Vacation Rentals by Owner

Amazing Experience - Relaxed and Rejuvenated!

Guest: NR Traveler (Sacramento)
Date of Stay: 02/10/12 Review Submitted: 03/26/12

Lovely little neighborhood and a location practically IN the Wai'peo Tidepools... what more can you ask for? Snorkeling in the Tidepools (David gave great directions on which pool to swim in) was like being in an aquarium. We all agreed, it was the best snorkeling on the whole island! Even better than Captain Cook Monument (Kealakekua Bay). Accommodations were great, we did enjoy the outdoor shower, though be warned, it's as private as it can be on the front porch, so we tended to shower in our swimsuits or use the hallway shower for a good scrub down. Unfortunately we didn't really get to use the house all that much for cooking, but we did our fair share of hanging out in the evenings. Felt like home, was very comfortable and had everything you could possibly need. Beds were comfortable also. It's definitely a drive to get out to this little community, but well worth it, and still very central to several attractions! Great value! We ventured into Pahoa for dinner on the first night and ate a Paolo's, which was amazing and delicious, fantastic ambience! We brought our own bottle of wine for BYOB. That town in very interesting, seemed to be bustling, yet very subdued and laid back. We really wanted to try the Thai place, but we ran out of days! We went to Hilo Bay Cafe one night, it was spectacular (despite the strip mall atmosphere outside)! And also ate at Kiawe Kitchen just outside Volcanoes National Park after staying late to watch the "glow", awesome gourmet pizza and good local beer and wine selection.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our Month In Paradise

Guest: topnlady (Antelope, California)
Date of Stay: 01/14/12 Review Submitted: 02/12/12

We came for a month to relax. We brought friends for the first ten days that had never visited the Big Island before and this was a great place to begin and end our days snorkeling and exploring the island with them. The kitchen was the best stocked of any of the rentals we have used before. The outdoor shower is wonderful, even in the rain. We loved the fact that we could come from snorkeling and rinse off in the outdoor shower and get the equipment ready for the next day. Thanks to David for getting WI-FI installed before we arrived so we had access to family and friends even though our Verizon Cell phones didn't work. The home had everything we needed to make our month stay relaxing and enjoyable. Once our friends left, we rarely left the house or the area since it was so nice to be away from the crowds and have the tide pools so close for the great snorkeling. We went snorkeling just about every day during our stay and enjoyed every minute of it. This is our second stay in the area and we will definately come back in the future.

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

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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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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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:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

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

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

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest book note

Guest: Jeanne & Aaron
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
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
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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Best rental in Puna district!!!!

Guest: Ann Marie (Chester, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11 Review Submitted: 07/02/11

This was our favorite place of the 5 places we stayed on the Big Island and Maui! The house is emaculately kept. David was more than helpful and accomodating when we had questions or needed advise. We loved the outdoor shower! Best of all it is close to the tidal pools-awesome snorkeling -especially if you are snorkeling at high tide towards where the shore breaks. The corals are breath taking and the fish are mesmerizing. We are avid snorkelers and this was pure magic for us! 1 mile from there is an awesome warm pond by the ocean too. Perfect for end of the day swimming there! If you are lucky enough to stay here it will not dissappoint!! Mahalo David for all the Aloha!! -Lewis Family

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

Guest book note

Guest: Lydia and Helen
Date of Stay: 06/08/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

Dear Nancy and David, The house was wonderful and private, we enjoyed staying here. The tidepools were nearby and we had a lot of fun snorkeling in them. We loved the outdoor shower afterwards. And then there are the geckos, who are very entertaining to just sit and watch. Once again, your house is wonderful and it gave us a memorable Big Island experience. Mahalo, Lydia and Helen Denver, Colorado

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Guest book note

Guest: Deb, Kathy, and Jann
Date of Stay: 05/07/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

May 7 - 11, 2011 The house was very comfortable. A lovely place it was to return to after a day spent hiking Kilauea Iki or swimming with the turtle at Champagne Cove. As almost all have stated earlier, the outdoor shower is... I have no words for the 'awesomeness'. Thank you to whoever left the earplugs Deb N (Portland OR) PS Lovely place to stay thank you -- Kathy This place is a piece of heaven. thank you for sharing it. Jann

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Ides of March - 2011

Guest: Bela
Date of Stay: 03/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

Thanks for making your house available for us. I enjoyed the Phelsuma in particular - it was a special treat since I bred them at the National Zoo for over three decades. By the way, your outdoor shower is exceptional - all tiled and wonderfully open. So much nicer than any other I have seen yet. Hope I have an opportunity to stay here again. Ciao! Bela (Washington, DC)

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A Delightful Vacation Rental!

