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Hawaii
Vacation Rentals ~ Big
Island Vacation Rentals
Aloha
Vacation Cottages
2003, 2004 and 2005
Big Island guest reports
Our guests from around the world love to share their Big Island adventures with others. Thank YOU for your thoughtful words and great tips for guests in our cottage guest books.
Warmest Aloha To You All!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 2005 ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
January, 2005
Thank you so much for a wonderful stay at your little
slice of paradise. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and hope to return
someday. Special thanks for all the little touches you provided for
Chloe for all your friendly advice. You have a great place (Hale Plumeria)
here and we will surely recommend it. Thanks and have a wonderful 2005.
Emily, Terry and Chloes, CA
January, 2005
Thank you for all the 'extras' you provide to make
this Aloha Cottage (Hale Plumeria) so comfortable and pleasant, and
especially for the papayas from your trees and for taking us to the
hotel and the beach at Mauna Kea. We had a lovely afternoon and evening
there. Good health. Midge and Brian, Canada.
February & March, 2005
We have enjoyed a relaxing time in the Waimea area on the Kohala Coast
(Hale Plumeria). We
liked Aiolis and Edelweiss restaurants in Waimea town as well as the
pool restaurant at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel for lunch. Cafe Pesto in Hilo
and Kawaihae had very good pizzas with artichoke and wild mushrooms.
Beaches are great. Hapuna is the best - has a very good handicapped
parking right next to the beach. We also enjoyed Puako public access
and Black Sand public beach at Mauna Lani Resort. Very helpful. Aloha, Arlene & Hal, Buffalo,
N.Y. p.s. We plan to come back next year.
February, 2005
To our fellow travelers
The rentals - 'Hale Plumeria' and 'Hale Kea' Big Island vacation rental
cottages - are EXACTLY as pictured and described, great web page! The
neighborhood is really nice, filled with lovely homes, it's great to
feel comfortable and safe. Our four week's
stay was incredible, we had time to really explore the Big Island. I
would suggest you read 'The Big Island Revealed' guide book, available
to you in the both cottages...it tells you everything you need to know.
Here are some highlights and suggestions:
The discount golf is really a bargain, both the $25.00
and $40.00. In order of preference, The Waikoloa Beach Golf Course,
Hapuna Prince, Waimea Country Club and Waikoloa Kings Course were courses
enjoyed with the $25.00 discount.
The location of the Aloha cottages is really a great starting place;
there's tons to see and do in every direction. We spent a lot of time
aKawaihawe Harbor at the bottom of the hill...lots of restaurants there.
It was fun to watch the kids from the canoe club, fascinating to watch
them launch and paddle the canoes. We spent lots of time above the harbor,
just off the road along the Kohala Coast in the direction to Hawi, watching
whales.
We LOVED Southpoint, incredible cliffs and awesome oceanview. The black
beach near there was so easy to access, really nice park.
I would highly recommend the Kilauea Lodge at Volcano, it's really best
to spend a night on the volcano side.
On the way from Hilo back to Waimea, there are dozens of not-to-be-missed
sites; we were awed by the park where the tsunami killed 30+ school
children and their teachers. Don't rush this drive!- Kona Kay's macadamia
brittle is the best stuff I've every put in my mouth. I wish I were
still in Hawaii. Love, love, love Bamboo restaurant...love that whole
side of the island. Aloha, Diane & Bill Breazeale, Fayetteville
Arkansas
p.s.
There's no question that Hapuna and Mauna Kea are the best beaches on
the Big Island; however, Spencer Beach is the most convenient to the
cottage, has tons of parking, adequate restrooms, calm waters, nice
sand and is only steps from the car! Since it's easy to get to the beach
from the car, it's the perfect place to tote chairs, cooler, food, etc.
It's really a nice place.
March 2005
We had a great time in your well equipped 'home away from home' (Hale
Kea vacation cottage). Next time we'll know to only bring swim stuff,
shorts T-shirts and tooth brushes (buy Hawaiian sundress). We were sorry
that Charlie and family of Charlies Thai Kitchen in Waimea went on a
6-week vacation. We like that place. In Hilo we liked Miyo's Japanese
restaurant and the other Cafe Pesto (recommend artichoke pizza). We
expected to enjoy good fish here but did not anticipate the splendid
local lamb. We hope to return some day and enjoy the hospitality of
Aloha Cottages.
Barbara & Ed, Michigan
April 2005
Great place (Hale Plumeria vacation cottage) to escape the heat of the
beach and lava. Ideal proximity for travel to lots of beautiful places.
Comfortable, quiet neighborhood. Thank you! Oh, and the mild wind in
the trees at night sounded like the ocean waves breaking onto the beach.
Very nice. Mahalo! Nancy and David, Oregon.
April 2005
Papayas & bananas to the right, Birds of Paradise to the left and
pine apples in between - how perfect! Your cottage is the ideal retreat
(Hale Kea vacation home). Because of the thought you put into this incredible
place, we were able to clear our minds and truly relax and have fun.
