Entire apartment

The Laughing Gecko-Cozy Hawaiian Hideaway!

Choose dates to view prices

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Laughing Gecko-Cozy Hawaiian Hideaway!

Beach nearby, sun loungers, beach towels
Property grounds
Exterior
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, toaster

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bathroomSleeps 2400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor Space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Keaau, HI
  • Hobby Garden Hawaii
    19 min drive
  • Ha'ena Beach
    32 min drive
  • Port of Hilo
    37 min drive
  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    32 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Keaau

With a stay at this apartment in Keaau, you'll be on the waterfront, and 19.2 mi (30.9 km) from Port of Hilo and 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Hobby Garden Hawaii. .This apartment is 8.2 mi (13.2 km) from Pahoa Museum and 12.2 mi (19.6 km) from Lava Tree State Monument.

What's nearby

  • Hobby Garden Hawaii - 19 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Ha'ena Beach - 32 min drive - 15.4 miles
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 36 min drive - 17.8 miles
  • Port of Hilo - 37 min drive - 19.3 miles
  • Carlsmith Beach Park - 42 min drive - 20.9 miles

Getting around

  • Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kaleo's Bar and Grill - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪No. 1 Chinese Barbecue - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Pahoa Fresh Fish - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Blane's Drive Inn - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Aloha Lehua Cafe - ‬20 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Laughing Gecko-Cozy Hawaiian Hideaway!

The Laughing Gecko, a 100% smoke-free property, sits on a peaceful acre near cliffs and black sand beaches on Hawaii's east side. The studio offers a private entrance, queen bed, kitchenette, bath, and lanai. Amenities include a washer/dryer, coolers, and beach towels. No A/C, as it's rarely needed. Rooster, chickens, and dogs are on-site.

The studio offers a queen bed, kitchenette, bathroom, and a cozy living area, along with a private lanai perfect for relaxing. Enjoy your morning coffee, cocktails, or meals on the lanai, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Hawaii. This little slice of paradise is close to a variety of activities and attractions!

The kitchenette is equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, electric skillet, sink, and all the essentials for quick meals. While most guests choose to dine out, we also have a large BBQ available upon request for those who prefer to cook on-site.

Whether you're here to work or unwind, the studio includes a desk, chair, couch, smart TV with Chromecast, and high-speed internet. Please note, there is no A/C, as the mild temperatures and cool nights make it unnecessary. Though we are in a serene, rural setting, we're conveniently close to Pahoa, Keaau, Hilo, and Volcano.

Guests enjoy a private entrance and access to shared spaces like the carport, laundry area, and yard. Upon arrival, you'll find a lockbox at the gate with your keys—simply use the code we provide for easy access.

We're here to make your stay memorable! I'm happy to recommend activities, dining spots, and places to explore. If you have any questions or special requests, just let us know.

We're in a charming rural area, so you’ll encounter chickens, rabbits, dogs, and friendly geckos on the property. If you have any concerns about the dogs, please inform us in advance.

We respect your privacy and won't disturb you during your stay, but we're always available if you need anything.

We are located 30 minutes south of Hilo, in a peaceful rural area on the east side of Hawaii. Just 10-15 minutes from the charming towns of Pahoa and Keaau, you'll find shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and historic sites to explore. We're also only a half-mile from the stunning ocean cliffs, perfect for catching breathtaking sunrises and, during the right season, whale watching.

Our location is ideal for those looking to experience the natural beauty and local culture of Hawaii. Visit nearby attractions like Isaac Hale Beach Park, Volcanoes National Park, Kehena Black Sand Beach, and the vibrant Uncle Robert's Farmers Market. Don't miss the bustling Sunday Maku'u Market, a local favorite for food, crafts, and entertainment.

We're centrally positioned for easy day trips to other parts of the Big Island, giving you the perfect base for your Hawaiian adventure.

Please note, our property is smoke-free, and we do not allow pets. We offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and are here to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible—just let us know how we can assist.

We look forward to welcoming you!
Make yourself comfortable in this apartment, featuring a kitchenette with a refrigerator and a microwave. There's a private balcony. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a Smart television is provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include a coffee/tea maker and a washing machine.
Take in the views from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Chris Holland

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchenette

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 400 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Little ones always welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Negotiable--just let us know what you are doing
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 150561400000, TA-138-007-1936-01, GE-138-007-1936-01

Property is also known as

Hawaiian Luxury Vacation Studio

The Laughing Gecko-Cozy Hawaiian Hideaway! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 120 out of 128 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 128 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 128 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 128 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 128 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brent S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tropical Seclusion
We enjoyed our stay here at the Laughing Gecko. It was great for our short 3-day stay visiting family on the Big Island. Easy to find. Chris was very accommodating. We felt at home in their guest house. Bright colors. Beautiful property. We appreciated use of the washer dryer. Were able come and go with ease. We recommened this place to travelers who need a quiet getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Volcano National Park Stay
Close to location we were visiting .. Property was clean and quiet.Parking space a little tight but doable.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Neal H.

Liked: Cleanliness
clean quiet practical
nice location away from condos and urban areas, practical for trips around big Island especially to Volcano Nat'l Park. Easy access to good restaurants.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Doug R.