Guest: Kitty and Tom (Blacksburg, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

We spent a month and a half in this wonderful rental house! The owners, David and Nancy, couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. They went out of their way to welcome us to Hawaii and we so appreciated their warmth. Their vacation rental is a spacious, fully equipped two bedroom home. It is located within walking distance to the Wai 'Opae tide pools (which are a snorkeler's dream)! It is close to the Ahalanui Hot Pond, Kalapana, Green Lake and the town of Pahoa. Volcano National Park and Hilo are each less than an hour's drive away. The Kona side of the Island is just a few hours away by car. In short, this is a great location for your Hawaiian vacation rental. The house has a modern kitchen, well stocked bookshelf, CD rack, TV/DVR player, a dishwasher and a washer and dryer. Most delightful of all, the house features a WONDERFUL outside shower! Once we showered outside, we never again used the inside shower! This is the tropics, however, so if you can't handle day geckos behind the pictures on the wall or a loud frog chorus at night, this is not the place for you. My husband and I came to think of this house as our home and we just loved it! It is private and well appointed. We would rent it again in a skinny instant!!!! We highly recommend it! We plan to rebook it as soon as we return to Hawaii. Thank you, David and Nancy!

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

Guest book note

Guest: Betty & Cathy
Date of Stay: 02/23/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

Feb 23- Mar 2 2011 We've had a great time. Loved the outdoor shower. Went snorkeling for the first time. Thanks for the use of equipment. Drove all over the Island and it was wonderful to have such a comfortable place to come back to after all our sightseeing. Thank You Betty & Cathy Sacramento, CA

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Guest book note

Guest: Betty & Cathy
Date of Stay: 02/23/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

Feb 23- Mar 2 2011 We've had a great time. Loved the outdoor shower. Went snorkeling for the first time. Thanks for the use of equipment. Drove all over the Island and it was wonderful to have such a comfortable place to come back to after all our sightseeing. Thank You Betty & Cathy Sacramento, CA

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Guest book note

Guest: Susie & Phil
Date of Stay: 02/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

Feb 15-19, 2011 David & Nancy ~ we have had a very enjoyable visit in your wonderful home. Thank you ~ breakfast on the deck, walks to the tide pools and the hot pool, outdoor shower is unique to us and a beautiful experience! Thanx 4 the use of the water shoes too. Thoughtful... Susie and Phil S.F.

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Nice, relaxing home away

Guest: looblue (Burlingame)
Date of Stay: 02/15/11 Review Submitted: 02/23/11

Enjoyed this vacation rental very much. Spacious and clean with a well equipped kitchen for dining in. Lovely garden and quiet neighborhood except after sunset when the coqui frogs serenade. It was a great place to stay while exploring the sights on the east side of the island.

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

Guest book note

Guest: Amy and Scott
Date of Stay: 02/11/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

We've really enjoyed our stay at your beautiful home! Loved the peaceful location and all the amenities you provide. Mahalo, Amy and Scott Vancouver, BC

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Guest book note

Guest: Jurgen and Angela
Date of Stay: 02/06/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

Feb 6 - 11 2011 It's been wonderful! Thinking of coming back sometime. Many thanks, Jurgen and Angela, Berlin (Germany)

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Guest: Terry & Bonnie
Date of Stay: 02/04/11 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

30 Jan - Feb 4 2011 Wonderful, fully equipt. home. Great place to stay & explore the Island's east side from. What an experience!! So much to see & do. The heated pools were so relaxing, the 'ponds' so very interesting. Thank you for a wonderful vacation stay! Terry & Bonnie Campbell River British Columbia Ca.

