Property
A stylishly restored 2-bedroom 1930s vacation rental home on a 35-acre ranch on the North Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.  The decorations and furnishings here are luxurious but unfussy, and every room has beautiful views and lots of natural light.  There’s an oversized hammock strung between two trees overlooking the sea and a pocket-sized pool just right for kids.  Inside you’ll find just the right amount of board games, wooden toys, and pool toys, and there’s a gas barbecue on the wide front porch.  In a word?  Heaven.

Location
45 easy minutes north of Kona International Airport.  15 minutes from Hapuna Beach (regularly and justifiably rated one of the best beaches in America).  5 minutes from the charming, historic towns of Hawi and Kapaau.

Sleeps
2-4.

Highlights
The private dipping pool.  The fresh white walls, woodwork, and perfect cottage decor.  The big, gorgeous kitchen.  A spa-like bathhouse complete with Japanese soaking tub.  The two friendly ranch dogs (especially Lola, a hilarious pug/cocker spaniel mix).  Fresh eggs from resident chickens.  Cows and horses on the property (for petting and feeding, not riding).  Fresh herbs and limes from the garden.  The chirping of geckos at night.

Good to know
The pool is quite near the house and unfenced, so young children will have to be closely supervised.  This is the country, so you will encounter occasional bugs, frogs, geckos, and mice (almost always outside).  Most guests—especially children—view this as a good thing.  Except for the bugs, of course.  Nobody really likes bugs.

Contact
www.myhawaiianranch.com

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June 27th, 2009 | by Jamie Pearson