» Where is the property located on the Big Island? We're situated in the Southeast portion of the Island in a community called Puna Beach Palisades, 45 minutes south of Hilo. To see where we are on the map, click here.
» Are both the main house and garden ohana included in a rental? Yes, when you rent Escape2Puna you get the entire 1/2 acre property, including both the main house and garden ohana, for your enjoyment.
» How do I make a reservation? Follow the 3 easy steps described on the Rates + Reservations page.
» How many guests does the house sleep? The main house has a king-size bed that sleeps two and a full bathroom. The garden ohana has a queen-size bed that sleeps two and an environmentally friendly partial bathroom. The ohana is recommended for adult or teenage guests only. Please note that there is an additional charge for more than two guests. See the Rates + Reservations page for more information.
» Does the house have a view? Yes, there’s both an ocean and garden view from the main house.
» Are there any age restrictions? Yes. We do not rent to vacationing students or singles under 25 years of age unless accompanied by an adult guardian or parent. We regretfully make this choice to minimize the risk of damage to our home.
» Is the house family friendly? Yes, but keep in mind that the main house has an open floor plan, and the ohana is better suited for teenagers or adults—people who can or want to be away from the main house all night long and can sleep in a queen-size bed together. A Graco Pak 'n Play crib is available for your use.
» Are there early check-ins or late check-outs? Not unless we have approved them ahead of time. In particular, guests need to depart on schedule so they don’t delay the next guests from starting their eagerly awaited vacation. Check-in time is 3PM; check-out time is 10AM.
» What amenities are included? The main house has a fully furnished, open floor plan that includes a comfortable living room area with TV and DVD player, a four-person dining table, and a kitchen (minus dishwasher) with gas range, refrigerator, microwave, blender, coffee-maker, toaster and all the tableware and cooking gear necessary to make fabulous meals (if you’re a good cook; otherwise, all bets are off). High-thread count cotton bed linens, fluffy bath towels, and large beach towels are provided at no additional charge. In addition, the house includes a stereo with CD player (bring your favorite music), DVD library, games, an umbrella, teak lanai furniture, a large washer/dryer, and a gas barbeque.
» Do you have TV satellite service? No, not yet. The TV only plays DVDs. We have a small library of excellent films at the house.
» Is there phone service? The main house has a phone/answering machine/intercom. The ohana also has a phone/intercom. Calls within the local calling area, which covers the entire island, are free. For long distance calls, please use a calling card or call collect. Any direct dialed long distance calls must be reimbursed at the rate of $0.10 per minute. Unfortunately or fortunately, most cell phones do not work in our part of Puna.
» Is there Internet access? Yes. Our neighborhood has high-speed wireless service that you can purchase separately from the local provider for any time period (hour, day, week, etc.). Alternatively, you can use the standard phone line for much, much slower dialup access. For that, you'll need to get the necessary local access number from your Internet Service Provider.
» Is the house handicap accessible? Regretfully, no. There is a full flight of stairs up to the main house.
» Is smoking permitted? We respectfully and without compromise request that our guests not smoke in the house or ohana. You are free to smoke outdoors, away from the house, as long as you clean up your smoking waste (butts and matches).
» Are pets allowed? Sorry, but no.
» Can I pay by credit card? We accept credit card payments through Pay Pal (a 3% service charge will be added to your bill). We also gladly accept personal checks, cashier's checks or money orders, although the checks must clear before you can check in.
» Is there a penalty for canceling my reservation? Our cancellation policy is spelled out in the rental contract, but here are the basics: If you cancel more than 60 days before arrival, we’ll refund your security deposit and final payment. If you cancel less than 60 days before arrival and we cannot rebook the reservation (we’ll definitely try our best), you’ll forfeit your final payment only. If you cancel less than 60 days before arrival and we can rebook a comparable reservation, we’ll refund all your money except for a $50 cancellation fee.
» Who do I contact if there’s a problem after I arrive? You can always call us if any problems arise during your stay. Our contact information is listed next to the phone in the main house and in the Welcome Guide (also located in the main house).
» Is there daily maid service? The main house and ohana are thoroughly cleaned just prior to your arrival. Although we do not provide daily cleaning service or weekly cleaning for month-long stays, we can arrange it for you at additional cost. The house does have a large washer and dryer for your convenience.
» Do we have to clean the house before we depart? We do not expect you to clean the main house or garden sleeping pavilion before you leave. (After all, you’re on vacation!) However, you should leave the property in the same general condition as you found it. Complete departure instructions are included in the Escape2Puna Welcome Guide (located in the main house).
» What should I pack for the Big Island? Puna, like most of Hawaii, is very, very casual. Shorts, a comfortable t-shirt and a pair of sandals is the most common outfit. Bring one or two casual cotton or linen shirts or sundresses in case you want to go someplace nicer for dinner. Bring a light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt for a hike to the Volcano. In addition, you should probably bring a bathing suit, hiking shoes, sunblock, sunglasses, hat, bug repellant, camera, binoculars, music CDs and our ARRIVAL LETTER. It includes directions to the property and local grocery stores and the all-important lockbox combination to get into the house!