Tara Cottage, truly an Oasis of Serenity on its secluded 15-acre setting
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Tara Cottage, truly an Oasis of Serenity on its secluded 15-acre setting
Breathtaking view of Kealakekua Bay from Tara Cottage's lanai and grounds
Your first view of Tara Cottage upon entering the property
One parks next to this 'service porch' and enters through door into the kitchen
The bi-level lanai: upper for dining, lower for relaxation and sunning
Lower lanai with comfortable chaise lounges and gorgeous views
Tara Cottage nestled in its beautifully landscaped tropical setting
Owner's 'Greenhouse' cottage is to the left of Tara, well out of its sightline
Bamboo gate leads to the rear garden and the lava rock shower grotto
Private outdoor 'Waterfall Shower' with side jets - left door cottage entry
Octagonal Great Room with its cathedral ceiling and skylight over the bed
Great Rm inc. comfortable queen bed, Art Deco armoire, and original fine art
Entrance to bedroom alcove with twin bed- note the beautiful furnishings!
Twin bedroom has a large window looking out to rear garden and birdbath
Tara Cottage desk area with WiFi and private phone with free long distance
View from Great Room to Dining Area to the left and Kitchen to the right
Dining Area with 9 ft bank of windows and comfortable seating for 6
View from the dining area to beautifully landscaped grounds and the coastline
The spacious 'Water Closet' was designed for wheelchair accessibility
The Kitchen offers all you need for meal preparation including an outdoor grill
Unobstructed view of Kealakekua Bay from Tara Cottage's lawn and lanai
Another gorgeous Kealakekua Bay View
Unforgettable Sunset View from Tara Cottage
Another memorable Sunset
- Bedrooms1
- Sleeps3
Minimum Stay
3 - 7 nights
32 Reviews of Property 250813 in Captain Cook, Hawaii
A Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
business
A Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p250813
+1 808-328-9607
Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Lush and Romantic
Submitted: May 24, 2011
Stayed: May 2011
What an eye-popping paradise for two winter-weary Minnesotans! From the lushly landscaped grounds to the exquisitely furnished interior, Tara Cottage is a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul. Michael provides guests with every conceivable amenity: fresh fruit and coffee from his farm, treats galore, a well-stocked fridge, and folding chairs, beach towels, and a cooler for your days at the beach. There's also a marvelous array of literary fiction, Hawaiian guidebooks, CDs and DVDs. Everyone raves about the outdoor shower (which we loved, too!), but our favorite Tara experience was sipping mai tais while listening to Iz on the stereo and watching the sun set over Kealakekua Bay.
In terms of practicalities, Tara was spotlessly clean and well-maintained, and Michael was very helpful in providing information regarding directions, grocery stores, restaurants, and places of interest to tourists like us. Our favorite places matched Michael's recommendations perfectly: Two-Step for snorkeling; The Coffee Shack for sandwiches; Mi's Italian Bistro for a special dinner; Mauna Kea Beach for the ideal sunny Hawaiian beach experience; Ho'okeena for a low-key beach picnic. Tara Cottage was the perfect place to celebrate our 35th anniversary, and I'm sure we'll find our way back quite soon!
In terms of practicalities, Tara was spotlessly clean and well-maintained, and Michael was very helpful in providing information regarding directions, grocery stores, restaurants, and places of interest to tourists like us. Our favorite places matched Michael's recommendations perfectly: Two-Step for snorkeling; The Coffee Shack for sandwiches; Mi's Italian Bistro for a special dinner; Mauna Kea Beach for the ideal sunny Hawaiian beach experience; Ho'okeena for a low-key beach picnic. Tara Cottage was the perfect place to celebrate our 35th anniversary, and I'm sure we'll find our way back quite soon!
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Beth and Steven were delightful guests and I do hope they return soon!
Initially Beth had some concern about the outdoor shower, but she came to love it... And as she notes, reviews by previous guests show it to be one of the most popular features of the cottage. And they did love their Mai Tais-- made all the more delicious by the use of fresh limes they picked themselves from a tree on the property. Soon the Big island's prized white pineapples will be in season--also grown on Tara Farm along with Tara's own delicious Kona coffee!
