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Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay

Captain Cook apartment with kitchen

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Photo gallery for Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay

Sun loungers, beach towels
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Outdoor dining
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroom37 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Captain Cook, HI
  • Place, Kapahukapu Manini Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
    ‪61 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Captain Cook

Seaside stay .You'll be steps from Kapahukapu Manini Beach and within a 10-minute walk of Hikiau Heiau State Monument. Kealakekua Bay and Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park are also within half a mile (1 km).
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What's nearby

  • Kapahukapu Manini Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park - 11 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Kailua Pier - 30 min drive - 33.2 km
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - 61 min drive - 68.8 km

Getting around

  • Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Korner Pocket Sports Bar & Grill - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Tacoz - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Royal Kona Coffee Mill & Museum - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Kona Chips - ‬10 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.

Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay

Everything you might need to enjoy an exciting or relaxing vacation right by the ocean at the beautiful and world famous, "Kealakekua Bay'.
This private location is perfect for adventuring around our quaint neighborhood, with quiet walks, hiking trails, or exploring further around the island. When you return back to enjoy this safe, secure, cozy space and unwind to the sounds of nature.
I also have assorted snorkel gear available, (if interested, please ask about my bicycle)!

Located at the Manini Beach sub-division, only a 2 minute walk to some of the most incredible snorkeling in the world.... the wonderful Kealakekua Bay! Enjoying crystal clear water on a calm day, filled with colorful reef fish and green sea turtles, theses are some of the beautiful sights you'll experience. Watching the fish and underwater sea life may clear your mind of most thoughts as you discover the peacefulness of snorkeling. Enjoy a Kayak or paddle board on calm days... You may see Dolphins or Manta rays in deeper water and in the winter months there is always a chance of seeing Humpback whales! Please follow all the DLNR rules and keep a safe distance.

My studio has a small kitchenette area in the great big space, with a full size refrigerator, induction stove top, blender, coffee maker, electric tea kettle and outside there is a full size BBQ with a side burner. There is enough space to prepare and enjoy a delicious, quality breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The outside covered patio is surrounded by flowering plants, fruit trees and a fish pond with night blooming waterlily's.
A comfortable queen size bed has 100% cotton sheets and there is a queen size convertible couch if you need or like separate beds. A smart TV for watching Net Flicks and there is plenty of open space to stretch out and relax.
Outside the great room, on the covered patio area, is where my wonderful custom designed private shower is located!
There are extra beach towels a clothes line and some beach gear too.

Enjoy my paradise from this comfortable studio and see how the local folk live!
Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions...
I am here to help make your vacation stay the best ever!
LGBTIQ Welcome! :)

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 0.5 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Dryer
  • Laundry facilities

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing 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
  • Property located in a resort
  • Unit size: 400 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the trash
Turn off the lights
Please turn off lights and fans!
Please place all used linens and towels in the hamper provided.
Please return key to mermaid hook!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

The Hawaii State and County of Hawaii Hotel Accommodation Tax is 17.96% (VRBO adds this tax, into your Total )
Quiet time in the evening begins at 10:00PM
Check in time is 4:00PM unless another time is agreed upon Check out is 10:00AM unless another time is agreed upon * we sanitize in-between guests *

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number TA-048-010-0352-01, 3820060210000, W00203292-01

Property is also known as

Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach Kealakekua Bay
Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay Apartment

Frequently asked questions

How close is Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay to the airport?

This apartment is 24.7 mi (49-min drive) away from the Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay?

As of Mar 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay on Apr 11, 2026 start from CA $258, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this apartment.

How close is Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay to the beach?

This apartment is a short 3-minute walk from Kapahukapu Manini Beach and 13.9 mi (30-min drive) from Magic Sands Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay offer free breakfast?

This apartment does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay?

No, there is no casino at this apartment.

What time is check-in at Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay?

Free parking is not available at this apartment.

Does Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay have a pool?

This apartment does not have a pool.

Does Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this apartment.

How close is Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay to downtown Captain Cook?

This apartment is 5.2 mi away from Honaunau-Napoopoo.

