Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perfect HOME-Base for adventures!

Guest: Kupp (Portland, Oregon )
Date of Stay: 02/12/12 Review Submitted: 02/27/12

We had an awesome trip, because we decided to have the apartment in Na'alehu as our home base. It went perfectly. We were able to have day trips to the Volcano and Puna, as well as south and north Kona, then come back to make dinner in the full kitchen. It was so convenient! The next door neighbors were totally gracious and the guys who live on the property we sweet and helpful, too! We had a hike on the property which is huge and had the cutest canine escorts with us the whole time. This is a great place to stay for anyone who wants to go out exploring during the day and come back to chill out at "home" during the night. There's an awesome bakery nearby and black sand beach full of turtles just up the road! We loved it! Thanks guys!!! Kirsten and Erin

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Comfortable stay away from the resorts

Guest: BethInMaine (Maine)
Date of Stay: 02/06/12 Review Submitted: 02/10/12

We stayed here for 3 nights while traveling around the island. It's a perfect location for exploring the South Point area. We drove down the South Point road and hiked out to Green Sands Beach. The spectacular view as you approach the cliffs made it worth the dusty 1 hr. hike, but we did hitch a very bumpy ride back on a pickup. (The going rate is $15 a person, round trip if you're not up for the hike.) The kitchen was well-equipped (no oven, but there is a range top and a toaster oven and microwave, and full-size fridge). Mahalo to Sean for his help and hospitality.

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

Absolutely Perfect!

Guest: davidsonville (Prince Frederick, Maryland, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 08/25/11

We've been coming to this part of the Big Island for 7 years and by far, this is the most serene and delightful place to stay. You cannot beat the view or the light breeze that flows through this part of the island. The accommodations were as described if not better; clean, comfortable and all in working order. Al is as described in other reviews, simply great, well spoken and delightful. We would definitely recommend this to anyone.

Owner response:Hope to see you again

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Big Island Cycling Adventure

Guest: Mike (Bragg Creek, ALberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/15/11

I thoroughly enjoyed my 1 month stay in the guesthouse. The apartment was very well maintained and decorated and provided me with all the convenience and comforts of home.The view from the lanai is gorgeous. The guesthouse proved to be a perfect home base for exploring the Big Island on day trips by bus and bicycle. Sean and Al were very good hosts and very considerate of my vacation needs. The property is an ideal location for a retreat or getaway within walking distance to the village of Na'alehu (3 miles exactly) yet within easy travelling distance by car or bus to Kailua-Kona and Hilo. A wonderful vacation experience! Mahalo.

Owner response:Thanks for the heartfelt & honest review Mike! Glad we were able to help make your stay here on the Big Island an enjoyable one. Come back to see us anytime, Mahalo!

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

Great place to stay!

Guest: kristen (Denver)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/26/11

This is a great place to stay and so convenient to both Kona and Hilo areas. Hiking out in Volcano National Park - down by South Point and to some of the area beaches is also something not to be missed. The rental has absolutely everything that you could want or need (and the kitchen is absolutely the most organized kitchen I've ever seen in a rental)! It is awesome to be able to awaken to the sounds of bird, have coffee or tea on the deck and look out over the ocean. The property is lovely and peaceful and outside the bounds of normal touristy places to stay!

Owner response:Thanks for your kind review, your check is in the mail. Aloha, Al

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

Choose this one - you'll be happy you did!!!

Guest: bug lady (Kalamazoo, MI)
Date of Stay: 05/23/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

I travel to the Big Island a couple of times a year and this is my favorite place to stay!!! Al and staff are warm and accommodating, the house is beautiful, the beds are particularly comfortable, the grounds are lovely, and the view is spectacular! I love waking up to the sunrise over the ocean - a perfect view from the balcony. It's quiet and peaceful but also a good location for destinations ranging from Volcano National park to South Point to south Kona.

