Vacation Rentals by Owner

Outstanding in many ways, including value!

Guest: Mark (Welches)
Date of Stay: 11/28/11 Review Submitted: 12/11/11

My wife and I have vacationed in Kohala Ranch VRBOs three times now, staying the past two times here at Laughing Gecko. We love this place, the pictures are true to form, the place is a great value! We especially appreciated the well equipped kitchen. And, the sunsets! We sat on the lanai and watched every sunset! We We will use this VRBO again and recommend it highly.

Owner response:Thank you for your kind words. We love it too. Sunsets and moon setting over the ocean are awesome. aloha. ali

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

Wonderful Home

Guest: Cory, Andrea, Ben & Kate.
Date of Stay: 10/27/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

Thank you so much for your wonderful home. Everything was amazing. Thanks greatly. Aloha.

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Hope to Return

Guest: Laurie
Date of Stay: 09/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/13/11

We really enjoyed our stay at Laughing Gecko and hope to return next year. We certainly will recommend it to friends and family. All good wishes. Laurie

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We love it. So tranquil.

Guest: Anwyl, Whales
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/06/11

Hello Ali, Firstly we wanted to let you know we love the house and are very happy here. Secondly we wanted to commend you on creating such a tranquil place for us to enjoy. We particularly like the books, the best collection we have found in a rental. Thank you.

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Your house is truly amazing...truly fantastic!

Guest: Leah
Date of Stay: 08/10/11 Review Submitted: 08/30/11

Hi Ali, We're on our way back to San Francisco and just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful visit. Your house is truly amazing-we couldn't be happier we had the chance to stay there. The views are incredible! And the house was spotless and stocked with absolutely everything we could possibly need. We loved the ranch and the cows, and the pool and the barbecue...truly fantastic! Thank you so much, Leah

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Mrs. Stukey

Guest: Betty (Kansas)
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

I have stayed at this home several times and loved it. The accommodations were perfect. I have never seen such a perfect pantry room. The sunsets are breath taking. The loving care that the owner gives this home shows in all the rooms and landscaping. I would highly recommend this as a perfect vacation rental for your family. The setting is so peaceful with such a lovely kitchen with views of the Pacific.

Owner response:Thanks Betty, we always love having you come and stay. We have added more herbs to the kitchen herb garden. Now boasting, arugala, purple fennel, mint, nasil, parsley, sage, rosmary, lavender, chives, oregano and margoram. The tahitian lime is going crazy and we have pinapples, bananas, surinam cherries and pomegranites as well as the usual papayas.

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

Some of the best views in Hawaii. Kohala Coast Oasis.

Guest: Robert Seidle (Napa Valley, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/27/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

I have traveled to Big Island for over 20 years specifically for diving and relaxation. This was my first stay at Laughing Gecko and I might say my best stay ever on Big Island. Thank you Ali for sharing your beautiful home with my family. The location is perfect for diving the entire Kohala Coast (which I believe is the best diving in ALL of Hawaii). Your home was furnished in a very elegant yet comfortable manner. Just stunning throughout! I don't think I have ever seen a pantry so well stocked. We lived on the lanai and in the pool. The veiw is too spectacular to even describe. I will recommend your home to all my fellow diving friends. We will be back next year! Thanks again Ali for all your recommendations and helpful advice, it was invaluable to me and my family. Mahalo! The Seidle Family

Owner response:Thank you. Isn't Puako just the best for diving? Best in Hawaii I think and practically just around the corner from the house. We are so fortunate to be here.

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

Killer View. Killer Home. Killer Vacation

Guest: georgie (Oahu)
Date of Stay: 07/14/11 Review Submitted: 07/31/11

Thank you, thank you, for one of the best vacations of our lives. The house was AMAZING. Words can't even begin to describe the view and everything exceeded our expectations. Loved dinners out at the big table on the lanai. Can't wait to come back next year. A hui ho!

