| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 11 positive, 0 negative]
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| 08/24/09 |
Positive
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| Our family of five stayed at your beautiful home for a week in August 2009. What a delightful experience, a piece of heaven on earth. I am glad we had the chance to experience the eastern side of big island with its green lush tropical beauty. Your home was a perfect retreat after each day of exploration. Mahalo.....until our next return- Deb and Jose Mata |
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Deborah Mata, Vancouver, Washington
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| 05/05/09 |
Positive
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Sterling & Trisha,
We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Lagoon Shangrila. The online photos could not prepare us for how amazing our "home away from home" would be (beautiful as they were!) Our kids, ages 12 and 10) absolutely loved the tide pools that were such a short walk away. We saw at least 15 different kinds of fish and even got to swim with a sea turtle! Every detail in the home was well thought out, down to umbrellas by the door for the few rainy days we had. Nothing slowed us down though! (The Hilo Farmer's Market is not to be missed.) Thank you so much for the ease in renting your home and for all the thought you put into making it such a wonderful place to vacation. We certainly recommend it to anyone thinking of staying on the Hilo side of the Big Island! Mahalo! |
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Paula & Rolf Alexis, Saline, Michigan |
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Homeowner Response:
Mahalo Paula & Rolf,
We are so glad that you enjoyed your vacation at Lagoon Shangrila. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Sincerely,
Trisha & Sterling
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| 03/08/09 |
Positive
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| Your home was indeed a Shangrila and the most wonderful place that we have ever stayed! It was like moving into someone's home while the owners were away for the week. Everything that we might have needed for our stay was there. It was a joy to cook in your kitchen as it was equiped with everything we needed. We enjoyed the fact that we had internet access while there and also used the hot tub, gas grill and snorkeled in the nearby tide pools. We ate many of our meals on your outside dining set next to the private tide pool. Your home was convenient to Volcanoes National Park and Hilo, so we also visited these areas while staying there. We hope to return at a later date and bring more of our family with us as your home can accomodate 6 people very comfortably. |
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Michele & Jack, Spartanburg, SC |
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| 08/27/08 |
Positive
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We had a lovely visit in your home! We enjoyed the solitude of the area and the house is definitely of 5-star quality. Our 4 children (ages 8-14) loved the lagoon, as well as the tide pools nearby. It was our first visit to Hawaii and we were very impressed.
The McCaffrey Family |
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Kristy McCaffrey, Beaver, Pennsylvania
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Homeowner Response:
Aloha Kristy & Kevin,
We are so happy that your first visit to Hawaii was special and hope to welcome you back many more times.
Mahalo,
Trisha & Sterling
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| 07/23/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"Dear Sterling & Trisha,
Our family had a glorious vacation and it started when we arrived at your home. Staying for two weeks gave us the opportunity to really settle in and enjoy your home and this side of the Big Island.
We balanced quality relaxation time with sightseeing. We have travelled all over the world and this is the first time we actually rented a home and "what a home!"
Two quotes sums up our experience. My mother-in-law: "I was just ecstatic and taken aback with my room and time here." Our eight year son, who has been to Disneyland, San Diego, Hawaii on two previous visits, Florida, Jamaica and many other places: "This is the best vacation ever!"
Mahalo.
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The Johnsons
El Dorado Hills, CA.
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| 07/10/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"Dear Sterling & Trisha,
Mahalo!! Your home was/is absolutely perfect for our family vacation! There was nothing we needed upon our arrival. From seasonings in kitchen to soap for laundry. You did a fabulous job thinking out all the possible needs & wants.
We feel so privileged to stay in such a beautiful spot. The pools, the snorkeling, the ambiance, the birds, geckos, what a beautiful Hawaiian Paradise!
We kept the doors & windows open all night & listened to all the bird and frog noises.
We traveled all over the island from here........
We really did so much & came HOME to this lovely place.
We love the fence around the yard & the privacy,
We truly will recommend this place to others who are traveling.
This side of the island isn't that far away from anywhere you want to go. What a place to come home to!
Mahalo."
