Villa Rentals Reviews for Secluded Hawaiian Vacation Cottage on 8 Acres All for You! in Wood Valley
November 09, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
The better-half of our honeymoon
Review Submitted: November 2, 2008 Date of Stay: August 2008
My wife and I stayed at Hale Aloha Aina for the first part of our honeymoon last August. We were excited to stay somewhere that was remote, full of natural beauty, and off of the grid. We arrived at night, despite Tom & Missy's recommendations to arrive during the day, but we didn't have too much trouble finding it. The property was clean on arrival and looked very nice. The various literature provided by Tom and Missy in the cottage was more than adequate to understand how to use everything in the cottage, which sites were nearby, and also how to identify the various plants and trees on the property.
The next day we woke up to beautiful sunshine flowing in through the windows and motivation to explore. I think each time we went outside to explore throughout our stay, we would discover some new tree or plant that we had previously not seen. The sun was very bright in the morning, but sometimes got a little hazy in the afternoon due to the volcanic fog. However, this was not really a problem for us. In reality, it was a benefit as this meant the volcano was not too far away for us to visit.
We would often drive West around the coast to a black sand beach not far way to relax and have a picnic. We even had a chance to visit the green sand beach (the only one that I know of), which was also not too far from Hale Aloha Aina (except for the 2 mile hike once you park).
We never had to use the generator for backup power at the cottage. The battery-life bar showed full power throughout our stay; I guess the sun was bright for long enough to handle us. Oh, and we didn't even have power problems when using the washer and dryer--it all worked great.
I must say that it was very nice being able to pick fresh fruit from the trees in the yard, including limes for our drinks. It made me feel very much in touch with nature.
I would highly recommend this property to honeymooners, people seeking a romantic getaway, adventure seekers, and sightseers. The property was remote enough and beautiful enough to spend the majority of your time. However, if you wanted to venture off to some cool sites, there were many available (the black sand beach, the green sand beach, the volcano, etc). We enjoyed it more than the second half of our stay near Kona coast (too busy). Tom and Missy treated us great as well as the grounds keeper we talked to on our way out. Thanks Tom & Missy for a great stay!
November 09, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
The better-half of our honeymoon
Review Submitted: November 2, 2008 Date of Stay: August 2008
My wife and I stayed at Hale Aloha Aina for the first part of our honeymoon last August. We were excited to stay somewhere that was remote, full of natural beauty, and off of the grid. We arrived at night, despite Tom & Missy's recommendations to arrive during the day, but we didn't have too much trouble finding it. The property was clean on arrival and looked very nice. The various literature provided by Tom and Missy in the cottage was more than adequate to understand how to use everything in the cottage, which sites were nearby, and also how to identify the various plants and trees on the property.
The next day we woke up to beautiful sunshine flowing in through the windows and motivation to explore. I think each time we went outside to explore throughout our stay, we would discover some new tree or plant that we had previously not seen. The sun was very bright in the morning, but sometimes got a little hazy in the afternoon due to the volcanic fog. However, this was not really a problem for us. In reality, it was a benefit as this meant the volcano was not too far away for us to visit.
We would often drive West around the coast to a black sand beach not far way to relax and have a picnic. We even had a chance to visit the green sand beach (the only one that I know of), which was also not too far from Hale Aloha Aina (except for the 2 mile hike once you park).
We never had to use the generator for backup power at the cottage. The battery-life bar showed full power throughout our stay; I guess the sun was bright for long enough to handle us. Oh, and we didn't even have power problems when using the washer and dryer--it all worked great.
I must say that it was very nice being able to pick fresh fruit from the trees in the yard, including limes for our drinks. It made me feel very much in touch with nature.
I would highly recommend this property to honeymooners, people seeking a romantic getaway, adventure seekers, and sightseers. The property was remote enough and beautiful enough to spend the majority of your time. However, if you wanted to venture off to some cool sites, there were many available (the black sand beach, the green sand beach, the volcano, etc). We enjoyed it more than the second half of our stay near Kona coast (too busy). Tom and Missy treated us great as well as the grounds keeper we talked to on our way out. Thanks Tom & Missy for a great stay!
November 09, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
Our Favorite Place on Earth
Review Submitted: August 23, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009
On our frequent trips to each of the Hawaiian islands, we NEVER go back to a vacation rental twice. Our recent and second trip to Hale Aloha Aina was the first time we broke that rule, because we've never been able to find another place that evokes the level of emotions that this perfect cottage does. There is no better place to be in love!
The Big Island is called big for a reason, and we can say that although we noted very high activity at the volcano and much larger plumes of volcanic fog than on our last trip, we never noticed it at or near the cottage, even though its only a 20 minute drive away. Every morning except one was bright sunshine and clear skies.
We did not stay for the 7th night as originally planned, in order to make it to Kauai for a vacation home rental that required we stay at least 5 days. That was the most expensive place we have ever booked at approx $500/night, a huge place on an oceanside bluff with hot tub, jacuzzi, and every amenity one could imagine, including access to its own private beach. Yet, we found that within a couple of days our minds and hearts were drifting back to your cottage, a place that makes us feel like no other vacation home we have ever rented on any island on 13 island trips.
