Vacation Rentals by Owner

wonderful experience

Guest: swiss (switzerland)
Date of Stay: 07/22/11 Review Submitted: 08/25/11

My swiss family had a wonderful time in this beautiful house. It was very convenient from the begining (paiement facilities) to the end (check out time was flexible after contacting the owner). The location of the house is perfect in the Fairways because it allows to have the dinner in the sunset with a very confortable temperature. The air conditioning was great because it was very quiet. The wifi is free. There is a lot of very good snorkeling gears. The supermarket is near with a large variety of good foods (even swiss muesli!). Beach club very nice, green turtles in front of the hotel. Plan your trip to the Mauna Kea if you want to go to the top. Very good restaurants at the Fairmont.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Guest: Denise Carter (California)
Date of Stay: 12/15/09 Review Submitted: 12/15/09

Lovely accomadations. It was spacious, the interiors were well appointed. I love to cook and the kitchen was a pleasure to cook in and had all the equipment and utensils for great meals

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Guest: Melissa & Robert (Snohomish, Washington)
Date of Stay: 09/22/09 Review Submitted: 09/22/09

We had a wonderful stay! The condo was beautiful and had everything we could possibly ask for - especially all the beach toys. It was one of the most relaxing vacations my husband and I have had in a long time - the condo was spacious and welcoming. We look forward to coming back again next year!

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Guest: Brenda25 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/05/09 Review Submitted: 06/04/09

June 5, 2009. Just returned from a weeks stay at the Orchid Villa. It was a pleasure to stay there. I have to agree with all of the previous wonderful comments. In addition, it is very well maintained and cared for. The Fairways complex is a very short walk to the Fairmont Orchid which was the race hotel for Ironman 70.3. It was an easy walk home after the race. The Fairways pool, although not a lap pool, is long enough to swim laps and un-crowded.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/21/09

This was a big trip for us.We needed to getaway and relax.The Orchid Villa was perfect in everyway. The layout and location allowed us to be very comfortable and reliant on no one.We walked and average of 4 miles a day because the Orchid Villa was in the best location to visit any spot in Mauna Lani. I can honestly say we have never stayed in a nicer ,more well kept place.We were sad to leave.Valerie and Russell were very good to deal with from the moment we made the inquiry to refunding the deposit.The communication was second to none.I would recommend their home to anyone.We very much hope we get a chance to stay there agin and get to see the sunset from their second story lani again.We miss it but will hold on to the thoughts until we are able to return. Thank you very much Wayne and Clare

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/10/08

Wonderful accomodations, well equipped and in a great location. The owners are a pleasure to desl with. I can only agree with all the positive comments already posted. Jim and Loretta Patterson, San Antonio, Texas

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/16/08 Review Submitted: 11/16/08

We have stayed at many condo units and rental homes, yet in comparison this one stands out. The Bishops think of everything big & small. The little things are all there – condiments, coffee, laundry detergent, etc. Things you might not think of like an iPod stereo and tons of beach gear (towers, chairs, umbrella, snorkel gear, etc.). Having laundry in the unit allows you to pack more lightly than would otherwise be necessary.The unit itself is modern, comfortable and immaculately clean. It has a fantastic setup with two bedrooms upstairs offering privacy. Downstairs is wide open making for a great place to gather for morning coffee or a late night cocktail. The location is great, just a short walk to the Fairmont Orchid and a very short drive to the Mauna Lani. You also get many of the benefits of staying at the Mauna Lani (gym access, discounted golf, etc.) without paying the significantly higher room rates. I highly recommend the Orchid Villa.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/15/08

We have stayed at many condo units and rental homes, yet in comparison this one stands out. The Bishops think of everything big & small. The little things are all there – condiments, coffee, laundry detergent, etc. Things you might not think of like an iPod stereo and tons of beach gear (towers, chairs, umbrella, snorkel gear, etc.). Having laundry in the unit allows you to pack more lightly than would otherwise be necessary. The unit itself is modern, comfortable and immaculately clean. It has a fantastic setup with two bedrooms upstairs offering privacy. Downstairs is wide open making for a great place to gather for morning coffee or a late night cocktail. The location is great, just a short walk to the Fairmont Orchid and a very short drive to the Mauna Lani. You also get many of the benefits of staying at the Mauna Lani (gym access, discounted golf, etc.) without paying the significantly higher room rates. I highly recommend the Orchid Villa.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/07/08