Owner response:thanks, idelle, see you next time! Aloha, Al

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

Great place to see the Big Island

Guest: Rob & Robert (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/03/11 Review Submitted: 03/22/11

My partner and I have stayed here last year in February and retured this March and enjoyed our visit. Excellent place to stay to see Kona and Hilo.

Owner response:Thank guys. Congrats on your new home purchase. Aloha, Al

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, pet owners.

It doesn't get any better than this!

Guest: Terry (Palmer, AK)
Date of Stay: 01/16/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

We have been coming to the Big Island for over twenty years and have never enjoyed a location more than the Na alehu area and the hospitality given by the owner of this property. Perfect for golfers honeymooners or just for a vacation. Comes with Callaway, Titlest and Mizuno clubs if you want to leave yours at home. Hot tub,pool table,lots of great amentities. You will not be disappointed.

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

Southern Island Serenity

Guest: Jon, Beth and Rachel (the singing mute) (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 01/13/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

If you are looking to avoid the "touristy" trap, get away from overpriced and frenzied environments and find what the true Hawaii spirit holds, this is the place for you! Al (owner), Alan and Sandy are nothing short of fabulous. From their relaxed and helpful demeanor to the properties majestic placement, you will be thrilled to stay here. Al is the South Islands golf guru (hooked me up with the local boys to play) and music is his passion. The on site amentities (hot tub, pool table, music studio, chipping greens) and friendship could keep you busy your entire stay but be sure to take in the magesty of the Black Sand Beaches (Alan knows where the turtles are) and Volcano National Parks wonder. This is a must-stay opportunity in a can't miss area of the Big Island. Mahalo Al for all you do. Keep up the stellar work!!!

Owner response:Your daughter's fantastic singing talent, especially her rendition of happy birthday, just kidding, was my highlight of your stay. Also, either you or Bob left your foot wedge in my bag by mistake. Thanks, for your comments, the check is in the mail. Al

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

Great Fun in Rural South Big Island

Guest: Russ & Anne (Santa Cruz, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/13/11 Review Submitted: 01/30/11

My Wife and I found the hospitality and accomodations to be everything that we had hoped for. The people you are around make all the difference. Sincerely, Russ & Anne, Thanks for everything!

Owner response:Thanks, hope to see you again.

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

Amazing place, caretakers were lovely, beautiful house

Guest: C.elysse (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 12/19/10 Review Submitted: 01/17/11

Al's house and land were absolutely gorgeous, and Mustafa and Jasmine were tremendously helpful and accomodating caretakers. They were always available to give advice on places to go and things to do, and did a wonderful job setting up the rooms for us. The grounds were lovely, with plenty of places to explore and lots of tiny gardens- there were plenty of tomatos and mac nuts to go around! This was a great experience!

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

Wonderful location, facility, view!

Guest: MDAdams (Georgetown, TX USA)
Date of Stay: 12/19/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

First, I want to say that Al, friends and staff were all very friendly, helpful & accomodating. We used both apartments, and both were delightful and with an outstanding view from the balcony. The location on the island is great. I love the area, and it is close to Southpoint, and about equidistant from the Kona & Hilo areas. I highly recommend this property for it's location, friendly management, beautiful view & grounds, and very comfortable amenities. Thanks, Al! And best of luck to you.

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

Absolutely Fantastic!!!

Guest: Zip Chick (Minnetonka, MN USA)
Date of Stay: 11/26/10 Review Submitted: 12/17/10

My husband and I stayed over Thanksgiving holiday week and was exceptionally pleased with the accomodations and our experiences while we were here. The accommodations exceeded my expectations. We slept like a baby in the ultra-quality bed. Everything about this place was wonderful. Kona and Hana greeted us with wagging tails and licks. Jasmine and Mustafa were there to give us a warm greeting and supplied limes and a large basket of macadamia nuts for us to eat. We enjoyed our time with Jasmine and Mustafa. They are a very fun couple. Al was gone for the holiday so we didn't meet him until after our stay but he is a really fun guy. This is a great place to stay for visiting the southern and eastern side of the island. Only about an hour from Volcano Nat'l Park and two hours from Hilo and the Puna area. And, it is a nice drive! The property is beautiful and a great p[lace to relax after a day of fun in Hawaii. We are going back and bringing our adult children with us and will rent this great place again. I highly recommend this place..

