Vacation Rentals by Owner

Photographers Heaven!

Guest: Joe & Linette, Saskatchewan, Canada,
Date of Stay: 04/29/12 Review Submitted: 05/04/12

Your condo is a spectacular and superior accomodation! Everyone here was so friendly, even the gardeners! were so friendly and always eager to help us enjoy our stay in every way! We drove all around the island three times enjoying seeing all the painted churches, parks, waterfalls, Japanese Gardens in Hilo, Coconut Island in Hilo, Waimea and all of the North country. Hawi has the most beautiful rolling hills of long grass that wave in the wind! We enjoyed the cattle country alot, and seeing all the cows and horses for miles! What a hike down the cliff at the end of the highway at Hawi: beautiful cliffs & meadows at the bottom. As we drove around the island it seemed the landscape changed dramatically every 20 minutes or so to something totally different! I loved photographing everything here!

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Family Site with Charm

Guest: Ginny (Evergreen, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 03/24/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

We wanted to stay close to the Park to see the volcano at night. The drive was safe and easy. In the morning we walked to the Black Sands Beach to see any resting turtles and such a treat it was. My husband and I took our 2 grandchildren so we wanted a quiet, clean, friendly place. This was it. The one disconnect was that children under 12 were not allowed into the hot tub and we found this to be an excessive rule for kids over 6 years. Would recommend this property. The owner is over the top friendly and helpful.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.

We enjoyed reading and resting on the lanai!

Guest: Dennis & Margene, Illinois
Date of Stay: 03/06/12 Review Submitted: 03/08/12

We loved every minute in this beautiful condo and all the extra touches you have done to make it so welcoming! We particularly enjoyed eating, reading and resting on the lanai, which is so peaceful! We will be happy to tell all of our friends about this special place if they ever plan a trip to Hawaii!

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Wonderful vacation

Guest: Margene and Dennis (Dwight, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/01/12 Review Submitted: 03/12/12

I would highly recommend this property. The owners made us feel so welcomed and went above and beyond all expectations. It is easy to travel to many of the attractions offered on the island. The complex offers a nice pool, hot tub, and grills for use. We felt like we were coming home when we returned from the days activities. We are very grateful for the hospitality shown. Thank you.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

what a wonderful ten days!

Guest: Allen & Mary, Colorado
Date of Stay: 03/01/12 Review Submitted: 03/08/12

What a wonderful ten days! Some rain but lots of sun as well. Volcanoes National Park is a must see, and breakfast or lunch at the Lave Rock Cafe in Volcano Village is excellent! The condo was great and so comfy to. come home to each day. The coffee maker needs replacement! NOTE: we checked, and sure enough! it was plugged to the max with grinds, so a new coffee maker went in, immediately! Barb, Owner

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Hard to leave when you're so at peace!

Guest: Stan & Susie, Shelton, Washington
Date of Stay: 02/19/12 Review Submitted: 03/08/12

We had a nice, relaxing stay for four days, with no stress! We had planned to get started early each day, but it was hard to get moving when you're so at peace. The condo has so much charm and feels like home, and who wants to leave home to drive to Hilo where it's raining?!? Not me!

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Turtle Hut

Guest: Suz (Shelton, WA)
Date of Stay: 02/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/05/12

Comfortable stay with all the amenities and excellent location to explore Volcanoes NP and Hilo. Need better lighting in the living room.

Owner response:Aloha Susan, and your wish is always our command! Within hours of reading about your concern, we replaced the rattan lampshades and low wattage bulbs with white, more translucent shades and higher wattage bulbs! Unfortunately, we've never been advised of this concern before, but we think you were correct about inadequate light for reading. Thanks so much for bringing this to our attention! I only wish you had called Liz early on during your stay, so that we could have addressed this issue immediately for you! I'm happy to hear that you did enjoy your stay and your travels!, other than this one concern. Mahalos and always with aloha, Barb

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

Nice, Quiet, Relaxing Stay!

