Both guest homes have great lanais to sit on for hours looking at the ocean, whales in the winter, and occasional double rainbows.

They are nestled about 600 feet above sea level on the slopes of Mauna Kea, the magnificent 13,796 foot mountain that in the winter is actually snow capped. But at 600 feet, you won't feel the cold. Waipunalei (easy and beautiful to say "why poona lay") is just 2 miles out of the old style sleepy town of Laupahoehoe. Laupahoehoe Point is a mile down the road from the house - one of the most beautiful miles you will ever walk or drive - vistas of green cliffs, often with waterfalls dropping to turquoise ocean. When you get to the Point, there is some of the most spectacular rugged coastline you will ever see.

The Bamboo house has two bedrooms and one bath. The Mango house has two bedrooms and two baths. They are furnished as our homes - not like rental properties. Each has a complete kitchen, linens, washer and dryer. Fruit trees are abundant. The gardens are full of tropical flowers, cared for lovingly by Mark. You may find bananas, papayas, or some other surprise on your lanai. We hope you relax in Hawaii and enjoy everything the island has to offer, but for those of you who are attached to your computers and TVs, both houses are also equipped with high-speed internet and satellite television.

Beautiful bamboo forest or giant mango tree provide sight and sound privacy between the houses (See arrows in photos). Large windows continually remind you to look at the marvelous ocean. Just sitting on the lanai with a mai tai or a glass of juice and you'll know why Waipunalei is heaven. You'll enjoy exploring this beautiful - over 4000 square mile island - the way other parts of Hawaii used to be. But when you return late in the afternoon, you'll be glad to be home. Just sit, relax, and enjoy. It will feel like you are home - not at another vacation rental house.

Beach chairs, boogie boards, beach umbrella, beach maps, beach toys and grill are there for your use. Maid service is not included and guests are expected to leave the houses in nice condition for the next guests. This is reflected in our rates: Each house $850 a week (plus Hawaii accommodation taxes). Big group? Rent both houses!

We encourage you to consider renting for two weeks. There is plenty to do and see. With two weeks, you're not as likely to so "driven" to always be on the go. People who have done this have thanked us later for encouraging them to go this route. Each house is best suited for a small family or two couples. We've had people who as a child stayed in one of our houses on a family vacation and have returned years later for their honeymoon. We've had couples celebrating 10, 25 even 50 years of marriage. What's your celebration? Be creative!

Our guest houses are not for those who want to have a Waikiki kind of vacation where you lay in the sun on a white sand beach every day surrounded by crowds of people. Honolulu (where Waikiki is) is a free stopover if you want to spend a couple days there on your way to our house or back. Hapuna Beach, rated Number One in the world, is within an hour of our house, as are black sand beaches. It is a great location for a family or a couple to explore all the treasures of the Big Island -- volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails, Mauna Kea Observatories, and many interesting beaches. Click here to view video.

To inquire about availability, call Rae or Mark at 1-800-373-3112 after 12 noon CST (to account for the time difference to Hawaii). We delight in sharing this piece of paradise with others. The houses rent for $850 per week plus Hawaii accommodation taxes.