Owner response:Aloha Georgie, You are most welcome! Some of our best moments are meals shared with family and friends at the big redwood table with that incredible view as a backdrop. ali

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

review

Guest: Libby (London)
Date of Stay: 07/05/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

I have just posted a review about our amazing stay at Laughing Gecko Lodge and thought I would have a quick look at some of the other reviews. I wouldn't normally react to anything written but was shocked to read such a negative one. I stayed there approximately a week later and didn't find any of the things described infact I think that person must have stayed in a completely different house! The garden was immaculate, the house as I said previously was faultless and the owners were always very helpful.

Owner response:Thanks Sarita. We were 'surprised' too. This former attorney wrote me several nice emails about how wonderful the house was. She forgot some clothes and when they were not sent back to her quickly enough she did send me an email threateneing that if she didn't get them soon she would post a negative review which, sadly, she did. It was kind of you to reinforce that her review was not accurate. Mahalo

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

Amazing Experience

Guest: Libby (London)
Date of Stay: 07/05/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

After what seemed a never ending flight from the UK we finally arrived in Hawaii! This was our first long haul trip with the kids and so were very tired and exhausted by the time we arrived. We normally stay in 5* hotels and villas in Europe and were not sure what to expect. After a short drive we arrived at the ranch - it instantly felt like paradise! When we reached Laughing Gecko lodge it got even better! The owners have taken great care not to make this just another rental house - everything is of the highest standard and certainly better than any of the houses we have rented before. I am an interior photographic stylist and work for some of the top UK homes magazines, I am lucky enough to see lots of lovely houses but this is one of the most stylish and welcoming houses I have ever been to. The house has some amazing artwork and artefacts but still feels like a family house. The kitchen is well equipped and the beds are very comfy. We stayed for 1 week before visiting other islands but next time will definitely stay for 2 weeks.

Owner response:Aloha Libby, Thank you for your kind words. We had to lift the Frank Stella tapestries sadly. They are so priceless, but many of the Shona sculptures are still there. Did you know one of the sculptors is now on permanent exhibit at the New York Museum of Modern Art? How fortunate we are to have some of his work in our home. And Gordon, our exquisite Kimodo Dragon and amakua, still watches over the house for us. We would love to have you back.

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

Guest: jamie
Date of Stay: 06/29/11 Review Submitted: 06/29/11

I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how wonderful we find your home to be--it is perfect, truly. We are caring for it as though it is our own, so no need to worry about it or us this week. It is my birthday tomorrow, and Mark bought me a new Louis Vuitton purse for the occasion. We struck up a great conversation with Sharon, who works there, and she was full of admiration and respect for you. It was a nice connection. Thank you for this. You cannot know how much we both really needed it. Mark wants to return and rent the whole place in August for our family--the kids at home and the kids already out in the world. Can you let me know if you have any availability then? We will reserve before we leave if possible. Mahalo times infinity!

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Lovely Property, Poorly Maintained, Strange Owner

