A/C: Big Island Retreat is NOT air conditioned, but being a short distance from the ocean means that the consistent Kona tradewinds help keep us cool. Each room is equipped with a ceiling fan, floor fan, and lots of screened windows.
Arrival & Departure: Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m. (HST) and check-out time is before 11:00 a.m. (HST). Many flights leave Kailua-Kona very late, so plan to add an additional night if you want to continue to use your room as late check-outs are typically not available.
Breakfast: Breakfast is not provided.
Cancellation Policy: Big Island Retreat is a small property where every reservation is important to us. We do not overbook like larger hotels; as a result, we often must turn away the requests of others for the room you reserved. When you reserve a room(s), we will guarantee to hold that type of room for the dates requested. Reservations may be changed or cancelled for a refund 31+ days before your check-in date. If necessary, please make changes or cancel as soon as possible.
Within 30 days of your check-in date, reservations are non-refundable and cannot be altered or cancelled for a partial refund, full refund, or credit. This policy applies to cancellations, date changes, shortened stays, and check-outs earlier than planned. This includes reservations made within the 30 day non-refundable period. For your financial security, in case of any possible emergencies or changes to your plan, please consider trip insurance.
If you wish to extend your stay beyond the check-out date specified, please contact us as early as possible. Changing rooms may be necessary as incoming guests are entitled to receive the terms stated above.
Deposit & Payment: Credit/debit card details are required to secure your booking. Full payment is due at time of booking for all stays. For reservations booked through 3rd-party sites (Booking.com, Expedia.com, etc.), full payment will be collected when the reservation is made. Payments are charged in $USD (US currency). Taxes are subject to change without notice.
Occupancy: Most rooms are two-person occupancy; inquire about the rooms with futons as necessary. The hotel does not provide roll-away beds or extra cots in rooms without futons.
Parking: A single parking space is available per unit booked. Smaller vehicles are recommended. Note that the speed limit on the narrow private road leading to our driveway is 10 mph - please be respectful of our neighbors and drive slowly with aloha.
Pets: No pets allowed. However, our friendly & harmless geckos are often part of our room decor, so you can name them if you like :)
Smoking: Smoking (of any kind) is NOT permitted anywhere on Big Island Retreat property or along (private) Kahalu'u Road - to smoke, you must walk 0.1 mile down to the guardrail on Ali'i Drive.
DIRECTIONS FROM THE KONA (KOA) AIRPORT:
We recommend looking up "Big Island Retreat" or "78-226 Kahaluu Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740" on Google Maps before your arrival in case your phone gives bad directions or has inadequate cell service.
BIR is located about 15 miles from Kona International Airport and 4 miles from the heart of Kona Town. From Ali'i Drive (the road closest to the ocean), turn onto Kahalu'u Road - a very small road marked "private" that is directly across from a very small blue & white church (St. Peter's Catholic Church) which is right by the ocean at Kahalu'u Bay.
Once you turn onto Kahalu'u Road (the "private road" across from the church) it will wind & curve uphill 175 yards/0.1 miles through a neighborhood -- keep following the road over a couple of speed bumps until you see our driveway which is clearly marked with signs for Big Island Retreat. Turn right into the driveway -- then follow the "Check-in Instructions" which will be emailed within a few days of your arrival. Call 808-938-7988 at any time for assistance.