Initially Beth had some concern about the outdoor shower, but she came to love it... And as she notes, reviews by previous guests show it to be one of the most popular features of the cottage. And they did love their Mai Tais-- made all the more delicious by the use of fresh limes they picked themselves from a tree on the property. Soon the Big island's prized white pineapples will be in season--also grown on Tara Farm along with Tara's own delicious Kona coffee!
Helpful votes: 1/1
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+1 808-328-9607
Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Pampered Privacy and Beauty
Submitted: July 16, 2010
Stayed: June 2010
Tara Cottage is a rare jewel set on the lushly landscaped manicured grounds of Tara Farms in Captain Cook. The view is spectacular and the cooler elevation offers a comfortable climate. All one must do is arrive with their personal belongings, for the host and owner Michal has thoughtfully furnished everything else needed for a perfect stay. There are quality linens on the beds and thick soft towels for the bath. You will find various and sundry toilet articles and appliances for your personal care. There are spa robes for the absolutely wonderful outdoor shower set in lava rock and thickly surrounded by greenery for privacy. The kitchen is fully equipped, and then some. The cottage has books, music and movies to choose from. The furnishings are lovely and most interesting and obviously have been lovingly amassed over the years. The cottage reflects a real pride of ownership and fondness by the owner.
One of the real pluses for me was the privacy......for which Michael shows a sincere respect and at the same time allows one to roam and enjoy his beautiful grounds and coffee and pineapple farm. He truly is a warm, friendly and generous host. I feel privileged to have experienced Tara Cottage.
One of the real pluses for me was the privacy......for which Michael shows a sincere respect and at the same time allows one to roam and enjoy his beautiful grounds and coffee and pineapple farm. He truly is a warm, friendly and generous host. I feel privileged to have experienced Tara Cottage.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Girls Getaway,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 3/3
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A Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
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+1 808-328-9607
Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Comfortable, tranquil retreat
Submitted: March 29, 2010
Stayed: March 2010
We highly recommend Tara Cottage. The cottage sits in a private corner of a small Kona coffee farm. The comfort, serenity, amenities, books, music, soaring cathedral ceiling, ocean view, lawn, gardens, privacy, and all of the helpful and aesthetic details combine for a beautiful, tranquil vacation retreat. Yet, Tara Cottage is located conveniently close to outstanding restaurants (whether you are looking for a good burger or fine dining), grocery stores, shopping, historical sites, and the ocean. Access to the Hawaii Belt Road is quick and easy. And, the host is never intrusive, but accessible and helpful when appropriate.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 3/3
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A Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p250813
+1 808-328-9607
Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Guest Comment Entered by Owner
Submitted: January 23, 2010
Stayed: January 2010
"The Perfect Place to Reload Your Batteries"
You can read all about the attractions and the beauty of the Big Island in appropriate travel guides. So, let's concentrate on Tara Cottage, the cottage surroundings and the host Michael.
We arrived at night after a long trip and did not take much notice of anything and went to sleep in the very big and comfortabel bed. When we woke up the next morning, we could admire the sheer beauty of it all: the view over the Pacific Ocean and Kealakekua Bay, the very tastefully furnished cottage, the exquisit choce of classical music CDs, the vast assortment of books on the shelves, the welcoming basket of treats that waited for us (including delicious coffee from the farm Tara Cottage is located on). To make a long story short: we had the feeling, we had arrived in paradise and this cannot get any better... but then we met Michael, our host. He is the most charming man you can imagine: warm, friendly, very willing to share his knowledge, considerate and always observing our privacy.
The whole atmosphere in and around Tara Cottage is the perfect place to relax and reload your batteries or for a romantic time-out with your significant other.
We decided and promised to come back and can hardly wait to do so.
It is a pity that I only have the possibility to assign 5 stars here. I would like to add a PLUS!
Recommended for: Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
You can read all about the attractions and the beauty of the Big Island in appropriate travel guides. So, let's concentrate on Tara Cottage, the cottage surroundings and the host Michael.
