"Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play

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Entire home

Privacy with a front row seat to antics of whales, dolphins, and amazing sunsets

Miles of uninterrupted views. There are 6 lounge chairs on pool patio

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6325 sq m

Popular amenities

Pool

Air conditioning

Hot tub

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Kamuela, HI

Mauna Kea Beach13 min drive
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area14 min drive
Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course21 min drive
Kailua-Kona, HI (KOA-Kona Intl.)43 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Garden view

1 Queen Bed

master 2

1 King Bed

Master 1

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Garden view Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Master Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Outdoor shower

Kitchen

Balcony

About this property

Wonderful experiences await your arrival at Whales Play, a secluded and tranquil retreat. Take in the panoramic views while lounging on the upper lanai, watching whales and dolphins at play. Savor a lingering sunset and then be dazzled by the starriest night sky from the serenity of your private, ocean-dark infinity pool. Allow the subtle sounds of the ocean and warm tropical breezes to lift your spirits and clear your mind.
This is your Hawaiian oasis – a stately 3 bdr 3 ba ocean-front home, providing for your comfort and enjoyment in every detail. Eclectic décor features natural treasures and art from around the Pacific. From beach chairs to pool-side barbeque, we have you covered. The Chef’s kitchen accommodates gourmet endeavors to take out. There are lots of cozy spaces to gather for a good talk or to curl up with your favorite book. When the day is done, Whales Play features two master suites each with vast ocean views, and a third bedroom with a garden/waterfall view. Sleep sweet and awake, renewed and refreshed, to the sounds and sights of the vast Pacific.
Whether you seek island adventures, a chilled-out vacation, or anything in between, make Whales Play your ultimate, most memorable home base.

We take extraordinary measures to keep you and your family safe at our home. We guarantee a thorough stem to stern cleaning and sanitizing prior to your arrival.

STVR #19-351309
NUC#19-588

Property manager

Sue Kruse

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Pool

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Enjoy one of the lanais. Plenty of seating and a fire pit for starry nights!

Ocean view

Pool

Hot tub

Kitchen

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17

W.P. is not appropriate for children under 6 yrs

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Absolutely no smoking anywhere on property

Whales Play is not appropriate for children under the age of 6. Quiet Hours are 9pm-8am. please respect our neighbors!

There is a mandatory $200 mid stay cleaning for reservations in excess of 14 days.

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

Property Registration Number GE-072-928-6656-01, TA-072-928-6656-01

About the area

Kamuela

Located in Kamuela, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Mauna Kea Beach and Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course. Pua Mau Place Botanic & Sculpture Garden and Manta Ray Point are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

View more Holiday homes in Kamuela

Kamuela, HI

What's nearby

Mauna Kea Beach - 13 min drive
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area - 14 min drive
Mauna Kea Resort Golf Course - 14 min drive
Puako Beach - 15 min drive
Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course - 21 min drive

Getting around

Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

‪Mauna Kea Cafe & Market - ‬14 min drive
‪Copper Bar - ‬14 min drive
‪Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar - ‬14 min drive
‪Anuenue Ice Cream - ‬6 min drive
‪The Seafood Bar u0026 Grill - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is "Sea World" at Your Feet + Casual Elegance + Absolute Privacy = Whales Play located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Pua Mau Place Botanic & Sculpture Garden, Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company Visitor's Center. Mauna Kea Beach and Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Amy M.

20 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home

Our stay at Whales Play was a delight. The house and property are truly beautiful. The neighborhood is very quiet and the house itself is extremely private. As other reviewers have noted, the house is very well equipped from beach equipment to kitchen spices and everything in between. Both Sue and Leilani were extremely responsive and helpful. The only challenge we had was getting our teenagers out of the pool to go explore the rest of the island! We did successfully wrest them from the house, but we were all happy to return from our adventures to enjoy the gorgeous sunset.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin G.

