We have been very fortunate to have received rave reviews from our guests. I'll try and keep this portion of the site current, as new reviews become available.
As of 2/27/11, these are the reviews that have been posted at VRBO.com, for Hale Hanu (property #283640):
Traveler Reviews (8)
FeaturesRate DetailsMap & Owner's ProfileAll Photos (8)Traveler Reviews (8)
RATING: 5/5
Perfect place for visiting the Big Island!
Guest: boogie boarders(Hyampom, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/27/11 Review Submitted: 02/14/11
We stayed here with our 3 young children (ages 2-7) and had a wonderful time! The condo was very clean and well maintianed, and completely stocked with everything one would need for exploring the beaches: snorkel gear, boogie boards, plenty of beach towels, coolers & tons of sand toys. And all the best beaches (Hapuna, 69, Mauna Kea, A Bay) are 5-15 minutes drive away! We did get a chance to explore much of the Big Island during our 2 week stay, but were always glad to return to Puako to relax on the Lani at the end of the day. The condo is also well equipped with pots/pans/dishes/BBQ & condiment staples which was great for cooking lots of meals in. We also had 2 other family member join us for a few days and the condo was totally roomy enough for 3 adults and 4 kids. I would highly recommend this condo to friends and relatives traveling to the Big Island! Plus Puako has by far the best weather on all the Island! Thanks Kimberley and Alan for sharing your great place!
Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children.
RATING: 5/5
Great Place for a Family with Small Children
Guest: Kathleen(Pullman, WA)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 01/27/11
Our stay was perfect! We visited with our 5 kids ages 3-13 years. The crib was very handy with our little one. Kimberley was kind to answer all our questions. We called asking about a recommendation for breakfast the first morning, as our flight was arriving very late and we would not have time to pick up groceries. Kimberley left food in the fridge for us: bacon, eggs, and pancake mix! The kitchen was set up for anyone who plans to cook: a rice cooker, lots of different pots/pans, basic spices, knife, cutting board. The fridge also has basic supplies stocked like syrup, soy sauce, butter, cooking oil, etc. The unit was clean and everything functioned well. It was nice having an assigned parking spot. There was detergent for the washer/dryer, sunblock, lotion, blow dryer, shampoo & conditioner. Everything I needed to walk in and live was there. The best kid friendly/safe beaches we found were at the Hilton (you can also see the dolphins) and The Fairmont, both about 15 minutes away. The grocery store next door was handy. There is also a larger grocery next to the Fairmont that had a great Deli. I believe there were 5 sets of snorkel gear, which worked out great for our large group. Thanks Kimberly and Alan!!
Recommended for: Families with young children
RATING: 5/5
Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful......
Guest: Bill(Modesto, California USA)
Date of Stay: 11/25/10 Review Submitted: 12/28/10
What a wonderful experience! The Hale Hanu (Turtle House) was everything we had wished for and more. The listing is very complete and so right on that we felt like we had been there before. I was impressed with the upkeep of the facility and since the unit had been remodeled recently, it is in excellent shape. My wife loves to cook and the kitchen and it's supplies were great! The property manager was so sweet and helpful. The neighbors were a delight to meet. The store next door was great for those last minute items. Especially helpful since the main grocery stores are some distance away. Our family of four: two adults and two adult sons...19 and 24 along with another couple spent 10 days enjoying the area. We are all nature lovers so enjoyed the flowers and fruits on the condo grounds. The tidepools and the sea turtles directly across the road were fantastic. We loved going to Beach 69 and Hapuna Beach. Hapuna was simply the beach of our dreams. The supply of beach towels, snorkel gear and sea toys were invaluable since you have luggage charges now with the airlines. If you have small children, across the road or beach 69 would be especially nice. And the condo would be a childs dream with all the kiddie toys. We found wonderful snorkeling at all three places. Being in the water with the giant turtles was a chance of a lifetime. We loved the quiet neighborhood. It is NOT in the middle of an action spot and was just what we wanted. Near the best beaches, no crowds, quiet, in fact... it made us feel like we lived there. It was easy to take day trips to a macadamia nut processing plant, a wonderful vanilla farm, easy to get to the Hilo side and places like Akaka Falls. Kona and the airport was an easy half hour drive with only a couple of traffic lights the whole way. We did the Mauna Kea Star tour one night also.... we'll never forget that. The beauty of the stars in that clear Pacific air was unbelievable. The owners were great and so helpful. Especially since it was our first time in their unit. You'll feel like you have known them for years after your first contact. Simply put... Don't be scared to book it if the description sounds good to you! I'd recommend this property to almost anyone except someone looking for nightlife and lots of walking distance stores and restaurants. We can't wait to go back.
Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway.
