Get To Know the Area
Waialea Bay
When hunting for an oceanfront vacation rental in Hawaii, Waialea Bay is an excellent choice. Known locally as Beach 69 (for the telephone pole that marked the beach access), Waialea Bay is a small, sandy crescent surrounded by rocks and shade trees. Beach entry is gentle; the coral reef is near; the sea life abundant: turtles float in the shallows; a variety of fish swim the reef and giant-but-gentle manta rays often grace the north end waters. When the surf’s up, bring the boogie board instead of the snorkel gear.
Located between the beach community of Puako and Hapuna State Beach, the homes on Waialea Bay are very secluded, despite their proximity to this wonderful beach. We offer a range of rental homes, from modest to spectacular. When you think of Hawaii vacation rentals, especially Big Island rentals, think of 2 Papayas!
Puako
Dating back to ancient times, Puako was a fishing village that, until the 1950s, was accessible only by boat or by the Ala Kaha Kai (the ancient “shoreline trail” that is now partially restored as a National Historic Trail). One of Hawaii’s largest petroglyph fields is nearby.
Still a small beach community—fewer than 200 homes along a single road just 2 ½ miles long—Puako is blessed with a consistently sunny and gentle climate. An eclectic mix of residents, snowbirds and vacationers, the kids you see on bikes and the surfers at Paniau probably live here. As you cross paths with them, stop and “talk story” at the General Store, an informal community center as well as a convenient resource for supplies. Life in Puako—year-round and short-term—is relaxed, very relaxed, but never boring.
Rimmed by a protected marine preserve, the Puako reef offers endless sights for snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, swimming and tide pool wading. Join the “honu” (protected sea turtles—please enjoy them at a safe distance) for a swim or follow their lead and bask in the sun nearby. You’ll have a great vantage point for watching the wintertime display of whales and their young during their calving time in our warm waters.
If all this isn’t exciting enough, you can walk to the Mauna Lani or Fairmont Orchid Hotels for a sunset beverage, or visit the nearby Shops at Mauna Lani or the King’s Shops and Queen’s Marketplace just down the highway for shopping and a variety of restaurants and galleries. On the way upcountry to Waimea, home of Parker Ranch and the “paniolos” (cowboys), a stop at Kawaihae Harbor offers additional restaurants, galleries, and a fish market. Golfers have numerous options, and adventurers may head for the summit of Mauna Kea, the active volcano Kilauea or a trip to the Zipline in Kapa’au.
Take The Pono Pledge
The Pono Pledge (www.ponopledge.com), a creative new initiative by the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) and Hawaii County, encourages safe, responsible and respectful tourism. Its eight principles are simply stated, but cover a wide range of situations, experiences and thought-provoking possibilities for visitors on vacation, and for Hawaii residents as well.
Things to Do and See
Trail Rhythms LLC
Explore these timeless canyons on the Big Island of Hawaii on the Hamakua Coast. Be in control of your own descent and pace as you make your way thru the lush jungle waterways. This journey will take you down up to 6 seasonal waterfalls, which range from 20 to 80 ft in height. Professional instruction and quality gear will allow your mind to be at ease and focus on the wonderful beauty of the Big Island.
Kohala Divers
Don’t think of Hawaii’s Big Island as merely an island. Think of it as an oasis of diversity. Variation abounds here – our island has over 40 ethnic cultures, ranges over 11 climate zones, and spans over 4,000 square miles. But let’s not talk about the land, because the ocean is calling and underwater is where we will take you.
Big Island Info
Famous for the active Kilauea volcano, Hawaii’s Big Island is home to a list of fascinating anomalies. Eleven different climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to arid deserts, black sand beaches to snow-capped mountaintops. The Big Island is Hawaii’s biggest playground.
Ancient Alternatives Massage
Massage therapy is more than relaxing me-time. Studies continue to prove the physical, and emotional benefits of even a single massage therapy session. As the number of proven health benefits grows, so do the number of people who invest in regular massage for a more balanced lifestyle.
Kona Kozy's Comedy & Magic Show
Come experience “Big Island Magic” and the “Aloha Spirit” with multiple award winning magician and funniest man on the islands, Kona Kozy. Kick back, be amazed and laugh your “Okole” off in this mesmerizing production for ages 18+. A true “Kahuna of Magic & Comedy”, Kona Kozy has just been awarded the title of “International Comedy Magician of the Decade” from the International Magician’s Society.
Lat 20 LLC
Lat 20, LLC is an ocean equipment rental company family owned and operated. We cater specifically to vacation rental properties in the Puako and Waialea Bay area. We offer kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUP), surf boards, and beach cruising bicycles that you can use to cruise up and down the Puako Road. We will deliver the equipment to your rental property and pick it up for you when you are done. Our goal is to make your experience as easy as possible!
