Visited the Big Island from Feb 4-13, 2018. My wife and I are in our mid 50's and look for a good quiet location to stay on our vacation. This unit fit the bill perfectly. I will list the good and bad points but will tell you now there is not many bad, really just minor points, with this unit. This is the type of information I look for and pass to others when searching for a condo rental.
The Good
1. Excellent location if you are looking for a quiet well equipped condo rental. Very close to the Keauhou Shopping Center where there is a large grocery store, drug store, medical clinics, shops and a number of restaurants with in a few minutes walk from the condo site. Also about a 10 min walk from Kahualuu Beach Park were there is excellent snorkeling (saw lots of fish) with parking, washrooms, change rooms and lifeguards on duty. About 15 min drive, depending on traffic, to Kailua Kona where there are ample restaurants, bars and shopping. About 30 min drive from Kona airport.
2. Condo grounds are meticulously maintained and there is lots of parking next to the unit. Available in ground pool on the grounds. Didn't use it but it looked very well maintained and never crowded.
3. Condo is a gated community so it was very quiet and safe. We left our 2nd story windows open almost all the time to keep the unit cool and never had any issues.
4. Unit J-2 was very well equipped. Main floor has good size kitchen and living area and 1/2 bath. Second floor has two good size bedrooms with attached full bathrooms. Mattress in master bedroom was very comfortable. Lots of windows in the unit to allow that cool evening breeze in. Lots of bedding, towels. Washer/dryer(for those who travel light). Fully equipped kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless appliances, lots of dishes of all kinds. Excellent high speed internet/wifi, beach chairs/umbrella, snorkeling gear. The unit is tastefully decorated. Unit is relatively new so all condo buildings and unit J-2's interior/exterior don't look run down at all.
5. Nice patio and balcony off main floor and master bedroom. with deck chairs and gas barbecue on ground level patio.
6. Great view of the ocean from the 2nd floor balcony.
7. Renting and payment installments where a breeze through Aloha Condos and Homes. Payment installments charged to credit card when indicated and never had any issues. Aloha Condos always informed buy e-mail when charge was made.
8. Excellent instructions from the owners, Jane Schmitt & Richard Crack. They provided very clear instructions on how to find the condo complex, entry to the grounds and unit itself. No verbal contact was required and you did not have to meet anyone for access. Also very clear instructions on how to leave the unit on your last day.
The Bad.......and these are picky and there aren't many.
1. If you are younger and like the night life in downtown Kona this isn't the location for you. It is about a 15 min drive, in good traffic, to Kona. So not close if you plan to stumble home from the bars.
2. Unit deficiencies. We are tea drinkers and the kettle in the unit was unusable. Time for a new one. Toilet off master bath needs repairing. Constantly running. Dishwasher requires repair. Was leaking water with every wash. No cutting boards for food prep to be found in the unit. Time to buy some.
Possible improvement. Patio/Balcony face west, in direct sun, and unbearably hot to sit out there in late afternoon to enjoy the view. Will Condo Association allow the installation of shades of some sort?
3. Electricity is expensive in Hawaii so expect a surcharge if you want to use the available central A/C. The owners warn you in advance of booking of the added expense so there is no surprise when you book/stay. However, the condo is equipped with lots of ceiling fans there was usually a cool breeze off the ocean at night and we were very comfortable sleeping with the windows open on the second floor. Again the condo complex was very quiet and safe.
We have visited O'ahu, Maui and the Big Island with the Big Island being our favorite so far. Also excellent stay at Na Hale O Keauhou, Townhome J-2. We plan to visit the Bit Island again in the future and would definitely rent unit J-2 again if available.