Guestbook Comment

Guest: Becky Barnes (Riverside, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/30/07

Six of my family members, ages 8yrs old through 61 yrs old, stayed at the Ma'alaea Banyans in July, 2007 for two weeks. We LOVED it for the following reasons: Our top priority when picking a condo was that it had to be OCEANFRONT. This condo, not only had a fantastic, panoramic view of the ocean, but we could, also, hear the waves lapping onto the shore! We, also, wanted a condo with AC just in case the weather was hot and humid. As it turned out, we never used the AC provided, because a wonderful breeze continually cooled the condo. A swimming beach was, also, something we wanted, and although we couldn't swim in the ocean directly in front of the condo, there was a nice swimming beach within a SHORT walking distance that had miles of uncrowded, white, sandy beach. We spent hours walking this beach, exploring tide pools and collecting shells. More perks we found while staying at this condo were all the things to do that were within walking distance. We loved the Ocean Center Aquarium where we bought a WEEK pass that cost only a few dollars more than a day pass. It was well worth the extra money, as we could visit any time during their hours of operation for one week from the date of purchase. This allowed us to come and go as much or as little as we wanted. It made a great filler for days when we went on short excursions to other parts of the island, or if we just wanted a little something to do on a relaxing day at the condo. There are lots of fun shops at the Ocean Center for those that like to shop, and some very good restaurants for those who like to eat. :) A miniature golf course and bumper boat park is, also, within walking distance. It is located right next door to a gas station, mini mart and fast food restaurant. The grandkids and BIG kids had many laughs at this park. When we went snorkeling at Molokini, we were even within walking distance of the dock where we boarded our boat for the trip. So as I said, there were LOTS of things to do within walking distance of this condo, yet it was peaceful and quiet. Last but not least, Joe was a virtual encyclopedia of info, and a pleasure to work with. He went over and above the call of duty in order to make our stay the very best it could be. Having a DSL connection was another added perk that we really appreciated. If you want a wonderful Maui experience, I highly recommend this quiet, oceanfront, centrally located condo. My family and I would definitely stay here again.

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Guest: Melina, Oceanside, CA (-)
Date of Stay: 09/10/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

Hi Joe and Karen, I (this is coming from Jeff, my mom and the kids too!) wanted to thank you so much for letting us stay at your condo. We had an incredible time on the Island, staying in our 'Maui House' as the kids called it. It is such a beautiful location, easy to get to everywhere or no where (as we chose on some days). The wind was a blessing as it cooled off the condo to the point we never actually used the AC. Swimming right from the condo was beautiful and so was the running. Our favorite was grilling and having our dinners outside on the lawn, so awesome.It was so nice going to bed with the sound of the waves crushing outside and waking up to the same sounds (well, some mornings it was a crying baby or two but we'd rather forget that!). We managed to cover quite a bit and the kids and us will have memories that last a lifetime. What an experience!!!!! We are certainly going to be back!!! Mahalo! Melina, Jeff, Jade, Jasmine (3 year old twins) and Peter (18m old)

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Guest: Rob79 (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 05/23/10 Review Submitted: 05/23/10

Joe and Karen, Thank you for the use of the condo this last week. We had everything we needed to enjoy a home away from home. Thanks also for all your personal service as I prepared the details of the trip, you were most helpful--Rob, May 2010

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Guest: Brian & Diane Johnstone (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/23/10 Review Submitted: 03/23/10

We had a great month in Maui and your accommodations made it that much more enjoyable. Joe, your help and information was very useful and much appreciated. The condo is very centrally located, close to beach, shopping, sight seeing etc, nothing was more than 1/2 hour away. We loved to have breakfast on the balcony and watch the whales put on a show every morning. The pool, hot tub and grounds were well kept and other residents very friendly. Enjoyed Bar b Qs and lawn furniture, even had some lunches by the water.The condo was well kept and had every convenience we could want. Sugar Beach was great for swimming, snorkeling or just going for a walk. Thanks for the use of your condo.

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Guest: John and Di Crust (Boalsburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 03/19/10 Review Submitted: 03/19/10