- We read with interest what other visitors have enjoyed. So here is
a short list of our recommendations: Buy fresh fish in Kawaihae (across
from gas station in Kawaihae) and grill at the cottage. If you dive,
go with Kohala Divers...they are better than Red Sail. Use the book
(here at the cottage) 'Hawaii the Big Island Revealed' to help plan
your time. It helped us prioritize what to do during our 'too short'
week. Go to Kahalu'u beach, not for the beach itself but to swim with
turtles. They also come ashore and are very patient about posing for
pictures. We will definitely
be back. Helene & Jeff, Seattle
May 2005
A big mahalo to you and your wonderful cottage (Hale Kea). It's exactly
what we would build for ourselves if we had the chance. Your tips were
great: snorkeling at the private beach next to the Mauna Lani fish ponds,
our Volcano day, shopping at KTA and the White Rd Waipio Valley hike.
Here is our lists of bests (many are food items..we are afraid to look
at the scale when we get home). Best local snack: hot malasadas. These
are fresh, holeless doughnuts. Do not miss! We got great ones at Tex
Drive-in on Hwy 19 at Honokaa. Best dive bar: Lulu's in Kona on Alii
Dr ...edible food, good drinks, friendly waitresses and amicable 'bar
flys'. Best produce: buy at KTA, including local beef. Eat once at Merriman's
in Waimea. Best local dive shop: Kohala Divers rocks! Best sunset drink
spot: Bar by the pool at Fairmont Orchid Mauna Lani. Beautiful sunsets
and lots of turtles. Best bakery: Look for the banana bread sign in
Captain Cook across from the firehouse. They also have great ice cream
and sandwiches. Best Snack: Macadamia nut brittle from the village market
in Waikoloa Village. Best organic lychees: look for the 'dude' at the
intersection of Hwy 19 and 270 or find him in Hawi. Mahalo again. Ellen
& Rob, San Franciso
May 2005
Thank you so much for all your hospitality and kindness. Everthing that
we needed was right here. We so enjoyed our stay in your little Piece
of Paradise and hope to return again. We will definitely recommend to
all of our friends to come and enjoy as we have. Michelle & Robert,
Virginia
May 2005
Many, many thanks for making our stay on the Big
Island such a unique experience. From returning my initial email inquiry
with long distance phone call to our final farewell, we wouldn't have
asked for better hosts. Your advice and local travel tips greatly enhanced
our vacation. We especially appreciate the time and effort you took
to ensure Eric (5) had a good time. Scott, Miyuki & Eric. Calgary,
Alberta, Canada
May 2005
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your little home (Hale Plumeria) is lovely and a
great place to explore the Big Island. Of course, your hospitality is
gracious and you provided everything we needed for a wonderful honeymoon
including the beautiful leis! The massages were simply FANTASTIC! Wish
we could stay longer but we will meet again.
Aloha and mahalo, Jerri and Jack, honeymooners from Ohio.
July 2005
Thank you for your hospitality! We had a great
time exploring the whole island. The cottage (Hale Kea vacation house)
here was very home like and comfortable. Some of our favorite locale:
Wailea Bay beach (just south of Hapuna beach), Volcanoes National Park,
helicopter ride over the Big Island, great restaurants like Merriman's,
Bamboo restaurant in Hawi and for good local food Tex's drive thru.
We will always have fond memories of our trip to the Big Island. Thanks
so much. Rick and Diana, CA
July 2005
Thanks so much for the stay at your wonderful
cottage (Hale Kea vacation cottage). We had the most wonderful time
in our 2-week stay. We hiked acrosss the lava at the volcano (the park
was very interesting. We also took the helicopter ride (no doors!) to
see the lava flow - excellent! Bubba Gumps in Kona - excellent place
to eat. We went to three luaus. The Island Breeze in Kona is the best
(entertainers really have fun too!). The Royal Kona is also good. Do
not recommend Mauna Kea luau (too many flies and they pack you in like
cattle). Although on Saturdays Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has a clambake.
Make a reservation - lovely sunset, Hawaiian music and all the shrimp,
crab and lobster you can eat! - We visited all the beaches but really
liked Spencer Beach. It's close and not very crowded. Water is like
bath water and not rough.. Want a special Mai Tai, go down the road
from Spencer Beach to Harbor Grill - good food too. The Falls (Akaka,
Kahuna, Umuuma, Rainbow Falls) are a must. Nothing like back home. Plan
lots of time for visiting the falls and Volcanoes National Park. - I
loved the shopping at the waterfront in Kona at Ali'i Dr. Beautiful
clothes. Something for everybody. Watch the sunset at Hard Rock Cafe
and drink a hurricane!
