| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 15 positive, 0 negative]
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| 09/28/09 |
Positive
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| 19Aug – 16 Sep 09, WOW, Clean, well maintained and stocked, including binoculars for viewing dolphin pods traveling just offshore. Read a book from the private library while relaxing on the lanai and listening to the ocean right in front of you. Alex and Michelle provide the perfect setting for your Kona vacation. No need to rent mask, snorkel, and fins, they are right in the condo with sand chairs and beach towels. Did I mention the view? The sun sets on the ocean right in front of you. In Hawaiian they say “ No ka oi” (None better, the best). David & Mary Ann Pattillo, Palm Desert, CA |
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David & Mary Ann Pattillo, Palm Desert, CA
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| 08/14/09 |
Positive
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We stayed in D-12 from Aug.4-12. Alex was great in providing information about local restaurants, tours, and shopping. The condo has everything you need even snorkel equipment, beach chairs, beach bags, and cooler. This condo is located within walking distance to most shops, restaurants,and farmer's market. We will recommend this condo to anyone that is going to Kona, Hawaii. Thanks again, Alex for all your help.
Melissa & Tim Landrum |
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Melissa & Tim Landrum, Copperas Cove, TX
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| 06/26/09 |
Positive
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We stayed in D-12 early June. As others said Alex helpfully stays in touch, either by phone or email (our usual way to talk). We have not stayed in other condos, have been regulars at Big island hotels. But this unit is really nice. View is straight out to the surfers and north toward town. The surf was up that week and there's a good surf break right there so if you enjoy watching surfers as we do this is as good as it gets. Many of them are quite skilled.
Summer has fewer cruise ships as they go to the north, but the "Pride of America" was there, a US based cruise company. There's always activity off the lanai, para sailing, tour boats, submarine going up and down. When the cruise ship is there these activities go into overdrive, so always something to see offshore.
The unit is on the 2nd floor which is a good level. Up from the ground so good privacy and view, but low enough to see what's going on right there.
One tip if you have a car is to use the parking structure for shade rather than the outside spaces.
We don't plan to stay in hotels anymore and hope to visit again soon. |
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Joel and Paul, California
81898108933 |
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| 06/11/09 |
Positive
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| Alex and Michele's condo offered everything that we were looking for in our first stay in beautiful Kona, Hawaii. The balcony offers a gorgeous view of the ocean and a the soothing sound of the waves. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need to make a meal and then some. Air conditioning, Wi-fi and all advertised appliances are new and in working order. The furniture is tasteful and reflects the laid back Hawaiian attitude. The condo itself is within walking distance of Downtown Kona and is right next to a nice sandy beach. Alex was extremely helpful with a wealth of information regarding the surroundings and his genuine interest in our quality of stay helped make this vacation memorable. We did some extensive searching before choosing this condo and after staying there for 8 days I can honestly say we made the right choice. Mohalo Alex and Michele! |
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Walter, Illinois
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| 05/12/09 |
Positive
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Thank you for providing the perfect spot for our April 2009 Hawaiian vacation. The view from your Condo just soothes the soul! We have done the sight seeing of the big Island on previous trips so this time we spent a lot of time just relaxing by the pool or sunning in front of the surf. Both were beautiful. We were delighted with your recent updates to the condo and were very content with staying there and viewing the various blues of the ocean from the lanai. We appreciate the fact that you can easily stroll into town from your location and enjoy shopping or a meal. Your pride of ownership is evident and your kind effort to assure a smooth arrival is appreciated. Thank you for sharing your Condo with us.
Michael and ElizaBeth O’Neill
Wilsonville, OR
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Michael & ElizaBeth O'Neill |
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| 05/03/09 |
Positive
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Our first time to Kona and Kona Reef Condo D-12. What a fabulous experience to say the least. It was very well appointed and Alex and Michelle have done everything to make it not only their own property but make everyone welcome as well. Everything was there down to the last snorkel. It is right on the water and a short walk to the downtown area. We Loved It!!!!!
