Vacation Rentals by Owner

Incredible!

Guest: Calum (Edmonds WA)
Date of Stay: 03/25/12 Review Submitted: 05/13/12

Our family of seven came here to celebrate a year of remission from cancer for our 10 year old grandson. We had very high expectations for Dan's beautiful property and they were all greatly exceeded. The place is gorgeous, serene, roomy and has every possible amenity. The views were magnificent, especially at the evening sunsets. This is truly a wonderful vacation spot. The property manager was extremely helpful and she made us feel very much at home. Thank you again Johanna. We would recommend this place unconditionally to anyone

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

WHAT A NICE CHANGE

Guest: Mary (Bangor, Maine)
Date of Stay: 09/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/01/11

We are from Bangor Maine and love it there ! But what a wonderful change ! This is such an awesome place. And this house here has everthing. The views are killer and house itself was like a 2nd home after just a few hours here. My adult " kids " loved the volleyball court and the great pool. The serenity of the area in general and this property is unbelievable ! Definitely a place we will come back to. Thank you Dan for letting us share your home !

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

FANTASTIC, INCREDIBLE PLACE

Guest: Paula (Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 09/18/11

My husband and I spent a glorious week here. Mornings were filled with the songs of so many different birds and bright clear skies over a blue Pacific ocean just steps away. This house had plenty of room for us and our four good friends who came with us. Everything about this place was comfortable, from the great meals shared together on the huge lanai, to the bedrooms, each with their own bath and super big beds. Lots and lots of room inside and out. And clean as whistle. The grounds were lush and meticulously groomed. We all just loved this place.

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

Fabulous Vacation

Guest: Jeanne (Central Oregon)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 08/18/11

Our 6 family members, including 2 teenagers, had a fantastic time. The house lived up to its description. Bedrooms were large and beds comfortable. Bath towels were lush and beach towels plentiful. Pool table got continuous use and the pool and hot tub were a joy at day's end after excursions. Kitchen was well-stocked, including some of the basics - seasonings, oil & vinegar - that one doesn't often find. House is very convenient to City of Refuge and 2-Step snorkeling (which was best on the island). Also convenient to go to Volcano National Park and north to Kona and the harbor where many of the cruises leave from. Dan, the owner, was very easy to work with and responsive to our calls. Definitely recommend this house for a great stay on the Big Island.

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

Incredibly Beautiful Home

Guest: Jaycil (Davao, Philippines)
Date of Stay: 06/30/11 Review Submitted: 07/15/11

Just driving up to the house, we knew had picked a great vacation place. The grounds and lawns were lush and green throughout. Our time there went by way to fast. My family loved swimming in the clear blue Pacific Ocean which was 80 +degrees. And everyboby enjoyed the pupus on the lanai, while looking out to the best ocean views ever. This was our first 4th of July in America and we loved every minute.

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

Absolutely beautiful home!

Guest: Diane (Evansville, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/18/11

This was our first trip to Hawaii. Wow! We took our 4 adult children, 2 month old granddaughter as well as my mother. This house was perfect for us. The house was immaculate and luxurious. The view is unbelievably beautiful. We would come back to this place in a heartbeat. I do feel that future renters should know that getting to town from here requires about a 30 drive on some very hilly and curvy roads! But, we were very happy to stay put as there was lots to do at this house! I would definitely recommend this property to anyone!

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

Geart Pleace

Guest: Candi (Cheyenne, Wyoming)
Date of Stay: 06/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/02/11

I and my family , there was eight of us, had such a great time here. I love to cook and this kitchen is better than my own. With the TV close by to watch my morning shows. The kids loved the pool and the ocean was a clouse second. We played games in the huge lawn and even tried the volleyball court. We all selpt like babies and would wake up to this fantastic place and start another day of the same. Just can not say enough goods things about our stay in this place!!

