Vacation Rentals by Owner

Exceptional in every way

Guest: Terry (Santa Cruz, Ca )
Date of Stay: 04/05/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

The Hale Luana was by far much better than the description and pictures on VRBO. Exceptional in every detail - I would give it a 10 if I could. The location and view were spectacular,very peaceful and quiet, the unit spotlessly clean and as comfortable as it can get. Quality furnishings throughout and anything you could possibly want was provided. Barb and Ray were delightful and so eager to help. Do yourself a favor and rent this place.....it's an exceptional value! P.S. You do need a car - town is straight down the hill 3 miles. While walking into town might be easy, the trip home would be a challenge for most.

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

Heaven!

Guest: heatzar (Jasper, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 02/12/12 Review Submitted: 03/17/12

This little slice of paradise was better than I ever imagined. The views are spectacular, the accommodation was amazing and the owners were so welcoming. We loved eating freshly picked papaya out on the Lanai every morning while listening to the wild turkeys and staring down at the stunning Kona coast. I would absolutely stay here again and in fact, I look forward to it soon!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

The perfect winter get-a-way minutes from town, immersed in luxury, quiet and nature

Guest: Fulcher - Brewer visit (United States)
Date of Stay: 01/21/12 Review Submitted: 02/09/12

Our stay was 2 couples around 60 yrs old. The VRBO guest house was amazing. What impressed us the most was that Barb and Ray didn't cut any corners when they added the guest house. The interior was done with quality and thought. From the granite counter-tops to the well thought out design for privacy, to the welcome gifts, we were at home in Hale Luna the minute we arrived. We loved that we could be in town in a few minutes yet we had peace, wild roosters, birds, Hawaiian fruit and coffee plants at our fingertips. Barb and Ray provided great advice for how to spend our time on the Big Island. The pool was great too! Oh, sunsets... priceless.

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

Kailua Ocean View 2 BR Condo

Guest: Sam (Pleasanton, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/30/11 Review Submitted: 01/02/12

We enjoyed our stay of 5 nights very much. As a start, the interaction with the owners was very friendly. The instructions provided were thorough and helpful. The location of the property is very scenic, very quiet, safe and very secluded, at about 1000 feet. We had welcoming items for our use when we arrived. We had access to the fruit trees on this very large property with help from the gardener. The condo is well equipped and very comfortable. We would look forward to going back to this place again.

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

Paradise Found

Guest: txaggie (Madison, WI)
Date of Stay: 08/21/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

Our family of 4 just returned from 7 nights at Hale Luana, and we had the most wonderful time. The property is gorgeous, and as an avid gardener I was kept busy checking out all the flowers and trees. Barb and Ray were the perfect hosts--we felt right at home. The guest house is immaculately furnished with all the comforts of home (and then some). Each morning started with fresh fruit and breakfast on the lanai as we listened to the birds singing. The only issue we had was that Hale Luana is TOO relaxing and some days it was difficult to get motivated to start the day's explorations! (tough problem, huh?) The house is super convenient to Kona and areas beyond, and it is stocked with anything you could possibly need. Having stayed at lower altitudes in Kona, we were pleasantly surprised at how cool it stayed up at Hale Luana, even in August. We have been to the BI 3 times, and this is our new favorite place to stay. Maholo, Barb and Ray, for your hospitality---we will be back!

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

private, quiet and attention to details

Guest: Annie65 (Sidney-by-the-Sea, British Columbia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/01/11

I have stayed at many places around the world over the years and this tops it for me. Beautiful location, quiet, private, comfortable and attention to details. I loved sitting on the lanai reading my Kindle in the mornings with a cup of Kona coffee, some fresh papaya and bananas and listening to the many songbirds in the forest. Can life get any better?

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

True Paradise!

Guest: Auntie (Midlothian, VA)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

Wonderful location, hosts, views, amenities, and unit. Supplies in the kitchen and baths made you think you were at home. Total privacy, great place to get away from all the stress and pressure of life. I am already looking at dates to return! Thanks for a wonderfuly experience Ray & Barb.

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

Hale Luana - perfect!

Guest: David D. (Virginia)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/15/11

Hale Luana exceeded our expectations. The location was perfect, convenient yet quiet and relaxing atmosphere and a great view. Very well-equipped with everything we needed, plus fresh fruit & flowers. Our hosts were very helpful with recommendations for restaurants and beaches. Hope to return to this lovely home away from home!

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

One of our top VRBO Experiences!

Guest: Rose (Calgary, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 04/13/11

My husband and I, along with our long time friends, planned a trip to Kona and picked Hale Luana based on the positive reviews. Upon arriving, we found the reviews were correct in saying that the pictures and the description understated this property. We spent the first few hours admiring the fabulous views and thrilled to have found such a perfect place to "call home" for the week we were there. Barb and Ray were terrific hosts in helping us feel comfortable and offering their suggestions on things to do and see during our stay on the Big Island. (Barb even provided her beloved "old map" where she had carefully highlighted their favourite locations.) During the week, we were very busy seeing all there is to see but enjoyed the comforts of Hale Luana to come home to. We have stayed at numerous VRBO's in the past. All have been great choices but we found this to be one of the best! Mahalo Barb and Ray!!

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

Hale Luana - Why say More?

Guest: Randy (Portland, Or)
Date of Stay: 02/16/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

I have to say that I have very mixed feelings about writing a review for the Hale Luana. On one hand I want everyone to know what a great place it is and on the other hand I don’t want you all to know about it at all. I plan on going there again and again! It exceeded our expectations. Our hosts Barb and Ray were wonderful. They are very kind and helpful. Their place is exceptionally well located in terms of privacy, view, climate and accessibility to town. The only problem with the place is that once you are there you don’t want to leave! The photos do not do the place justice. It is well designed, highly maintained and has all the essentials you will need for a stay of a few days or a few weeks. Do yourself a favor and rent Hale Luana - but not when I want to go.

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

The perfect Kona getaway!

Guest: Tracey (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 01/25/11 Review Submitted: 02/06/11

This house was better than the pictures and description on VRBO. It was perfect. Barbara has thought of everything. It felt like home rather than just a nice accomadation. Thank you sooo much for sharing your piece of paradise with us. We will return :)

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

What a View!!

Guest: Harry (Coeur d'Alene, ID)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

We so enjoyed our stay at this elegant guesthouse. The interior was beautiful and provided us with all the supplies one could possibly need. An added treat was the fresh fruit grown on the property provided for us during our stay. The welcome package of coffee, breads, jam, chocolate for our first breakfast was much appreciated as we arrived late with no time to grocery shop for the morning. My only suggestion to the hosts would be to have the spa running for their guests. Would have been nice to sit in the hot tub and enjoy the fabulous view. Beautiful home, close to town, and on an amazing piece of property.

Owner response:We try to give our renters more than expected. When we vacation, it's the extra attention to detail, cleanliness, location, as well as value for the money spent that we appreciate. We believe Hale Luana offers that and a touch more. Barb in Kona

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Guest: Mark and Carolyn (Alaska)
Date of Stay: 11/21/09 Review Submitted: 11/20/09

We have been among the first to enjoy Hale Luana and what an experience! It is tastefully decorated, immaculate, and fully furnished with all conveniences. The surroundings are even more peaceful than those at our mountain home in Alaska - we didn't expect that, but what a bonus! Ray and Barb were wonderful hosts; having them there at the same time made our stay all the better. Escape the crowds and noise at this beautiful private estate - our best Hawaiian experience yet. Mahalo, Ray and Barb!

Recommended for: