Aloha! The Dolphin Retreat!!

Guest: Beth (Ada, MI)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/15/11

We spent 8 glorious days at the Dolphin Retreat in April. It is everything and more that we thought it would be!! The dolphins arrived each morning in the bay, the water is blue and clear, the sunsets are perfection! We kayaked to the Captain Cook Monument and snorkeled the waters there. Some of the best snorkeling ever. The house is beautiful, private, and a great place for relaxing and enjoying. We had dinners on the Lanai and watched the sunset. We also made the trip to Volcano National Park, should not be missed, snorkeled at Two Step, saw tons of beautiful fish, sea turtles, and swam with the dolphins in the bay. This is a beautiful property where you can create memories your family will never forget!!!

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

PERFECT FAMILY GETAWAY!

Guest: kt (Portland Oregon)
Date of Stay: 02/23/11 Review Submitted: 02/28/11

We are currently at the Dolphin Retreat and leave in two days. This house is perfect for families, 2 couples or anyone who loves the ocean. In our case, the grandparents are upstairs in one room, the aunt in another and then our family with two small children are downstairs. The pictures do not do justice. The beach to swim with dolphins is about 1 block away. The kayak launch is next door. We played catch in the backyard and ate lunch on the grass. We (including our 6 year old) snorkled with the dolphins. What an adventure! Down the road we swam with turtles and played on a rocky beach. The kitchen is perfectly stocked and we ate dinner each night with an amazing view. I cannot say enough great things about this home. I hope you have as much fun as we did.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children.

Learning to paddle on Kealakekua Bay

Guest: SUP Fan (san clemente, ca)
Date of Stay: 09/30/10 Review Submitted: 10/25/10

The Dolphin Retreat was an amazing place to stay. The kitchen is so well outfitted it made cooking a pleasure. Having a cocktail, sitting on the lanai or waterfront deck and then watching the sunset was one of the highlights of our vacation. Of course being right on the water makes everything very special. We rented standup paddleboards from Kona Boys the second day of our visit and had so much fun with them that we kept them all week. We were out paddling on the bay most mornings. It was worth getting up early to see and swim with the dolphins, that really was magical. The Captain Cook Monument was a short paddle away and we were overwhelmed with the variety of tropical fish right at the shores edge. Everything was exactly as stated and we would recommend this rental highly!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

Guest: Rachel W., Seattle, WA (-)
Date of Stay: 01/24/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

This was my first trip to the Big Island. Staying here was amazing. Swimming with the dolphins was unforgettable. Plus, seeing the lava flow into the ocean at night, I felt like I was in a National Geographic special. Love this place. Thanks a million.

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Guest: . The Hausel and Evans Families, Medford, OR (-)
Date of Stay: 02/16/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

We enjoyed so much of this visit…the dolphins, snorkeling at Capt. Cook, Volcano Park, Place of Refuge and especially scuba, snorkel and turtles at Honaunau. The luau at Royal Kona Resort was fun…$60 on line price versus $75 by phone. The premium for best seating was worth it as they held a table. Free maitais and great buffet.... and then, of course, Dolphin Retreat itself. Beautiful, private, stunning view and location. It has been unbelievable. Thanks to Gary and Bob for arranging the kayaks and Doug for his help. We certainly plan to come back.

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Guest: Barbara, Long Beach, CA (-)
Date of Stay: 04/25/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

Dolphin Retreat is a wonderful home. I loved the proximity to the Bay and the view and the dolphins. A great experience for all 8 of us! Aloha and Mahalo

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Guest: Marcia, Don & Family, Darnestown, MD (-)
Date of Stay: 05/22/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

This is such a gorgeous house! Perfectly situated and an exquisite view. The house is full of wonderful breezes and peaceful energies. We love it and are looking forward to our next visit here!

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Guest: Jim & Joan S., Fairfax, VA (-)
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

We’re here to celebrate our son’s birthday and we couldn’t have found a more perfect place. You anticipated every need, from games for the grandchildren to wonderful music, magazines, books, beach towels, birds and fish and the kayak. We’d love to come back some day…. maybe for our 60th Anniversary if we’re still around. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for an absolutely fantastic time.

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Guest: Carol K., Divide, CO (-)
Date of Stay: 07/28/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

This is the third time in this magical house and fourth time at the Bay. Being in the energy of this area, feeling the depth of my heart in connecting with the dolphins is an amazing experience. This is day four swimming with the dolphins. I am in deep gratitude for their presence. If you are honored by being with them send them love and light. Mahalo,

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Guest: ichael L., Phoenix, AZ (-)
Date of Stay: 09/13/09 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

This is paradise! Not much more to ask for in a vacation. Beautiful home, great area. I’m sure our extra big family will be coming here for years. The Hawaiian music topped it off. Once again, a great stay.

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