Guest: Maluhia (CA)
Date of Stay: 06/26/11 Review Submitted: 07/21/11

I was very excited about this property, since I was familiar with the area and the pictures were wonderful. Although it's difficult to truly destroy the beauty of Hawaii, our experience with the owner and her "staff" ruined our vacation. The property is neglected. The grounds are arid and poorly-maintained. The plants and trees were wilted, the lawn brown. There was a cadre of huge spiders whose webs were prominent (and kind of scary) near the front door. An old, broken fountain stood at the entry: its plumbing had been thrown into it, and it was covered with spiderwebs and garbage. The interior of the home was filthy. lt was necessary to clean the floors thoroughly before we walked barefoot indoors, as required by the owner. The statuary throughout is truly hideous. Rather than reflecting the native feel of the islands, the owner has supplied the house with huge, frightening-looking busts from Africa, her homeland. She fancies herself a "decorator", which is difficult to reconcile with the second-hand, stained, broken furniture, and truly ugly "objets" (which include a heinous 4 ft, 50 lb wooden Komodo dragon on the dining table). The linens, which promised luxury in her ad, were old and threadbare; the bed was a wreck, saved from utter disaster by a tempurpedic mattress pad. The towels felt like steel wool. The worst thing about this was the owner herself. She is snobbish and rude. She has a staff whom we never saw, but who reported to her regularly about our activities. We placed some art in the closet, so we could enjoy the space for ourselves, and she sent us a cautionary email telling us that many items were "priceless," and should be handled "with extreme care." The obvious subtext was "I've got my eye on you." It was downright creepy. We left some expensive clothing items behind, and provided a fedex account for their return. Weeks later, she refuses to respond to my emails, and the clothing has not been returned. The ad for LGL lists a number of very favorable "reviews" purportedly culled by the owner from the guestbook. I believe these reviews were fabricated, particularly in view of the fact that there was no guestbook--merely a binder containing many "don'ts" and a number of articles authored by the owner. The same florid language appears in the reviews as her articles. I would not recommend this property, nor any operated by the same owner.

Owner response:Aloha "Maluhia" (Jamie), I have copied below one of the many lovely emails you sent me while you were here. "I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how wonderful we find your home to be--it is perfect, truly. We are caring for it as though it is our own, so no need to worry about it or us this week. It is my birthday tomorrow, and Mark bought me a new Louis Vuitton purse for the occasion. We struck up a great conversation with Sharon, who works there, and she was full of admiration and respect for you. It was a nice connection. Thank you for this. You cannot know how much we both really needed it. Mark wants to return and rent the whole place in August for our family--the kids at home and the kids already out in the world. Can you let me know if you have any availability then? We will reserve before we leave if possible. Mahalo times infinity!" I am surprised by such a change of heart a full month after your return to CA. You mentioned you had a 'rough' year and needed the break. I read about all your well publicised legal problems online, guilty verdicts, being barred, and imagine this and all the bad press must have been very difficult. It makes me sad that even a stay in Paradise in such a lovely place could not help improve your peace of mind. I am so happy for you though that you have been able to continue in your legal firm as an assitant. Bravo and best luck! Warmest aloha.

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Rekindle Romance, Relationships

Guest: Mimi (Portland Oregon)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/04/11

What a fabulous home you have--and are willing to share! Aside from the location with a sweeping ocean view and spectacular starry night skies, you have created a beautiful and serene environment to enjoy these outside wonders. It is a sanctuary for those of us who live extremely hectic lives. It is the perfect place to renew and rekindle relationships. To wake up in the morning to the ocean view, the warmth of the sun and the sounds of chirping birds is such a gift. Thank you, Ali. I recommend your home to anyone who wants a place that will encourage them to relax, enjoy each other and marvel at the beauty that surrounds them. We will be back!!

Owner response:Thank you so much! We look forward to your next visit. We have Maui Gold and Maui White pineapples fruiting at the moment, and I know how you love them, and - just for you - we have planted your favorite orange lilikoi. Sunsets are as spectacular as ever and we will soon have tiny calves frolicking in the pasture. So adorable.

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

Guest: Brian
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 04/17/11

We had a really great visit. You have a beautiful place and it was a great first visit to the Big Island. We found the home beautifully decorated and it had everything we needed for a relaxing vacation. Hope to have a return visit as it was one of our best vacations. Thank you for everything.

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Amazing Place!!!!!

