Vacation Rentals by Owner

Guest: Abbigail
Date of Stay: 03/28/11 Review Submitted: 04/22/11

Positive Wow, what a fabulous place to stay for vacation! We've been to the Islands before, including the Big Island, but have never had such a relaxing experience in such a well situated and finely appointed condo. This is the best place to be because you can be as adventurous as you want, or you could simply not even get into your car during your entire stay and have plenty of things to do and relax. We are already talking about coming back to 8A. Thank you and Mahalo. Abbigail, Green Bay, WI

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Guest: Laura and Tony G.
Date of Stay: 03/11/11 Review Submitted: 04/22/11

Positive This is the 3rd time we've stayed at your condo and we absolutely LOVE it! The best location, nicely decorated, and a wonderful place for the family to stay. Thank you so much for making our stay wonderful each time we visit. -Laura and Tony G., Seattle, WA

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Guest: Patrick Doran
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

We had a wonderful stay at your condo during the Christmas break. Our whole family enjoed the condos proximity to the pool and beach. We spent many hours on the lanai and made good use of the outdoor kitchen. The weather was exceptional and we were able to walk to many of the restaurants in the area. Our favourite activities were ziplining, body surfing at Hapuna Beach and drinking our morning coffee on the lanai. We look forward to our next trip to the Big Island and Kolea Villas

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Exceptional Condo

Guest: John and Karla (Edmonds, WA)
Date of Stay: 12/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

After reading the reviews and viewing photos of Kolea 8A, this condo exceeded our high expections for our three-generation family. The location was the best, directly across the complex road to the pool and ocean, plus a short walk to Starbucks and shops. This upscale complex has to be one of the best in Waikoloa, and I would highly recommend Kolea 8A. What makes this condo exceptional is the owner, Carole, who made us feel that we were visiting the home of a good friend. From the welcome basket, suggestions of activities for our stay, to making sure that our stay was a positive one, Carole is truly the best. We have treasured memories of our stay at Kolea 8A, thank you Carole!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Guest: Nadia Leach (British Columbia, BC)
Date of Stay: 12/29/09 Review Submitted: 12/29/09

8A was a fabulous villa for my family. It was great not to have to worry about anything and have all the comforts from home. My children loved the villa and close proximity to the pool. We really appreciated all the extra information Carole supplied, and the great welcome. Thanks so much!!!!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/07/09 Review Submitted: 09/07/09

The location of 8A was ideal for our 3-generation family. The 3-year-old especially liked being so near the sandy kiddie pool and the trail to the beach. I'm originally from the island and very knowledgeable about it, and I can't imagine a better location or a nicer condo in that price range.

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Guest: Greg80 (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 08/16/09 Review Submitted: 08/16/09

Carole, your condo was fantastic, beautifully furnished and in a great location. My family and I really enjoyed it, we look forward to coming back.

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Guest: Bob and Shirley Buckenberger (Fresno, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/09 Review Submitted: 07/11/09

Carole, We had a wonderful stay! Your condo and location were perfect. We appreciated all your recommendations. It was a wonderful place to spend our 50th anniversary with our family. And would recommend Kolea 8A to everyone for a fabulous Hawaii vacation.

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Guest: Anne and Jeff Tadder (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

We had a fabulous time staying at Kolea 8A. We have three young children and it was so wonderful to have the toys, books, pack-n-plays, boosters, beach toys, towels etc., etc., etc. right there at the condo for us. The setting was magnificent and the Andersons did so much to make sure we had a wonderful stay. We will definately be back!

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Guest: Jon and Cary (-)
Date of Stay: 03/27/09 Review Submitted: 03/27/09

Our family throughly enjoyed our experience at Kolea 8A. Our family has been to Hawaii many times and this has been the most relaxing Hawaiian vacation BY FAR. We now have small children that went with us and everything is within short stroller/walking distance (A-Bay, pool directly across from 8A, shops and restaurants, luau at either hotel, Dolphin Quest at Hilton, crafts/ entertainment at Queens' Market-place). We will definitely be back, and will be staying at Kolea 8A. The amenities and interest that the owner takes in making your vacation special sets 8A apart. Mahalo.