19 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible Beyond Words

Everything about this place is incredible beyond words. The location is private and peaceful. The views are breathtakingly beautiful. The house is extremely comfortable and has so much to admire it was hard to leave and go enjoy the island. We will definitely be back!!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

4 Jan 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent VRBO

Beautiful setting perched above the Pacific with breath-taking views of whales playing and amazing sunsets. Quiet neighborhood. Very safe. Owners were quick with inquiries and delightful hosts.

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amie S.

5 Dec 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Above and Beyond Expectations

Not only are the property, the view, the bed comfort, the kitchen supplies, the pool, the deck - totally above and beyond expectations, BUT - Sue herself is an incredible host. Thorough, responsive, concierge-like, super thoughtful. AND, we are clean freaks and her house and house manager are impeccably clean, like even the inside of drawers wiped out and shelves spotless! WIN. Giant win, book immediately! Thank you again Sue, it was AMAZING!

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

James B.

6 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay at Whales Play

Visited the big island for a week with family and a few of our daughter’s friends prior to moving to Oahu for a meeting. I cannot say enough good things about this property. The location in wonderful and the house is immaculate and well maintained. While we have had the fortune to stay at many nice villa/home rentals around the world, this is the first review I have ever written. The property is that good.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt H.

14 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible - In every sense of the word!

The property was as listed - but better. The experience with the owner and management company were in line with the reviews - but better. The location was perfect. We hope that this property is still an active VRBO option when we return to Hawaii. The owner has thought of every amenity - it is the most well appointed home we have experienced. Simply wonderful!

Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristy M.

7 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Place to Stay is Whales Play

Seven Days was just not long enough! Wish we could have stayed much longer! The house was perfect, it has everything you need plus more! The layout is just perfect and the pool was great to enjoy the most gorgeous sunsets! The neighborhood is nice and quiet….it is far enough from town, but not to far. There are 3-4 great restaurants and two convenience stores very close by and great grocery within 12 miles. There os just no way to describe the beauty and peacefulness of the outdoor living areas around the pool and on the garden. From the deck and pool, you have an unimpeded view of historical sites, the Pacific Ocean, and incredible sunsets. The house as well, stocked with dishes, cutlery, and great appliances. The owner is attentive and responsive. We can’t wait to go back!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adair W.

28 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A touch of class

What a spectacular property to spend your time at on the Big Island. This home comes fully furnished, immaculate condition/clean, amazing views from every direction, and a new lovely addition downstairs by the pool that provides you with a bar/seating area, TV and sound system that goes throughout the house, infinity pool and jacuzzi. There is also a fully functioning outdoor shower with private bathroom so you don’t have to go back upstairs. There is no stone left unturned regarding this property an all of its amenities. Let’s not forget the gorgeous sunsets you will experience on a daily basis. You can enjoy them on the upstairs or downstairs lanai. Even from one of the two master suites. At night you can gaze through the large windows at the stars and moon that shines down directly on the ocean. The home is located up in the north Kohala area that provides many white sandy beaches and luxurious properties/hotels to visit. You can travel down the Kohala coast and stop at many other beaches and spend some time in Kona. Overall, this house is hands down one of the best I’ve ever stayed in or seen listed on VRBO. On a side note, I had some special needs arise during my vacation and Sue was quick to provide help/guidance. She even texted when I left to return to the mainland to ensure all was well. THAT, is a touch of class. Don’t hesitate to book this property. Mahalo nui lau Sue!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris A.

18 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing View

Absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. The house and location were better than I could’ve imagined-incredibly peaceful and private. The view is breathtaking and unobstructed. Sunsets, as others have described, were stunning. Sue and Leilani were fantastic to work with. It is a magical spot-you will not regret the chance to make lifetime memories here. Thank you Sue and Lani!

Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

16 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful views

The house is beautiful and well equipped. It’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii. The pool is lovely and the views of the ocean are hard to beat. I will forever dream of sitting on that Lanai with my morning coffee while watching the dolphins. All the little details, outdoor showers, whole house sound system, well equipped kitchen (that you can actually cook in!) really make this house extra special. We’ve rented other houses in Hawaii and stayed at the Hualalai in the past but we will definitely book this house again in the future. Thank you for sharing your house with us!

Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Raymond H., New York

5 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply Incredible

Unbelievable property with stunning views. The owner and property manager were very communicative and accommodating. The beautiful pictures do not do this place justice. The views and grounds were incredible. Location was great. Everything was clean and secure. Could not rate this place highly enough. Would recommend to anyone looking to spend time on the big island.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keith A., Bend, OR

10 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding

We’ve been looking at renting this house for awhile. We typically have a favorite home on Maui we go to but this year it wasn’t available for the time we needed and decided to book Whales Play for the first week in May. No regrets. This home is EVERYTHING you could want and more. And yet, with the planned remodel it’s still going to be more! The pictures are spot on. The views. The privacy. The cleanliness. All as expected & no disappointments. We literally never left the property except for morning walks & a run to the grocery store. Every day was filled with relaxation, soaking up the sun, a dip in the pool, playing games with family & eating. And while it wasn’t whale season, spinner dolphins visited almost every morning & evening. The kitchen—we’ve been doing this VRBO thing a while now—and we have never seen a kitchen so well supplied. It has every conceivable gadget, doo dad and gizmo you might need. While not drawbacks, things to know if you stay here: 1) It’s remote. Safeway & Costco are not just 5 mins away. There is a wonderful little Foodland market at Mauna Lani. About 6 miles away. Or you can go up to Waimea which is 11 miles away. But a run to “town”is over 25 miles out. 2) The pool is small. If you are a lap swimmer, it will probably disappoint. Roughly 10 strokes from one end to the other plus there is a curve so it’s only conducive for one person to really swim at a time. But for lounging & cooling off with a million dollar view? It’s the best! There is a reason this place is a top rated property. From the owner (Sue) to the house manager (Leilani) to the home itself…100% outstanding! We are already looking forward to our next visit in 2024.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill C.

4 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Home and Amenities

The prior reviews are all accurate on this home. This was our 4th trip to the Big Island, and our family was looking for place to escape for 10+ days. This home was perfect for our group of 6. We spent more than 50% of our time at the house, using the pool, walking around the neighborhood and trails, and jogging on the road outside the neighborhood. That said, when we went to the beach, stores, fishing, it was not far. We would definitely return.

Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tod E.

10 Dec 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday Week

Beautiful relaxing location

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christopher H.

1 Dec 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Thanksgiving on Big Island!

We had an absolutely amazing stay over Thanksgiving this year. Everything was perfection. The house was beautifully appointed and clean. Our kids loved the lanai, pool and hot tub. This home is indoor/outdoor living at its best. Nothing can beat the view. The most perfect sunset’s I’ve seen on Hawai’i! We saw spinner dolphins in the morning too. Leilani (the property manager) was the best. We loved her. She was immediately responsive when we had questions and left the most delicious fruit (the pineapple!!!!) for us on arrival. It’s no wonder this home is VRBO of the year. We will definitely be back. Hopefully soon!

Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

25 Nov 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise Found

Three couples celebrating our 10 year anniversaries took a week away from our 9 children to explore Hawaii. We could not have asked for a better home base. The view is breath taking. So much so that we found ourselves rushing back to the house each day to make sure we were there to watch the sunset. We did much more cooking than we expected because the kitchen was so well equipped and the table on the deck made eating at home a treat. We loved the Gecko dinner time entertainment. It was an amazing vacation and this home set the tone. We loved the location, it felt set apart from the crowds but we were still able to easily tour about the island and saw all the major sites. Thank you for an amazing trip!!

Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patrick M.

16 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Retreat

This house has everything you need to relax and decompress. Gorgeous views from every room and spectacular sunset’s. Everything has been thoughtfully provided in all rooms especially the kitchen. I even found a spring form pan to make my husband his birthday cheesecake! Amazing place!

