Manini Beach House ~ Kealakekua Bay, Kona, Hawaii

Manini Beach House is located on the south shore (Manini Beach) of Kealakekua Bay on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The house has a panoramic view of the entire bay and looks directly across the bay to the monument marking the location of Captain James Cook's death February 14, 1779. It remains a tropical paradise to this day. The bay is an underwater state park and federal marine reserve teeming with tropical fish. The warm, crystal clear waters and protected reefs attract kayaking, snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts from around the world. Spinner dolphins use the bay as a resting place and calving ground. Humpback whales can be seen breaching offshore during the winter months. When "surfs up" the south shore (Manini Beach) is a popular surfing spot. The slopes above the bay are a rich agricultural area growing coffee, mac nuts, avocados, papayas, bananas, mangos and plumeria (used to make leis). The village, called Napo'opo'o, is small and peaceful with approximately 75 houses located on the southeast shore of the bay. The residential population is a mix of native Hawaiians and local Haoles (Hawaiian for Caucasians).

* Awesome oceanfront view from every room in the house.
* Three bedrooms
* Two and one half bathrooms.
* Accommodates up to six people.
* Wrap around front and side lanai.
* Built and maintained to be livable for those with allergies or chemical sensitiveness.
* Beamed cathedral ceilings in the living room and master suite.
* Accordion style folding doors opening the width of the living room to the front lanai.
* Italian ceramic tile floors throughout the main floor and lanais.
* A large inventory of cookware, fine china dishes, crystal glassware and stainless flatware.
* Honduran mahogany kitchen/living area cabinets with etched glass doors and granite countertops.
* Large rear lanai (pick papayas from here) with teak dining table, chairs for six, an eleven foot market umbrella and large propane BBQ.
* The master suite occupies the entire second floor of the house. It features a cathedral ceiling, full bathroom, walk-in closet, ceiling fan and unbelievable view of the bay from the queen size platform bed.
* Each of the two main floor bathrooms have sliding doors to private lanais, ocean views separate bathroom facilities and ceiling fans. They are separated from each other by the main living areas of the house for maximum privacy. One is equipped with a queen bed the other can be arranged as a king bed or as two single beds.

" ...turtles, dolphins, fish, whales - what a wonderland." "Snorkeled every day. Watched each sunset with drinks in hand - saw two green flashes." "... to be able to see brilliantly colored fish right off the rocks in front of the house was nothing short of amazing." "... my spirit has been restored, we will return."

Hawaiian Volcano National Park - approximately 21/2 hours drive. For current volcanic activity check their website at: nps.gov/havo.

Puuhohua O Honaunau National Historic Park (also called Place of Refuge) - 4 miles south of the the house. According to legend, ancient Hawaiians fleeing punishment sought refuge with the priests here. nps.gov/puho

Hulihee Palace - approximately 30 minutes drive at 75-5718 Alii Drive in Kailua -Kona. The palace was a summer getaway for Hawaiian Royalty in the middle 19th century. It contains a good collection of antiques, heirlooms and portraits. Phone: 329-1877

Kona Outdoor Circle Education Center - approximately 30 minutes drive at 76-6280 Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona. A small, very restful arboretum with mature examples of many of the palm trees grown in Kona. Phone: 329-6217

Kona Historical Society - approximately 20 minutes drive on Highway 11 at the south end of Kealakekua (look on your left as you are heading toward Kialua-Kona, just after you go through the traffic lights at Konawaena School Road). Interesting collection of materials and photos on the Kona coast from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Nani Mau Gardens - approximately 3 hours drive at 421 Makalika St., in Hilo. Over 20 acres of "floral theme park", orchid greenhouse, waterfall, pond and Japanese Garden. www.nanimau.com

Hawaii Botanical Tropical Gardens - approximately 3 hours drive on Four Mile Scenic Route, 7 miles north of Hilo. 25 acres with more than 2000 species of trees and plants with terrific bird watching opportunities. www.htbg.com

Kayak Rentals - there are several on the main highway in Kealakekua and Kainaliu. We like Kona Boys Kayaks on Highway 11 north of Kealakekua (on your right as you are heading into Kialua-Kona about 20-25 minutes from the house). In addition to kayak rental they also do guided tours and have scuba gear. 808.328.1234

Fair Wind - a half day cruise on a large catamaran from Keauhou Bay to the Captain Cook monument for snorkeling. If you don't feel like kayaking to the monument, this is another way to get there. The snorkeling is spectacular and the crew make the trip lots of fun. www.fair-wind.com