Thanks bunches, Lisa & Ron, Ohio
July 2005
So ist das, da freunt man sich monatelang vorher
auf den Hawaii Urlaub und dann sind die 9 Tage ruckzuck vorbei. - Es
war toll, diese super eingerichtete Ferienwohnung fuer einen Teil unseres
Aufenthaltes auf den Hawaii Inseln nutzen zu koennen. Ich denke, dass
war alles in allem die best eingerichtete Ferienwohnung (Hale Kea Ferienhaus),
die wir je hatten. Wir haben viel erlebt, viel gesehen, Dinge, die sicher
unvergesslich bleiben werden. Hawaii war schon immer ein Traum und so
sind wir froh, hier gewesen zu sein. Wir sind sehr dankbar. Roswitha
& Werner, Germany
August 2005
Thank you very much for your hospitality. It was
a pleasure staying in your cottage (Hale Kea). When Dan and Lorraine
said they found a great" little cottage "just down the road
from them, we were delighted to be so close to the family for the wedding.
We had no idea of the charm and attention to detail that we 'd be experiencing.
The cottage is exquisite. You have taken great pride and effort to make
it a "home away from home" for your guests...every imaginable
from fresh fruit, coffee, plush towels, fresh crisp sheets, the wonderful
lanai with all the comforts of home. You have made sure that even all
beach accessories are available and clean. Thank you for taking the
time to find a treasure chest of toys you thought the children would
enjoy...and they did. A Big Island wedding was made much enjoyable knowing
we had such a relaxing and homey place to get the "flower girl"
ready and still be so close to the family.
Again thank you for everything, fondly- Ken, Cindy, Emma & Jacob
from Chardon, Ohio
August 2005
After having been to Ohau and Kauai our stay
on the Big Island was beyond our expectations. We thoroughly enjoyed
our 6-day stay in your comfortable cottage (there was nothing we missed!)
and would like to thank you for your hospitality and most valuable information
you gave us. Sadly our wonderful vacation here comes to and end and
is time to say 'Auf Wiedersehen' wishing you both the best of luck in
the future.
Mahalo - with love , Anke and Klaus, Germany
September 2005, Hale Kea Big Island vacation rental
We ended up having a really good trip. We didn’t do nearly as
many things as we’d hoped, but we did visit the Botanical Gardens
in Hilo again (our 2nd time). LOVE that place. We mostly just discovered
new beaches and layed around tanning (me, not Art) and reading and swimming.
I love the water. Couldn’t get enough of it. Your beach chairs
came in quite handy, thank you! We went to A Bay and Beach #69 twice.
We did a teeny bit of snorkeling—once at Kailu’u and another
time at the Mauna Lani. It was really windy for a few days while that
storm blew by the east side of the island, but we discovered that every
beach on the island can be totally blown out, but Spencer remains calm,
calm, calm. So weird. We went back to that Kiholo Bay area where you
park by the side of the road and then hike to the beach. We had a great
time that day. It was one of those magical Hawaiian mornings. We were
the only ones there and we made a picnic, swam, took pictures, sat on
the rocks and searched for turtles. We also visited a couple of fancy
hotels: the Four Seasons (had a ridiculously expensive, delicious lunch
there) and the Hilton Waikoloa (the one with the Dolphin experience).
We ate fish sandwiches poolside and watched other people have a dolphin
experience. Sadly, we never went back to the Mauna Kea beach. The timing
just never worked out. Ahhhh, just talking about
Hawaii makes me want to go back. I love the water and the sun. A great
combination. Thanks for being such marvelous hosts.....oh forgot to
mention Art loved the sauna, he used it at least 3 times and I did it
once. Very nice! Art & Joann, CA
October 2005, Hale Plumeria Big Island vacation rental
What a wonderful time we had exploring the area. After 2 days exploring
Volcano and south Hawaii, we came to see the other side. - We arrived
a bit late (as usual). It was just like
coming home. - The Plumeria cottage was so clean and homey, and the
bed just the right firmness. After our long days of adventuring to Hawi,
along the Petroglyph trail, swimming at Mauna Kea beach, boogie borading
at Hapuna, shopping and sightseeing around Kailua-Kona, and canvassing
the Kohala Coast resorts, we were glad to have a place called home.
- We loved the well stocked kitchen, it even has a cake mixer! (only
in a German house!). The stores in Waimea had beautiful fresh produce
and we were thrilled to find the Natural Foos Store. Although we certainly
don't cook as well as the Four Seasons Resort, it was nice to have our
own home-cooked meals in between. - The guest binder with all the recommendations
of sights and 'The Big Island Revealed' guide were so helpful in pointing
us in the right direction. Still so much to see, we'll simply have to
come back again.- Thank you so much for your kind hospitality. Vielen herzlichen Dank! Sybilla and Ruben, CA
October 2005, Hale Plumeria Big Island vacation rental
I found things perfect - everything I expected and needed (a brief visit
to friends at Hapuna Beach Hotel convinced me that I am terribly alllergic
to big resorts)...so here I painted and played music and received massages
that takes you some place. Thank you for your delightful little home
where I got to live in splendor and no responsibility. Aloha, Tracy
WA
October 2005, Hale Kea Big Island vacation rental
You have a beautiful place. We had a wonderful time in the coHale Kea
cottage and on the island. The Bifg Island has so much to offer that
we spent too short a time (7 nights) to enjoy this place. Vielen Dank!
