Michelle
November 2023
John is a great host, went out of his way to make sure our family had a great trip. Condo was well equipped with everything we needed for our stay.
The extra gear, especially the paddle boards were a big plus. It’s a lovely spot to explore the South side of the island! Would definitely stay again.
Grace H.
July 2023
We enjoyed our stay at John’s apartment so much! It’s extremely clean, nicely renovated, in a great location that’s a short walk to Keauhou bay, and has everything we’d need.
Kati H.
May 2023
Beautiful updated condo in quiet location, yet very close to downtown Kona. Condo was fully equipped with everything one could possibly need including high quality water equipment, beach chairs and coolers. John, the property manager, was great to work with and very helpful. Highly recommend this property!!
Shelly F.
February 2023
Let’s just say we talked about renting it for 3 months of the year! Great location, had everything you need and more, host John was incredible with fast fast fast response! Clean, beautiful, great location, cool!!! Thank you! Just John!!
Whaley B.
January 2023
The property was great and the grounds are beautiful. Nice location a quick drive from lots of activities and beaches. The complex rules are very detailed, so if you are going with kids, I’d recommend getting a copy of them first, specifically if you want to use the pool, but overall a great stay.
Hiromi N.
July 2022
We enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this place. The location was very convenient and the house itself was clean, organized, and calming. The owner was also very accessible and accommodating.
Heather D.
July 2022
The location was great, the condo was clean and had everything we needed for our stay. Our children were comfortable and the location was conveniently located close to many amenities. It was fully stocked with great household items and recreational water gear for us to use. We highly recommend this location for your stay. One note is there is no direct beach access at this property however plenty of areas to find near by.
Sarah H.
July 2022
This property was lovely, great location, and so clean! The host could have not been more helpful and kind! Highly recommend!
Tanvi S.
July 2022
We stayed here for 4 days in June and loved many things about this property. The condo is very modern and updated-- it feels like a luxury home. There is a lot of space to spread out with two large bathrooms, a big indoor and outdoor living space and a decent sized kitchen. Check in was easy and parking was close by the entrance, as was the pool and nearest beaches (Kahaluu [great snorkeling] and Keauhou [good for water activities]). Also, it is close to a couple of restaurants and grocery stores. We found it a great base for exploring south Kona. The host of this property is kind and thoughtful. The kitchen has a coffee and espresso maker, many spices and the host left a few drinks and snacks for us to get us started, which was great, since we arrived at the property late on the first night. Also, the host offers the use of his extensive water recreation tools (snorkels, SUPs, surfboards, floats). The grounds around the property are well maintained, but be aware that when they spray for bugs, they can get in the back bathroom. We woke up one morning to a bunch of dead gnats in the bathroom -- it wasn't a huge deal, but surprising/unnerving if you aren't expecting it. We would 100% stay here again and felt lucky to have found it!
Suzanne W.
June 2022
This place met our expectations in every way. It had everything we could ask for. Air-conditioning worked well and we found it necessary. Ceiling fans everywhere helped too. Comfortable king beds, nice large sitting room sofa and TV, excellent internet. Greeted with a well-stocked minibar and snacks. We had access to every kind of toy you could want, the paddle boards and boogie boards were excellent. We asked for surf boards and they were delivered within an hour or two (our sons ended up not using them after all, but thanks John). We had access to two sets of golf clubs which were used on two days on the adjacent course which is beautiful.
The owner's kindness and helpful communication made our stay all the more enjoyable.
We will certainly stay here again when we visit the Big Island. We recommend this apartment without any reservation. You will be pleased you stayed here!
Fiona T.
May 2022
First off, great communication even prior to our arrival. John would reply within a couple of hours and would answer all the questions plus more. He was very accomodating with some of the changes on our end.
The place was awesome, kitchen was well equipped and I didn't even realize until the day I left that the oven was also an air fryer which is a bonus. The rooms were clean and having the laundry (with all the detergent and cleaning agents provided as well) within the unit was very convenient. All the rooms had AC and they all worked perfectly. The outdoor space was great and the BBQ they had made cooking for a big group (5 adults) super easy and convenient.
All the included water sport equipment that was stored in the closet made the trip even more enjoyable. It was as easy as loading it into the car and then bringing that to the beach to use and they were all in very good condition. One of the stand up paddleboard pump didn't work but because they were two SUP we just used the one pump for the two boards.
I highly recommend booking this place and I would not hesitate to book this place again for my next Kona visit!
Jane C.
April 2022
What an amazing place! We found this hidden gem on VRBO and in every way, shape and form, it did not disappoint!