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Guest: Susan Boeschen (St. Helena, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/16/09 Review Submitted: 03/16/09

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Kolea 8A. The decor is lovely, the beds extra comfortable and the unit is better appointed than any we have ever rented. The location with pool and beach within easy walking and the grass area in front of the unit make it perfect for young children. It was a pleasure sharing the space with our grandchildren and their parents. Thank you, Carole, for all of your excellent communication and for your wonderful attention to detail.

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Guest: Marisa Thomas (Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 11/25/08 Review Submitted: 11/25/08

This was our second stay in this beautiful condo and we had a fantastic time. We have two young children who love the pool area. The condo is so spacious and beautifully appointed. We've been to the Hawaiian Islands over 30 times and this is by far our favourite spot, primarily because of Kolea 8A.

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Guest: Julie 12 (United Kingdom)
Date of Stay: 08/27/08 Review Submitted: 08/27/08

We had a fantastic stay at 8A. The accommodation was superb in every way. We really loved the location and after 3 weeks in Maui, Oahu and the Big Island A-Bay takes some beating! Thank you so much, we hope to return one day...

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Guest: Scripps Ranch family (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 08/05/08 Review Submitted: 08/05/08

Dear Carole and Joe, We just returned from our best trip to Hawaii, and that was in part because we stayed in your beautiful home. Kolea 8A is a great home, a superb deal, and the perfect Waikaloa address to be at. The furnishings were excellent, and the beds were so comfortable. My daughter said she missed her twin bed at Waikaloa! You have thought of everything to make your guests comfortable, and it shows. Thank you for making our trip so perfect. We are planning for next year already!

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Guest: Lisa and Jon (Piedmont, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/20/08 Review Submitted: 07/20/08

Amazing, amazing! We had a fabulous stay at Kolea 8A. The pictures aren't nearly as fantastic as the property itself. It felt like our home away from home and my children loved the lanai and grass, not to mention the pools and Bay almost at our door. Carole was very helpful giving us loads of information that came in handy. It was easy, beautiful and everything a Hawaiian vacation should be. Mahalo!

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Guest: Amy Jacobson (St Helena, Ca )
Date of Stay: 05/12/08 Review Submitted: 05/12/08

What a great spot. And the house was great! It had all the amenities to feel like your home away from home. Hoping to visit again soon. Thanks, Amy Jacobson

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Guest: Deborah33 (St. Helena, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/10/08 Review Submitted: 03/10/08

Dear Carol: I cannot thank you enough for giving us the gift of a fantastic family vacation -- thanks to Kolea 8A. My family of four (with two boys aged 3 and 5) loved your place, and loved all of Kolea, A-Bay and Waikoloa. It was a perfect place to spend a week. All of us wanted to stay longer! The villa is a superb location, beautifully appointed and a great place to be. We only ate lunch out once -- to watch the dolphins next door. Otherwise we loved being on the lanai, using the grill and enjoying the evenings to play on the grass or jump in the pool one more time. We would love to come again -- and hope to soon! Thank you, Deborah

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Guest: Anne Margaret Kee (Monrovia, ca.)
Date of Stay: 02/25/08 Review Submitted: 02/25/08

Hello Carol; This is way overdue but I need to tell you how we loved staying in your Villa last summer. It is everything you said and more. The location to the beach and pool were the best in the whole complex. Parking was just so convenient and the garage access directly into the home was a rare treat. This year we have second son and family joining us otherwise we would be back. Most of our time was spent just relaxing so we have to come back and do some of the things we didn't get to do the first time. We watched the mongoose frolic on the lawn. We also tried some of the restaurants you recommended. Our friends saw us on the sea wall in Kona waving at the web cam. The volcano was a awesome experience. Thank you for all your helpful tips and for explaining how to use the coffee pot. Jim and Anne Kee

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Guest: Gretchen Bartzen and Mikey Rippey (Orinda, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/18/08 Review Submitted: 02/18/08

Dear Carole and Joe: we had the best time ever in Hawaii, staying in your gorgeous condo. It has everything we could ever want, including great restaurants within walking distance, the beach and great golf. I especially loved working out with that big door open to the ocean breezes. Thank you so much for your super hospitality. Best, Gretchen and Mike, Orinda CA

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Guest: Vic and Nicole Weiss (Jackson, MS)
Date of Stay: 01/31/08 Review Submitted: 01/31/08