Karin and Carlos, VA
November 2005, Hale Kea Big Island vacation rental
What a wonderful place! It was so nice to get away from the big resorts.
We had an awsome time. Our favorite place was Pololu Valley and its
black sand beach. Also enjoyed snorkeling and swimming with the sea
turtles and watching the sunset while sipping Mai Tais at Mauna Kea.
Thanks so much for all your hospitality. Mahalo, Rick & Sandy ID
November 2005, Hale Plumeria vacation rental
Thank you very much for your hospitality during our stay. We especially
enjoyed the fresh fruit and flowers that you left for us. The oil for
Lillian's leg was also a very kind gesture. we were really glad we found
your place and enjoyede staying here very much. We don't really like
staying in hotels so this was the perfect type of place for us to stay
and it was exactly what we expected and wanted. - Our wedding on Hapuna
beach and honeymoon went off as good as we hoped. We only wish we could
stay longer. We will definitely make a return trip in the future.
Good luck to you. Paul and Lillian, AZ
December 2005, Hale Plumeria vacation rental
Thank you for a great stay on the Big Island. We enjoyed the fresh fruit
(papaya - yummmm!) and flowers. Your special 'select comfort' bed was
very comfortable. It is so lovely, quiet and peaceful in your secluded
retreat that we really enjoyed our time here. - We had a great dinner
at 'Merriman's'. The people were great and the food really, really good.
Have fun in your new adventure. Joy and Jeff, NC
December 2005, Hale Kea Big Island vacation rental
What a wonderful treasure we've discovered here! Our hosts have
been very gracious in their welcome and in providing such a fantastic
setting. We've truly had a delightful time and appreciate all the care
we've received while here. All the suggestions were very helpful and
certainly added to our enjoyment. We leave warmed and with happy spirits.
Thank you, Guy and Teresa, WA
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 2004 ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
January. 2004
All the amenities in the house made our stay extremely comfortable and
enjoyable. We often found
ourselves referring to Hale Kea as ‘coming home’ from our
various sojourns and realized how homey this place has become to us.
When we tell our friends about our trip to Hawaii, our stay in your
lovely guesthouse will always be part of the story. We were awed by
South Point, the Volcano and esp. Chain of Craters Road and Thurston
Lava Tube and loved exploring as many archeological sites as we could
find, which always led us to beautiful scenery. We somehow managed to
compile close to 2000 miles exploring the various roads and scenic points
of the island, yet we feel we have only scratched the surface. We hope
to return for many more explorations and coming home to your lovely
guesthouse. Mahalo, Irene and Vincent, South Bury, CT
February, 2004
We didn’t log 2000 miles but we sure did enjoy our Big Island
vacation and your well- equipped cottage was a big part of it. This
peaceful, private and comfortable place (Hale Kea) was just right…everything
we expected and more. When we get home, we might have to buy a new bed
like this one. Mahalo, Julianne and Paul, Petersburg, Alaska
p.s.
I especially liked the petroglyphs at A-Bay, Macadamia nut pancakes
at Paniolo Inn with coconut syrup and rainbows everywhere.
March, 2004
Wir sind absolut hingerissen von der Schönheit Hawaiis, der Offenheit
und Freundlichkeit der Menschen, die hier leben. Die Landschaft, die
herrlichen Strände, die bizarren Berge, die imposanten Vulkane,
die Wale, die Delfine, Schildkröten, insbesondere aber eure Gastfreundschaft,
Hilfsbereitschaft und so herzliche Art haben dazubeigetragen, daß
dies ein unvergeßlicher Urlaub in eurer Hawaii Ferienwohnung Hale
Plumeria war. Mahalo und alles Gute für euch zwei.
Christine & Jörg, Hamburg, Germany.
March, 2004
We loved being in Hale Kea. It had all of the comforts
of our home, (but more manageable). In decades of travel, I have never
stayed at a vacation rental that was as well outfitted. We were very
comfortable there. And of course much of that comfort was due to the
warm aloha that we constantly received from you. We wanted for nothing.
Your location is also fabulous, very convenient to everything we needed
and everywhere we wanted to go. Last but not least, the value your weekly
rate provided was outstanding. We hope to see you all again in the years
to come.
Aloha. Jack, Mary Ann and Nathan, NM.
April, 2004
Our week at the Big Island at the Hale Plumeria cottage was a revelation.
All the vacation literature refers to Hawaii as a paradise - and I never
believed it before. But it is true. We celebrated our 25th anniversary
based in your romantic cottage. It was a cozy comfortable place to return
to after our daily adventures. It was well equipped and attractive,
with many extra touches like fresh flowers, fruit, robes and slippers,
a barbecue with charcoal, beach chairs and mats.
