Vacation Rentals by Owner

Slow down & Relax

Guest: Don N Deb (Camarillo,CA)
Date of Stay: 10/06/10 Review Submitted: 10/28/10

Stayed here for 8 nights in Oct. 2010 The video that is online says it all. Slow down and relax. That is what Shangri-La offers. It was Sub divided so you can hear the ocean. But can't see it. If you could before, we are not sure. But WE thought you could. Also wish the pond had more tropical fish as opposed Koi and 100's of other black ones we dont recall the name of. We seen 2 tropical fish. Melissa met us at check in. She was a JOY and knows the place inside & out. Then? we never heard from her again. THATS what we wanted. Privacy. Thank you Melissa. Yet if you needed her, she was just a phone call away. The outside bed is not that comfortable but you can not BEAT sleeping outside. Also the outside shower is OUTstanding!! However needs some work done for privacy now that a new house was built on the sub divided lot. We would return to Shangri-La again for sure. Oh! The Gekos? They are very cool even IN the round house. Thank you Melissa and Shangri-La

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

WOW ! We finally found Paradise !

Guest: DaveW (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/18/10 Review Submitted: 07/02/10

Just home from a fantastic 5 days at Shangi-La, and we will definitely be coming back for more ! So often, with vacation rentals the listing over-promises - but this was most certainbly not the case with Shangri-La - it was everything we expected/hoped for and more ! The joy of sleeping in the outside bedroom is hard to describe - the most romantic 5 nights of our 20 years together. The tranquility is complete - you start relaxing from the stresses of the world the moment you walk through the front gate. Even our kids (9&11) slowed down, and took life at an almost relaxing pace - hours spent in the ponds, snorkeling and just floating.

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/10/09

We have stayed at 4 different properties in Kapoho and Shangri-La is by far the most fabulous!! We took friends from the mainland and they couldn't believe there was such a place--it's hard to get them to relax but here, no problem--we are looking forward to many visits--November can't come fast enough for me!!!! Thank you for sharing this wonderland!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/15/09

Adam and Eve in Paradise.... That is how it was for my GalPal and I during the first 2 days of our stay. Then our friends, with their 2 kids arrived and we had to put our clothes on. It is simply amazing to wake up each morning and step down into a lagoon, with water temperature so comfortable and teeming with fish. The lagoon is long enough to do exercise laps back and forth and deep enough to go under and play together or with the fish. We went in the lagoon every couple of hours throughout the day and into the evening. The high tides brought in more fish to nibble at our toes. The fresh fruit growing on the property's trees made breakfast smoothies delicious. The total privacy of the location and setting made us feel that we were the only people on earth. Silence, pure silence....except the gentle sound of wind and palms....and ocean waves breaking in the distance. Our time at Shangri La was a period of, pure relaxation and laziness, the likes of which are rejuvenating to the spirit, mind and body. Each day was like this: eat, relax, read, nap, eat again, romance, nap again, into town for dinner, music dancing, romance, swimming in the lagoon under the stars, and then bedtime. Listening to the sound of a tropical torrential downpour was our nightime lullabye. I will never forget the wonderful time I shared there with my gal and our close friends. Note: This place is perfect for 2/3 close friends/couples, or 2 couples with a bunch of kids.

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Guest: Dianne, Mike, Clay, Peter, Caroly
Date of Stay: 02/19/09 Review Submitted: 02/18/09

Aloha! We are 2 families from Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada. We have enjoyed our relaxing week very much! The lagoon is fantastic! We spent lots of time snorkeling. When we first arrived it was more than we imagined. Fabulous place! More than we could have wanted and asked for! Mahalo!p.s. we did use the exercise equipment, did yoga and massage in the main pavilion, wrote in journals at the marvelous desk, watched movies, played CD’s and lounged on the benches and chairs reading and relaxing on overcast days. Our stay and these accommodations were PHENOMINAL!

