Tropical Bay Watch Penthouse


Rates: $170 / night (avg.)
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Bed types: (sleeps 4)
Reviews: 4.80 (from 181 reviews)
Condo Description:
Our condo is a comfortable top floor, 2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom apartment with a private, covered balcony-lanai with panoramic ocean views; cathedral ceilings; clerestory windows in living room. Gated Residents-and-Guests-only pool on grounds; Carlsmith County Beach Park immediately adjacent to the building is a lovely park with many coconut palms and swimming lagoons that are protected from ocean waves by a coral reef. Every one comments about swimming with the sea turtles there! The condo is 4 miles to downtown Hilo/shopping and services.
2 bedroom/1 bath/ full kitchen; covered lanai; elevator building; designated parking spot. 35 miles to Volcano National Park; 15 miles to Akaka falls (440 feet high), 50 miles to Waipio Valley. Much more touring and dining info sent to you upon booking.
Please ask about children under 12.
Unless a climate controlled interior is something you Have to Have, you will find the climate and the proximity to ocean breezes make the condo very comfortable. Daily temperatures range from 62 to 86 degrees YEAR ROUND. The building has NO AC.
For a self guided 3D tour please copy and paste the URL below into any browser:
(click through the space and spin 360 degrees from any position in the space)
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=X1RrTKSLczh&brand=0

GE License: GE-095-813-2224-01
Transient Accommodations Licence: TA-095-813-2224-01
County of Hawaii STVR Number: 19-362595
County of Hawaii NUC Permit Number: 19-1284

Registration Number: GE-095-813-2224-02, TA-095-813-2224-01

Tropical Bay Watch Penthouse Reviews



Charles B.
January 2024
Great views from both sides of the apartment. Excellent location. Right by a nice beach where we saw green turtles. Close to town. Quiet and safe place. Would enjoy staying there again.


Sandy H.
January 2024
We loved staying here; we could hear the ocean waves day and night. The ocean is practically in your backyard at this place and we enjoyed swimming at the park several times. We saw turtles every time we went down to the park/ocean. There is a nice restaurant within walking distance that is open for dinner (Wed-Sun I believe). The apartment is a short drive from downtown Hilo and convenient to other services. We would stay here again.


Brent S.
December 2023
The views from the lanai alone make this spot worth the trip. The fact that the condo itself is gorgeous, and fully loaded with everything you’d need to settle in and make it your home away from home was a total bonus. 20 seconds out the back is some amazing snorkelling in a protected little bay, and you’d literally have to go out of your way NOT to see a variety of gorgeous turtles. We are already planning our return to the Hilo area, and are absolutely going to come back here.


micheal s.
December 2023
wonderful stay


Rod D.
December 2023
Condo was clean and well stocked. Master bed was very comfortable. Good cross breeze, was never hot. Thought about snorkeling at the beach park, but I was there on a holiday weekend, and the park was crowded. Did see a few turtles in the evening, though. Will definately stay here again. Thank you Randall!


Ha P.
December 2023
We loved staying at Randall’s place. Really clean and comfortable for our family and the residents were so nice/kind and Randall was really easy to work with. The view was beautiful and the space super comfortable. Would definitely stay here again!


Rod D.
December 2023
Condo was clean and well stocked. Master bed was very comfortable. Good cross breeze, was never hot. Thought about snorkeling at the beach park, but I was there on a holiday weekend, and the park was crowded. Did see a few turtles in the evening, though. Will definately stay here again. Thank you Randall!


Ha P.
November 2023
We loved staying at Randall’s place. Really clean and comfortable for our family and the residents were so nice/kind and Randall was really easy to work with. The view was beautiful and the space super comfortable. Would definitely stay here again!


Brigita N.
November 2023
The condo is renovated, nicely furnished, beautiful view, convenient location close to restaurants and stores.


Terrilou
November 2023
The view was wonderful as was the park/beach nearby. Communication with the owner was amazing. For groceries/dining a vehicle is a definite plus (one restaurant across the street - limited hours, though groceries and food could be ordered in)


Michelle P.
November 2023
We were able to stay here for 3 nights, but we wish we stayed longer. The condo is beautiful, clean, and up to date. The condo is VERY well stocked from the kitchen to the bathroom supplies to beach towels. We loved having things like jelly in the refrigerator that we didn't have to buy. The view is incredible, and we slept to the sound of the ocean & Coqui frogs each night. The location was convenient to everything on the Hilo side. I would highly recommend this condo!