We are making plans to go back in March 2010 in the Kona Reef Condo D-12. |
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Danny Shadle & Toni Schiavone, Lake Forest Park, WA
206-550-6730 |
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| 04/22/09 |
Positive
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| We made our first trip to Kona, Hawaii and had a fabulous time. The condo couldn't have fit our needs any better. The view was first class. The location was superb. The condo was tastefully furnished and was so well-supplied that we felt right at home. It didn't feel like we were in someone else's home and it didn't feel like a bare-bones rental. It was perfect for us and we would gladly stay there again. The extra touches made all the difference. The complex itself provides a beautiful pool, jacuzzi, BBQ area, and parking (which we discovered is quite important). Thank you for such an awesome vacation spot! |
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Mark & Penny, Spokane, WA |
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| 04/19/09 |
Positive
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| We've stayed at D-12 twice now, and it is our condo of choice at Kona Reef. On our first visit, we were impressed with the decor, the location, and the attentiveness of Alex and Michel. The second time was no different. Not all condos are created equal. There are those at the Kona Reef that show no pride of ownership. Alex and Michel have pride of ownership, and it shows....big time! We will be back. |
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Joe Wood, Fredericton, New Brunswick
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| 03/15/09 |
Positive
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We've stayed in 4 units at Kona Reef and D-
12 is the best. Alex and Michele have put a
lot of work and a lot of themselves in the
upgrades and decor. The unit is very well
equipped and everything is good quality.
The appliances are all new.
The Reef is a great location. Walking
distance from everything. D-12 has the
added benefit of a bedroom that is not
adjacent to the bedroom in an adjoining
unit. Nice and quiet with the exception of
the sound of the surf, which provides the
best back yard imaginable! We have 2011
booked for a return stay.
Gary and Susan Gallino
Hillsboro, Oregon
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Gary and Susan Gallino, Hillsboro, Oregon |
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| 01/30/09 |
Positive
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| We have one more night in Alex and Michelle's beautiful Kona Reef condo and we are wishing we could stay longer! It has been a wonderful 2 weeks and we have loved every bit of our stay. The condo is so well equipped we lacked for nothing. Alex's welcome phone call was nice and not something we normally expect. We'd love to stay again next year, but the calendar looks like it's already booked for the times we would be interested in so we may look for another Kona Reef unit. |
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Trina & Rob Good, Yakima, WA
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| 01/20/09 |
Positive
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| There is no doubt about it, Alex & Michele's condo at Kona Reef is a real find. We've rented condos through VRBO in many locations and this one truly lives up to its promises. It's clean, up-to-date, and has everything provided you could ask for. But the best part about it is the splendid view -- the dolphins, whales, turtles, and even the cruise ships are part of the fun. We wish the pool was heated... and that's our ONLY minus. We loved being able to walk to all the local restaurants and shops & the Farmer's Market. |
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Barbara & Richard Powell, Bellevue, WA
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| 01/15/09 |
Positive
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| We stayed in Alex and Michelle's condo in 2001 and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We had everything you could possibly want for three weeks. In 2008 we were looking for a place to stay once again and called upon Alex. He had part of the time available and helped us seek more time with another owner to remain within the Kona Reef complex until his condo opened for us to stay once again. We have stayed in many of the different units at the Kona Reef over a span of the last fifteen years. We highly recomend the Duncan's beautiful condo, it's in a very beautiful location. They have done some upgrading and are always improving their condo for a welcoming, attractive and comfortable stay. We feel their unit was our favorite. We love Kona and thank you Alex and Michelle for making our stay always a pleasure. |
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Jim and Jeanne Thurnbeck, Forest Lake, MN |
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| 01/14/09 |
Positive
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Date of stay 12/20/2008-01/09/2009 This was our 14th holiday period stay at the Kona Reef, so we really must like it here! The closeness to the Pacific, the short distance to the town center with it's many restaurants, shops and places of interest make it the ideal location for the Big Island holiday maker. Over the years we have stayed in various ocean front units at the Kona Reef, this being the first time we booked directly with an owner. And we definately have to give Alex & Michelle 11 out of 10 points! The condo more than lived up to the site presentation (all photos were accurate). Furniture, accessoires and coloring fit perfectly with each other. The kitchen was well stocked, and as hobby cookers, we certainly appreciated the fine collection of herbs. The available binoculars enabled us to catch ocean activities. And yes, whales and dolphins do swim past!! A large and comfortable bedroom and a friendly bathroom added to the comfort.
Alex & Michelle were with us all the way; immediately responding to our pre-trip questions, welcoming us by phone on arrival and phoning again before departure. Only critque -- Alex, that plastic table on the lanai should be changed! We sinply had to find something to moan about! Our deposit for our next trip has been paid, we look forward to it very much.
Mahalo, aloha Michael & Ulrike Hamel
Nauheim, near Frankfurt, Germany |
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Michael & Ulrike Hamel, 64569 Nauheim Germany
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| 12/27/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
5/5 Great Condo & Location
Free1 Portland, Or..
Date Submitted: August 07, 2007 Date of Stay: June 2007
This very clean condo is located right on the beach.
