Kerry B.
November 2023
Surfrider house is exactly as advertised. Clean bedrooms and comfortable beds, and excellent access to Richardsons Beach as well as within walking distance to other amazing parks along the road. The owner is quick to respond to any inquiries, and accommodated both our early arrival and late departure. The clean kitchen and clean bathrooms are stocked with everything you need. Did I mention this place is clean?! (Kudos to the housekeeping staff!!) Note the second bathroom and third bedroom are a separate entrance, not connected to the main living area. It was an added layer of privacy! We absolutely appreciated the well-stocked snorkel gear, booties, beach chairs & toys. So many positives about this sweet place! Perhaps my favorite was the ease of check out…“feel free to start a load of towels, or don’t. This is your vacation after all!”
Susan D.
October 2023
Very much enjoyed this house. Especially loved sitting on the lanai looking at the lush foliage and the ocean and listening to the frogs which we thought were birds. Just lovely.
Phyllis A.
September 2023
Photos and description were misleading; furniture throughout was different than pictured, kitchen/dining room floor plan changed. The Surf Rider has potential but is MAJORLY lacking in its current state. The worst problem was cleanliness. We were asked to take off our shoes when entering; however, our feet were filthy after walking around inside the house. Fans were caked with filth and it was horrible under the beds. Several windows could not close. Blinds in basement bedroom were dirty and broken. No TV in basement. Prior updates/repairs were very poorly done. Sliding doors were rusty and difficult to open/close. Lighting poor. NO SMOKE DECTORS ANYWHERE ON MAIN FLOOR! Location across from Richardson's Beach was convenient. Would NOT stay here again.
Travis K.
August 2023
We had a great time. Real nice place!
Alicia E.
March 2023
Our family of 6 adults stayed at the Surf Rider house across from Richardson's Beach Park and had the trip of a lifetime. The house was clean, had everything we needed, and was very comfortable for our group. The house was the perfect place from which to explore the east side of the island, and we took several scenic drives, ate at great restaurants, went to Pahoa, and to VNP. But the best part was watching the waves and whales from the porch. A week wasn't long enough, and we hope to return soon. Richard was an excellent host!
Lisa D.
February 2023
This house is in a stellar location with the captivating view of the ocean. And the home is well-appointed (everything you can think of, and more) with any item you’ll need or want.
The large kitchen is beautiful and easy for more than one person to be in there. And it has a gas stove, with quality pots & pans! We loved being able to cook and eat on the patio overlooking the ocean.
We encountered a small issue and Richard quickly responded and instructed us how to resolve it.
The washer and dryer on premises was such a blessing! And all supplies were neatly provided (detergent, basket, etc).
The beds were comfortable and the location was so quiet. It’s a gem. We still dream of our stay at this house!
Our stay was very comfortable and smooth.
It felt like we were borrowing a good friend’s house!
Thanks Richard!
Sheri D.
February 2023
This property worked out great for our group of 4 adults (2 couples). The location was great and the house was well stocked and had everything we needed.
Catherine E.
January 2023
The house was great—a clean, older home that was fixed up nicely. All amenities were provided, including a huge number of beach toys, kayak and another boat. The family loved the snorkeling right across the street at Robinson State Park. We snorkeled 3-4 times every day. Loved it!
Jessica B.
January 2023
We had an amazing experience in Hilo, made better by this property. Across the street from a wonderful beach, close (with a car) to downtown. The house had everything we needed for cooking, cleaning, sleeping, and relaxing in Hawaii. Hopefully we can return soon!
Jeannette T.
December 2022
Amazing location. Perfect lanai, spacious comfortable accommodations.
Eric J.
December 2022
Hidden gem right across from a black rock beach with sandy bottom and great snorkeling/surfing/boogy boarding spot with a view.
:) If I was a lesser human I would keep this place a secret all for myself.
Gabrielle F.
October 2022
Close to everything and great views outside! Great communication.
Wendy M.
October 2022
Richard was an excellent host. Property was terrific: clean, up to date furnishings. Even though no AC, couldn’t tell due to the ceiling fans and nice airflow throughout the house. Great amenities and nice privacy if you have two adult couples. I would love to stay again and would highly recommend this property!👍
Jim K.