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Guest: Jason & Jessica
Date of Stay: 02/19/09 Review Submitted: 02/18/09

The high count, luxury linens was the 2nd thing my husband noticed, after the beautiful gardens. I hate rough, old sheets, so having a bit of home away from home on a vacation, is wonderful. Thanks for the great bedding! The shells in the walkways and orchids everywhere made it feel like a luxury vacation! This beautiful property now feels like a resort! The upgrades have added an exotic luxury feeling to a perfect, perfect property! The little tea house now seems more like a luxury room! The TV, table, and patio chairs now give it the feeling of a little luxury suite…much improved!p.s. Office was fabulous! Allowed us to vacation and take care of work emergencies! Great to have wireless internet!And the cabana is heaven!!

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Guest: Ally H.
Date of Stay: 02/19/09 Review Submitted: 02/18/09

A wonderful place to stay! My friends & I loved it and we didn’t want to leave. Everything about Shangri-La exceeded our expectations! I loved swimming in the lagoon & watching geckos scurry around. Such a dream! Can’t wait to come back! Some local recommendations:-Amazing Thai food in Pahoa at Nings, and Mexican at La Quins.- Acupuncture & massage (cheap!)- David Bruce Leonard 808-965-5432-Wonderful Lomi Lomi massage in Pahoa (also cheap) Stephanie Joerke- 808-965-6307.-Fantastic coffee in Hilo at Bayfront Coffee, 116 Kamehameha Ave., 808-935-1155.-Fab resale shop in Hilo—Chi Chi La Fong (cash and checks only) 106 Haili St. 808-987-0887.-Snorkeling at Kapoho tidepools is beautiful. A million, million thanks for helping to make my first trip to Hawaii so lovely.

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Guest: Mike & Flavia
Date of Stay: 02/14/09 Review Submitted: 02/13/09

Shangri-La Staff & Owners:As a returning visitor to Shangri-La I couldn’t imagine how it could be better. Amazing improvements include dramatic lighting, fountains, tables, potted plants, stepping stones, whimsical touches like the shells and sea stars too! The most meaningful, personal touch of fresh flowers everywhere reinforces the feeling of true paradise! I appreciate the soaps, the (bottled) water, the nuts, shampoos, and the basics of plenty of toilet paper too. Arriving to a new and strange place to find only a ½ roll of TP has always seemed like an insult to me. I loved a new, clean, kitchen sponge, and the valentine’s pot holders and towels! People save all year for a vacation, and spending ours here is such a treat! We are going to scrimp and save so we can return to our favorite Hawaiian house away from the hustle and bustle and crowds of tourists in other areas. Thank you for the great stay!

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Guest: Bill Nancy Will & Allison
Date of Stay: 01/07/09 Review Submitted: 01/06/09

We absolutely Loved Shangri-La! The setting is so beautiful and a great getaway from everyday life. We loved swimming in the tidepools, snorkeling, and seeing all of the sea life. As well the location is great for visiting the volcano and lava flow into the ocean. Overall, we had a fabulous stay and thoroughly enjoyed our Hawaiian vacation. ~Mahalo~

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Guest: Tyler & Alyssa
Date of Stay: 01/02/09 Review Submitted: 01/01/09

Thanks for the awesome honeymoon, wish we could stay forever!!

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Guest: Kristee & Family
Date of Stay: 12/04/08 Review Submitted: 12/03/08

What a great Space!! We loved it for our family getaway from Seattle! Brady, thanks for all your help and the lava tour was great! Have to run to get to the airport, would have liked to say more….Thanks & Mahalo!

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Guest: Jeff R
Date of Stay: 10/31/08 Review Submitted: 10/30/08

Happy Halloween!It’s hard to stop smiling after just a little visit to Shangri-La!Merci Beacoup!Quite Simply amazing! Mahalo!