Thank you to John and his wife for opening up their beautiful home. John was very quick and responsive to all my inquiries about the place. Even our teenager loved the place and all that it had to offer, that says it all! The owners were very flexible with our request to drop off our bags a little early and that was very much appreciated! From the moment we stepped foot inside we knew that this was the perfect spot for our family of three for our 7-day vacation back to the Big Island!
The area is safe and easily accessible to the shops and restaurants on the island and parking was a big plus too! Everything we needed was only a drive a way not to mention an awesome Japanese restaurant called Kenichi Restaurant that was less than five minutes away. The neighbors were friendly with their hellos and friendly waves and access to the pool was quite nice.
This home is beautiful, modern, private, very clean and extremely well kept with strong emphasis on the latter. The kitchen is very well stocked and the use of the beach chairs, snorkel gear, cooler, water equipment et. al come in handy! The living space has a lot of natural light and both bedrooms were good sizes. The rain shower and spa inspired theme bathroom was all I needed at the end of the day. The pictures online definitely don’t do this rental any justice.
We are so sad that it’s our last night here but without a doubt, we will definitely keep this place in mind for our future visits to the Island. We would highly recommend this place to others, hands down! Mahalo to the owners for helping make our vacation and Spring break for the teen a memorable one.
Lindsay Beach L.
March 2022
From start to finish the process of renting with John was a pleasure. He is quick to respond and even bought special gear that would fit our children. The condo itself is exactly as the pictures show. Large, renovated, clean and beautiful. We didn't want to leave. All of the watersports and beach gear were in perfect condition and couldn't have asked for anymore. So handy to have everything we could want from surfboards, paddle boards, kayak, golf clubs, beach chairs, blanket, towels, boogie boards, snorkel gear and cooler with containers and ice packs and even aloe for our sunburns! He thought of every detail!
The two king size beds are so comfortable, the bathrooms are large and well stocked. The washer and dryer were so convenient to have for a longer stay. The kitchen was fully stocked with all cookware you could ever need. The lanai is huge with double doors, new patio set and outdoor furniture is so comfortable. We enjoyed our dinners and nights outside. The condo grounds are beautiful. It is a very quiet building with a beautiful pool as well. We had a few quick swims here too.
We would return to John's condo in a heartbeat! Highly recommend!!
Todd G.
March 2022
We had an Incredible experience while in Kona. The condo is centrally located and has all the amenities anyone could hope for during a vacation. The View restaurant at the Country Club is a hidden gem of a restaurant. Great live Hawaiian music, an incredible view and awesome food. We even had the pleasure of watching some locals dance.
Suzette M.
January 2022
I was attracted to this condo because I could envision myself having coffee every morning on the patio sitting on the comfortable furniture, and that's exactly what we did every day. We also dined al fresco and watched the sunset on the evenings we were not elsewhere. Indoor areas are clean, newly updated, and very comfortable. The kitchen had everything we needed. When we asked for a blender, it was delivered within a couple of hours (a Vitamix!).
Everything we needed for our daily trips to different beaches was available as well: plenty of beach towels, beach chairs, an umbrella, snorkeling gear, and more. We used the cooler on a daily basis as well. There's also filtered water and an ice maker. No need to buy wasteful and expensive plastic water bottles.
There is a nearby grocery store and the Outrigger is a short walk with a Wednesday farmer's/artisan's market. We got drinks from the Outrigger's bar and walked over to their (free) manta ray viewing area several times.
A seafood vendor sets up several times a week near the grocery store and we got fresh fish caught the same day as well as shrimp cocktail and poke from her. Just a few minutes south are the best fish tacos on the island at Shaka Tacoz!
I would definitely book this condo again as my homebase in paradise.
George
January 2022
Our host Jon Young went above and beyond with his accommodations.Absolutely nothing was spared to make his home a home away from home for his guests!Everything is practically new from bedsheets to towels to kitchen gadgets etc!Kingsize bed in both rooms are supercomfortable.Extra pillows and blankets are provided and stored in the spacious closet with lots of hangers and shelves to store your personal things.Egyptian bath towels are supplied in the modern styled bathrooms.Toiletries are of good brand.Strong water pressure with hot and cold water options.Master bathroom has rainfall shower head.The whole house is free of carpet Which means no hidden food crumbs or sand left by previous guests.Blinds and curtains for privacy. Generous sofa size in the living room with huge tv and a love Sac for guests enjoyment.Even provided books(my favorite author John Grisham!) to bring with you to read at the beach.Floor stand fans and ac units all around to give extra comfort but really unnecessary when you can open all sliding doors and enjoy listening to the ocean waves and birds chirping (and frogs at night haha) and fresh air. Kitchen is generously supplied with everything you may need if you prefer to cook your own meal. Fridge has snacks and drinks included in the rental.My favorite part of the kitchen is the filtered water faucet! Iwas so happy when I realized it as we do not drink tap water from unfamiliar places we visit. Not enough space to share more but HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Julie M.
