We recently completed a two week vacation in Hawaii. As we had decided to island hop, we were looking for something a little different from our Waikiki high-rise or our Maui Beach Resort for our three night visit to the Big Island. We had opted to stay in Hilo to get a better taste of the quieter, more traditional Hawaii. As a result, my search ended us up booked at Hale Kawehi. It ended up being one of the true highlights of our visit to Hawaii.
The Property: This is not a typical house, but a unique property that offers guests a chance to stay in a classic old Hawaiian house. Be assured that you have use of the entire house, as the owner/hostess has separate living quarters behind the house. Your home includes a bedroom with two comfortable twin beds, a full bath, a half bath, a full kitchen, two living rooms, a bar area, a TV area, and finally two glorious outside sitting areas for you to enjoy, and for smokers, a place to light up. Covered parking is also included for any rental. In true Hawaiian tradition, the windows are not glass but are all screened making the outdoors a huge part of the atmosphere in the house. It is a comfortable and unique experience. All amenities are there for cooking your own food, as well as anything else required to ``live`` in the house. A nice touch is you are greeted upon check-in with fresh croissants and fresh juice for weary travelers, and local wine is available for a small fee if you should desire as well.
The Owner: We had the opportunity of course to meet Kawehi when we checked in and she was a lovely lady who made us feel very welcome in what can be sometimes a different experience for a lot of people. She is a life long Hawaiian, and well versed on her immediate surroundings in Hilo, as well as with all the Big Island has to offer and beyond. A world traveler, you get the sense right away that she appreciates why you are there, and will do what she can to make your visit special. She is very proud of her family`s home, as is obvious as soon as you meet her. We had the opportunity to meet up with her at different times during our visit, and we left feeling like we had made a new friend.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a unique and comfortable place to stay that offers a convenient location to visit Hilo or as a jumping off place for the Big Island, you will not do better than Hale Kawehi. I would not hesitate for a moment to make this our home again during any return visit to Hawaii!!!!! Mahalo
