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Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.

Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.

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Kapehu Falls Retreat House. Ocean view Hawaiian villa. Casual elegance for 1-10.
The Retreat House: 21st Century luxury. 19th Century Style. 20 tropical acres.
Front row seats to the gentle breezes, sights and sounds of a private paradise.
Kapehu Falls and the private, refreshing natural pool beneath.
Afternoon showers often bring rainbows into the foreground of our ocean view.

Overview of Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 104200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • Hot TubHot TubHot Tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Hilo, HI
  • Popular LocationHawaii Tropical Botanical Garden10 min drive
  • Popular LocationAkaka Falls17 min drive
  • Popular LocationPort of Hilo22 min drive
  • AirportHilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)25 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Garden Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Twin Bed and 1 King Bed

Studio Suite

1 King Bed, 1 Double Futon and 1 Twin Bed

Waterfall Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Main Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Mater Bath

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Powder Room

Toilet · Outdoor shower

Studio Suite Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.

The Kapehu Falls Retreat House is a grand, spacious home that recalls the charm of a plantation estate from a bygone era. Yet, it is an exquisitely crafted newer home combining comfortable space, an open floor plan, and modern amenities.

High ceilings. Wainscoting and Victorian-style moldings. Rich chestnut and marble floors. Tall windows. Casually elegant furnishings. Stunning views in a refreshing, historic setting.

Our property offers the peace, serenity, privacy and nature that will melt away your stress. We are located 10 miles (15-20 minutes) from downtown Hilo, on the lush and scenic Hamakua Coast of the Big Island, with stunning ocean views. Perfect for couples, families or groups looking to escape tourist traps and the hustle-bustle of city life and relax in the vibrant natural environment of authentic Hawaii. Enjoy the property’s private waterfall and swimming hole below it. No city lights to dim the night sky: great star-gazing! Utter peace and quiet - no traffic noise, no city sounds, no nearby neighbors. Absolute privacy: between you and the nearest road is a eucalyptus forest.

ESTATE & GROUNDS
- Experience exceptional privacy
- Sweeping ocean views and the most amazing lanai from which to enjoy it.
- Surround yourself in nature and tropical beauty in all directions.
- Rolling gardens, including an orchard of fruit trees, banana groves, lilikoi (passion fruit) and pineapples.
- 15 acres of eucalyptus forest.
- Two streams.
- 2 waterfalls. 1 with with a natural swimming pool beneath it.
- Nearly a mile of private road behind the gate for running or walking.

HOME & AMENITIES:
- Large house with 4 bedrooms, sleeps up to 10 maximum (4th bedroom available for parties of 5+ paid guests)
- 3 full marble bathrooms and a half-bath, plus an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a hike or a trip to the beach. (3rd bath available in studio suite with 5+ paid guests)
- Beautiful furnishings throughout the spacious home.
- Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with ocean views, granite counters, gas range, large refrigerator, oven, microwave, blender, toaster, coffee maker, rice cooker -- everything you need to prepare your gourmet meals.
- Indoor dining room has a beautiful mango wood table and eight matching chairs.
- Wraparound lanai has an outdoor dining table for eight, chaise lounges and a hot tub
- Living room has a fireplace for those rare chilly evenings.
- Marble-floored laundry room is equipped with washer and dryer.
- Carport with space for two vehicles to keep out of the sun and rain.

LOCATION:
Ten miles (15-20 minutes from downtown Hilo) on the lush and scenic Hamakua Coast with ocean views, this is a storybook vacation paradise! Perfect location near beautiful waterfalls and river valleys. The Kapehu Retreat House offers the 'out in the country' feeling, yet you’re only a short drive from retail, restaurants and attractions

Nearby:
- Several black sand beaches for swimming or surfing
- Several gorgeous botanical gardens
- 2 zip line parks
- Famous waterfalls
- Sugar Mill and Train museums
- Scenic Pepeekeo drive and trails through Onomea area
- Akaka Falls State Park
- Hamakua Coast
- Honomu Village
- One hour drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- One hour drive to Waipio Valley
- All the conveniences of Hilo with access to many conveniences you’ll find on the mainland (movie theatre, shopping center, grocery stores, Starbucks, etc.)

