Kapoho
House, 4 Bedrooms + Sunroom, 4 Baths (Sleeps 9)
$185/nt, 7 nt minimum, 1-4 guests
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Guest: Ruth
Date of Stay: 03/25/12
Review Submitted: 04/01/12
date entered: 04/01/2012 Aloha Jamie, We had a wonderful time at Mika 'Alua! The house was perfect and had everything we needed and then some. The view was amazing and we enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of the ocean every night. It was the perfect base to explore the east side of the island. Tidal pools, warm ponds, black sand beaches, volcano, mauna kea....amazing! Thanks for everything! Guest city-state/province: ON, Canada
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Guest: Alyssa
(Langley, BC)
Date of Stay: 03/17/12
Review Submitted: 03/30/12
We stayed here in March for a week with 2 couples and a 11 month old baby. This place is amazing. The view is to die for! It has all the modern convienances (wifi, free LD in US/Canada), luxuries (pool and hot tub with an ocean view), location (the Wai'Opae tide pools a 5 minute walk - and AMAZING), and quiet a person could possibly want. The kitchen and home are fully stocked and there wasn't a thing we were looking for that wasn't there (my husband is a foodie - and didn't expect to find red wine vinegar or paprika - but they were just a few of the many items stocked in the cupboards!) We grilled on the deck nightly. The Fish & Chips in Pahoa were amazing - thanks to Mike & Jamie for the recommendation. I couldn't come up with a complaint even if I wanted to. We loved every minute of it. Only regret is that we couldn't spend more time. If I return to the big island, I would definitly stay here again!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.
Guest: Trina
Date of Stay: 02/20/12
Review Submitted: 02/22/12
It seems that you pay special attention to all the amenities you provide. We were constantly amazed at everything that you had available for us to use from beach boards, snorkels, the kitchen was stocked with all condiments and more and books, wifi and fresh flowers! We had an amazing time, one of my favorite things to do was sit out on the lanai watching the waves. Loved the hot tub, too!
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Guest: TF
(Arlington)
Date of Stay: 02/13/12
Review Submitted: 02/25/12
We enjoyed Mika 'Alua for what seemed far too brief a time in February - wish we could have stayed and stayed. The house far exceeded the description and our expectations. Others have described the incredible location and exquisite decorations, personal touches, amenities, etc. I'll summarize that this is easily the most enjoyable house we've ever stayed in (comparing to many, many homes). Some info that might be useful in planning your stay: This house is RIGHT on the ocean, with a lovely lawn down to the high water line. I would not swim here, though it looks tempting (mild rolling surf, not the roaring/smashing of Keneha). Instead, walk down the street about two minutes and enjoy the protected Kapoho Tide Pools with the most pristine corals I've ever seen (and we're 20-year master divers). The tropical fish are very approachable for photographs, not shy like fish at Kona / Kohala. The house is extremely private, including both front and back yards (which are both carefully tended gardens). We never saw or heard the neighbors even though the houses were occupied. Totally quiet and peaceful - what a contrast to crowded Kona! We had no bugs at all, but screens suggest they may exist in some other season. There are many separate areas to enjoy the outdoors: premium recliners right near the water (watch the mesmerizing waves), ocean-front dining (with umbrella) on the patio, another dining area (with umbrella) on the north deck, recliners at the pool, and the hot tub! Tiki torches abound. Tons of space indoors as well. This is the spot if you want sunshine, warm temperatures and light breezes. Our weather was fantastic, and we didn't even use our wetsuits for extended snorkeling. It's obviously a drier climate, though not like barren, desiccated Kona / Kohala. Yet only a short distance inland is a gorgeous rain forest you drive through on your way here. See giant trees and ferns 25-feet tall, and stop at Lava Tree State Monument on the way. We usually had rain from Hilo to within a mile of Mika 'Alua, where it reliably turned sunny and dry - amazing. Sunrises were consistently colorful and dramatic. The Mauna Kea observatories are not far (1.5 hours drive from here to the summit road turn-off). 2 degrees C, 25kph wind, snow banks, stars!. Returning to Kapoho, we jumped in the ocean-side hot tub and enjoyed the same incredibly star-filled sky - seemed like we were still at 14,000 feet, or in a remote Utah desert. Utter delight!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Bernice L.
