Home Away from Home

Guest: Susan (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/17/11 Review Submitted: 01/06/12

We stayed at this lovely condo for a week. The condo lives up to its name. We were impressed by the cleanliness of the unit and it was so comfortable that it made us feel right at home. The unit was well stocked with cooking utensils, towels, beach wares….even board games. Janice and Bruce put in a lot of effort to make this place a home away from home. The location is great - walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the pier. We loved to walk down to the farmer’s market where we could get fresh fruits and vegetables (papayas are such a treat here!) We never tired of watching the beautiful perfect sunset over the ocean from the lanai! Mahalo, Bruce and Janice, your thoughtfulness has helped to create a beautiful page in our traveling memory book. We truly appreciate all your assistance. We would love to come back and visit. Susan, Albert and Michael

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Just Try It....You will love it....Promise!

Guest: Thelma1 (Charlotte, NC / USA)
Date of Stay: 12/07/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

Everything said in previous reviews is true and more. One could not find a better place to stay in Kailua-Kona. The condo is immaculate, stocked with everything you could possibly need, the view is to die for and it is very comfortable. Alii Drive is just a couple of minutes walk and that is where there are multiple restaurants, shops, the wonderful farmers market, the library and much more. We watched cruise ships dock and unload passengers to come visit Kona, yachts, paddlers, swimmers and one day even watched the stand up paddlers interact with a school of dolphins.....the Kailua Kona Christmas Parade took place while we were there .......all this we watched from our deck! Do not have a single negative thing to say about any of the restaurants we visited , I think we enjoyed our breakfast at Bubba Gump's the most. One evening we drove to Merriman's at Waimea for dinner and that was fabulous. Took a two hour round trip ride on the trolley, which only cost $2 per person and it was fun and we saw places we probably would not have seen otherwise. Met some of the permanent residents of Kailua Village and they were so friendly and welcoming plus gave us inside tips on where to go and what to do. Janice and Bruce are the best! We were so relaxed and happy, we almost forgot to check out. I could go on for pages but you get the idea! Just come and enjoy!

Owner response:Mahalo for your creative expression regarding the joy and aloha you have experienced while visiting our wonderful island.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Delightful stay

Guest: Michael (Oak Lawn, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 06/21/11 Review Submitted: 09/21/11

My wife and I stayed in this condo for a week in June. We were impressed with the cleanliness and well supplied condition of the unit. The description and photo's of the condo were accurate; however, we found that the condo exceeded our expectations. Janice and Bruce stocked the condo with everything you could need for the beach: beach chairs, mats, boogie boards, coolers, and more. The kitchen had more of everything we could imagine to make our home cooked a meals - which we enjoyed on the lanai overlooking Ali'i Drive and the water. They even had assorted bandages which I needed when I stubbed my toe while boogie boarding. The condo's location excellent, walking distance to the farmer's market, to shops along Ali'i Drive, and to Lava Java, which quickly became our favorite stop. The location also was a short drive from variety of grocery stores, shops, and restaurants. Janice and Bruce were very helpful and courteous in answering our questions about the unit and in providing directions to nearby stores. The pool was small - but we didn't use it as we swam in the ocean and rested at the beach nearby. We highly recommend this unit.

Owner response:Mahalo for choosing to stay with us during your visit to the Big Island of Hawaii. We welcome your return, and we appreciate the respect and consideration you showed your home away from home. Aloha, Janice and Bruce

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing.

Perfect!

Guest: Barb (Orland Park, Illinois, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/25/11 Review Submitted: 08/29/11

We stayed at this condo in late May/early June, 2011, and everything was just perfect. The unit was so clean and comfortable. We cooked our own meals in the well-equipped kitchen much of the time ...ribs from Costco, poke from Safeway, fresh veggies and fruits from the farmer's market... and had dinner on the lanai as the sun set. After-dinner walks down Ali'i Drive were delightful. Quinn's by the Sea was our favorite restaurant dinner. The location, close to grocery stores, beaches, and just close enough to the action on Ali'i Drive was also perfect. We rented snorkel equipment from a place on Ali'i Drive and beach-hopped during our last few days. Our water shoes worked better than fins at some of the rocky beaches, which are better for snorkeling. Snorkeled in the morning, then went to sandy beaches in the afternoons to swim. The condo has everything you could need for the beach...mats, cooler, towels, noodles, to mention a few. We were also grateful for the laundry soap, as we did laundry once during our stay. I was also thankful for the Hawaii, Big Island Revealed book, because I left mine on the plane. It was a most memorable vacation. We highly recommend this unit, and are looking forward to staying here again.. Thank you so much Janice and Bruce.