Kim W.
October 2023
The apartment was lovely, everything you could need was provided. The view was incredible and situated right on Carlsmith Beach Park. There was a beautiful cross flow of air when the front door was open & we found it quite cool & comfortable at night. We were very pleased with our stay & the check in process was smoothe & easy. The price was very reasonable too.


nancy l.
October 2023
We stay here every year and would never stay anywhere else


Amanda
September 2023
Beautiful place to stay at. We loved having dinner on the balcony. When you wake up the ocean is the first thing you here. Randall and Donna were quick with responses. This was a perfect place for a much needed rest and relaxtion. We also felt very safe at the property. Easy access to the beach. We would like to stay again, if we get another chance to come back!


Syna S.
September 2023
I love everything about this place since it's nearby the lagoon beaches. The only thing I'd recommend is better shades in the other room with the twin beds. More comfortable sheets in the main bedroom. Also there's only 1 bathroom here. Other than that it was a very nice stay. Randall was great in communicating back and forth. Just follow the instructions when you arrive for your key, even though there's nobody present. The ground keeper are there. They're helpful as well. Pool needs to be updated, remember to have mosquitoes repellent with you. They're no joke. I would come again.


Deanna Z.
September 2023
The view was what made it!! The Bed and furniture is comfortable, well stocked kitchen. Wish it had a dishwasher and dressers.


Bonnie
August 2023
The condo and location was perfect.It was easy to walk to the lagoon in the park next door.The location was perfect for us.We were minutes from downtown Hilo.It was easy to get to the stores we needed When I did have questions for the owner he was very prompt getting back to me. If I ever came back to Hawaii I would definitely stay here again


Angelo A.
August 2023
This top floor unit has a spectacular view of Carlsmith Beach. When you keep the lanai and front door open (both screened), there is a great cross breeze that flows through the unit. Randall was great with answering any questions that we had and checked to make sure we got into the unit okay. Thank you for a great stay.


Kristi H.
July 2023
We had everything we needed! Views were amazing! Went down to the lagoon nightly to see the turtles coming in to sleep for the night.


Brandon M.
July 2023
The best part about this property is the location. You can head down stairs and right out the back gate to be at Carlsmith Beach Park. This is a great place for kids with a sheltered cove at low tide and plenty of places to explore. The building was also in a quiet area, which was nice, but they were doing construction on the building which started at about 7 am every morning, so sleeping in was definitely out. This property is also just down the street from Richardson Ocean Park which has a black sand beach and great snorkeling. We spent a bunch of time here as well. Another great feature of this unit is that it is on the top floor and has high ceilings with windows on both sides that let in plenty of light during the day. This property is a great base of operations if you are playing on the east side of the island. In the 4 days we stayed here we were able to swim/snorkel, go to Volcanoes National Park, see Akaka falls, visit Umauma falls, enjoy Rainbow falls and the giant Banyan tree, go to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, hang out at the farmers market, enjoy the Japanese gardens and lots more!


Brandon M.
June 2023
The best part about this property is the location. You can head down stairs and right out the back gate to be at Carlsmith Beach Park. This is a great place for kids with a sheltered cove at low tide and plenty of places to explore. The building was also in a quiet area, which was nice, but they were doing construction on the building which started at about 7 am every morning, so sleeping in was definitely out. This property is also just down the street from Richardson Ocean Park which has a black sand beach and great snorkeling. We spent a bunch of time here as well. Another great feature of this unit is that it is on the top floor and has high ceilings with windows on both sides that let in plenty of light during the day. This property is a great base of operations if you are playing on the east side of the island. In the 4 days we stayed here we were able to swim/snorkel, go to Volcanoes National Park, see Akaka falls, visit Umauma falls, enjoy Rainbow falls and the giant Banyan tree, go to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, hang out at the farmers market, enjoy the Japanese gardens and lots more!


Evan H.
June 2023
We loved our stay at this home in Hilo. There view of the ocean and the park lagoon that is next door was worth the price of admission. It felt very spacious for our family of 4. Never got hot with the fans going and windows open to the ocean breeze. Would definitely stay again.