CLIMATE:
The climate at Kapehu Retreat House is perfect year round. Situated at 900 feet elevation, the air is cooler than at the beach or in Hilo: upper 70's F to low 80's during the day, and upper 60's F to low 70’s at night most of the year. In the winter it can get down to the low 60's at night with a daytime high in the low to mid-70's.

OFF-THE-GRID LIVING & LUXURIES:
The property is rural which means you can use this time to truly unplug, but we do have options available should you choose to stay connected. We do not have a landline phone, but most cell phone carriers work pretty well in the area. We offer DIRECTV and high speed cable fiber Internet from Hawaiian Telcom.

Water is provided from Hawaiian rainwater purified by filtration and UV light. Propane tanks supply the gas for the stove and dryer, and the hot water heater is solar powered. Like most homes in Hawaii, there is no air conditioning or heat on the property, but the home’s temperature can be regulated through the many windows which catch the cool ocean breezes. It rarely gets hot at this elevation, and the nights always cool down to 70 or below. If heat and humidity are a problem for you or your guests, you may wish to rent an air-conditioned hotel room.

ABOUT KAPEHU FALLS PROPERTY
When you rent the Kapehu Retreat House you don't share it with anyone. You get the whole house, all 4 bedrooms, the washer/dryer, carport, hot tub, everything - all to yourselves. You'll share the 20 acres with the guests of our Creekside Cottage vacation rental, but it's unlikely you'll see or hear them: the 1-bedroom cottage is across a creek and 2/10ths of a mile away.

RESTRICTIONS
Because of zoning restrictions and the one-lane farm road it's located on, the owners cannot allow any events, receptions, commercial activities, or large gatherings on the property. Maximum number of people using the house: 10. Maximum number of vehicles at the house: 3. NO EVENTS.

Studio Suite is available to groups paying for 5 or more guests. Groups of 5 or more get access to the studio bedroom. Groups of 4 and fewer do not. Your price reflects this. It is available to groups of 4 or fewer as an upgrade, simply by booking a 5th guest at a cost of just $35/night.

Property manager

Robert Tag

Amenities

Pool
Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
Property Registration Number GE-177-007-1040-01, TA-177-007-1040-01

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Pepeekeo

Located in Pepeekeo, this villa is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and Akaka Falls State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Onomea Tea Company Estate and World Botanical Gardens. Pacific Tsunami Museum and Mokupapapa Discovery Center are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hilo, HI

What's nearby

  • Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - 10 min drive
  • Akaka Falls - 17 min drive
  • Rainbow Falls - 21 min drive
  • Port of Hilo - 22 min drive
  • Carlsmith Beach Park - 29 min drive

Getting around

  • Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • Onomea Country Market & Cafe - 6 min drive
  • What's Shakin - 7 min drive
  • Blue Kalo - 12 min drive
  • What's Shakin - 5 min drive
  • What's Shakin - 9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens. have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Idyllic 20-acre, ocean-view estate with streams, waterfalls, groves and gardens. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this villa is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Hamakua Heritage Corridor and within 6 mi (10 km) of Onomea Bay and Onomea Tea Company Estate. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and Hakalau Beach Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn W., Carlsbad, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
Surreal beauty. Loved this property with its views, waterfall, spa, and lovely accomodations.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Week Ever
We couldn’t have asked for more gracious host and property manager ! Our week was fantastic. The home was beautiful and well stocked. Every detail was seen to. We needed propane for the BBQ and with one text it was there that day for us . We hope to return in the future !
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carrie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heavenly Hawaiian Retreat
This is an amazing property that is naturally beautiful and very well done and maintained. The grounds are spectacular and the home is beautiful. It is a private paradise that maintains the Hawaiian history of the property. Grateful to be able to experience that even for a short while!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