Sweet Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 83 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 83 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 83 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 83 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 83 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

emma b.

Liked: Cleanliness
A magical home - clean and with everything you need for a beach holiday!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lori K.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is a lovely place in a fabulous location. The room is attractive, spacious, and thoughtfully furnished. The garden is restful and the outdoor shower is delightful. The host is friendly but also gives space for privacy. Best of all, Manini Beach and Sunset Point are two blocks away in one direction and a kayak rental place is two blocks away in another direction. If you want mellow time by, in, and on the water, this is a superb place to stay. Things to know: All food sources are at the top of a tall hill with a narrow winding road, but the room has a full-size refrigerator and good cooking supplies. Eating lunch out and having supper in the room works well. People go out to Sunset Point to quietly watch the sunset each evening. You will hear coqui frogs and roosters and perhaps guests in the unit upstairs, but the room is otherwise exceptionally quiet and private. There is a clothes line for drying bathing suits and such, which is really helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Johanna A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Don't know where to start! Jill's welcoming friendliness, or the well-appointed kitchenette, or the wonderful outdoor shower, right next to the pond filled with blue lotus, and the breakfast table - all these and more. But it's the location, 5 minutes to Manini Beach if you walk slowly. Looking across Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook's monument is right there, best snorkeling on the island. Four miles down the road to City of Refuge and Two-Step, another great snorkel spot. Outside of the hustle and bustle of Kailua, quiet and restorative, but only 20 minutes away if you're missing it. I can't wait to go back.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ron B.

Liked: Cleanliness
This sweeet place was exactly as described. It was bright, homey, colorful, spacious, private, and clean. And literally a two minute walk to the beach.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mike L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very welcoming host and nice place. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Hostess, beautiful location, sweet and so comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hanne H.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Sweet Mermaid Studio was exactly as described/shown in the photos, and larger than expected. There was plenty of room for my partner and I to spread out and relax after long days of adventuring. Jill was incredibly kind, and it was fun to see her art on display in the space! The location couldn't have been better for easy access to fantastic snorkeling and felt very safe and secluded, although the road to get to the property might make you car sick.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paige R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely loved this place, the whole place is a work of art, and the outdoor shower was so much fun! Got to see lots of cool insects, lizards,and frogs, and not to forget Shmozer the kitty, very loving outdoor cat! Jill was very cool, laid back, and accommodating!This stay was perfect for us, not too far from Kona, but far from the city living!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sweet Mermaid Studio was an amazing place to stay. Jill the host was very gracious and welcoming
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven A., Victoria, BC, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
This was my third stay at Jill's Mermaid Studio in the small, quiet village of Napo'opo'o, about 30 - 40 min south of busy Kailua. The village is right on Kealakekua Bay and close to the best snorkelling on the Big Island (IMO). Jill is very knowledgeable about the area and is always helpful and positive. The apartment had everything: good wifi, all the cooking tools I needed, lots of room and a great outdoor shower.
Snorkelling Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay. Napoopoo is on the water just beyond the darker trees.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved our stay at the exquisite Sweet Mermaid Studio! The setting is a magical tropical paradise! The building has only 2 units; this is the downstairs apt. The studio is roomy and had everything we didn't think we needed... including a coffee grinder (when we realized we got coffee beans, not ground!) and snorkling gear in a variety of sizes as well as water toys! It's very quiet; we loved falling asleep each night to all the tropical frog sounds from the pond and mango trees outside. Although it doesn't have a formal kitchen per se, there's everything you could possibly need: fridge, coffee maker, convection oven, hot plate, dishes/pots/pans, and more. And it's a short walk to 2 different beaches! Our host was very friendly and accommodating. We highly recommend this magical tropical getaway!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pepe F.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Mermaid Studio is a hidden gem south of Kona. We absolutely loved our stay. The apartment was larger than expected and very clean. The grounds are gorgeous and it has the best outdoor shower I've ever been in. It's large and clean, and I didn't want to get out! The property is a two-minute walk from excellent snorkeling. The drive to the property is beautiful with winding roads and lush greenery all around. All of the basic supplies were available on arrival. I would absolutely stay here again. The fresh mangos were an added bonus to our stay. Delicious! The host Jill, has created her own little oasis here, and was a wonderful host!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Dale W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hawaii 2025

Enjoyed the atmosphere and studio layout. Comfortable. Access to the ocean was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carole C., Chico CA

Liked: Cleanliness

A true GEM!

