Wonderful Waikaloa

Guest: Sold on Hawaii (Burke (Northern VA), VA, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/23/09 Review Submitted: 06/05/09

Great pre-visit information, found condo with no problem and instructions for navigating community gate, parking lot, front door key were all on target. Incredible, relaxing, well situated condo that is furnished and supplied with everything you need to relax for a few days or use as a base of operations to explore the Kona Coast. The condo was clean, well maintained, the owner checked to see if everything was OK, and strong recommendation for anyone staying in the area. Easy 5-10 minute walk to A-Bay Beach or the historic fish ponds. Plenty to explore in the area with petroglyphs, fisherman's path along the coast, and historic village ruins. Convenient short drive to more northern beaches and south to City or Cpt Cook's Bay and Memorial (great snorkeling - rent a kayak). Only downside - be prepared to carry luggage up 2 flights and we tried to help the owner with the electrical bill by not using the A/C, but it was pretty warm - just bareable with ceiling fans and all the doors and windows open.

Owner response:Thanks Patrick for the great review. Just so you know, there is a great elevator right by the parking area so no need to climb stairs unless you need the exercise. You were a fabulous renter and thanks for using the fans...but please don't be uncomfortable....use the air conditioner if necessary. It is renters like you that we want back again. Thanks again Patrick...look forward to having you stay with us again.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Great Vacation Condo

Guest: B. & E. (British Columbia)
Date of Stay: 01/03/12 Review Submitted: 01/13/12

Trisha and John's holiday property has all the necessary ingredients needed to make a great vacation. The  condo is  very clean and has been well maintained with a well stocked  kitchen  and "fun equipment" for a day at the beach. It is ideally located within Waikoloa Resort and within the Vista Complex  - an end unit on the top floor with a great mountain view and the lanai has sun exposure in the morning. We especially enjoyed are morning walks to the ocean shores which are minutes away. It was great renting from John and Trisha. They are business-like and efficient but friendly as well. Previously we have stayed in four other locations in Kona and along the South Kohala Coast. This is definitely our favorite and we will be returning.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

First rate accommodation

Guest: Kathy (Pender Island, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/21/11 Review Submitted: 01/06/12

We were more than pleased with this accommodation. The photographs did not do it justice. The condo is spacious and attractively styled with Hawaiian furnishings including, hand-stitched traditional Hawaiian quilts. The large fans kept the rooms comfortable without turning on the air-conditioning (in December). There are two large decks where one could avoid the sun, if desired. The kitchen had modern appliances with garburater and microwave. The pantry was well-stocked with staples. I was pleased to see the resort had areas for recyling materials. We felt at home the minute we entered the suite.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Two weeks in paradise

Guest: Bostonians (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

Condo: We arrived to Hawaii on 15AUG11 for a two week long vacation. As soon as we open the door we fell in love with this condo. The decoration is beautiful. The kitchen is fully equipped. Beds are very comfortable and the master bath is huge. The owner thought about everything. There are plenty of books, Big Island guide books, a map of the island and many videos for kids and adults. We were truly impressed with all the amenities. WiFi was a plus for us. Our favorite part was the lanai. It was very large with two different but yet connected areas: one outside of the main room where we relaxed every night and watched the stars, and the other one with a table and chairs that we used for breakfast and dinner every day. I love that this condo is on the third floor. The views are beautiful. In the beach department the owners also thought about everything from umbrellas to boogie boards, coolers, beach towels, several beach chairs and snorkel gear. Location: The condo is part of a very neat complex. We used the lap pool and the BBQ area often. It was never crowded and it was always quiet. The location of the condo is also fantastic as it is within walking distance of two shopping areas (King's and Queen's) with restaurants, stores and markets where we did our grocery shopping and we indulged on great sushi often. The area is very safe. There is a running loop where I did my morning run and was greeted by many runners and walkers. Owner: The best rental experience we had. The owner is very attentive to detail. When I contacted her by email with questions prior to our trip, she always replied right back. Also, after a couple of days in the condo, she checked with us to ensure we were having a good time and we didn’t need anything. She was always available and ready to help with any of our inquiries. In the condo she has specific instructions for check in and check out that were very helpful, labels in every place and a folder including Big Island recommendations and several coupons. Summary: If you are planning a vacation to the Big Island, we would encourage you to get in touch with this condo owner right away. In a few years, we are planning a month long vacation and if we choose Hawaii we will make sure to contact the owner of this home many months in advance to ensure availability. Overall this was our best vacation ever and this condo had a lot to do with it.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Spacious and Relaxing