We arrived at night after a long trip and did not take much notice of anything and went to sleep in the very big and comfortabel bed. When we woke up the next morning, we could admire the sheer beauty of it all: the view over the Pacific Ocean and Kealakekua Bay, the very tastefully furnished cottage, the exquisit choce of classical music CDs, the vast assortment of books on the shelves, the welcoming basket of treats that waited for us (including delicious coffee from the farm Tara Cottage is located on). To make a long story short: we had the feeling, we had arrived in paradise and this cannot get any better... but then we met Michael, our host. He is the most charming man you can imagine: warm, friendly, very willing to share his knowledge, considerate and always observing our privacy.
The whole atmosphere in and around Tara Cottage is the perfect place to relax and reload your batteries or for a romantic time-out with your significant other.
We decided and promised to come back and can hardly wait to do so.
It is a pity that I only have the possibility to assign 5 stars here. I would like to add a PLUS!
Recommended for: Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
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A Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
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Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Submitted: January 3, 2010
Stayed: January 2010
From the moment we arrived at Tara Cottage we felt like we had arrived in Paradise. We were greeted with the smell of fresh roasted coffee (Tara's own), homemade banana bread, local "mac" nuts and home grown bananas and mangos. Each day dawned with the sound of birds outside in the birdbath. We enjoyed the start of the day with the delightful outdoor shower and the relaxing comfort of the lounge chairs overlooking the ocean below.
Tara Cottage was lovingly built and managed by our Host and now Friend Michael Sisk who thought of everything we could possibly need for our stay. The decor of Tara Cottage is first class and the accomdations provided everything, Oh, and ,did I mention the outside shower? We will always remember our evening of Kava and songs with all of our new friends at Mamma's. Thank you Mike for sharing Tara with us and we look forward to our next visit. For anyone looking for complete relaxation and the joy of experiencing the true ALOHA SPIRIT you will not regret staying at Tara Cottage, and did I mention the outdoor shower?
Linda and Sonny, Denver, Colorado
Tara Cottage was lovingly built and managed by our Host and now Friend Michael Sisk who thought of everything we could possibly need for our stay. The decor of Tara Cottage is first class and the accomdations provided everything, Oh, and ,did I mention the outside shower? We will always remember our evening of Kava and songs with all of our new friends at Mamma's. Thank you Mike for sharing Tara with us and we look forward to our next visit. For anyone looking for complete relaxation and the joy of experiencing the true ALOHA SPIRIT you will not regret staying at Tara Cottage, and did I mention the outdoor shower?
Linda and Sonny, Denver, Colorado
Helpful votes: 3/3
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+1 808-328-9607
Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Submitted: October 18, 2009
Stayed: October 2009
The cottage is a jewel! Very tastefully decorated. You will not want for a thing as Michael has provided absolutely everything you will need for your stay. Very private; lovely view; tropical ambience. We highly recommend Tara Cottage.
Helpful votes: 2/3
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A Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p250813
+1 808-328-9607
Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Submitted: August 12, 2009
Stayed: August 2009
We stayed at Tara cottage for three weeks this July and were completely taken away by the tranquility and
beauty of the place. We had really great time, enjoyed gorgeous sunsets from the lanai, watched birds drinking
and washing in the bird pool, loved the company of the almost tamed geckos but most importantly fantastic
host and owner of the place, Michael. The cottage is situated away from the noisy and touristy areas but still
close to any attractions that the Big Island can offer. It is an ideal spot for relaxation or just enjoyment of
Hawaii in its almost original form. Restaurants, coffee farms and houses, art galleries and other shops nearby
are all in the same spirit. Adding the perfect snorkeling area (Two steps) which is only 5 minutes drive from the
property, this place has really everything we were looking for during our vacation. We would definitely
recommend this place to any of our friends and are looking forward to our next visit to Tara cottage.
beauty of the place. We had really great time, enjoyed gorgeous sunsets from the lanai, watched birds drinking
and washing in the bird pool, loved the company of the almost tamed geckos but most importantly fantastic
host and owner of the place, Michael. The cottage is situated away from the noisy and touristy areas but still
close to any attractions that the Big Island can offer. It is an ideal spot for relaxation or just enjoyment of
Hawaii in its almost original form. Restaurants, coffee farms and houses, art galleries and other shops nearby
are all in the same spirit. Adding the perfect snorkeling area (Two steps) which is only 5 minutes drive from the
property, this place has really everything we were looking for during our vacation. We would definitely
recommend this place to any of our friends and are looking forward to our next visit to Tara cottage.
