Back to Search
Add to Favorites

THE ONION HOUSE 'ARCHITECTURE SO FULL OF LIFE IT SEEMS TO BREATHE.'

 
 
 
Kailua Kona estate rental - Lava Rock walls create a high terrace overlooking the sea.
Lava Rock walls create a high terrace overlooking the sea.
 
Kailua Kona estate rental - Lava Rock walls create a high terrace overlooking the sea.

Lava Rock walls create a high terrace overlooking the sea.

Lily ponds and a 70 foot turquoise pool wrap around the home.

Lily ponds and a 70 foot turquoise pool wrap around the home.

This unique structure was hand-built by celebrated architect Kendrick Banggs Ke

This unique structure was hand-built by celebrated architect Kendrick Banggs Ke

HGTV chose this as one of the ten most romantic bedrooms in the world.

HGTV chose this as one of the ten most romantic bedrooms in the world.

Light filters through the stained glass walls and the translucent roof panels.

Light filters through the stained glass walls and the translucent roof panels.

The fanciful stained glass was crafted by famed artist James Hubbell.

The fanciful stained glass was crafted by famed artist James Hubbell.

The terrace provides the ultimate setting for brunch, or candle light dinners.

The terrace provides the ultimate setting for brunch, or candle light dinners.

The Onion House was chosen by the Travel Channel 'Best Deals, Best Values.'

The Onion House was chosen by the Travel Channel 'Best Deals, Best Values.'

The design encourages tropical living in harmony with the natural environment.

The design encourages tropical living in harmony with the natural environment.

The home is five minutes from town or beaches, yet worlds away

The home is five minutes from town or beaches, yet worlds away

One writer described it as, "The Sydney Opera House Meets Stonehenge."

One writer described it as, "The Sydney Opera House Meets Stonehenge."

The perfect base camp for exploring the Island of Hawaii.

The perfect base camp for exploring the Island of Hawaii.

This creative retreat offers privacy to enjoy the pool, terrace, and gardens.

This creative retreat offers privacy to enjoy the pool, terrace, and gardens.

Separate master suite with private walled garden.

Separate master suite with private walled garden.

Peel mangoes or arrange flowers in either the indoor or outdoor kitchen sinks.

Peel mangoes or arrange flowers in either the indoor or outdoor kitchen sinks.

With no outer walls, only screens and stained glass separate indoors and out

With no outer walls, only screens and stained glass separate indoors and out

Night diving (or snorkeling) with manta rays is 1 of the world's top-rated dives

Night diving (or snorkeling) with manta rays is 1 of the world's top-rated dives

The island's best setting for a romantic dinner.

The island's best setting for a romantic dinner.

Swim respectfully with wild dolphins by letting them approach you.

Swim respectfully with wild dolphins by letting them approach you.

Sunlight filters through translucent roof panels.

Sunlight filters through translucent roof panels.

Helicopter over an erupting volcano.

Helicopter over an erupting volcano.

The Big Island is a mini-continent containing nearly every climate on earth.

The Big Island is a mini-continent containing nearly every climate on earth.

Kona temperatures are comfortable for year-round swimming and snorkeling.

Kona temperatures are comfortable for year-round swimming and snorkeling.

"An architecture so full of life it seems to breathe."- Global Architecture

"An architecture so full of life it seems to breathe."- Global Architecture

  • Bedrooms3
  • Sleeps6
  • 2 Bathrooms

Photos and Description of the Kailua Kona vacation estate rental
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6

Home of the McCormick Spice family, the Onion House is a unique architectural treasure with stunning visual aesthetics. It has been featured on MTV, Travel Channel, Learning Channel, Fine Living Channel, HGTV, Global Architecture Magazine, and Architectural Digest.

Swim and sunbathe in privacy, enjoying the 70' pool, gardens, and lily ponds. The terrace faces sunsets and Kailua Bay, providing the ideal setting for candlelight dinners. The translucent roof and walls of stained glass allow filtered sunlight throughout. The detached master suite features a private walled garden. A covered outdoor walkway leading to the master bedroom structure is flanked by lily ponds and the turquoise pool overlooking the sea.

