sipping mai tais while listening to Iz on the stereo and watching the sun set over Kealakekua Bay.
In terms of practicalities, Tara was spotlessly clean and well-maintained, and Michael was very helpful in providing information regarding directions, grocery stores, restaurants, and places of interest to tourists like us. Our favorite places matched Michael's recommendations perfectly: Two-Step for snorkeling; The Coffee Shack for sandwiches; Mi's Italian Bistro for a special dinner; Mauna Kea Beach for the ideal sunny Hawaiian beach experience; Ho'okeena for a low-key beach picnic. Tara Cottage was the perfect place to celebrate our 35th anniversary, and I'm sure we'll find our way back quite soon! -
Jim & Deb
Camas WACalm and beautiful and pleasant
Left on 01/31/2011 for a stay in November 2010
My wife and I were looking for a quiet and peaceful place to stay for a week, but close enough to town to go snorkeling, see a luau and drive over to the volcano, and the cottage and Michael our host was a very good fit for our plans. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in staying on the Big Island and I would not hesitate to stay there again (I seldom stay in the same place twice because I am too much of a gypsy I guess, but in this case I would do it). It was so pleasant we didn't do any explorations away from the cottage for several days - we enjoyed just sitting on the patio and watching the sky and sea and trees and birds, etc... and making little snacks in the kitchen. Fun. And Michael is gracious, pleasant, informative and available when needed. A very nice person - thank you Michael. Writing this up and thinking about the time we were there makes me want to go back...
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Sue
New York, NYGorgeous place and amazing vacation
Left on 01/30/2011 for a stay in June 2010
My husband, my 13-year-old daughter and I stayed at Tara Cottage for a week during the summer of 2010. Michael was amazing during the booking process: he called back immediately, and was extremely forthcoming and helpful on the area as well as the cottage. Everything was clear and straightforward: no surprises. The cottage itself is everything that is shown on the website and more. It has been furnished with love and care, and attention to every little detail, both aesthetic and practical (Dvds and CDs, snorkeling gear, tasteful furniture, among many other features). Tara Cottage is extremely comfortable and pleasant to be in. The kitchen is a real cook's kitchen, and the supplies make it possible to cook dishes without having to go out and buy every little condiment you may need. The dining room table has a gorgeous view, as does the deck. Our daughter loved the little side room she slept in. The outside shower is impossible to speak too highly about: by far the most beautiful setting I've ever taken a shower in: it was a challenge to bring oneself to turn off the water, especially under the night sky. The fact that the windows can be kept completely open, so that there is just netting between you and the gorgeous Hawaiian air, is really magical, especially from the side room. Add to that the skylight under the bed in the main room, and the birdbath outside the side room. The garden and the setting are really lovely, with a beautiful view of the bay. A great snorkeling spot is just a few minutes easy drive away: we snorkeled every morning. A great fruit stand close by and a really good supermarket meant that we really didn't need restaurants, which suited us fine. Also close enough to Kona for my daughter to feel that it was accessible, but without a touristy feel. And Michael was as friendly and helpful in person as he was on the phone. All in all, we had a wonderful vacation, and would love to return to Tara Cottage. We give it our highest recommendation.
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Marjorie & Dan
Seattle , WATara Cottage is magical!
Left on 01/04/2011 for a stay in December 2010
This was my first stay on the big island , and I was looking for something other than a 'vanilla' condo, or overpriced resort. Tara Cottage was the perfect place! The cottage is beautifully decorated, comfortable and well stocked, the lush grounds are absolutely gorgeous, and our host, Michael, was extremely gracious and hospitable. A few things worth mentioning include the welcome basket of goodies, the colorful birds and lizards, the peaceful garden with killer view, and the fabulous collection of books and movies...we enjoyed it all. I look forward to a return visit.
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Jasper77777
Jackson, WyomingLoved Our Stay Here!
Left on 10/07/2010 for a stay in September 2010
My husband and I stayed here for eight days and loved this little cottage. Michael (the owner) was helpful and provided everything we needed for a comfortable stay (even sunscreen and band-aids!). My husband even requested a french press for his special coffee beans and Michael quickly brought one over. The cottage has a beautiful view and has everything you need to be self-sufficient (e.g., fully functioning kitchen with kitchen ware). The location worked for us as we spent most of our time on the west side of the island visiting Kona and Mauna Kea and coffee farms and kayaking in Kealakekua Bay (we also stayed for two days in Volcano when we visited Volcanoes National Park). Furniture is very comfortable and a good selection of books and CDs are also provided.
A couple of small things about the cottage which did not affect our five-star rating:
(1) It is situated on a small coffee plantation so there is vehicle now and then that passes by on the small dirt road very near the cottage (not 100% private);
(2) The outdoor shower is great but you may run out of hot water if you don't know how to work the water heater system. Once you figure it out, you should be okay.Response from Michael Sisk - 10/21/2010
Owner
Regarding the comments about the outdoor shower, one of the most popular features of Tara Cottage:
As noted in the cottage guest book, the shower is solar heated with a backup electric water heater and an 80 gallon water tank. In the interest of energy conservation the backup electric heater is set to go OFF at 10 pm and come back ON at 4am. Because of this if you take showers at night and then again early in the morning (as did these guests), then the electric heater may not have had time to fully reheat the water in the tank--resulting in less hot water for morning showers.