Helpful votes: 3/3
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
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business
A Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p250813
+1 808-328-9607
Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Great Vacation at Tara Cottage
Submitted: August 12, 2009
Stayed: July 2009
We stayed at Tara cottage for three weeks this July and were completely taken away by the tranquility and beauty of the place. We had really great time, enjoyed gorgeous sunsets from the lanai, watched birds drinking and washing in the bird pool, loved the company of the almost tamed geckos but most importantly fantastic host and owner of the place, Michael. The cottage is situated away from the noisy and touristy areas but still close to any attractions that the Big Island can offer. It is an ideal spot for relaxation or just enjoyment of Hawaii in its almost original form. Restaurants, coffee farms and houses, art galleries and other shops nearby are all in the same spirit. Adding the perfect snorkeling area (Two steps) which is only 5 minutes drive from the property, this place has really everything we were looking for during our vacation. We would definitely recommend this place to any of our friends and are looking forward to our next visit to Tara cottage.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
People with Disabilities,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 2/2
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business
A Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p250813
+1 808-328-9607
Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Tara Cottage: A Perfect Place to Stay
Submitted: July 31, 2009
Stayed: June 2008
I would recommend Tara Cottage without any hesitation to anyone considering a vacation on the Big Island. My husband, 11 year old son and I found the property, cottage and host to be even more welcoming than we anticipated. Tara Cottage is wonderful. It is charming, beautifully situated, clean and very comfortable (the beds are amazing and the outdoor shower cannot be beat!). The grounds are even more impressive than they appear in the photos. It is, in fact, a farm, complete with Kona coffee trees amazingly sweet white pineapples, huge mango trees and abundant flowering plants. The property is extensive; the landscaping made it among the most beautiful properties we saw on the island. We thoroughly enjoyed relaxing each morning and evening at home, taking in the sunsets and the superlative view of Kealakekua Bay. Tara Cottage is wonderfully situated on the west side of the island. It was a great home base from which to visit Kealakekua Bay (we strongly recommend renting kayaks and heading over to Captain Cook Monument where the snorkeling is wonderful-and don't forget to watch for resting spinner dolphins)as well as the very interesting and beautiful place of refuge. We would love to return to Tara Cottage. We really can't recommend it highly enough. Michael is the perfect host. He was very respectful of our privacy but he was also readily accessible whenever we had questions. And we greatly enjoyed the welcome basket of treats he had waiting for us when we arrived (the mango bread was unforgettably delicious). And his Kona coffee is the best! Tara Cottage is a wonderul place for an individual, a couple or a small family. Relax, enjoy the colorful birds, the abundance of the farm and the warm hospitality!
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
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A Haven for Relaxation and Renewal
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p250813
+1 808-328-9607
Captain Cook
Kona Coast
Serene retreat with fabulous views & lush grounds
Serene retreat with fabulous views & lush grounds
Submitted: July 23, 2009
Stayed: June 2009
I have stayed at Tara Cottage for many years and this location in South Kona in a quiet residential neighborhood has so much more charm and peacefulness than the noisy resorts on the island. There are some nice restaurants with creative cuisine, coffee houses, gift shops, fruit & veggie stands, and a large market with deli all within a few miles of Tara Cottage. The cottage has a sweeping view of Kealakekua Bay framed by beautifully- manicured grounds including a platform with lounge chairs. I am always exhilarated by the private, outdoor shower--an experience not to be missed! I enjoy grilling fresh local fish, veggies & grass-fed steak on the grill while watching the impressive sunset over the ocean--what a treat! Tara Cottage is a very special, exquisitely furnished home to be appreciated & respected by those who want to experience the flora & fauna of Hawaii in a serene, but convenient locale on the Big Island. In conclusion, this is a heavenly destination managed by a charming host, Michael, who has a vast knowledge of the island and a great sense of humor. Highly recommended! I look forward to my next visit to Tara Cottage.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
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