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Guest: Christian Nartin liene Marhus Sim
Date of Stay: 07/18/08 Review Submitted: 07/17/08

Thanks a lot. We love this beautiful place, a piece of paradise! “Mir hand die tag im paradise norm gnossa, d’ warmi, a’ nature, s’wasser die wundesdio alag….us isch worhl fantastisch gsi. Danke.” (Swiss German)We hope to come back to this place of peace. Lovely greetings

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Guest: Sheryl L
Date of Stay: 06/24/08 Review Submitted: 06/23/08

So, it’s our last day here and I’m appreciating every little thing! This astounding place is so incredibly unique! Where else can you find a thermally heated giant aquarium that you can swim in? The whole neighborhood is fascinating. I would love to know the history of this place! Oh! The flora and fauna! Lovely, exotic, abundant, and lush. I wish I could grow some of these things back in Santa Cruz, CA like Plumeria or these cool palm fan tree things. We’ve seen big mossy backed turtles just around the corner and tiny, jewel-like geckos practically under our noses. We’ve been able to truly relax and let go of the STUFF from home. Even though the STUFF will be waiting for us when we go back, we’ll be carrying the sweet aloha from this wonderful place within our souls. Aloha!

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Guest: Pauleys & Boggs
Date of Stay: 05/09/08 Review Submitted: 05/08/08

My wife and I have been planning a trip to Hawaii for some time. I spent months looking online for a home to rent for the week, then I found Shangri-La. We booked in Jan 2008 for the 2 of us, and I talked my parents into the adventure…. All four of us first times to Hawaii and Shangri-La. We can say that we had the best time of our lives! This place has history, and a life of its own. We have no complaints about Shangri-La. You’re here to enjoy, not to look for the little things to bitch about, for the LOVE OF GOD, open your eyes and look around….YOU JUST BOOKED PARADISE…now LIVE IT!p.s. I have a beautiful, wonderful wife, and having her here with me is what made this perfect! ~Larry Pauley (Phoenix, AZ)“WOW!—Amazing—Beautiful—Paradise—Unforgettable—Heaven—Relaxing—Romantic—Wonderful!!!” I could go on and on about Shangri-La, our family had one of the BEST weeks of our lives! We couldn’t imagine complaining or saying a negative thing about this magnificent wonderland. Everything is RIGHT! We have paid more for a one bedroom hotel in Phoenix then we have for just one night here. Please don’t raise your prices, but we would have paid so much more for the most incredible vacation we have ever had!! It wouldn’t have been the same ANYWHERE else on earth—Thank-you Shangri-La, you have OUTDONE yourself---We will be back someday soon! ~Bobbi Pauley & Familyp.s. I would also like to add that this Paradise, has in some magical way, made me and my amazing husband’s relationship even closer! I didn’t think a married couple could be closer than we were, but like I said “MAGICAL” it has happened!!! We are leaving this place “The Happiest, most content married couple in the WORLD.”I want to add that my parents rocked! My mother rode an ATV for a 3 hour trip and my father had a great time as well. It was cute watching them swimming and giggling like kids in the lagoon. Yes, Mom DID A LOT of things she wouldn’t have done at home. She was a TROOPER “Again.” This place is MAGICAL! ~Larry Pauley

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Guest: Jeff M.
Date of Stay: 05/06/08 Review Submitted: 05/05/08

Our stay at Shangri-La was a vacation of a life time!! The no hassel envirornment was just perfect. I don't think I can stay at a hotel ever again. We loved taking the early morning swims in our private natrually heated lagoon. The privacy of the estate is a wonderful freeing feeling. You get the sensation that you are in your own exclusive piece of heaven. The proximity of the tidal pools was so close that we could go every day. Their beauty is spectacular, words can't describe the experience. I think only a painters brush could do it justice. Ever since we returned home I can only think, when can I go back for another trip to the Big Island and stay at Shangri-La. Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!