Jordan K.
June 2023
The condo was as described. The location is great - outside of downtown Hilo but a short drive and right next to a beach park. Everything was really convenient. The condo itself was clean and well kept up. Highly recommend.


rosalind
May 2023
Absolutely enjoyed our stay here. Randall is awesome and will make sure you are all set!


Yuriy S.
May 2023
This is a great place to stay location location location I would recommend anybody to rent this place


m s.
May 2023
Very uncomfortable living room furniture.


Jeremy K.
May 2023
We really enjoyed our stay in this condo. It was very quiet and had a wonder view of the ocean when we sat and drank our morning coffee. The only negative of this condo is that it does not have air conditioning. For the most part the ocean breeze kept the unit cool and it was not a problem, but there were a few nights that got a little humid. The property manager also did a great job making sure we got check in. He also help us with some questions about activities in the area.


LeeAnn R.
April 2023
Older condo but comfortable. Loved the view of the park. Well equipped for our needs. Enjoyed our stay.


Edward T.
April 2023
The unit is on the top floor of a building by a beach park, giving a commanding view of the ocean from the balcony. It is very clean and pleasant, with full kitchen amenities. The owner is also very responsive and interacted with us through text. We had a great time staying there. The only minor challenge is that the parking space is quite tight and may be hard to get into. Luckily we rented a compact sedan. We will definitely come back on our next trip to Hilo.


Diana B.
March 2023
This is literally right on the ocean. and up on the 7th floor We watched whales and dolphins from the lanai and snorkeled at Carlsmith Beach Park right out the door. There is no A/C so sleeping was a bit harder and the kitchen and furniture are a bit tired but the location made up for that. Randall was very helpful in adjusting our dates by a day and getting us in a bit early since we were driving over from Kona with groceries. definitely a place to return to if we ever decide to stay in Hilo again.


Robert M.
March 2023
This place had a great view! Communication with with the property manager was also very good through the VRBO app.


Angela J.
March 2023
The location of the property was good, on the water and next to a park. There were sea turtles in the tidal pool and we saw whales from the lanai. We had everything we needed during our stay.


Regina M.
March 2023
We stayed for 2 weeks and would be happy to use the location again. It’s quiet and we felt like we were in a community not a tourist location, which adds to the ability to relax and unwind. The master bedroom was comfortable and quiet. The second bedroom we did not love, the beds were much too hard - and we used the couch instead of those beds. My 6 year old even complained, so not really suitable for adults for more than a couple days. Unit was stocked with spare blankets and basic beach gear like chairs and snorkel and towels. An umbrella might be nice due the amount of rain in Hilo. But, if you’re staying around carlsmith beach park, no worries, just pack up and head inside for a bit and come out again when the rain passes. Not the best stocked for kitchen and cooking supplies. We had to buy a small pan to cook eggs. A single large frying pan wouldn’t work when we’re handwashing and cooking most meals. But they did try to keep it stocked with basics like salt, pepper, sugar and coffee. But, location and general quiet (though you do get noise and music/bass from cars especially on the weekend) was good enough we’d book again. And owner was friendly and easy to communicate with.


J S.
January 2023
Rental process from booking to check-out was easy. Communication with Randall was great. Unit was clean, quiet, and comfortable, and was equipped with all that we needed for our short stay. The view from the lanai is amazing - overlooking the lagoon each morning while eating breakfast was a true pleasure. We used the fans but did not need the AC during our stay. The lush foliage and flowering plants around the building were lovely. We would love to come back to stay and swim in the lagoon again. Thanks Randall.


Tapantosh C.
January 2023
Enjoyed the spectacular views. The Ocean and a beach park were bery close. The host was attentive and replaced the TV. The unit was very clean and the decor was great. The kitchen haeverything I needed and more. Would return. Missed watching the World Cup Soccer though.


JEANNE
January 2023
The condo was beautiful and supplied with everything we needed. Fabulous ocean view and designated parking spot. Quiet location. Would stay again!


Anna S.
December 2022
Great location, turtles right at the bay below condo. Great communication and check in instructions, condo as described, would stay again Thank you


Amy B.
December 2022
This property was incredible. I just can’t say enough how truly tranquil and rejuvenating it was. The maintenance man worked all day everyday keeping the common areas pristine and he was so nice. He visited with us every day. The beach park that is only a few steps away was one of the most magical places. We have visited Hawaii 6 times now and this experience is by far our favorite. Everyone we encountered definitely exuded the aloha spirit. The ocean breezes kept the condo cool and made you feel as though you were a part of the island. The morning views from the lanai were incredible. We had rainbows almost daily. Beautiful place!!


