Ka’awa Loa Plantation

True aloha here. This place is paradise. Breezes blowing as you overlook the bay. We didn’t want to leave. The breakfasts were delicious. Fresh fruit and baked goods. There’s a jacuzzi and sauna. Always someone to talk story and share some laughs. This is the only place I want to stay on the big island.

From the moment we stepped into the double screened swing door and saw the view, the big smile from Hannah (like the house mother), the huge lanai, the tree swing, the hot tub (!), we knew we had chosen the right place. Our family of 4 reserved the palatial suite for our 2 night stay (I wished we could’ve stayed a month!) – huge bathroom with shower and tub, walk-​in closet, comfortable king bed and twin bed with small dining table and reading chair – it made us feel like ali’i :-) Hannah spoiled us with delicious breakfast every morning: fresh fruit, Blueberry waffles, turkey sausage, the guest house’s own coffee and fresh juices! Our kids loved the tree swing right into the view over the bay and showering with rainbows in the double outdoor shower! Greg and Michael have done a spectacular job at creating a sparkling slice of paradise within paradise! Geckos and starlight galore!

Oh my GOSH! This was the best place I’ve ever stayed, EVER. I’ve been to many 5-​star hotels, budget motels, hostels, eco-​friendly lodges, etc. This is literally the best place you can possibly stay at.
We were on a Hawaiian vacation and were trying to be spontaneous. What we learned is you can’t be spontaneous with room bookings during the months of December — March in Hawaii. Luckily I found this place and called them up. I spoke to Greg, who wasn’t at the plantation at the time, so said he’d call me back in 10 minutes. 10 minutes later he was calling! Little did we know, we were so incredibly lucky that they had openings because apparently that isn’t a thing. It was late at night, so Greg told us what to do when we got there and emailed us detailed directions.
We got in with no issues. The directions were perfect, the instructions were spot on, and their king suite was GORGEOUS. We splurged and took a bath in their HUGE bathtub, then fell asleep on the most comfy bed. We got the best sleep since being on our vacation for the past two weeks. We were supposed to stay in the suite for another night, but mistakenly it was already booked for someone else. So Greg informed us that we could stay in their budget room or their ocean view room. We chose the ocean view room which was just as awesome as the king suite, minus the suite lol. The bed was just as comfy! The budget room is just that … it’s pretty noisy and you hear EVERYTHING, but it’s still worth staying in for sure.
They have lots of beach toys for you to take out at your leisure. And their volcano outdoor shower is LEGIT! They have a sauna, a hot tub, lots of garden and green space, a beautiful wrap-​around deck, and a tree swing! Gah, we were in love. And the view is stunning. It was always super peaceful (minus staying in the budget room lol).
Their property, the house, them, their breakfast is all superb! Best customer service, best stay, delicious breakfast. This B&B is a MUST stay. If you’re on the big island, and on this side, you need to seriously consider staying here.

Probably the best B & B we’ve ever stayed in – with a delightful location, high above Kealakekua Bay, and a short drive from Captain Cook. The room we stayed in (the first floor suite) was splendid, the house was quiet and other guests very pleasant. Mike and Greg were wonderful hosts, with plenty of helpful and specific suggestions on the best places to eat, sightsee, and snorkel. The breakfast spread was delicious and overall atmosphere very relaxing. Our only regret is we didn’t stay a couple of days longer. We’re coming back…

Such a wonderful treat! We were greeted by Michael with a cold mango juice and full tour of the grounds. The rooms are spacious and the beds very comfortable with amazing attention to detail from the house to the grounds. The owners are inviting and friendly and full of all the local information to send you out exploring. The breakfasts are full of local fruits and vegetables, breads, and coffee accompanying a warm dish. There are million dollar views of the bays below from the main house and porch, and easy access to most of the west island, coffee plantations, and Kona airport. We also met people from all over Europe during our stay. I still can’t get over the price for a room, such a small price to pay for all of this! Bonus for the outdoor lava rock shower, hot tub, and sauna. They also have all the beach supplies you would need for a fun day out including towels, snorkel gear, umbrellas and coolers. You would never get all of this at one of the Mega hotels on the beach. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up our vacation on the big island.

One word: Heaven! Our stay at Ka awa Loa was a highlight of our honeymoon. The property is gorgeous and more importantly the owners and staff are so kind and welcoming. The breakfasts were fantastic and the lanai… wow! Very convenient to some of the world’s best snorkeling spots which we enjoyed almost every day.