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Guest: the Yaworshis
Date of Stay: 04/13/08 Review Submitted: 04/12/08

I have to say this is the most unique place I have ever stayed at. Very beautiful grounds & very quiet. I have the song Margaritaville stuck in my head; I have always wanted to go there and now I think I have! Thanks again

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Guest: Romona Dione Josh Andy & Matthew
Date of Stay: 04/13/08 Review Submitted: 04/12/08

I have to say the most unique place I have ever stayed at very beautiful grounds and very quiet! I have the song “Margaritaville” in my head. I have always wanted to go there and now, I think I have! Thanks again!

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Guest: Jeff & Leslie, Chris & Cheryl
Date of Stay: 03/03/08 Review Submitted: 03/02/08

Greetings from the Motor City, Detroit Michigan. Loved the hassle free environment, it was all great! Hope to be back someday. Thanks Steve! You made a great investment!

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Guest: the Greenlays & Illerbrans
Date of Stay: 01/27/08 Review Submitted: 01/26/08

Aloha! We hare 2 families from Saskatchewan Canada. We have enjoyed our relaxing week very much. The lagoon is fantastic. We spent lots of time snorkeling. When we first arrived it was more than we imagined. Fabulous place, more than we could have wanted or asked for. Mahalo!p.s. We did use the exercise equipment, did yoga & massage in the main pavilion, wrote at the marvelous desk, watched movies, played CD’s & lounged on the benches and chairs reading & relaxing on overcast days. Our stay and these accommodations were PHENOMINAL!

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Guest: Hayward Family
Date of Stay: 01/04/08 Review Submitted: 01/03/08

It was beautiful and unbelievable. I couldn’t imagine a better time! The Shangri-La was a heaven! Thank you!

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Guest: Paula
Date of Stay: 01/02/08 Review Submitted: 01/01/08

I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at Shangri-la. It turned out to be the perfect place for all of us and we became very relaxed. Every direction you cast your eyes is something beautiful, pleasing, interesting, alive. We didn't want to leave. I loved the geckos and beautiful toads who visited every evening. Also the heron and the little fish - the males all with their little excavations vying for the females' attention. The beds were like sleeping on a cloud. The food and fresh produce we got at the farmers markets was the best. We were completely at home. Loved the outdoor bathroom. Supplies and decor - perfect!

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Guest: S. Saunders
Date of Stay: 12/27/07 Review Submitted: 12/26/07

Such a beautiful, magical place! Whoever built this place is an inspired genius. We had a wonderful visit. Thank you and blessings to all that made this possible.

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Guest: Saunderses & Wettlaugher s
Date of Stay: 12/27/07 Review Submitted: 12/26/07

Such a beautiful, magical place! Whoever built this place was (is) an inspired genius! We had a wonderful visit! Thank you and blessing to all that made this possible! ~S. Saunders What a heavenly place! The most wonderful week I can ever remember. My thanks to all who made it possible. I hope to be back! ~D. Saunders Celebrating Christmas and my 47th birthday (also Dec. 25th) here has been the best time ever!! Your home is truly paradise and have been so fortunate to be able to experience Shangri-La this past week. It is everything I dreamed it to be!! We all loved it here and the lagoon was a hit for all!! Thank you, Mahalo from the Wettlaugher family

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Guest: Wettlaufer family
Date of Stay: 12/20/07 Review Submitted: 12/19/07

Celebrating Christmas and my 47th birthday here has been the best time ever!! Your home is truly Paradise and we have been so fortunate to be able to experience Shangri-la this past week. It is everything I dreamed it to be!! We loved it here and the lagoon was a hit for all!

