| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 16 positive, 1 negative]
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| 08/23/09 |
Positive
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We recently stayed at Hale Honu for one week in July with our family of five. Peter and Darla kindly rented their spectacular paradise complete with its live ocean surround sound and unbelievable views 24/7 from the widest open windows we've ever seen.
Peter and Darla's attention to detail (both before, during, and after our stay) was evident in their prompt e-mails, labeled cupboards, comfortable beds, soft beach towels, stylish turtle artwork, and unique island accents in every room.
They also offered all of those simple comforts of home like a blender for those strawberry banana morning smoothies, coffee maker for fresh brewed Kona coffee, 2 copies of The Big Island Revealed, blow dryer, huge refrigerator, water shoes, beach mats, first aid kit, ice packs, laundry detergent and more. Peter and Darla also provided a notebook filled with personal recommendations for nearby restaurants and all of their favorite beaches.
Hale Honu has a lovely beach next door and we especially enjoyed watching the local surfers at Magic Sands Beach just a bit farther down the road. Every snorkeling spot they recommended was perfect and we all certainly saw our share of sea turtles. Our youngest son counted 27 of them during our stay!
Not sure how Peter and Darla managed this but they also provided us with the clearest blue ocean waves below and the blackest night sky filled with zillions of stars above.
This vacation was also our 25th wedding anniversary and we could not have imagined a more peaceful or breathtaking place to celebrate!
We left a list of our Top 10 Favorite Things about Hale Honu in the Guestbook there. You'll just have to visit to read it and to see it to believe it!
We've already returned to Hale Honu often in our minds and family conversations but we do hope to visit again. Mahalo and Aloha! |
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John & Myra Oleynik, Pittsburgh, PA
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Homeowner Response:
Mahalo John and Myra for your sharing your experience with us. Knowing your
family had such a wonderful time makes all of our extra efforts more than worthwhile. Aloha, Peter and Darla
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| 08/21/09 |
Positive
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We got married at St. Peter's church in July 2009. We rented the entire property so that our close friends and family could stay with us during the wedding. The house did not disappoint us!! In fact, I wish we were able to stay longer.
The location was so ideal..it was very close to our church! We liked that it was far enough from the crowds but close enough to "go into town" and explore. Everything you need is close by...the grocery store, the little shops for gifts and such, restaurants and of course..the beach. A personal tip for the beach though...you will need water shoes. They have some at the house but we ended up buying a pair while we were there because we stayed on the Big Island for almost 3 weeks and took them with us to the Hilo side. But, it was great to hop over the wall and there you are...the beach!
We LOVED LOVED LOVED the windows in the rooms, the way they opened completely so you can hear and see the water day or night. We often all sat around watching the sunset together chatting and laughing..it was such a special time for us. Hale Honu is a real gem.
And thank you Peter..working with you was a breeze..no problems and very helpful.
Mahalo..we look forward to staying at Hale Honu again! |
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Jan & Craig |
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Homeowner Response:
Mahalo Jan and Craig for the opportunity to be a part of your special day and trip to the Big Island!
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| 04/20/09 |
Positive
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| Mahalo Peter & Darla for sharing Hale Honu with our family.(April 2009) Definitely right on the ocean! We were met by a green sea turtle on our first trip to the tide pools out front! Very relaxing home with great artwork and collectables. Wish we could have stayed longer. Close to everything. Lovely coastal area. |
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Jill & Dave, Calgary,Alberta Canada |
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| 01/18/09 |
Positive
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| I would highly recommend this property for anyone who is wanting to be right on the ocean, the crashing waves are visible and audible from each room. I literally did NOT want to sleep because the sound was so awesome, although the beds were more comfortable than my bed at home. The house is all windows so you don't miss an inch of the spectacular views and the sunsets are stunning. I will remember this vacation forever. Would also like to add that these owners answer all emails and phone calls promptly, it was a pleasure to deal with them. I will definitely stay here again! |
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Deonne School, Colorado Springs, CO
719-574-8414 |
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| 12/10/08 |
Positive
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Dear Peter & Darla,
Two words describe Hale Honu: causal elegance. We're a couple of travel professionals (writer & hotelier) who have seen it all, but we both agreed that Hale Honu was the best place we've ever stayed in Hawaii. In fact, during our stay, we spent one night at the ritzy Fairmont Orchid after their wonderful luau, but couldn't wait to get back to Hale Honu the next day. We're already looking forward to our next visit!
