Vacation Rentals by Owner

Steven Schmid

Guest: Steve (Prior Lake MN USA)
Date of Stay: 12/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/17/12

Like the place since it is in walking distance to the great beaches and just being in the Ko Olina resort complex. Great recreation area and nice swimming pool within minutes of the villa.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ko'Olina Hillside Retreat

Guest: Suze (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/16/11

Great place. I'd definitely stay there again. The location is great. I liked how quiet it was. There were several things that I thought needed improvement. The cleanliness of the carpeting and the living/dining room furniture and the communication with the onsite resident manager. While I realize it's his job to care for the premises, he was very rude and abrupt to some of my family members who arrived at the pool. Yes, I will agree that the two young men shouldn't have jumped the gate after realizing the access key wasn't working, but the RM could have maintained his composure a lot more professionally. It really shook up my relatives who were there for the first time to join me poolside. There was about 15 of us watching him charge out from his home to berate my two nephews. I apologized profusely to calm him down and explained to him that my pool access key was working for a while and then suddenly inoperable. While still upset, he explained to me that I was suppose to register with him when I arrived. This is information that I either overlooked or it wasn't relayed to me. Again, I apologized for my ignorance. He didn't let it go very easily. It just created a very tense moment between us, but it was resolved immediately as I signed registration papers a few minutes later. Would these minor details/experiences deter me from vacationing at the Hillside again? Not at all. I loved the solitude, overall cleanliness, the four mile roundtrip tree lined run, the proximity to all the other Ko'Olina attractions, and ease of which I worked with the homeowner. Our communication via emails was prompt, simple, and easy. I will definitely book again, if I don't purchase one myself.

Owner response:Thanks for the honest and productive input ... I think you came right after a party that 'messed up' our carpet. If I would have known at your check in, I would have had the carpet cleaning come and clean for you .. Since I was not in the island, I could not check; I went by the input from my cleaning service. Regarding the Property Manager, I apologize, but I had no control on how he behave .. Thanks again, I have been and am trying to be honest to everyone .. not just on the good part but also when it was not perfect. Thanks,

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Great place!

Guest: Canuck (Burnaby, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/03/11

We really enjoyed our stay! The unit was quiet and well equipped. The pool and barbecue in the common area were great. Being so close to the lagoons and resorts made everyday a wonderful experience. Hope we can return one day soon!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Dallas_HAC123980 (Calgary)
Date of Stay: 04/21/10 Review Submitted: 04/21/10

Dan’s condo is in an excellent location with easy access to some of the nicest beaches in Oahu and it is only a short drive to Waikiki and the North Shore if you seek to explore other parts of Oahu. We really enjoyed our stay at Dan’s place and our kids are already asking us when we will be going back.

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Guest: Chuck Blumenfeld (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 03/15/10 Review Submitted: 03/15/10

See our comment on the adjoining 3 Bedroom condo. We rented them together and were perfect for 6 adults and 4 children.

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Guest: Rose 2 (folsom, ca)
Date of Stay: 08/23/09 Review Submitted: 08/23/09

We rented 2 side by side villas in order to accomodate 11 and found it very convenient. The accomodations were clean, tastefully decorated, a quiet location and located within the Ko'Olina gated resort area. Dan was a pleasure to work with. From beginning to end our dealings with Dan were handled professionally yet we felt as if we belonged to his list of family and friends. We intend to rent from Dan again.

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Best Vacation!!!

Guest: Trevor (Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

What can I say about our trip to paradis ?, the home we stayed in was truly a wonderful place , having had the benefit of multiple trips over the years I can safely say this was the best place we have ever stayed in. Spotless clean, beautiful surroundings and thanks to Dan for making the effort to leave us some tips on places to visit. I cannot recommend this highly enough We will be returning without a doubt. Mahalo Trevor

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Guest: ROLITZ AGUSTIN (FAIRFIELD,CA., USA)
Date of Stay: 07/10/09 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK DAN FOR A BEATIFUL VACATION. HIS CONDO HAD EVERYTHING THAT WE NEEDED TO HAVE A GREAT VACATION. NOT ONLY WAS HIS CONDO CLEAN AND VERY COMFORTABLE, IT WAS VERY REASONABLE AND WE ARE PLANNING ON OUR NEXT TRIP THERE HOPEFULLY BY CHRISTMAS. THANKS DAN FOR EVERYTHING AND WILL BE TALKING TO YOU SOON.