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

John W.

8 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply Outstanding

We’ve stayed in many homes on the Big Island, Kauai and Oahu over the past 25 years. Whales Play tops them all. I can’t imagine ever wanting to stay anywhere else. Our host Sue defines what a Premier Host should be and her property manager Leilani was equally responsive and caring. Our Whales Play experience exemplifies the Aloha spirit! John W.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hüseyin D.

26 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

Thank you so much, what a great service, what a great place and house. We loved everything, quiet and peaceful.

Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul R.

6 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

WONDERFUL Home on the Big Island!

Sue has outdone herself! The home is great. Period. Best parts: The view. The well-appointed nature of the home. Sue has thought of EVERYTHING you may need. It was more like staying at your best friend's house versus a rental home. Sue, WELL DONE! We hope to be back!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W., West Linn

5 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quality and Sophistication

Beautifully appointed property with attention to quality and detail. My husband and children, all young adults in their upper twenties, celebrated our 60th birthdays here. What a beautiful experience! Sue is a delightful host and the home is absolutely stunning, from the gorgeous pool and view to the Asian inspired decor, well-equipped kitchen, and all the amenities you could think of. We spent our mornings exploring different snorkeling beaches and afternoons lazing by the pool or walking the trail behind the house with the stunning ocean views. The pictures are spot on. Not a home for young children. This is a private and secluded experience that caters to rest and relaxation away from the tourists. Oh, and we saw dolphins from the deck! The outdoor shower is a paradise in itself!

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Yi B.

17 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

We enjoyed our stay. The house was spacious, views were amazing, quiet and relaxing. We would stay there again.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline J.

6 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The highlight of our Hawaiian vacation

We (myself, husband, and 22, 16, & 14 year old children) stayed at Whale’s Play for 6 nights and then went to Maui for 6 nights. None of us wanted to leave. We still wish we would have stayed there our entire trip. The view is perfect and so many options of where to sit to soak it in! We loved meals at the outdoor table, coffee in the loungers, reading a book by the pool, standing at the edge of the infinity pool, laying in the poolside loungers…all spectacular!

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mai H., San Francisco, California, USA

28 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3rd time stay was still wonderful

Even in the off season for whale watching, you’ll still be able to enjoy the peacefulness of Kohala Coast while seeing dolphins from time to time. The amenities are top-notched. The only hiccup was the grill ran out of gas and there was no back-up.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ginger S.

22 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility by the sea

Let us start by saying upon entering the house, you immediately feel relaxed. The entrance has a zen like quality with Hawaiian touches and a beautiful waterfall feature. The outdoor space is perfect for those who want shade or to soak up the rays with a nice Hawaiian breeze. There were several days we saw dolphins swim past and using the telescope was an added bonus, especially with the sound of the waves crashing into shore. If you’re a birder, this home offers plenty to see, from barn owls, to parakeets, cardinals, and anything else you can imagine. There is a fantastic walking path nearby where you can view ancient Hawaiian structures, tide pools, tropical fish, and a natural blow hole. Each room in the home boasts a gorgeous view of the ocean, even from the kitchen, and sunsets are a must see! The spa and infinity pool are only an added bonus to this gorgeous home and all of the amenities it offers.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Sue Kruse

We are long time Alaskans with a penchant for quality, privacy, and a fundamental need to be surrounded by natural beauty.

Why they chose this property

After years of searching on 3 Hawaiian Islands, the first time we entered Whales Play it was game over. This property is beyond anything we could have dreamed to own.

What makes this property unique

There's something about this piece of property and the land around us. It embraces you, welcomes you. There is a warmth and comfort that seems to emanate from everything.
Then there's the vast unobstructed views of the headlands, the ocean and Maui. It’s so rare in Hawaii where you dont have distracting structures, people, vehicles in your view plane. Its just you and the natural world.