My husband and I were engaged at Ka’awa Loa and had such a wonderful time there that we decided to rent the entire property for 1 week for our wedding two years later.
I could easily write a book about all the amazing experiences we had during our wedding week and all the gracious actions and professionalism that Greg, Michael and Hannah provided.
Firstly, all communications prior to our stay with Greg were positive and helpful as we were planning for our arrival. The place is set up well for a large group. When we stayed with other guests during our engagement, we felt completely relaxed and found plenty of space on the large porch and throughout the house to be on our own.
The house was clean with fresh flowers and beautiful art and objects around to give it a warm and inviting feel. The aesthetic is classic and quality, don’t think grandma’s house with nicknacks – it couldn’t be further from it. The house has a comfortable elegance that is easy to slip into and enjoy as your own.
We stayed in the suite which was large, comfortable and peaceful. Fresh flowers and birds chirping and breezes – it was sublime.
Greg was available throughout our stay whenever we had questions or needed help. I was amazed by their attentive, helpful professionalism.
We look forward to returning again and again. I’ve been fortunate to have traveled to many places, some of the most beautiful spots on earth, and this place is truly a gem.

I’ve stayed at many a B&B and this is, hands down, the best one I’ve ever stayed at. This gigantic plantation house is open and airy. The delectable breakfasts are almost — almost — too beautiful to eat. The hosts are hilarious and full of information about the best places to go. Between the expansive view of the ocean down the hill, the outdoor showers with flowers and moss growing along lava stones, the zillions of geckos sitting next to you as you sip your morning tea, the abundance of fresh fruit growing everywhere… it’s as close to paradise as it gets. If you’re ever in this area, it’s your loss if you don’t stay here. Seriously.

Had a lovely stay at Ka’Awa Loa! It really felt like home after the first day or two, and by the time we left a week later, we really did not want to leave! The breakfast was always amazing, and Michael or Greg were always helpful with recommendations and good humor, inquiring at breakfast how our day was, and providing useful tips for the next days’ adventure. They were perfect hosts. The pictures of the property cannot possibly do the place justice. The grounds are lush, and in quiet evenings on the lanai, you could easily believe you were transported to paradise! The house itself is fresh and updated but still maintains an original charm.

I found Ka’awa loa plantation on a fluke through trip
. This place is a gem amongst gems. The plantation is nestled on a hillside in the Township of Captain Cook. The property overlooks the Pacific Ocean, The home is amazing this whole place is amazing.
Every morning we had a great spread for breakfast which includes fruit, cereal, sausage, kalua pork, or sometimes eggs.
Michael and Greg have the key to being great host.
It has been very comfortable and relaxing we are so thankful we found this place to stay on our vacation

WOW
Our first trip to hawaii and did we pick well!!!
Everyone Michael, Gregory, Hanna (to lovely for words!)
We where all welcomed warmly and made to feel comfortable right away!
The coffee is something to behold!
And Hanna, must surly be an angle sent directly from heaven!
We ended up needing help with directions, dry cleaning, flowers etc… The owners where not only knowledgable and had many useful recommendations.
But even with all that, it’s the views and peaceful surroundings that make this our new number 1 vacation destination.
We would probably come back just to see Hanna if lava destroyed the BnB view.
You can’t go wrong with this place

All good. All Pros no cons at this wonderful Ka’awa Loa Plantation B&B
B&B. This is how B&Bs should be done. From the moment you a arrive until the moment you depart, Michael & Greg make sure you feel welcome and that your needs are met. The have a large beautiful Plantation style house with a huge veranda with Chairs and tables, and a large open kitchen open to clients. The buffet breakfasts are mouth wateringly good. There is enough food variety that vegetarians would have no problem eating — just let them know. They have water toys and towels too, and can direct to just about everything on the Island. There is an international mix of guests which makes it even more interesting! We will return.