Dear Joe and Karen,Many thanks for the use of your beautiful Maui Home! We enjoyed every minute of our two-week stay in Maui and have so many pictures and memories to include in our scrapbooks! We can’t tell you how nice it was to have this personal contact with you prior to our arrival. Every detail you shared with us was of great value. We printed off every email exchange so we had them to refer to--and we ate at all the restaurants you recommend--Yum. The Barefoot Activity staff were fantastic with the reservations they made for us. Our luau seats were right up front, we couldn’t have planned it better. And the Zipline Haleakala Adventure is one the kids are still raving about--a must for those who love an adventure.You helped make our vacation to Paradise a true Paradise. When we were packing up to leave on Sunday…everyone of us were wishing we had one more day…I guess that’s how it is to be in Paradise and have to leave. It gives us something to look forward to…we’ll be back in five years! Our little two year old granddaughter on the day after their return home, looked out her back door and said to her mother “Mommy…No Whales! Maddy miss Whales…Maddy miss water..go Waii?”, our daughter told her “mommy misses the water and the whales too!”. We thought that was funny, so when my daughter calls me she says “Mommy…miss whales and water…can we go Waii?’I hope you don’t mind, but we took a bunch of your cards and have passed them out, we also shared your information with some people we met at the luau.Again, our heartfelt thanks!(...miss whales…miss water)MahaloJohn and Di Crust

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Guest: dtexas (Damon, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/08/10 Review Submitted: 01/08/10

We stayed here from Dec 21-30, 2009. The location is perfect. It is mid point for everything. The harbor is right down the street, and it is really a beautiful location. We were able to see the whales playing out in the water from our balcony. The condo was very nice and well kept. No complaints about it. I would definetly stay here again. Joe was always in touch when we had questions. What a wonderful place to stay during the Christmas holidays. Thanks again to the Dorsey's

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Guest: Brenda Wiebe (Boissevain Manitoba)
Date of Stay: 11/01/09 Review Submitted: 11/01/09

Hi Joe And Karen We had such a great time in Maui. Your condo is sistuated in such a great location. You can go in any direction and find things to do with in a 20 minitue drive or shorter. It is so hard to believe that our time has come and gone, but we will always remember the great time we had. It was so nice to come home after a long day and just veg at the pool or hot tub or the teenagers in there room with the t.v. going. Lay on the couch or sit on the lani and watch the ocean. Something you can not always do from a hotel room. It was just like home. Thank you for opening up your home in Maui to us. By the way the other people at the condo are very nice and friendly and gave some great tips about eating and events. What a great holiday Thank you again Brenda

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Guest: Susan235 (West Jordan, UT)
Date of Stay: 09/25/09 Review Submitted: 09/25/09

Joe and Karen, thank you so much for your help with everything that added up to the best vacation of my life! Your condo is in a great location. I have read some of the comments about Maalaea not being a preferred location, but we thought it was wonderful! It was central to everything, close to the airport and pretty close to shopping. We had a lot of fun with all your beach toys at Maui's numerous and sublime beaches. The swimming pool was great and very well maintained. And what a treat to be right on the ocean, listening to the waves at night and watching the sunrise in the morning. We'll definitely be back!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/14/09 Review Submitted: 09/14/09

Although I did not personally have the pleasure of staying at the condo, I did arrange for my nephew and his new bride to spend the first week of their honeymoon at the condo. From all that I have heard to date it was spectacular and the kids enjoyed it immensely. There was nothing amiss and they were very pleasantly surprised with the gift of Champange and chocolates what a lovely lifetime memory for them. I do not have enough glowing adjectives to describe what a wonderful experience it was dealing with Joe. The fountain of information and the quick responses to my questions and concerns was unbelieveable. It is not always easy arranging a honeymoon from another country with someone whom you have never met and to do it all conveniently by email, but this was truly and amazing and pleasant experience. I can't wait to get an opportunity to try this condo ourselves. Although we have been many times to Honolulu and the Big Island we have not as yet been to Maui. Next honeymoon is going to be ours. I would most certainly recommend Joe and Karen and their condo should the occasion arise. Wonderful experience and an unforgetable honeymoon from what the kids tell me.

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Guest: Lou Newman (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Date of Stay: 05/08/09 Review Submitted: 05/08/09

As I read through all the positive comments associated with this property, I was impressed. When I got to the end and saw the owner had approval rights, I got nervous. What if he only approves positive comments? I forged ahead and started an exchange with Joe and Karen. They quickly put my paranoia to rest. The comments are all positive because the total experience is positive! The condo is cozy and perfectly appointed with all the conveniences of home.... and then some. We arrived late on Tuesday night and the dark hall was a little spooky. When we opened the door to the lanai, the sound of the waves on the shore left an impression that will last forever. Seeing the ocean and palm trees upon arising the next morning was exceptional. Joe's email and web site provided a wealth of information for planning our brief stay. We managed to fill every minute with the road to Hana, a climb up Haleachala with lunch at the Kula Lodge, Maui Tropical Plantation and the Eao Valley. The property manager pointed us to O'Lei Cafe on the golf course for the best lunch of our vacation. I would love to visit Maui again and would schedule it around the availability of Joe and Karen's condo. They go the extra mile to ensure your vacation in paradise meets or exceeds your expectations. Mahalo Joe and Karen!

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