We went everywhere but our favorite day was snorkeling
at the cook monument. We rented a kayak and paddled the half mile to
the inlet and encountered a most clear and perfect reef. Afterwards
we impersonated real guests and drank Mai Tais at fancy Mauna Kea Beach
Hotel veranda and watched the sunset. Another special day was a hike
down into the Waip'o valley. We found no stink eye. In fact, when we
emerged at the parking lookout a group of locals invited us to celebrate
the sunset with a few beers.
The Volcano and Hapuna beach were a bit disappointing
to our California jaded tastes - having lava and crowded beaches of
our own. Our best meals were those we made ourselves in the cottage
as the restaurants seem to overvalue themselves a bit. But we never
had a bad time, only variations on the intensity of our pleasure during
a lovely week in paradise. David and Lorraine Visher, Davis, CA
April, 2004
Thank you - we really had a lovely time at our Hale
Kea cottage. The hosts are a wealth of information and really helped
us plan our days well.We especially enjoyed Mauna Kea beach. Our 5-year
old son loved being in the water there and we enjoyed boogie boarding.
Feeding the fish at beautiful Mauna Lani Hotel and having our finger
tips sucked by the koi was definitely a highlight. Spending time at
the Waikoloa Beach Resort was also fun, and our son had a good time
on the tram and the boat there, and we loved watching the dolphins.
We also enjoyed being near Waimea - it's very scenic around here and
much more relaxing than the big resorts. We are now on our way to Volcano
for the next 2 days...All the best. June, Laurie and Ali, OR
May, 2004
Eine traumhafte Hochzeitszeremonie beim Sonnenuntergang am Strand von
Maui bildete den Höhepunkt einer bis dahin wunderschöenen
Reise über die Hawaii Inseln. Die Flitterwochen auf Big Island
konnten gar nicht besser werden, aber weit gefehlt! Super eingerichtete
Ferienwohnung (Hale Plumeria), klasse Insidertipps, liebevolle Betreuung
und eine hervorragende Massage - besser geht es nicht! Ein großes,
herzliches Dankeschön übermitteln die
honeymooner, Sabine & Frank, Steina, Germany.
June, 2004
As you can see, my parents really enjoyed their stay here (Hale Kea)!
And I too, was so happy to return so soon after my last stay with you
(Hale Plumeria). I left last time feeling so cared for and rejuvenated
- and now I have been able to share that with my parents. Thank you
so much for all the thoughtful suggestions, supplies etc. and of course,
I really appreciate you making time on your Sunday to give
some very much needed massages.
Mahalo!!! Aruna & parents, CA + NY
June, 2004
Over two weeks here in Hawaii on the Big Island has been an experience
which will be forever etched in our memories. Your Hale Plumeria guest
cottage has been the perfect home for us to explore all parts of this
wonderful island. Your hospitality made our Big Island wedding and honeymoon
very, very special indeed. Thanks so much for having been a part of
our experience here, and for making it so easy for us that we could
just go, relax and enjoy! Honeymooners, Linda & Jim, Sacramento,
CA
July, 2004
The Big Island was beyond any expectations! Your Hale Kea vacation cottage
is so charming, homey with a real flair of country living. I just love
it! Your pineapples in front of the cottage are one of the things I
loved most. Never seen it before. The inside of your cottage has everything
to the detail. And so clean and quiet! During my 3-day visit I saw active
Kilauea Volcano at night, a spectacle I don't want to have missed, did
White Rd Hike into the back of Waipio Valley (top, getting out on the
rim), walking through an incredible plant world and then - wow - I came
out on top of the canyon with a breathtaking view of waterfalls, cliffs
with hundreds of feet drop and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. - Cafe Pesto
with excellent food was another great experience. First time I had Ahi,
deliciously grilled. Without your excellent knowledge of the island
I would have missed out on all that. It
seems I have known you already for a long time. I will come back! Mahalo
for everything. Your friend Sigrid, Las Vegas, Nevada.
July, 2004
Just landed in Sydney, Australia, after three sun-soaked weeks in Hawaii
and wanted to say a big aloha to you. We loved our week
on the Big Island, made even more relaxing by our stay at the tranquil
Hale Kea cottage. We really appreciated the immaculate and well-equipped
kitchen, comfortable lanai and having access to toys and videos, beach
gear and the great snorkelling sets, something not repeated in other
places we stayed. You've thought of everything you could possibly
need. Our five-year-old daughter Lily thought that your cottage was
best of all - I think you won her with the computer and the hula dancing
video and your gifts to her at the end!