Guest: DuneGuy (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/01/12

The condo is in excellent condition and fully updated. There is a slight ocean view from the Living room. This complex has excellent access to the black sand beach. The complex is located next to a golf course. I don't golf, so don't know if course is any good. The pool area is nice and has a great ocean view. This condo is about 20 minutes from the Volcano and about 1.3 hour drive to Kona and about the same to Hilo. The nearest restaurant is about a 15 minute drive. It's VERY quiet there at night and kinda remote.

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

Relaxing

Guest: Will (Alaska)
Date of Stay: 12/19/11 Review Submitted: 12/28/11

Thanks Barb for the stay. Everything was perfect. Enjoyed the peace and quiet. The beach was great with the turtles and very few people. Just wish we would have had a few more days, next time. Liz did a outstanding job. thank you again for sharing your wouderful place with us. Really enjoyed the fruits and gifts. Willie & Kristine Alaska

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.

Wonderfully located & beautifully equipped!

Guest: Mike & Kate, Albany, New York
Date of Stay: 12/11/11 Review Submitted: 03/08/12

Thanks so much for sharing your wonderfully located and beautifully equipped home! This place has everything we had hoped for and more!

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Wonderful!

Guest: Louise (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 10/27/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

Barb, Thank you so much for the use of Turtle Hut! Very relaxing short break; so quiet! Our 6 year old LOVED seeing the turtles every morning on the black sand beach. We did a lot in the short time we had (Volcano National Park, Kona Coast, Hilo) so it was so nice to come back to a fully-equipped home after a long day rather than go back to a hotel room. Condo was so clean and had everything you could wish for. Liz did a great job and gave us some helpful information for the island! Highly recommended! Mahalo!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.

Love it, love it / Relaxing place / Great time.

Guest: Gigirl33 (Valrico, FL )
Date of Stay: 10/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

This was our first time staying in a condo rental. After staying here, it will not be our last. The owner was very informative and wanted us to have a good time. She gave us tips on where to shop, points of interest and restaurants. She answered every question I had and I had a lot of them. As soon as we opened the door to our rental we were pleased. There was a very comfortable, warm and homey feel to the condo. It was clean and decorated very nice. Everything was there, flashlights, pool toys, beach towels, cable tv and WiFi. I loved the big slide glass doors that opened up to the balcony. It allowed for the light and cool breeze flow inside. The Black Sand Beach was walking distance. Volcanoes National Park and The Green Sand beach were within a 30 min drive. After a full day of excursions, returning to the condo was like going home to relax. We loved our time here and communication with the owner was like talking to a friend. If we are ever blessed to return to the Big Island, this is where we want to stay.

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

The comforts of home!

Guest: Gabe (Oahu)
Date of Stay: 10/03/11 Review Submitted: 10/09/11

Our stay at Turtle Hut III was a wonderful experience. The unit is very clean. It is located where you can feel the trades from the mountain passing right through it. It had all the amenities you possible need. Washer and dryer in the unit and laundry detergent. I have stayed in different units at that resort and none can compare to this unit in particular. Everything worked well. There was also an arts and craft activity bag that my 8 years old twins took to. The swimming pool and spa was well maintained. There are grills in the pool area for our use as well. I will be revisiting this area in the future and I hope this condo will be once again available to my family.

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

Love Colony One, turtles, black sand beach, pool

Guest: Phil, Karen, Natalee & TJ, Washington state
Date of Stay: 08/13/11 Review Submitted: 09/19/11

We have stayed at Colony One many times - we love it here. This trip we brought our 2 grandkids, ages 9 & 6. They loved the pool and the black sand beach, especially the turtles! Not alot of travel this time since both kids do not like car travel - rather be in the pool. As always, this is the most quiet, relaxing, real place in Hawaii. Thanks so much for the beartiful condo - it was perfect. I especially appreciated the supplies - so nice to have everything you need and enough TP, paper towels, garbage bags, etc. to last the entire stay - seems like a small thing but really helps, especially with the remoteness of Kau. Hated to leave, but we will be back. Thanks, Barb, for your wonderful hospitalitay and thanks Liz for all of you help.