Susan W.
October 2022
eating breakfast enjoying the view was great lots of turtles on shore and snorkeling good beds


Tim F.
October 2022
Location, Location, Location!!!! Condo and Property met all our expectations, unlike a previous reviewer, Proximity to bay and great snorkeling is unmatched! MAHALO


nancy l.
September 2022
Awesome location very receptive host


Amber R.
September 2022
It was like staying at your uncle’s shabby condo on the beach. The location and view is amazing. The furniture is dated and the beds are pretty hard. The price was lower than other condos in the area so I feel like we got what we paid for. Overall, my family enjoyed our stay.


Kevin B.
August 2022
Very nice place and right on the ocean, but we gave it a 3/5 for cleanliness as there were many bugs.


Julie B.
August 2022
We really enjoyed our stay. The apartment was clean and had a wonderful view from the lanai. It was located right next to Carlsmith Beach Park which was very nice. Randall was very helpful and provided a lot of information about Hilo. We highly recommend.


Sandra W.
August 2022
The apartment was clean, had everything a person would need, and was lovely. The view was spectacular. We spent a lot of time on the balcony just enjoying the view and pleasant breeze. The beach was just next door and had a lovely park area and downtown Hilo was just a few miles away. The pool was nice and never crowded. The property manager was very easy to reach and always willing to answer questions. Really one could not ask for a nicer place.


Brenda W.
July 2022
Where do I begin? This is tough because I don’t like giving negative reviews but I feel like it’s my responsibility to do so. The ocean park that is right behind this condo is gorgeous and the view is the same. Between that and the owner being friendly, unfortunately that’s all the good I can say. Check in was weird. You have to find a box with a lockbox in it to get the key. That key then unlocks a metal gate to the elevators. You must then stick the key into the wall to call the elevator. This process alone was raising some red flags as to the safety of the building. Upon getting into the elevator you will find an expired permit from Jan 2021. Nice. The whole building itself is old and run down. The paint is peeling off of the building and there is mold and mildew present. This also happened to be the case inside, sadly. The kitchen was recently renovated and was the nicest part of the condo. The beds were rock hard and the pillows paper thin. There are two, small, short curtain panels to cover the large 4 window wall which didn’t provide for much shade with the sun beaming into your eyes in the morning. They are also covered with stains and mildew as well as the chair in the master and the ceiling and lamp shades throughout the condo. The screens, which are supposed to provide adequate airflow, are broken and duct taped. The shower soap cutout in the bathroom wall is also covered with duct tape and the curtain rod in the master is taped together as well. The shower vent is black with dust and the side of the vanity looks like it has been chewed by a rat. Staying here one night was one night too many. After the second night I just couldn’t do it being so uncomfortable and the apartment being unsanitary so we left and got a hotel in Kona. This side of the island does not have nice, new condos and many don’t have ac. I can understand that mold or mildew would grow quickly, I get it. But if you’re charging people to stay in a home please, please, make it clean, comfortable and sanitary. We felt completely scammed and horrified when we saw the living conditions. This is why I felt the need to write a completely honest review. And yes, I am high maintenance. I like to be comfortable and feel at home when I’m on vacation but even people with lesser expectations shouldn’t have to live in an unclean environment. Sadly I cannot recommend this place and will never be back.


Andy L.
June 2022
Condo is dated but has everything u need and location is wonderful.


Mary M.
April 2022
This rental property provided us with what we needed. Ocean views were great and the park was right next door. We could see a sea turtle sunning on a rock from our balcony window. Randall was very helpful. The furnishings in the unit were different from what was pictured but comparable. I wouldn’t have changed my booking because of that. We had a nice time.