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Guest: Victoria28 (British Columbia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/17/08 Review Submitted: 09/17/08

We stayed at the Ko Olina condo listed here and were very happy with the accomodations and service supplied by owner. Ko Olina is a very tranquil and beatiful property. We would recomend for anyone looking to relax and unwind.Close enough to were ever you want to go, yet totaly out of the way from huusle and bussle. Also realy appreciated the addition information suplied by owner to assist in some eatery venues and must tries.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/22/08 Review Submitted: 07/22/08

Enjoyed the villa, great size and facilities (kitchen, etc.). The lagoons were nice, especially #2. Wish the parking for them was a little larger. Nice location away from Honolulu. We didn't understand the point of checking in at the gate. It wasn't security per se, but it wasn't a big deal either. Nice pool. Only once was a neighbor really loud after midnight, usually the complex was very quiet. Thanks for a very nice stay,

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Guest: Ryan Dang (Fontana, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/21/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

Staying at this condo during our vacation in Oahu was the best experience we have ever had. The surrounding landscapes and the property were spectacular. We've felt relaxed and amazed from the drive into the community and to the openning of the front door. "WOW! That's Nice." It has everything you may need. You want to cook? It has all you need (pots,pans,stoves,frig,esential spices, plates...). Should I say more? We didn't cook; too many beautiful and fun things around us to enjoy and one week to do them. For longer stay, cooking may be a preference. You want to go swimming? There beach towels, beach chairs, body boards and more are available. It was perfect for family vacationer like ourselve. Within the community, they have the best luau in Hawaii called Paradice Cove Luau. The famous country club's restaurant, "Roy's" was good, but can be better. We give it an 8.5. On the other side of the street, we have tried and love the Marriott breakfast buffet. A "9.5" from us. It was walking distance from the beach front. Overall, I would love to come back and stay at this getaway.

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Guest: Ted Wong (Elk Grove, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/30/08 Review Submitted: 06/30/08

My family had a great time at the Ko Olina condos. The condos had all the ammenties that one could think of (kitchen supplies, dishwashing liquid, beach toys, extra sheets, etc.) The condos were clean, spacious, quiet, very close to the pool/bbq, close to the Ko Olina lagoons, and in an absolutely quiet area. I could not have asked for anything more. Because my family was staying at the condos for my wedding, I wanted them to feel like they were at home and Dan made sure that was the case. He also offered us the condos for an extra few days because no one was occupying the facility at the time of check in. He went above and beyond in trying to accomdate my families needs. Thank you!!! Ted and Andrea Wong Elk Grove, CA

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/28/08 Review Submitted: 06/28/08

We rented both of the side-by-side villas in Ko Olina and had an absolutely wonderful time. The villas were more than comfortable with everything we needed and in reasonable proximity to all of the wonderful Ko Olina facilities. The owner/landlord was wonderful to deal with as well. There were 11 of us in the two villas, including a 15 mo. old and a great time was had by all. We'll be back.

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Guest: George Nakata (Portland, OR., USA )
Date of Stay: 03/11/08 Review Submitted: 03/11/08

Stayed at Ko'Olina Hillside Villa #6 February 17th-23rd. Found the unit very comfortable, attractively appointed, conveniently located. The two bathrooms upstairs, the kitchen appliances and utensils, towels, etc. met all needs. Located nearby the Rec/Swimming Pool, and with good security, very enjoyable stay. Everything including the flat screen TVs worked nicely. We liked the privacy away from the Waikiki crowds, yet not far from Aloa Moana or the Wards Centre and right near Kapolei for some nice dinners. Good value and would recommend for those wishing to stay on Oahu, but away from all the tourists.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/15/07 Review Submitted: 12/15/07

We recently rented one of Dan's Ko Olina homes for a business trip. The townhome was lovely, practically new, and in a very nice neighborhood, just a short walk from white-sand beaches on the most beautiful shore of Oahu. The real treat was Dan himself. If you want to make booking a vacation home a breeze, he's your man. In other words, if you're lucky enough to work with Dan, you're lucky enough!

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Guest: Dave Marlatt (Chico California)
Date of Stay: 12/03/07 Review Submitted: 12/03/07

I highly recommend staying at this condo. The condo is a great place to stay. Our family stayed in Villa 6 which sleeps 4 to 6 people comfortably. Close by are the lagoons which we spent many days swimming and having evening dinners watching the Sunset. The Paradise Cove Lau is also close by. You are also away from the crowds of Waikiki but yet close enough to visit different areas of the island. Most of all Dan was a terrific person to work with over the phone and via e-mails answering all of our questions. Thanks again Dan for sharing your family’s home. Dave Marlatt

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Guest: Dianwen Chinn (Reston, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 11/09/07 Review Submitted: 11/09/07

This villa was occupied by my family while we stayed next door. It was just as nice as the villa #7, and the next to each other location added much convenience for our family to coordinate our activities during the time we stayed there.

