Vacation Rentals by Owner

Fond memories of this lovely vacation home

Guest: Bob (SF Bay Area)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/08/12

This beautiful vacation home is very well maintained and clean throughout. Fully equiped kitchen. Fruit and banana bread left for our arrival was a nice touch. Lovely garden with nice ocean view from top of a gorge down to the sea where sugar mill once operated. Excellent location for all of the beautiful sites near Hilo and along the enchanting Hamakua coast where life seems to slow down to allow the full enjoymnent of the wonders of nature. Enjoyed chatting with very friendly, helpful and gracious owner. Would defintely stay here again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best Vacation Place!

Guest: Drew (Mount Holly, NJ)
Date of Stay: 02/02/12 Review Submitted: 02/15/12

Six of us stayed comfortably at Hawaii Paradise by the Sea, including an infant and toddler, with the most generous and fun host you can possibly have. The place was amazingly clean and they even had fresh fruit and bread for us when we showed up. There is so much to do with in miles of the place. We can not wait to return to Hawaii and there is no other place that we will even consider. Thank you so much Bob & Sandy for the fun stay. :)

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

CLEAN RELAXED LIVING

Guest: buckets (The Dalles Oregon)
Date of Stay: 01/23/12 Review Submitted: 02/11/12

This was the cleanest property we have ever rented using VRBO. Sandy was very helpful, informitive and a wealth of information about the Island. She is very personalbe and a delight to be around. The propery was gorgeous and very well maintained. We were two couples staying there with plenty of space for privacy. No one felt short of space. Having coolers,ice,deck chairs,beach towels,games,washer and dryer all made our stay trouble free and enjoyable. Great views of Cruise ships early morning (fiveish and evenings sevenish). Don't forget to spend time on the deck looking for the whales to blow. Wheee!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wayne, Janet and gang.

Guest: The best Hawaiian vacation and wedding (Lisbon, CT)
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 08/26/11

This was a great place to rent. The other reviews were 100% correct. Sandy and Bod are very helpful and their generosity is unbeatable. I've stayed in many rentals but never one with such good and caring people. We traveled with 4 children ages 9-18yrs old and we were all very comfortable. I was a little concerned with not having an oven but Sandy has everything you would need to cook. We ate breakfast everyday outside overseeing the ocean, how relaxing and what a view..... I would recommend this house rental to anyone, you will be very happy. It does rain in Hilo almost every day but only for a short while then the sun comes out. We drove to Kona almost every day (about 1 1/2 hr drive), where the sun is out and went to visit the beaches. You have to go to white sand beach, it's a most see location. Sandy has coolers, boogie boards, chairs and beach blankets so you have everything you would need. We stopped at a grocery store the night we arrived, I recommend it but you will find some things at the rental like condiments, coffee, coffee filters etc. that other renters leave behind (as we did). We also went horseback riding, it was one of the best things we did. Food is very expensive; milk, 1 gallon on sale for $4.99, eggs-1dozen from $1.99-$2.99 and a loaf of sandwich bread $3.99-$6.99 just to name a few things, be prepared. The free Internet was also a great thing, we brought our laptop so we stayed in contact with our family and friends and the kids of course loved it too. Overall, I WOULD RECOMMEND HAWAII AND THIS HOUSE RENTAL TO EVERYONE. MY HUSBAND AND I WILL BE BACK TO CELEBRATE OUR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WHICH TOOK PLACE DURING THIS FAMILY VACATION.....

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

Parents of the Bride! (Sparta,WI) 7/24/11-7/30/11

Guest: Mark (Sparta,WI)
Date of Stay: 07/24/11 Review Submitted: 09/04/11

What a fantastic find! We were on the Big Island for our daughter's wedding. This rental was the perfect place for our family to gather! It was very spacious, very clean, and very well equipped. We spent many relaxing hours on the lanai enjoying the ocean view while watching the sunrise and sunset, grilling dinner, and catching up with family! We had to prepare some food to take for a 'Welcome Barbeque' and it was very easy, thanks to the well equipped kitchen. It was handy to have access to a washer and dryer. We were glad Wifi was included- that made it easy to check out area attractions and restaurants. I would highly recommed this property to others! We would be happy to stay there again on our next trip to Paradise!