Guest: Big Al in Ohio (Orange County, California USA)
Date of Stay: 03/10/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

I was talking with my father about a trip to The Big Island this morning and was telling him about this amazing place I have stayed in Kohala Ranch. We discussed dates that he was available so I went on VRBO to check the dates for this property and found this scathing review. I was appalled that someone would write this about this particular house. The views are so amazing it can't be explained and there is nothing like floating in the pool and watching the sun set. The inside of the house has wonderful African art work and decorations that I spend hours enjoying. The house is pristine clean as if no one ever stays there and I love to cook and grill when on vacation and I have to say walking into the pantry is like walking in the front door of Williams-Sonoma. And yes I have seen a spider or two but it is the desert - besides the colors of the Day Glo Geckos are so vivid and so much more fun to watch. I can't wait to book our trip and get checked in!!!

Owner response:Hi there Big Al. Many thanks for your kind words. Most cooks LOVE the pantry! We have had proffessional chefs stay who say it is the best equipped they have found. The day-glo geckos are such a joy. Many people don't realise that the garden spiders are very valuable to the eco-system and, of course, being all organic, sustainable, and permaculture we do not use any harmfull chemicals in the yard. Also, the little critters, quite naturally make webs overnight. That's why we love our geckos; clean up after dark. Great news, I have just heard we will be receiving our certification as a Natural Habitat. We are so happy about this.

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

A dream come true

Guest: Sasha (Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 01/20/11 Review Submitted: 07/25/11

There are many homes to rent on the Kohala coast, but very few with this magnificent view. The home is a mini-oasis in the midst of the Kohala desert-scape. The quiet and comfortable space was perfect for my family and me to relax and enjoy the comforts of this well-maintained home.

Owner response:Aloha, I love the desert-scape too! So glad you enjoyed your stay. Mahalo nui loa.

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

Peaceful setting with spectacular views..

Guest: tom swanson (NY, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

Hi Ali, Just wanted to drop a line to say thank you, thank you, thank you. This really was one of the best vacations we have ever taken. Your home and gardens are amazing. The kitchen is a cooks dream with views down the entire Kohala Coast. I watched sunrise over mauna kea, mauna loa and hualalai mountain every morning. Simply breath-taking. Your gardens are breathtaking. The air around the house was constantly filled with the fragrance of all your plumeria trees, gardenias, jasmines lavendar etc..We loved having the herb garden right by the kitchen. Very helpful for all the delicious meals we made while at your home. We will certainly be back next year and this time we will bring the whole family. You have done an outstanding job with the property. Feels like our second home now. Much Aloha and thanks again for all your assistance Ali! A Hui Ho, The O'Briens

Owner response:Hi Tom and thanks. Right now the stephanotis on the front lanai is blooming and the fragrance is amazing. It lulls you to sleep as it floats on the trades into the master suite. Our specialty plumerias (some of them very rare) are also in blossom and we have planted many more herbs. The arugala is in flower and the bees just go mad for it. So good for the garden.

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

Guest: jordan13 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/17/10 Review Submitted: 03/16/10

WOW! the pictures do not do this home justice! The property is just stunning. miles of coast line as far as the eye can see. The star gazing, milkyway view was spectacular. Soft, white fluffy towels and 1000++ count sheets for sleeping. Complete silence and night and ocean dreaming made this one of the best vacations of my life.. Thank you Ali for your hospitality. It was awesome. Activities abound and the best beaches in Hawaii are a short drive away. I will be back that is certain. Aloha! JordanWOW! the pictures do not do this home justice! The property is just stunning. miles of coast line as far as the eye can see. The star gazing, milkyway view was spectacular. Soft, white fluffy towels and 1000++ count sheets for sleeping. Complete silence and night and ocean dreaming made this one of the best vacations of my life.. Thank you Ali for your hospitality. It was awesome. Activities abound and the best beaches in Hawaii are a short drive away. I will be back that is certain. Aloha! Jordan

Owner response:Aloha Jordan! Twice the pleasure ; )

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Guest: tom swanson (NY, NY)
Date of Stay: 02/12/10 Review Submitted: 02/12/10

Stunning. Wow what a view and location. We felt like we could see the entire pacific from the lanai. Snow capped 13,000 foot mountains next to a turqoise blue sea. We absolutely loved your elegant home and can not wait to come back next year. Thank you for your hospitality. Your kitchen was better equipted out than ours at home. This has been a dream vacation. The Swanson's

Owner response:I know what a special holiday this was for you and your family! Can't wait to have you back next year. Aloha, Ali

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Guest: tina78 (los angeles)
Date of Stay: 01/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/30/10

I think this home might have the best views on the entire kohala coast. Wow. Unbelievable setting, beautiful furniture. Thank you for a vacation I will never forget.