April S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tropical Paradise!
Our family group of 10 loved our stay here. It really felt like paradise. We enjoyed watching the sunrise each morning and the waterfall was beautiful and fun to swim in. The kitchen/pantry is stocked with basics which is very helpful. We cooked most of our meals at the house. It was an unforgettable week and we were sad to leave. Thanks again!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelli H., Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous property!
Our stay at this property was amazing! The house and the grounds are gorgeous. The house was well stocked with all of the essentials plus many extras like beach and snorkel gear, a cooler, plenty of towels and linens and more. The property is quiet and reserved but you can get to nearby shops and activities quickly. The waterfall pool was beautiful too. Highly recommend!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

About the host

Hosted by Robert Tag

Host profile image
I've worked in the hospitality industry for years on the marketing side and worked shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest general managers and operations professionals in the world. I've had the honor of serving The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. and their 250+ amazing independent properties. I have also worked with Four Seasons, Fairmont, Mandarin and Intercontinental, as well as some fine cruise lines, sailing vacations and global destinations. It has been a thrill learning from operational geniuses. While I don't pretend to be in that same league, I have always wanted to find a property that defines the best of the area, history and culture that surrounds it and share it with fellow travelers who have the same passion for experiencing a genuine "sense of place." I have found "it" in on the windward side of Hawaii, on the Hamakua Coast just 7 miles north of Hilo. And I would love to share this piece of paradise with people who appreciate authentic experiences.

Why they chose this property

Kapehu Falls is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. (And I've been to some pretty amazing places.) It incorporates the natural beauty of the land, its history as a portion of the old Metcalf Sugar Cane Plantation – and its even earlier history as forest land – and combines it with the stunning design of the fanciful Plantation-era architecture of the late 1800s into a modern-day Hawaiian paradise. The 20+ acre estate has breathtaking ocean views, 15 acres of replanted forest, nearly a mile of private roads, waterfalls, streams, gardens, an orchard, huge main house, storybook creekside cottage and a natural pool beneath the falls. Kinda amazing.

This magical place was created by visionary designer Ronald Hubbard who honored the land, streams and history of the property. And the area. The 2 gorgeous buildings complement nature's bounty and recall a bygone era. It is like a more sophisticated Hawaiian version of Disney's "Mainstreet USA." And it is all surrounded by famous waterfalls, botanical gardens and other nature-focused attractions scenic byways and trails.

Previous owners and remarkable stewards,Tom and Marcy, spent the better part of a decade transforming this idyllic paradise into a comfortable, reliable vacation rental with plenty of 5-star reviews. They took me under their wing and showed me all the special details that make this such a remarkable vacation retreat. This combination of cultural enthusiasts, and operational and design visionaries made this spectacular property worth sharing.

In the end I asked myself, "Is this place worth flying 20 hours in a middle seat for?" So I tried it. With good company and paradise at the end of the journey, the hours fly by. This place is completely worth your hard-earned vacation time. You can leave the pressures of the real world at the front gate and enjoy life.

What makes this property unique

The majesty of this place is greater than the sum of its parts, and yet the parts are pretty remarkable all by themselves. As fellow travelers and I can attest, there are times when this place is so beautiful that you can just sit on the lanai and watch the ocean and the sky change colors while the birds and butterflies stop by. The choir of songbirds harmonizes with the sounds of the streams and waterfalls to provide a soothing soundtrack to the scenic wonderland. You will forget to get up to explore. But when you do, here's what awaits:

The house itself was built by a very talented designer who understood the history of the land and the magic of indoor-outdoor living.
- There are over 20 acres of pristine, gated paradise.
- 15 acres of private eucalyptus forest with private roads.
- Uninterrupted views of the ocean framed by the forest and streams.
- 2 gorgeous streams and waterfalls.
- A picnic shelter past the grove filled with fresh fruit and avocados.
- The larger waterfall has created its own natural pool or swimming hole that looks like it was built for a movie set.
- You feel far from everything, yet you are surrounded by attractions, natural beauty and the conveniences of the Islands largest city. It feels impossible. And yet here is this perfect balance. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a base for family and friends to explore the Island.

I hope you'll love it as much as we do! Aloha!
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