Owner response:Mahalo for your kind words. We apprecite your kind review, and we look forward to sharing our little corner of paradise upon your return. Aloha, Janice and Bruce

Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Excellent location

Guest: Canada (Keewatin, ON, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

We stayed in January 2011. Acommodations were great. Didn't know what to expect as this was our first time using a vacation rental, but we're totally amazed at the clean and inviting rooms and what a view! A block and a bit from the downtown core, restaurants and shopping. We came here the year before on the cruise ship to find out what part of Hawaii we'd like to come back to and this was the place. It is very laid back. If you didn't have a car rental you could still hit beaches and shopping as there was a shuttle that travelled ali'i drive every twenty minutes or so. We did an awesome horse back ride down the hiking trail to Captain cook monument and they had snorkel gear and a picnic lunch to enjoy and then rode back up. Konacowboy.com was the place, about 20 minutes south of Kona. Bruce and Janice recommend getting the book, Hawaii, the big island revealed and it was a good investment before the trip. They also had a copy to use while there. Would recommend to anyone wanting a relaxing vacation but still close to everything. Would recommend Quinn,s by the Sea, for a restaurant, near King Kamehameha hotel, close to seawall.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Loved this place ..

Guest: Chris & Elaine Heissner (Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/08/11 Review Submitted: 04/01/11

My husband and myself recently spent a week in this condo while visiting the Big Island. My first impression when we opened the door was of how bright and CLEAN the condo was. Absolutely spotless .. We found the condo very comfortable (king bed was great), and the view was spectacular. Saw beautiful sunsets every night. We have travelled alot and I have rarely seen a place so well stocked .. boogie board, cooler, beach towels, mats .. obviously the owners have put alot of thought into what their guests might need, and we appreciated this. The condo was extremely well situated. We could walk down to Alii drive for restaurants, which was really convenient. The condo complex itself was very simple, not "resort" like, with a tiny pool and laundry facilities. This suited us perfectly, and we felt we received exceptional value for the price we paid. The owner made the rental process very easy. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a clean, comfortable, perfectly placed base from which to enjoy all the Big Island has to offer. Happy travels .. Elaine and Chris, Canada

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.

Home away from home

Guest: John & Shelly (Victoria, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/27/10 Review Submitted: 12/08/10

This condo was truly like a home away from home. We enjoyed our time here so much we hope we can come back again. It is well equipped like a home and has everything you'll need for a comfortable stay. The ocean views are wonderful - you can even sit up in bed and see the ocean. We particularly enjoyed being so close to the farmer's market and the restaurants along Alii Drive. The condo was very clean, tastefully decorated, with a very nice kitchen and bathroom.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Visitors from Long Beach, California

Guest: Long Beach Visitors (Long Beach, California)
Date of Stay: 11/05/10 Review Submitted: 11/14/10

The listing was accurate. The amount of space was perfect for two adults. The unit is on the sixth floor, and has a great view of the ocean, shoreline shops and sunsets. The listing accurately described the appearance and amenities. The unit was remarkably clean and well-maintained. All of our questions were answered promptly and completely. (We chose to use e-mail.) We would highly recommend this rental to relatives and friends. Highlights: The nearby farmers' market which operates from Wednesday through Sunday provides excellent quality produce at good prices. A few miles away, for vegetarians, try the Lotus Cafe, across the street from Costco.

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

Great condo in a great location

Guest: Joe and Sonia (Hollywood,Fl U.S.A.)
Date of Stay: 05/21/10 Review Submitted: 06/16/10

My wife and I stayed here for seven days and it felt like home.The condo has everything you can possibly need to make your stay wonderful.Aside from what is mentioned in the ad it has other ameneties including beach chairs and towels,a cooler, a boom box and a,laundry basket among others.The building's laundry room is huge so there is no waiting for machines to become available.The condo's location is perfect.It is only one block from Alii' drive and all of its restaurants and shops.There is a great farmer's market around the corner as well. Walmart and a Safeway supermarket are a five minute drive away.Our trip to the big island was by far the best vacation we have ever had and this condo with all of it's goodies,incredible location,and beautiful ocean view was a big part of the reason.We intend to return to Kona and we will definately stay here again.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guest: Terra and Daniel Flores (Pullman, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/10 Review Submitted: 06/01/10

Bruce and Janice,This condo was absolutely incredible! We had such a fantastic time and would love to return soon. Everything was perfect and so comfortable. Thank you for making our vacation perfect!!

Recommended for: