michelle c.
December 2023
I love the idea of keeping the soul with the house,but maybe think about fixing the pool and a some paint
Cheryl D.
November 2023
We had a group of 6 adults and we all loved this house! The location was perfect with both sunrise and sunset views. It is close to town, but in a quiet, gated neighborhood right on the ocean. We spent a lot of time lounging on the covered back porch and in the pool.
It was heavenly to have three full bathrooms!
While we were there, some people walked by, said their grandfather owned the house in the 1980’s, and that it was the only home there at that time. The house itself is really cute inside and out.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a very comfortable and peaceful place to stay near Kona.
Jennifer C.
November 2023
We booked this property as we wanted a home that we could relax at and enjoy the ocean. The only positive thing about this property is the location and the ocean view.
We flew in late evening time. We arrived to the gate desk around 6pm. They did not have our names on the list to allow entry. I had to call the number from the check in informational email. Shortly afterwards, I received an email with the QR code to allow entry.
The property pictures on VRBO are very misleading and misrepresent what the property truly looks like. The pictures are obviously several years old and do not show what the property currently looks like. When we arrived, the pool was opaque and green. There was animal feces on the bench seat in the kitchen. There were several lizards in the bedrooms from a large hole in the screen over the window. While I understand that this is a tropical island, I have stayed on Hawai'i numerous times previously and never encountered a home in this condition. There is water damage on the lower part of the wooden walls in the living room. Paint is peeling all over on the inside of the home. The side entry door doesn't close completely, leaving a large gap in the door frame.
Also the price was more than twice the regular rate as we were there the week before the ironman race.
We tried to contact the property manager immediately with no response.
Ultimately, we checked into a local hotel room and spent the week there.
wendy m.
September 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We recently stayed for a week at this lovely rental for the 3rd year and already have another stay planned. The location is perfect for my family of 4 (kids are 4 and 7 years old) and a set of grandparents. Having the beach as a backyard is truly magical. The kids switched from pool to beach, which is a few minutes walk along the beautiful coast. We grilled dinner and ate on the patio every night and watched the rainbows and sunset. I appreciated the real time communication via text with the property management who were more than helpful, we travel often and I wish every experience went as smoothly. This property sits within a gated community which made us feel very safe. The security staff was very friendly but you could tell they were diligent about their jobs which I appreciated. The house reminds me of old Hawaii with geckos everywhere you look and fans blasting 24/7. This beach house is one of a kind and we feel so lucky to get to experience it, thank you for allowing us to make memories year after year. Mahalo and a hui hou!
Patrick L.
August 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We could not have asked for a better property. We read complaints about the pool, yet the pool was clean and ready to go as soon as we arrived. We also learned that the pool (which is the largest in the neighborhood) is in the shape of the Big Island. How cool is that! The location was amazing! A 5 minute walk to Queens Bath, which is a perfect spot for the kids to swim and snorkel. 5 Minutes by car to the downtown strip, ROSS or Target if you forget anything. This location has it all. Is it older? Yes. But the location and price completely make up for any shortcomings you may think it has. It was very clean, had plenty of towels for both the pool and beach and all the appliances we needed for some great home cooking (i.e. spam and eggs for breakfast). This home lets you enjoy paradise as a paradise. From the sunrise over the hill to the sunsets over Queens Bath, this house brings you back to simpler times. We watched dolphins jumping every morning from the lanai, the glass bottom boat and submarine made stops as well and the inter-island cruise ship honked on its way out. If you are lucky you will be able to see the green light at sunset and bio-luminescence crashing in the waves. we will be back.
Seana M.
June 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The house was absolutely wonderful. The accomadations were great! Being right off the beach it was wonderful to walk out to the ocean from the back door. The pool was great also. The children wanted to play in it all day. The lanai was wonderful to eat dinners on in the evening. The neighborhood cats were sweet to look at also. An added bonus for us! The description was spot on and our expectations were not let down.
Tiffany H.
May 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This sweet Hawaiian style home sits among other massive mansions and there was no place we would rather be. The pool and outdoor area was awesome with direct gate access to the sand and rocky walk down to an easy spot to take an ocean dip. Would be great for kids. Many reviews have read "dirty" or "falling apart" but my guess is these are people from the mainland. Welcome to the tropics! Bugs and geckos and a little dirt or salt around the edges is normal! Don't stay here for a 5 star situation, but a wonderful and comfortable home away from home with great kitchen space for larger groups and ample bathrooms. I do think the pool needs a resurfacing and there were some loose tiles around the edges, but all in all we were thrilled with our stay and will recommend to friends and family.
Elizabeth S.
May 2023
We had a wonderful stay here! Location was great! It’s definitely an older house that could use some updates but overall we didn’t have any issues. Be warned if you are tall the fans in the living room will hit you in the face.
April 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than helpful.
The vacation rental was somewhat dirty.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
If you are considering staying here, you should book another property. The location is fantastic, right on the beach and close to town, but the photos of the property don't accurately show the house. The pool is moldy, discolored and missing tiles. We knew the house would be old and were fine with that, but things like windows, window sills and fans are filthy and falling apart. There was also a homeless person's trash and pants left on the property. Owner did refund $50 a night, but it's not nearly enough to make up for the overcharge for this lackluster vacation rental.
Magnus L.
August 2022
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We have really enjoyed this nice little house and the excellent location by the ocean.This has been our base for almost three weeks now.The house is very clean on arrival.Very well equipped kitchen and the bathrooms are nice. Fans are easy accessable in every room.The fans have helped us a lot during our stay here.The pool: This is probably the biggest pool in the neighbourhood, at least what I could see. It needs a bit love around the corners to get in full shape but we love it anyway.Great for a quick swim and for cooling off.The porch is huge and we have had nice dinners there.20 minutes walk to downtown Kailua with lots of nice restaurants and fun shops.Our contact Knutson & Associates have been easy to access with. Friendly people.Fast replies via email. We are thankful to have experienced this.Our friends have been here before and they mentioned this as a great opportunity for us. We have not visited Hawaii before.Now we have inspiration for more.
Keri C.
May 2022
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We rented this house for 2 weeks and had a great time. The agency who rents this house is responsive and communicative. You are close to everything but feel away from everything at this house. The neighborhood consists of a street with 4-5 million dollar houses. This is what we think an original house to this neighborhood. that being said it is a little rough around the edges and can use some updating. Mostly the pool that needs a paint job and retile. We had to call about maintenance when we got there since it was cloudy and bit green. Its such a special place that it is worth it to do some redoing. Also adding AC because there are just fans. Which was fine in April because at night it gets cool. but during the day the back of the house would heat up pretty good. Also be okay with tiny ants, geckos and an occasional cockroach at night. My kids were a little freaked out about the roaches. We had a great time here and recommend it.
hiram w.
April 2022
Great location pool could use some work overall we loved it
Jenny R.
January 2022
The location is great for sunset views, spotting whales and dolphins, and easily getting to good restaurants. The place needs a deep clean (curtains, ceiling fans) an ant problem solution, and general TLC (paint the entry gate , and make sure the plants are alive or cleaned up).
Bradly B.
December 2021
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We’ve enjoyed Hale Pahukoa for many years now. She’s showing her age now, but has everything you need and is clean. And you can’t beat the location- just 20 minute walk to town. Knutson is easy to deal with - friendly and helpful. Best of all, Hale Pahukoa has a truly beautiful view!
Don K.
September 2021
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Wonderful. We've been coming here for years and have enjoyed each and every experience. I fish out the back, and do good off the point, but one must be careful and pick the right time to do so. All-in-all, one has to take in account of your surronding, the sounds, the ocean, the smells, the rain ever so welcoming, and be willing to overlook a few of the more lack of modern facilities one might find in other locations. Again, take all that this sight offers, I'm not sure there is another sight like this one, anywhere.Don & Joan Kasso
David S.
March 2021
Our family had such a good time staying at this house. It's in a quiet neighborhood, great neighbors, gated community, and right on the beach. The pool is good sized for play and the sunsets were amazing. Would love to stay here again!
Charity B.
January 2021
Location & view are amazing. The lanai & pool are huge and where we spent all our time when at the house. Nice little beach to the north to snorkel & swim. Great spot for sunset & sunrises! Lots of ants and geckos but to be expected when that close to the beach. I changed the message in the heart on our beach every day. Would stay again!
Cheryll H.
December 2020
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
I always have a pleasant visit here.
RAELYNN S.
January 2020
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The house was perfect, great location, very clean, had everything we needed. Wonderful people at the gate that gave us places to see and check out. We will rent it again when we come back.
May 2018
Rating Details:
The property manager was adequately helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had a great time at the Pahukoa! The location is awesome, and we loved the pool the short distance to down town Kailua-Kona and the view was amazing! We also enjoyed the small beach 1 minute walk from the house, both for swiming and wathing the sunset. The huge porch was one of our favorite things at the house, and was used all the time, for meals, hanging out, tanning etc. Loved it! We had som issues getting through the gate the first day, but that worked out quick, and the guard at the gate was very helpful. We felt very safe! There were some insects at the house, but not more than expected in this climate. we also appreciated the beach gear at the house which gave us a lot of fun. Thank you for having us, we would stay here again!
Melinda L.
March 2018
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
I don't know where to start, I loved so much about this property. The pool, we were right on the bay. Every time we went to Alii Drive we would locate the lighthouse on the beach next to the property. The kitchen was stocked with everything needed to cook a good meal, the BBQ pit was also used during our stay. The location was awesome. Some of the things we did: the submarine ride, the manta ray dive/snorkel and took a fishing trip, were all a short drive away. Although my husband and boys all said the best snorkeling was right off the rocks behind the house. I guess that is why we saw the glass bottom boat there often and the submarine ride was right there in the bay as well. And the view from the lanai was priceless, always something to see. I hope to come back again one day. Even though we were there for 8 days there just wasn't enough time to do everything we wanted to do. Also, be sure everyone knows how to use the safe or you will get locked out. We had to contact the agent which in turn had the owner contact us so that we could get our belongings out. Both the owner and the agent were quick to the rescue and very polite. Mahalo
Tim M.
November 2017
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Clean, homey, great Lanai with dining table and comfortable lounging chairs, and the best view! Pool was a great temp with pool toys available. Gated, secure location within walking distance to downtown and the old airport park. Good fans throughout the house, no AC. Lots of extras like sunscreen, bug spray, shampoo, small kitchen appliances, teas, spices etc. a couple minor issues, some pool tiles had come off and would get stuck in the pool vacuum, the full size bed was uncomfortable but the other three were good.
Roxanne M.
November 2017
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This house was everything we wanted: quiet, private, unpretentious and located within walking distance of Kona town. We loved the ‘no air conditioning’ and hope the owners never change that. There is plenty of deck space outside and the breezes off the ocean are so refreshing. This older home and property is perfect for a family or group who want a simple get away that honours the old Hawaii.
Shawn O.
October 2017
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The house has an unbelievable location. We will definitely go back. It was a great value for the location. Don't expect luxury like some of the other higher priced homes in the neighborhood but it is a great value. It has a nice fridge, sink, and laundry. All the essentials that you need.
Lloyd M.
August 2017
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Great location, older house but very clean and family friendly. Calibrated my nephews 8 year old birthday,he had a blast with his cousins and we literally couldn't get him out of the pool. The house location is great as all of our off property venues were close,and easy to get to.Although we spent most of our time at the residence with family n friends. Will definitely stay here again in the future.
Don K.
May 2017
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Other than the noises from the increased traffic, garbage collection twice a week, speeding cars, it was fine. Just changes from our stays here previously. I know we can never go back to what it used to be, but it is still wonderful--out in the back!! Wish pool had been clean the last 3 days of our stay. The rain and wind storm really dirtied up the pool. My husband and I were not in any shape to clean it our ourselves and the pool sweep wasn't working properly. I understand that John,the pool maintenance man was overly busy with other pools. Understandable. But sad we couldn't spend those last days cooling off. We will be back again. It feels like our home away from home.
Dawn F.
January 2017
Rating Details:
The property manager was adequately helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Our daughter graduated from University of Hawaii in Hilo and we decided it was an ideal time to for a Hawaiian Christmas. I think we have a new tradition! It was the perfect way to spend the holidays with family and Hale Pahukoa was a great place to stay. We loved having a pool AND beach access. We were a little worried that "retro or vintage" could mean old, outdated, or dumpy but not the case here. We found that the house was "as described" and we were not disappointed. It was clean and had all we needed for our stay. I recommend a quick call to the management company before arrival to ensure they have your name at the gate and the pool has had a recent cleaning. We had to wait at the gate for about an hour because security did not have our name and they had to get it all sorted before we were allowed entry. I would not have even mentioned this but I understand this was not a "one-time" incident. Can't beat the location, close to town and on the water. We especially enjoyed the lanai. We will do it again!
Bradly B.
December 2016
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Great location, wonderful view, great place to relax.
Sean N.
October 2016
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This was the perfect vacation house for what we wanted. Close enough to walk to town centre (15mins) but in a very quiet gated community with loads of space to chill, stunning views of the ocean and gorgeous pool. Room fans meant no night was too hot to sleep despite 90degrees and sunshine most days. BBQ grill was fantastic and the house is well equiped. We were 3 couples sharing for Ironman week, we all had plenty enough space but wouldn't want to fit 2 more adults in. I could see how the configuration could work for 8 but only if at least 2 (ideally 4) kids involved. Management company were also very responsive, we had a small leak from the water cooler in the fridge which was repaired within an hour of contacting them. We'd definitely rebook this property again, so much to like about it and only the slightly dated decor and lack of aircon (which actually was positive to us for Ironman acclimatisation but might be a negative for others) on the downside.
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