With grounds of nearly an acre, five minutes from town or beach, this is the perfect base camp for exploring the Big Island.

Guestbook:: Beth, Beth, how can we ever say thank you enough for the beautiful experience at the Onion House? Joe and I and my mother had the most relaxing and enjoyable time. I cannot think of anything that was missing. We did manage to get to a beach so Mom could put her feet in the ocean and one day we drove to Waimea so she could see the lava flows, We also managed to get to a coffee plantation. Other than that, the privacy and peacefulness at the house was the high point of the trip. The geckos, birds, flowers, fruits and plants along with the sound of water in the pool made for a paradise. We slept great, got up at dawn and just watched the place come alive. I cannot imagine ever going to a hotel again. Thank you again for being a part of this gift for my mom. Dawn

Hi Beth, Peter and I had a great time at the Onion House. It did so much for us as a couple and as hard working people. We have come back to Sonoma with new energy and vision as to how to enjoy life fully. We did alot of exploring this time on the big Island. We went out past Havi to the trail head that goes forever. We hiked down two mountains through two rivers and found bamboo forests and Jurassic Palms. We also went horse back riding near Waimea and had so much fun with the people and horses, it reminded me of being a child with my friends. We found a beautiful beach just north of the airport where we hiked along the lava flow and found fresh water spring fed pools in the lava to swim in after the ocean. We felt like Adam and Eve. The house was such a magical place to end our day and watch the sun go down. We loved swimming au natural in the pool and playing kids games. Thank you and your family and your Aunt's vision for creating a haven on earth.

Namaste, Michele & Peter

Dear Beth,

26 days in Hawaii and the Onion House was definitely one of the highlights of

our trip!

Thank you for letting us experience the Onion House for those two days. My

family never stopped grinning from ear to ear the entire time they were

staying there.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your Aunt and the history of the house. I

have been sharing the story and pictures of the house with my friends and

neighbors. Your Aunt is a character I won't soon forget.

The overwhelming feeling I had while staying there was one of thankfulness

that you restored the house and then let others experience it's unique charm.

Thank you, Beth, for everything.

Cindy Koziarz

More Details
Hide Details
Kailua Kona estate rental - Lava Rock walls create a high terrace overlooking the sea.

Lava Rock walls create a high terrace overlooking the sea.

Lily ponds and a 70 foot turquoise pool wrap around the home.

Lily ponds and a 70 foot turquoise pool wrap around the home.

This unique structure was hand-built by celebrated architect Kendrick Banggs Ke

This unique structure was hand-built by celebrated architect Kendrick Banggs Ke

HGTV chose this as one of the ten most romantic bedrooms in the world.

HGTV chose this as one of the ten most romantic bedrooms in the world.

Light filters through the stained glass walls and the translucent roof panels.

Light filters through the stained glass walls and the translucent roof panels.

The fanciful stained glass was crafted by famed artist James Hubbell.

The fanciful stained glass was crafted by famed artist James Hubbell.

The terrace provides the ultimate setting for brunch, or candle light dinners.

The terrace provides the ultimate setting for brunch, or candle light dinners.

The Onion House was chosen by the Travel Channel 'Best Deals, Best Values.'

The Onion House was chosen by the Travel Channel 'Best Deals, Best Values.'

The design encourages tropical living in harmony with the natural environment.

The design encourages tropical living in harmony with the natural environment.

The home is five minutes from town or beaches, yet worlds away

The home is five minutes from town or beaches, yet worlds away

One writer described it as, "The Sydney Opera House Meets Stonehenge."

One writer described it as, "The Sydney Opera House Meets Stonehenge."

The perfect base camp for exploring the Island of Hawaii.

The perfect base camp for exploring the Island of Hawaii.

This creative retreat offers privacy to enjoy the pool, terrace, and gardens.

This creative retreat offers privacy to enjoy the pool, terrace, and gardens.

Separate master suite with private walled garden.

Separate master suite with private walled garden.

Peel mangoes or arrange flowers in either the indoor or outdoor kitchen sinks.

