Vacation Rentals by Owner

Cal and Sharon (San Francisco)

Guest: Cal (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/22/12 Review Submitted: 03/07/12

No surpises; if anything, the appearance and condition of the property as well as the amenities provided exceeded our expectations. The owners showed amazing aloha hospitality and were most gracious and helpful. Yes, we plan on returning and will recommend this property to friends and relatives.

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

Felt like a home away from home

Guest: utmolly (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 09/05/11 Review Submitted: 09/15/11

This was my and my husband's first time in Hawaii and this was the perfect location to stay. Julie made us feel right at home and she was so helpful if we had any questions. The home itself was perfect for us. The description and pictures are very accurate. We loved the pool and the hammock in the back yard to enjoy in the evenings. Kailua was a great place to stay because it's so convenient to everything (North Shore, Hunama Bay, Honolulu, Waikiki) without staying in an overpopulated area. The restaurants in the area are also good and two beautiful beaches are so close by (Kailua and Lanikai) and our favorite was Lanikai, This was a perfect first trip to Hawaii. We will definitely recommend Hale O' Aloha to friends and family.

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

Amelia & Mariya

Guest: Amelia (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 08/17/11 Review Submitted: 11/12/11

This was a graduate school graduation gift to us and it was so lovely! We thoroughly enjoyed the room and accommodations. It was so pleasant and nice to be in, what we called the tree house. Everything was clean and fresh and felt new. We thank you so very much for your hospitality and look forward to visiting again!

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

..A paradise...

Guest: eli82 (Milan - Italy)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/05/11

We spent here the fist days of our vacation in Hawaii and…it was marvellous. The studio was beautiful, wide and clean ..we love the lanai..every morning (thanks to jet leg) we made breakfast on it, looking at the down… Julie, the owner, was very kind to us…she supplied the home (I say “home” because we felt like we were at our home) with all we could need: coffee, milk, muffins, fresh fruit etc. She welcomed when we arrived and she gave us all the informations about the island: place to see, best beaches, place to eat..etc. She also provided us with bikes, snorkelling equipment, beach towels and boogie boards… We had also the opportunity to meet also Terry and Mike, who live in house above…they were so kind… In one words: it was a paradise… Thank you Julie, Terry and mike….hope to see you again!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Bittersweet

Guest: feli (Houston, tx)
Date of Stay: 06/01/11 Review Submitted: 06/09/11

Julie is the property manager for this rental and she absolutely could not be more cheerful, nice, agreeable, and pleasant. She is quick to respond to email and voice mail which is always a plus. Unfortunately you may never meet her. This house seems to be owned by Julie's mother Terri who ALSO acts in some capacity as the property manager, you may receive handwritten notes from her which are left at the top of the stairs if things are not in order. The apartment is listed as a studio but it is, indeed, just an upstairs room in the house. The "private entrance" is the back door. You walk through a short hall from here into a den area and up the stairs. Despite the thin partitioning curtains that lead into the living room, this did not feel private to me. Privacy... There is no door to the bathroom/toilet, just a mid-calf length curtain blowing in the breeze. I suggest modifying the curtain with provided linens if you would like any semblance of privacy. And beware the unannounced trash pickup, you may be surprised to realize that someone was in your room while you were out, WE were. Upon our arrival we found a generous amount of food and beverages; fruit juices, cereal, oatmeal, Kona coffee, bagels, low fat yogurt, fresh fruit lovingly sliced... I could go on. This was the best thing about this place. The kitchenette is also the closet, however, where you will hang your clothes. Drawers that do not have cooking supplies in them can be used for clothing, there is no dresser. There is no kitchen sink so you will be doing your dishes in one of the two very small bathroom sinks. Bring your own knife or scissors for food preparation as the only thing I could find to open a bag of coffee was a very dull blade on a cork screw. There are plenty of windows and the room gets a nice breeze. The temperature was so pleasant that we scarcely needed to turn on the AC until our second to last day. There was a lightning storm that knocked out the power to the ceiling fan and we used the "fan" option that night. We forgot to turn it off as we left the next morning and upon our return we found a note at our door: "We've noticed you've been leaving the air conditioning on when you are not in the room... -Mike and Terri" Another property manager? Who's Mike? I never found out. I was surprised after paying the equivalent of over a month's rent for a one week stay to not be at liberty to treat this ROOM as I would my own home. I wish you better luck.