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Guest: Joseph & Joan
Date of Stay: 01/27/11 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

Dear Dave & Nancy This has been a wonderful week in your vacation home. It was just what we needed to relax and enjoy our anniversary. It is so cozy and beautiful. It has everything we needed. The kitchen is terrific, bed was so comfortable and we loved the outdoor shower. Great neighbors and so close to the tide pools. Great fun to the North past Hilo. Everyone needs to go to the Botanical Gardens & the day at the Volcano Park is a must. Take the 4 mile hike Kilauea Iki trail that takes you down thru the crater floor. We will tell our friends about your house, Many thanks Joseph & Joan Florence OR

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Guest: Phil, Jenelle, and Espyn
Date of Stay: 01/17/11 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

Thank you for a very beautiful place to stay. We enjoyed every moment! Phil, Jenell, & Espyn Brooks, AB

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Guest: Norman & Sharon
Date of Stay: 01/06/11 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

"A diamond in the rough" (LOL!) is how we came to calling your vacation cottage. Aside from offering an oasis of relaxation -- the lovely outdoor shower was heavenly, particularly in the evening whilst listening to the symphony of coquis. Mahalo & Aloha, Norman & Sharon Calgary, AB

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Guest: Lara, John Grace, and Ted
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

David & Nancy, We had a great time exploring around the Big Island. The kids really enjoyed Volcano Nat'l Park & snorkeling in the fabulous hot ponds. Thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us. We'd like to come back. What a great way to spend Christmas! Lara, John, Grace, and Ted N_____ Chugiak, AK

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Guest: Donna, Kevin, & Benji
Date of Stay: 12/17/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

-Donna, Kevin and Benji Homer, Alaska

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Guest: Jonathon & Ann
Date of Stay: 11/27/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

David & Nancy Thanks for providing such a lovely home for our anniversary vacation! Being able to walk to snorkeling while just a quick(ish) drive to the Nat'l Park and Mauna Kea worked out wonderfully! Using the outdoor shower while listening to the sounds of nature (and sometimes getting rained on) was such a joy. Aloha Jonathon & Ann Los Angeles, CA

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Guest: Ed & Cindy, Pat and Patty
Date of Stay: 11/21/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

We very much enjoyed your very comfortable home. We loved the fresh flowers in each room and the geckos. The croakie frogs-- not so much...maybe we'd get used to them in time, but my gosh, they are noisy! We found your house very well equipt -- and especially enjoyed the snorkel gear and swim noodles. The outdoor shower was a real treat. We wish we could have stayed longer and hope to come back in the not-to-distant future. Mahalo! Ed & Cindy Elk Grove CA Pat & Patty Rancho Murieta, CA

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Guest: Alicia
Date of Stay: 11/14/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

What a relaxing place to vacation! The house is so well appointed. Thank you so much for the beach gear, the reading options and all the area info. Then there is the outdoor shower -- it doesn't get much better! Once again thank you! Alicia Jackson, Wyo

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Guest: Nancy R___
Date of Stay: 10/26/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

Dear David & Nancy Thank you so much for letting me rent your Beach House. Thanks for the fruit and veggies, much enjoyed. I loved the hot pond, went almost every day. I enjoyed snorkeling in the tide pools. Thanks for your directions.. I read one of your books. Great times. What a great way to spend a birthday. Sincerely Nancy R___ Ellensburg WA.

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Guest: Natalie & Jeff
Date of Stay: 10/15/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

Thank you so much for allowing us to stay here and enjoy this beautiful area! This was a very memorable part of our honeymoon & we had a great time! Natalie & Jeff And Diego, CA

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Guest: Brad & Valeria
Date of Stay: 10/10/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

David & Nancy My wife and I brought our 2 year-old and 3 year old daughters over from Oahu for a long weekend. We had a great time. The house was perfect. Very clean, quiet, private. Thank you so much. We will definitely recommend your home to our friends. Brad & Valeria