From the moment I started corresponding via email with the Plantation’s proprietors, I knew we were in for a lovely stay: they went to great lengths to very thoroughly answer all of my questions (of which there were many). And when we arrived the hospitality continued with mac nuts and mango juice on the lanai.
Staying at the Ka’awa Loa Plantation in Captain Cook is like staying with friends. That is, if your friends like proprietors Greg and Michael:
— made you excellent breakfasts every morning,
— always had sage advice for any interest or activity you might want to try,
— left brownies and pineapple upside down cake out for you before they went to bed and
— had a garage with loads of equipment for you to borrow to take to the beach
The Plantation is within easy driving distance to some of the island’s best snorkeling, which we took full advantage of in the mornings (if you get up early enough, you’ll be back in time to catch the aforementioned excellent breakfasts).
Captain Cook affords a traveler more of a laid back and local experience, so those looking for ocean based attractions right outside their door or easy access to upmarket shops and spas likely won’t see the appeal. But I really liked how relaxed I felt as soon as I arrived and there were enough nearby restaurants to keep things interesting during our five night stay.
The town’s high elevation means it’s often cooler here than in other parts of the island, which was nice when I wanted to read a book on the lanai (it also means, pack a hoodie if you’re coming here, you’ll need it).
Greg and Michael will help make your trip terrific, from booking you a couples massage just outside your cottage to helping point you to the sandy beach of your dreams.
If you’re looking for a serene break from city life, Ka’awa Loa Plantation is it!

Mahalo Greg and Michael!
Excellent B&B. We have stayed here twice for a total of seven nights. Three years between stays. The quality of the rooms, food, and experience is still top notch. Amazing views and grounds.
Both Greg and Michael are super nice, talkative, welcoming and always have time to say hello and share advice.
Breakfast was great everyday with plenty of choices and tons of fruit.
Free wifi available. They have beach equipment, snorkel gear and coolers available for use. Hot tub and outdoor showers. Reasonably priced rooms.
We will be back!

A Haiku Review of Ka’awa Loa Plantation:
Best place we stayed at.
Heck, Best BnB I’ve seen.
Thanks Greg & Michael!

This was a really fantastic start to our honeymoon on the Big Island. We spent two nights here, and would definitely come back again next time we’re there.
Though the grounds and facilities were beautiful and deserve five stars themselves, Greg and Michael were very friendly and easygoing hosts, and made the stay far better. They were easy conversationalists, made great breakfasts with ridiculous spreads of local (even on-​site) fruit, and were great concierges, recommending everything from where to go to dinner to which direction to take on a hike along the coast.
We stayed in the cottage, which was recently remodeled and was really cute — perfect for the first couple days of a honeymoon, tucked separately from the main house, but still with full access to the rest of the property. We stored some beer and wine in the fridge, lounged on the daybed, and appreciated the private bathroom. There were more bugs toward the cottage, and a TON of geckos, but the screens, doors, and punk candles kept them from being an issue.
The main property is a great place to relax. We spent hours sitting on the beautiful deck, watching sunsets and spending early morning hours watching the ocean from high above (and I do mean high — you wouldn’t be blamed for having white knuckles while going up or down the steep driveway). The hottub is a good size for three or four and has those same ocean views, and is just steps from the main house. Best of all, the lava rock showers are an amazing way to clean up under the stars late at night, and they’re plenty big for two :)
Only two small nits (and I’m that guy): the wifi didn’t reach out to the deck for our Apple products (iphone, ipad, macbook air), and even in the house, we couldn’t connect properly. No wifi coverage at the cottage. Cellular coverage is strong, though. Also, you’ll want to walk softly around the deck, since the ENORMOUS mango tree out front has a habit of dropping its fruit perilously close to your head.
But those really were minor. The prices are perfect, the hosts are awesome, and the grounds are beautiful. If you’re looking for a great place to stay on that side of the island, I wouldn’t look any further.

The Ka’awa Loa Plantation is about 30 – 40 minutes from the Kona airport off a a small highway that slowly wends its way from the beachy, volcanic lowlands in Kona up to higher (and slightly lusher) ground in Captain Cook. Captain Cook looks out over a beautiful bay that everyone goes to for kayaking and snorkeling. It’s colder up here, make no mistake, but it’s pleasant. The highway stretch nearby has a fair number of restaurants, snorkel/​kayak supply shops, bakeries, banks, etc. It’s a good neighborhood — not overrun and not over-​touristed (no idea if locals would agree, but that’s my sense).
The Ka’awa Loa Plantation is about a mile below the main highway, on Napoopoo Rd, which continues on down to the bay. It’s situated up a super steep and narrow driveway, and you’ll first see the cottage and then the main house. The main house is nicely updated and open with a view out across the bay. There’s a nice little grassy patch with a couple of lounge chairs, a tree swing, and a hot tub (there’s no pool or other resort-​type amenities). The cottage is a little more rustic — it’s not fancy, but it does the trick quite nicely, and you get a little more privacy and space. You’re still free to roam the main house and use the space.
Probably the most valuable thing you get at Ka’awa Loa Plantation is the «concierage» service. Well, not exactly a concierge, but the owners are incredibly helpful, patient, and knowledgeable when it comes to planning your day, making a restaurant reservation, or setting up a massage appointment. It’s great — really great.
The breakfasts are excellent, too. In the five or six days there, I think there was only one dud breakfast, but that’s just a question of personal taste. The coffee is extraordinary. They also make the occasional post-​dinner brownie or upside down pineapple cake that they leave out in the kitchen.
Several other guests bought takeout dinner (pizza, etc.) and ate it in the main house with a bottle of wine — it’s a great idea, and a good way to relax and keep your costs down. There’s no great urgency to be out and about around here.
Highly recommended (depending on what you’re looking for in a vacation stay). For me, it was a nice balance of nice (without being over the top), removed (but not too far removed), and relaxing (while still being active and engaged).