We stayed here with another couple for our 40th anniversary and cannot over state how beautiful the home is, the setting and the furnishings. Everything you can possibly need is here and it is of top quality. If you are going to the Big Island and if you want to insure that you have a wonderful, peaceful and classy time, then you need to stay here. A 10+

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/28/08

We stayed at the villa Sept 11 - 16 and loved every minute of it. The rooms are beautiful, the bedding is terrific and the kitchen has everything you could ever need. We were also pleasantly surprised by the welcome basket of fruit and coffee. This is by far the best VRBO we've stayed in. We are looking forward to returning soon.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/16/08

The Bishops have obviously put a lot of thought into furnishing the Orchid Villa. It was very easy to feel at home while we were there. Everything from the great location to the comfy bed made our time in Hawaii simply the best.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/01/08

What a fabulous vacation! We will never stay in a hotel again. The Orchid Villa was so comfortable, beautifully decorated and thoughtfully equipt it truly made our vacation a great success. The surrounding beaches were gorgeous and the adjoining resorts offered wonderful facilities as well. I couldn't recommend it more highly!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

We had a wonderful stay at the Orchid Villa--living in the laps of luxury! Everything was beyond our expectations! The master bed was extremely comfortable and we had a beautiful, relaxing day at the private beach. We loved the pool, the location, the grill,the neighbors, everything! We toured the entire island--Volcano Park, Hilo, Mauna Kea, Kona, and south of Kona. Coming "home" to the Orchid Villa was a perfect way to end our days.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/12/08

We enjoyed a marvelous stay at the Orchid Villa. Everything we needed was right where it was supposed to be. Everything about the Villa was 1st class and guest-friendly. We already look forward to our return in the future.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/14/08

My family and friends had a superb stay at the Orchid Villa! The Villa is elegant and beautiful. We especially appreciated the luxurious space, fully-furnished kitchen, beach supplies, child's play-pen, and much more. We would definately stay at the Villa again on our next Kona trip. Thank you Valerie! Vincent, Aurora, Gabriel, Katherine and Les, Addie.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/10/08

Best of the Best...Your island villa is truly a home. It had everything! We had a magical stay. Mahalo.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/10/08

We have been coming to Hawaii for many years and this experience was superb. Thank-you for opening up your home to us.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/13/08

After staying at other condos numerous times on the Big Island we have finally found the perfect location in the Orchid Villa. Luxurious accomodations, fully stocked kitchen, beach equipment, the list goes on and on. We enjoyed the perfect vaction and will absolutely return. Bruce, Roberta and Juliet Miller Orinda, CA

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Guest: Mary Fischer
Date of Stay: 02/11/08 Review Submitted: 02/10/08

We felt like we were staying in a five star hotel with all the comforts of home. The amenities and luxury accommadations were eceptional.

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Guest: Dave Jendre_HAC122935 (Richfield, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/28/08

BEST, BEST, BEST! The Orchid Villa stands alone as our choice for a premier accommodation and an effortless vacation. Thanks for your attention to all the details. Dave and Julie Jendre David and Julie Jendre

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Guest: Dr. Joshua Kim_HAC119915 (Santa Clara, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/07/08

Our Christmas vacation at the Orchid Villa was wonderful. The home was beautifully decorated and furnished, and it made us feel right at home. The attention to detail made it very convenient for us (e.g. Pack-n-play for our baby, beach gear, etc.). Valerie provided lots of helpful information before we arrived, including a reasonable car rental, which saved us a lot compared to the published rates during the holidays that we would have paid. Thanks for everything, and we hope to be back in the near future!

