Reviews for Captain Cook Vacation Rental - VRBO 211799 - 5 BR Kona Coast House in HI, Secluded Oceanview Home, Private Pool, 5 Acre Avocado Orchards

Kona Jewel

Guest Mary
Date of stay 04/26/13
Review Submitted 05/01/13

We loved our stay. We were a bit skeptical upon first arriving and driving through the neighborhood above Captain Cook and through the trees, but upon first sight of the house we were hooked. My son's grin was a mile wide when he saw the pool and the orchards. We shared the home with another family and all tolled we had 4 boys between 7 and 12. They were in heaven with the pool and we were in heaven with two master suites. The home is tastefully decorated, well appointed, high end appliances and sound systems, and in good repair. The views are dynamic and breathtaking. We had some famous mountain rain storms and it was magnificent to watch the clouds come in and rain drive down, replaced shortly by gorgeous sun shine. We were visiting over Easter, so we had an Easter Egg hunt in the avocado orchard, followed by Easter Brunch by the poolside. Fresh squeezed lemonade from the tree behind the house, and fresh eggs with avocados and tomato. So memorable! We had friends with children come visit who were staying at the Four Seasons and entertained poolside while the kids swam in the infinity pool. Our guests were jealous of the space, privacy and ambiance that even the Four Seasons couldn't equal. We would go back in a heartbeat and only wished we had more than a week. It is a bit of a trek to a sandy beach, but you don't visit the Big Island for sandy beaches. We hiked on the volcano, spent an evening with a bottle of nice wine watching the glow of the lava in the crater. Unforgettable. This property is a gem. The house binder with directions on appliances, stereo and recommendations for local restaurants and sightseeing was very helpful and insightful. We have no complaints and only accolades for this wonderful home.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

A Really Great Time!

Guest Gary
Date of stay 07/12/12
Review Submitted 08/07/12

If you are lookig to really enjoy Hawaii then this is the house to do it in! It is private, relaxing and imagine enjoying sunesets each night by the pool and each morning waking to an avairy setting. Jeni is great to work with and this setting does not disappoint!

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

Owner response: Gary, I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay! The sunsets and serene environment make it so relaxing. I, too, love the symphony of birds each morning as the sun rises over Mauna Loa! Blessings to you and your ohana!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Nice home but there were many issues

Guest stacey r.
Date of stay 06/08/12
Review Submitted 08/09/12

Overall this is a very nice property. Having said that I would not stay there again nor would I recommend it to any friends or family. First the good points. Pu'u Mahana is a beautiful home in the rural town of Captain Cook. The home was spacious decorated beautifully. Most of the living areas had built in speakers from the main stereo system. Outisde there is a lovely infinity pool with ample seating around it. There are 5 bedrooms in the property but 2 of them are only accessible by going outside. This worked well for us as it gave some of our party a bit of privacy but wouldn't work well if you have a large number of young kids. Now to the negatives. We stayed for 10 days in June (summer) and saw very little sun at the property. When we travelled down to the waters edge (beach) it was warm and sunny. The town of Captain Cooks is at approx. 1800ft elevation and the temperature is significantly cooler. Because of this it was too cold to sit outside in the evenings nor was it warm enough to swim in the beautiful pool. We spoke with several locals who indicated this was normal, so keep this in mind. Another plus is the awesome pizza place in Captain Cook (Pats Pies aka Paparoni's). The property had many issues. Each one was minor but when constantly being bombarded with them it became frustrating. We were constantly in touch with the owners dealing with some malfunction and while they were responsive, very few of the issues were fixed. Examples: 1. Electronics gates would not auto open and required us to scale the fence several times. 2. Spa was stuck in OFF and could not be used. (when the pool guy came to maintain the pool he did fix it for us, only to have it get stuck again a few days) 3. wifi was not correctly configured and could only be accessed in the kitchen 4. The temp in the fridge kept changing to high and we threw food out when it spoilt 5. ants in one of the beds 6. Trash was not collected during our 10 days and began to smell 7. At the end of our stay we realized the front door lock was not working and we had had no security during our stay As you can see, none of these are huge but combined they did not make for a pleasant stay. We found ourselves not wanting to spend much time in the home. To add insult to injury we did not get our deposit back until 6.5 weeks after our stay as opposed to the 21 days. With better maintenance and housekeeping this property could be a nice rental. Although there is still the weather to consider.