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Excellent Honeymoon Stay

Guest: Jeff (California)
Date of Stay: 10/10/10 Review Submitted: 10/18/10

My wife and I stayed at Kahi Ko'Ola Uhane on our honeymoon trip to Hawaii and loved it. David (owner) seemed genuinely concerned that we enjoyed ourselves and that we were comfortable. Our privacy was respected, but we never felt as though we could not call him right up if we had a problem. The house is really a fun place. The bedrooms were very comfortable, the bathrooms (yes, there are two full size bathrooms.... a true treat when traveling) were clean, the kitchen was very clean and was well stocked with all the implements needed to make a quick lunch or a great meal. (The BBQ was even prepped and ready to go with charcoal for us on arrival). The lanai is great for coffee in the morning, or enjoying the evening showers. Overall the house was a 10 out of 10. As for the area: The Waiopae tide pools are a very short walk away, and are great for some comfortable snorkeling in the morning. Pahoa has some great eats (Ning's Thai is spectacular). The warm pond is a short drive down the road, and the entire eastern coast of the big island is easily within reach (including Volcanoes NP). Kona is doable as a day trip (its a beautiful if not a little long drive no matter which way you go). We had a great time on the big island, and our home away from home was a huge part of that. We would definitely stay again!

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

Guest: Jayne & David
Date of Stay: 10/03/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

Lovely lovely lovely!! Nancy & David, your house and welcoming to visitors was A+++ -- lovely flowers,information, etc nicely presented- all our needs were planned for and nicely presented. Flashlights, umbrella, beach towels. This was a vacation and semi house hunting trip for us and after viewing 20+ houses your lovely vacation rental is in the top 3! That we saw! That you for thinking of and equipping your home with everything that travelers need plus more-- Best wishes Jayne & David

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Guest: Tom and Michelle
Date of Stay: 09/22/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

September 22,2010 Thank you so much David and Nancy for allowing us this wonderful experience to stay in you home. We were welcomed with fresh cut flowers in each room in the house which was very "Aloha". The "chirping" wildlife at night was also a relaxing sound to fall asleep to. This island has so many adventures to offer. This far exceeded our expectations! Your home was very clean, stocked with every necessity we could possibly need. Your communication and hospitality were very appreciated to our first of many visits to come to the Big Island. Tom and Michelle H Happy Valley, OR P.S. The outside shower was a perfect closure to our evening after our daily adventures. ?

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Romantic Getaway, Great Price for all that is included !!!!

Guest: Tom & Michelle (Happy Valley, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 09/19/10 Review Submitted: 11/10/10

If you want to get away from everything and have a romantic getaway, this is the place. This was our first trip to the Big Island and loved it. The house is approx 30 minutes from Hilo. Kapoho is a great towns that you can go to for your eating and shopping needs. We wanted to be closer to this part of the island for our adverturing. The house was everything we were hoping for. It was updated, clean, celling fans in every room, very spacious, with a full kitchen, outside shower and Lanai. The house was well stocked with all the kitchen necessities for cooking, idea's for around the island, washer and dryer (which came in handy) and restaurant menu's. The outside shower is AWESOME !! Taking a shower outside under the stars with the cool breeze, surrounded with chirping frogs, and ocean sounds took my breath away. It's like something you read about in a novel. We wish we had another couple of weeks here. The owners were great to work with. Thank you so, so much for everything !! We hope to stay here again on our next visit to this beautiful island

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

Guest: Ken Ashley, Brittany and Jake
Date of Stay: 09/15/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

Sept. 15, 2010 Dear David, Your house is amazing! It was so much more than we ever expected. Thank you for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home in Kapoho. It truly made this trip home unforgetable! Mahalo, Ken, Ashley, Brittany, & Jake

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Guest: Lazlo and family
Date of Stay: 09/03/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

Dear David, We have had an excellente stay in this beautiful part of the island! We really enjoyed the outdoor shower and the lanai. The geckos became our friends watching our activities inside or outside the house. As for things to do I agree with the previous guests that the tidepools were great and also there were other very nice spots we could explore close by. Last night we even drove up to the Mauna Kea Visitor center to view the sunset and the 'tour of the stars' afterwards. So thanks again for the chance to stay here Mahalo/Koszonjule Lazlo and family from Budapest, Hungary

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Guest: Summer and Colin
Date of Stay: 08/16/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

We have enjoyed our stay at your fantastic vacation home. I get the feeling that we could continue to think "Just one more day" indefinitely. We will forever remember your lanai as the beautiful place where we got engaged. Thank your for sharing your beautiful space for that memory. The tidepools were great! The most relaxed and serene snorkeling we could have wanted over on this side. The warm pond was amazing. Could lounge in that very evening! Thank you for sharing our vacation home with us. The fresh flowers, night time chorus, and beautiful geckos were such great finishing touches. Mahalo! -Summer and Colin

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Guest: Katy and Scott
Date of Stay: 08/12/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

Thank you for sharing your great house See you another time Dishes in washer still drying

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What a great value!

