Kiersten Z.
October 2023
Best VRBO experience yet! Condo location is perfect and the owners thought of everything to make our stay wonderful. The sunsets from the lanai were stunning and listening to the waves crashing on the rocks was mesmerizing. Could not have been a better experience
Lori P.
September 2023
Such a beautiful property. It felt warm and welcoming from the beginning. Every day after being out and about snorkeling, sightseeing, going to the beach or eating out , it felt like coming home at the end of the day. There were also small appliances such as blender, coffee pot and toaster in addition to pots and pans and lots of dishes, glassware and silverware. I would definitely recommend the Big Wave to anyone!
Kris J.
August 2023
Our stay on the big island was unplanned as we needed to divert our plans due to the Maui fires. Luckily John’s accommodations in Kona were available for our dates! The Big Wave penthouse was gorgeous, spacious and well stocked. We were travelling as a family of four; with our 2 teenaged daughters. It was perfect for us - I imagine it would be perfect for everyone as well. The condominium complex had a nice pool, tennis courts and numerous bbq’s to use throughout. Thank you!
Stephanie V.
August 2023
Our stay was fantastic. Everything we needed was available and the location was perfect! On top of that, the view was just stunning every single day, would highly recommend The Big Wave!
Wayne T.
July 2023
Great location especially if you like to snorkel and dive, which we do. Good recommendations from the owner on activities and dining. Short drive South to two great snorkeling spots. Also a short drive to the harbor for Manta Ray Snorkel or dive trips. View is awesome and the large balcony allowed our family of five adults to have plenty of room while lounging and drying gear. As to the comments about not having A/C we were here the last week of July, taking a late shower to cool down from the days activities and running the fans did the trick, very comfortable overnight.
David S.
July 2023
What a fantastic condo! We vacation on the islands a lot and this is this first time we spent more time in the condo than playing on the island. The view is fantastic off of the lanai and the ocean breeze kept the condo comfortable day and night. Looking forward to staying there again!
Michelle M.
June 2023
Absolutely breathtaking views. The condo had everything we needed, coolers, umbrella, boogie boards, towels, etc. Very open and spacious. High end appliances. I could sit on that lanai and watch the sunsets forever!
Darren M.
April 2023
Very nice and well appointed condo with a stunning view of the ocean. We stayed with friends and none of us ever got tired of watching the waves and listening to the birds in the morning and watching the sunset at night. Excellent communication with the owners (John and Linda). Everything went very smooth. Walking distance to a nice little snorkel spot, and to a shopping plaza for supplies (groceries, liquor, and drugstore). Would definitely stay again!
Taylor S.
April 2023
My family and I (Including an 8 month old baby) stayed at The Big Wave for our short vacation in Kona and we fell in love with the house and the view. So many memories were made in this home and we can’t thank you enough for your hospitality and constant communication to ensure our stay was going well. We were a little hesitant about this home not have AC in the humidity but the cross winds with the fans on and all windows open lead to the most peaceful nights sleep with a natural sound machine of waves crashing just outside our window. All in all we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Big Wave and are already planning when to come back for a longer period of time!
Cheryl F.
March 2023
Wish we could have stayed longer
Jason H.
January 2023
The Big Island was our last one to explore. If you are on the west side of the island, people tend to be either north or south of Kona. We chose to stay south largely because of this unit. Once we settled in, the unit truly felt like home. The views are incredible, the waves crashed most of the week and we enjoyed this upscale accommodation and overall property. The third floor provides breathtaking views with the wrap around lanai. The pool is a 2 minute walk and there is a BBQ 10 seconds out the front of the unit. We used the pool several times during our stay and were always able to get chairs. Beach gear (chairs and boogie boards) were provided.
We did incur one problem during our stay but John was great to deal with and handled it to our satisfaction.
The drive to the best beaches was around 45 minutes north, but worth it.
If you want to play tennis or pickle ball, remember to take proper foot wear. We had regular runners which were not allowed on the courts which was a bit disappointing.
Although our rotation of islands likely doesn't have us coming back to Kona for a while, I would certainly recommend this unit to family and friends.
Charles M.
October 2022
The unit was nicely decorated and well furnished. It was clean and the appliances were very nice. Best of all, it had an excellent ocean view. Having a lanai on two sides of the unit made it feel very outdoorsy. It is in a nice quiet area but not too far of a drive to the downtown area. There is also a shopping center, including a grocery store, within walking distance (but up a bit of a hill).
John the owner was a good communicator ahead of time and gave very good information and tips on what to do and where to dine in the area.
We would definitely stay in the unit again!
Diana H.
September 2022
Fantastic unit with everything you need.
Brooke W.
August 2022
Condo was great. Wonderful views.
Judy L.
July 2022
The view from the spacious lanai is the best I’ve ever seen. The sunsets each day were absolutely gorgeous and there was plenty of room for all to enjoy the show. We even had an even bigger show for two days with spectacular waves crashing on the rocks. A tropical storm passed to the south at the same time a huge southern swell approached the island. It was something to see! The condo was very spacious and had everything you needed from a well-stocked kitchen to beach towels and chairs, boogie boards, tennis rackets and snorkel gear. The property grounds were beautiful snd lush. My boys loved swimming in the pool! BBQ grill right outside the building was so convenient as we cooked lots of fresh seafood we bought from local fisherman. The shopping center with grocery store and other shops snd restaurants was a short distance away. Communication from the owner was excellent.
Ronald T.
July 2022
We were fortunate to close out our trip on the big island with a stay at the big wave condo. The views were stunning and the place was perfect for our family. We’d def recommend this home as it was also close to good food and attractions while being far enough to be quiet and peaceful.
Laura M.
June 2022
We really loved our stay at this condo. Parking was easy, condo was clean and beautifully decorated. The ocean breeze made sleeping pleasant. Good quality furniture, and comfortable beds. The State Park is a short walk away with great snorkeling and paddle board rentals. Highly recommend this property!
sarah m.
April 2022
As stated.
Shauna H.
April 2022
Beautiful coast and views. Our first time on the big island. Found out hard to find sandy beaches close by..realized not like Maui and Oahu North shore where we usually stay. The condo was a great size and had one of the best views of the place, but could use a little updating. We lived in Oahu for 5 years many years back and we understand not always easy to keep up with the salt air. Was stocked well and comfortable. Thanks for a great trip 🤗
April 2022
Was such a well stocked and great location condo for our family of 5. The view from the lanai was always breathtaking. Easy to drive around area and close to beaches and restaurants. Would for sure stay there again !!
Subho B.
March 2022
To make long story short this is probably a condo that I might return. This is my 10th trip to the island and we always rent a house/condo in different parts of the island. So generally we do not feel that we need to return to a particular property. Not because it’s bad but because we like to explore new and different towns and properties. This one, however, is so good that we feel like that we might return.
The condo was well stocked, excellent location on the ocean, great lanai, and have all beach related equipment you can think of for a family outing. It’s perfect.
I always review honestly so here is something that maybe useful. This has nothing to do with the condo or the owner, but has to do with the condo complex. The demographics here is aged. That’s nothing wrong but if you are 20 something or a family traveling with teenagers you may want to consider that. We were perfectly fine with a young family 6 and 10 year olds, but I think the “quiet hours” 9pm-8am was strictly followed, walls are thin and with no A/c everywhere doors/lanai were open so if people are talking in the lanai you can hear from the parking lot! Again it was not a problem for us, we rather liked it, but I feel it could be an issue with teenagers.
Susan Y.
March 2022
Oceanfront complex with beautiful grounds and great amenities.
Matthew F.
January 2022
I can't recommend this condo enough. Everything in the listing is 100% accurate and this made a perfect home for our time on the island
Our first morning there, sitting on the patio watching the sun come up a whale breached about 100 yards off shore. There are great binoculars provided by the owner that I would keep on the porch handy for such an occasion, especially if they're in the heart of whale season
The complex is very nice, so very quiet the mornings on the patio Make you feel like you're the only one on the island. The proximity to Kona is perfect. Very nice grocery and drug stores are less than a mile away And you're only about 20 minutes from the heart of Kona and all the great restaurants
John is super responsive had a great host I highly urge you to book this place when you can!!
Donna P.
January 2022
We really enjoyed our stay at Big Wave! I’m not sure you can beat the view! We watched dolphins and whales from the lanai. We also ate our meals on the lanai, played cards on the lanai, and just hung out on the lanai! Can you tell we loved it?
This is one of the most well stocked kitchens we have ever rented, and we really appreciate that!
Thanks for a great place to call home for our Christmas vacation.
Jack E.
November 2021
This is such a beautiful and peaceful spot! We loved every minute of our stay! Close to town for dining and or touring yet far enough away for a serene atmosphere. The unit was spotless and had everything we could have needed or wanted. The fully appointed kitchen was fantastic when we wanted to stay in. Truly a one of a kind experience. Thank you Big Wave for a wonderful vacation. We will be back!
George (Rick) a.
September 2021
The hosts could not be better. Excellent and helpful communication pre-trip and stayed in touch throughout. The ocean from the wrap around lanai(balcony) is beautiful and each sunset was different. A great base to explore the big island.
Shane S.
September 2021
We spent 5 days at the Big Wave Penthouse and were very impressed at how well the complex was maintained and manicured grounds. The owners had amazing communication in preparation for our arrival and their follow up while we were there to check in on us was great as well.
The kitchen and bar area are well stocked and everything that you would need to cook/BBQ are there.