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

Our vacation in Paradise

Guest: Bob (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/01/11

Just wonderful!! One of our all time best vacations ever ! The pictures don't do this house justice. We loved the views and the beauty of nature this home is surrounded in. Up early to 2STEPS for the best snorkeling ever and back again for relaxing by the pool. Nights so quiet, you only hear the surf, and early morning brings the songs of so many birds. Enjoyed every minute here at this house and the great places the Big Island has to offer. Volcanos National Park is especially awe inspiring. Aloha Dan

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

Heavenly

Guest: Rhea (Kansas City, Kansas)
Date of Stay: 05/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/05/11

Fell in love with this place. So relaxing and views to die for. Our favorite vacation spot of all time. Thanks Dan for sharing your house with us.

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

Jason & Kat Kingman, AZ

Guest: Kat (Kingman,AZ)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/26/11

Wow, I have always stayed at another location when visiting the Big Island. Never again, I have found my vacation home! The ocean veiws, the serenity, the evenings by the pool, it is what you dream about when you think of Hawaii. The home is fantastic, it has everthing you need and more. We can't wait to return!

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

Beautiful Place

Guest: Paul & Jane Egan (Denver, Co.)
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 06/20/11

From the day we arrive the fantastic ocean veiws and outstanding sunsets made this our dream vacation home. The beds were so comfortable as were the the livingroom and family room. It was nice having a pool table with an ocean & pool view. Kealakekua Bay was like our daily stop for a swim in crystal clear water. Hounaunau (two steps) is the best snorkeling on the Island and only a short 5 minute drive away. Evening meals with wonderful sunsets and our family (3 generations) sharing this time was the best.

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

Return to Paradise

Guest: Johanna (Big island and Arizona)
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

This is my extended family's second stay to this fantastic property. Waking up to incredible ocean views, birds singing and a wonderful warming sun. Breakfast on the lanai while watching the activities of Keaalakekua Bay. Then we were off to Honaunau State Park (2 miles away) for some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island. This also is the place we had our dolphin encounter last year and there always seems to be turtles basking in the sun. Back to the house for a late lunch, drinks and laying by the pool. The good life indeed. This spacious house in my opinion has it all; killer views, great rec room with pool table and sounds, beautiful swimming pool, wonderful kitchen for cooking and more than the comforts of home. We also spent a full day at Volcanoes National Park which is unbelievable; like watching the beginning of the world. Shopping in Hilo with it's old time charm was also a treat. Having this vacation home to come back to during our stay just makes me anxious to plan another vacation soon.

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

Beautiful Estate

Guest: RJ (Ca.)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

We were lucky to stay at this beautiful compound. As was scheduled to stay elsewhere but due to a conflict of dates we were very happy to be given this as a wonderful alternative. It is close enough to walk to the beach at Napoopoo & all beach things were on hand for our use. The pool & spa were a nice thing to come home to after a hard day of touring the island sites. The kitchen has every possible tool needed to enjoy a wonderful dinner of local fish & fruits.Having a pool table was another addition to make the time a fun & relaxing vacation. Dan took the time to show us how to use everything when we arrived & it is those personal touches that make this the ideal place to come back to. Thank Dan for sharing your home with us!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Perfect Vacation Home

Guest: gizelle (Los Angeles, Ca)
Date of Stay: 04/12/11 Review Submitted: 06/23/11

It's like a private resort.The place is immaculate and beautiful. The high ceilings in the great room make the place feel more tropical and the furniture carries the tropical motif. The whole house has everything: appliance and toy wise to make for a pleasurable and fun filled vacation. The views...All kinds of.Birds gather at the edge of the infinity pool.One of the best views of the bay and it changes thru out the day. Sunsets! It's Hawaii and you could be enjoying it by the pool with drinks and a super home in a wonderful place. The owner takes great care of his place and it shows in all the details. I'm coming back. Thanks Dan

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

Paradise? Kinda

Guest: Dave (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/26/11

The owner was on the property when we left. We got used to seeing him throughout our stay as he would drop by to get his mail and meet with his gardener. He was very happy with the condition of the property and even asked my son to write a review. I’m not sure if I should write a review because when we complained about him holding back $100.00 of our deposit, which included $28.00 for gas to get glue and $6.00 for postage, he threatened us with a lawsuit if we wrote a negative review. I’m sure he will reply by saying we left it in a terrible mess, but if we did, why would he ask us to write a review? By the way, we have traveled extensively and this is our first damage deposit that has not been 100% refunded.