The photos are very accurate.
A very well stocked kitchen for the cooking enthusiast.
A short walk to town for resturants and shopping.
We would stay here again on our next visit to Kona.
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Free 1
Portland, OR
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| 12/27/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
5/5 Location, Location-
Hedy SF, Calif.
Date Submitted: June 23, 2008 Date of Stay: May 2008
This was the best location. Located right on the water and only two blocks from town. A clean condo with all the updates. More than enough kitchen gear for cooking or the BBQs. We will stay here again on a return visit to Kona.
Recommended for: Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Adventure Seekers, Age 55+
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Hedy
SF, California
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| 12/27/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
5/5 One day I'll retire in Kona
Kiwi Dave Wellington, New Zealand.
Date Submitted: October 30, 2008 Date of Stay: October 2008
I spent 10 days in this condo during the build-up to the 2008 Ironman. I had stayed at Kona Reef before, so I knew it was in a great location, had a nice pool and barbeque area and a spectacular outlook over the ocean. The condo was perfect - nicely furnished, well-equipped kitchen, comfortable bed and new bathroom. I would never tire of waking up to the sound of crashing waves and eating a leisurely breakfast on the lanai metres away from the surf. A very minor issue with the wastemaster was promptly fixed by the owner. Highly recommended.
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Dave Craig
Wellington, New Zealand
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| 12/27/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
5/5 Superb condo, property and location!
bahua Richland, WA.
Date Submitted: October 30, 2008 Date of Stay: October 2008
This is our 3rd time staying in Alex and Michelle's Kona Reef condo, and certainly won't be the last! We've stayed a total of 6 times at the Kona Reef property (first three trips we stayed in a friends condo until they sold it)...what can I say about the location! You are literally steps away from a small white sandy beach, 5 minute walk from shopping, restaurants and enterainment. Kona Reef isn't packed tightly with surrounding condo properties that my wife and I have experienced elsewhere...it feels very uncrowded, relaxed and quiet. The entire property is very well maintained, superclean everywhere you go.
As for Alex and Michelle's condo, every time it has be spotlessly clean. All the basic ammenties are provided, including beach chairs and an umbrella. Fully stocked kitchen with everything you need to cook meals for those days you just want to hang out at the condo. The bathroom was recently rennovated, Alex did a great job with the tiled shower! Alex has always been very responsive to my emails and requests, in fact there hasn't been a trip yet that he hasn't called the condo to make sure everything was okay and as expected with the condo.
The Big Island has so much to offer, there is so much to do and see...this condo is the perfect launching point to head out to activities from. Head South down to hit Capt Cook, Honaunau and Place of Refuge, Miloli'i, South Point the the Green Sand Beach, continuing on to Volcano. Head North to many great beaches, the Kohala Coastline, Hapuna Beach (usually crowded though) then taking a hard left at just past the Mauna Kea property, keep heading north to Hawi (great local ice cream stand there) and on down to Polulu Valley (end of the road)...or take a hard right and head into Waimea (good shopping opportunties) and down the Hamakua coastline (make sure you stop at Tex's for hot malasadas) into Hilo. And soooo many places to stop along the way, no matter what route you take!
I digress... you won't be sorry in choosing to stay in this condo, or Kona Reef in general. We have never had a bad experience and strongly recommend this condo to anyone looking for a worry and hassle free experience. And, you can't beat the price for a truely oceanfront condo (23 feet from the water is not an exaggeration)
Aloha!
Josh and Robin
Recommended for: Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Seekers, Age 55+
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Josh & Robin
Richland, WA
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| 12/27/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
5/5 Nice place - will stay again if we return to Kona.
HFinTexas Texas.
Date Submitted: November 01, 2008 Date of Stay: September 2008
The property is nice, nicely equipped and well maintained. Hearing the waves crashing all night long is wonderful. This condo is much better than staying at a hotel unless you need full-service.
The only negative we experienced was a cold first shower as the water heater was off, having just been repaired. The owners' call let us know and I turned the breaker back on. You may be surprised the first time you hear voices in the bedroom, as its windows are open to sounds (but not sights) from the hallway.
Several restaurants are within walking distance, though we found Kona Brewery's pizza and Orchid Thai Cuisine's satay and curries to be outstanding. Driving is your better option for these.
Don't miss the wonderful snorkeling at a public beach a few miles south on Ali'i Drive. It's much better than what we saw on O'ahu. Gear for two is in the condo. (If you rent a car, Hertz keychains don't have removable keys. Consider renting a locker at the beach.)