We spent 90% of our time when at the condo on the lanai so that is the real focus of the condo and has plenty of seating. The beds were both very comfortable which is always nice to have when travelling. The views are truly spectacular and the complex is very, very quiet which is relaxing.
The grounds of the complex are actually better taken care of than some of the mega resorts on the north shore. It felt very 5 star even for an older complex.
I would highly recommend this condo which is perfect for two couples.
Daniel O.
August 2021
A true oceanfront condo - you cannot be closer to the crashing waves that put you to sleep each night and the view from the lanai is fantastic. High end appliances, fast Wi-Fi, plenty of extras like beach chairs, coolers, and boogie boards. Bed was comfortable. We did OK without air conditioning but it got very hot a couple of afternoons before sunset. Luckily the trade winds cool things off rapidly and night and we slept just fine.
Location is good - far enough from Ali‘i Drive where you don't hear any traffic, but close enough to drive to downtown Kona in 15 minutes. We also enjoyed walking to the KTA grocery store and the various other shops and restaurants in the mall.
Pool on the property is nice and gas grills are well maintained. The beach next door is not very swimmable, but full of turtles and fish, and hardly any other visitors.
We would stay here again.
Jonathan F.
August 2021
We enjoyed our stay immensely. The location can't be beat, and the Lanai is spectacular. The owner was very attentive to our needs and communicating frequently to ensure everything was taken care off. The place had all you need in a unit, including beach equipment. We don't usually use resort facilities, but also enjoyed the pool and tennis courts as well (the unit came with racquets and tennis balls). Would definitely stay here again.
Hyonsook K.
August 2021
It’s a beautiful condo that looks even better than the pictures. Very well equipped and maintained. The only downside was it was warmer than expected due to the weather
Annette Y.
August 2021
Beautiful place with amazing views. It was hot but we knew that going in. Cooled down at night to sleep. Definitely would stay again!!
Michele L.
June 2021
We truly enjoyed our stay!! Everything was perfect, from the comfortable beds to the beautiful ocean front view! The pictures do a great job showing the clean and nicely decorated condo as well as the view. The owners have been amazing and even checked in after a few days to make sure everything was going well. I have stayed in various condos throughout Hawaii, this is by far one of the best places I've ever been able to call home!
Jacqueline R.
June 2021
Bigwave penthouse was incredible. Beautiful, convenient location. Sleep and wake up to sounds of the ocean. The host thought of every detail. We were able to cook and stay in when we wanted or grab some chairs and head to the beach. The condo felt welcoming and warm. The beds were comfortable We had the best time and I can't wait to go back. Kona is a magical place. Thank you so much for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful condo.
Katherine C.
October 2013
We absolutely LOVED the Big Wave Penthouse from start to finish! John was a delight to correspond with and made our rental arrangements easy & efficient. The condo was spectacular, and perfectly located to everything. Stunning sunrise & sunsets from the lanai made it difficult to leave, but we'll be back! Mahalo for sharing your beautiful home!!!
July 2013
Our family (11 and 15 yr old boys and parents) stayed for about a week in this unit after staying for 3 days on the Hilo side. I looked at a lot of Kona-side condos before getting hooked on this one because of the retro-inspired Hawaiian decor. When we walked in the door, my husband got out his camera and started snapping away at all the items. The owners have done a superb job of decorating beyond what you'd expect in a vacation condo. The biggest hits were the rattan chairs and the hula lamp.
The unit not only looked great but everything functioned very well. The chairs and beds were all comfortable (kids loved the recliners) and sitting on the deck for breakfast was a highlight for me. The view is wonderful and our first night we had lots of crashing waves. The screened-in porch added extra space -- being right next to a tree made you feel like you were floating in the trees. Lots of birds to watch in the am, too.
We were so busy that we only used the pool once but my nutty son wanted to use the tennis courts so actually used them quite a bit despite the humidity. The pool isn't one of those huge resort pools with slides, etc. but it worked for our purpose.
We found the location of the condo to be ideal -- close to Kahuluu Bay for snorkeling and short driving distance to Hoenaunau for great snorkeling as well. Either site is A+ for snorkeling but at Hoenaunau we were lucky enough to be snorkeling when the pod of spinner dolphins came by and swam around the snorkelers for a while.
You are close enough to Kailua to drive in for Scandinavian shave ice and the rest of the sights. Also only a 1/2 hour from Kua Bay, which we absolutely loved. Very, very glad we stayed here instead of up on the Kohala coast in a big resort.
Owners' communication was also stellar -- got several email reminders and instructions before the trip and also one while we were there. Overall, this condo is highly recommended for oh so many things -- you will not be disappointed!
July 2013
What a beautiful place...wonderfully appointed, artful in design with a true "island feel." Kitchen and master bedroom have an open concept, the lanai is very inviting and relaxing with an incredible view of the ocean. Owners have thought of everything you may need for your vacation and are great to work with. Restaurants, grocery store, and beaches are nearby. Wish that our stay was longer.