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The Raspet Family
Wilmington, NC
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| 07/02/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"Dear Sterling & Trisha,
Wanted to write and let you know that your house is truly a home.
It was great for our kids. We love having a real full service kithche. We ate all our dinners here.
The pools were wonderful to have so close and we enjoyed all the trips to the lava mt., and beaches. The down time on the patio, pool, hot tub were exceptional.
We will be back.
Thanks."
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The Cooney Family
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| 06/17/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
" Dear Trisha & Sterling,
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful home! Everything was so organized and ready for us. Your decorating & remodeling was so well done. We love being in Hilo! We had adventure filled days and then could come home to this beautiful house. The tide pools are such a wonderful plus. The snorkeling was amazing.
The home office was so helpful for all of us but especially for Steve, since he was in the middle of a big project. He could vacation & keep up with things at work.
Thank you fro your prompt response to our questions.
Julie and Archie (past guests here) were right about this. We will recommend your home as well.
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Sheri & Steve
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| 05/31/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
E-mail from Guest:
"Aloha Trisha and Sterling,
I am settling back into my regular routine at home now (in Tennessee), and I just wanted to let you know that my sister, mother, and I had such a wonderful time staying at your lagoon Shangrila that we completely forgot to add a note to your guest book!
We loved staying at your vacation home--you thought of everything that made our visit comfortable, relaxing, and perfect for a vacation. We look forward to returning in the future and sharing the experience with other family members.
You have a wonderful system in place. Keep up the good work!
Mahalo,
Martha"
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Martha
Tennessee
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| 04/30/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Dear Trisha and Sterling,
We had a great time here in Hawaii. We are so glad that we decided to stay on this side of the island. You definitely have a well stocked home which was much appreciated. The ice chest got a lot of use and we were all over the island.
We'll be sure to recommend your rentall home to any other friends visiting the Big Island. Thank you !
San Diego, Ca and Gilroy, Ca.
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Patrick, Maria , Eva, Michael
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| 04/19/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
E-mail from Guest:
"HI Trish and Sterling,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for an excellent visit to Kapoho! We absolutely loved the area, and the house. It was AWESOME. Everything was perfect. My kids are totally in love with your pond, and all of the fish and the huge frog that they just discovered today.
We leave tomorrow morning and we're very sad about that. All good things....
We'll definitely be in touch if we come to Hawaii again, or if we know of anyone coming to this island!
Thanks,
Melissa"
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Melissa & Dan
Marina Del Rey, Calif.
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| 04/16/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Our last day here !
Every morning we got up to watch the sunrise over the Pacific.. and every morning a new show - a Jaccuzzi - a snorkel - then off to explore this side of the island.
What a true vacation it has been here - you both have thought about every little thing - loved that. May you be blessed with many more "Island Explorers" that will enjoy the home as much as we have- Mahalo Nui !
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Joe and Carolyn
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| 04/03/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from E-mail:
Thank you for your note as well as confirmation of refund.
We truly had a fabulous time in your home. It was the perfect vacation for how busy our lives have been. We loved spending dinners outside and falling asleep to the symphony of frogs and waking to the sounds of rain and birds. You truly have a tranquil and beautiful home. We also enjoyed the calm of the Hilo side of the island, there was always something fun to do without the hordes of tourists.
We also enjoyed having access to the internet and used it more then once to look things up to answer our 11 year olds inquirying mind about the things that we were seeing.
Thank you again, our visit to the Big Island was a memorable, lasting experience for us all.
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Lisa T.
Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
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| 03/29/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Mahalo Trisha and Sterling for the use of your wonderful home for our family vacation !
From the moment we opened the gate we all felt at home - anything and everything we could possibly need - we had - whether it be the umbrellas by the door, the beach chairs, or the herbs and well stocked kitchen - everything was fabulous.
The layout of the house was great and we all enjoyed many dinners out by the tide pool with the candles and frog symphony !
You have a wonderful home with great things to see nearby. We had a great first trip to Hawaii. Mahalo again.
P.S. Ben had fun signing your Signature Tree. (actually it is called an Autography Tree).
From Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Lisa, Marc,Benett,Sharon & Frank
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|
| 03/10/08 |
Positive
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| We stayed at Lagoon Shangrila in February 2008 and were very impressed. The home is very inviting, nice furnishings and CLEAN. It's obviously a fairly new home. We enjoyed being on the Hilo side of the island, even with the long drive to get to a swimming beach (Hapuna was great). The tide pools are close by & full of colorful coral and fish. There is a great travel book in the home (The Big Island Revealed) that we found quite helpful in making our trip more memorable. Overall just a very positive experience. Would definitely rent this home again. |
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Anonymous
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| 02/22/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"House was great and all the extras (beach chairs & towels, etc.) were amazing. Initially we felt we were too far out, then realized all that we would have missed had we not been in this area.
Overall an excellent week - enjoyed the yard, tidal pool and hot tub and spent very little time inside".
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Keith & Fran
Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
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| 12/13/07 |
Positive
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Aloha!
Our Thanksgiving was wonderful! The pictures on the web do not do Lagoon Shangrila justice! It was such a beautiful place to stay and we felt at home right away. Thank you for creating such an inviting and comfortable environment with so many amentities and really, everything we could ask for. None of us wanted to leave!
I'll look out for that reund deposit and will definitely let everyone know what a great find I made with your spot!
Mahalo!
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Miles Murch, Sacramento, CA. |
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| 12/01/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"Howdy from the folks from Texas!
Thank you for sharing your amazing home with us. It's absolutely beautiful. We really appreciate the attention to detail throughout the house and yard - in a word... AMAZING!
We found a great little place to eat in Hilo - The Hilo Bay Cafe - The food is fantastic! We left a menu with all the pamphlets. Enjoy!"
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Julie, Archie, Leeanne & Al
Texas
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| 10/31/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"October 1st - 31st, '07
I'm starting this about 2 weeks into our stay. There are 4 of us (2 couples - one from Los Angeles & one from Poudre Park, Colorado). It's a great house for 2 couples to share. The thing is, we totally agree with all the compliments on all the previous pages. We're so in love with the area that we keep looking at real estate for sale!
- Pat from L.A. - more later.
This is from the other half of the couple at the end of our 4 weeks. Sterling and Trisha did a wonderful job of providing a beautiful "home away from home". Anything we needed, we found (we did add a small ironing board as couldn't find that). But otherwise everything was perfect down to the smallest detail. 2 of us are brother and sister and we brought our spouses back to the Hawaiian Islands where we were born, partly in memory of our parents who passed away (4 years ago and 1 year ago). Thank you for the peace, the beauty, the comfort and the memories. We hope to be back!"
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Pat, Paul, Mary & George
Los Angeles, CA.
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| 09/25/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"Dear Trisha & Sterling,
For weeks before our trip we were showing off the web photos to our friends & family: THIS is what awaits us in Hawaii ... But we were totally bowled over as we got our first up-close look at your gorgeous "Lagoon ShangriLa" home - MAGNIFICENT! From the tide pool & flora, to the decor & ammenities (your kitchen is awesome!) to the little extra touches (cooler for day trips, lots of extra towels & the Aloha goodies on the table) - It all played a HUGE part in making our Hawaiian getaway so relaxing, serene and an experience we hope to have again & again - we will be back!!
Thanks, also, for being helpful w/ our little questions during our stay, the check-in call to make sure we were in and loving the place, and suggestion about the Sunday Market - much appreciated!!
It is evident why the pineapple is both synonymous w/ Hawaii AND outstanding hospitality - we now know the meaning of ALOHA.
Mahalo and Merci Beaucoup!"
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Rene & Jeremy
New Orleans, LA
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| 09/03/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"Thank you.
I love the place and the ambience too.
Your assistance in all matters was kind and helpful."
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K. Yukawa
Japan
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| 08/22/07 |
Positive
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The pictures don't do this paradise justice. What a beautiful, inviting home. Loved having our own tide pool - the frog symphony at night-the palm trees....