Owner response: With one of the nicest properties in the Kona area, we seldom hear negatives. We take every request very seriously from our guests and do the very best we can to insure everything is in working order. Unfortunately, things do break, bugs do exist in the tropics (particularly if any food, diapers or even toothpaste is left out), user error happens when it comes to WiFi and the automatic door lock system. We have the inside and outside sprayed for bugs 6 times per year, the pool is maintained each week, as are the grounds. The refrigerator is top of the line and less than a year old but the doors do need to be kept closed or it is over-worked and the temperature changes. Security deposits are returned in a timely manner although the mail is not always as dependable as one would hope. As far as the weather, well, Mother Nature is in charge of that one. The temperature almost never drops below 68 nor gets higher than 85. Its perfect up on the mountain! Often we do see clouds come in from the mountain top in the late afternoon but fortunately it is always sunny down at the beach just a short drive away. To all of our guests we hope for the best vacation possible and welcome compliments as well as complaints.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/7

Paradise, plus and minus

Guest F
Date of stay 02/02/12
Review Submitted 08/14/12

It's a slight but actually charming chore to get to the house via a narrow and winding gravel road. The house per se is accurately described and quite wonderful. The pictures and listing do not exaggerate re. appearance and amenities: we found it both clean and lovely. We did have one quite annoying problem with maintenance (a dishwasher that did NOT work the whole time we were there, requiring repair with parts presumably from another island or the mainland that did not arrive in time for us). Other problems were minor but the house could use some additional tender loving inspection and care (door handles, window shades and handles, etc.). We left a more detailed note for the owner who always was cordial and generally responsive, although sometimes a bit hard to reach. The unfenced pool was not a problem, but did require apt caution for the 2+ year old. On the whole staying there was a quite good experience. We also felt quite appreciative when when the owner sent us a small refund as a nice gesture because of the malfunctioning dishwasher. The provisions of the contract were such that she didn't need to do that but it was both thoughtful and certainly good business on her part. Of course the Big Island itself is very special with lots to see, do, and enjoy... To sum up: we 6 adults (plus a 2+ year old baby) would readily recommend this property to relatives and others.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: The one mile road to the house leaves the highway going through a residential area for about ½ mile. It then veers off into the more rural coffee district. It becomes one lane but is paved the entire way to the gated entry of the house. You will feel as if you are in a rain forest with beautiful flora and fauna (watch out for chickens) on every side. There are no streetlights so getting up there for the very first time at night is indeed an adventure! Be assured 4-wheel drive is not necessary to reach the house.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Family Vacation in October 2011

Guest R
Date of stay 10/10/11
Review Submitted 10/27/11

What a fantastic property! I grew up in HI and was thrilled to be able to spend a week with family there. Six adults + 2 children <5yo with more than enough room to roam about. Enjoyed the pool and walking through the garden. One nice thing about being at this elevation is that it is noticeably cooler than at sea level (e.g. beachfront hotel). I've forgotten how humid it can be, particularly in September/October and the cool trade winds were a nice reprieve. Definitely recommended.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

A Peaceful and Tranquil Retreat!

Guest Anne R.
Date of stay 06/11/11
Review Submitted 09/25/11

We stayed in this beautiful home from June 11 -18, 2011. It was a christmas gift to our grown children, and their significant others. There was a total of 10 adults there, and never once did we feel crowded, or out of space. The large and well equipped kitchen had everything we needed to take turns daily preparing a family meal, and coming together to share all our experiences on this beautiful island. It was not even necessary to leave the property to experience all the beauty and peacefulness of this island. The pool and hot tub were AMAZING!! The views were beautiful!! And the avocados growing everywhere on the property were THE BEST!! We did not want to leave. We would recommend this house to any size family! It was a week we will never forget! Thank-you for sharing it with us Jeni!!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

A week in Eden.

Guest Dave
Date of stay 03/20/11
Review Submitted 04/18/11

Our stay was like a dream. We'd rented a car to explore the island and, though we did somewhat, we never wanted to leave the compound. It was everything we'd expected and more.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Discovering Our Beautiful Villa, Swimming Pool & Fruit Trees in Paradise!