September 2022
The location was perfect. The view of the Pacific was picture perfect. There is a park across the street with a beach.
Richard was very responsive to any questions or concerns we had. I highly recommend the botanical gardens. It is amazing.
Jody M.
July 2022
The property's location and cleanliness were good. The property itself needed some minor upkeep including paint touchups inside and out (one window on back had no trim paint), the outside patio table had some broken issues, one ceiling fan had no option to keep the fan on but light off because pull chain was gone, etc. Nothing was a deal killer. We loved the location and the the house itself was comfortable, clean, and nicely stocked.
susan m.
June 2022
This house is in the best spot in Hilo. It's in a very quiet neighborhood that is great for walking and is only a 10-minute drive to town. Best of all, it's across the street from Richardson Beach Park, the best snorkeling we found on the Big Island. The house itself has a lovely porch with a great view. While there is a downstairs bedroom, it was plenty big for 4 adults in the upstairs alone. The kitchen is fairly well stocked. The owner was very quick to respond to any issues we had. We would love to return some day!
Michelle B.
June 2022
Perfect!. Felt like home. Hope
To rent again in February with family
Becky M.
February 2022
This house was wonderfully stocked! The water toys/beach accessories were very helpful. We were able to cook meals without having to buy basic seasonings.
We toured around the whole island and had no problems with staying in Hilo. I found it more accessible to the East and South sides.
The sleeping arrangements were great and the basement area is perfect if traveling with more than one couple!
The owner was very responsive with any questions and provided great resources with ideas. Overall, I recommend this house.
Carrieann D.
February 2022
Great location for gorgeous snorkeling across the street! House is well suited for several couples or a family +. House is well appointed. Great outdoor seating and space for kids to run. Will definitely stay again!!
Natalie T.
February 2022
Our stay at Orchid House exceeded all expectations and was an absolute dream! The home was so well furnished and comfortable and Richard was amazing to work with and gave us some great ideas for some Big Island adventures. The view from the front patios was breathtaking and our kids loved using the kayak, paddle board and other water toys to walk across the road and play in the ocean. Thank you Richard for making our stay in beautiful Hilo one we will never forget!
Christine M.
February 2022
We love staying at this property. It was perfect for our family. It had enough room for everyone to be comfortable. We loved how close it was to the ocean. We got up each morning to watch the sunrise from the rocks on shore. We spent a lot of time snorkeling. We used the boogie boards and flippers that were provided. It was great to be able to have access to them! We enjoyed sitting at the table in the yard watching the waves crash and the geckos play. We would come back in a heartbeat!
Cheylynn H.
January 2022
We loved this house. Great location. There is a black sand beach right across the street and even though it’s in a residential area, it’s only 15 mins from downtown Hilo. The host was very responsive and the property was clean and inviting. We enjoyed it and would 100% book again.
Tonya G.
November 2021
The house is right across the street from one of the best ocean front parks in the area. Absolutely gorgeous yard, house and views. House was well stocked with all the necessities. I have zero complaints and would stay here again in a heartbeat! On our last night there we saw two wild boars in the backyard. So cool!
Brian R.
November 2021
The description of the house is pretty spot on. It is a nice place, literally across the street from the beach. The location is great, lanai is great, the kitchen comes with some of the basics (salt, pepper, oil, soap, etc) which is really helpful.
My only real complaint is that one of the neighbors has a rooster that free-roams the area. I found it just annoying, but if you had infants that would not go back to sleep it could be pretty awful.
Some of the water gear is a bit old and worn, but still functional, and it's nice to not have to buy or rent for a short stay. Also the house has some small oddities to it (eg, all the sink handles are rotated to different angles). It doesn't bother me personally, but if you wanted a 100% polished resort-like experience, this isn't it.
M S.
