Hale Lana ("Floating House"), with views of the ocean and mountain, is located at Kealakekua Bay....a very peaceful and quiet small low-key shoreline community. It is only steps (a one minute walk) to enter the crystal clear water at a palm shaded beach, across the bay from the Captain Cook Monument, for the best snorkeling in the islands! The pristine bay is a protected marine preserve and underwater park providing numerous under and above water activities, dolphin sightings (sometimes around your kayak) and whales in winter. The house is ideal for couples. Hale Lana is removed from noise and traffic and is fully fenced and gated for added privacy. The home is a new superbly crafted tropical and luxurious pole and beam design showcasing natural woods, Italian tile, granite countertops, stainless appliances, new tropical furnishings, 10 jet spa tub and large indoor and outdoor showers. The high open-beam ceilings, the roof cupola, decking and louvred transoms are reminiscent of a boat. This also efficiently allows the balmy breezes and scents of the bay and surrounding plumeria trees to float through. There are ample lanais and patios to relax in sun or shade while taking in the sights, sounds and views of the ocean and surrounding mountain. It is easy to let yourself "hang loose" at Hale Lana. Grocery stores, shopping and numerous restaurants are a 15 minute drive away (back to Highway 11). There are many areas to explore on foot such as the old Napo'opo'o wharf and beach park with pre contact sacred sites. Historic Place of Refuge National Park (featuring Hawaiian historical and cultural displays, former royal canoe landing, massive rock walls and dating from the 1500's) is three miles south. It also has excellent snorkeling/scuba, tide pools, picnic tables and grills under palm trees. Ke'ei Beach, a crescent white sand and palm tree shaded surfing beach, home to many visible turtles is a short drive or walk away. Kayak rental and easy launching (with all you need) is a short block away. Hale Lana is also located in the heart of ranches and rodeo grounds and coffee and macademia nut farms and mills as well as country stores and fruit stands offering locally grown produce. Also nearby are the old "Painted Church" (wall murals), Hawaiian Ethnobotanical Garden and a wounderful ornate Buddhist Temple open to visitors. Hale Lana is conveniently located between "downtown" Kailua-Kona (for extensive shopping , dining, movie theaters, boat harbor, fishing and night-life) and the wonderful Volcanos National Park and green and black sand beaches to the south. Post offices are close by. This makes Hale Lana an ideal "home base". Relax on any of the numerous secluded nearby beaches or get on the road for easy day or short trips and explore all that the Big Island has to offer. Units can be rented separately. The first floor studio has a fully equipped kitchenette, private patios, one queen bed and views of the gardens and surrounding mountain and is $100. to $125. per night. The upstairs one bedroom unit has surround sound/TV/DVD/stereo, fully equipped gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, wrap around lanai, Jacuzzi ten jet spa tub, plush queen bed and views of the ocean, gardens and majestic cloud covered mountain and rents for $140. to $175.per night. Rates are seasonal and subject to change. Hale Lana can also be rented as a whole house (accomodating a maximum of four) for $240. to $275. per night. Rentals include wireless internet access, cable TV, phone, ceiling fans, outdoor covered tile shower, all beach equipment (towels, coolers, chairs, umbrella, boogie boards), washer and dryer (dryer is coin), clothesline, charcoal grill, coffee grinder, toaster, blender, all linens and off street/covered private parking. Sorry, no smoking indoors. Not suitable for small children as units are separate. There is a required fully refundable Secuirty Deposit. Checks and Credit Cards (billed through PayPal)accepted. There is a FOUR night MINIMUM with NO CLEANING FEE. Additional sleeping arrangements on approval. PLEASE mention WHICH accomodation (we have several rentals) you are interested in and number in your party. 808-328-7338 (Hawaii), but e-mail best. We also have a very relaxing one bedroom "mountain" home. 82-6277 Kahauloa St. (google map) (yahoo map) Location: Kealakekua Bay it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests hawaii