Villa Rentals Reviews for An oasis of privacy, peace and tranquility on the Kona Coast in Captain Cook
February 02, 2010
Reviewer:
Donja
From: victoria, BC Canada
We arrived at the house in the late evening after driving through stop and go traffic.....all was quiet except for the magical sound of a Hawaiian grandma singing old songs in Hawaiian with young children in the house next door. I felt like I had gone to heaven.
This home is absolutely the perfect Hawaiian refuge. I honestly couldn't find a down side to it. The layout was perfect,even down to the garbarge chute in the kitchen. The lanai was exquisit and we all napped in the two hammacks. If I ever decide to buy in Hawaii, this is my model! Many thanks for a restful and fun stay!
November 02, 2009
Reviewer:
Gi Gi
From: Nate & Linda, Conroe, TX
We definitely didn't plan enough time in your beautiful home. Next time we won't bother going anywhere else. It was so peaceful and quiet. We loved the view, the decor, the lush tropical lawn and the birds. The house has everything anyone could need or want for a wonderful Hawaiian vacation.
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
09/03/2007
Again time has gone by too quickly. Thanks for everything. Looking forward already to next year!
Mahalo
Rod and Candie
El Monte, California
9/1/2008
Perfect as always. Thanks for everything. My daughter really enjoyed the stay here. Same time next year!
Rod and Candie and Gracee
El Monte, CA
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
10/22/2007
They say you can fall in love more deeply the second time around. That's what happened with the two of us at Hale Ke'ei Lani. This was the second visit here for us at the house. We were immediately surrounded by the familiar, peaceful environment that now felt as comfortable as home. Thanks again for sharing your magical space. We know that will will return.
Namaste,
Kathleen and Arthur
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
11/5/2007
We only hpe to carry back the sense of peace and serenity allowed to us our stay here.
Much aloha
Dale and Alison
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
Jan 17 2008
What a very special place this is! We hate to leave. The birds, the water, the very peaceful feeling of the house. I hope we can come back. And I have become a huge Ali Akbar fan!
Peg and Stephen
Seattle, Washington
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
Feb 2 2008
We absolutely loved this place. So special that we wanted to call it home.
Tim and Mark
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
May 2008
Blissful relaxation in a Zen atmosphere that meets every need. Thank you.
Trudy
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
9/26/2008
Thank you for the use of your well-equipped, peaceful hideaway for the week. We leave here with peace and tranquility in our hearts.
Sandi
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
07/20/2008
We enjoyed the hammocks, the music selection, the snorkeling gear, and the bath looking out into the garden . . . the local sites including the snorkeling and Two Step, the 1871 trail, Ho'okena Beach, the Painted Church, and the food! What a plethora of fresh, delicious choices in such a small area.
Sarah, James, and Samuel
Brisbane, Australia
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
5/11/2009
My family, including a twenty-month-old baby, love the place. He especially likes the big back yard! And my wife loves the wonderful fruits in your back yard. Thank you for everything. We will definately come back again.
Jackson and Summer
San Francisco, California
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
5/3/2009
Perfect vacation house and location. Had a wonderful time here. This place is a beautiful retreat and we loved the setting!
Phil and Kelly
Jacksonville, Oregon
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
06/04/2008
Thank you for sharing this beautiful home with us. It really is a little piece of heaven. We're leaving more happy and very relaxed!
Alison O'brien
Cork, Ireland
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
06/25/2008
The importance of knowing and sharing heaven on earth is what we have learned. All of us and our earth can be healed, a twinkle at a time. Mahalo
Robyn and Family
Hayden Lake, Idaho
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
07/06/2008
Riotous bird sounds
Orange sunsets
Listening to gorgeous music on the deck
Reading "Bird of Another Heaven" by James Houston. It's on the shelf and is the prefect read for Hawaii.
Thanks again!
Bob and Sandy
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
10/9/2008
Your home became an integral part of our stay. We had dinner here every evening. I felt as though I lived here these 8 days. It is a part of the land and os it does not interfere with the experience of the land-air-sea. We hope to return. Your vision has created an opportunity for others to experience a safe, loving retreat.