We couldn't have asked for better insider advice as to
what to do on the island. Highlights for our family were the jaw-droppingly
beautiful Place of Refuge, especially snorkelling at Two Step with the
dolphins; snorkelling with green sea turtles at Kahaluu Beach; the gorgeous
crescent white-sand beach at Mauna Kea; and the shallow sandy beach
at Spencer Beach Park was also good for an afternoon's sandcastle building
and paddling. We loved glimpsing the volcano's awesome power. The Lapakahi
State Historical Park was interesting - bring water though, it's unshaded
and hot. We enjoyed the glorious view of tangled jungle and flowering
plants from Waipio Valley. Alas, the Manta rays at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
didn't show, but it was still a nice evening excursion. Our daughter
enjoyed the Hilton Waikoloa Village, especially the dolphin show and
the Waikoloa Petroglyphs. Hawi was a delightful place to while away
a few hours. We liked its low-key flavour and really enjoyed the excellent
island food and tropical decor at Bamboo Restaurant. Waimea shouldn't
be overlooked either. With its pretty setting in the foothills of the
Kohala Mountains, it's worth a stroll. - Thanks again for having us
to stay in your cottage. We hope all your guests respect the attention
to detail and thought you have put into your accommodation and look
after it accordingly. Maholo, Megan, Simon and Lily Rushton. Australia
July, 2004
Your hospitality and spirit of Aloha have started
our Hawaiian vacation trip with such high standards that it is difficult
to leave today for our other Big Island destinations. We have just loved
the comfort of this cottage (Hale Plumeria) and benefited greatly from
your many tips on where to go and what to do on the Kohala Coast. And
how kind of you to share some of your birthday picnic food and cake
with us yesterday, all the while treating us like royalty for our 5th
wedding anniversary. Mahalo and aloha for everything! Best wishes to
you both. Julie & Bill, Seattle, WA
July, 2004
We had great recommendations for local short hikes, beaches &
food. We did White Rd hike yesterday morning and loved the quiet, the
flowers, the partial shade, the view of the canyon. It's like the Garden
of Eden!- Bamboo Restaurant in Hawai was also a fun time and good food
but like many other places, not cheap. Charlie's Thai Kitchen and the
Deli, both in Waimea town, were inexpensive, pleasant and tasty for
lunch and dinner.- We were able to get to Mauna Kea Beach early in the
morning and found the beach exquisite. Bring the provided snorkel gear
in the cottage and a snack and you have a free visit to one of the loveliest
places in the world! Brind sunscreen and get a shady spot. We are off
to Volcano now, but will miss this place. Thanks to our hosts! Aloha,
Julie & Bill, Seattle, WA.
July, 2004
My wife and I had a wonderful stay on the Big Island. Your Hale Kea
cottage is a great home away from home. After a day enjoying manny of
the Big Island activities, it was so nice to return to this peaceful
quiet place. We really appreciated the fully equipped kitchen and the
beach gear available to use. Highlights of our visit included...swimming
with numerous sea turtles (Makalawena Beach, Beach 69 Wailea Bay in
Puako, Mauna Lani Resort), hiking over a lava trail to see a live lava
flow going into the ocean (Chain of Craters Rd, Volcanoes National Park),
fantastic snorkeling at Captain Cook's Monument in Kealakekua Bay, gorgeous
sunset views from Hwy 250 on the way to Hawi in North Kohala, some great
restaurants (Roy's at Waikoloa Beach Resort, Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi,
Marriman's Cafe in Waimea town, Cafe Pesto in Kawaihae Harbor). Overall
it's been an incredible easy, relaxing and rejuvenating vacation in
Hawaii. Thank you so much. Jose and Jay, CA
August, 2004
Mahalo! Thank you so much for providing such wonderful accommodations
and hospitality. The 3-ring binder was most helpful in guiding us through
the endless possibilities of things to do and to see on this beautiful
island. The location was great for us to easily get to the Mauna Lani
Resort for the 3 days of wedding festivities that we were involved with.
It was nice to visit the resorts but we were always happy to return
to our 'home away from home'. We enjoyed a number of fine meals at the
Thai restaurant in Waimea you recommended the first night we arrived.
It was great to look thru the menus in the 3-ring binder before we went
out for a meal. - One of our highlights was spending the day at Annunciation's
bazaar where we were able to purchase some things reasonably and spent
time listening to great Hawaiian music. That's where we first heard
John Keawe and fell in love with his music. Thanks again for sending
us to the Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi where we were able to enjoy him
again. - Of course, we enjoyed the beaches and hiking White Rd trail
to overlooking Waipio Valley. We also found the petroglyphs by the Mauna
Lani Orchid Hotel to be interesting. We loved learning about Hawaii's
history. The Hawaiian people we met have been extremely gracious. Thanks
again for making this a very special vacation. Maureen and Bob, IL
September, 2004
Fellow travellers, rest assured you are in good hands 'literally'.
