Lava rock stairs lead to this rectilinear form, nestled in the tropical flora of the quaint, family-oriented Manoa neighborhood.

Perfect for couples seeking the natural beauty, sun and carefree vibes of Honolulu, the compact guest home shares land with the owners, but offers enough distance for privacy.

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Enter the space through sliding glass doors and encounter the array of period furniture, concrete floors and high ceilings that define the interiors, anchored by designer rugs.

The lush and spacious yard is a great place to kick back with a mai tai and wonder at the magnificent mountain views. You may even catch a glimpse of back of the Diamond Head volcanic cone and the coastal waters.

On rainy days you get the chance to see nature's fertilizer at work, activating the rich, green vegetative landscape of Hawaii that it's famous for. Our advice? Sit under the outdoor umbrella of your teak dining table with your partner and soak in the show. "A single gentle rain makes the grass many shades greener," said Henry David Thoreau. (Just imagine waking up here the next day).

This vacation rental in Honolulu has one bedroom and one bathroom. Its kitchenette has a mini fridge, dishwasher and a bar sink.

In the living room, a day bed/sofa can be used to accommodate a third person, though please note that the sofa is not a pull-out bed.

Recessed lighting and in-ceiling speakers are present in every room, wired for Airplay through mobile devices, smartphones or iPads. The kitchen includes a below-counter refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, bar sink, and Nespresso Coffee Maker with coffee.

Please note that there is not a stove or cooktop in the house, but if you are comfortable using a propane barbecue grill, it's a great alternative.

This home has easy street parking and a separate entrance. Smoking is acceptable off-property only.

THE ALOHA STATE

Manoa was the site of the first coffee and sugar plantations in Hawaii, dating back to the early 1800s. Today, the area is a neighborhood composed of private homes, many built in the 1950s.

Mountain Retreat situates you close to a grocery and drug store. There is also an array of dining, take-out and shopping options nearby. A wonderful hike to Manoa Falls is down the street, as well as a ridge hike that ends with a spectacular valley view towards the ocean.

If you're here for nature, consider a visit to the 200-acre Lyon Arboretum, just eight minutes away by car and featuring 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, plus seven miles of hiking trails.

Waikiki is 15 minutes away, and you'll want a car to explore and discover the unlimited recreational adventures to be had on Oahu. From rugged natural paradise to the bustle of Honolulu, you can choose to enjoy the city’s vibrant metropolitan life as well as the stunning natural beauty of the island.


LOCATION

Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. Honolulu Airport (7 miles away)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April-October