Peel mangoes or arrange flowers in either the indoor or outdoor kitchen sinks.

With no outer walls, only screens and stained glass separate indoors and out

With no outer walls, only screens and stained glass separate indoors and out

Night diving (or snorkeling) with manta rays is 1 of the world's top-rated dives

Night diving (or snorkeling) with manta rays is 1 of the world's top-rated dives

The island's best setting for a romantic dinner.

The island's best setting for a romantic dinner.

Swim respectfully with wild dolphins by letting them approach you.

Swim respectfully with wild dolphins by letting them approach you.

Sunlight filters through translucent roof panels.

Sunlight filters through translucent roof panels.

Helicopter over an erupting volcano.

Helicopter over an erupting volcano.

The Big Island is a mini-continent containing nearly every climate on earth.

The Big Island is a mini-continent containing nearly every climate on earth.

Kona temperatures are comfortable for year-round swimming and snorkeling.

Kona temperatures are comfortable for year-round swimming and snorkeling.

"An architecture so full of life it seems to breathe."- Global Architecture

"An architecture so full of life it seems to breathe."- Global Architecture

Nearest Airport : KOA- Keahole-Kona Airport at 10 Miles
Nearest Beach : Magic Sands, Kahaluu Beach Park at 2 Miles
Nearest Restaurant : La Bourgoyne at 1 Miles
Car: necessary

A mini-continent offering a taste of almost every climate on the planet, the Big Island of Hawaii is known for fountaining volcanoes, emerald cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and year-round sunny, warm beaches. Some of the best telescopes in the world are located on the snowy peak of Mauna Loa, while the reefs offer snorkeling, diving, whale-watching, and surfing in abundance. One of the most famous places in the world for swimming with wild dolphins, Kealakekua Bay and the City of Refuge offer a delightful introduction to the underwater realm. (Be respectful; let dolphins approach you if they want to interact.) The night dive with manta rays is one of the world's top-rated dives.

Other Activities: Swimming with wild dolphins, turtles, mantas. Exploring Hawaiian Sacred Sites

Available
  
Unavailable
Special Offer
Updated:
May 19, 2013
May 2013
s m t w t f s
- - - 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 -
- - - - - - -
June 2013
s m t w t f s
- - - - - - 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 - - - - - -
July 2013
s m t w t f s
- 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31 - - -
- - - - - - -
August 2013
s m t w t f s
- - - - 1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
- - - - - - -
September 2013
s m t w t f s
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 - - - - -
- - - - - - -
October 2013
s m t w t f s
- - 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31 - -
- - - - - - -
November 2013
s m t w t f s
- - - - - 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
- - - - - - -
December 2013
s m t w t f s
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 - - - -
- - - - - - -
January 2014
s m t w t f s
- - - 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 -
- - - - - - -
February 2014
s m t w t f s
- - - - - - 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 -
- - - - - - -
March 2014
s m t w t f s
- - - - - - 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 - - - - -
April 2014
s m t w t f s
- - 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 - - -
- - - - - - -

Rental Rates for this vacation estate rental in Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Additional information about rental rates

Tax Rate 13.42%
Cleaning $350

Notes

  • $295-450/night, $1995-3000/week
  • $295/day; $1995/week- June 1 to Aug 31
    $330/day; $2250/week- April 1- May 31 and Sept 1-December 14
    $360/day; $2450/week- Dec 15- March 31

    Additional charges include the tax of 13.42% and cleaning fee of $350, plus a refundable security deposit of $500.