January 2022
Everything is new and clean! The best part about this condo is all of the gear that comes with it! We used the paddle boards and snorkeling equipment every day. The condo is a short walk down to the bay and close to a cliff jumping spot that our boys loved.
I have stayed at a lot of rental condos, and this one supplied significantly more than any ever. They supplied snacks, drinks, fancy toiletries, all paper products, and a well stocked kitchen.
John was great and brought us snorkeling gear and offered to bring extra kayak.
The only thing I would suggest it to rent a truck or SUV if you want to use the paddle boards a lot, as it is a challenging hike carrying them up/down hill to water. Doable, but you would have more time paddling if you had truck!
Definitely would rent again! Great value!
Brook H.
January 2022
Very clean, informative support and loved the location. You don’t need to bring it because they provide it. Great new gear to use during your visit. The only recommendations and I consider very very minor is to have dish clothes and a couple hot pads. Keeping in mind neither of these impacted a great stay and rating.
Joshua A.
December 2021
We had an amazing stay at this property. My wife and I are pretty well travelled and have stayed in many vacation rentals and without a doubt this is the best place we’ve ever stayed at.
John the owner of the apartment is just about the coolest most laid back and down to earth guy you’ll ever meet. From the very get-go his communication was impeccable and he was super
responsive. More on that in a minute. Let’s begin with the flat:
1) the place looks exactly like what you see on the photos online
2)location is amazing. No more than 10-15 minutes away to Kona Town in a car. It was very quiet and secure.
3)the place itself is recently remodeled. Everything is new looking and it has everything (pots, pans, plates, blender, silverware, Nespresso machine, toaster, soap, dishwasher pods, clothes washer pods etc.) you will need to enjoy your stay. Nothing feels cheap, the beds, the linens, towels and even hand soaps feel luxe. John is so cool in that he provides some stuff (snacks/beer/wine) in his cooler and is not stringy about anything and invites you to help yourself
4)the amenities associated with John’s place are amazing. He let us use a few of his paddle boards at no charge. They were brand new never been used. The snorkel gear was also brand new and he left two sets of golf clubs for my buddy and I. John even goes as far as delivering the items you may need at the local bay and gets you set up with what you need.
John was always available via text and was just incredibly hospitable. He single handedly is the reason we loved our place so much. You feel like
you’re staying at a cousins house, because he makes you feel right at home. In fact, we had our flight get changed on us, and instead of rushing us out he said not to worry about rushing out and to stay a little longer as needed. You don’t feel nickel and dimed by John. All in all, I can’t speak highly enough about our stay and John’s place!! Not one single negative thing I can think of. Well maybe one… having to go home! :( We are already planning our next stay, and we’ve let John know his place is the only place we’ll come back too.
kevin n.
September 2021
What a great short vacation and a great find! First off, I would like to thank the host John for being so accommodating. First time to Big Island and we were unsure of what to do and where to go. John outlined all the good surf / kayak spots along with all activates and good restaurant nearby Kona. We were grateful for the local guidance as he was spot on and only wished that we could have stayed longer for more of John’s recommendations.
From my understanding, this is a new vacation rental where everything was brand new and extremely clean. The pictures posted do not do any justice. Everything felt luxurious, it was like staying at a luxury 2 bedroom hotel suite.
We also saved a good amount of money on the free non-motorized water sports that were included in the rental! John would come and meet us to drop off the surf / paddleboards and kayak right at Keauhou Bay. We went surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling right in Keauhou bay. You really get a beautiful view from being out in the bay. It is a completely different perspective from being out in the ocean and looking at the landscape. Keauhou Bay was right around the corner as described: 3 min drive or 5-7 min walk. We took the surfboards and tried to surf at kahalu’u beach park which was about a 5 min drive. It’s a well-known snorkel spot as well. We took the surfboards and went to Pines beach to surf. We returned the boards and beach stuff to the host after we were finished. The host was pretty correct on the rental prices of the equipment that we used as local pricing is high. We saved about $150-$250 per day on equipment rental!!! That was a huge savings that ended up going to purchase our meals while eating out. They did have a very nice kitchen and BBQ grill that we did not have a chance to use. With the savings on equipment rental, eating out was easier.
With a full day of water activities, it was so nice to come back in the evening to the condo and relax. The sectional was huge. Very comfortable!! The king size bed was also very comfortable. Definitely a great night's sleep. Refreshed to start the next day of adventures.
We did not stay long enough. Next time we go back we will stay much longer. There were so many activities that we missed. We recommend at least 7 days or longer. That way you can get in plenty of activities. We plan to visit the island again next year and will definitely be staying at John's place again. Highly Recommended!!
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