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Guest: Joy, Tim, Shannon & Jimmy
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/30/07

This was our second trip to Kapoho and my sister/ brother-in-laws first time. We had such a blast at the Shangri-La. We look forward to our return trips. Here are our pros/ cons:Pros: -amazing, private lagoons-well equipped kitchen, and screened in!-outdoors showers-beautiful bedrooms w/ comfortable king beds-satellite radio and CD player (wish I had brought our I-pod!)-great linens (sheets, duvets & towels—quality!)-snorkel gear provided-2 refrigerators-outdoor lighting-we felt safe-beautiful landscaping-staff was friendly and accommodating-bikes provided!Cons:-bigger bed needed for guest house—wasted space!-no place to ‘lounge’ in the evening: get rid of yoga/office, and add oversized comfortable furniture.-need lounge chairs during the day to soak up the sun.-fish need food!!-we ran out of propane, and had to use back up supply. Think about large tank w/ propane service. Check main stove for leak?- extra fans when the breeze is seriously lacking.Overall, we had more pros vs. cons and loved our time here. We truly do look forward to returning to the Shangri-La. Best rental in Kapoho of the 3 we’ve been to.

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Guest: Merve, Atilla, Derya
Date of Stay: 11/21/07 Review Submitted: 11/20/07

I had a great time. I saw a gecko inside the Shangri-La. I had fun swimming in the pond. I saw a gecko and toad and I saw a cat in the night. And I saw fishes and crabs.

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Guest: Paula, Joe, Robert, & Jorge
Date of Stay: 11/16/07 Review Submitted: 11/15/07

We all had a wonderful time at this beautiful location. The ponds are great and warm. The living quarters are comfortable and relaxing. The fish in the pond are very friendly and like to nibble on your toes (very gently). Great location to snorkel and have fun. The rafts are great to lie on and relax. Come here and unwind and relax. Be kind to the geckos and frogs, they won’t harm you. Insects, they do exist! (skeeters, roaches, palmetto bugs) around water. So use bug repellants for yourself I f you need to. Again, the insects are about this wonderful location. When you come here, practice the Hawaiian Tradition: “Slow down and relax”… please enjoy this magnificent spot. Walk onto the beaches, there are some great snorkeling sites. “Wear reef shoes” Aloha, Joe Writer, Los AngelesBeautiful, tranquil and alive with little creatures. We loved it!—Paula Maxwell, Los AngelesSKEETERS RULE! Best Place I’ve ever stayed at! Robert, LA

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/11/07

Our family stayed here this past July for about 9 days. It was our first stay on the Big Island and we found this rental to be very pleasant and relaxing places to stay. The privacy, number of bedrooms and baths, and the wonderful lagoons made the stay very enjoyable. Doreen was wonderful and the facilites well supplied with everything to get us started on our vacation. We would definitly rent again if we return to the Big Island.

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Guest: Michelle T.
Date of Stay: 04/18/07 Review Submitted: 04/17/07

This wonderful propoerty exceeded our expectations. The living quarters were clean and comfortable, with plenty of towels, laundry soap, kitchen items -everything we needed. The outdoor bath and shower were a treat! We loved showering amounst flowers and vines. The warm tidal lagoon was perfect for snorkeling or a night-time dip, and the ocean is only a short block away. Wonderful!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/01/06

This is an absolutely beautiful place, very peaceful. The swimming lagoon is tops! Doreen was a great hostess. In particular she was there when we checked in and gave us an excellent orientation to the house. I enjoyed the versatility of having several sleeping places. Sauna is also a plus. This was the fourth house I've rented in the neighborhood from A Piece of Paradise and is probably the best one overall.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/24/06

What a beautiful place! When we arrived we were overwhelmed by the beauty. Doreen was a wonderful hostess. She had put fresh flowers on all the tables, a fresh banana bunch was waiting for us to eat and towels were placed everywhere. The kids especilly enjoyed swimming in the lagoons. If there were ever a true piece of paradise...this is it!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/09/06

Shangri-La ..the name conjures up a paradise and this is what it is. Relaxed, beautiful, private it was THE most relaxing vacation my family has ever had. Doreen was wonderful as a hostess and we can't wait to return.

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