(Great Falls, Montana)
Date of Stay: 02/06/12
Review Submitted: 03/05/12
I've stayed in many rental homes, and always had good experiences. This one topped them all. The house was beautifully decorated and so well stocked. Each bedroom suite was private and allowed for all of us to have our own space, yet we had a great common area. The views were breathtaking every morning, and in the afternoons we saw whales almost every day. The front yard has a great privacy fence, and, except for an occasional fisherman, we didn't see anyone on the ocean side of the house. The neighborhood was very quiet, and very safe. Every place we went on this side of the island, we were greatly impressed by how friendly everyone was. The tidepools were an easy five minute walk, and some of the best snorkeling I have done anywhere. There were few other people at the pools, and they felt very private. We enjoyed this vacation so much that next year we are planning on returning to this paradise.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Jim, Sharon, Nate, Stephanie
Date of Stay: 12/10/11
Review Submitted: 02/26/12
We had a great time exploring the area. The view was terrific! The fish from the farmer's market was fresh. We grilled almost every day. It was easy to get around the kitchen which has everything we thought of. Thanks for paying attention to so many details and made this feel like a vacation paradise. Guest city-state/province: Wisconsin
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Guest: Donna & Bruce
Date of Stay: 11/15/11
Review Submitted: 01/02/12
Date entered: 11/15/2011 Great place, can't beat the view. Loved snorkeling in the ponds and dinner in Pahoa. Sitting on the upstairs porch is so peaceful. Grateful for the beach shoes & other equipment. Also enjoyed the farmers markets. Thank you for sharing your home. Guest city-state/province: Enon Valley, PA
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Guest: Carolyn
Date of Stay: 11/09/11
Review Submitted: 11/13/11
Hi Jamie! You guys spoil us so much! I was just glad our entire stay wasn't with you because once we walked in the door, we didn't want to leave even to get groceries! Seriously, we cancelled several things we had planned because just staying at your house was much better! I tell all my friends that renting any of your places is better than a 5 star hotel! As soon as we got there, we were dreading leaving--and time flew by way too fast. It was the highlight of our trip. Only one suggestion, you need to get a place somewhere on the Kona side so we can just go through you for our entire trip! Guest city-state/province: Rocklin, CA
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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/05/11
Review Submitted: 11/19/11
We just had the most amazing time at Mika 'Alua. It was so nice, we never wanted to leave--even to just go for groceries! I have stayed at all but one of Jamie's houses and they are the best! Always has basic staples for cooking--all you need to buy is the perishables. Need to do a load of laundry--no sweat! All his houses have washer and dryer (and even the detergent!) We had a 4 bedroom house just for the two of us for the price of a good hotel room. May not have room service but it is so much better because you have total privacy! No noisy neighbors or loud maids carts rattling by your door either! Just wish you had houses on both sides of the island (as well as the other Hawaiian islands). We'd never stay anywhere else! Each house offers something different but they all offer a beautiful place to just chill out and relax! I still remember the first time we stayed at one of your rentals, Mika Taki. I kept thinking--"What's the catch? This is too good to be true." Got there and discovered it wasn't just true, the pictures didn't do it justice! It was even better than we thought. We had a picture of the most perfect sunrise over the Kapoho Tide pools from the lanai of Mika Lani blown up on a canvas print that hangs over our fireplace now. Thank you for your hospitality and next time we come we are going to have to book more in advance so we can check out the last house we haven't visited! Always spotless--your places have been the highlight of our trips!!! Didn't get to snorkel the tide pools this time because of the storms and rain but who cared? It was just awesome watching the storm! Just wish we had stayed there longer! Mahalo for sharing your pieces of paradise with us! Until our next trip--can't be soon enough for me--I'm already ready to start packing now! Contact us if you ever decide to sell one of your treasures!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Beth & Mark
Date of Stay: 11/02/11
Review Submitted: 01/02/12
Date entered: 11/02/2011 Lovely place to spend our 15th wedding anniversary. Guest city-state/province: Renton, WA
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Guest: Charles & Steve
Date of Stay: 10/25/11
Review Submitted: 12/31/11
Date entered: 10/25/2011 Dear Noi & Jamie The house was wonderful!!! Lived up to all of our expectations & more. We had an assortment of friends from all over the USA for a retirement gathering. We all had a wonderful time. Each year we pick a destination to meet. Mika Alua will definitely be on our list!!! Steve & I definitely will be returning. Thank you so much for the fabulous home, kitchen & most of all the gorgeous view! Mahalo!!! Guest city-state/province: Scottsdale, AZ
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Guest: Janet
Date of Stay: 10/18/11
Review Submitted: 12/31/11
