Aloha - Shaka brah

Guest: dirtbag (Moab, Utah)
Date of Stay: 09/04/11 Review Submitted: 09/28/11

The location of this house makes this house. It's close to Hilo, has a great view of the ocean, the waves are right there, and there are boogie boards in the main bedroom's closet. If that's what you're looking for, this is the place. If you're looking for a fancy well kept house, go somewhere else. Upon arrival, I went to shut the mailbox door (it had been blown or left open) and, because it was not attached to the fence it was sitting on (who would have known?), it went careening down the hill almost to be forever lost in the jungle. I then went to unlock the upper gate to the property. I turned the key and the lock fell apart, which makes it a bit of a pain to operate (not an issue with the lower gate lock, since it doesn't work at all). There were some stranger's socks under a bed, a not quite repaired hole in the bathtub, a piece of the stove fell off when I was sweeping, and the bathroom closet door fell off when I tried to open it. So, the house is in a bit of disrepair but has a location that can't be beat. Go figure. I'd come back in a heartbeat. Now you know. If the owners do decide to do a few improvement projects, I'd vote for Wi-Fi, taller chairs on the deck, and some guest binoculars. Besides all that, THANK YOU! We enjoyed our stay.

Owner response:I'm glad you enjoyed your stay. As you said, the waves are right there which is wonderful except for anything made out of metal. The two locks have been replaced as they have to be every year or so. The one metal screw missing from the bathroon closet has been replaced. I don't know what the story is on the mailbox. It was secured by a metal cable to the railing by the street but since there is no postal delivery there-no problem.We just replaced the lanai furniture a few months ago with the best there was to offer in Kona. Sorry you didn't like the chairs.The gate is a major problem but we have someone lined up to fix it(which doesn't happen quickly in Hilo). Hopefully the next time you visit, you will find things in better condition. Marilyn

Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

This place feels like Hawaii!

Guest: diclidurus (Blairstown, NJ)
Date of Stay: 02/22/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

Let me just say from the get go that we absolutely loved this place! Loved, loved, loved! For the sake of a complete review I will mention the (few) downsides, but as a whole, this place felt like a home away from home and we were truly sad once we got to Kona we missed it so much. This charming tropical feeling house is nestled into a lush hillside jungle with a dramatic bridge above and river meeting ocean in front. You will take the pretty tiered steps from the road down to the house and then a little path right down to the water. There is no beach ( the beach in the pictures isn't there anymore), but a rocky shore. It's still great that you can surf, boogie board, or wade in from the property. Though the bottom is rocky, it is very shallow and relatively calm for a long way out, which is nice, esp. for kids. The view from the house and the lanai can't be beat. When we woke up that first morning, having arrived at night, I can't even describe the feeling! Oh yes I can... aaaahhhhhh! The surfers, out before dawn and there all day, are mesmerizing to watch. Privacy is compromised a little since they are in sight of the house, sharing the shoreline, and coming and going all day (though they can't access the gated property), and they park along the road and by the designated parking space (though no one ever took the property's space). But it definitely made it interesting (in a good way!) having something going on, and some small scale people watching from the lanai. We also could see whales spouting, and breaching (in season) all day long- although they were too far to photograph. We spent a lot of time on the lanai with binoculars. The master bath was large, airy and stocked with everything you could think of and so was the kitchen. The house was very damp as I'm sure many Hilo houses are, and not dirty, but not spotless either. I call it beach clean. The parking is a little bit of a challenge, a small space, but we were fine with the Ford Escape, just needed my husband to get out and wave me in every so often. It was a pleasure to sightsee from this location, close to rt.19 and less than 10 minutes into town, which was amazing. This is a happy house, and true Hawaii, just perfect! We would stay here again if we are ever lucky enough to go back! Thank you Kovaches!

Owner response:Ami has given a very detailed and realistic description of our Hilo property as it is at this time. The beach will probably return in the coming months. It comes and goes. Marilyn

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Guest: Jay Cushnie (Redding, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/19/08 Review Submitted: 02/19/08

The house is settled into the tropical jungle over looking the ocean and beach. At night the sounds of the jungle and the ocean were so peaceful and lulled us to sleep each night. If you are a surfer its a short walk to the beach. I highly recommend this rental for a taste of the tropical Hawaii.

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Guest: Frank & Sue Craig (Anahola, HI)
Date of Stay: 01/10/06 Review Submitted: 01/10/06

Absolutely the best place to stay. We booked the home for 4 days and ending up staying for 11! My girlfriend and I had previously rented it and I just had to bring my husband back. He loved it and said he wouldn't want to stay anywhere else in Hilo. Mahalo for another great vacation.

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Guest: Teresa & Hans Schwarz (-)
Date of Stay: 05/16/05 Review Submitted: 05/16/05

We are leaving today to fly back to Seattle. You have such a charming place. Loved all the sounds & color. Will really miss this place. Thanks again.

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Guest: Lily & Stan Heymann (-)
Date of Stay: 04/16/05 Review Submitted: 04/16/05

Such a place! The beach, the ocean, the constant entertainment of the surfers... Sunny days, some rain at night only, no critters. We loved this place-Mahalo for lending it. Ups our standards as we look for our own getaway (from the mainland) spot. Aloha, Lily & Stan Heymann

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Guest: Megan Jackley/Gregg Lanier (-)
Date of Stay: 04/04/05 Review Submitted: 04/04/05

What a great Spot.-Wow! We had such a great time. Dinners on the Lanai were amazing and no bugs to speak of(save for 1 cockroach the first morning). Enjoyed the boogie boards too! It rained two out of three nights, but it was beautiful and ended long before morning. Only regret that our stay was too short. A great retreat after the Lavaman Triathalon- We'll be back again next year! Mahalo

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Guest: Sarah & Mario Guttman (-)
Date of Stay: 04/20/03 Review Submitted: 04/20/03

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Kovach, Thankyou for sharing your lovely house with us. We were perfectly comfortable and the setting is more beautiful than we ever inagined. We loved the pot shards & the sandbar! Sarah & Mario Guttman

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Guest: Michelle & Lynn Miller (-)
Date of Stay: 04/09/03 Review Submitted: 04/09/03

Dear Bill & Marilyn, Thankyou for sharing your lovely house with us. What a great location,loved the waves and the birds and the yard.Kahoa is a great street for early morning runs.Only wish we could stay a little longer- or a lot longer.Michelle & Lynn Miller

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Guest: The Pearsons (-)
Date of Stay: 03/25/03 Review Submitted: 03/25/03

Thanks for a wonderful time in your wonderful house. We needed another week! We are already planning another trip, this time with the kids. We enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks, The Pearsons

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