Owner response:"Thank you for your input. I'm so sorry your visit was not as you had hoped and we let you down. I'm more sorry we didn't get a chance to meet, in spite of both of us trying. I have taken to heart your input and will make some changes to improve accommodations."

Recommended for:Age 55+

Great Location for exploring the Island, Very peaceful

Guest: Bruce & Gina (Magrath, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/17/11 Review Submitted: 03/09/11

What a peaceful place to stay. We throughly enjoyed our stay here and found this place to be everything we were looking for. We were able to use the Bikes, Snorkels, Beachchairs, etc. Everything we needed was right there and Juli, Terry and Mike were very accomodating. Travel books, a great liabrary and a small TV all right in the room. Juli had breakfast items for us and the kitchenette was sufficient if we wanted to fix some sandwiches or cook a light meal. If your renting a car and want a quite place to stay I highly recommend Hale O' Aloha. We were there for 11 nights and found the location excellent for exploring the Island - 20 to 30 minutes to Honolulu - 45 minutes to the North Shore, and if you just want to relax in Kailua, the Beach is just a few blocks away. We are so happy we stayed here and not in Waikiki with 100000 other people.

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

Great place to get away from it all.....

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/11/10 Review Submitted: 11/23/10

Everything was perfect. If you want the "party" scene with all the people and big city lights go to Wakiki and stay there. BUT if you want Hawaii as it really is go here. There are great beaches with few people, great snorkeling and great local food. Try the roadside trailers for real food at great prices. The ONO steak and shrimp trailer was the best food we had in Hawaii. Julie and the family were great and provided us anything we asked. The boogie boards, bicycles, snorkeling equipment were perfect and it was a pleasant drive to spend a couple of days on the beach in Wakiki (that was enough for us).

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

Beau and Melissa

Guest: Beau and Melissa (Texas)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 11/18/11

My husband and I stayed here for our anniversary and had such a relaxing time. Julie was very hospitable, left a great basket of goodies, and the place was very clean. We enjoyed being so close to the beautiful lanikai beach, a bike ride on the bikes they loan visitors, and even a swim in their pool. Even more, we enjoyed the solitude and not having to deal with crowded areas as with other areas on the island. Thanks for making our anniversary sweet and affordable!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guest: Bob and Barb
Date of Stay: 02/22/10 Review Submitted: 02/21/10

A very short stay in your wonderful and lovely hide-away. Thank you for EVERYTHING!

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Guest: Bob and Barb
Date of Stay: 02/21/10 Review Submitted: 02/20/10

A very short but wonderful stay in your lovely hide-away. Thank you for EVERYTHING!

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Guest: Emili and Tay
Date of Stay: 02/18/10 Review Submitted: 02/17/10

Mahalo nui loa Julie, Terry and Mike! We enjoyed ourselves on this trip to beautiful Hawaii and appreciated being able to stay in a lovely home. You did great job supplying the place with many extras,the bikes being the best for us. Thank you for the fruits and nuts and other special extras, they were a real treat.

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Guest: Emili and Tay
Date of Stay: 02/18/10 Review Submitted: 02/17/10

Mahalo Nui Loa Julie, Terry, and Mike! We enjoyed ourselves on this trip to beautiful Hawaii and appreciated being able to stay in a lovely home. You did a great job supplying the place with many extras, the bikes being the best for us. Thank you for the fruits and nuts and other special extras, they were a real treat.

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Guest: Jim and Toni
Date of Stay: 02/08/10 Review Submitted: 02/07/10

Thank you for the use of your beautiful home. It is a very comfortable studio and you have thought of everything a visitor could need and want. Thanks and hope to be back soon!

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Guest: Rita and Greg
Date of Stay: 10/21/09 Review Submitted: 10/20/09

We searched the internet and found the perfect spot! Your every attention to detail was well received by us. Thank you for the warm Aloha from yourselves and "charming" Julie.

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Guest: Toyia and Cheikh
Date of Stay: 03/03/09 Review Submitted: 03/02/09

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This was truly an amazing time. I know our time here would end too soon! Thank you for opening your home to us! The view from the balcony was gorgeous and the morning breeze was just what the doctor ordered. We look forward to seeing you all again soon!

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Guest: Angel England
Date of Stay: 02/11/09 Review Submitted: 02/10/09

I travel to the island for business and this was my most enjoyavle stay yet. Your place truly felt like my home away from home. The amenities you provide ar perfect! It was nice to not have to worry about packing items I never know are going to be available or not. Joel, Julie and Mike- Thanks for everything! I hope my next business trip will find your place vacant and perhaps I can bring my husband the next time and stay a few extra days to enjoy your hospitality more and the surroundings. I look forward to my next visit!

