Big Island Retreat is a small property, and every reservation is important to us. When you reserve a room, that type of room is held exclusively for your dates. We do not overbook rooms.

Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• 31+ days before check-in: Full refund is available, except for certain special-event dates including but not limited to Iron Man week. Refunds take 7-10 business days.

• Within 30 days: Reservations are non-refundable and cannot be changed. This includes no-shows, date changes, shortened stays, and early departures.

We strongly encourage guests to purchase travel insurance to protect your trip against unexpected events such as illness, flight changes, family emergencies, and more.

You can compare and purchase coverage from online platforms such as:

• Squaremouth (U.S. and international travelers)

• InsureMyTrip (U.S. and international travelers)

• World Nomads (popular for international travelers)

These are examples for convenience; guests may choose any provider they prefer.

• Note: 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 the terms stated above.

A valid credit or debit card is required to secure and guarantee your booking. Your reservation is held exclusively for your selected dates once your payment is processed.

Payment details:

• Full payment for all nights, plus taxes and a one-time cleaning fee, is charged immediately at the time of booking.

• This applies to reservations made directly with us or through third-party sites (Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor, etc.).

• All payments are processed in USD. Taxes are subject to change without notice.

Confirmation & Accuracy:

• Once your payment is completed, you will receive a confirmation email. Please review it carefully to ensure your room type, dates, and guest details are correct. Contact us immediately if different than what you expected.

• This ensures your room is reserved exclusively for you, and no one else can book the same room type for your dates.

Our rooms are designed in the classic Hawaiian open-air style and do not have A/C.

The island’s natural trade winds, along with ceiling fans, keep the rooms comfortable year-round. Guests who love fresh air and an authentic island feel like they find this part of the charm of staying with us.

Although our rooms do not have air conditioning, the open-air style allows fresh breezes to flow through. Located just steps from the ocean, the consistent Kona trade winds help keep things cool and comfortable year-round. Each room is equipped with a ceiling fan and a floor fan for extra comfort. This natural, fresh environment is part of the authentic Big Island Hawaiian style that many guests love.

Address: Big Island Retreat 78-226 Kahaluu Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (Approximately 14 miles from KOA Airport, 4 miles from downtown Kona)

A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the island. For GPS, enter “Big Island Retreat” or use the full address above.

Directions from Ali‘i Drive:

• Turn uphill onto Kahaluu Road — a small, bumpy private road that is EASY TO MISS

• Daytime landmarks:  – Mountain side: Blue & yellow “Big Island Retreat” sign on the mailbox  – Ocean side: Small blue & white St. Peter’s Catholic Church

• Nighttime landmark: The only streetlight in the area marks the turn

• Drive slowly uphill (~0.1 miles) over two speed bumps (gravel/asphalt). Turn right between the two Big Island Retreat signs

Tip: When GPS prompts your turn, slow down and look for the Kahaluu Road entrance on your left if coming from Kona Airport along Ali‘i Drive. You’ll also see several mailboxes; our “Big Island Retreat” sign is on one of them.

• Check-in: After 3:00 PM (HST)

• Check-out: Before 11:00 AM (HST)

You will receive emails 7 days and 3 days before your stay with helpful information for planning your trip. On your arrival day, we will send detailed self-check-in instructions.

Check-out: Please leave your room key on the table inside the room and take all your belongings with you.

How can I get help if it’s self-check-in style?

We offer an easy self-check-in process. Instructions will be sent by email, text, and WhatsApp on your arrival day.

If you need assistance:

• Call, text at +1-808-938-7988 or WhatsApp, call or text us at +1-808-329-1425

• Or ring the doorbell at the Mauna Kea House entrance

Once we receive your request, our on-site manager will respond as soon as possible.

👉 Guests outside the U.S.: Please download WhatsApp in advance and add +1-808-329-1425 as a contact.

We try to accommodate early check-ins whenever possible, but availability is only confirmed the day before or the day of arrival. For now, please plan for 3:00 PM check-in. You may call upon arrival to confirm.

• Early check-in before 1:00 PM: Half-day room rate applies.

• Late check-out: Charges apply:  – Before 3:00 PM: Half-day rate  – After 3:00 PM: Full day rate

For late flights, we recommend booking an additional night since late check-outs are not guaranteed.

Yes, free parking is available for our guests. Each room includes one parking space (smaller vehicles are recommended).

We have three small parking areas:

• Immediately to the left as you enter the driveway

• Past the Mauna Kea House

• To the right in the lower parking lot

👉 Please park only in marked spaces and avoid blocking others. If you arrive first, we suggest backing in while space is plentiful.

Beach Gear: A limited selection of snorkel masks, boogie boards, and beach chairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Items are free to use—please rinse and return them after use. There are books to borrow and often sunscreen available.

Laundry Room: Washer and dryer are available for guest use from 9AM to 7PM. $3 per wash / $3

per dry (cash or Venmo)

Outdoor Kitchen: Shared kitchen with refrigerator, BBQ grill, cookware, and dishes. It’s a great spot for cooking, relaxing, or socializing with other guests.

Smoking of any kind is not permitted anywhere on Big Island Retreat property or along the private Kahalu‘u Road. If you wish to smoke, please walk about 0.1 mile down to the guardrail on Ali‘i Drive.

Quiet hours are from 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM, to ensure a peaceful environment for all guests.

No pets are permitted on the property. However, you may occasionally notice our friendly island geckos inside and outside the rooms — they are harmless, considered a symbol of good luck in Hawai‘i, and part of the island charm.

Maximum occupancy varies by room type. Please check each room’s description for details. Some rooms include a futon that can accommodate an additional guest for a small extra charge. Rollaway beds are not provided.

Breakfast is not provided. However, all rooms feature a kitchenette, and guests are also welcome to use the outdoor shared kitchen with fridge, BBQ grill, cookware, and dishes to prepare their own meals. There is usually some ground coffee available before you have a chance to go to the store.

Many guests enjoy making their own fresh breakfasts with local fruits and Kona coffee.

Big Island Retreat is conveniently located for exploring, please check our Explore the Island page for more details:

• Kahaluu Beach Park (5- minute walk): Snorkel with colorful fish & sea turtles, sunbathe, or take a surf lesson. You may rent a surf or paddle board across from the beach.

• Surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking nearby.

• Golf and pickleball: 5–10 minutes drive.

• Outrigger canoe or night manta ray snorkel tour: just over a mile.

• Volcanoes National Park: 78 miles (~2 hours)

Mauna Kea Visitor Center: 60 miles (~2 hours) for sunsets & stargazing

• Keauhou Shopping Center (1 mile): Local grocery (KTA), coffee, and many restaurants: American, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, and Hawaiian food.

• Most Friday evenings feature a free Hula show and most Saturday mornings include a Farmers Market. Home page - Keauhou Shopping Center

• Safeway / Walmart / Costco (5-7 miles): Larger grocery options on the way from the airport. Gas is often significantly less at Safeway and Costco.

• Downtown Kona (5 miles): More restaurants and dining options.

• Farmer markets: Local produce available (seasonal). The Kona Farmers Markets (+ 5 other Kona Coast Markets)

• Reusable water bottle

• Light jacket or windbreaker

• Warm layer (e.g., packable down jacket)

• Reef-safe sunscreen, flip-flops (called slippas here), hat

• Sunglasses, swimsuit, beachwear

• Flashlight or phone with flashlight