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Guest: Dave and Linda Ebert_HAC117648 (Pickering, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/21/07

Our trip to Hawaii was nothing short of spectacular...your place is fabulous!!Everything that we needed and wanted was right at our fingertips. What a way to spend our 25th wedding anniversary...with family and friends. I have recommended your place to all my friends here in Canada....look out ....Here come the Canadians!!!

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Guest: The Bachelder Family (South Lake Tahoe CA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/26/07

What a fabulous way to celebrate a 50th birthday! The Orchid Villa was perfect. Your home is beautiful and has all the special ammenities that made us feel pampered, relaxed and totally at home. We loved the beautiful white sand beaches, great snorkeling, and fabulous restaurants that were all nearby. We explored by car, finding wonderful small towns and gorgeous views. We used the pool and fitness room everyday, practically having them all to ourselves. What a dream vacation. We definitely want to return to the Orchid Villa. Thank you. Jon, Cece, Lauren and Allison.

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Guest: Lori Menzies (Santa Cruz, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/25/07

The home was wonderful! Valerie provided lots of helpful info before we arrived, and had a lot of great information there at the house. The amenities were just perfect. The house was spotless, the bathtub was our favorite. We also put to good use all the beach accessories in the garage. There would be nothing I would suggest changing or adding to the place; it really was perfect.

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Guest: Roxane A. Polidora (Kentfield, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/22/07

We adored staying at the beautifully appointed Orchid Villa. Valerie Bishop really did think of everything when preparing her relaxing, luxurious vacation home. From the wonderfully equipped kitchen, to the beach chairs, towells, and boogie boards, to the well stocked home throughout, attention to detail and furnishings makes this place first rate. Valerie is a real pleasure to work with and is extremely responsive. She even helped us make hotel reservations when our plane was cancelled! Stay at The Orchid and leave your worries on the Mainland.

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Guest: Barbara Rose
Date of Stay: 05/23/07 Review Submitted: 05/22/07

We have been to Hawaii 5 times and this is the best in every aspect. We are planning on returning again soon!

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Guest: Dan Morris (Sutter Creek, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/27/07

We have visited the Big Island several times over the last 18-years and have stayed at some very nice places but nothing compares to the bodacious set up at the Orchid Villa. Valerie and Russell Bishop provide everything needed to make the stay enjoyable and relaxing. Book your reservation now!

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Guest: D.G. Leyendeckers (East Amherst, NY)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/01/07

Having stayed at various locations along the Kohala Coast, as a repeat visitor to The Big Island, I must say that -- in a heartbeat I would return to the elegantly-appointed Orchid Villa. I would highly recommend this lovely, quite luxurious and most comfortable villa, situated on one of the Mauna Lani golf courses, without qualification, to discerning visitors to The Big Island who appreciate enjoying their time along the Kohala Coast. Everything about it, as well as its location is ideal! If The Orchid Villa is a vacation accommodation you are seriously contemplating...JUST DO IT! Valerie Bishop is a joy to work with, and indeed, The Orchid Villa is everything as described...and then some! It's a very nice piece of paradise!

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Guest: Aria (Menlo Park,CA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/26/07

I stayed at The Orchid Villa with my two daughters. They wanted to stay forever and I agreed that living there would be fine with me. The place is beautifully decorated and luxurious but what really made for a nice stay were the details. The fact that the condo has zip-lock bags,foil, salt pepper, tea coffee, oil and vinegar really made it possible to cook and eat there even if you were enjoying only a short stay. The kitchen is a pleasure to cook in as well as to look at. My girls enjoyed using the boogie boards.Valeriie was very responsive and helpful with questions.

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Guest: Jeff Seifert (Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/07/07

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with our family. The Orchid Villa is located in a very quiet and upscale gated community with a large gorgeous uncrowded pool. We have stayed in a number of the gated villa communities on the big island and this was the nicest we've stayed at by far. The supplied beach equipment meant we could pack light and still enjoy amazing days at the island's best beaches just minutes away. The comfort of the beds, linens, and furniture was second to none and we loved having a private barbeque on the lanai. We hope to return in the near future and would definitely recommend this villa to anyone considering a stay on the big island.