Your inn keepers are wonderful hosts, generous, kind, caring and thoughtful
people. Everything you could want in a private 1 Bedroom vacation rental
is here and everything you need to know about visiting this glorious
island is within their grasp. Also dear traveler, my recommendations
for extreme fun and a magical vacation include: snorkeling with giant
green sea turtles in Kiholo Bay, snorkeling at Mauna Lani Beach Club,
taking the catamaran to Kealakekua Bay and snorkeling at the Captain
Cook monument; hiking the Kilauea Iki crater at Volcanoes National Park;
dining at Merriman's in Waimea. It's all great! - Thank you for
your generosity and sharing yourselves, your knowledge of the island
and your welcoming hospitable spirit. We adored our time here at the
cottage (Hale Kea) and had a wonderful time hanging out at Mauna Kea
Beach Hotel and getting to play tennis right on the ocean. You two are
an awesome couple who obviously know what you are doing. We had a blast.
We will be back and we will be sending friends your way. Hugs and kisses.
Joanne and Art, CA
October, 2004
'Hale Plumeria' Big Island Ferienwohnung und 'Hale Kea' Big Island Ferienhaus
Der IRONMAN HAWAII war der Anlaß zu dieser weiten Reise nach Hawaii.
Der Steffen als aktiver Teilnehmer und seine Frau mit Baby Lasse, sowie
die Schwester mit Familie und ich, der Vater, waren die Begleiter und
Unterstützer. Die erste Woche in KONA stand ganz im Zeichen der
Vorbereitung auf den Wettkampf. Nach dem wohl härtesten IRONMAN
der Welt hier auf Hawaii war endlich Entspannung und Kennenlernen von
BIG ISLAND angesagt.
Ein überaus freundlicher Empfang und das auf deutsch,
die wunderschöne Lage, sehr gut ausgestattete Ferienwohnungen und
jede Menge nützliche Hinweise auf Sehenswürdigkeiten und auch
Besonderheiten von Hawaii waren die Grundlage für eine wunderschöne
Zeit mit vielen schönen Eindrücken und Erlebnissen während
unseres Aufenthaltes auf Big Island. Sollte sich Steffen noch einmal
den Qualen einer Qualifikation für den Hawaii Ironman unterziehen,
dann haben wir die Adresse von Aloha Vacation Cottages ganz im Visier.
Mahalo. Mahalo Hawaii. Christian im Namen von Steffen,
Diana & Lasse und Beate, Christian & Nina. Berlin, Germany
p.s.
Hier findet ihr Fotos von Steffen und Familie vom diesjährigen Hawaii Ironman Triathlon.
October, 2004
Recommendations from Hale Kea guests to other Big Island visitors
Must see: White Rd Hike to Waipio Valley. Start early. Volcano Nation
Park. Go after sun set.Mauna Kea beach. The best! Saddle Rd for a car
ride. Recommended: Pololu Valley, Captain Cook for kayaking. Food: Charley's
Thai Cuisine, Cafe Pesto - average food and service. Beaches: Hapuna
Beach and Kauna'oa Bay (Mauna Kea Beach). Golf: Hilo Municipal Golf
Course - great for beginners, bad greens. Helicopter flight over Volcano
- make reservation, write down name & reservation number, repeat
confirmed price, we had trouble at airport to get our agreed rate! Be
aware Big Island is big! We made about 900 miles. Taking off to S.F.
Aloha, Karen & Michael, Germany.
November, 2004
Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality!
We were so comfortable and felt so welcomed here. This is the perfect
little cottage (Hale Plumeria) on the Big Island. We will return next
year for a longer stay!
This wonderful cottage and your aloha hospitality
have helped make my first trip to Hawaii very special. I can say "This
will be the first of many trips." Mahalo, Sharon, CA
November, 2004
Your Hale Kea vacation rental cottage is not only thoughtfully stocked
with everything we needed for a wonderful stay but is also full of Aloha
Spirit. We loved staying here!
Things we enjoyed doing from this convenient location - Mauna Kea beach
is a great swimming beach - Kuki'o Beach at the Fours Seasons is peaceful,
pretty and lots of turtles - Drive the road to Hawi & Pololu Valley
on the upper Rd on a clear day, great views! - Cafe Pesto for lunch
or dinner - Merriman's in Waimea on Saturdays offers exquisite island
cuisine and we liked jazz trio too. Mahalo, A.J. and Kathy, MD
December, 2004
We had a great time exploring a different beach each day. It was our
first time on a black sand beach, and we enjoyed visiting Kehene Beach
on the east coast. Another highlight was watching the Manta Rays at
Mauna Kea beach at night. Because the vacation cottage (Hale Kea)was
so comfortable, we spent many peaceful hours just reading on the lanai.
Thank you for your hospitality and a super place to stay. Heather and
Peter, B.C. Canada
December, 2004
Peaceful and relaxing.
A dose of reality - or was it a dream?
Everything we could have wanted.
Thank you for sharing your space (Hale Kea cottage).