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Kolea 8A. The amenities and decor were perfect for a beatiful Hawaiin home. It is very child friendly with beach toys, high chairs, pack and plays and child locks for the young children. Yet the decor is very appealing to adults. Our son loved going to the kiddie pool and waterfall everyday and playing in the sand with all the sand toys furnished by the owners and previous guests. The complimentary glass bottom boat tour was so much fun for our family. It was so nice being in walking distance of the King's shops and having such close ocean access. After coming to Hawaii for over 10 years, this is truly the perfect location! We can't say enough about Kolea 8A and plan to return every year. The only negative part was having to leave! But we look forward to our stay next year! Vic and Nicole Weiss

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Guest: Kim and Ted Fiks (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/31/07 Review Submitted: 12/30/07

We had such a wonderful stay at Caroles Kolea 8A. The condo is so beautiful and has all the amenities of home plus. It is a wonderful place to stay if you have a family with children as it is so close to the pool and beach. It is also a very quiet, calm atmosphere around the grounds. The location is perfect if you want to visit some of the other beaches too. We would definitely stay here again! Thanks Carole!

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Guest: Annalisa Zorn (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/10/07 Review Submitted: 11/10/07

Carole and Joe, We are frequent visitors to the Hawaiian islands, but we have fallen in love with the Big island and especially Kolea 8A. When my brother decided to get married at the Kona Village, my mother-in-law and I started the search for places to stay. I have two young children that love the beach, so Kolea 8A was a perfect match. Not having to load up in the car every time to go to the beach was the greatest. If you have children this is the only place to stay. When we first walked in to the condo, I was worried because it is decorated so beautifully... I thought the owners would just die if they knew we had children. Not so...the condo had so many child friendly touches we were at home from the beginning. My parents stayed in a two bedroom in building 9. So, the whole family enjoyed Kolea and the convenient beach access. We almost splurged and stayed at the Kona Village ($1000 a night, yikes!). Thank goodness we didn't... no airconditioning, television, telephones, radios, or clocks. We are children of the technology age and Kolea 8A had it all and the price was amazing for the largest 3 bedroom condo we have ever stayed in. My husband is a Radiologist that works from home. So, he often gets an itch to get out of the house. Usually it is Hawaii that pulls him away. We will definitely be back!!! We will definitely be back.

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Guest: Kimberly and Greg Kent and family (Boise Idaho)
Date of Stay: 07/14/07 Review Submitted: 07/14/07

This was our second vacation at Kolea 8A and the only words to describe the trip is perfect. Carole has thought of everything to help make the stay so very enjoyable and comfortable. It is a dream vacation. We will be going back again next year. Our entire family does not want to go anywhere else.

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Guest: Kirk & Beverly Irwin (Nipomo, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/26/07 Review Submitted: 06/26/07

Your Hawaiin home became our Hawaiian home for our 50th wedding anniversary celebration. We could not have found a better place. You have done a magnificent job furnishing, outfitting, and decorating the condo. We did spend some time around the island, but we spent even more time just enjoying the condo, the pool and the beach at A Bay. The best sunset view on the island was just a few steps away at the large fish pond at the Marriott. Thank you, Carole, for your personal communications and your gracious hospitality.

Owner response:Kirk & Beverly, What an honor it was to have you choose our Hawaiian home to celebrate your very special 50th wedding anniversary! Aloha nui loa, Carole

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Guest: helen19 (Greeley, CO)
Date of Stay: 06/13/07 Review Submitted: 06/13/07

To all future renters of Carole's Hawaii Home. This is the place to be, especially if you have children. Carole's home is right across from the pool. There is a large lawn for the kids to play on. If you are trying to figure out if Kolea is the place to stay, this is it. We have stayed in many other villas in the Kohola area and Kolea is the best bet. Then stay in Carole's home, and you have hit a home run.

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Guest: Michelle181 (Calgary, AB)
Date of Stay: 06/05/07 Review Submitted: 06/05/07

Our stay at this condo (kolea 8A) was amazing! The layout was perfect for our family and we were so impressed with all of the amenities. It is a very family and child-friendly condo. Kolea is a beautiful resort in a great location. Carole was wonderful to work with and we look forward to returning in the near future. Thanks for everything!!