Sweet Mermaid Cottage is delightful and a magical place to stay. If you are looking for Aloha vibes THIS is your place. Jill’s cottage has everything you may need to cook your own meals and ample space to spread out and is extremely clean. We especially enjoyed our walks around this small island community. Snorkeling is top notch and you can rent kayaks practically next door to get out on the water! Jill was always available to answer questions and we enjoyed our conversations with her. Jill is a true mermaid and we hope to return soon!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome!

This was our first time to the islands without kids and staying in a VRBO. It could not have gone better. Everything was comfortable and just as advertised. Easy to get there and get settled in. Neighborhood was quiet and relaxing, we didn't even close the doors at night. Loved being able to walk to the bay with just snorkel gear (no keys/no wallet to worry about) and go for a swim. We were able to use the snorkel gear Jill had on hand, so that was a bonus. Between the barbecue, microwave and the hot plate, meals were no problem. Weird, but I think the part we are missing most after coming home, is the outdoor shower! Thanks Jill!
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sweet Mermaid Studio

Nice residential feel, away from the touristy bustle. Comfortable bed! Nice outdoor spaces. Lovely private garden. Walk in any direction to get a lay of land. Well supplied kitchen. Host is kind and accommodating offering ideas for fun excursions.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Audrée B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing place !!!!!

Just perfect !!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful stay

Everything we needed for a peaceful stay right near Manini beach.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy C.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Healing Oasis

I almost hesitate to say how dang awesome Mermaid Cottage is because I want it to be available whenever I want to return. I loved everything about this home and Jill, our host.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Colorful and welcoming

The Sweet Mermaids Studio makes you feel welcome and at home. So many lovely touches artwork and flowers. The outside shower is very refreshing. We had an amazing walk down to the ocean the first evening to watch the sunset. I'd highly recommend this as a lovely quiet place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven A., Victoria, BC, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness

Return visit as perfect as the first.

I had another lovely stay at the Mermaid Studio. (9 days in July) Historic Napo'opo'o is a tiny village on Kealakekua Bay. (The hyphens are pronounced like "oh-oh" but most locals seem to shorten it to Napopo.) One lane roads, no stores... It feels very remote but is still an easy drive from the airport, 15 min to groceries. I come for the amazing local snorkelling, the best on the island IMHO. You can kayak across the bay to the Cook Monument for snorkelling, or drive 9 min south to the equally excellent Honaunau Bay (2-step beach). I also enjoyed walking 2 blocks to Manini Beach each evening to watch the sunset and chat with the locals. Very mellow. The spacious studio had everything I needed. You have your own outdoor table, pond, lounge chair, and shower. Jill is always cheerful, helpful and knowledgeable. I hope to return again next year.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Manini Beach

Beautiful property, relaxed stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

SUSAN L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Delightful

A magical mermaid studio for sure. Beautiful grounds, fantastic location away from the hustle and bustle. Studio was decorated so well. It was a delight to listen to the frogs, birds, and roosters while enjoying the outdoor shower. Truly a wonderful experience
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet hidden gem

Quiet and clean and well stocked with spices and fridge items. Location was within walking distance to great snorkeling and sunsets.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M., Port Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness

Manini Oasis

We had a lovely stay at Jill's Mermaid Studio. We were pleasantly surprised at the size of the studio - lots of room to enjoy. Highlights: *short walk to snorkeling *gardens are beautiful *floral smells in the air at night *outdoor shower *Jill is great host *kitties are sweet *excellent amenities (we didnt need anything) Hints: the tropics are amazing and bugs live here - bug spray & bite lotion are needed if hanging outside Keep a clean kitchen Driveway can be tricky in dark Enjoy this lovely oasis
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024