Lesly R.
April 2022
This property once owned by parents of my former fiancé, 1985. I stayed here August 2008 and March-April 2022. Since this area is my childhood playground, I love it. My bucket of memories just overflows of yesterday. The view from the balcony is always welcomed and the sounds of the ocean waves is peaceful. The rain during our stay is an amazing view and sound to experience from the balcony. My friends and I, 4 of us, each truly enjoyed this property. Enjoy the beaches here and make memories, I have and will continue each time I return. Life is so wonderful and I’m grateful each time I return to make more memories. Randall is a great host and very timely to text messaging response. The building residents are quiet and peaceful. The unit has everything we needed during our visit. The laundry room by the elevator is great. 400% satisfied from my guests and myself. We didn’t want to leave. Aloha and Mahalo Randall


Michelle S.
April 2022
Great place to stay. We had a blast.


Timothy D.
March 2022
Located in the Moana Loa Shores complex, this is a lovely and well-appointed penthouse (7th floor) apartment. The owner obviously takes pride in the unit and was very responsive to communications. The Moana Loa Shores complex is not glitzy or very high-end, like so many of the Big Island resorts, but it is charming and meticulously maintained. We love it and have stayed there twice. The many benefits of the location are detailed by other reviews. We plan on staying in this apartment again in the future.


Geoffrey G.
February 2022
Plenty of space, lanai with a nice view. Next to a nice beach park. Convenient - short drive into town. No A/C, but didn't miss it due to a nice breeze coming from the ocean.


Cara S.
February 2022
Not our 1st stay in this lovely condo and not our last!


Jennifer L.
February 2022
We lucked out with weather. Lot's of places to see within an hour. Park next door lovely. Water a little cold. Host responsive to questions. Place has lovely view.


Donald M.
January 2022
We were concerned driving through an industrial area to get to the building but once there it was great - we watched whales from the lanai and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The unit has been refurbished and is clean and modern. No air conditioning but the ceiling fans were sufficient to keep it cool.


Trish B.
December 2021
Easy from start to finish. Loved the view. We went swimming in the protected bay. Short drive to Hilo proper.


Joanne W.
November 2021
We had a very relaxing stay, enjoyed the fantastic views. Just steps away from Carlsmith Park, with beautiful lagoons and frequent turtles. Great snorkeling at nearby Richardson Park. Good amount of space for 2 adults and 2 kids. Pool was a little cold to use for November. Minor pest problem in the unit, but not entirely unexpected in the tropics, and owner was very responsive and mostly on top of it. Enjoyed our stay.


Annabelle m.
November 2021
This property is in an amazing location. We got to see the sunrise every morning and watch turtles swim into the cove every evening. Would love to stay here in the future.


Dan N.
November 2021
We had a wonderful time. The location is amazing. You look out and have incredible white water, rainforest and ocean views. We saw spinner dolphin out in the ocean from the balcony. It is so peaceful listening to the waves from the unit. I would definitely come back and stay here again. Host is very responsive. We will be back. Thank you very much for a wonderful trip. 😊🏄‍♂️⛵️


scott w.
November 2021
Updated unit No AC and no dishwasher but well equipped


kathy k.
October 2021
Great view of the beach and park directly below.


Wendell M.
September 2021
Superb location with awesome views of nearby beaches and ocean. Host was very attentive to our needs and personally came by to assist us. Swimming pool was excellent. Water was definitely hot. It was like a "home away from home" experience. Location was close to airport and a variety of stores such as Safeway, Target, Home Depot. Downtown Hilo was a short driving distance. Security and maintenance of entire building is good.


Michaela H.
June 2021
We loved our 10-day stay at this condo which is nicely appointed, has a spectacular view, and is a great location from which to explore the rest of the Big Island. We are already dreaming of returning.


Ingrid M.
June 2021
My husband and I really enjoyed our stay there. There's no AC but I moved the portable fan between the bedroom and living room which really helped with the mugginess. I also had a personal fan and recommend you bring one for your comfort. Everything was well stocked. The water was surprisingly cool on the beach so it was nice to jump in the heated pool (you can rinse off at the beach). Sunsets and breakfasts were enjoyed on the balcony. Already recommended to others.


Mary A.
June 2021
The condo was very clean and had everything we needed for our short stay on the Hilo side. We saw turtles everyday at the park.


Hailey T.
June 2021
Everything was just as it said it would be! We enjoyed our time here!:)



February 2020
This was an excellent condo in a wonderful location. We really enjoyed snorkelling with the turtles in the bay!

Note: Vacancy calendar is approximate. Visit the owner/manager's reservation site to verify your dates.

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