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

Home away from home

Guest: Joana G.
Date of Stay: 06/15/11 Review Submitted: 07/02/11

This was the first time we stayed at a vacation rental and we were very impressed. The house looks exactly as it does in the pictures, but the pictures can not show how amazing the views truly are. The house was very immaculate. We were greeted with a warm aloha from Sandy as soon as we arrived. Inside the house was a basket filled with freshly baked banana bread and tropical fruits that were picked from the yard. Be sure to check all the cupboards for utensils and appliances. We didn't realize the house contained everything you needed to cook at home (minus a stove, however there's a hot plate and a grill in the lanai). The property is approximately 15-20 mins north of downtown Hilo. We wished we could have stayed a little longer. Mahalo Sandy for the warm hospitality!

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

Relaxing home away from home

Guest: Moredsir (Adelaide, South Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/09/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

Bob and Sandy did an excellent job of making our stay comfortable and relaxing. The house was very clean and had everything we needed. The fruit and banana bread were delicious and our girls loved the fussball table. Close to Akaka Falls which are definitely worth visiting. We stocked up on groceries from the supermarkets in Hilo and Waimea and enjoyed BBQ each night, as the house isn't close to any restaurants. Bob and Sandy allowed us our privacy, but were easily contactable should we need anything.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

10th Anniversary

Guest: monica (Prosser, WA)
Date of Stay: 05/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/29/11

This was our first visit to Hawaii. It was so nice to be able to come back to this home after our long days of exploring. The oversized shower was very appealing at the end of days of walking on the volcano and visiting local tide pools. The bed was comfortable and we both slept very soundly every night. We did not end up using the kitchen area, but everything seemed very clean and user friendly. The total privacy we were afforded was very welcome.

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

Home away from home

Guest: Nancy (Vancouver BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/14/11 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

We spent 9 days at Hawaii Paradise by the Sea. Bob and Sandy are wonderful hosts and made us feel very welcome. The house is beautiful and the kitchen is fully stocked with pots, pans, dishes and cooking utensils. I would recommend this rental to family and friends. We will be staying here in future vacations to the Island of Hawaii.

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

A great place to stay!

Guest: Volcano (Limoges (France))
Date of Stay: 02/08/11 Review Submitted: 02/21/11

Hawaii Paradise by the Sea is a marvellous place! My wife and I spent five days there and we found it much too short!! Having breakfast on the lanai with the ocean view is definitely a great moment. The house is impeccable, very comfortable and well-equipped. The owners are charming people. We highly recommend this place.

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

What a Great Place to Stay!

Guest: Bob 7 Carol (Vail, AZ)
Date of Stay: 02/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/20/11

We couldn't have asked for a better vacation home in paradise! Prior to our stay, Bob & Sandy were very helpful in sending us information on places to visit and to eat. The place was luxurious with all the amenities of home. We enjoyed shopping locally and cooking in our place after the fun-filled outings over the island. Our fabulous host and hostess who made our visit very welcome with a refrigerator filled with the local tropical fruits which we enjoyed with our breakfasts as well as home-made bread. There's even a public beach park down the street where the old sugar plantation used to be and it seems only the local knows about it! Thank you Bob & Sandy!

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

Great Hilo area rental

Guest: Charlotte (Washougal, WA )
Date of Stay: 01/24/11 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

Four of us stayed at Hawaii Paradis By the Sea and were very pleased. The description and photos of the rental was very accurate. It was very spacious. The property was very clean and well cared for. We were fortunate to spend some time with Bob as Sandy had to be gone for a family emergency and he was very knowlegable and helpful. We would highly recommend this property as a place near the attractions for Hilo. We the drive out going to the southern most point of the U.S.A., the Volcano Museum, the Tsunami Museum, the historical museum in Hilo, and driving on the waterfront of Hilo.