Owner response:Thanks I wish I could have been here.

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

A week with a view

Guest: Itinerant Travellers (Nelson, BC)
Date of Stay: 11/13/10 Review Submitted: 11/21/10

Spent 8 nights in November. The view is magnificent. Cozy retreat for two people and as the listing says, "Convenient Home Base" to explore southern Big Island. Facilities were clean and tidy and well appointed with new exotic wood furniture. We will recommend this vacation rental to our friends.

Owner response:Thanks guys, hope to see you soon. Al

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

Perfect Tropical Home Away from Home

Guest: Mark and Sue (Grand Junction, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 11/02/10 Review Submitted: 11/21/10

We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Al's rental duplex. Filled with amenities, exceptionally clean and comfortable. Al and his property caretaker made us feel right at home and provided plentiful information and hospitality. The views are sweeping from the expansive front deck, highlighting sunrises on the ocean. Wow! Fruit and Mac Nuts ripe for picking in the yard! And we loved the company of Kona and Hana, Al's very friendly dogs. Absolutely recommend this location for couples or two persons traveling together. Easy access to highway, South Point and Naalehu.

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

Excellent Stay at Naahelu Condo

Guest: sam (Dover, NH)
Date of Stay: 08/09/10 Review Submitted: 08/15/10

Fully hooked up condo a view of the ocean and a great interior. Al is an excellent host who lives in a seperate house nearby who is a wealth of information about the island and can point you in the right direction; better than any guide book. Its about 15 minutes away from the black sands beach and about 30 minutes away from Volcano National Park. I would highly recommend this spot as an alternative from the busy hotels of Hilo and Kona.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/23/10 Review Submitted: 02/23/10

My cousin and I stayed here over the holidays and enjoyed our stay very much. Al's place is clean, up-to-date, and very comfortable. The sunrise over the ocean from the lanai cannot be beat. I would recommend staying here if you are interested in exploring the beautiful southern part of the big island....including Greensands beach! This is a great place for those looking for peace and natural surroundings away from the heavily populated tourist towns. Mahalo Al....hope to come stay again!

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Guest: Kim and Toni (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/23/09 Review Submitted: 07/23/09

Thanks Al for your great hospitality. Your accommodations made for a wonderful home base as we explored the Big Island. It was a thrill to be able to experience both the local and tourist side of the Island. Waking up in the quiet country was very peaceful and relaxing. We especially enjoyed watching the stars at night while sitting on the deck. Mahola and Aloha!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/13/09 Review Submitted: 04/13/09

My fiance and I stayed here at the beginning of March. It was a great home base to explore the South part of the Big Island. Al's place is located at the mid point between Kona and the Hawaii National Park. The accomodations were peaceful, clean and perfect for us. Al invited us down for coffee in the mornings and was very friendly and helpful in making local recommendations. Make sure you visit the green sand beach, go cliff jumping at South Point and make a trek out to the Hawaii National Park on a sunny day. Mahalo Al.

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Guest: Al Barre
Date of Stay: 03/12/09 Review Submitted: 03/11/09

I have stayed here a lot, I live in the main house below. It is my dream home on 13 acres of gentle sloping land to the sea, with great ocean and mountain views. I am partial to golfers and musicians or music lovers. We have a full music studio, and a piano bar lounge and intenet office up stairs. Avacados, limes, bananas, and macademia nuts are plentiful most of the year. A three hole golf chipping course is also on the property. Hope to see you soon. Al

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