Maria and Sunny
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
8/1/2009
AMAZING! The house, the sunsets, the birds, the tub, the hammocks, the turkeys, and the view from the lanai -- PERFECT! Snorkeling at Two Step was incredible. There were turtles snoozing on the sand at Punalu's Black San Beach, the sashimi at Jackie Rey's and Ke'ei Cafe - delicious! Atmosphere and "Black & Tans" at Huggos on the Rocks is a must (the tables are on the sand and the turtles are between the rocks. We got fed at "cool" Maklei w/the peacocks, Kona CC by the ocean with the blowholes (bit not like a sauna), and Big Island CC - cool weather, Nenes, and the Island Green #17 which has me determined to come back and make the green. Love the Big Island and Hele Ke'ei Lani.
Susie and Dave
October 21, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
3/23/2009
We are coming to a close on two tranquil weeks at your lush, private Hawaiian retreat. Though we have visited all the islands several times in the past, this felt the most "Hawaiian" . . . the anti-condo and a perfect fit for the Swansons. We'll return to our drippy Northwest with the sounds of rustling leaves, bamboo chimes, doves, roosters, and yes, the most entertaining turkeys, in our heads. As previous guests have commented, this felt instantly like our home away from home, so well organized and stocked. We appreciated the music mix and all the local travel tip. We frequented most places mentioned for groceries, fruit, videos, coffee, etc. We brought way too many clothes, never feeling like eating out, at all . . . "Cafe Hale Ke'ei Lani had the best ambience, fresh food (including Sumatran cherries) and sunsets on the island. We visited Hawaii Volcanoes and hiked the Kilauea Ike trail. The Kalopana Lava viewing was unfortunately closed due to S. winds blowing dangerous fumes onshore (call 808.961.8093 viewing hotline in advance). We walked the 1871 trail at Place of Refuge, snorkeled several times at Two Step, hiked the 1300 to Captain Cook Monument for snorkeling, not once but twice (not bad for 60-somethings), we visited Waimea and walked down to Polulo Beach. We entertained friends (staying at Waikoloa) one evening with a barbeque, turkey dance extravaganza and sunset! Steve even hd occasion to go Ahi fishing (which we seared to perfection over Kiawe charcoal.) VRBO is my new favorite website. We rented a hous on the Oregon coast for six of our family between Christmas and New Years, and now your home. Both exceeded our expectations.
Mahalo,
Sandy and Steve
Whidbey Island, Washington
August 26, 2009
Reviewer:
Maia Ettinger
From: Berkeley, CA
Donna and I just got back from our second visit to
Hale Ke'ei Lani, and we're already planning our
third! This house has everything - from gorgeous
views and lush tropical surroundings to wireless
internet and a great stereo system, with iPod hook-
up! Jacques provides snorkle gear, advice on where
to eat, directions to the supermarket, and several
local guidebooks -- so no need to plan ahead; just
get there and take it all in. There are great beaches
nearby, and if you're into the touristy stuff, Kona's a
short drive north.
We love a clean, private, welcoming and laid-back
environment - this house epitomizes all four. And
there's always someone to call if you have a
question about the house, so you always feel taken
care of too. I wish there was a super-positive rating
- this is a five-star place.
August 09, 2009
Reviewer:
Anonymous
From: Hastings, Nebraska
The house had a lovely wrap-around porch where we spent many pleasant hours watching the ocean and the local wildlife. Highlights of the stay were the flock of wild turkeys, the pleasant atmosphere of the house, and the location. The house is near great snorkeling and local beaches.
August 07, 2009
Reviewer:
Anonymous
From: Mountain View CA
This house is a peaceful haven from which to
launch into numerous locally situated activities
(hiking, kayaking, turtle pursuing, dolphin viewing,
general sightseeing with Pele in mind) or is perfect
for just sinking into peaceful contemplation. We
attended a ukulele concert and a show of a local
hula dance troupe at a nearby mall each of which
was heart felt and fun.
The resident flocks of turkeys (there are two of
them) provided early AM and early PM
entertainment, but in a non raucous manner. This
was our choice to view rather than the local news
on the television! After all, who needs formal
entertainment when the turkeys are dancing and
fluffing?
The wrap around veranda was a favorite place to
have our meals and either strategize activities for
the unfolding day or watch that day come to a
tranquil conclusion.