And so, as we write this review, and since we've returned home a few days ago, we find our minds constantly drifting back to thoughts of Hale Aloha Aina, and the cottage, the outdoor shower, the stars, cooking for each other in a surprisingly well equipped kitchen, continuous walks around the beautiful and expansive property.
If there's a place on earth that brings a higher level or peace, intimacy, love and passion, we haven't found it yet. We'll keep looking, but in the meantime, can't imagine a trip to the Hawaiian islands without an extended stay at Hale Aloha Aina.
November 09, 2009
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
The "Real Hawaiian Experience"
Review Submitted: January 27, 2009 Date of Stay: December 2008
Our stay at Hale Aloha Aina was the perfect way to experience the real Hawaii! Situated on a private acreage in the cooler elevated area of Pahala this cottage is sweet. We enjoyed many a relaxing evening on the back lanai after after a day of exploring, hiking and snorkelling. The lack of light pollution would reward us with amazing star-studded night skys as we planned our next day's adventure over a glass of wine and the solitude of the neigborhood (surrounded by other acreages) always ensured us of a peaceful sleep. This fully stocked home provided us with such extras as beach mats, towels, snorkel gear and deck chairs for days at the beach as well as flashlights and fleece jackets for exploring the caves and lava tubes which allowed us to travel light for our three week stay. Davin, the groundskeeper, kept us well stocked with fresh tree-ripened fruit from the abundant yard and Mona had fresh cut flowers to welcome us to this immaculate and clean home. Tom and Missy called us to make sure all was well (the telephone in the home is a real bonus for booking tours, chartering a boat or helicoper!) and the reference material in the home covering the local sights kept us scrambling to see it all! This little piece of paradise is the perfect destination for a quiet, authentic (and romantic) visit to the big island of Hawaii and the central location to Hilo, Kona, Volcano National Park, Kapoho and all the beaches, trails and sights is a real bonus. Why settle for a sterile apartment when you can stay in your own private shangri-la? Well done Tom and Missy - this is a real treasure!
July 19, 2009
Reviewer:
Candi &Michael
From: Captain cook, Hi
I would like to start with saying that this is a perfect place to relax & fall in love again.
As we live here on the Big island we were able to retreat from our hectic world & re-connect with each other.
The place is very clean -quiet-te grounds are beautiful to walk thru. Missy & Tom have made this a wonder land of a slice of real Hawaii. We do believe that anyone staying here will not regret it!
Mahalo again for making our 20 year mark a special one
Homeowner Response: Coming from Kamaina's...this is a real compliment! There is something about this little cottage on this hugh property that rekindles the spirit and the heart! It has become a honeymoon destination and couples retreat which for us... makes it all the more special to share~! Mahalo Candi and Micheal! Happy 20th Anniversary!
September 16, 2005
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
Aloha Missy and Tom!
We are back in Wisconsin after a wonderful time in Hawaii thanks to the
absolutely great experience at Hale Aloha Aina. You really do have your own
little paradise there. We will never forget this experience. We wished we
could stay longer. It was much more than we expected - you have everything
we could have wanted - and needed. The setting in incredible - just our
ticket!
Gretchen and I did a lot of exploring, from the Kona area on the west to
Akaka Falls and the botanical gardens on the east. We had rented an SUV so
we made the trip to the top of Mauna Key. We love the mountains and this was
a great time. We hiked around the rim of the summit and also took the hike
around the permafrost lake. Of course, we spent a day at Volcanoes Parks and
hiked out to the steam flume. (The day we left, the park closed the hike for
fear of a break/slide, in the lava.) We took in the macadamia nut
plantation, too. We did some snorkeling at the tide pools south of Pahoa and
also hiked to green beach. We loved the Hilo market and visited twice - Sat.
and Wed. Mornings and evenings were spent walking around Hale Aloha Aina,
enjoying three views and the fruit, and also relaxing. We bought fresh fish
and experienced many foods we had never eaten, enjoying them at Hale Aloha
Aina - it was fun!
Again, Missy and Tom, thank you for the opportunity and for you sharing your
special place.
All the best to both of you!!!!
Mahalo!
Scott
September 16, 2005
Owner-Supplied Testimonial
Hi Missy,
Well,,,,,,where to begin.
We have been visiting Hawaii annually for +10 years, having stayed on all islands and in all forms of places to stay.
Quite simply, we have never enjoyed Hawaii as much as we did during our week at your place. It was perfect!
We loved the setting, the simplicity, the views, the quiet, the house itself, the location, and most of all – the quality of everything there. I have never stayed in the same place twice, but you can count on our return to your place the next time we come.
We found a small, secluded beach on the South Point that was perfect for an afternoon by ourselves. Like having our own island!
We had planned to do some sightseeing during the week, but ended up doing very little. We did not want to be away from the house!
Once again, thanks for sharing your little piece of paradise with us. It was more than we could have expected.
Enjoy your time there next month!
Dave & Lisa Stone
Howell, Michigan
Dave Stone
Executive Director
Powertrain, Body & Chassis – Heavy Duty Group
Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc.
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