Vacation Rentals by Owner

Simply Marvelous!

Guest: Kevin & Lisa (Vancouver, WA)
Date of Stay: 02/04/12 Review Submitted: 02/23/12

Stunning views, great pool and a unique house made this a most pleasurable vacation. Spent two weeks in Feb 2012 lounging on the lanai, playing with the Day Geckos and watching the whales and birds.

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

A perfect vacation home!

Guest: Margaret (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 05/08/11

The home is everything you expect from the photos and more. The layout was perfect for our extended family. The beautiful beach is just a minute's walk from the house and we immediately spotted a sea turtle just a few yards from the shore. The beach was not crowded at all. The home is spotless, well-equipped and stocked as though expecting dear friends, not paying guests: cold damp towels in the fridge, Kona coffee, fruit and snacks, brand new beach towels, well stocked with supplies and clean beach toys. Kudos to Mary for taking such good care of the house and the guests. I hope we have the opportunity to visit again.

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

Let's do a RE-DO

Guest: acarohair (Sonoma)
Date of Stay: 01/30/11 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

Can't imagine anything better. Had my husband's 50th (surprise) week here! And was it ever! Morning walks, very remote, perfect home for kitchen creations. Magical place and Mary was very informative and typical aloha spirit. Having a car is a must and making the trip to get all the food in one trip is also a must. Great whale watching too! We are figuring out how we can do a RE-DO!!!

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Kohola View

Guest: Buddy The Wonder Dog (Bellingham, WA)
Date of Stay: 03/08/10 Review Submitted: 04/01/10

Our family was in great need of getting away from it all and having some private, quality, quiet rest and relaxation. Being picky travelers we searched and searched to try to find the perfect rental home. Our search led us to the Kohola View where we stayed from March 8th through the 19th. Upon arrival my first thought was that the property looked just like the pictures. The house is perfectly located with less than a two minutes walk down to one of the best beaches in Hawaii. Several times we met people on the beach that had driven 25 minutes or more to get to the beach. It was nice to know I was two minutes from my kitchen, bathroom and private pool and hottub. Early mornings and evenings at the beach as we literally had the beach to ourselves. We hunted shells in the early morning and chased crabs after dark. Wailea Bay is a wonder place to spend two weeks and not be bored. Each morning we snorkeled with beautiful coral, fish, turtles, eels, and twice we were treated to seeing a small octopus. We saw whales through out every day and it was great to watch the mother whales teach the baby whales to breach, tail slap and fin slap. The house has everything you need to walk in and live comfortably. It felt like it is was own house with the great cook ware, appliances, beds, and pillows. Mary from 2Papayas was great to work with and made the rental experience easy and stress free from making the reservation, through getting us to the house from the airport, to returning the rental deposit. The house met or exceeded the expectations that Mary set. I've traveled all over the world and Kohola View is one of the places that you should visit. I think the final thought on the house is what our seven year old son said when I asked him about how he like the vacation. He said, "I hope that is what it is like in heaven."

Owner response:Thank you thank you, we enjoyed have you at the house, too, and hope you will return to "heaven"

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/29/09

We spent the first of what we hope to be many wonderful weeks at this lovely Wailea Bay home Jan. 14-21 of 2009. Our family of 8 joined us here on the island and from this beautiful home we enjoyed whales, huge waves, perfect dinners and sunsets. Words can only begin to describe what this time together meant to all of us. Thank you.

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Fabulous Home!

Guest: Kirsten (Salem, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/17/10

We rented this amazing home a year ago and apologize for not writing sooner. We have told everyone we know about our incredible stay! Mary could not have been more helpful, from greeting us on the road, to showing us the way to the home and helping with things that came up She even had fresh papayas waiting for us! The home is breathtaking the moment you see it. Upon entering... instant relaxation! The living area is very comfortable but we spent most of our time by the spectacular pool! The kitchen was well stocked. The bedrooms were very comfortable but lack privacy. The walk to the beach was short, the water was ideal with a nice sandy beach. We would go down to swim in the ocean every day, returning to the pool to relax! The owners thought of everything when planning this home, the outside showers are perfect! We are dreaming of our next trip. There were six of us, two couples, and two single women. My husband and I have stayed in Kona twice and knew that we wanted to turn left out of the airport! We went to Costco and Safeway after landing to stock up on food and really didn't need much 'til later in the week. The walk to Hapuna beach is interesting over the rugged terrain, fun to explore but we really didn't need to leave the house! Thanks again!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/01/08