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Guest: Marie and Derek Smith
Date of Stay: 12/10/08 Review Submitted: 12/09/08

Our second visit to your lovely home. Thank you so much for your hospitality. Derek was so pleased to get to see the whales from the lighthouse and by the blowhole. We also enjoyed a dolphin watch at the Leeward side of the island. The weather has been so good, too. We wish you a merry christmas and a very happy new year!

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Guest: Jacci and Molly Hagen
Date of Stay: 11/26/08 Review Submitted: 11/25/08

Thanks for the relaxing retreat! We enjoyed the snacks and hot tea. We visited our daughter and grandchildren. We loved the great service and slept well, too!

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Great place!

Guest: Jane M. (Cleveland)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/26/08

I enjoyed my time there. Terri and Mike are great hosts. They provided a book of local restaurant menus to help you decide where to get dinner. The property was very clean and well maintained. You're close to the beach - easy bike ride away. Breakfast is whenever you want it, from the food in your room - the chocolate croissant was fantastic. The negatives: There was a little bit of noise early in the morning when the pool filter turned on (I kept the windows open). Also, there is a fabric curtain for privacy between the bedroom and the bathroom. This didn't bother me, but some may prefer a door. Also, you need to go through the bathroom to get to the walk-in closet/refrigerator and microwave area. All these are minor issues but I like to know what I'm getting ahead of time.

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

Home away from home

Guest: Marta Lynn (Bend, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/29/08

The Taylors have really thought of everything to make you feel at home. From the fruit and nut basket, to all the essentials for breakfast in the morning. The accomodations were exceptionally clean and comfortable, including the grounds and pool. The location was good and Terri's book on local restaraunts was very helpful and the location good.

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

Guest: Sarah Bouton
Date of Stay: 07/05/07 Review Submitted: 07/04/07

Thank you for being so patient with us on our long journey here. I cannot express how happy we were to find such a wonderful, comfortable, super clean, quiet, beautiful place upon arrival after an extra day at the airport! We immediately forgot about all our troubles. The fact that you have thought of EVERYTHING any guest could possibly need during their stay helped make up for our lost day. We have already begun spreading the word (sharing our beautiful experience her) about your place and will do so for years to come. With fond memories of the morning bird music, the fantastic breeze, and the incredible sunrise, etc,etc,).

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Terry & Brenda (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/22/07

Your hospitality during our stay from 7-13 through 7-16 taught us the true meaning of Aloha and Mahalo. You were exactly right - "your side of Oahu is the ONLY side". Mahalo for the memories of thoughtful generosity!

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Guest: Amy and Doug
Date of Stay: 06/30/07 Review Submitted: 06/29/07

Thank you for making us feel comfortable and welcome in your home. Everything was delightful. All of the special touches were so appreciated.

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Guest: Laura and Fred
Date of Stay: 06/24/07 Review Submitted: 06/23/07

This has been such a refreshing and relaxing two days for us. Just what we needed. We enjoyed your pool and the delightful breeze and view from our upstairs hide-away. We slept so well. It was wonderful being here. Thank you for all the special touches.

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Guest: Tricia and Ed
Date of Stay: 06/15/07 Review Submitted: 06/14/07

Thank you for your hospitality. We have really enjoyed our stay on this amazingly beautiful island of yours. We recommend hiking Makapu'u Point. We went in the late afternoon when it wasn't hot or crowded. It was full of beautiful views. We also enjoyed Lanikai Beach-it had the best sand!!!

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Guest: Tyrel and Loree
Date of Stay: 06/11/07 Review Submitted: 06/10/07

Thank you so much for all you did to make our stay in Kailua so wonderful. The breakfast goodies were wonderful. It gave each day such a relaxing start. your home is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing a part of it with us. To future visitors, we really recommend snorkeling at Shark's cove on the North Shore!

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Guest: Lynna and Mustafa
Date of Stay: 06/03/07 Review Submitted: 06/02/07

Thank you for making our first trip to Hawaii a very comfortable and stress free visit! All the little extras really made a difference. Breakfast items were a treat in itself. Instead of feeling like a vacation rental, it felt like we were staying with good friends-comfortable and secure.