What a great place to hang out and wait for Hurricane Flossie (who fizzled) - as well as 3 earthquakes and a tsunami warning. We had it all.
Mahalo for creating such a peaceful, beautiful home |
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Judy & Larry, Portland, Or. |
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Homeowner Response:
Mahalo Judy & Larry,
We are thrilled that you liked Lagoon Shangrila. That is our reward.
Thank you for being such good sports during the "Hurricane Flossie" warning and the earthquakes. Glad the hurricane fizzled.
Please come back and visit.
- Trisha and Sterling
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| 08/21/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book comments:
" This was my first trip back to The Big Island, after attending U of H at Hilo in the fall of 1974. I never knew this part of the island existed (I was only 20, yeah)- the tidepools were amazing - as was Ning's Thai restaurant in Pahoa.
We visited Princeville and Waimea on Kauai, as well as Waikoloa on the other side of the island. My kids liked this house more that any other place that we stayed; we all did."
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The Costellos
Media, PA.
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| 08/12/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Our son couldn't get enough of the pond or hot tub. He daily snorkeled with the fish in the pond.
You have a great location, pleasantly furnished home and a wonderfully stocked kitchen.
We were left not to want for much of anything.
Mahalo!"
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The Brown Family
Elk Grove, CA.
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| 08/07/07 |
Positive
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I would like to thank you so much for the incredible house, everything was perfect as it was before , you folks provide everything but our clothes and food, you make it possible for people to enjoy thier stay on the island and thank you for all you help regardign things to see and dop and my kids enjoyed the tide pools and also having their very own in their back yard. My two youngest swam their more then the beach. It was everything you said it would be, for a family staying on the Hilo side is the only choice, all the waterfalls and parks are their. Again Mahalo for everything, having a great place to come home to everyday you go out makes the experience that much better. Looking forward to renting this or one of your other homes again.I have stayed in Kona and now here next time maybe your other house in Hilo
Mahalo |
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Sal, Sacramento, CA
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Homeowner Response:
Mahalo, Salvatore, for your kind comments. The most rewarding part of being vacation rental owners is when we learn how much our guests enjoyed their stay and that we helped create lasting memories for them.
Thank you for your continued support, and it will be a privilege to welcome you back to The Big Island.
- Trisha & Sterling
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| 07/22/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"This was the perfect place for our honeymoon!
Not only did we enjoy the fantastic snorkeling, hiking, etc., we also had a great time dreaming that one day we might have such a beautiful home! Any chance the place will be open for our 30 year anniversary? We'd love to come back and visitin July 2037! :-)
Thank you so much."
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Bret & Emily
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| 06/30/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
" What a gem! We had such an amazing time here. We cannot wait to come back again. Mahalo for sharing your slice of heaven with us!"
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Nicole & Steve
Kailua Kona, HI
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| 06/26/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
" Thank you for a very nice, nicely equipped and generally wonderful house in the middle of beautiful vegetation and waters.
We had a most pleasant stay - and you are very close to some nice tidepools.
Congratulations again on a house furnished and decorated with great taste - and all the nice touches."
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Bereaud Family
Oldsmar, Florida
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| 06/04/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
" Your vacation home is truly a bit of paradise. We regret that we won't to here longer. My son thinks that this would be a wonderful place to study for his medical boards next year.
You have thought of everything in your vacation home plus more. The layout/design is great for all ages.
Thanks for sharing your Lagoon Shangrila with us."
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The Leto Family
Broomfield, CO
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| 05/21/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
" What a wonderful setting. You two really did create a 'Lagoon Shangrila'. The setting was peaceful and private. Max was entertained with the fish in the lagoon.
Then, there's the interior. We walked in a went "wow!" The decor and home layout is outstanding. It feels like staying at a friend's home, not a vacation rental. And a friend with great taste at that.
We are sure we'll return anytime we need a place to stay on the east side. Mahalo nui loa!"
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Jonah Family
Kailua Kona, HI
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| 05/12/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
" This house was what we expected and more. Very complete and well furnished. Its very tranquil around here and convenient. A lot of thought was put into this place.