Accommodation and Amenities for this vacation estate rental in Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Property Type:
  • estate
Location Type:
  • Near The Ocean
  • Town
Theme:
  • Adventure
  • Romantic
General:
  • Parking
  • Wireless Internet
  • Security System
  • Safe
  • Sofa Bed
  • Carport
  • Washing Machine
  • Local Maps
  • Filtered Water
  • Internet
  • Local Restaurant Guide
  • Basic Soaps
  • Towels Provided
  • Paper Towels
  • Local Activities Guide
  • Toilet Paper
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Linens Provided
  • Living Area
  • Fireplace
  • Laundry Soap
  • Alarm Clock
  • Iron & Board
Kitchen:
  • Coffee Grinder
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Stove
  • Freezer
  • Oven
  • Ice Maker
  • Coffee Maker
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Blender
  • Toaster
  • Microwave
  • Pantry Items
  • Grill
Dining:
  • Dining Area
  • seating for 6 people
Bathrooms:
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Master Bathroom - toilet , shower
    Main Bathroom - toilet , shower
    Outdoor feeling - outdoor shower
Bedrooms:
  • 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6
  • Master Bedroom - 1 king , Detached master suite has meditation garden
    Lilypond Bedroom - 1 double , 2 smaller bedrooms share a bath between
    Mauka Bedroom - 1 double
  • HGTV selected this as one of the World's 'Most Romantic Bedrooms.' A covered outdoor walkway leads past the lily pond and swimming pool to the separate master bedroom structure. A separate walled meditation garden leads off the master bedroom suite. Two smaller bedrooms, with a bath between them, are in the main structure.
Entertainment:
  • VCR
  • CD Player
  • Radio
  • Books
  • Television
  • Satellite / Cable
  • DVD Player
  • Stereo
Outside:
  • Outdoor Grill Gas
  • Patio
  • Beach Towels
  • Small Cooler
  • Terrace
  • Porch / Veranda
  • Outdoor Entertainment Area
  • Lawn / Garden
  • Beach Chairs
  • 6 garden chairs
Suitability:
  • non smoking only
  • wheelchair inaccessible
  • pets not allowed
  • unsuitable for elderly or infirm
Pool / Spa:
  • Private Pool
  • Outdoor Pool
Onsite Services:
  • Concierge
Attractions:
  • waterfalls
  • churches
  • reefs
  • pond
  • restaurants
  • rain forests
  • botanical garden
  • ruins
  • bay/sound
  • museums
  • caves
  • forests
  • marina
  • volcano
Leisure Activities:
  • whale watching
  • walking
  • eco tourism
  • scenic drives
  • luaus
  • sight seeing
  • beachcombing
  • horseback riding
  • bird watching
Local Services & Businesses:
  • massage therapist
  • medical services
  • groceries
  • ATM/bank
Sports & Adventure Activities:
  • spelunking
  • cycling
  • sailing
  • golf
  • swimming
  • hiking
  • surf fishing
  • roller blading
  • snorkeling
  • scuba diving or snorkeling
  • tennis
  • hunting small game
  • mountain climbing
  • paragliding
  • deepsea fishing
  • fishing
  • pier fishing
  • jet skiing
  • sound/bay fishing
  • surfing
  • wind-surfing
Notes: The estate offers privacy for swimming and sunbathing. You enter the detached master suite through a covered walkway traversing between the fragrant lily pond and the 70 foot swimming pool, overlooking the coastline. This is an excellent place to view the sunset, practice yoga, or slip into the water.

Learn more about this vacation rental at the owner's website:

Reviews for this vacation estate rental in Kailua Kona, Hawaii

The Onion House 'Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe.'
average rating of 5.0 based on 9 reviews
business
The Onion House 'Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe.'
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p103840
Kailua Kona Kona Coast
San Francisco, CA
5

I wish I could live there

5 of 5
Submitted: February 18, 2007 Stayed: January 2007
This place was amazing. Very peaceful, and very beautiful. If you have the chance, stay at the Onion House. My boyfriends father took seven of us around new years, there was plenty of room. I can't think of one thing that turned me off about this house. There are almost no real walls, its all beautiful stained glass and secure screens that seperate indoor from outdoor. Inside of course there are walls, it's private. My favorite thing, making breakfast in the morning and eating outside on the patio next to the pool. Having coffee and playing with the geckos, (they love scrambled eggs!). If you're going take me with you! To the owner: Thanking you for sharing such a great and special place! I'll remember it forever!
Helpful votes: 23/23
business
The Onion House 'Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe.'
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p103840
Kailua Kona Kona Coast
5