The house is thoughtfully equipped with all of the
necessities and offers many unanticipated
amenities.
I have already made plans to return again.
Thank you, Jacques!
August 07, 2009
Reviewer:
Kirsty Essery
From: Cove,Scotland
Aloha Jacques!
What a beautiful spot away from other tourists with such gorgeous scenery and tropical wildlife. The turkeys were hilarious and the little geckos were lovely. This was a great home to explore the rest of the island, volcanoes,beaches,Mauana Kea etc. Malakawena beach (20 min walk from old airport beach) well worth it! Altitude sickness at Mauna Kea was a first experience for all of us but so glad to have gone. Volcanoes - A MUST! Kayaking at Kealakekua Bay and the snorkelling was another first for us and we loved it - us just as much as the kids. The City of Refuge Was a favourite for us though, such a perfect spot. What a hoiliday just not enough time. Don't know if we'll ever be able to make it back but I do hope so. It was very wet while we were there and could've benefited from a couple of de-humidifiers - maybe they were there but we were too busy to look I guess!
Thank you Jacques for a very special holiday. Kirst,Jim,Rhea & Mike x
May 25, 2009
Reviewer:
Anonymous
This is our first time to Hawaii and staying at hotels and condos didn't appeal to us. I'm glad we made the right choice in staying at this place. It's spacious, tranquil, and huge. My 20-month old toddler especially love the big front yard. He can run every direction without running in walls. My wife love the fruit trees and I love waking up to the sound of birds in the morning. This house definately made a lasting impression for us. We'll definately come back again.
May 11, 2009
Reviewer:
Alan Wright
From: Albuquerque, NM
Had a great stay at Hale-Ke'ei Lani in April. We live in the desert, so the environment was a great change for us. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony with the great views while enjoying the frequent gentle rains and the abundant bird song. The turkeys, pheasants, feral chickens and colorful songbirds were very entertaining. The house was nicely equipped and comfortably furnished. The various trees around the yard all had various kinds of fruit. All in all, a nice change from staying at the resorts. If you stay here, try the lilikoi cheesecake from just up the road at Coffees 'n Epicurea.
May 07, 2009
Reviewer:
Anonymous
Upon our arrival we were surprised at the beautiful setting, this house is spacious, very restful, views from every room. Close to world class swimming and snorkeling. Close to great restuarants, excellant take-out at local food stores,fresh vegies, and fresh seafood. We loved this tropical paradise,birds singing in the AM and spectacular sunsets from the soaking tub. This is our favorite place to stay in Hawaii.
Phil and Kelly in Jacksonville, Oregon
May 03, 2009
Reviewer:
Gail
From: Half Moon Bay, CA
This amazing home is so calming and comfortable that I slept nearly 12 hours the first night! Ideal floor plan, beautiful furnishings and lush gardens. After more than a dozen trips to the Big Island, I've finally found a place I can call "home away from home." I'll be back for sure.
March 31, 2009
Reviewer:
Sandy & Steve
From: Whidbey Island, WA
March 10-24, 2009
Though we have visited all the islands several
times in the past, our tranquil stay at Hale Ke'ei
Lani felt the most Hawaiian . . . . the anti-condo
and a perfect fit for us. As previous guests have
mentioned, this instantly felt like our 'home away
from home', so well organized and stocked. We
appreciated the music mix and all the local travel
tips (we frequented most places mentioned). The
lush and private gardens, sunsets, wildlife, nearby
snorkeling all contributed to a perfect vacation.
Mahalo
March 31, 2009
Reviewer:
Anonymous
From: Jamaica Plain, MA
This is a truly lovely spot. The home feels like just that... home. As though you're visiting a friendly uncle who insists on keeping everything just so. Just right for you, that is. The house and grounds have been immaculately cared for, the view is gorgeous, and aaaaaaaah you can just feel yourself unwind when you walk through the door.
Also, I must thank Jacques personally for his exceptional communication, tons of wonderful advice about the island, and smooth experience start to finish. Unlike so many properties in HI, this one simply doesn't feel like a rental! Hope to return soon!