June 2013
As soon as you walk into this beautiful condo, you can feel the stress melting away. Then as you step onto the expansive lanai, you are completely entranced by the beauty of the Kona coast. Each night we were delighted by thrilling sunsets then soft surf lulling us to sleep. Mornings were equally enticing, watching schools of yellow fish dart about the coral and hearing the songs of birds in the trees beyond. Hawaiian getaway? This is it. Well appointed and well thought out, we will definately be back.
May 2013
Our latest stay at Big Wave Penthouse afforded us a front row seat for watching many whales both far and near, dolphins at play just off shore, big thunderstorms rolling in bringing lots of wind and downpours (and cold!), both rolling and crashing waves, lots of colorful birds seeking shelter from the storm on the covered balcony and, of course, fantastic sunsets. It was relaxing, exciting and overall just great! Due to unexpectedly high work demands, what was to be our "vacation" this time became a change of venue to continue working, so we stayed in at the Big Wave Penthouse most of our 14 days with plenty of opportunity to experience all it had to offer. We could not have been more comfortable and could not recommend a stay here more highly. The photos are quite accurate and depict exactly what you see when you arrive. What can't be pictured is the tropical breezes blowing through the unit most of the time. The screened in balcony is just next to a tree so lots of bird activity can be seen all day. The owners are VERY accommodating, everything works, well equipped spotless kitchen with a great refrigerator/freezer, a wine cooler, plenty of linens, lots of hangers, extremely clean, efficient washer & dryer, beach gear, great internet connection, easy to follow instructions and the rarely found convenience of not only a printer but also a laptop for guest use in the unit. We encountered a slight problem connecting to the internet that the owner resolved for us very quickly...super responsive which was very much appreciated! This unit has absolutely everything you could want for comfortable living in it and the convenience of having the nearest market just a short drive or walk away. There are restaurants (Keneichi Pacific is fabulous!), a pharmacy and post office as well as other shops in the same center as the market. Also within a short walking distance is the best snorkel beach we've been to - easy access to the water, rental gear right on the beach, shower areas, picnic tables, tall palms so some shade areas are available and restrooms (also has a fairly large parking lot). Most days there is a food truck parked on the beach so you can eat even if you don't want to pack a lunch. All in all, the Big Wave Penthouse is a wonderful place to spend your time! We have been renting condos in this area nearly every year since 1990 and this is by far the best (and not our first time in it). We are really looking forward to our next stay.
Marianne B.
May 2013
Choosing a perfect place to stay on vacation is sometimes challenging; however, the minute we walked through the door we knew we had found a real gem. Crashing waves, palm trees, green and lush landscaping coupled with the starkness of lava rock, made for a perfect setting. Our hosts thought of everything and the condo is spacious and VERY well maintained. We were sent thorough instructions and information prior to our trip so we could familiarize ourselves with the inter workings of the condo. There is an extra bedroom that contains everything for "a day at the beach." The decor thoughtfully represents an early Hawaiian theme with all the modern amenities - LOVED the kitchen!! The very large lanai made this place tough to leave. Being close to the shopping center was a bonus and the farmer's market every Saturday was an added attraction - fresh, locally grown vegetables and fresh cut flowers, does it get any better? Eating out was easy as Sam Choy's and The Royal Thai restaurant are located in the shopping complex. Make sure you visit the Sheraton Hotel just around the corner for sunset cocktails! Mahalo, John and Linda, for creating a place of peace and comfort for weary travelers. We will never forget our lovely time at the Big Wave Penthouse!
Jean-Pierre A.
May 2013
The penthouse was just perfect, everything is well thought and convenient with the little details that change everything.
John the owner was very accommodating and very responsive to our questions.
We will for sure recommend this place to our friends and hope to return.
Marianne B.
April 2013
Our stay at Big Wave Penthouse was even more exciting than we imagined. From the moment you walk in the view just "knocks your socks off." Waves crashing on rocks below, green grass, palm trees and wonderful decor that the owners have lovingly decorated with Hawaiian memorabilia of years gone by. Mai Tais on the lanai could not be better in this retreat and the condo is a quiet and peaceful end unit in which to unwind. Conveniently located close to a shopping center, we became good customers of the KTA Market, Royal Thai Restaurant, Sam Choy's, the Saturday Farmer's Market (best homemade breads, terrific veggies and friendly people - great shopping. There was even a post office from which we could mail our post cards. We would give this beautiful place an A plus for its cleanliness and for being so well stocked with EVERYTHING one needs to enjoy island living. Thank you so much for answering all of our questions and for being gracious hosts. We shall return, soon I hope!
Harlan D.
April 2013
We have used vrbo many times. This was the best place we have ever stayed. The owner worked very hard to make our experience as wonderful as possible.
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.