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Guest: Doc from Nevada
Date of Stay: 07/20/11 Review Submitted: 08/11/11

(Comments from a six month guest, Jan. 2011 - July 2011)Where to start describing how wonderful this condo home has been for me? and how difficult it is to leave? Only the knowledge that I am moving into my own new house helps lessen the sadness I feel. Barb, you furnish this place with every human comfort in mind, way beyond what I usually find in my travels around the world! Even a big plasma TV! And the location of the resort is just perfect for a newcomer like me, or of course, visitors too! So much to do and see nearby that can't be found anywhere else in the world! The turtles at our beach everyday! The GREEN sand beach! Kula Kai Cave! I could go on and on, but hope that this short note conveys to your prospective guests considering a stay how truly perfect this condo is for their dream vacation in Hawaii. It's been the perfect starter home for me, and I can't thank you enough for that!

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Guest: Carleen & Hank
Date of Stay: 01/24/11 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

At last, we made it, Barb! and what a great vacation! We both are saying to our friends "the best we've ever had"! Wonderful GOLF here and the Volcano was fantastic to see. The weather couldnt have been better!

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Guest: Clara, Gustav & Morten (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Date of Stay: 01/12/11 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

Many thanks for a wonderful time in your condo. We enjoyed the mornings on your lanai feeding the cardinals and finches, just as you said! The kids loved snorkelling with the turtles at your beautiful black sand beach every afternoon. We saw many humpback WHALES every afternoon from the pool area. What a place. We are very sad to leave and wish we had much more days to spend right here.

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Guest: Kaylie & Jackie
Date of Stay: 01/06/11 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

Mahalos for such a beautiful condo. We had a fantastic time staying here and it's difficult to say what the highlights are! We loved hearing the surf! and seeing so many stars at night here we never can see at home. This is also a very convenient location to see both the Kona and Hilo attractions and the Volcanoes National Park! Wow! That was maybe the best of all!

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Guest: John & Leslie
Date of Stay: 12/22/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

As you say "Mahalos!" for making our stay here so great. From the moment we walked in the door and smelled the fresh flowers and saw the coffee/fruit basket, we knew we had found the perfect spot. And it got better every day! We had to tear ourselves away from the beach and the pool, but after all, we came here to see the whole island, right? Next time, we'll stay alot longer, but it'll be here for sure.

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Guest: Shelley & Glenn
Date of Stay: 10/29/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

We hate to leave this old-fashioned, REAL Hawaiian village of Na'alehu where it seems time has stood still! The views and green and flowers everywhere! Your location was perfect: peaceful and quiet for days when we wanted just to rest and ideal for touring when we were ready to take off. We'll be back next year for a much longer stay.

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Guest: Ellen & Sterling from Pa.
Date of Stay: 09/28/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

We just moved here from Pennsylvania and this beautiful condo has been our home for a month while waiting for our place in Ocean View to be ready. We will hate to leave! You have stocked this place with every possible comfort, and then some! We love the pool and the hot tub at night! watching the stars! Even though we'll be permanently living nearby, we'll be back for mini-vacations! Thanks for everything!

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Guest: Chris & Tracy
Date of Stay: 08/18/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

Thank you for our lovely stay here. We enjoyed the peace, solitude and nature this place offers. With the pool, hot tub and incredible views, I can't wait to tell my friends and co-workers about this place. They won't believe me until I show them the pictures and watch their jaws drop! particularly with your low prices!

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Guest: Honeymooners Andy & Jessica
Date of Stay: 08/01/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

Thank you for such a perfect honeymoon hideaway! After a long journey, it was quite lovely to relax on the lanai with views of the ocean. We slept great and woke up the next morning and did the same, and were greeted by many flying friends of all colors! We left some pineapple out for them and they visited every morning. Such a well-equipped place! The location is excellent and the architecture and decor are amazing. It is truly like home away from home, except a much better view here! It was so lovely right here that we spent most of our time at the beach, pool, spa, golf course, and local restaurants. We did explore several of the special places on your list of suggested spots not to miss, but we'll just have to come back to see them all! We hope to return many times!

