Good Value for Money Spent

Guest: Chris M.
Date of Stay: 12/18/11 Review Submitted: 01/11/12

The house is nicely decorated and the location of the outdoor shower location is great. The large covered deck was wonderful to sit on and you could hear the ocean from anywhere in the house. Although we never had the opportunity to meet the owners, they were very flexible about allowing us an early check-in as we had a baby with us. All the snorkeling gear and water shoes were very convenient due to the walking distance from the tide pools. The costs were low and that was very nice. The geckos were not everywhere, were unobtrusive, and very entertaining to watch. I was able to walk down to the yard and pick ripe guavas by hand. Considering we were generously allowed an early check-in, the house just did not seem that clean. The ceiling fans were very coated in dust to the point of being a bit of an eye-sore as you stared up at them from the bed. The outdoor shower was nicely located, but as you showered the cleaning supplies and mops were located directly in front of you and were unsightly. The railing posts on the porch and gate were rotting and were of small concern to containing a young child. The yard was overgrown...not referring to the surrounding trees, but the grass was a little out of control. Perhaps the most concerning thing was the neighbourhood, which seemed to contain people that would call security into question. Upon questioning this area with some other property owners in Pahoa, they did confirm that the location around the tide pools was a little questionable in terms of many of the types of people inhabiting the neighbourhoods. In short, whether you will love this place or not might strongly depend on your stage of life. When we were first married, we would have loved it and it would have been affordable to us. Now that we have a young daughter and have moved along in life a little more, we were expecting more. That may be our fault, though...we know enough to realize that you get what you pay for. Not that we were terribly disappointed, but certainly not quite as nice as we were hoping for.

Owner response:I'm sorry that the poster felt our home was a C- and didn't meet their expectations. Suffice it to say that they didn't meet mine, either. It's a shame there wasn't a Marriott in Kapoho for them to stay in. These people were without a doubt the worst tenants of 2011, and I had already decided that they would not be welcomed back before this review came in. I'll get into that in a bit. We can only presume that the posters are not familiar with staying in vacation rentals, both from their comments and the manner in which they treated our home. It is not realistic to expect 5-star hotel accommodations when you have chosen a vacation community that is known for its atmosphere of old Hawaii. "the house didn't seem very clean" was based on one thing, and that wasn't correct. The fan blades in the Master Bedroom were not dusty, they had been damaged by a previous tenant and the edges were a little rough due to the fiber board shredding a bit after being hit whilst moving. My reasons for blacklisting them: Despite exhortations in both the rental agreement and the renter's note left upon their arrival, these people left all their garbage in the kitchen from their 5-day stay. A pail full of dirty diapers was overflowing in the bathroom. A pile of wet towels left on the floor, greasy dirty dishes left in the dishwasher, and general disarray throughout the home. What was most perplexing: "Perhaps the most concerning thing was the neighbourhood, which seemed to contain people that would call security into question" the only explanation for this statement that I can fathom is that local people visit the tidepools, and a few families live amongst the plethora of vacation rentals that make up the bulk of Vacationland. Our neighborhood is extremely safe, and virtually crime-free. Glance through 69 other reviews before using this one as a benchmark for our home and nearby area.

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Our second stay at Kahi Ko'Ola Uhane

Guest: Haole (calgary, alberta, canada)
Date of Stay: 12/30/11 Review Submitted: 01/06/12

We stayed at Kahi Ko’Ola Uhane for a week in late December 2011 and early January 2012. This was our second stay there. We enjoyed our first stay so much, we came back again. The house is comfortable and the lanai is very private. The outdoor shower is heavenly, day or night. It is a short walk to the tidepools, but the house is very good value compared to the ocean front rental properties. Like everywhere else in the Pahoa area, the coqui frogs are deafening at night. Bring your earplugs. If you fly first class and are looking for an ocean front rental with a hot tub, granite counters and a flat screen TV, then this is not the place for you. But if you are looking for a comfortable, very private place at a very reasonable price, and you don’t mind a short walk to the ocean and the tidepools, then you will like it here.

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Wonderful Beautiful Spacious Clean Home. Great Experience!

Guest: Ken & Steve (Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 12/08/11 Review Submitted: 12/20/11

Kahi Ko'Ola Uhane truly is a place for renewing your spirit. After such hectic turmoil in our lives, we were blessed to spend a week in this sanctuary of peace and harmony. It is a wonderful and beautiful home and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to stay here. It is well-stocked with beach gear, cooking materials, and is very spacious. It is also very clean and so close to the Wai 'Opae Marine Sanctuary that we just walked to the tidepools any time we wanted to. David made us feel right at home, but was never obtrusive and was only a phone call away if we ever needed anything (we didn't!). Mahalo to David and Nancy for sharing their lovely home with us!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Relaxing Vacation

Guest: Pat (CA)
Date of Stay: 11/10/11 Review Submitted: 12/13/11

Enjoyed our stay at the tidepools - just a two-minute walk away. Short driving distance to Pahoa, black sand beaches and warm pond. The description and photos are completely accurate and the owners thought of everything, including snorkeling equipment, beach shoes and towels. The place was roomy enough for a whole family, comfortable and clean. Owners thoughtful and kind in arrangements, sharing of local information, and supplying all items for tranquil stay. Don't be squeamish about the geckos who happily co-habit the house with you. Would recommend.

