This was our second stay at the Hale Akua Aloha home and fifth experience in vacation rental homes on Ali'i Drive. This year we had three couples in our party. The home easily accomodated us all, with each couple having a bedroom with a wonderful private ocean view. We all loved the open, 'old Hawaii' style of the home. As last year, when we were out enjoying the rest of the island, we were always looking forward to returning to the house and its sensational oceanfront setting, with a combination of openness and privacy that is unmatched by any other home we've seen in the area. This year we had a few minor maintenance items, but nothing that detracted significantly from our overall positive experience. We look forward to returning next year.
That said, there are a few things that should be addressed at this property ~ it is definitely showing it's age although it is aging gracefully. The kitchen needs major updating, the dishwasher rarely worked, some of the cabinets are in very poor condition and the kitchen floor is a bit dingy. We were there for two weeks and we rented the house so we could cook most meals; therefore, the kitchen was important to us. In spite of those things, the kitchen is well stocked with excellent cooking utensils and dishes, etc. The outdoor grill was a huge mess, my son spent an afternoon cleaning it before we would use it for cooking. Costco and Safeway are nearby for all of the necessary food, paper and laundry supplies. The water flow in the master bath is abysmal, almost no water pressure and the shower goes super hot or freezing cold w/o any reason. The entrance to the house is very secure although the front door needs a lot of work. However, the back of the house is virtually unsecured. The sliding glass doors provide beautiful access to the back yard and view but provide no real security. We did have a stranger - lost but nice and nonthreatening - show up in the backyard from somewhere along the ocean. It is very difficult to get out of the driveway ~ rent a small car!! There is no recycling set up which disturbed us. As we had lots of cans and bottles we actually made a trip to the recycling center and gave our stuff to an older gentlemen there who could use a few extra $$. The trash comes on THURSDAY morning, it would have been nice to have that posted in the kitchen and there were virtually no bugs only an occasional intruder. For the cost of this rental it seems it is time that some things should be upgraded and the cleaning fee seems quite high since we were required to leave the house clean (which we did) and there is only a tiny bit of laundry left for housekeeping. Sheri at the management company was very helpful to my husband when he shipped a telescop
Executive Summary: 8 out of 10 (due almost exclusively to location and lay out of home) Background: Wife, self, 33 yr old daughter, daughter's significant other, 35 year old son, daughter-in-law, 3 year old grandson, 2 year old granddaughter. Having stayed previously in Waikaloa, we wanted a site that was mid Island and closer to more activities/restaurants. Positives: 1.) Location on the ocean - to wake up/sleep with the ocean literally 40 feet from your room was spectacular. Numerous sightings of dolphins, a few whales, and reasonable snorkeling (difficult to actually get in the water). 2.) Perfect layout of rooms for our configuration. Son and his family could occupy one end of home keeping themselves between children's room and ocean. Three of four bedrooms literally open up to the ocean. Under roof patio allowed meals to be eaten while soaking up the positive ions from the ocean. 3.) Walking distance to Kona. 4.) Wireless internet access that worked flawlessly. 5.) Constructed tidal pool allowing children to splash around away from danger of tides/rogue waves. Negatives: 1.) Rental agent/property manager refused to honor commitment made to me regarding two playpens. After the money was paid, the agency informed me that the individual who made the booking and gave the commitment was no longer employed and therefore would not honor the commitment. Shame on me for not ensuring that it was in the contract. 2.) As with any property near water, it is showing its wear. Furniture needs to be updated, sliding doors leading to ocean are worn and a joke relative to security. 3.) Very little evidence of aggressive treatment for insects and critters which on one hand are to be expected, but on the other, should also be recognized by the prop. mgmt. company. 4.) Very little help from prop. mgmt. information book left in unit. Inaccuracies, lack of info on good restaurants, no information on how things worked. 5.)Prop. mgmt.
I love this house and the location, but there are some things that do need to be addressed. The trim on the house is peeling and needs painting. The wall outside the house and in the front yard is peeling and needs painting. The front door has paint falling off and needs to be replaced or painted. The gutter has fallen off the front of the house and looks awful. Most of these things are very easily taken care of, but they are first impressions. I am very pleased with the new deck and appliances. We would rent again, because of the location.
Wonderful home in older Hawaiin style. Three bedrooms, living room, and kitchen all open to ocean views. We'll be back.
don't know why we were charged $348.00 cleaning fee ?? is that the going rate ?? thanks again
We do thank you for your time here on the big Island. Cleaning can be a bit high here on the Islands, but we do ask them to be good at their jobs also! Hope to have you back again soon!
Thanks to Brad for being nice enough to bring us a 2nd refrigerator on the 4th of July.
everything was great. appliances could be updated, but other than that, we had a great time.
Being close to the crashing surf is fun but nut when you are trying to sleep. At a minimum there should be portable AC units in at least 2 bedrooms. We have stayed at other houses on Alii who have made this change. The units are typically 700-800 each at Costco and how much could AC be for the week - maybe 100-150 I would gladly pay it. The problem is as the sunsets the house heats up and isn't really comfortable until 11-12 at night.
Hale Akua Aloha is a beautiful, warm and inviting home. We had plenty of room for two families with four teenage girls. The ocean views were incredible...there was little need to leave the house! The street traffic was a little loud and there are no sidewalks, so we drove most places. Even though we experienced the Kona "Vog", the air was warm and the breezes were refreshing. The queen's bath right outside our back door provided some exciting fun as the waves crashed in and the hot tub on the patio was a relaxing place to sip a mai tai. We made friends with the geckos and tropical birds and watched the spinner dolphin leap right outside our windows. The Fourth of July was exquisite with the local parade, a barbeque dinner on the patio and fireworks across the harbor. Thank you for a memorable time.
We were disappointed with the shower that didn't work. Since there were 6 of us it was an inconvenience. We were also disturbed by the amount of traffic noise--would rather have heard the ocean at night. But overall the house was spacious, beautifully appointed and very comfortable. Couldn't beat the views and the tide pool was wonderful. I do have a question. When will my deposit be returned?
This property is true vintage Hawaiiana at it's best. The home was centrally loacted , but retained it's privacy as well. We felt very secure there. The entire home is open to the patio where you will spend all of your time. The ocean and natural pool are just a few short steps down. The formation of the natural pool and the the proximity to the ocean are truly the highlight of this unique and special property. The sound of the crashing waves lulled us to sleep every was very easy to prepare and enjoy our meals taking in a magnificent view and a pleasant breezes. We were able to see whales and spinner dolphins every day of our stay! That was a genuine delight! The location of the home is very convenient to all. Although we rented a vehicle, we were in walking distance to everything. We are very happy we chose this property. It proved to be a very relaxing stay at magical place that will live on in our memory as only a great holdiay should!
Kitchen was well supplied. Was very close to the water and enjoyed the sound of the surf all day and night. Was disappointed we could not walk along the shoreline. Walk on side of road to Kona was adequate and safe. Nice private ranch style home and landscape setting.
The home was older and had a few issues....mice and ants. The sinks needed some updated but the view was spectacular!
The windows were filthy. They keep the hedge so high that it blocks the ocean view, the reason you stay there.
Aloha, Sorry to hear the stay was not 100%. Windows on the ocean can be a bear to overcome...Daily salt spray can make things look not new... The hedges have since been cut down further. Thank you for your stay and suggestions. Brad (Property Manager)
The amazing views and wonderful lava pool fed by the ocean were outstanding.
The location of this home is perfect. The snorkeling along the reef edge out front is great. You see spinner dolphins every morning playing in the ocean direct in front of the house. Traffic is bad out front but the noice is minimal.