Guest: Live 4 Today (Arizona)
Date of Stay: 05/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

I traveled with my husband and adult son. The condo was very spacious and in a quiet location. The beds were super comfortable and my adult son enjoyed a king size bed for the 2nd bedroom instead of the usual twin bed setup. The location is close to shopping, dining and walking to the beach. All beach chairs, boogie board, and snorkel gear were all available to use. The kitchen was great and stocked with every appliance needed. This condo is a great value for the money and is close to your choice of some of the best beaches on the Big Island.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

clean & beautiful

Guest: jkbarth (boise idaho)
Date of Stay: 04/27/11 Review Submitted: 05/09/11

love the feeling of the condo, authentic hawaiian feel. super clean and organized. it's close to the best Hawaii has to offer, beaches, restaurants, shopping, resorts. love this place will not want to stay anywhere else when we come to the big island.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Couldn't ask for a better place to stay!

Guest: Alisa8 (Pleasanton, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

We travel a lot, and have stayed in all kinds of accommodations around the world. We walked into this condo after dark, flipped on the lights and my son (who's seen everything) gasped, "Wow! You didn't tell me we were staying someplace *beautiful*!" It's hard to imagine, but it's even nicer than it looks in the pictures. Trisha and John have a wonderful Hawaiian home, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to stay there. The location is ideal for access to A-Bay or the short drives to Hapuna Beach or Mauna Kea Beach, and the condo is stocked with everything a parent could want or need for a day at the beach: toys, boogie boards, umbrellas, chairs and coolers. We stocked up on most of our food at Costco and Safeway, and bought our delicious tropical fruits for cheap at the farmer's markets down on Ali'i Drive and over in Hilo (papayas were 6/$1 in Hilo!). We cooked at the condo and ate dinner on the lanai most nights. The kitchen was equipped with every pot, pan and gadget that I could have possibly needed. It really was a home away from home! I hope to be able to stay here again, and would absolutely recommend it to friends and family.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Welcome To Paradise!

Guest: Dave & Robin (Thousand Oaks, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/07/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

All we can say is WOW, this place is fabulous! Trisha and John did a wonderful job in decorating their home. Everything you need is here, including the spacious and well equipped kitchen. It's a top floor unit with a huge L-shaped lanai that goes from the master bedroom to the living room. Open the doors and windows for a wonderful breeze. The spacious lanai is a great place for eating meals if you decide not to walk to one of the nearby restaurants. You are within easy walking distance to shops and restaurants and for a real treat, visit A-Bay for a colorful sunset. Bring your camera, sit on the lounge chairs and watch the sun disappear. We enjoyed boogie boarding and relaxing at Hapuna Beach, a short drive north. There’s a small, sheltered cove to the left if you get there in time. Get there reasonably early, it fills up especially on weekends. You are not too far from the Seahorse farm and snorkeling on the Sea Quest rigid inflatable. When visiting the Volcano National Park check out the Kazumura Cave lava tube. There’s so much to see and do here! It was a real pleasure meeting Trisha and John at their new place; we can’t wait for our next trip to paradise! Thanks Trisha & John for allowing us into your home!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

The best vacation ever!!

Guest: Brenda and Wade (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/16/10 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

The condo exceeded our expectaions. Spacious rooms, well decorated, clean. It included all amenities to make us feel right at home. Especially enjoyed the Lanai and the pool/ hot tubs. Location was absolutely perfect! Close to beaches, restaurants, golf coourses. We plan to return in the near future.

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

Awesome place to stay

Guest: Greg (Chattanooga, TN)
Date of Stay: 09/07/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

My wife and I and another couple stayed here and LOVED it. A Bay was just a short walk away with snorkeling and lots of sea turtles around the lava at the south end of the bay. Snorkeled with them and they just accepted us like we should be there. Easy drive to Kailua-Kona as well at Hapuna and Mauna Kea Beaches. Kings and Queens shops and restaurants almost next door. The beds are very comfy and the condo very nicely decorated. Big TV and Wifi made it like home. Loved the pool and Hot Tubs. Be sure to go to Volcanos National Park, Kealakekua Bay to Snorkel, Akaka Falls, and the Mauna Kea Astronomy center. These are a longer drive but well worth it. GO! You will love it.

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