Thanks for such a nice place that made a huge difference for our vacation. Hope to be back soon."
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Ng Family
Jamaica, NY
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| 04/27/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
"How do you say "Incredible home, incredible views, and incredible memories in Hawaiian? Or what about just "WOW!" What a wonderful piece of paradise you have here in Kapoho. Thank you for sharing this treasure with us. Although we could only spend two nights here, we would have to say that these two nights were truly memorable. We've stayed at Kona for the last two years and wanted to see the eastern part of the Hawaii. We never dreamed that we'd be able to stay amongst the Kapoho Tidepools - and your house is beautiful... to say the least. We've truly enjoyed our stay here nestled in the swaying palms and the ocean breezes.... It's absolutely unreal.
PS. And oh my gosh... the tidepools are amazing!! We say a turtle, a spotted eagle ray, multi-colored coral, peacock grouper, humuhumunukunukuapuaa, blue spined unicorn fish, etc., etc., etc... WOW! :-) "
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The Weinsteins
S. Lake Tahoe, CA.
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| 04/24/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest E-Mail:
"We had a great time at your place. We feel so lucky to
have found it. Really made our trip to the big island."
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Perot Family
Mill Valley, CA
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| 04/17/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
" Thank you so much for allowing us to experience the magic of your wonderful home! The area is special and there are only good things to say and think when we tell our family & friends about our stay.
We wish we could have stayed longer".
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Bruce & Patty
Morristown, VT
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| 04/04/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Excerpt from Guest Book:
" We had a phenomenal time here. The tide pools were simply amazing. We viewed a majestic eagle ray and lots of colorful fish. Our own tidal pool entertained my son, Victor. The hot tub was very relaxing..........
This house is so amazing. Everything we needed was here. This is probably the best visit I've had to the Big Island and I rate this the best place to stay. Thank you so very much for showing me a terrific and outstanding time in Hawaii".
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The Toussaints
Morris, IL
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| 03/27/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Email from Guest:
" Hi Trisha and Sterling,
Thank you so much for what was THE best part of our Hawaii vacation! Lagoon Shangrila was everything we hoped for and more. The kids absolutely loved the pond and after snorkeling for hours I think they knew every fish and crayfish by 'name'! Your house is a perfect getaway and we made good use of the location to explore tidepools, heated swimming ponds, steam vents, and a day up at Volcano Nat'l Park. We were looking for a place to have our kids experience the 'true' Hawaii before heading over to Mauna Lani Bay and we certainly found it at Lagoon Shangrila. We have already been telling all of our friends and if you ever need a reference, don't hesitate to have people contact us. "
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Craig & Adrienne
San Diego, CA
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| 02/09/07 |
Positive
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| Rarely have we had the opportunity to spend time anywhere as exquisite as the Lagoon Shangrila. Swimming in the warm, and totally private (!) pond...dining by tiki torches under the clear, abundantly starred night...the sounds of tropical birds singing in the morning. Wow, we felt like we had our very own private tropical resort and spa! Every morning we took the three minute stroll to watch the sunrise turn the shoreline water orange. We saw many whales, and even saw one jump straight out of the water! We didn't visit the warm ponds just down the road (no need to, we had our very own pond, with cute little fish in it) but we did snorkel right there at the beach. The colors and varieties were absolutely amazing. We will be visiting often and have already told many people about this secret corner in paradise. Don't rush through here, stay a few days to really soak it up, and enjoy. Highly recommended!! |
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Anonymous, Kailua Kona, Hawaii |
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| 02/05/07 |
Positive
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An Incredible get away with a real taste of Hawaii. Shangrila is an adventure and discovery of nature. Beautiful house with all amenities... great appliances, kitchen, everything
we needed for a great vacation with the family. The kids loved swimming with the fish in the ocean.. they could walk down themselves. We enjoyed feeding the fish in the pond... a great relaxing time. The dining by the pond under the moonlight was the best ! Thanks for the great holiday !
Denise |
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Denise Miller, Philadelphia, Pa. |
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