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

The Baker Clan

Guest: Peggy (Clyde,Texas)
Date of Stay: 12/22/10 Review Submitted: 01/16/11

What can I say? This property was fantastic. From the banana tree in the backyard to the freshly baked breads in the fridge a wonderful place to spend holidays.My family and I stayed here over the Christmas holiday and Sandy & Bob couldn't have been better hosts. Sandy even had a Christmas tree and presents for my two grandkids.Also, attended Christmas Eve services with the Nutt's (fellowship,food and a hula featuring Sandy's skill at hula.) We would most definately stay there again on a return trip. Pictures don't do this rental justice. A Hut Hou.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Ann Yee-Sullivan & Tim Sullivan

Guest: Ann (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 12/16/10 Review Submitted: 12/26/10

It's true, the pictures don't even come close to accurately capturing the stunning views, the ample room, and the private setting of this home. We spent six nights here, celebrating both a 40th birthday and a long overdue honeymoon, and we're so glad we chose Sandy and Bob's place. We eased into each day with a soak in the hot tub while watching the morning roll in over the ocean, and listening to the birds in the rain forest around us. It was magnificent, as were our hosts. With great fondness, we will always remember our dream vacation in Hakalau, including the exceptional chocolate cake waiting for us upon arrival!

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

Big Island Gem

Guest: Denis (Sudbury Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/13/10 Review Submitted: 11/13/10

Bob & Sandy were gracious hosts allowing us our privacy yet eager to help or to show us their garden of tropical delights such as bananas, orchids, papaya. The house was spacious, clean, with all the amenities of home. Well layed out for two couples or a family. Enjoyed many evenings on the spacious lanai or playing foosball. We would definitely stay here again.

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

One week in lucury

Guest: Renate HD (Germany)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 11/01/10

This was the best equiped holidayhouse we ever had and we travelled around the world. It lacks nothing and the the host and hostes are so welcoming and helpful. A place to stay, to feel at home and to miss nothing. If you need a touch for the night tour to see the vulcano or a sun chair for the beach a paper to write a letter ..... it is there. We would love to come again. Renate and Hans-Dieter

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

Perfect home and Perfect hosts!

Guest: Felton (Georgia (US))
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 06/08/10

Bob and Sandy are the perfect host and it was wonderful staying in their home. We enjoyed the home-grown fruit and the rental was immaculate. The location is a perfect home base to explore the "Big Island". Very close to "Volcanoes National Park","Akaka Falls"and Waipio valley.We found the Hilo side of the island to be green and lush with no Vog. Visit Kailua-Kona, but fly into Hilo and stay here. Bob and Sandy gave us excellent advice on restaurants and places to visit. Try the malazadas just down the road from the rental at "Tex Drive-in". They are wonderful! Mahalo Bob and Sandy.

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

Guest: Larry & Barbara (Clio, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/12/10 Review Submitted: 03/12/10

We stayed a week here and it was the nicest place we stayed in Hawaii. We also stayed on Kauai, Maui, Oahu. The pictures do not do this place justice. Bob & Sandy were more like friends than landlords. Very gracious host. If we get back to Hawaii again we would definitely call them first.

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Guest: Karen191 (Shingletown, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/24/10

We spent a week on the Big Island and stayed the whole time here. It made a perfect home base - accessible to all parts of the Island for the day, but in a quiet rural setting. Bob and Sandy were the perfect hosts - friendly but not pushy, available but not intrusive. The place was well furnished with everything we needed and more extras than we had time to enjoy. Watching the stars from the hot tub was a perfect ending to the day. We will heartily recommend it to anyone visiting Hawaii.

Recommended for:

Guest: Elizabeth & Rodger Hansen (Cranford, New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 01/16/10 Review Submitted: 01/16/10

We stayed ten nights at this lovely, bright and IMMACULATE rental at Christmas time. We enjoyed watching the sunset over the ocean while sitting in the hot tub on the lanai. We don’t usually cook dinners on our vacations, but the kitchen is so clean, new and well appointed, that we enjoyed cooking our dinners here. Of course this was enhanced by the fact we then dined looking out over the ocean. The owners, Sandy & Bob, treated us like special guests, rather than renters, and were very friendly and gracious. Their smiles and relaxing attitude and spirit of Aloha exemplifies true Hawaiian spirit.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/24/09 Review Submitted: 11/24/09

What a lovely time we had in August at this beautiful home. There were 6 of us and the accommodations were perfect. It was great to have use of the washer and dryer. Sandy and Bob couldn't have been more helpful and hospitable. We hated to leave.

