Vacation Rentals by Owner

Beautiful, Peaceful Home

Guest: Backpacking Mom (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 04/11/12 Review Submitted: 05/03/12

My husband, 8-year old son and I stayed at Hale O'Hana for nine days in April. The property manager, Mary, was there to meet us with all the information we needed and a welcome gift of fresh fruit and local coffee. The listing description and photos are completely accurate. The property is very clean and well-maintained. We stay in vacation rentals around the US and Canada, and this was one of the nicest we've ever stayed in. The beds were extremely comfortable, and we went to sleep at night to the sound of the ocean. I love to cook and was delighted to find that the kitchen was equipped with quality knives, every pot and pan I needed, a coffee grinder, plenty of dishes, etc. We enjoyed watching the birds, and seeing the turtles sunning themselves on the rocks outside each morning. Our son enjoyed walking to the nearby tidepools every evening before sunset. The home is close to many great beaches, and we enjoyed coming home to have dinner on the lanai, with the beautiful view and the peaceful environment. I highly recommend this home to people who enjoy a comfortable, tranquil setting. Hope to be back again next year.

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

The Perfect Vacation Home!

Guest: Stephanie (Pleasant Hill, Ca)
Date of Stay: 08/16/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

We LOVED our week at Hale Ohana. It couldn't have been more perfect. The house is beautifully decorated, yet so comfortable and private. The couches, beds, lounge chairs, and the awesome built-in daybed on the lanai were so inviting. I normally hate to cook while on vacation, but dinners at sunset on the lanai (with grilled fish from the fish market 5 min. away) were unforgettable. Every suggestion Robbie made yielded a great find. I hope to be able to return to Puako and Hale Ohana. Mahalo for such a wonderful vacation.

Owner response:Local fish and produce can be purchased nearby for delicious home made meals. The home has a journal with maps and driving directions to the fish market and local farmer's markets.

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

Nice Beachfront house

Guest: cliff (bellingham, wa.)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/30/11

We stayed for two weeks in June, 2011, The house is comfortable and very well equipped and the rental agent could not be more accomodating. Great views of the ocean and mountains and the beach is right out the front door on a very private and peaceful site. Puako is great as it is old Hawaii for the most part and not touristy at all despite the fact that the luxury resorts of Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani and Waikoloa are just minutes away. And the little village of Kawaihea where you can buy wonderful fresh fish and dine in good restaurants is only three miles away, This is a great place to stay for a peaceful vacation with either family or friends. Wonderful value for the dollar.

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

Lovely property, sad experience

Guest: Nina E. (Carlsbad CA)
Date of Stay: 05/30/11 Review Submitted: 07/18/11

Our family stayed for a week, while our daughter raced another great Hawaii Triathlon. This home's location was very peaceful, very restful. The home was spacious and comfortable...the lanai was large, with a gorgeous ocean view. The sad experience was that, as responsible and considerate as we were of this very nice property, we were held responsible for a large forfeiture of the security deposit. We still love Hawaii, having visited 4 times now, but saddened by our experience.

Owner response:Aloha from the manager. We are not in the business of retaining deposits indiscriminately as our 10-year history proves. Our wish is for all our guests to have a pleasant experience with us and hope to return to this lovely home. Although this family left the interior of the home in good condition overall, upon check-out WE were saddened to discover that our brand-newly refinished wood deck had numerous scratches (nearly 25) possibly due to bike cleats the gardener observed being worn on the deck. Additionally, the interior hardwood floor, which had been refinished recently as well, was also scratched. The Triathlete admitted that her bicycle had been stored inside this multi-million dollar home at several times, rather than in the garage. Repairs to the deck and floor were made by a professional, licensed contractor, as required by Hawaii State Law. Charges were then deducted from the guest's security deposit. Photos and emails were sent to the guests immediately upon discovery of the scratches but despite photo evidence to the contrary, they insisted they had not caused these damages.

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

Wonderful beach house

Guest: MikeM (Select)
Date of Stay: 02/25/11 Review Submitted: 03/08/11

Stayed here with our young daughter and infant son and really enjoyed our time. The home is provisioned very well with bikes, snorkeling gear and kitchen tools. The lanai is great with a wonderful view and the built in queen size couch is great.

