Ka’awa Loa Plantation Bed & Breakfast: a Dreamy Big Island Stay in Captain Cook

For a special stay on the Big Island, finding a nice bed and breakfast is a great idea. We had the most wonderful stay at the the Ka’awa Loa Plantation in Captain Cook. This is a very quiet part of the Kona Coast where the mountain slopes meet the Pacific Ocean and on some days the vog from Kilauea slides down the slopes. The Ka’awa Loa Plantation B&B is set on the mountainside looking down onto Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument. You’ll love it here.

The only thing that I didn’t like about staying at the Ka’awa Loa Plantation was how sad I was when we left. And how badly I wanted to run my own bed and breakfast on the Big Island. But I have gotten over that and now I love to recommend the Ka’awa Loa Plantation to others. If you have any questions about staying here or need suggestions for enjoying the Kona Coast, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more.

Why Stay at the Ka’awa Loa Plantation?

What makes staying at the Ka’awa Loa Plantation bed and breakfast so special? There are a few things that stand out to me. Firstly, the hosts are the nicest guys and they really strive to make each visit warm and inviting. They keep the public spaces of the B&B very clean and welcoming to ensure guests can fully relax at any time. The big living room, the quiet dining space and the wonderful wrap around porch looking out over Kealakekua Bay are just perfect.

The grounds at the Ka’awa Loa Plantation Bed and Breakfast are beautiful. Gardens of every sort, from tropical fruit to rainbow eucalyptus, orchids to tulip trees, the setting makes you want to explore the whole area in your down time. Can you tell I fell in love with the Ka’awa Loa Plantation after staying here for two nights?

Bed & Breakfast Rooms at Ka’awa Loa Plantation

We don’t often elect to stay at a bed and breakfast because we like the formality and privacy of staying at a hotel, but the Ka’awa Loa Plantation is a large enough property that you don’t feel like other guests are in your space at any time, even when everyone is milling about at breakfast. The rooms each have a private half bathroom, with the exception of the suite having a very large bathroom with a tub, and then the Garden Room having its bathroom in the hallway vs being en suite.

The rooms all have queen beds, with the exception again of the suite having a king and the garden room having two twin beds. In addition to the rooms in the main part of the bed and breakfast home, there is a detached cottage that you can book. It sleeps three and is even more private. The whole layout of the property and room options are really wonderful for having a Big Island bed and breakfast experience that still feels like a private retreat.

Ka’awa Loa Plantation B&B Amenities

I’ll start with my favorite amenity: outdoor lava rock showers. My favorite experience staying at the Ka’awa Loa Plantation was taking a shower outside, surrounded by beautiful plants while there was a breeze and birdsong. Someday I’ll recreate this sort of perfect shower experience in my own home.

But there’s more to staying here than the wonderful outdoor showers. Remember, the Ka’awa Loa Plantation is a B&B, not a full scale hotel or resort, but there are some great amenities on property. The hot tub has an awesome view across the gardens and to Kealakekua Bay below, as does the steam sauna located near the hot tub. There are gardens, a porch swing, tree swings, and lots of space for relaxing.

Breakfast and Dining at Ka’awa Loa Plantation

A beautiful breakfast is provided every morning with loads of tropical fruit, fresh baked breakfast items, yogurt and a protein of sorts. In the afternoon there’s always some sort of wonderful baked good, and if you have dietary needs they’re great about making sure there are appropriate options available.

For lunch and dinner, the kitchen, which we’ll call my dream kitchen, is available for you to make your own snacks and meals (you provide your own main ingredients) as long as you clean up. The Ka’awa Loa Plantation also provides beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, and beach towels for guest use.

Getting to the Ka’awa Loa Plantation

While a lot of people look for a place to stay in or very near Kailua-Kona, staying at the Ka’awa Loa Plantation is great for a different sort of Big Island experience. Located in Captain Cook, which is about a half hour south of Kailua-Kona, the Ka’awa Loa Plantation is located on a mountain road above the Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay. This is my favorite place to snorkel anywhere on the big island.

There are hiking trails in the area, several beaches, and the iconic Pu’uohonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. This is also kona coffee country, so you’ll no doubt have opportunities to stop at a coffee farm or tasting room. Staying in this part of the island provides a very different experience than being in the main town. The Ka’awa Loa Plantation Bed and Breakfast is perfect for a dreamy Hawaiian getaway.