We made memories of a Lifetime

5 of 5
Submitted: February 3, 2013 Stayed: January 2013
From the minute I opened the gate to the Onion House, I was left speechless. My husband immediately began shooting a video while I, on the otherhand, was walking around taking in every walkway, room, lanai, body of water, etc. and when he would put the camera on me, I couldn't find words to explain the amazement I was feeling. The architecture of the home is better described as a piece of art. The way the outside is brought into the inside and vice versa is magnificent. The beauty just envelopes you. It made me feel like a small child again on Christmas morning.
There is much literature provided on the table for you at the Onion House and we enjoyed that extra surprise very much. My husband read aloud to me during our sunning sessions about the history, the family and people behind the building as well as all sorts of good nuggets of info. regarding the area. It was a real treat hearing about it all.
The location of the home is convenient as it was in walking distance to the fabulous "La Bourgogne" french restaurant, as well as a small convenience mart that had last minute items we needed.
Beth was so easy to work with. Her attention to detail and directions , and her quick responses to emails was superb and professional during our first inquiry, our booking, and then as follow-up emails to ask us about our stay. Her passion and love for the Onion House is easy to read.
Mahalo and Much Aloha, Laura from Indiana
business
The Onion House 'Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe.'
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p103840
Kailua Kona Kona Coast
5

Best vacation ever.

5 of 5
Submitted: January 10, 2013 Stayed: January 2013
The other side of the coin from Waikiki. No loud kids screaming at 2:00 in the morning in the hotel room next door. This place is quiet and secluded. Beautiful pool, view, and the crew make you feel right at home. The location is perfect; halfway between tourist inundated Kailua, and the small towns and coffee plantations up the mountain. The architecture of the Onion House is beyond impressive, but the true draw is how much at home you will feel within moments of arrival. Don't make the mistake I did and eat out every meal. Use the facilities provided at the Onion House. It took me three days to figure out that a meal on the lanai was much better than the restaurants down town. Just watch out for the geckos.
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
The Onion House 'Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe.'
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p103840
Kailua Kona Kona Coast
5

Unique Historic Accomodation with Modern Amenities

5 of 5
Submitted: November 3, 2012 Stayed: October 2012
We stayed at the Onion House with 4 friends for 2 weeks. Not only enjoyed we the serene athmosphere with all the surrounding nature and a beautiful view we also appreciated the proximity to Alii Drive (Kona Downtown so to say) and to grocery shopping (Safeway).
Be prepared to wake up by the sounds of nature (toads, birds, geckos) and the rising sun. We found that our night-day rythm shifted to an earlier time (=wake up by 6.30 - 7 am and go to bed between 9 and 10 pm) to make best use of the daylight.
The only (neglectable) downside was that the house is relatively close to THE main street on that side of the island and we heard ambulances and police quite frequently.
But other than that there is nothing to complain about. All Amenities were working and Annie (the care taker) is just precious. Always available and always helpful.
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
The Onion House 'Architecture so full of life it seems to breathe.'
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p103840
Kailua Kona Kona Coast
5

Heaven in Paradise

5 of 5
Submitted: April 24, 2012 Stayed: April 2012
We waited more than 20 years to stay at the Onion House and all I can say is "WOW." Although located in a residential area, the moment you enter the archway of trees in the driveway, it's as if you entered your own private world. The architecture is stunning, the vegetation lush and the sounds of the birds and frogs a serenade to the senses. With no conventional walls, but rather simply stained glass doors and screening, you feel as if you are living with nature. My wife, who studied architecture in college, couldn't stop taking pictures, while marveling at the incredible and unique design.

Everything you need is provided and you, like us, might be tempted to never even leave to explore the wonders of the Big Island. And, at the end of the day, I highly recommend opening a bottle of wine and sitting by the pool to watch the sun as it sets right in front of you, accompanied by the sound of birds singing all around you. If you like cookie cutter resorts, than the Onion House is not for you. However, if you want, even for a short time, your own piece of heaven in paradise, than this is the place for you. We waited 20 years to see it, but we won't wait that long again.
Helpful votes: 1/1
Payment Methods
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Contact the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

Add Note