Date entered: 10/18/2011 Dear Jamie & Noi Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. It is delighful! The view is amazing and it is so peaceful just sitting oceanside and watching the waves roll in! We spent 6 days on busy Oahu, so the "Big Island" has been a wonderful retreat for the 3 of us and your home has made it even more special! The pictures on the internet do not do it justice. Thank you for the memories! I hope we get to return again soon! Guest city-state/province: Philadelphia, Pa
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Guest: Janet
(Garnet Valley, Penna. USA)
Date of Stay: 10/13/11
Review Submitted: 10/22/11
Words cannot express how much we appreciated our stay in your lovely home. The view of the ocean from every room was beyond compare and more than we could have ever asked for. We all have very stressful jobs and believe me when I say that this was just 'what the Doctor ordered'! We loved sitting outside in the evening after a long day of sightseeing - what could be better - Tiki torches and the ocean! We felt blessed! Mahalo, Mahalo, Mahalo!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
Guest: Rosalyn
Date of Stay: 09/02/11
Review Submitted: 12/31/11
Date entered: 09/02/2011 Dear Noi & Jamie When we first opened the door we were stunned at how beautiful your house is. We were delighted with the spaciousness & decor. The first thing we did was swim in the pool to cool down & then relax on the back deck & watch the waves - we are from Queensland, Australia, so this came naturally! The facilities you provide are outstanding. All the little extras were much appreciated. It has been a great house for our exploration of your lovely island. Guest city-state/province: Albany Creek, Australia
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Guest: The Rosheim Family
Date of Stay: 08/30/11
Review Submitted: 09/18/11
Thank you for sharing your home with our family. We appreciated the welcome goodies too. The list of ideas for things to do in the area were very helpful. Our favorites were: Snorkeling - thank you for letting us borrow your equipment; Pool; Gorgeous sunrises each morning; Full moon on water; etc. We appreciate your kindness. guest city-state/province: Eden Prairie, MN
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Guest: Callie & Michael
Date of Stay: 08/27/11
Review Submitted: 12/31/11
Date entered: 08/27/2011 Noi & Jamie Your house is beautiful and so much more than we expected. All of us enjoyed the sunrises, hot tub, and the swiming pool. We also enjoyed our family dinners sitting around the table which we never have time to do at home. All I can say is that all of us had a very enjoyable and relaxing vacation and want to thank you for the rental of your beautiful home! Guest city-state/province: McMinnvile, OR
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Guest: Terri
Date of Stay: 08/20/11
Review Submitted: 08/30/11
The sunrises were just beautiful. Sleeping with the moon shining on the water and the sound of the surf was a great relaxing night. We had fun in the hot tub and the pool. We swam with the dolphins, visited the volcano, did helicopter tour and zip lined, swam at other great beaches to name a few things packed into 7 days. Turtles were awesome, too. The sunsets were beautiful - nowhere else could you see such beauty than Hawaii! Enjoyed your house and all that was here.
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Guest: Matt
Date of Stay: 08/13/11
Review Submitted: 08/30/11
Thank you for sharing your home with our family. We appreciated the welcome goodies, too. The list of ideas for things to do in the area were very helpful. Our favorites were: Snorkeling - thank you for leltting us borrow your equipment; Pool; Gorgeous sunrises each morning; Full moon on water, etc. We appreciate your kindness.
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Guest: Susan
Date of Stay: 08/08/11
Review Submitted: 08/16/11
This is our second stay at Mika 'Alua - we loved it so much the first time that we had to come back. What a beautitul, perfect home away from home. It's so spectacular yet peaceful. We loved snorkeling or just relaxing around the house and it was also a good base for exploring the surrounding area, from malasadas at Tex's in Honoka'a to the end of the road at Kalapana, and the volcano of course. We highly recommend Kolekole Park with its beautiful waterfall & a rope swing into the pool. Another memorable stay in paradise! Thank you so much for sharing your home. It's our favorite vacation home anywhere!
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Guest: The Hansen's
Date of Stay: 07/18/11
Review Submitted: 08/16/11
I've never been to the Islands before this - so everything is truly a wonder to me. This house is beautiful and especially enjoyed listening to the ocean as it lulled me to sleep and watching the sunrise over the water in the early morning. For this "NJ Girl" it has been the best trip I've ever had in my adult life. Our big family loved staying here! There were 8 of us and plenty of room. The house is amazing and the ocean view spectacular! We loved eating our dinners out on the back porch overlooking the ocean! The kids loved the pool and the snorkeling just down the street. The master bedroom upstairs is amazing! Great get away for mom & dad! Mahalo.
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Guest: Holguin Family
Date of Stay: 06/03/11
Review Submitted: 07/04/11
We really enjoyed the house. We loved the pool, jacuzzi and the ocean view. My son loved the big yard and enjoyed swimming. This part of the island was great. The weather was great. We loved the town of Pahoa and loved eating at Paoloa's Italian Bistro - it was delicious. We definitely would recommend the house to other families. Thank you for all the great amenities.