Liked: Cleanliness
East side stay
We enjoyed our stay. The patio was quite pleasant and host responded quickly to any questions. Some "adult" plates and bowls would be a small improvement. A bit more counter space in kitchen area would also be good.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

lucie h., Lyon

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice !
The owner is very nice and easy to talk with ! The location is nice if you want to visit the volcanoes national park, but otherwise it’s not the right place because it’s far from restaurants and shopping. The condo was clean and comfortable. I highly recommend if you want to enjoy the volcanoes !!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

2/10 Terrible

Julie

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
disappointing! this unit is over 15 miles and a 30 minute drive from Hilo, totally in the middle of no where. *it has no view. there is no air conditioning. the unit is dusty due to being located on a dirt road and the windows being open for whatever relief from the extreme humidity. there is a rooster that crows like crazy. the property is extremely difficult to find. no tv service unless you hooked your cell phone to their unit (wierd) we booked for 2 night stay, but could only tolerate it for one night, and had to go somewhere else. a total disaster
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Happy Hawaiian stay
Clean, small and well equipprd.
Stayed 24 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing start to our retirement!!!
After years of hard work, we chose to start our retirement exploring and decompressing on the Big Island. The Laughing Gecko could not have been a more perfect choice for us.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shelia F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful, comfortable setting
The neighborhood is very aloha. The studio ohana is sufficient and comfortable; perfect for a couple. The owners allow for privacy, but are friendly and helpful. We were able to come and go easily to explore the island. The property is well lit with sensor lights for evening arrival, and the access to washer and dryer very handy for travelers.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Todd M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very Nice & Great Value
Extremely nice hosts who cared about the guests. Will stay again when we come back to the Big Island!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Restful and Relaxing Spot
We stayed just two nights in this very cute cottage. And though we were very busy, off property, during that time, we did take time in the morning to walk the 4 blocks down to the ocean, it was a lovely walk where we were able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest surrounding us, we highly recommend you do the same. We made it a loop which was 2.5-2.7 miles. The view from the water's edge is beautiful in the early morning and the contrasting colors of the black lava, lush green scenery, red dirt, turquoise water and blue sky, make for stunning photos! The bed was very comfortable, water pressure great, we did not use the kitchenette but it seemed appropriate for the basics. There is a nice deck where you can sit and enjoy the Koki frogs at night and the chorus of tropical birds in the morning. We were visiting in November and the two circulating fans were enough to keep us comfortable at night. It's an easy drive to Hilo and to Volcano Natl Park. We recommend Jackie Rays in Hilo, Ola Brewing in Hilo, Rim Restaurant in the national park. We hope to be back for a longer visit in the future, if we do get back we would definitely consider staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Ceva K., Redmond, OR

Liked: Cleanliness
Good for a quick stay
The unit was clean, bed was comfortable, fans worked well to keep airflow, lanai was private and pleasant and the grounds were very pretty. The owner provided beach accessories- everything was in good condition. The kitchenette for us was limiting as it is designed for just heating up but for a short stay it was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julia W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice stay!
We liked the location. It‘s near Hilo and not so far away from Volcano National Park.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Valerie B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
So clean! Cute decor and comfortable. Listening to the birds was so nice. We recommend going to watch the sunrise. Coast is 4 blocks away. We brought two chairs and sat on the lave cliff.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cecilia M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quite private get away
The place is very cozy and quiet, everything you need to rest up after a day of adventure. The hosts are the best available to take care of any concerns you might have, very friendly, but never bother you. Definitely stay here again, thanks Chris and Cole for the wonderful stay..
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bob D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beyond expectations
Very nice place, remote location, super clean, so much light with all the windows. The balcony was great to have a drink at night and a coffee in the morning. Be aware that the rooster is your alarm clock, but it comes with the place. We would recommend in a heart beat this place, the best one so far on big island
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean and beautiful!
So cute! It’s cool since it is close to the ocean and you get the breezes from there. Tall bed. Large room and bathroom. Kitchen has everything you need. There is a lanai with table and chairs. It is very quiet here. Owners are helpful and very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and comfortable!
Very cute! Very clean! All directions of how to get to the home and how to get in were accurate and helpful. It is quiet. It is close to the ocean so you get the ocean breezes. There is everything you need like kitchen items, towels, pillows and more. I highly recommend this home for your travels!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Nihal E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect spot to hit volcanoes park before sunrise
It was the perfect spot to hit the park before sunrise. They had everything I needed and then some there. My only complaint was it was too hot in the room during the day since there no AC but with the windows open and the fans on it eventually cooled enough at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K., Olean, NY

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet & comfortable
We had a wonderful stay at the Laughing Gecko! It was the quiet break we needed during a long trip. The studio is very well-appointed and one of the cleanest VRBOs we've ever rented. We had everything we needed. Chris was a perfect host, easy to reach with questions and clearly concerned with making sure guests are comfortable. The country location is beautiful--we loved watching and listening to all the birds. We'd absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julia G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely place
Sweet studio in a peaceful garden with kind and communicative host. Note that it’s not near anything so bring your dinner or breakfast with you 😊
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

John G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
Hosts very accommodating. Had beach chairs, blanket, boogie boards, umbrella, snorkeling equipment (all the things you would have difficulty bringing on an airplane) available for your use. Close to the ocean. Wonderful stay.
Stayed 29 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ralene F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exactly what we needed!
We loved the ease in finding the place on a rainy day. The accommodations were simple and complete. We had everything we needed for this one night stay. We enjoyed the peaceful setting for our morning coffee on the deck. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenda G.

Liked: Cleanliness
A little distance from VNP, but totally worth it
All aspects of our short stay at this property were fantastic. Chris, the owner, was great at communicating, and was very informative as well. We loved being able to have our breakfast on the deck/lanai, while enjoying the view of their landscaping, and listening to the birds. At night it felt like we were staying in a rainforest/jungle with all the bird and insect noises. That was very unusual for us, but not unpleasant. The property had all the amenities you could need and was very clean. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sweet Stay to Vacay
Cutest dang place to stay! Very clean and comfortable. It had what two people would need. And YES I would come back again in a heartbeat. Donna
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022