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very welcoming

Guest: Mamounette (California)
Date of Stay: 10/24/09 Review Submitted: 11/03/09

This place was very neat and well maintained with some extras : banana cake and fresh juice in the fridge, powder and softener ready to use for the washer and dryer, a foosball (we call this babyfoot ) (great hit with the kids and husband) , relaxing jacuzzi . Feels like home. The falls were beautiful , the botanical gardens gorgeous

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

Beautiful home and wonderful hosts!

Guest: Barry & Lynnette (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 10/05/09 Review Submitted: 11/03/09

My wife and I plus my brother spent nine days in this beautiful home during the first part of October this year. From the moment we arrived Bob and Sandy made sure that we had everything we needed and more. They had fresh fruit for us as well as some beautiful local flowers. The view from the porch is was gorgeous, and I can only imagine what it would be like during whale season! Everything you need for your stay is in the home, and Bob and Sandy are also very knowledgeable about the local sites and restaurants. We prefer the Hilo side of the Big Island due to its proximity to the volcano and the vast majority of the island's waterfalls. I am a photographer and could spends months on the Hilo side without running out of things to photograph. We would definitely choose this property on any future visit. Oh, and say hello to my little gecko friend on the porch if he decides to bless you with his presence!

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

Guest: The Adams' and Hadleys (Arkansas & Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 08/01/09

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay....the only negative was that we didn't get to stay long enough! We will try to fix that soon and will sure enough look you up again. Your hospitality and accommodations exceeded our expectations. Thank you for the special touch with the goodies!!! Very clean and spacious and had everything we needed. Thanks for a wonderful stay.

Recommended for:

Hawai'i at

Guest: J-E (Louisville, Kentucky)
Date of Stay: 06/21/09 Review Submitted: 07/05/09

The owners, Sandy and Bob, were very welcoming and pleasant. We had fresh pineapple, papaya, banana bread, chocolate cake and guava juice upon arrival. They also helped us with finding a food, both restaurants and grocery, and some to the beautiful sights. The house was great, and they had nearly everything you could want to use (hot tub, kitchen supplies, beach supplies, tv/dvd/vcr and so on). The only negative was no full stove/oven. There was a two burner hot plate, a microwave, toaster, and toaster/convection oven (which we could not figure out how to use). It was a great place to be able to relax and rest from the days adventures exploring the Big Island. The view of the ocean was GREAT, of which we took sunrise photos every morning! There are many beautiful sights within 5 to 30 minutes of the residence, including Akaka Fall, 2 botanical gardens, 2 surf beaches, Waipio valley, and truly "scenic" drives. Just the walk from the residence to the ocean provided an abundance of nature's sights, sounds and beauty.

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

Guest: Glenda4 (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/02/09 Review Submitted: 06/02/09

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this home. It was very clean, bright, and spacious. The ocean view was nice. Unfortunately, we were not able to get up early enough to see the sunrise. We appreciated the greeting from Sandy when we arrived. Her friendly demeanor and bright smile added to the visit. We ate up all the yummy goodies that she left for us. We came with my husband's parents to celebrate their 50th anniversary and they told us that the accomodations exceeded their expectations. Thank you Sandy and Bob for your hospitality.

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A warm welcome by gracious hosts

Guest: Colleen &Dennis (Port Elizabeth South Africa)
Date of Stay: 05/22/09 Review Submitted: 07/25/09

Coming back to Big Island exactly 20 years later with my American daughter -in-law and South African son who now live on Oahu was a very special moment for my husband and i and to really make this trip a little bit of Heaven we couldnt have chosen a more welcoming and caring vacation rental to stay at than Bob and Sandy.They went out of their way to give us all the local info as well as loan us sneakers and flashlights .The delicious chocolate cake and fruit ,spotlessly clean home all attests to their love of what they are doing.We loved our weekend with you .Thanks so much .Colleen and Dennis -Port Elizabeth South Africa

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/03/09

I stayed at the delightful unit for three nights in March, 2009. This home is extremely clean and bright. The hosts are very friendly, thoughtful and helpful.