Thanks again Peter & Darla. |
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Ken Winchester, Victoria, BC
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| 10/21/08 |
Positive
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All I can say is WOW! What an amazing experience, location and several days that I did not want to end. Had planned to visit the island more, but the home was so nice, we hardly left. The amenities, accommodations and location are one I definitely plan to visit again. Without a date. If you get a chance, definitely request this breath taking paradise. This was my first time to the Big Island and now don't have any interest in going back to any of the other islands.
Just falling asleep to the sound of the ocean is the best medicine there is. Let alone the sunsets, turtles, the great beach steps away and being able to relax with a beer in the hammock.
Aloha!
Wendy |
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Wendy Bingham, Los Angeles, CA
3104909590 |
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| 10/09/08 |
Positive
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With the help of Darla and Peter, our visit to Hale
Honu was perfect. Once we decided to go to Hale
Honu making the booking was very
straightforward. Darla and Peter were able to
accommodate our needs and even gave us tips on
where to go for dinner and places to visit. Thank
Darla and Peter for making our stay so wonderful.
We stayed in the studio on the property, which is
located just outside of the main tourist area of
Kona. It is well situated and literally next door to a
small sandy beach. It is only a few minutes drive to
the heart of Kona and a 5 minute drive to a small
shopping mall where you can find a grocery store,
post office and other stores.
The studio was well laid out and had wonderful
views of the Pacific Ocean. Waking up to this view
each morning was a magnificent way to start each
day during our stay in Kona. The studio was well
appointed in terms of conveniences. The kitchen
was sufficient that it enabled us to prepare meals
on days we did not wish to leave our beautiful
surroundings. Darla and Peter make beach chairs,
beach towels, snorkel equipment and a cooler
available to their guests. These items certainly
helped to make our stay more enjoyable. It’s not
very often that you can go on vacation and have
access to all the conveniences of home.
The lanai for the studio was a wonderful place to
eat breakfast, or any meal for that matter. It was
also a place where we were able to lounge, read or
just relax if we didn’t feel like setting off for a
destination. Beyond the lanai is nothing but the
blue perfection of the ocean. What more could one
ask for than to sit and watch turtles float just
beneath the cool surface of the ocean. Our visit to
Hale Honu was certainly one of the most relaxing
vacations we’ve ever had and we plan to return at
the earliest possible opportunity.
August 2008 Jayne & Rob
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Anonymous, Pound Ridge, NY |
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| 05/11/08 |
Positive
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| We like to think that we know Hawai'i,since we've been returning every winter since 1985, and have visited 7 separate isands. We've tried every possible location, including oceanfront, downtown,high rise, mountain-top, upcountry farmhouse, coffee plantation etc., and Hale Honu remains our favorite We have never found a better place to relax than the master bedroom at Hale Honu. The extreme proximity to the water, and the careful placement of the bedrooms, & bedroom windows, make this the only place where you can simply lie in bed all day, and have a perfect view of waves breaking over the lava outcroppings. We have bad backs, and spend much time in bed, and we believe that no bed anywhere else in the islands, can match the upstairs master bed for view, and convenience. Thats why we keep returning. We recommend it highly.! |
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Ira & Bonnie Bourstein, New York, NY
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| 03/23/08 |
Positive
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We have really enjoyed your place. Have seen volcano, whales, dolphins, turtles, etc. Mostly great weather and a fantastic location on the island. Home could not be better located--and the views are unmatched. Ocean access is superb.
We hosted our daughter and her family for a week in March--we were here almost a month-- and they were wowed by the proximity to the ocean. We watched the sunset every evening from the lanais downstairs.
The home and studio are well furnished with everything you could possibly need for cooking, eating, playing on the beach or just relaxing.