Owner response:When a guest is checking out, I always try to be there so I can get direct comments from the departing guests. These guests above were extremely happy and very complimenary about their stay. Of course I then ask them to please write a 'Guest Review'. After these guests have left, my cleaning crew of three, headed by my manager of 3yrs started their usual complete inventory and cleaning process. Some small damages had occur and there was lost equipment given to the guests during they stay here. I call my guests and told them about these missing and damaged items and I could repair some things and those not repairable by me would have to be replaced. My time and the relaced lost items would be around $100. They requested receipts which I always provide anyway and that the balance of their deposit be sent certified mail which they would pay for. I cannot beleive they now venting their anger with me because they had to pay for damages and lost items they are responsible for during their stay here and I quote them, "this wonderful vacation spot". All I can say to people like this is " MAN UP" and take responsability for your actions.

Recommended for:

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

Guest: Curly (Canon City,)
Date of Stay: 03/15/11 Review Submitted: 04/19/11

We had a wonderful time in this beautiful home. The veiw from the patio was incredible. We enjoyed the wonderful birds and the dolphins out in the bay. It was so relaxing to sit on the patio and enjoy the great scenery, along with the pool and hot tub. I would highly recommend this place to everyone.

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

Kathleen

Guest: Kat (Kingman,AZ)
Date of Stay: 02/23/11 Review Submitted: 04/02/11

What a great vacation getaway! We saw dolphins, whales and the property was absolutely beautiful. It was everything we wanted it to be and more!

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

Pat

Guest: pat (charleston, SC)
Date of Stay: 02/22/11 Review Submitted: 05/14/11

One of the best stays we have ever had. Spectacular location and views. House is extremely well appointed (VERY comfortable beds), dream kitchen, gorgeous grounds, lanai and pool. The pictures do not do this house justice.

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

Trouble

Guest: Troubled (Northeast)
Date of Stay: 02/12/11 Review Submitted: 04/14/11

This was a big disappointment! The property is advertised as "private" and it is not. When the first party of our group arrived there were guests from the adjacent guest house in the hot tub. They were nice people but we weren't expecting guests during our evening dinners or afternoons by the pool. You'll need to rent both properties if you want "private". We were asked to remove our towels from the limited number of lounge chairs when we weren't using them so that the other guests would feel welcomed. There are no screens on the doors (and some of the windows) which is nice for the view but not so nice if you aren't fond of insects joining you during the evening. There is bug spray under the kitchen sink. You may want to bring a net with you. We had the same experience as one other guest. The owner was there constantly and did make you feel like you were imposing on his time at the house. The floors are nice but they are susceptible to scratches and the owner kept $500 of our deposit saying we were the cause of significant damage. We noticed the scratches when we arrived but did not take any pictures. We asked for pictures of the alleged damage but did not receive anything and since we aren't likely to return to Hawaii for $500 we are stuck! There are also lots of scratches below the window cranks. The cranks aren't properly sized. If you go, take lots of pictures before you leave so you can prove you didn't cause any damage. If you aren't prepared to go back to Hawaii the money is lost. The house was nice but it wasn't worth the aggravation.

Owner response:I have had over 60 guests stay at this home in the 2 yrs. on VRBO. Only the 2 guests who have done serious damage to my home and consequently loss a potion or all of their damages deposits have submitted negitive reviews. This guest stayed at my house where one of her friends, had their two young boys in one bedroom by themselves. These boys being boys badly damaged the beautiful wood floors while rough-housing on the bed and also the wood window blinds were damaged too. No damage anywhere in the house. When leaving my house after her stay, everything was WONDERFUL.!!! But now, because her damaged deposit was then used to make repairs, she has used this format to vent.