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Guest: LaFontaine Family
Date of Stay: 05/13/11
Review Submitted: 07/04/11
Awesome! Thank you so much for the incredible experience! We enjoyed every minute and honestly didn't care if we ever left the community...with the snorkeling down the street, the pool, jacuzzi, view, deck & everything in Pahoa - we were set. It's a great house, great for relaxing & entertaining. We hope to come back someday!
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Guest: Thomlison Family
Date of Stay: 05/04/11
Review Submitted: 07/04/11
Thanks so very much for the incredibly relaxing, stress-free holiday! Mika 'Alua is beautiful, and we all enjoyed waking each morning to the stunning ocean view and falling asleep each night to the sound of the waves. The cottage is so well-stocked; it had everything we could possibly think of, and then some. We will absolutely recommend Mika 'Alua to friends thinking of visiting the Big Island, and hope to come back again someday to stay in this little corner of Paradise!
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Guest: Bill, Jenno, Corey, Esther & Josh
Date of Stay: 04/21/11
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 04/21/2011 A wonderful & memorable get-away for our family. Thank you form making The house so inviting.
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Guest: Sean
Date of Stay: 04/11/11
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 04/06/2011 Verbrachten 4 wundervolle Nächte in diesem wunderschönen Haus. Maybe wir konnen irgendwohnen noch hier in diese Gegend die uns sehr gefallen hab. Schnorcheln, Black San Beaches und der Vulcano. "The place to be!" Aloha & Mahalo, Roman u Moni Guest city-state/province: Aichach, Germany
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Guest: Tina
Date of Stay: 04/02/11
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 04/02/2011 Gerald & I are truly going to miss the sound of the waves. We loved waking up to them and going to sleep with them in the background was unbelievable. We are all in Paradise here! You offer everything in your home for us to use. The kids enjoyed the board games and the snorkeling gear. We are not going home yet... We are now off to your other home. Mika Taki Magical waterfall. Can't wait to come back again! Mahalo & God Bless
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Guest: Gerald & Corry
Date of Stay: 03/29/11
Review Submitted: 04/08/11
Mahalo Mahalo for allowing us into your home. From the first moment we stepped into Mika Alua we were all in awe! Thank you for the beautiful welcome basket. From the first time I was in contact with Jamie, I just knew that we were going to have a(n) awesome vacation. The kids loved the pool and we all enjoyed the hot tub, especially at night watching the stars. Gerald & I are truly going to miss the sound of the waves. We loved waking up to them and going to sleep with them in the background was unbelievable. We are all in Paradise here! The kids enjoyed the board games and the snorkeling gear. We are not going home yet.....we are now off to your other home, Mika Taki Magical Waterfall. Can't wait to come back again!
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Guest: Dan, Kima, Josh, Awlan & Kay
Date of Stay: 02/03/11
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 02/03/2011 Loved every minute we were here. The house was unbelievable - had everything. We enjoyed the island and loved coming back here to just hang out. The pool was another added plus. Thank You for everything!! Guest city-state/province: MN & WI
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Guest: Bill & Gail
Date of Stay: 01/25/11
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 01/25/2011 Love this beautiful place! So sad to leave. Coffee on the patio every morning - Rum drinks in the evening - Want to stay forever! Gail Came here for many reasons = Wanted to see a Whale (I did) Wanted to stand in the Rain (I did) Wanted Peace and No Traffic (I did) What I want now is This all the time! Bill Guest city-state/province: Santa Clarita, CA
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Guest: the VAN family
(UK)
Date of Stay: 01/09/11
Review Submitted: 01/15/11
The photo doesn't do any justice to the first class house! it looks miles better when we actually there. Its a shame that we only stay for 3 nights! The front garden also outstanding but no photos in the website.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.
Guest: Hatch Family
Date of Stay: 01/07/11
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 01/07/2011 Lovely House, Beautiful View & Incredible Snorkeling! Many thanks! Guest city-state/province: BC, Canada
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Guest: The Mitchell Family
Date of Stay: 12/27/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 12/26/2010 WE had a wonderful time in your Fantastic house!! We loved the sunrise and ocean view. Mahalo Guest city-state/province: San Diego, CA
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Guest: Flores Family
Date of Stay: 12/26/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 12/26/2010 Gracias The house was a huge part of the wonderful trip. Thank you, Mahalo Guest city-state/province: Richmond, CA
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Guest: Steve, Laura, Sally & Mike
Date of Stay: 12/11/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 12/11/2010 Thank you for the fantastic, relaxing vacation home on the ocean! We enjoyed the sunrise every morning! We had opportunities throughout the week to explore the Island and appreciate the culture & landscape. This was a meaningful time for all of us and we remembered fond memories. Mahalo...