Guest Anya
Date of stay 02/15/11
Review Submitted 03/01/11

My family of 10 spent 10 wonderful days used this beautiful home as our base as we discovered paradise!!! Two grandchildren learned to swim in the kidney shaped pool! Our 10 year old taught our 9 year old cousin how to do standing dives. Our teen ager flirted with the local boys! Parents relaxed, collected avocados, fruits on the property, visited farmer's markets & cooked using the well equipped kitchen. We went to the beaches, restaurants and historical sites. And I, a 69 year old mother and grandmother, loved seeing/feeling our family enjoying being in paradise together!!!!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Welcome to Paradise!!!

Guest Mike
Date of stay 01/05/11
Review Submitted 01/30/11

We recently stayed at Puu Mahana and I would have to translate that as "A slice of PARADISE". This rental was everything we could have hoped for and more. I have stayed in alot of rentals in my life and this was far and away the most well kept and well supplied house we ever stayed in. The owner was very helpful and was willing to do anything in her power to make our stay a memorable one. My wife was not able to do alot healthwise so I wanted to find a place where we wouldn't have to go anywhere if she wasn't feeling up to it, this was that spot. Waking up to those beautiful views was absolutely incredible and we spent alot of time just soaking up the sun and pinching ourselves to make sure we weren't dreaming. We enjoyed all the fresh fruit and avocados on the grounds and several people in our group spent some time walking the grounds for a little exercise. We were able to tear ourselves away from paradise to go snorkeling, visit the black sand beach, swim with the dolphins, shop in Kona, and enjoy all the Big Island has to offer. Thanks again for sharing such a wonderful house and when we come back to hawaii I already know where we want to stay!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Paradise in Paradise

Guest Jeff
Date of stay 11/21/10
Review Submitted 12/07/10

Aloha Jeni. Thanks for opening up your home to us. It's was as beautiful and inviting as the island itself. When we weren't out taking in the sites of the Big Island, we felt as if we were on a vacation just sitting by the pool. The sunrises and sunsets were spactacular from the balcony each day. Thanks for the welcome basket and the fresh fruit which awaited us upon arrival. We all had a great time. Although there were 8 of us, the house was spacious enough that we didn't feel a bit crowded. Thanks again for helping make our vacation a memorable one. We all wish Texas and Louisana were as beautiful. Mahalo! Jeff, Anita, RL, Liz, Scott, Lisa, Luke, and Hannah.

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

Owner response: The sunsets are indeed beautiful with the house facing west and having a 180 degree of the Pacific ocean. So glad, you enjoyed your stay. Come visit us again sometime!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Best rest I've had in a long time!

Guest Sonicdawg
Date of stay 11/18/10
Review Submitted 02/01/11

This place is so great we rarely left the property! By day we slept in nicely decorated rooms, ate meals together prepared in a well stocked kitchen, and relaxed by the pool. By night we enjoyed dinner on the grill and played cards poolside as music from our ipods piped throughout the house. It was the most relaxing vacations I've ever had. Get a rental car as it's a drive to the beaches and downtown, but the house also has beach chairs and umbrellas that make those trips pleasant. I'm going back the next chance I get!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Far exceeded my expectations…and I expected a lot!

Guest D
Date of stay 11/10/10
Review Submitted 02/01/11

This house far exceeded my expectations…and I expected a lot! The property is beautiful and the house was in great shape. You can’t begin to imagine how great it is until you have stayed there. It was so fun to have access to some of the most incredible beaches in the world and then retire in the evenings to this property. It is a secluded and private residence where we had the freedom to laugh loudly in the evenings and relax quietly in the serenity of the morning. We had a full house of friends and never felt crammed. From the living room to the dining room, from the patio by the pool to the breakfast nook in the kitchen, everything at the house fostered a great sense of community. We loved watching the sun go down as we barbecued and moved from the pool to the hot tub and back to the pool. All of the doors that open out to the pool area create a feeling of continuity between the house and the property. There were boogie boards, beach chairs, snorkels, coolers, umbrellas, etc. provided for our trips to the beach. Everything we needed was onsite and everything we wanted was close enough (fresh fruit, beaches, restaurants etc). The owner is great to work with and went out of her way to make sure we enjoyed her home as much as she and her family enjoy it. This vacation was one of the hardest times I have ever had leaving. I am determined to find a way back and I highly recommend that you rent this house as well!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7

Great time!