The home and surroundings were absolutely magnificent. This is a perfect seeting if you wish to get away from it all with friends or family. A 5 star recommendation. Ted and Pam Arens

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/26/08

This was a wonderful vacation experience for our whole family. The house and setting are suberb and we would not hesitate to return. Arrangements were simple to make and a host of supporting activities were easily made. Never been sure exactly what paradise is but this has got to be close.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/03/08

Our entire family had the most fabulous vacation ever. We would return every year (or every month) if we had the opportunity. Thanks for everything. Stephen Reinhardt and Ramona Ripston

Owner response:The Reinhardt family enjoyed a wonderful 10 days with their grandchildren, hours in the pool and at the beach! Mary

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/13/08

Fabulous house with spectacular view, great living space, privacy, and wonderful pool. The kitchen was very well equipped. Terrific snorkeling a short walk away. Perhaps our best rental experience ever.

Owner response:Steve and Beth spent a month at the house and hope to return! We welcome them back any time, Mary

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/06/08

We stayed at the house in Novemner with 3 other couples following a wedding. We absolutely loved the house and really hope to return again one day. Unlike some other rental houses we have stayed in, this house was perfect. It is a VERY short walk to the wonderful Beach 69 (which offers great snorkeling-dolphins on our last day!!) We loved the pool as well. The house was stocked with every possible ammenity and Mary was a wonderful host.

Owner response:The wedding was held at another location but we did enjoy having the wedding guests stay with us, Mary

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/24/08 Review Submitted: 01/24/08

What a wonderful estate! My family and I (7 adults and 4 children) stayed here for 8 days last July. The hales give each family just enough privacy when wanted and the main pavilion was a wonderful gathering place with plenty of room for all. Though we did spend the majority of our time in the infinity pool, enjoying the views no matter what time of day or night. And the beach is just a short walk down a path beside the house.The fans and breezes kept the rooms quite comfortable and it was great not having to listen to the hum of any air conditioning, very tranquil. Mary, the caretaker, was fantastic! The house is well stocked and lends itself well to family style meals.My 4-year old granddaughter frequently asks when we can go back to “our Hawaii house”. I hope it will be very soon!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/28/08

We loved staying at your home. We were staying with 4couples for a business function in the area. This was the most amazing vacation/business trip. We didnt want to leave the property and couldn't miss the sunsets. Meeting Bob was nice. Mary is nice and very helpful. My husband loved the melona bars and now i have to find some in our area. The house was well stocked and very comfortable. Cooking at sunset on the barbecue was like being at home. We will be back and look forward to our next stay with you. We highly recommend this to anyone who wants an experience better than the resorts. Mahalo! Kim & Jim Ortiz Susan & Marty Pollreisz

Owner response:Glad you liked the Melona Bars! I hope you find some! Mary

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/27/08

we spent a week at this wonderful house last November celebrating my husband's birthday and our 40th wedding anniversary. There were 6 adults and 2 little children...everyone loved the site: it was so relaxing and peaceful, it was safe for the little ones and drop-dead gorgeous, day and evening, for the rest of the group. We'd return in a heartbeat. Whenever I see photos of our time there I just sigh with delight remembering the beauty of it all. I ditto all the praise for Mary and the amenities of the house.

Owner response:Mahalo Elaine, we look forward to seeing you and your family again!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/24/08

The idyllic setting of Kohala View is without peer. While sitting poolside, the Pacific appears to be a continuation of the infinity pool. There's no better view on the Big Island. The house is incredibly well stocked with everything one could possibly want or need. We also appreciate the fact that the owners and Mary (caretaker)are ecologically and environmentally concerned. From the paper towels to the soap, everything is "green" and recycling is made easy. Kohala View is a bargain relative to the big luxury resorts nearby when one considers the space and amenities of the home. Furthermore, if you're a golfer there is a wonderful hidden gem of a golf course just up the road in Waimea which can be played for a fraction of the cost of the resorts. This is the perfect place for families or for a group of friends. The layout affords one privacy while at the same time there is terrific space for gathering in the main house. I recommend Kohala View without reservation.