RATING: 5/5
A breezy, relaxing vacation near some of the best beaches on the Big Island
Guest: elena(seattle wa)
Date of Stay: 11/03/10 Review Submitted: 12/02/10
I went to this Puako condominium with two friends. We found a comfortable (but not fancy-shmancy) condo with plenty of little & thoughtful extras. The kitchen was obviously designed by a cook- very easy to use. The internet access was fast and easy to set up. There is a great deal of bird life going on behind the condo- lots of fun in the early mornings . . . The location is perfect-- not touristy, and yet within a few minutes' drive of some of the greatest beaches on the island. There is a well-stocked general store next door, which is very convenient. At about $150 a night, this is a great bargain for a family or for a small group of adults-- although I would NOT recommend it for party-people, most of the units are occupied by families, and they will not tolerate loud or obnoxious behavior (not that I tried that, it's just the vibe . . .).
Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
RATING: 5/5
Family Fun in Puako
Guest: Morgans(Tucson, AZ)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 10/13/10
We had a great time staying at the Condo. It was great having so many nice beaches close by, as well as great snorkeling all along the coast. Our grandson learned two new words; Turtle & Mongoose. It was a treat having the High Chair, Toys, DVDs, and bed for our 2 year grandson. We used the Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Snorkeling Gear, Towels, etc; it was great they were provided and we didn't have to worry about bringing or renting them.
Recommended for: Families with young children
RATING: 5/5
Wonderful place to stay!
Guest: Sofiya(Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 10/06/10
Our family of four with two 15-year old boys spent a lovely week in September on a Big Island. The condo is very clean, and comfortable with enough space for everybody. It was great that we could use beach chairs and umbrellas. Also little extras such as cooler, plastic lunch boxes and zip-lock bags were very handy! Our boys enjoyed fins and swimming boards. The unit does not have an air conditioning, but it wasn't hot. The windows designed the way you can open them safely for the whole day. Also the shade from the surrounding trees really prevents sunlight from heating the place and ceiling fans work great. The owner provided us with all of the beach and shower stuff, such as towels, shampoo, shower gel, lotion, and so on. We didn't really cook a lot, but kitchen is equipped great! Puako village is a really small residential area, but we had a car so we could easily get around to more touristy places. Some of the best beaches of the Big Island in just minutes drive from the condo. It was a wonderful vacation and I would definitely recommend the condo to my friends, especially those with little kids - it's so much useful stuff for them in the place! A little piece of advise to those who plans to drive to remote and beautiful places, such as Green sand beach and observatory. Websites suggest that you need to have a 4-weel drive to go there. In a reality no rental companies would allow you to go there on their cars, even if it's 4x4 Jeep. It's written in rental agreement "Driving on Saddle road is strictly prohibited". So, do not waste your money on renting SUV. We did a hike to Green Sand beach - it's beautiful and worth it. To go to observatory you can take a tour or rent a truck from the company called something like "Harper" (sorry, I can't remember the name exactly). Have a nice stay on the Big island!
Owner response: This was one of our first families with teenagers rather than toddlers - and they had a blast! I'm thrilled that we're appealing to an even greater number of families - and the number of local and further-flung activities on the Big Island range in intensity to suit almost anyone's degree of adventure. I was there with a friend in May - and we also took some more adventuresome hikes to both beaches and into the rain forest north of Hawi. What gorgeous country!
Recommended for: Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children.
RATING: 5/5
Wonderful Puako condo!
Guest: Carol(El Paso, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/27/10 Review Submitted: 08/27/10
The condo was just as they stated. We had a wonderful time while staying in Puako. Everything on that side of the island was within one hour drive. The best beaches were 5 minutes away so we enjoyed them every day. We enjoyed going snorkeling, hiking, body surfing, watching the stingrays at the resort close by and going to the observatory. We would love to go back. It was wonderful!
Recommended for: Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children.
RATING: 5/5
Infant & Kid Super-Convenient Condo
Guest: mamaloey(Cincinnati, OH)
Date of Stay: 04/21/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/10
Our stay in Kimberley & Alan's condo was exceptional. We had 2 infants and the kid friendly extras were life savers! How great to have a high chair, porta-crib, push toys and beach toys all there for our use. Also a closet full of towels and beach items for the rest of us. So very considerate that we didn't have to pack all these items from home. The open kitchen area made the whole condo seem so much bigger than others we had seen - and the outdoor grill was perfect for grilling fresh fish that my son and his friend had caught.. We had some wonderful meals here thanks to all the perfectly supplied kitchen. Our favorite beach was #69 which is just up the road. It was perfect for long stretches of beach time, since it had some great shaded areas and was not crowded at all. (Saw lots of turtles there also.) We would definitely recommend a stay at this condo for anyone traveling with children. Kimberley and Alan were most helpful and courteous in aiding with our travel plans and follow-up. Lois & Harry, Cincinnati, OH
Owner response: This family was so wonderful. We had the opportunity to host 3 generations in the condo - and we were so pleased that they were pleased. I spoke with Lois after their stay - and apparently the infrared BBQ was a big hit for grilling fish. Good to know!
Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children.