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Guest: Caroline17 (Seattle, Wa)
Date of Stay: 03/27/07 Review Submitted: 03/27/07

Kolea is a gorgeous, conveniently located property and Unit 8A is the closest to the pool and beach. We were so pleased with the entire set-up! The condominium unit was much larger than we had expected and even more gorgeous than the pictures on-line. My husband and our 3 and 1 1/2 year old sons had the most wonderful time, due largely in part to the accommodations, provisions and services provided. It was so easy! There is a private lawn area off of the (huge!) lanai and the kids' sand bottom pool, with "beach" and waterfall, cannot be beat for little ones. Carole has been a pleasure to work with. She responded promptly to our many e-mail inquiries and provided loads of helpful information. We can't wait to go back!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/09/07 Review Submitted: 03/09/07

Kolea 8A was ideal for our vacation needs. It easily accomodated my wife and myself, along with our two adult sons and daughters-in-law. We ate out little, preferring instead to barbecue and enjoy the living facilities. The lanai and the huge sliding glass doors which open it fully to the main living area created a truly Hawaiian ambiance. The furnishings, appliances, and four flat screen TV's were ideal for all. The location is the best of all the Kolea condos, within easy walking distance of the pool, shops, beach, hotels, and other attractions. The sunsets were fabulous with views of them from near the condo showing up on Big Island post cards. Thanks, Carole, for all your timely communication and preparation for our stay. If we have an opportunity for a similar vacation in the future, Kolea 8A will be our first choice. I can't imagine a better location or accomodations.

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Guest: WELUVHI (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 02/24/07 Review Submitted: 02/24/07

Absolutely stunning accomodations! A perfect vacation. Everything a family could ever wish for was present. Epicurean appliances, island decor, beach toys, televisions in every room, more space than we knew what to do with. Locale was second to none; easy beach access, wonderful children's pool. Extras galore. The glass bottom boat ride offered a different perspective of A-Bay. Everything from check-in to check-out was well thought out. Thanks Joe and Carole. We'll be back!

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Guest: Kris32 (-)
Date of Stay: 02/09/07 Review Submitted: 02/09/07

Carole, 8A was absolutely wonderful! The location was ideal and the condo was beautiful. I've never received such kuddos for planning a vacation. My husband couldn't stop complimenting me on my selection. I have you to thank! We will be back!

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Guest: Linda Swanson (Sheboygan, Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 01/23/07 Review Submitted: 01/23/07

Dear Carole: We had a wonderful time in your condo. We appreciate all your information prior to our arrival and information in the condo. The restaurants you suggested were great. The whale watching trip was great. The Fairwinds trip in Kona to the Cook Memorial was fantastic. We golfed five times and enjoyed different courses along the coast. Most of all we didn't want to leave the condo. It is that GREAT.

Owner response:Mahalo Linda for your kind words. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for Hawaii with my guests that stay in our Hawaiian home. Carole

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Guest: Ing1 (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/19/06 Review Submitted: 12/19/06

We had an amazing time on our recent trip to the Big Island. We LOVED our condo 8-A. It was gorgeous and roomy. It was so nice to be just across the street from the pool and beach access. Sitting on our lanai we could see the ocean too. We had 2 young kids with us and they loved it. We definitely plan on coming to stay again. Kolea is also great b/c it's near the Hilton and Marriott and King's Shops is walking distance away. We go to Hawaii often for vacations and this is the best condo we've ever stayed in. Also, Carole was wonderful about everything and gave great tips for restaurants and things to do on the island.

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Guest: Peter DeKay (Reno, NV)
Date of Stay: 11/28/06 Review Submitted: 11/28/06

Our stay in Kolea 8-A was remarkable. Superb weather, stunning views and gracious hospitality made it a vacation to remember. The unit is not only luxurious, but also well thought out. Special thanks to Carole for all of her advice on our first trip to the Big Island. We are already planning a trip back! Peter DeKay

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Guest: Ken40 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/23/06 Review Submitted: 10/23/06

Quite simply, the condo was spectacular and Carole was a pleasure to work with. We were there 10/14 - 10/22/06 and our only regret was that we would have liked to have spent more time at there. We have been to Hawaii many times in the past and have always stayed at resorts - the last time we stayed at the Hapuna Prince - however moving forward it will be very difficult to not stay at Kolea 8A. Everything about the place was awesome and I highly recommend it for families. Of course, you are not going to get a splashy pool with a waterslide/bar but the condo will make up for it with the comfy couch, BBQ, washer/dryer and everything else that is needed to make your vacation comfortable. The condo is beautifully furnished and you will not be disappointed should you be fortunate to stay here. We'll be back!

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