Recommended for:

You have to take the good with the not-so-good

Guest: Donna T. (Eagle River, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 02/02/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

We stayed in this house in February 2011 and we thought it was almost-paradise. Very clean, it has everything you could want, and the views are incredible. The location is a little out-of-the-way, it's not a quick trip to the store or anything, but if you plan for that it is a very comfortable place to relax and enjoy Hawaii. We loved the pool, hot tub, pool table, volleyball court, etc etc etc. It was a fabulous vacation we will all remember fondly. All that being said, the owner (although a nice guy) was around the property enough for us to begin to feel we were being "checked up on". We've rented many high-end homes before and have never felt this way. There are a lot of rules regarding the pool and hot tub. It would be helpful it it were more clear in the property description that the pool and hot tub are shared with the guest house. It was never a problem for us, but I could see where conflict or awkwardness could be a factor. If these things would bother you, look for another place. But if you want an amazing house in an amazing place to relax and enjoy yourselves, this is a great spot.

Owner response:When guests arrive here at my Hawaiian Vacation home, I inform all guests that the Hot tub is run on propane which here in Hawaii is at the highest per/gal cost in the nation and please shut it off when finished. During this guest's stay, my cleaning crew found the Hot tub running with no one in it or even around anywhere!! After I was called and came to the house, I found the Hot tub had been running unused for over 4 hrs. The only rule for use of this Hot tub is SHUT IT OFF WHEN FINISHED. This guest wasted more than $200 of propane while they went elsewhere. I explainto all guests at the outset, any abused of the Hot tub is paid by the guest. I took only $75 from their damage deposit for this blaten abuse and ate the balance myself. ( These same guest lost a full size beach cooler, broke 4 wine glasses and damaged or lost 3 house towels supplied for their use. I nformed them of these losses but made no deduction from their damage deposit.) I am now three for three on guests who lost part of their damage deposit for the damages they incurred and then complain here as if something else is to blame.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers.

Desiri

Guest: Desiri (Golden NM)
Date of Stay: 01/20/11 Review Submitted: 03/30/11

My family stayed in this beautiful home for a week. We were fortunate enough to see whales spouting in the Bay from the deck. The house is clean and well kept and has all the right amenities... A very relaxing place to be. Will definitely go back in the future.

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

Great house, but.....

Guest: Mark (Los Angeles, Ca.)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

This is a beautiful home with a spectacular view. Would have rated this higher, except for the issues we had dealing with the owner. We found his daily, unannounced visits to the property to be intrusive and his list of rules to be oppressive. If your experience is like ours, you will be watched constantly and treated less like a customer and more like a nuisance. I have rented 5 or 6 vacation homes over the years and never had this kind of problem. We will never, ever return to this place.

Owner response:This guest showed up at my rental home with additional guest without any notice to me, the owner, when he was previously given a very special low rate. I was on the mainland attending a funeral at time when my manager notified me, and I emailed the guest that there would now be an additional charge. I arrived back on island for just the last 3 days of this guest's 10 day stay. And when I arrived, I found to my dismay that these guests were smoking in my house. This is a NON -SMOKING vacation home. Then after this guest checked out my cleaning crew found broken, losted or damaged things through-out the house, which resulted in an almost complete loss of their damage deposit. ( They were given an itemed bill ) Because of these subsequent charges, the guest and I are not on very friendly terms.

Recommended for:

Cathy

Guest: Cobie (PA)
Date of Stay: 06/21/10 Review Submitted: 07/01/10

Very Beautiful house and view. Nicest house there. Very Clean & Well maintained. Beautiful view of bay & Mountains and ocean. Just gorgeous. You won't be sorry. Everything in house is well built. Kitchen great, beds so comfortable. Close to Captain cook monument and l5 minutes from Kailua-kona.

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

Fabulous!

Guest: Steve (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/19/04 Review Submitted: 03/30/11

What a beautiful house!! Well worth the rates for everything. We were very comfortable and had a great time! We would definitley recommend this place to our friends and family. Steve and Judy from San Jose

Owner response:Guest stayed at the house in June 2010 Their year was a typo

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