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Guest: Beth and James
Date of Stay: 05/25/07 Review Submitted: 05/24/07

Thank you so much for opening your home to us. It was a wonderful place to stay. We loved all of the thoughtful touches-gift basket, shampoo, snacks, etc. We felt so at home. If we ever get to come back we will definitely stay here again!

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Guest: Elle
Date of Stay: 05/20/07 Review Submitted: 05/19/07

Thanks so much for everything-the comfortable room, the stocked fridge, the deck and supplies-everything I needed was here. My personal faavorites included the fresh cut pineapple (so nicely displayed), the curling iron and the fabulously refreshing pool!!

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Guest: Glenn and Melissa
Date of Stay: 05/14/07 Review Submitted: 05/13/07

Glenn and I have really enjoyed our past few days here. This was a great place to come for our 5th wedding anniversary. We were able to enjoy the beautiful beaches, Pearl Harbor and the Dole Plantation. Oh yeas and our interesting drive around the island. We really enjoyed the fresh fruit, drinks and the pastries you had for us? You guys really have thought of everything someone might need during their stay! Thank you so much for welcoming us into your beautiful home. We will for sure be back again? Mahalo

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Guest: Shannon and Tom Wiggins
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/30/07

May Day! What a wonderful and peaceful stay! Julie and Joel were gracious hosts while you were away. We truly enjoyed our little island getaway! So fun to return to Kailua (where I lived as a kid from 1979-1984) and to bring my husband to show him this amazing little town. Had fun at the North Shore, a day trip to the flea market and Waikiki, Kualoa Ranch and of course the unforgettable Kailua and Lanikai beaches. And we loved all the extra touches (books, jet tub, basket of goodies, drinks, etc) This was a great place to stay. We hope to see you again soon.

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Guest: Maryann and Bill
Date of Stay: 04/17/07 Review Submitted: 04/16/07

Thank you for everything! Staying with you was like staying with family. Hope your European Adventure was as wonderful as ours was here. Peace, love, and joy.

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Guest: Larry and Myra
Date of Stay: 04/08/07 Review Submitted: 04/07/07

Thank you. You've thought of everything to make our stay comfortable. I enjoyed reading your book "Atlas of Hawaii" and leaning more about your island's history. We appreciated all the extra"s. We loved meeting your wonderful family. You certainly have the gift of hospitality. We also really enjoyed using your bikes. It was a great way to see Kailua.

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Guest: Elke and Armin
Date of Stay: 03/28/07 Review Submitted: 03/27/07

Thank you so much for the wonderful stay in your home. You really provide absolutely everything! We loved our private balcony with its peaceful view-ideal for breakfast.

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Guest: Michelle Everitt
Date of Stay: 03/24/07 Review Submitted: 03/23/07

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Wish I didn't have to go to Waikiki and I wish my stay hadn't been so brief! This is better than any hotel (I travel so much I wish I could stay in houses like yours all the time.) You guys took great care to think of details that I truly appreciated. Thank you for your welcome basket, your beautiful home in Kailua-it is one of my fav's! I hope business or pleasure brings me back!

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Guest: Robert and Floraine
Date of Stay: 02/17/07 Review Submitted: 02/16/07

We thank you for the privilege of opening a portion of your warm home to us for our stay here in Kailua. It is very clean and well stocked and the welcome basket was great! The area here is very peaceful and the privacy was a wonderful benefit. We have so many responsibilities and pressures with our business and a large family. It is fun to get away and just feel eachother's needs and love. May you find joy in continuing to provide a lovely spot for others to enjoy!

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Guest: Carol and Jim Benson
Date of Stay: 02/05/07 Review Submitted: 02/04/07

Mahalo for the hospitality and comfort! The room was perfect and the balcony was the ideal breakfast spot. When wwe think of Oahu we will always think of you and Kailua with warm remembrance. Your beaches are fabulous and we loved our trip to the North Shore. Hiked all the way to Ka'ena Point! Providence led us here, no doubt, away from the maddening crowds in Waikiki. This was the nicest place to stay to experience Oahu!

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Guest: Jane and Bob Wallace
Date of Stay: 01/11/07 Review Submitted: 01/10/07

What a perfect spot for our 36 hour layover. There is NOTHING you haven't thought of to provide for the comfort of your guests...which for me included a curling iron since I packed mine with an European plug-I was delighted to find one in the drawer! The walk up Lighthouse road was a good morning activity. (about 45 minutes to the top) Buzz's was very relaxing for lunch and internet access at Down to Earth (15 min for $2 and cheaper if on longer) We are so happy to have discovered your side of the island and this comfy getaway-we hope to come again and will recommend you whenever we can.