Being right next to a small park is a real plus
Glad we found this place and would not stay anywhere else on this island. |
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Royce and Barbara Hunter, Dallas tx
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| 05/15/07 |
Positive
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| Great house - great location! We had a terrific week exploring the island & Hale Honu is the conveniently located no matter what the destination. The house is very comfortable, well equipped & there's nothing more relaxing than listening to the waves as they crash along the lava rock below. The numerous sea turtles are a wonderful bonus. We can't wait to return! |
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Linda, Apopka, FL |
|
| 05/05/07 |
Positive
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| Bring your camera! We stayed in the one bedroom studio. Beautifully furnished and one of a kind place with great views right on the ocean's edge. You can't get any closer without getting splashed by the waves. View turtles from back yard and enjoy the abundance of tropical plants and flowers in the immediate area. Owners were a real pleasure to work with and we had the opportunity to meet them and share dinner. Fabulous place and Fantastic Owners to work with. Gary from Phoenix |
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Gary, Chandler, AZ
480-206-8617 |
|
| 04/10/07 |
Positive
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What a fabulous location!
Accomodations were great, pretty much everything needed were provided....
Peter, you never told me you had snorkel gear and boogie boards too!
We really had a wonderful time...
Mahalo
DeRoy & Lynda |
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DeRoy Jensen, Cambria, California
805-927-7351 |
|
| 03/20/07 |
Positive
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Our stay at Hale Honu was a fabulous experience. We were close to everything; dining, shopping, snorkeling beaches and the harbor.
The views were unbelievable! What a treat to have breakfast on the lanai and watch whales and turtles swim by...all under a rainbow! We could even see the yellow tangs swimming in the water below us! Our group really enjoyed the hospitality of Hale Honu. |
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Lyn!, Anaheim, CA |
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| 03/15/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
3/15/07
Aloha Peter and Darla,
We have truly enjoyed our stay in your lovely home! What a treat to be able to feel at home while on vacation.
Mahalo,
Den and Lynn
3/15/07
Mahalo, Mahalo, Mahalo!!! What a completely relaxing home. It has been a long time since I just sat and watched the waves! My family got the best of Hawaii from your home!
Mahalo and aloha!
The Zambrano Family
owners note: these comments were written in our guest book at Hale Honu! P&D
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Den & Lynn
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| 03/15/07 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
The past five days at the Big ISLand and this wundrfuLL house as bin great. I am so sad me, my mom, and my dad, haf to go. What I liked about this house is it is near the beach. Thank you for Leting us stay hear.
Sicerily,
Ali or Alexandra Rose Zambrano
"HANG LOOSE!" Age 8
Owners Note: Found this in our guest book, and couldn't help but share it!
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Ali or Alexandra
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| 11/08/06 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Hi Peter and Darla,
Thanks so much for your "love home." It is readily apparent to all that come here, there is love in this house - every amenity, every nick-nack, every comfort. "The Bad Boys of Kona" (tiger sharks) came through yesterday, but the real treat was the turtles that didn't leave the cove. We swam with them every day. We lost our waists at Fujimamas! And for all seven of us, it is about the laughter and blessing of family.
Mahalo!
Pam and Vince Cardinale
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Pam and Vince Cardinale
California
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| 09/25/06 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Peter and Darla, What a place!! Our stay was too short - maybe next time six weeks. We feel it is the best place in Kona.
Best wishes,
the Harris's and Van Hattens
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the Harris's and Van Hattens
Lake Havasu, AZ & Windsor, CO
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| 04/26/06 |
Positive
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| Gosh, where to begin. Stayed here with several friends in February 2006 and this place is absolutely fantastic! Literally steps from the shoreline where on sunny days you can see tons of reef fish (yellow tangs, etc) from the 2nd level porch as well as Honu and the occasional whale. Great waves in the beach park right next door. Very convenient to everything in Kailua-Kona as well. Will definately be a repeat renter here - the entire experience was worth it and truly made for the most memorable trip to Hawai'i yet! |
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Scott, Atlanta, GA USA |
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| 03/12/06 |
Positive
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| We had a wonderful time at Hale Honu. You can't get any closer to the ocean than this. We sat on the lanai and watched the turtles by the rocks, the dolphins and boats on the ocean and were lulled by the sound of the waves. Accomodations were great, so much more than booking into a resort hotel room. |
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Anonymous, Edmonton, Alberta
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| 02/09/05 |
Positive
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| The Hale Honu is a treasure! We enjoyed seeing whales breach from the home, along with being entertained by some spinner dolphins. The home is very comfortable and the views of the ocean are spectacular. Let the waves lull you to sleep! We also enjoyed the hammock as we listened to the waves crash in. I'll be thinking of this vacation for many years to come:) |
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Cris , Ceres, Ca |
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