Owner response:Try your time at the wonderful home on the beach in Puako

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

A perfect vacation house

Guest: mike (san francisco)
Date of Stay: 11/23/10 Review Submitted: 12/13/10

We had a fabulous time in this house and in Puako. We were a party of 6, with two children, ages 9 and 11. The house was perfect, beyond our expectations and what we could tell from photo, which doesn't full capture how nice it is. It is extremely well located in terms of being on water with beautiful view, easy walk to great snorkeling at end of road and tide polls, little traffic, and easy drive to three of the best beaches, off Old Puako Road, as well as to shops, hotels, and other places for dinners and a range of kid focused activities. The house is very spacious, with very comfortable furniture, and a great sitting area on porch and lawn. The kitchen is well stocked with top of the line appliances and kitchen wares which was really nice for cooking the meals we had there. It had a large supply of staples. VRBO agent was extremely helpful-can call if you need anything.

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

Perfect family vacation spot

Guest: Loved it (ARCATA)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 10/14/10

We had such a wonderful time & felt so at home while we here- - - except for the relaxing sound of the ocean, the incredible evening sunsets, the turtles swimming by, & the delightful weather! We were welcomed with flowers and fruit and loved every minute.

Owner response:Sounds like home!

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

Just Us Two

Guest: Anonymous (Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 09/03/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

What a special place for a large group or small! We were small and what an incredible home to spend our vacation in----a place that met our needs so perfectly! We still talk about the perfect paint job, the well equipped kitchen, the unbelievably comfortable lanai and THOSE sunsets! The location of the home makes it so easy to come home to, the beauty of it makes it very hard to leave! Thank you for sharing your paradise with us!!!

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Family, Family, Family.

Guest: Anndee (Palm Springs, California)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/26/10

Our family is still celebrating the most magical, healing and relaxing vacation of our lives. Hale Ohana is amazing in every way. From the floral scented tropical breezes that fill up every room, to the stunning ocean views, and absolute seclusion. Our daily island adventures couldn’t rival the smiles we had upon returning home to Hale Ohana for the best sunset seats on Hawaii. Thank you so much for sharing this home with us.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Guest: Jenn11 (Seattle WA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/09 Review Submitted: 09/01/09

We had a fabulous time in Puako and found the house to be above and beyond our expectations. It is well located, beautifully decorated and well stocked--not with just a pot or pan here, but top of the line appliances and kitchenwares which was really nice. Felt like home away from home. The view was breathtaking and having a pool was great for the kids when we needed some "downtime" from the beach. It was a beautiful trip, a wonderful house and we did not want to leave.

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Guest: Lindsay10 (-)
Date of Stay: 07/20/09 Review Submitted: 07/20/09

If I could buy a house on Puako, this would be it. Beautiful quality of construction and decoration add to the obvious beauty of the surroundings. Thank you for allowing us to share this fabulous property.

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

My family and friends enjoyed a magical vacation at Hale Ohana. We are well traveled and very picky about our accommodations, and this property is one of the best we have experienced. Every detail is lovely and high quality, from the linens, to the cookware and appliances, and the furnishings. The sunsets on the lanai were wonderful, and we dined there every night. The pool is small, but perfect for dipping and cooling off. The house is very private and has a comfortable elegance to it. Mary Fox was very accommodating and greeted us and made herself available for any request. We plan on returning as often as possible! Many thanks to the owners for sharing their incredible home with us.-Tammy & Lyle, Seattle, WA

Owner response:And many mahalos to you for leaving the home in such pristine condition upon departure, Mary

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Guest: George Roman (Mahtomedi, MN)
Date of Stay: 01/25/09 Review Submitted: 01/25/09

We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay at Hale Ohana in early January. Whether it was walking along the tidal pools, watching sea turtles feeding below the sea wall, snorkeling or just plain lazing around on the lanai it was all very relaxing. The accommodations were ideal, with plenty of room for all (5) of us and there are many nearby restaurants and stores if we needed to get anything. Dining on the lanai in the evening is unforgettable and was something we did often during our stay.

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Guest: John Hudson1 (-)
Date of Stay: 12/09/08 Review Submitted: 12/09/08

After looking at hundreds of homes, I selected this home. If you want perfectly quiet, totally private, regal accomodations with gourmet kitchen, then this is your place. Just over the ocean front retaining wall is a nature preserve where we observed turtles and other wild life. Don't miss the Kona Farmers Market (Wed-Sun) for papayas 5 for $1.