Guest Disney 5
Date of stay 10/03/10
Review Submitted 10/30/10

Our stay at Pu'u Mahana was fantastic! We didn't want to leave. We loved cooking outside while watching the sunset. Gorgeous views, relaxing accomodations and Jeni is so great to work with. She made the entire process of renting, very easy. I would definitely return to this home.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Sensational House - sensational setting

Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 09/02/10
Review Submitted 01/28/11

We stayed at Pu'u Mahana in September of '10 for 2 glorious weeks. The house is big, comfortable, and appointed beautifully. It's up the slopes a bit - so the temps are cooler than down by the ocean (by maybe 10 degrees). This makes for evenings where you actually WANT to get in the spa. Captain Cook and environs usually has dazzling, sunny mornings, clouding up in the afternoon. The sunsets from the house were stunning. Loved the funky, down-home feeling of Captain Cook (not resort-y, more "real"). Grocery stores were close and we were able to find everything we needed to prepare fabulous meals in the wonderfully equipped kitchen. Jenny was a joy to work with - she'll be there for you if you need her. One heads-up: make sure you have a skype account set up. The house has great wireless internet, but cell service up there is spotty at best. If you need to stay in touch with the world via phone, Skype's the way to do it.

Owner response: Decorating our home was a pleasure! With the tropical feel, the lovely grounds and open spaces, we had fun bringing all the best Hawaii and the Pacific Rim have to offer. Being graphic designers didn't hurt either! We are often asked about not having A/C because in Kona the temperature can exceed 85 degrees. With the breeze in the morning coming from mauka (mountain) and in the evening coming from maki (ocean), we are a perfect 10 degrees cooler than town. We call it the 'coconut wireless'. Most cell services work most of the time BUT coconuts have a mind of their own! Remember, you are in Hawaii, we do have a phone with long distance and the most heavenly of locations!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Guest John and Tammy1
Date of stay 12/14/09
Review Submitted 12/14/09

When we arrived at Pu'u Mahana we truly felt like we were in paradise! The property is beautiful and the view is amazing. We enjoyed exploring the property with its many fruit trees and flowers. The inside of the house is just as wonderful. The house was well stocked with anything you could possibly need, including kitchen ware, bath and beach towels, first aid supplies, bath products, and boogie boards and snorkel gear. Thank you so much for sharing your home!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

wonderful experience

Guest jeff&theresa
Date of stay 10/16/09
Review Submitted 03/30/10

we very much enjoyed our stay,it was just what we were looking for,did not want to leave the property. eager to return,thank you.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Guest comment entered by owner

Guest Randolph K.
Date of stay 01/28/09
Review Submitted 01/27/09

Yes, we would like to visit again. Pu'u Mahana is a beautiful place. It has just the right mix of comfort and quietude we were seeking. It is also more of the real Hawaii. The two weeks of doing little passed quickly and many of our planned sightseeing and other activities did not get done. So, there is still much to do next time.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Secluded Oceanview Home, Private Pool, 5 Acre Avocado Orchards [#211799] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (17)

Kona Jewel

Kona Jewel

A Really Great Time!

A Really Great Time!

Nice home but there were many issues

Nice home but there were many issues

Paradise, plus and minus

Paradise, plus and minus

Family Vacation in October 2011

Family Vacation in October 2011

A Peaceful and Tranquil Retreat!

A Peaceful and Tranquil Retreat!

A week in Eden.

A week in Eden.

Discovering Our Beautiful Villa, Swimming Pool & Fruit Trees in Paradise!

Discovering Our Beautiful Villa, Swimming Pool & Fruit Trees in Paradise!

Welcome to Paradise!!!

Welcome to Paradise!!!

Paradise in Paradise

Paradise in Paradise

Best rest I've had in a long time!

Best rest I've had in a long time!

Far exceeded my expectations…and I expected a lot!

Far exceeded my expectations…and I expected a lot!

Great time!

Great time!

Sensational House - sensational setting

Sensational House - sensational setting

wonderful experience

wonderful experience