To avoid this (and as instructed in the guest book) one need only manually move the easily accessible electric heater switch from OFF to ON to guarantee 80 gallons of hot water in the morning! -
Nancy and Bruce
Plymouth, MATranquil, comfortable, memorable cottage
Left on 06/29/2010 for a stay in March 2010
We highly recommend Tara Cottage. The cottage sits in a private corner of a small Kona coffee farm. The comfort, serenity, amenities, books, music, soaring cathedral ceiling, ocean view, lawn, gardens, privacy, and all of the helpful and aesthetic details combine for a beautiful, tranquil vacation retreat. Yet, Tara Cottage is located conveniently close to outstanding restaurants (whether you are looking for a good burger or fine dining), grocery stores, shopping, historical sites, and the ocean. Access to the Hawaii Belt Road is quick and easy. And, the host is never intrusive, but accessible and helpful when appropriate.
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Linda Kelsey
Denver Colorado"Paradise Found"
Left on 01/23/2010 for a stay in November 2009
From the moment we arrived at Tara Cottage we felt like we had arrived in Paradise. We were greeted by the smell of fresh roasted coffee (Tara's own), homemade banana bread, local "mac" nuts and home grown bananas and mango's. Each day dawned with the sound of birds outside in the birdbath. We enjoyed the start of the day with a delightful outdoor shower and the relaxing comfort of the lounge chairs overlooking the ocean below.
Tara Cottage was lovingly built and managed by our Host and now friend Michael Sisk who thought of everything we could possibly need to make our stay one that we will remember for a lifetime. The decor of Tara Cottage is first class and accommodations provided everything, Oh and did I mention the outdoor shower? We will always laugh when we look back on our evening of Kava and songs with all of our new friends at MA'S KAVA BAR. Thank you Mike for sharing Tara with us and we look forward to our next visit. For anyone looking for complete relaxation and the joy of experiencing the true ALOHA SPIRIT you will not regret staying at Tara Cottage. And did I mention the outdoor shower?
Linda and Sonny Kelsey, Denver, Colorado -
Beat and Anita
Heidelberg, GermanyThe perfect place to reload your batteries
Left on 01/23/2010 for a stay in December 2009
You can read all about the attractions and the beauty of Big Island in appropriate travel guides. So, let's concentrate on Tara Cottage, the cottage surroundings and the host Michael.
We arrived at night after a long trip and did not take much notice of anything and went to sleep in the very big and comfortabel bed. When we woke up the next morning, we could admire the sheer beauty of it all: the view over the Pacific Ocean and Kealakekua Bay, the very tastefully furnished cottage, the exquisit choce of classical music CDs, the vast assortment of books on the shelves, the welcoming basket of treats that waited for us (including delicious coffee from the farm Tara Cottage is located on). To make a long story short: we had the feeling, we had arrived in paradise and this cannot get any better... but then we met Michael, our host. He is the most charming man you can imagine: warm, friendly, very willing to share his knowledge, considerate and always observing our privacy.
The whole atmosphere in and around Tara Cottage is the perfect place to relax and reload your batteries or for a romantic time-out with your significant other.
We decided and promised to come back and can hardly wait to do so.
It is a pity that I only have the possibility to assign 5 stars here. I would like to add a PLUS
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Hallen
Seattle, WashingtonBreathtaking & Restful Retreat in Paradise
Left on 06/27/2009 for a stay in June 2009
The amenities are impressive with a
furnished kitchen including a bowl of fresh
local fruit, Anahole granola or banana
bread, and the delicious Kona Coffee grown
on the property. There is also a gorgeous
arrangement of native flowers on the dining
area table with a large picture window
showing the expansive ocean views of
Kealakekua Bay. Outside there is a platform
with lounge chairs and a deck with the
same impressive views of the ocean in the
background and the beautifully-manicured
grounds in the foreground. Other
amenities include a washer/dryer, gas
barbecue grill and lovely private outdoor
shower.
I have been staying here for many years
and this location in South Kona in a
residential neighborhood has so much
more charm and peacefulness than the
noisy resort hotels on the island. There are
some nice restaurants with creative cuisine,
coffee houses, gift shops, local fruit/veggie
stand, and a large market with deli all
within a few miles of this property. The
Place of Refuge National Monument with
beach & picnic facilities & hiking trails, as
well as a good snorkeling spot, is nearby,
as well as the lovely Painted Church. There
is also easy access to the highway heading
south to the volcano and the old Hawaiiana
town of Hilo. North on the highway leads to
the shops & restaurants in Kailua, Holualoa,
Waikoloa, and Waimea, and to nearby
beaches.
Tara Cottage is a very special place to be
appreciated & respected by those who want
to experience the flora and fauna of Hawaii
in a serene environment. The interior of the
cottage is exquisitely furnished and
includes all of the modern conveniences of
the internet, cable TV/DVD player and
stereo music system.
In conclusion, all that I can say is that this
place is heavenly, the manager, Michael, is
charming and has a vast knowledge of the
island, and that each visit here ends with
special memories and photos that keep my
experience alive until my next visit here.
Highly recommended!
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