Tropical Romantic S. Kona Cottage with Incredible Oceanview
Guest rating: 4.9 / 5
Overview
Makalani Oceanview Cottage is a romantic, studio-style cottage in South Kona’s coffee belt, set among tropical garden growth on the slopes of Mauna Loa at about 1,200 feet above sea level. Its lanai looks out across the Pacific, with sunsets and, in winter, possible views of breaching whales and the chance to hear them at night.
Rooms
The open-room cottage has a king-size canopy bed with a memory-foam mattress and a convertible futon that can sleep two more guests. A detached private bathroom has a semi-outdoor shower; a separate Mango Grove Lookout room, set among mango trees above the ocean, offers a futon for one or two additional guests and daytime privacy.
Amenities
The cottage includes a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and oven/stove, a dining area for four, cable TV, a washer, and paid Wi-Fi. Outdoor features include a balcony, patio, garden seating, and a barbecue grill; free parking is available, and the property is smoke-free.
Setting & Activities
The garden setting is described as quiet and surrounded by birdsong and tropical fruit trees, including papaya, mango, and banana. The closest beach is about a four-minute drive away, Ho’okena Beach State Park about 15 minutes, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and Kealakekua Bay about 20 minutes, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park about 65 minutes.
Nearby Dining
Nearby dining options listed include The Coffee Shack, Black Rock Pizza in Captain Cook, Ono Home Kitchen, SoKo Kitchen & Cocktails, and Hana Hou Restaurant. The listed restaurant locations are spread across South Kona, with The Coffee Shack about 19 km away and Hana Hou about 41 km away.
Best for
This cottage suits couples seeking a garden retreat with an ocean view, outdoor seating, and a king-size canopy bed. It can also work for small groups or families who can use the studio futon and, when arranged, the separate Mango Grove Lookout room; its South Kona location is a base for beaches, snorkeling, and island sightseeing.
Travel tips
Plan on arranging your own road transport: the closest beach is described as a four-minute drive, and the area’s beaches, historic sites, restaurants, and airports are spread out. The listed Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is about 51.6 km away; Hilo International and Waimea-Kohala airports are farther, at about 98 km and 80.4 km respectively. Wi-Fi is paid, so confirm the terms if you expect to rely on it.
What guests say
The limited guest excerpts praise the garden setting and its quiet atmosphere, with one guest particularly appreciating the sounds of tree frogs. The outdoor bathhouse and the separate casita-style room were also highlighted positively. One reviewer’s expectations were only partly met regarding quiet, seclusion, and being out of the way, suggesting that the setting may not feel fully secluded to every guest.
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