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Guest: Laura & Kelly
Date of Stay: 12/03/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 12/03/2010 Oh, I am so appreciative that you had flippers, goggles & snorkels for me to use. Perfect place to stay, felt like home. Guest city-state/province: Lutz, FL
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Guest: Fran
Date of Stay: 12/03/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 12/03/2010 Thank you for sharing your lovely and comfortable home with us. This was a gift from me to my daughters from graduating collage. Your beds were very comfy and we all slept very well, so we were refreshed to tour the Big Island. You had plenty of good pots and glassware to make our complete thanksgiving dinner. I can't thank you enough. Guest city-state/province: Lutz, FL
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Guest: Dave & Jana
Date of Stay: 09/10/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 09/10/2010 Thanks for your part in making this the best Hawaiian vacation we've ever had. The first morning we were here, we got the binoculars to look at a boat on the water & ended up seeing a pod of dolphins. From there our trip got better & better. Our only regret was not buying more smoked meat at the Pahoa market. We snorkeled nearly every day & swam with the sea turtles multiple times. The landscape of this island is truly unique.
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Guest: The Turpen Family
Date of Stay: 08/31/10
Review Submitted: 10/09/10
What a house, it was unbelieveable. We enjoyed ourseslves sooooooo much that we are thinking of going back in 2012. The house was more than we ever expected and thank you for the house warming gift. It did take us a few days to not wake up at 4-5 am but the sunrise was perfect. The family vacation was wonderful and to be able to go home to a place we all loved was the best.
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Guest: The Doughty Family
Date of Stay: 08/28/10
Review Submitted: 10/09/10
We had a wonderful time and were thrilled with Mika 'Alua. My mother, who can be a little particular at times, repeatedly commented, "There's NOTHING about this place I don't love." My husband and I felt the same. Thank you so much for opening this beautiful home to us and being willing to share it with others. We felt like real Islanders by the end of our 2 weeks in Hawaii.
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Guest: Alice
Date of Stay: 08/21/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 08/21/2010 This has been a very special gift to us from our daughter and her family to renew our precious memories and to introduce their children to one of their memories. We love the house and EVERYTHING - It's such a blessing!!! Mahalo God bless you!! Guest city-state/province: Augusta, Georgia
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Guest: The Turpen Family
Date of Stay: 08/20/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 08/20/2010 What a house, it was unbelieveable. We enjoyed ourselves sooooooooo much that we are thinking of going back in 2012. The house was more than we ever expected and thank you for the house warming gift. It did take us a few days to not wake up at 4-5 am but the sunrise was perfect. The family vacation was wonderful and to be able to go home to a place we all loved was the best. Thank you and we will let you know when we want to come back.
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Guest: Amy, Jay, Ann Tim
Date of Stay: 08/13/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 08/13/2010 It was perfect! We enjoyed every moment in Paradise. The house was everything we could have hoped for. Hearing and seeing the waves crash on shore everyday was amazing. You've done a wonderful job making the house unique and special. Mahalo Guest city-state/province: Ontario, Canada
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Guest: The Peters Family
Date of Stay: 08/07/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 08/07/2010 Thank you for sharing your absolutely beautiful house with us! It is so beautiful & secluded. If anyone is looking for a great place to eat in Pahoa, they should go to Kaleo's. We had some of the best food any of us has ever had at Kaleo's - Delicious! Also, great snorkeling at the tide pools & surfing a the Isacc Hale Beach. Just miles away from the house. Guest city-state/province: Healdsburg, CA
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Guest: Shana
Date of Stay: 07/27/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 07/27/2010 Mahalo to you and your family for letting me share your home here. This has been an amazing transformation being here on the island this week. Waking up to the sound of the waves and gorgeous sunrise, in addition to the soothing sounds of the coquis at night--- What an amazing world here. I hope to return here someday very soon but I will keep this magic in my heart!
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Guest: Maireed, Jay, Abbie & Stephen
Date of Stay: 06/23/10
Review Submitted: 01/27/12
Date entered: 06/23/2010 We had a wonderful time here. The view is spectacular. Sleeping with the sound of the waves was totally memorable. You have a beautiful home and we enjoyed it to the full. We had a great helicopter ride over the volcano. This is such a beautiful island. Thank you for your fantastic hospitality. Guest city-state/province: Dublin, Ireland
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