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Guest: Fred & Minette
Date of Stay: 07/12/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

We really enjoyed staying here in your beautifully decorated condo. We loved our morning coffee on the lanai, feeding the beautiful cardinals and bright colored finches. The lanai is enjoyable all day long! We'll be back next year for sure.

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Guest: Bob McC
Date of Stay: 07/02/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

Thank you for a great time at your condo. It was so beautiful and relaxing! We took wonderful day trips: Volcanoes National Park, Place of Refuge Park, Black and Green Sand beaches, South Point, Sweet Bread Bakery, Hana Hou Cafe -- great food and killer brownies for desert! Your place is so nice and relaxing, we do want to come back and spend more time!

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Guest: John, Kris, Jessie & Erika
Date of Stay: 06/17/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

We enjoyed staying here so much! This is a beautiful condo, relaxing, very well equipped with all the comforts of home, but in a paradise setting. Thank you for the suggestions of things to do; we did many things during our week here that we would highly recommend from your list: snorkelling at Puuhonua O'Honaunau.....;kayaking Kealakekua Bay....;hiking Kilauea Iki Trail in Volcanoes Park...we could go on and on and we would love to stay longer! This has been a fabulous vacation and truly a get away from it all!

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Guest: Charity & Ella
Date of Stay: 06/14/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

I love this condo so much! It is designed really awesome! The pool and spa are just spectacular and there is just so much to do right here. Don't miss the Thurston Lava Tube and the steam vents in Volcanoes National Park.

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Fun in the sun!

Guest: Karin (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 06/04/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

Thanks, Barb, for welcoming us to your condo, which was spotless, well-equipped and beautifully decorated. We especially loved watching the crashing surf from the pool and spa. We had many adventures from Turtle Hut III. We visited the Black Sand Beach and saw turtles; we toured the incredible Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens; we wandered around lower Puna. We had a fun, relaxing visit in the sunshine. Mahalo!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.

Thank you Barb and Russ!

Guest: alaskahelen (Sterling, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 05/08/10

Wilson & I thoroughly enjoyed our 5 weeks in your newly decorated Turtle Hut III. You put so much effort into making us feel at home. This was our fourth visit to Colony One and we love coming back year after year because of the "old Hawaii" feeling and the laid back atmosphere of Punaluu.

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

Guest: Lisa & Michael
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/04/10

Such a comfy and relaxing week! This condo has so much whimsical Hawaiian charm! Thank you very much for all the extra details that made our stay so wonderful! We enjoyed cooking most of our meals right here, but also discovered the Hana Hou Restaurant in Na'alehu -- so yummy! We'd recommend this place to everyone! Thanks for it ALL, Barb!

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Guest: Dr. David & Ruth
Date of Stay: 01/03/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

Thank you so much for the lovely stay in your condo. I loved your furnishings and enjoyed reading some of your Hawaiian history books. The beautiful swimming pool, huge hot tub and VIEWS are always a delight here!

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Guest: Carmen B
Date of Stay: 12/21/09 Review Submitted: 12/20/09

Barbara & Rowland, Much mahalo for allowing us to enjoy your lovely condo. We always look forward to coming "home" to Punalu'u every year or so, and finding your condo this time made our stay perfect! We loved having so much room to have family over for dinners and even a few sleep-overs! The view is just beautiful and the condo is very airy and beautifully furnished. We're already looking forward to next year.

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Guest: Siena
Date of Stay: 12/06/09 Review Submitted: 12/05/09

Aloha, Condo #47 is relaxing; very fun; has a great poool! has many things to do. It is a hidden treasure! To put it succinctly, it ROCKS! Peace, love, Jesus, Siena

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Guest: Don & Marilyn
Date of Stay: 11/29/09 Review Submitted: 11/28/09

Aloha and many thanks for a great stay in your condo and for the wonderful coffee! The condo is lovely! Loved the tropical decor from the towels right on to the dishes -- everything perfect -- Also, our compliments to Liz your cleaner. This was the cleanest condo we've ever rented - she is a gem. We definitely plan a return trip. Mahalo! PPS What a great place to relax and read; we left a few books to add to your collection for other guests to enjoy.