March 24, 2009
Reviewer:
Anonymous
From: San Francisco, CA
Hale Ke’ei Lani is a jewel. What an idyllic life:
relaxing in the zen-like casual elegance of the
house, snorkeling in the bay just below among
bright-colored fish, eating delicious food in the
near-by Ke’ei Café, where we learned to drink Mai
Tais. Our experience was so unlike partaking of
mainstream tourism. We were struck by the
solidity, beautiful lines, and attention to detail in
the hand-made architecture of the house. The yard
was our spacious tropical sanctuary. A perfect base
from which we drove the loop around the island a
couple of times, seeing the volcano, Hilo, the
spectacular Hawaiian Botanical Garden, Waipio
Valley, sunsets over the Kohala Coast and much
more. On the other hand, we loved just hanging out
close to home…”The Place of Refuge” was where we
watched whales swim through the sunset.
March 03, 2009
Reviewer:
Carla
From: Richmond, CA
My boyfriend and I stayed here for a week and rarely felt the need to leave except for our morning snorkel to Two-Step and grocery shopping so we could just hang around the lanai, pick fruit from the yard (pomelo, avocado, surinam cherries, mangoes), and enjoy the cooling breezes - oh, and the sunsets from the jacuzzi. Thanks!
January 31, 2009
Reviewer:
Donna Warren
From: Los Angeles, CA
We stayed for 1 week in January 2009. This place is amazing. From the moment you walk through the door, you feel like you are at home. The owner has made sure that everything works, everything is in exactly the place you would expect to find it, and nothing has been forgotten. The furnishings are of top quality, and the design is simple and elegant.
We chose this place because we wanted to be away from the touristy spots, and within driving distance of all the sights of the island has to offer. It was perfect for that. We did a lot of exploring, but really, the most wonderful days were spent at home, surrounded by the beautiful fruit and nut trees, listening to the birds, watching the amazing sunsets and later, after dinner, enjoying the sounds of the night while sitting by the fire.
If you ever have the chance to stay here, I highly recommend it.
January 27, 2009
Reviewer:
Anonymous
In Mid-January I visited Hale Ke'ei Lani with my husband and mother in law. We wanted to be away from the touristy areas, in a place where we could both enjoy the local culture and be at easy driving distance from most places. Hale Ke'ei Lani fit the bill perfectly, located south of Captain Cook, surrounded by nut and coffee farms, it sits at 1,000 feet on the side of Mauna Loa, overlooking the ocean. We visited the home’s website, and read some great reviews, but nothing prepared us for how wonderful it was to be there.
The owner is very pleasant and easy to work with. He answered all our questions, providing much information on the house prior to our arrival, including a very detailed, accurate set of driving directions from the airport.
We have stayed in vacation homes in Cape Cod, Puerto Rico, Lake Tahoe, Idyllwild, and Colorado. Normally, it takes a while to get used to a house. You are very aware that you are living in someone else’s place. You have to poke around, figure out where things are, what works well and what doesn’t, what you wish they had that isn’t there. You put away that vase full of dusty silk flowers, so you can enjoy the simple oak table, as you make your grocery list you add the few small things that aren’t there. You adjust yourself.
Hale Ke'ei Lani is different. From the minute we entered the house, we felt at home. Everything was right where I expected it would be. There was nothing missing, all the furnishings were of excellent quality and there were many extras right at my fingertips. Everything works. The extras were much appreciated – fresh citrus and avocado in a basket on the counter, snorkeling gear and beach chairs for our use, a wonderful sound system and excellent selection of CDs, corkscrew and wine bottle stoppers, filtered drinking water.
We sat on the lanai for hours one afternoon, deeply content, watching the late afternoon sky, enjoying the nightly procession of a flock of wild turkeys as they made their way to the trees for the night. Later, we enjoyed the night air from the living room, with a small fire in the fireplace, listening to the faraway tink of bamboo wind chimes.
We have never stayed in a place that was so meticulously arranged and yet so serene. To me, this was paradise. And I think it will be paradise for anyone who visits – whether to meditate, to luxuriate, to relax or to explore
January 26, 2009
Reviewer:
Simon and Carol
From: Fairfax, CA
We enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing stay at Hale Ke'ei Lani. The house is beautifully appointed and provides a perfect jumping off point for exploring most of the big island.