Guest: summer (seattle)
Date of Stay: 08/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

We arrived in Kapoho after driving down the jungle road to this lovely, secluded home.This vacation home come well equipped with everything you need to feel at home. A short drive to the warm pond and you can rest and relax in the WARM water. Walk a few minutes to the tidepools and you will see some of the best snorkeling. The pools are protected and have great coral and fish. A great place to stay!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jeff, Kara, Spencer, Cameron and Katie
Date of Stay: 08/09/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

July 30- Aug 9, 2010 What a lovely home you have shared with us-- Thank you! We appreciate the remote location, proximity to the ponds, neighborhood strolls and the peek-a-boo ocean view from the lanai. Our many day trips include the hot pons, Richardson beach, Astronomy Center, Akaka Falls and many more. We were thrilled one day at Richardson where we swam (and they'd just bump into you if you didn't move fast enough) with light, large green sea turtles-- what a treat! Mostly we appreciate your nice, bright, airy, clean home to return to at the end of every busy adventure. Mahalo! Jeff, Kara, Spencer, Cameron and Katie El Dorado Hills, CA

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Guest: Cheryl and Bruce
Date of Stay: 07/30/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

Aloha David and Nancy, We had such a relaxing time at your beautiful little house by the sea. We were happy to be back at our favorite snorkeling place and it didn't disappoint us. We took walks through the neighborhood and were surprised at how many new houses have been built in the last three years. I guess urban sprawl eventually happens everywhere...too bad. We spent lots of time on the lanai reading and watching the Mongoose family romp in the yard, very entertaining. This was much needed down time and Mahalo for letting us spend it here. We hope our paths will cross again in the future. Again, many many thanks, Cheryl and Bruce M. Snohomish, WA

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Guest: Sarita and Zenaida
Date of Stay: 07/14/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

Dear David: Your place was such a surprise! This is my idyllic vacation spot; so tranquil and remote that all you hear at night are the crickets and cicadas. We saw a beautiful red bird, and a lovely sunrise over the tidepools, and so many fish. Thank you for the use of your snorkels. I would like to come back here (Sarita would) to write, to watch the sunrise, snorkel, and read on the porch, and in the evening, take a dip in the hot pond. I don't need to go into town or do any sightseeing. Swimming with the fish, I thought of my life; its travails and petty conflicts melting away into the world above, while I cohabited with the coral. This is a place where anyone who wants to reflect on life should come to. Here, you realize that the tide. coming in and going out, waxing and waning, is the very metaphor of life. Here you submerge yourself in the beauty of the earth, hoping it's eternal and realizing that perhaps it no longer is. I wish we had planned a whole week here to recuperate and retreat. I would love to bring my writers' group here for a secluded spirit of writing. We are both very grateful to you, Love Sarita and Zeny

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Guest: Peter, Vivienne, Rob and Cathy
Date of Stay: 07/02/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

Dear Nancy and David, Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your home for the 3 nights. We had an amazing time and can not thank you enough for providing such a beautiful, well furnished home for us to stay. Mahalo, Peter, Vivienne, Rob and Cathy

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Guest: Nancy, Beth, + 'Willie Wood'
Date of Stay: 06/29/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

Enjoyed staying in your lovely home. It had everything we could ask for and then some! The snorkel gear was good to have and Beth and I enjoyed venturing out into the ponds. Saw many different fish. We oved not being in the "city"- the remoteness was nice. Thanks for ordering the wonderful weather for us! Only rained 1 day (and several nights- but that was allowable!) If you ever need a vacation in Virginia, just call us (e mail too) and we will try to extend to you our Southern hospitality similar to the Hawaiian style! Loved the fresh flowers. Mahalo- Nancy, Beth, and Willie Wood B______ 3 generations of wild women! Ha Ha!

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Guest: Judy and Colin
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

Mahalo for letting us enjoy your wonderful home. It was everything we were oping for and more! Even the weather cooperated with us. We only wish we had more time! We will definitely return on our next visit if this is available.

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