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Guest: Stephen Gordon (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 09/11/08 Review Submitted: 09/11/08

Our party stayed the week of Labor Day 2008. We had a wonderful stay, the house was perfect, and the location was very close to everything we needed (beach, golf, resort shopping/restaurants). We even saw several Sea Turtles from the sea wall in the back yard. Mary Fox was a pleasure to deal with. Mahalo!

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Guest: Tim Stevens (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 09/11/08 Review Submitted: 09/11/08

Wow, what a great week. The house was very peaceful, each room (with it's own patio access) was a private oasis, the lanai is perfect and the pool is just the right size. We very much enjoyed our stay and will come again. With two families, we worried about the space, but it worked very well. Also, of note, the folks from the General Store (short walk/drive up the street) were amazing hosts as well. A great, "get-away-from-it-all" experience. The neighborhood is Not commercial and it felt like home for all of us.

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

We had a wonderful vacation in Puako. The house was beautiful and the view and location were perfect! We will definitely go back.

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Guest: Michele London (Agoura Hills, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/17/08 Review Submitted: 08/17/08

The house was beautiful and the location and views were amazing. Mary does a great job of being available for any questions. The house very well equipped and we had everything we needed. I would recommend this rental to anyone who wants to stay in this area.

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Guest: Tim & Jeane from AZ (Scottsdale, AZ )
Date of Stay: 08/03/08 Review Submitted: 08/03/08

We spent a wonderful week at beautiful Hale Ohana this past May as we celebrated our 24th Wedding Anniversary. We've taken many great trips, but none better than this. We rarely ventured away from "home" the entire week, except to "Lau's" fresh seafood market to pick up the daily catch for dinner. Hale Ohana really is Paradise found... exquisitely maintained grounds,magnificent snorkeling (practically in your own backyard) and the most Spectacular Sunsets you'll ever see from the Lanai. THANK YOU Mary for all your help prior to our arrival and during our stay. We look forward to returning....

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Guest: Sue & Hugh Prichard (Eugene, OR)
Date of Stay: 04/28/08 Review Submitted: 04/28/08

This vacation home exceeded all of our expectations. Beautifully designed, impeccably maintained and utterly livable, down to the quality appliances, linens, kitchenware and furnishings. Our family (ages 4 to 63)agreed that it was the perfect place to vacation in Hawaii. Proximity to exquisite beaches, immediate access to outstanding snorkeling, and the small, tropical village feel of Puako all blended to create a wonderful experience. The owner's excellent taste, and 2 Payapas attentive management style combine to assure a high quality vacation home.

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Guest: Tom and Sydney (LA, CAL)
Date of Stay: 02/04/08 Review Submitted: 02/04/08

Being familiar with Kona, right off the plane, we got our rental car, zipped to Costco, and headed to paradise. We were met at this fabulous home by Mary, who guided us thru thee simple operations of ventilation, Kitchen, appliances, towels,etc.and began living our days as if a native. The home was so well appointed, every kitchen gadget, every nicety to make our visit feel totally private with every comfort of our own home surrounded by the special beauty and sea life and sunsets so special on Puako!! The home, the pool,the views are magical and we can't wait to return.

Owner response:So glad you had a wonderful stay. See you soon! Mary

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Guest: Kent and TJ Hoksinson (Buhler, Kansas 67522)
Date of Stay: 01/27/08 Review Submitted: 01/27/08

This was the most relaxing and beautiful place to spend some down time. The turtle viewing was awsome and the ocean was breathtaking at sun set. If you want the peace and beauty of what Hawaii is all about, stay at this pieace of heaven. Kent and TJ Hoskinson

Owner response:Thanks TJ and Kent, it was a pleasure to have you and your friends enjoying this peace of paradise, Mary

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Guest: Robert McMurray (San Diego, Ca.)
Date of Stay: 01/27/08 Review Submitted: 01/27/08

This is a beautiful property. A view to die for! Many times we were able to sit on the sea wall and watch turtles, rays and fish swim by. Mary does a good job of maintaining the property and is very accessible to any needs that may arise. I would not hesitate to recommend this house to anyone that is thinking of staying in Puako. Can't wait to return!

Owner response:Thanks Robert, we look forward to having you for a return visit! Mary

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