Owner response:I appreciate the mention of our little creatures, but wanted to make sure that it didn't seem as if they were everywhere in the house. You may see one or two during your stay, but they are unobtrusive, and don't venture out much beyond the picture frames and walls. They will never crawl on you or approach you in any way.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children.

October 2011

Guest: t and r (Hollister, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/18/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

My wife and I stayed at this property for 10 days. The listing and the photos are accurate. The location to the tide pools was excellent. It was just a short drive to the hot ponds where you can swim in warm ocean water. The accommodations were excellent. The beds were comfortable. The two bathrooms were clean and neat, but the outside shower was perfect! We really enjoyed our stay and David was a great host. I would definitely recommend this property to a friend or relative. We are looking forward to returning very soon.

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

The best vacation rental experience I've ever had!

Guest: Aims (Kona)
Date of Stay: 09/28/11 Review Submitted: 10/18/11

Aloha! I've rented several homes in Hawaii on different trips, and this one is unbeatable. I think the highlight is the outdoors shower. You can see the stars and listen to the coquis and once you use it, you will never want to take another shower indoors again...ever. Not to mention, the great cross ventilation (ceiling fans galore), vaulted ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors and every comfort you can imagine. No need to pack snorkel, fins, or water socks, it's all provided. You can see and hear the ocean from the lanai (and bedrooms), and the tide pools are a 2 minute walk away. And FYI: these are the best snorkeling pools on the East side of the island, if not the entire island. It's like you've suddenly been transported into the movie "Finding Nemo". The coral and the fish are unbelievable. David is a humble guy and I might embarrass him by saying this, but he is the most welcoming and gracious host you could imagine. He embodies the Aloha Spirit and will make you feel like this is your home away from home during your stay. He completely respects your privacy and wouldn't dream of dropping in unexpectedly, but he is always a phone call away if you need anything, (chances are you won't), or you're just looking for a good place to eat in Pahoa. Mahalo David, and Aloha Nui Loa to you! Amy

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

Kahi Ko'Ola Uhane

Guest: Richard and Donnalea (Washington State)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/17/11

Best equipped home we have ever rented. Kitchen had everything imaginable...utensils we don't have at home! Stayed a month and were not ready to leave. Felt we were part of the neighborhood and enjoyed meeting many of the people in the area, felt very safe. Loved coming "home" after long days of exploring the island. Snorkeling was just a few steps from the house and EXCELLENT!!!! Appreciated extra snorkel and fin sets....and beach shoes!.... when Sister and Brother-in-law joined us for the last 6 days of our visit. Wanted an outdoor shower when we got home....but temps in the 40's in Sept, it just wouldn't be the same! Big plus was having David so assessable...not that we needed anything from him. Just knowing he was there made our stay all the more enjoyable and worry free. One thing greatly appreciated by me (Donnalea), no B-52 roaches! Most bug free home we have stayed in, in Kapoho! Geckos greatly appreciated!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Guest book note

Guest: Jeanne & Aaron (Pahoa, Hawaii, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

July 16, 2011 to July 22, 2011 Aloha David & Nancy, My sons and I had a wonderful 6 days at your Kahi Ko 'Ola Uhane. You have thought of everything anyone could possibly need here and more! We loved the tidepools, coral gardens, Champagne pond and the little town of Pahoa. We will miss the cute geckos that live behind the mirror and dreser that come out to visit. We will let all our friends know how lovely your place is. Mahalo, we had and Ono time! Jeanne & Aaron Redondo Beach, CA.

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Guest book note

Guest: Natalie & Shanna (Pahoa, Hawaii, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/07/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

7-7-11 / 7-12-11 David + Nancy, If I heard the noise decibel at night here back in LA, I'd call the police. But here it was truly narcoleptic and soothing; loved, loved, loved the sounds of nature at your beautiful retreat. Thanks for leaving a light on! We'll be back ? Mahalo! Natalie & Shanna (Raquel) ?

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Guest book note

Guest: Calvin & Lisa (Pahoa, Hawaii, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/22/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

6/22/11-7/4/11 enjoyed our stay very much. Well played on the outdoor shower! We didn't even use the one inside. ? Thanks for a wonderful stay! Calvin + Lisa -Salt Lake City UT

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