Recommended for: Families with Young Children, Girls Getaway, Romantic Getaway
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| 12/27/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
5/5 Bob and Jaime's honeymoon at Kona Reef
Bob and Jaime Corvallis, OR, US.
Date Submitted: November 01, 2008 Date of Stay: July 2008
Our stay at Kona Reef was absolutely perfect. The condo was beautiful and clean with a great view of the ocean. We would watch the spinner dolphins as they came by each morning, entertaining us with each leap. It was so nice to have equipment for snorkeling, making meals, and recommendations for the local attractions. It was absolutely perfect in every way and I would strongly recommend this facility to my family and friends. Alex was very sincere and provided excellent customer service by calling in regularly to check that all was well. Kona is the perfect relaxing get-away and the food is great. Lulu's was a fun place to listen to music, eat good Hawaiian food, and enjoy the view. It was close to the condo and very convenient. We enjoyed the luau at the Royal Kona as we danced to the Hawaiian wedding song under the stars. It was overall just a tremendous experience.
Recommended for: Tourists without a Car, People with Disabilities, Families with Young Children, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Seekers, Age 55+
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Bob & Jaime
Corvallis, OR
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| 12/24/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
5/5 Great Ocean-Front Condo!
Alvarado Fort Worth, TX.
Date Submitted: November 15, 2008 Date of Stay: October 2008
Really enjoyed our stay in this condo. It is oceanfront w/ a great unobstructed view of the Kona-Kailua bay area and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Beautiful sunsets. Quiet complex with updated interior. Excellent value for the money! If we return to the Big Island, would love to stay here again!! Owner very willing to provide helpful info about area and answer any and all questions posed to him.
Recommended for: Age 55+, Sightseeing, Tourists without a Car, Romantic Getaway, Girls Getaway
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Fort Worth, TX
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| 12/24/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
A 50th Anniversary
John & Barbara Georgetown TX.
Date Submitted: December 22, 2008 Date of Stay: June 2008
We were delighted to find the unit to be everything that the listing claimed it to be - and more. We spent about 15 days enjoying the surf, beaches and byways of Hawaii. Fifty years earlier we honeymooned on Marthas Vineyard and this visit was just as pleasureful. The unit was clean and well stocked. The owner was attentive even though he was 3,000 mailes away. All the restaurants matched the descriptions in the unit.
We rented a car for the duration. We alternated a day of sightseeing with a day on the lanai - cooking on the stainless steel grill - and walking around town.
Most memorable were evening visits to the nearby hotel for a drink, music and the sunset.
There is no risk with this rental.
Barbara & John
Recommended for: Age 55+, People with Disabilities, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, Tourists without a Car, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Seekers, Families with Teenagers, Girls Getaway
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John & Barbara
Georgetown, TX
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| 11/22/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
vacation paradise
Holly Gould College Place, WA.
Date Submitted: November 22, 2008 Date of Stay: July 2008
We enjoyed the condo so much! The newly remodeled bathroom was very comfortable. Everything was well taken care of, and it showed pride of ownership.
The view was spectacular! We spent a lot of time just lounging on the lanai, watching the surfers.
It was very convenient to town and easy to locate.
I would recommend this unit to all, and we would stay here again.
We also enjoyed the washer/dryer combination in the unit.
Recommended for: Age 55+, Sightseeing, Tourists without a Car, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 4/4
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Holly Gould
College Place, WA
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| 12/28/07 |
Positive
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| FANTASTIC!!!!! We stayed in this condo late Oct. 2007 for a week and were sad to leave. The condo has EVERYTHING you could possibly need; spices, snorkeling gear, sunscreen, etc. It is a beautiful condo and the perfect location to watch the sunset, plus, surfers, spinner dolphins, and the daily arrival of cruise ships. And, it receives plenty of sun all day long. Downtown is easily within walking distance so no need to bother with parking. We absolutely loved this condo and would recommend it to anyone who is considering a stay in Kona. It is right on the water, and the sound of the waves all day long, is so relaxing. Don't pass up this condo, you won't be sorry. |
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Jacki Caviston, Greenwood, IN |
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| 04/06/07 |
Positive
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| My partner and I stayed in this Condo for 5 nights from the 20th May 07 and it was wonderful. As it says, all the comforts of home, spotlessly clean and a fantastic view. We found the resort to be very good as well. From the Aloha phone call to welcome us, to the dolphins and cruise ships off the lanai, it was all very special. Our thanks go to Alex and Michelle for allowing us the priviledge to stay for a magical holiday. |
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Janice Hamilton, Adelaide South Australia
+61431574742 |
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