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Perfect for Us

Guest: Alan and Cynthia (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/24/09 Review Submitted: 04/21/09

Amazing, gracious hosts Bob and Sandy. Beautiful flowers everywhere...inside and out, wonderful baked goods and spotless accomadations, all of which were very appreciated! A great place located a perfect distance from Hilo and to the Hamakua coast. We saw 6 waterfalls in one afternoon. Highly recommended. Mahalo plenty. Alan and Cynthia

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/25/09

March 2009 A Home, away from Home. This property is even more beautiful than the pictures show. My wife and I spent 4 days here in March 2009. Very private and clean. Bob and Sandy welcomed us with open arms, and are very helpful. I would recommend this Vacation rental to all my friends. Aloha and Mahalo. T&H Gracey, Canada.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/23/09

From the moment you arrive, the owners make you feel welcome at their Paradise by the Sea. This beautiful island retreat had everything we needed during our six-day stay - from lawn chairs and ice pack for trips to the beach, to pointers on local eateries and sites to see from the owners. It is evident they take great care, and pride, in providing a well- appointed, spacious and relaxing home-away-from-home. We would highly recommend this rental.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/07/09

We spent the month of February on Oahu, the Big Island and Kauai. We spent 10 days at this property and it was the best of the 3 we stayed at. No complaints about the other properties, but this was very nicely furnished, roomey, well equiped and comfortable. The hot tub is a great feature and the view from the large deck is very nice. We covered the Big Island during our 10 days here and liked this side of the Island the best, lots of "green." The owners take a lot of pride in their property and are very helpful. Based on our experience, we highly recommend Hawaii Paradise By The Sea.

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Exceeded our expectations.

Guest: Sharon's Husband (Baxter Springs, KS)
Date of Stay: 02/02/09 Review Submitted: 02/21/09

Hawaii Paradise by the Sea is a beautiful place. Bob and Sandy were wonderful. They had fresh fruit, juice and beautiful flowers upon our arrival. They were very helpful on places to go. The pictures do not do it justice. It exceeded our expectations. Clean and comfortable Hope to return again soon.

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

Better than a hotel for cost, comfort and location

Guest: Rob's Wife (Grizzly Flats, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/11/08 Review Submitted: 01/26/09

THANK YOU Bob and Sandy!! What a wonderful stay we had. Our 2 daughters (10 & 12) thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Rob and I really loved it, too! You place was roomy, WELL equipped and surprisingly super stocked! (thanks for the goodies that were a pleasant treat after our long plane rides), and the decor is as pictured (very lovely). Everything was clean, not even a dust bunny was found! The hottub provided endless hours of relaxation with a nice privacy screen. We even enjoyed some BBQ on the gas grill. I was happy to see the desk filled with supplies. There were beautiful flowers in every room! Your location was perfect for our needs. Hilo was just 20 min. away (even at the Big Island slow speeds). Your tip about the hidden rocky beach just 2 min. down the road was priceless! Being right off the highway (really, it's just a main road), finding the place was a breeze, even in the dark, as you had it well lit up for us! And, we really appreciated the welcome wagon as you checked us in and then let us all get settled. Personally, I enjoyed your company and insight to the island. It's obvioius you two really enjoy renting and the details & effort you put into all of it showed. You had so many extras! We'd recommend your place to anyone who wants to stay on the Hilo side, or doesn't mind the drive to the Kona side. It's great for anyone except those without a car or has pets (at least I don't recall you allowing pets). The location being away from the major traffic and population, but still on a street with other homes was very nice. I highly recommend the restaurant Cafe Pesto in Hilo. It's superb! And, the scenic routes should be taken...all gorgeous! The little zoo is a must see. It's free. The Mauna Loa nut factory is also free and interesting as well as educational. All of the waterfalls are breathtaking and postcard worthy! See you for our future island visits Bob and Sandy! Rob, A.J., Aundrea and Clair from California

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