Owner response:Thanks to the Slay family! We will look forward to your next stay! Mary

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Northwest traveler (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/24/08

The property is certainly as the others describe. Beyond that, as opposed to others who "had to cook," I love to cook and prepared fairly lavish gourmet offerings for our group and found everything I needed to do so. Mary also facilitated the stocking of the kitchen ingredients to my specs. One thing to note. The property is in line with the "saddle" between the mountains and can be very windy. For several of the days when we were there in early December the wind blew 30 mpt+ for most of the time. When the wind wasn't blowing, there were also times when a fairly aggressive species of black fly (not biting, but still there) made laying out by the pool less pleasant than it might have been. These conditions may have been unique to the time of year we were there, but I don't know the climate well enough to know.

Owner response:Once in a great while, mother nature surprises us, as with the flies during this stay. Very unusual though! Mary

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/23/08

What a wonderful estate! My family and I (7 adults and 4 children) stayed here for 8 days last July. The hales give each family just enough privacy when wanted and the main pavilion was a wonderful gathering place with plenty of room for all. Though we did spend the majority of our time in the infinity pool, enjoying the views no matter what time of day or night. And the beach is just a short walk down a path beside the house. The fans and breezes kept the rooms quite comfortable and it was great not having to listen to the hum of any air conditioning, very tranquil. Mary, the caretaker, was fantastic! The house is well stocked and lends itself well to family style meals. My 4-year old granddaughter frequently asks when we can go back to “our Hawaii house”. I hope it will be very soon!

Owner response:Bonnie, thank you so much. I look forward to your family returning again.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/23/08

Truly one of the most beautiful properties in the world..My family had the pleasure of staying here for the past 2 years and we look forward to making it an annual event. The house is private, very comfortable, has a gorgeous view, beautiful pool and jacuzzi...and NO TV's!! It is a place to RELAX and UNWIND 100%! Mary has been so accomodating and we look forward to seeing her and Pickle each time..Thank you for such a wonderful experience...

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/25/07

This property is truly one-of-a-kind. A beautiful infinity pool overlooking the bay makes you feel like you are part of the scenery. Cocktail hour in the jacuzzi at sunset is to die for. Top of the line accommodations with no complaints (except my wife had to cook a lot because we didn't feel like leaving)!

Owner response:Thanks, Larry, we enjoyed having you, too!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/10/07

We recently spent a week with our friends at this amazing property. They also held their wedding there. It was absolutely stunning every day, all day. The view cannot be beat. The walk to the nearby beach is easy and short. The place is stocked full of any amenity you coud desire - lots of towels, kitchen items, a grill, extra sunscreen, extra snorkel gear, books and CDs. The outdoor speakers for the stereo made for a wonderful soundtrack to our nights. Nothing was more relaxing then sitting in the hot tub watching the sunset right in front of you. All the best were comfortable, and the bathrooms clean.

Owner response:Mahalo, Janine!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/01/07

This is *the* perfect beach house on *the* perfect beach on the Kohala Coast! We were two families who stayed for 7 days in June to celebrate a 40th birthday. We have rented houses all over the world for family vacations and this one was by far the nicest: luxurious finishes, a thousand generous extras and upgrades(a sunscreen "boutique", All Clad and gourmet knives in the kitchen, private outdoor showers, boogie boards and all kinds of beach toys). The house is ideally set up for two families to rent the house and still have privacy and the main hale can easily accommodate a nanny on the "punee" if you're traveling with one. The house is very friendly for kids with lots of toys, books, and plastic/paper dishes. The grounds are very private and tropical and have lilikoi, lychee, natal plums, and lime trees, and the house is located in an area of Kohala that avoids the clouds of the south and gets maximum sun. The beach is excellent! We all preferred the Waialea beach to either Mauna Kea or Hapuna. Waialea is a 5 minute walk and has shade unlike the others, is free of crowds, and--best of all--has all the great snorkeling of the Puako beach but *with* the gorgeous sand. You can literally put your head in the water at knee level and see multiple different tropical fish (wrasse, tang, surgeonfish, etc). An extra bonus with this house is Mary, the caretaker, who is extremely kind and helpful. If you value privacy, like to cook (a fish market is 4 miles away), would prefer to sleep with the windows open and the trade winds blowing, and love the idea of having your own private Hawaiian estate to yourself for a while--this is it!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/16/07

We (8 of us, incl. 2 children) just returned from 10 lovely days at this private home - main house has a great open floor plan. The pool and ocean swimming every day, sunsets and whale watching all unbeatable. Mary, property caretaker was super helpful and accessible.

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