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Guest: Laura Pretsch (Sausalito, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/01/07

This was our first time in Hawaii, and we could not have asked for a more fabulous place to stay. It truly was a perfect combination of being able to enjoy the luxury amenities of being located in a world-class resort with the cozy feeling of having your own place to come back to and feel at home. Thank you so much for the best possible stay!

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Guest: Ruth & Don Barrack (Lawrenceville, NJ)
Date of Stay: 03/01/07 Review Submitted: 03/18/07

We've been visiting Hawaii every year for the past twenty years and never have we felt more comfortable or at home than at the Orchid Villa. It's beautifully furnished and maintained.

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Guest: Kerry_HAC79338 (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/01/07 Review Submitted: 03/14/07

Your house is beautiful and wonderfully accomodating. We stayed with our two 6 year old's and they were right at home! really! The kitchen was perfectly stocked with the necessities for cooking/bbq'ing and the pool and beach amenities were perfect. Thank you so much...we will definitly be back! Kerry

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Guest: John Morton (Santa Monica, Ca)
Date of Stay: 12/01/06 Review Submitted: 12/04/06

This villa is beautifully decorated and appointed showing an exceptional willingness to trust and care for the guests by the owners. Great Value and Location within one of the nicest resorts in all of the Islands.

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Guest: Julie and Brendan Harrison
Date of Stay: 11/02/06 Review Submitted: 11/01/06

Thank-you for opening your lovely home to us. We had a perfect HONEYMOON! Great food, perfect weather and the perfect location. You have the most beautiful sunsets from you Lanai. We really enjoyed dinner at the Four Seasons...what a view. We loved the helicopter ride over the volcano. We are already trying to figure out how we can return. We will certainly be raving to our family and friends about the Orchid Villa! Thanks again.

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Guest: Judy Anderson
Date of Stay: 10/15/06 Review Submitted: 10/14/06

Thank-you so much for sharing your home with us. We had a great time with our children and grandchildren. We loved the beach !

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Guest: Steve, Dana, Caroline and Andrew
Date of Stay: 10/02/06 Review Submitted: 10/01/06

Thank-you so much for opening your home! Paradise! We so appreicated all of your touches - great cookware, appliances and decorative touches. It made for such a relaxing environment. We had a great time...Thanks again!

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Guest: Steve W._HAC66531 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 10/01/06 Review Submitted: 10/15/06

A great, spacious new property that was tastefully furnished, had a well-equipped kitchen, all necessary beach-going gear, reliable high speed internet and a comfortable "homey" feeling. It is inpractical to walk to the beach club, but once you drive the 2-3 minutes to get there it offers one of the best beaches on the island with a restaurant, bar and shaded lawn area in addition to the protected beach and snorkeling area. We would rent the unit again without hesitation.

Owner response:Hi Steve, Thanks for the lovely comments! It is true one would not want to walk to the beach club. However, if folks perfer not to get in their car, it is a short walk to the Beach at the Fairmont hotel...about 900 yards ! Mahalo, Valerie

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Guest: Ian Mass and Sheila Merritt
Date of Stay: 09/14/06 Review Submitted: 09/13/06

A beautiful place to stay on a beautiful island. Scuba and Turtles were GREAT! Aloha & Mahalo!

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Guest: Skylar
Date of Stay: 09/10/06 Review Submitted: 09/09/06

Thank-you for letting us stay here! Very beautiful. The Boogie Board was awesome. My Dad and Mom can't write, because we are in a hurry, Aloha and Mahalo Skylar

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/30/06

We loved our stay at the Orchid Villa.It is beautifully furnished and equipped. Every detail to make your stay more enjoyable has been thought of by the owners. We have stayed in Apts all over the world & this unit compares well with the very best. Ed & Sally Clifford - Palm Desert, Ca

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Guest: Katrina_HAC62554 (Santa Monica, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/29/06

We absolutely loved the Orchid Villa. The condo is beautifully furnished and wonderfully located. Everything you need to feel at home has been provided and then some. We can't wait to come back.

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