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Guest: Kim and Fei
Date of Stay: 12/20/06 Review Submitted: 12/19/06

Thanks for such a well equipped and comfortable place! As you know, Fei is somewhat challenged by swimming. Here is a tip for future guests equally challenged: A good beach is on the North Shore by Sunset Beach called PuPukea Beach Park. It has low tides, fairly calm conditions. This is a naturally formed lava pool. Very calm and clear and shallow with many beautiful fish! PS: We left some soy sauce for your next Asian guests!

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Guest: John and Yvonne
Date of Stay: 12/07/06 Review Submitted: 12/06/06

Dear Terry and Mike, Thanks for letting us stay with you. We enjoyed our stay very much. Thanks for the use of the barbeque grill. The beaches on this side of the island are beautiful. We wish you a very Happy and Joyful Christmas Season.

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Guest: Joseph, Tiffany and Riley
Date of Stay: 11/24/06 Review Submitted: 11/23/06

Thank you for making us feel comfortable and right at home. We enjoyed your company as well as our ability to have privacy. We were blessed to have such a wonderful place to call home. You have given us a great taste for the area when we move here in a few months. Thank you for helping Joseph celebrate his first holiday without family. I can't tell you how much it means to him and all of us. We are so proud of his noble sacrifice as he deploys for our freedom.

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Guest: Cary and Stacy Craner
Date of Stay: 10/13/06 Review Submitted: 10/12/06

Thank you so much for your warm hospitality and for opening up your home to us! We enjoyed our many adventures all over the island. Thanks for your directions and recommendations. This is a beautiful island and we will always remember our time here. God has blessed you greatly-thanks you for sharing those blessings with us.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Whitney and Patt (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/06 Review Submitted: 10/24/06

Terri and Mike's rental is very nice and their hospitality went above and beyond expectations. We were in Waikiki during the recent earthquake and were unable to pick up our rental car and the power was out all day. The grocery stores only had very limited food left. They picked us up and cooked us dinner on their BBQ. They thought of everything, right down to extra sunscreen and aloe in the medicine cabinet and bottled water and juices in the fridge. We would like to thank them for their hospitality and would definately recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Oahu. Kailua is much better than Waikiki and has the best beach on the island.

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Guest: Melinda and Reg
Date of Stay: 09/24/06 Review Submitted: 09/23/06

Thank you both so much for your wonderful hospitality. It made our vacation in Kailua everything we hoped for. Mahalo!

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Guest: Melinda and Reg
Date of Stay: 09/24/06 Review Submitted: 09/23/06

Thank you both so much for your wonderful hospitality. It made our vacation in Kailua everything we had hoped for.

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Guest: Mercedes and Mercedes
Date of Stay: 08/10/06 Review Submitted: 08/09/06

Thank you so much for your hospitality and welcoming us into your home. If we ever come back, we will definitly give you a call.

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Guest: Donette and Davy
Date of Stay: 07/29/06 Review Submitted: 07/28/06

Davy and I had a wonderful stay. The room was perfect and it had everything we needed and more. We enjoyed the use of the BBQ grill, pool and hammock. We especially enjoyed the basket of goodies you left for us. You have a beautiful home and we thank you for sharing it with us. We will miss the beach and cool breezes.

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Guest: Tony and Mary
Date of Stay: 07/16/06 Review Submitted: 07/15/06

Terri and Mike, Thank you so much for your hospitality. Your accomodations were so much better than the hotels in so many ways. You two have thought of everything a vacationer could need. Also your location in Kailua is perfect.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Melody & Jim Susong (Gilbert, AZ)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/30/06

We highly recommend staying at Terri & Mike's Studio. They have thought of everything from wonderful breakfast items & snacks to beach bag and thick beach towels. They supplied shampoo, body wash, large selection of movies, books, and CDs. Excellent hosts. Would stay here again & again. Thanks Terri and Mike!!

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Guest: RoseMarie and Derek
Date of Stay: 05/25/06 Review Submitted: 05/24/06

Thank you for making us so welcome into your lovely home. We have had a wonderful time and waking up to the birds and sunshine has been glorious. We have visited many interesting places during the days-but it was nice to come back and relax in the evening away from the crowds. What a lovely tranquil garden you have!! Many thanks and we wish good health and happiness to you.

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