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Guest: bojan1 (san diego, ca)
Date of Stay: 11/02/07 Review Submitted: 11/02/07

We had a wonderful time. The villa is a very short drive from the Ko Olina lagoons, nicely equipped and close to a shopping center (Safeway, Kmart, LongsDrugs, Pizza Hut, etc.) Spend a couple of hours in the morning at the lagoons, take 30-60 minutes drive to some of the other major attractions (the kids would use the time to take a nap), come back to the lagoons for another splash in the afternoon and enjoy the life.

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Guest: Jill Matthew (Edmonton, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 10/27/07 Review Submitted: 10/27/07

Our family rented units 6 and 7. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Ko Olina. The location, amenities, and the cleanliness of the two side-by-side units was perfect for our family. I really appreciated Dan's assistance with maps, background information and his follow up calls to make sure everything was ok. I would highly recommend both units.

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Guest: Linh Hoang (Irvine, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/29/07 Review Submitted: 08/29/07

Villa is beyond my expectation. Perfect for 4 - 6 guestsl; we had a great great time snokeling, and hanging out in the lagoons (1 through 4), and the pool. Very safe for my kids to go to the pool (about 20 feet or so away from the villa). Quiet area, away from WAIKIKI crowd, but yet close enough to drive when chose to (20 min or so). Details such as ample supply of beach towels, towel sets, cooking utensils, laundry detergents, etc. Dan is very easy to work with and very trustworthy, we are coming back again ...

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Guest: Eric60 (Buena Park, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/28/07 Review Submitted: 08/27/07

I highly recommend this place. Like what the other guests have stated, the Villa was a wonderful place to stay in. It really beats staying at a hotel. Far enough from the city lights and noise of Waikiki to get some peaceful time with family and friends. But conviniently located to drive to both North and South Shore if you are looking for some action. If you ever wanted to view and take that picture perfect Sunset with a love one; this is the place you want to be. If you want space while you get that tan, there are four lagoons you can choose from. Great place for walks, jogging, etc. Pool and jacuzzi is about 20 feet away from the Villa where you can actually bar-b-que as well. The best Luau show in town is here (Paradise Cove). All in all my family had a great stay and so we would definitely rent from Dan again. Eric

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Guest: Pegge1 (Jupiter, Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/01/07

Our stay at the Gunadi’s Villa in KoOlina was perfect … the highlight of our 18 day/3 island vacation! As the other Guests have written, the location and accommodations are flawless and beyond expectation. This was our first visit to Hawaii … the Gunadi’s extended the warmest “Aloha Spirit” throughout the rental transaction - professionalism and thoroughness in covering every detail - assuring a memorable stay.

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Guest: tina61 (Newcastle, WA)
Date of Stay: 07/22/07 Review Submitted: 07/22/07

We had a wonderful stay at your condo. Very convenient location (close to the pool and lagoons), and nice amenities. We will definitely be coming back!

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Guest: Penny21 (Victorville, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/07 Review Submitted: 07/11/07

My family really enjoyed staying at this wonderful vacation home. Having traveled to the island of Oahu several times before I'd have to say this was by far the best experience we've had. The Ko'olina lagoons, pools, bbq's and parks were absolutely gorgeous. The condo was spacious and immaculate, the atmosphere was calm and inviting, the amenities were better than expected. I would definitely recommend staying at this property, I know my family we'll be coming back! Mahalo for sharing your home with us.

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Guest: rose greene (hercules, ca)
Date of Stay: 07/02/07 Review Submitted: 07/02/07

We love staying in your villa and we wanted to thank you for letting us rent your place. Your villa has everything in it. Thank you again. The Greene Family.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/25/07 Review Submitted: 02/25/07

A beautiful villa with all the amenities, close to wonderful family oriented attractions. I recommend it highly.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/15/07 Review Submitted: 02/15/07

The villa is very very comfortable and family friendly. Pool and Spa is conveniently close. Clean villa with all kinds of stuff to live like my own home away from home. Dan is very helpful, honest and friendly. Highly recommended, our family will come back again

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