Close proximity to Kealakekua Bay means that you get to kayak or swim/snorkel with the dolphins pretty much any day you choose. Local walks and attractions are also very conveniently located.
The sizeable and well-groomed grounds mean that you get to enjoy a very spacious environment, fresh fruit (when in season) and stunning views without leaving the property. There's also a lovely bath with doors that open onto the lanai so you can get those views while you soak away the longer day trips/hikes.
All in all a fabulous place to stay.
November 22, 2008
Reviewer:
Anonymous
My husband and I were delighted with this lovely
home. It was so well appointed with everything we
needed to have a relaxing week on a most
spectacular island!
The house was spacious, comfortable, and
beautifully decorated.
The lanai provided a great outdoor hangout space.
Overall we were most impressed by the feeling of
being a guest in a beautiful home rather than an
impersonal rental.
We found great snorkeling & sea kayaking close by,
what a treat!
Thanks for a memorable week on the Big Island!
December 27, 2007
Reviewer:
Anonymous
From: Denver, CO
I am a year late in posting this comment, but our experience at this home in December 2006 was so wonderful that I have just submitted a query about returning in September of next year. The home is beautifully furnished, equipped, and landscaped, and the wrap-around veranda is one of the most luscious places I have ever seen to curl up with a book and a glass of wine. The acre+ lot is surrounded by a very high hedge, and the privacy is unbelievable even though you are in a suburban neighborhood. The wild turkeys visit morning and evening, and the view over the ocean to the west just completes the perfect tableau. There are two bedrooms with their own baths separated by the living area, which makes it perfect for two couples or singles looking for a bit of privacy at night. I can't wait to go back!
June 06, 2006
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
"The amenities and forethought evident in your preparation for your guests was extraordinary. Everything we needed was at our fingertips." - George and Shelly
March 04, 2006
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
"We ate fresh grapefruits from one of the trees. The excellent sound system let music float gently throughout the house and onto the view deck. We soaked in the jacuzzi tub as the tradewinds blew through the open windows. We felt as if we were staying in a sanctuary... Thank you. -Heidi
February 05, 2006
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
"We've had seven perfect days here...our souls have been nourished, not just from the peace and beauty of the grounds here but also from the wonderful things the house contains." - Kay and Robert
February 01, 2006
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
Just wanted to let you know that both my wife and I loved your beautiful home in Kona. It was the perfect place to decompress and enjoy the peace and quiet away from all of the crowds. The "jungle" noises at night were unique, and the morning turkey parade was entertaining. The decor felt very Hawaiian (with a "Zen" twist). My wife Carina also loved the incense you had by the front door. (If you know where we could find the same incense, that would be terrific) I think you will get some referral business from our friends. We certainly plan on coming back.
Thanks,
Brian McGinnis
August 01, 2005
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
Dear Jacques,
Thank you so much for giving us such a truly blessed place to stay. Our entire stay was perfect. The boys loved being in your wonderful yard and David and I loved the Lanai. Your house is lovely and has all the comforts of home. David enjoyed your grill and good music selection. Thanks for telling us about the old Boy Scout camp. We visited it several times and one evening got to enjoy three sea turtles swimming with us. Big Island, all our adventures here and all the memories we made at your lovely home-will be cherished forever. Thank you, mahalo, the Clarks
April 01, 2005
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
Hello there Jacques
I have been meaning to send you an e-mail but have
not gotten around to it.
We thoroughly enjoyed staying in your home.
It was so relaxing and peaceful. I loved hearing
the bird sounds in the morning and evening.
It was calming to have all our meals outside
on the lanai. You have so many nice touches
inside too....especially the incense and the plants.
I really felt that we were close to nature with
all the windows and doors open and just the
screens between us and the outdoors. The grounds
are wonderful. I have plenty of friends and
acquaintances who spent time in hotels to the north....I have to be careful not to go on too much with them about how great our home-away-from-home was. I guess it
is personal style/preference but I would not go to Hawaii
and stay in the usual hotel or condo.
I will be recommending your place to friends....
but only if they are traveling when we are not :).
Good luck with your rentals in the future.
Patrice Lilly
3205 Verdun Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403
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