It was a couple years ago that we stayed here, but re-​reading the review I wrote back then for my blog makes me want to go back:
«We’re going back there, and I recommend you go there, as well. We didn’t realize how much there would be to do there, or else I think we would have planned more of our stay around the immediate vicinity rather than driving back to Kona. We’re going back because we fell in love with the place (almost as much as the island itself), and because we want to explore the local area, though we plan to do so in a rental car (convertible) so that I’m not mistaken for Lono.»

What a wonderful Hawaiian getaway! My husband and I stayed here in December and we are so glad we did. Greg and Michael made us feel like guests in their home, not a hotel. We stayed 5 days and we had a truly enjoyable, relaxing time. We stayed in the main house which has an enormous wrap-​around lanai (we spent the majority of our time there overlooking the Kealakekua Bay), beautifully decorated rooms, and gorgeous views everywhere you look. The rooms had a private half-​bath with a shared full bath including tub and shower, but forget that – use the outdoor lava showers! And definitely take a turn in the tree-​swing hanging from the giant mango tree!
The confirmation emails Greg sent made me feel welcome even before we arrived. He included excellent directions that made finding the B&B very easy. Once we made our way up the steep driveway, we were greeted by Betty (the resident pup) and Michael, who settled us in, gave us a quick tour of the house and made some excellent dinner recommendations. The next morning we woke up to the most delicious breakfast I could imagine (Michael is a wonderful cook!) which included fresh fruit straight from the plantation. It was so enjoyable to sit on the lanai, sipping Kona coffee and fresh mango juice, while overlooking the coastline. We were in heaven.
The B&B is conveniently located near plenty of sights and activities and Greg and Michael were always ready with suggestions for things to do. Since this was our first vacation in a couple years, we really wanted to relax so a couple nights we stayed in, read books, and cooked our dinner in the open kitchen. It felt so homey and I wished we lived there for real!
I was so sorry to leave at the end of our trip because Greg and Michael made us feel so comfortable, welcome, and relaxed. I look forward to returning to their beautiful B&B sometime (hopefully soon)!

Nach einer Woche Urlaub auf der Big Island haben wir dieses fantastische Bed&Breakfast gebucht. Die Zimmer sind schön eingerichtet und die Lage des Hauses mit Blick auf das Meer lässt keine Wünsche offen. Sehr schöner Garten mit Lawa-​Dusche…
Aber vor allem verstehen es die Besitzer, dass man sich dort rundum wohl fühlt. Die Früchte aus der eigenen Plantage sind einfach köstlich.
Kurzum ein Ort an den wir gerne zurückdenken und sicherlich wieder buchen werden…

Wow! Am I seriously the first one to review this place on Unilocal?Hard to believe, because this was our favorite place to stay during our last trip to Hawaii. This B&B is on a coffee farm with beautiful views of the coast of Captain Cook and Kealakekua Bay. Greg & Michael were exceedingly gracious hosts and went out of their way to make sure we were having the best experience possible complete with offering tips on where to go on the island (dolphin viewing, snorkeling) as well as letting us borrow all sorts of beach gear (snorkels, boogie boards, beach mats). Breakfast was a huge assortment of fruit, yogurt, juices, breads and a hot addition every day. This might sound funny, but my favorite thing about this place were the outdoor lava-​rock showers where I got to shower with the geckos for company every morning.
A couple of notes: The rooms do not have personal showers. Our first room had a toilet and sink, but our second room did not. Also, the wood floors carry sound quite a bit. A couple of leadfoots were staying at this B&B at the same time as us and managed to wake us up VERY early every morning with their stomping. Plan not to sleep in.