Your Questions, Answered
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Mele Kai Kona is a luxury vacation rental in Kona—and we believe your time in Hawaii should be spent creating memories—not managing logistics.
Our concierge team can assist with a variety of personalized services, including grocery provisioning, mid-stay housekeeping, private chef experiences, in-home spa treatments, sunset photography, private yoga sessions, fishing charters, manta ray adventures, coffee farm tours, baby equipment rentals and airport transportation.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a seamless island getaway, we're here to help create an exceptional experience.
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Mele Kai enjoys a truly special oceanfront setting on Keauhou Bay, just moments from Kahalu'u Beach Park, one of the Big Island's most celebrated snorkeling destinations. Nestled on a rare stretch of sandy shoreline along Kona's dramatic lava-rock coast, the property offers direct access to the ocean just steps from the home.
Guests can reach the shoreline from the lower-level patio or by following the sandy path alongside the house. Stairs from the oceanfront deck also provide access to the lava rock coastline and the water below.
Swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the waters behind the home are favorite activities for many guests. Just offshore lies a natural lava-rock formation known locally as "Bowls," a beloved ocean playground enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations. On calm days, guests can enter the crystal-clear waters, snorkel among tropical fish, explore the coastline, or drift along the turquoise bay while taking in the beauty of Hawaii's underwater world.
With the ocean quite literally at your doorstep, Mele Kai offers a rare opportunity to experience the Big Island's natural beauty in an unforgettable and uniquely Hawaiian way.
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No, the pool is not heated. Fortunately, Kona enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the low 80s to upper 80s. The Hawaiian sunshine naturally warms the water throughout the day, creating a refreshing place to cool off after a beach adventure or afternoon in the sun.
The pool is designed as a plunge pool offering a relaxing and refreshing retreat from the hot Kona sun. It's especially popular with children and families.
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Yes, the home is fully air-conditioned. Each bedroom and living space is equipped with its own mini-split system, allowing guests to customize the temperature in individual areas for maximum comfort.
Mele Kai is also designed to embrace Hawaii's indoor-outdoor lifestyle, with expansive folding doors that open the living spaces to ocean breezes and stunning views. To help conserve energy and ensure the air conditioning systems operate efficiently, we kindly ask guests to choose either open doors or air conditioning rather than using both at the same time.
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Mele Kai offers convenient on-site parking with a private driveway that comfortably accommodates two vehicles, including full-size SUVs. Depending on vehicle size, up to three cars can often fit with careful parking.
Additional parking is available along the street directly in front of the home. Although these spaces are public and not designated exclusively for the property, guests typically find ample parking available throughout their stay.
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Mele Kai Kona is a wonderful home for families and has hosted many memorable vacations with children of all ages.
A few things we like parents to be aware of when planning their stay:
The home is arranged on two levels, so families with younger children may want to consider bedroom locations when deciding where everyone will sleep.
The pool area is not fenced from the interior living spaces, although the exterior perimeter is secured. In addition, the home sits directly on the oceanfront. As with any waterfront property, children should be supervised around the pool and ocean at all times.
Many families have found Mele Kai to be an ideal setting for their Hawaiian getaway. We simply want parents to have a clear understanding of the home's layout and features so they can determine whether it is the right fit for their family's needs and comfort level.
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Yes! Whales come to the Hawaiian islands to have their babies in the winter, typically December through March. The highest concentrations of whales are usually seen in January-March, and then they start making their way back to Alaska in March/April.
Hang on the lanai outside the kitchen, and you can spot whale spouts breaches or tail slaps. Best times of day? Mornings and late afternoon.
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Unless this is a very short trip to Kona, or you plan on not leaving the house much, I would recommend renting a car. The island is BIG, and many adventures are a 1-2 hour ride away.
Rent a car at the airport, or a fun Jeep or convertible for some top-down exploring.
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Either option works, and we're happy to host you regardless of how you choose to book.
Many guests prefer to book directly through our website because it often results in the lowest overall cost by avoiding Airbnb's service fees. Direct bookings also allow us to provide more personalized service before and during your stay, including assistance with concierge services, activity recommendations, and special requests.
Some guests prefer Airbnb because they are familiar with the platform, enjoy using Airbnb rewards or credits, or appreciate the additional booking protections offered through their account.
No matter which option you choose, you'll be staying at the same beautiful oceanfront home and receiving the same warm hospitality from our experienced hosting team. If you have any questions before booking, we're always happy to help.
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One of the best things about Kona is how simple packing can be. The weather is warm and comfortable year-round, so most guests find themselves living in swimsuits, shorts, sundresses, and casual resort wear for the majority of their stay.
We recommend bringing:
Swimsuits and cover-ups
Lightweight clothing and comfortable sandals
A hat and sunglasses
Reef-safe sunscreen
Walking shoes or hiking shoes if you plan to explore the island
A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings, boat excursions, or visits to higher elevations such as Mauna Kea or Volcano National Park
Snorkel gear if you have a favorite mask or fins (though some are available in the garage.)
Mele Kai is stocked with luxury linens, bath towels, beach towels, and many of the comforts of home, so there's no need to overpack. We have shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hairdryers. We even have local body lotion and body mist that doubles as perfume. You’ll smell like Hawaiian flowers.
Most importantly, bring your sense of adventure. Whether you're snorkeling with sea turtles, watching the sunset from the lanai, exploring coffee farms, or simply relaxing by the ocean, there is so much to do on the island.