August 2021
My husband, teens, brother, and I spent two nights in this comfortable Hilo home with million dollar views. The amenities were wonderful, including bikes, a paddle board, and a kayak. We enjoyed spending time at Richardson Ocean Beach Park which was right across the street. Tours stop at this beach, but you can walk across, jump in, and be surrounded by an incredible array of fishes and sea life!!! From this home, we easily visited Volcano National Park, Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, the Hilo Farmer’s Market, and enjoyed great food at so many Hilo restaurants. If you want to cook, this home is well-stocked and ready to go! We would definitely come back and stay longer!!!
Donna J.
June 2021
House was just as listed. We loved the location and our family of 6 enjoyed exploring the Hilo side of the island. The layout of the house was great for multiple married couples. The step down into the downstairs bedroom almost got me the first time!😂 Overall an amazing stay and we would not hesitate to come back!
Susan Y.
March 2020
This property is in an amazing location. Turtles, black sand beach, and absolutely amazing snorkeling. People pay guides for this stuff... and it’s right there! Amazing location. The property manager was attentive and extremely accommodating. Have rented with him before and would again.
Vanessa W.
March 2020
It was great! Really appreciated being able to check in early
Pat
February 2020
This was the perfect location for our stay. Richardson Ocean Beach Park was fabulous for turtles, snorkeling, swimming and scenic beauty. The view from the property is amazing.
Angel H.
February 2020
We loved every bit of our stay at the lilikoi house! Richard was friendly and quick to respond. The house was clean, well stocked and right across the street from an awesome beach park. My kiddos loved playing on the giant tree in the front yard and spotting geckos. We were a group of 2 families with young kids. My family stayed in the bottom studio area and it worked out perfectly. It was nice to break away from the group and let the little ones wind down but still all be together. We would love to come back again!
Barbara J.
February 2020
The home was not at all like the pictures, it needs renovating! The bedrooms were very small. The bedroom in the basement smelled moldy. I filed a claim to get my money back!
Grace S.
January 2020
The location was amazing. All the amenities of Hilo nearby, beautiful ocean Park across the street. Lovely landscaping and all kinds of fun accessories like bikes, snorkeling gear, kayaks, etc. Loved it ❤️
Shannon B.
January 2020
This vacation rental is all about the location. Richardson's Beach Park and other beach parks are right across the street with great access to snorkeling and guaranteed sea turtle sightings. Watching the waves break on the rocky shores from the porch was a highlight. The kitchen and common spaces are nice and great for groups; however, the house itself and the rental amenities are in need of some substantial upgrades. Upon arrival, we had internet and TV issues that the owner seemed aware of and should have been addressed prior to check in. Richard was easy to communicate with but it did take ~24 hrs to fix the WIFI and the TV still had some display issues. There was also no TV in the basement bedroom, which is pictured in the listed photos. Other items that need addressing; there is a charcoal grill, but no charcoal was found. We realized this too late in the evening when we wanted to grill so we just cooked inside instead only to find out that some of the stove buttons didn't work. The main floor/upstairs bathroom door did not shut and the lock placed on the door did not lock. This is crucial to have privacy when using the bathroom in a full house. The overhead fans, especially in the bedrooms are very dusty and the curtains are sheer. Beds were comfortable; however, the linens are quite outdated and well worn. Overall, this vacation rental is a cute beach cottage but is overpriced for the quality of the space and amenities at the time we rented it.
Anna L.
January 2020
you're right in front of Richardson Beach Park. what else is there to ask for? we went to almost all of the activities recommended by the owner, and we couldn't have had a better time on the east side of big island.
Christina H.
December 2019
This is a great location, a good property for a group of friends to hang out and enjoy the ocean access.
I was very disappointed in the cleaning... or lack there of. The tile floor throughout the house was awful. My two young kids had black feet within minutes of our arrival. Now I understand how tough it is to keep up a property right next to the ocean and those elements, but it needs a deep clean and better cleaning maintenance.
Kahanu H.
October 2019
Great stay. This property was perfect for us. You can’t beat the location, right across the street from the beach. Hope to stay here again on a future trip.
keith k.
August 2019
Great location right across from best snorkeling on Hawaii. House had everything (except AC) we needed. Functional kitchen and nice rooms. Third bedroom had a separate entrance. Our kids absolutely loved the property.
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