Owner response:You are most welcome! We love the views too. I have been to all the islands and, as a Realtor, seen many, many views. In my humble opinion this property has the all round best views of any I have seen in encompassing breath and depth of view, ocean, coastline, mountains and lack of man made structures. Pure heaven!

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My favorite place on Big Island!

Guest: Christina (Palo Alto, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/09 Review Submitted: 07/30/11

I have stayed at Laughing Gecko many times over the years with my family and it honestly has become my favorite place on the Big Island. Perfectly located to beaches, but secluded enough for the utmost privacy. And WOAH what a view!!! The house and ohanas are beautiful and stylishly decorated - the owner really does have an eye for interior design. All the linens provided are quite luxurious. I really feel at home when I stay there - it beats out any 5 star hotel room in my opinion! All the amenities you could need are provided for beach going. Also, the house is located on a private cattle ranch that goes up the mountain side, so sometimes you see the calves grazing with their mothers below the property - so sweet! The neighborhood is great for morning walks to watch the sunrise (if you can get up that early!). I suppose there are too many things to list about how wonderful Laughing Gecko is. I hope to continue visiting with my family every year. Mahalo for all of the hospitality!

Owner response:So glad to know your last trip was as good as all the others! Right now the cows are heavy with calf and I expect we will have little babies very soon. I'm sure you'll see them on your next visit in a couple of weeks. Oh, and just for your touring van, we have built an enclosed and shaded parking area adjacent to the garage. Aloha, ali

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

Guest: Mr & Mrs Castleman
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

We could go on and on about the beautiful views and wonderful home. Simply put, our honeymoon has been amazing! Thank you for letting us stay in your home. Mahalo, the Castlemans.

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Guest: Cliff & Dee Lowe
Date of Stay: 06/02/09 Review Submitted: 06/01/09

Thank you again for "Lending" us your stunning home. We enjoyed ourselves so much!! We will always choose Laughing Gecko as our home in Hawaii as long as it is available.

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Guest: Ellen Driscol, Salem VA
Date of Stay: 05/29/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

We were a big group renting several different houses at the Ranch. Of all the homes we rented, Laughing Gecko Lodge is by far the nicest and the one everyone liked the best. We were all very comfortable here. The home is beautiful and very well equipped. There was never a time, when I needed something, that it wasn't there. The kitchen is wonderful. We loved our stay here. Thank you so much for making the accommodations you did to make our stay so pleasant.

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Guest: Craig Petersen
Date of Stay: 04/27/09 Review Submitted: 04/26/09

We arrived late at night and it was dark so we couldn't really see where we were. When we woke up in the morning and looked around we couldn't believe it. We really thought we'd hit the jackpot. The photographs on the website don't even come close to doing the home and the view justice. It's awesome and we are very happy.

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Guest: Gray & Sinclair
Date of Stay: 01/05/09 Review Submitted: 01/04/09

Thank you so much for giving our family the opportunity to stay in your lovely home. We very much enjoyed ourselves and we had a super vacation. With such a large group there is always something cooking and the kitchen was PERFECT! Lots of nice touches in this house. Plenty of towels & utensils. Very much appreciated. Mahalo. The Gray's & Sinclair's.

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Guest: Bill
Date of Stay: 11/30/08 Review Submitted: 12/03/10

We enjoyed staying at your home, and the house and pool were great. Love the view and the house! - look forward to booking sometime next year again!

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