Nagez avec les tortues et regardez les baleines ! Ralentissez et DÉTENDEZ-VOUS.

Directly overlooking the ocean, a newly remodelled, bright condo in a heritage building, set amidst lush green foliage. Enjoy the large lanai with panoramic views. Safe swimming all year round, your choice of nearby beaches, close to everything that you'll need in Hilo. Lounge, relax, swim with the turtles, visit the outdoor market, cook, listen to the waves at night. Repeat. The perfect, stress-free vacation.

NOTE: More photos coming; just finishing the last touches of the renovation!!

We vacationed in Hawaii for many years, usually with kids, usually renting off the beaten path, avoiding most of the commercial tourist trade. (Think Lilo ‘n Stich not luxury resort!) We never thought we would buy a condo—until we saw this one in spring 2019. It has everything we love about Hawaii—wonderful sun, fantastic oceanfront, on a quiet road dotted with beach parks, just 4 km from the centre of Hilo. And unlike most places on the Big Island, we enjoy safe swimming all year in sheltered bay, shielded by a lava ridge. Our kind of place but also close to outdoor markets for fruit & veggies, fish stores, restaurants, medical services, etc.. For us, the perfect stress-free, slow vacation.

THE SPACE

Our home is a newly renovated, one-bedroom (700 ft) condo in a small, friendly, 70’s building with a retro vibe. It has been entirely remodelled, from the floor up, into an open plan space, with the bedroom separated from the living area by a sliding (solid wood) door for privacy. The main area consists of the kitchen (in which one can actually cook!), dining area (table for 6) and a living area. When the door to the bedroom is open, the living area gains another expansive ocean view. The décor suits the architecture. It has custom, light woodwork throughout, Scandinavian/MCM furniture and lots of art on the walls. This gives the apartment a light, uncluttered feel that still welcomes bare feet. Plus, the building as a whole, including the grounds and pool are very well-kept because most of the owners are Hilo residents. (You will be amazed how many people say hello!)

Some features by room:

A lanai runs across the full length of the apartment, large enough for a dining table for 4, two loungers for morning coffee or evening sun-downers, plus a good quality Weber grill for that fresh fish from the dock!

The kitchen is designed for real cooking in a compact space. It is separated from the dining area by a large island, which holds the small appliances (toaster, excellent blender with food processor attachment, coffee maker and coffee grinder), top quality aluminum pots and pans, baking trays, cutting boards, a variety of (sharp) knives and other cooking utensils. It has a gas stove, over-stove microwave, family-sized refrigerator with ice-maker (YES!) and a dishwasher—everything you need for a nice dinner at home. There are dishes for 8 people, plenty of drinking glasses, wine glasses, etc.

The dining area consists of a teak table and six Emeco aluminum chairs. These look a bit odd but they are very comfortable, cool in a warm climate, and light to pick up and move around for extra seating elsewhere.

The living room floor-to-ceiling windows (with screens) for a beautiful ocean view. The couch is a modern 'smart' design which can be opened (the back flips up) into a double, x-long bed, great for one adult or two children (or maybe two thin adults who really like each other). I myself love this sofa for sleeping; the mattress is firm and bed feels as solid and stable as a ‘normal’ bed. There is also a flat-screen television with a good package of channels.

The bathroom is accessed via the bedroom (something to think about if you are planning a trip with more than 2 people). It has two areas. There is an outer area with sink, multiple cupboards, plus a full-sized washer and dryer. The inner room, through a sliding door, has a toilet and walk-in shower (no tub). The arrangement means you can still brush your teeth or shift the laundry into the dryer while some else is taking a shower.

Finally, the bedroom is a good size, easily fitting a queen bed, bed-side tables and lamps and an area of floor large enough for yoga or exercise. The bed linens are made of natural fibres (cotton and/or linen) and the pillows/duvets are hypo-allergenic. The mattress/frame are brand-new. There is wall of built-in cupboards for clothes and anything else you’ve brought along (you'll find two sets of snorkel gear on the bottom shelf). This room also has an 8 foot wide window (at waist height), for beautiful breezes all day.

Most days, the temperature is 75 degrees F or warmer; at night the temperature dips to about 70 degrees. Add 2 ceiling fans, plus the sea breeze and the apartment doesn't need either heating or air conditioning. (The apartment faces north.)