Over a year ago, my husband and I decided that instead giving “stuff” to the kids and grandkids, we would make memories. After much discussion with the family (our two kids, their spouses, and four grandkids, ages 11 to 17) about what time would work for all involved (school, jobs, etc.) we settled on the fourth week of March 2022. I had already found this house, and thank goodness, it was available. It has three suites with king-size beds in the main house, plus the apartment with beds for each of the three boys. Perfect for our family of three couples, one girl (the extra bed in the upstairs room) and three boys. The house was on the beach so we could snorkel right there, and Hapuna Beach is a ten minute drive for boogie boarding. My husband and I planned to relax and not to have to go any further than that, yet the kids could explore more of the island if they chose. (Note: For Hapuna Beach State Park, there is a $20 charge per car pus a $5 per person per day, but the beach is worth it.)
The house is lovely, with everything as depicted in the description and more. We all had our private areas but whoever wasn’t in or on the water enjoyed time together on the comfortable lanai. One of the very nice features of the home was the dining table that seated everyone for family meals, a rare find in a VRBO. There were plenty of dishes, spices and condiments available, towels, beach chairs and random snorkeling equipment. We rented more snorkeling equipment from the handy nearby General Store. (Their Kona coffee ice cream is delicious!)
Because my husband died of cancer in January, the trip was not as we had anticipated, but it was a gentle and healing time for the nine of us, and yes, many good memories were made.
Many thanks to our wonderful and generous host, Marie, and her local representative, Katherine. Both were gracious, readily available, and easy to work with throughout the entire process. We could not have asked for a better experience. Mahalo nui loa.