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Guest: Vanessa20 (-)
Date of Stay: 11/25/09 Review Submitted: 11/25/09

We had a great time here, the black sand beach was right down the road and we did see turtles! The place was big and clean and had all the little things you need. Barb was great to deal with. The facilites were wonderful, we loved the pool and spa. I would advise everyone to stock up in Hilo/Kona for things to cook as there isn't much around. But we liked it that way. Don't miss sunset on the southern most tip.

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Guest: Bill & Gail
Date of Stay: 10/18/09 Review Submitted: 10/17/09

Aloha! Your condo is so lovely- great job with decorating, Barb! Even though Bill was sick, we enjoyed every minute. Thanks for calling to check up on him, barb. It is so peaceful here. Bill got the rest he needed and is on the mend! We managed to get to the Black Sand Beach and see the resting turtles and three nests! On our way to Volcanoes Park now! We'll recommend your condo to all of our friends and family, and hope to be back again ourselves.

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Guest: Diane & Mike
Date of Stay: 08/30/09 Review Submitted: 08/29/09

Aloha Barbara & Rowland, Now we've staye4d at both of your placesw...and they each have their own uniqueness! We enjoyed them both, but did like the ability to sit out on this lanaiu and watch TV! The breeze was delightful and the view of the emerald green volcano was very calming. Two days of golf and pool and lobster and steak dinners! I don't think we're ready to go back to work tomorrow, but we'll be back soon, for certain!

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Guest: Diana & Mike Smith
Date of Stay: 08/30/09 Review Submitted: 08/29/09

Now we've stayed in both your condos here, and each has their own uniqueness! We enjoyed them both, but we loved the ability to sit out on this lanai and watch TV! The breezes were delightful and the views of Mauna Loa were so calming! Two full days of golf, beach, pool, spa; followed by lobster and steak dinners grilled on the barbie! Doesn'[t get any bgetter than this!!

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Guest: Don & Linda
Date of Stay: 08/27/09 Review Submitted: 08/26/09

First of all, thank you for opening your home to us! and for the fruit and coffee basket., You don't even know us! but treated us like long-lost friends or family from the start! What a difference from the traffic and tacky tourist congested areas like Kona! There's so much to do here, but we didn't get to all of it because either the beach or the pool or the lanai or the couch kept calling us to stay home....you know? WE'LL BE BACK!

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Guest: Paul & Elke
Date of Stay: 08/14/09 Review Submitted: 08/13/09

Its so quiet and peaceful here! The perfect place to relax and UN-wind from the pressures and stresses of life! The daily walk down to the Black Sand Beach was the perfect start to each of our days here. We think the Polyesian architecture is unusual and hardly ever seen in the islands; the grounds and gardens are overflowing with flowers and beautifully maintained, too! Please keep it as nice as it all is and we'll be back!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/25/09 Review Submitted: 07/25/09

First of all a big Mahalo(thank you) to Barb who rented us this wonderful unit, And the Ono(tasty)fruit basket and fresh coffee that greeted us upon check in. We stayed a week early in July of 2009.The weather was awesome, the beach and pool were oh so refreshing for a daily swim, and our volcano visit (short drive)stunning. The unit was big enough for our family of four and well furnished. The friendly birds every morn and night will sit on the Lanai waiting to be fed. Bring your own snorkel gear but we did leave a couple boogie boards for the kids in your family. Make sure you check out the Turtles at the beach there. These condo are conviently placed between the two major cities and near the volcano. A perfect launch point for sight seeing the South end of the Big Island. Aloha, and have a wonderful stay.

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Guest: Bruce & Donna
Date of Stay: 11/26/08 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

Nearly a month in your condo in paradise, and it went by so quickly. Thanks for the coffee and fruit basket...we bought more of your farmer friend's coffee to take home as Christmas gifts for friends and family this year. What more can we say? Everything was perfect, Barb!

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