Highlights of our stay on the Kohala Coast:
snorkeling at Mauna Lani beach club, boogie boarding at Hapuna beach,
sunset drive on upper road to Hawi overlooking Kohala and Kona Coast,
Akaka Falls, Hilo Botanical Garden...coming home and barbecuing up dinners
on the lanai with a warm breeze. Mary, Eric & Adam, Anchorage, AK
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 2003 ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
August, 2003
You are the perfect hosts for your enchanted cottage (Hale Kea). We
loved having time to rest from a busy schedule and yet have so many
opportunities for adventure if we wanted. Lovely, convenient, homey,
colorful, peaceful and restful – a few words to describe your
well thought out cottage. Jim enjoyed the exercise at Mauna Kea and
we both enjoyed the snorkeling there. Saw the Manta Rays last night
and had a delicious dinner to remember Mauna Kea. We stayed in Kailua
and in Kahena Beach before coming here and by far your cottage and energy
are the best of all. Many thanks and we hope to see you again. Evelyn
and Jim, San Marcos, CA.
August, 2003
Our first visit to the Big Island was enhanced in your Hale Plumeria. Thank you for sharing your abode and your wealth of
knowledge. What a great location for seeing many parts of the island.
I enjoyed reading your copy of ‘Mark Twain in Hawaii’ while
exploring the very places he described over 100 years ago. What a rich
history this island holds. Cher and Jay, Latourell Falls, OR
October, 2003
This is one of the best equipped cottages (Hale Kea) we ever stayed
at, esp. the kitchen left nothing to be desired. You really thought
of everything. We enjoyed Mauna Kea beach (including cocktails and Manta
Rays at night). White Rd hike, snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay etc. We
will let you know what our stay in Volcano Village was like and if we
can recommend the place. Thanks for the delicious fruits from your garden.
Gabi and Ernst, Düsseldorf, Germany
October, 2003
Recommendations from our Hale Plumeria guests for Big Island visitors
First, we recommend to read every evening the book 'Big Island Revealed'
for planning the next day. It's here in the cottage. Very funny and
you will get lots of information which is true. Secon, see the Pu'uhonua
O Honaunau Historic Park, 5 miles south of Captain Cook) for the green
trutles and Hawaiian culture. Third, if you go to Hilo or Volcano, don't
miss Laupahoehoe Point where there is a monument for the victims of
a big tsunami. You can watch high waves there, the ocean is really deep
blue and there are good possibilities for picnic and BBQ at the beach.
Take a 4WD for a day or two - there are some island roads you will need
it. Have fun! Heinz, Sarah & Bianka, Germany.
September, 2003
Recommendations from our Hale Plumeria guests for Big Island visitors
Aloha. We have been to Kauai, Maui and Oahu. The Big Island was our
last stop. So we have seen a lot. For us, Waipio Valley was the most
attractive spot on the Big Island. Ein wunderschönes Tal mit eigener
Atmosphäre - a wonderful valley with its own atmosphere. But we
also visited the Volcano, which you have to do too, even if you don't
see the lava. Mauna Kea mountain is also very special and was different
to all the other islands, including Healeakela on Maui. 'Mahas Cafe'
in Waimea is very cozy and a nice place for lunch. Don't miss the famous
Ironman in October. Have fun on the Big Island. Aloha, Leonie &
Lothar, Germany.
October, 2003
More recommendations from German guests at our Aloha Vacation Cottages
Trips: Volcano National Park. Go to Kilauea Iki overlook and take the
Kilauea Iki Trail. This walk takes about 2 hours which leaves enough
time to drive along the Chain of Craters Rd till the end. Complete the
Crater Rim Dr and return home for dinner. Heid's recommendation to Waipio
Valley Rim should not be left out! Beaches: Anaehoomalu Bay. Go to Waikoloa
Beach Resort and follow the signs. Dinner: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Pavilion)
is very good but pretty expensive. Luau at the Marriot, Waikoloa Beach
Resort for $67 p.p., very good food and professional show. Make a reservation
and be there by 5:30pm. Enjoy your stay. Dirk & Ulrike, Munich,
Germany.
November, 2003
Thanks again for having me stay in the cottage,
the second time in 5 months. I really enjoy cooking in your fabulous
kitchen. A visit to the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings and
evening visits to fresh fish market in Kawaiahae Harbor were delightful.
Hikes to the Waipio Valley and visits to coastal beach parks and beaches
were memorable. A visit to Lapakahi heritage Park for solitude and ‘meditational’
hike. Hope to return to the cottage in the near future. Shaheer, New
York city
December, 2003
Danke nochmals für die liebevolle Gastfreundschaft. Ich habe mich
in der Ferienwohnung (Hale Plumeria) echt wohlgefühlt und genoss
die Ruhe und Gemütlichkeit sehr. Vielen Dank für die Einladung
zum Picknick-Abend im Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Ich werde ihn in angenehmer
Erinnerung behalten und Sie beide natürlich auch. Franziska aus
der Schweiz (Switzerland).
Big Island vacation rentals
P.O. Box 6294
Kamuela, HI 96743,
Ph 808-885-6535
Toll free 1- 877-875-1722
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