Guest Reports

Our guests from around the world love to share their Big Island adventures with others. A trip to Hawaii is the experience of a lifetime for all ages. Here are some quotes from our guest books, including ‘thank you’ notes to the hosts, Big Island guest reviews and special recommendations for your Big Island visit.

To all our guests …
It was a great time meeting all of you at Aloha Vacation Cottages.
We can’t wait to meet our new guests coming and to welcome you who are returning this year.

Thank YOU for your thoughtful words and great tips for guests in our cottage guest books.
Warmest Aloha To You All!

Visitors to Hawaii Island from Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

Our Guest List

January 2017
We loved the house. Thank you. 
Jan & Martha, South Dakota, USA
January 2017
We loved our stay, again. Thank you so much!!!!!! See you next year. 
Marianne & Larry, WA-USA
January 2017
Thank you so much for your kindness and generous hospitality. We have loved our time in South Kohala and especially in Hale Kea. It was always wonderful to come home to our cottage. Mahalo. 
Linda & Norm, BC Canada.
February 2017
We had a great stay! Wonderful cottage – has everything we needed and more! Quiet and peaceful at night and an easy drive to the beaches. 
Steve & Thandi, Washington DC.
February 2017
Thank you for everything. We had a great time and appreciated all your hospitality. 
Margaret & Alice, MA-USA
Marts – April 2017
Once again we thoroughly enjoyed Hale Kea Cottage. Looking forward to our next visit in the summer. 
Torsten & Petra, Berlin-Germany
April 2017
Thanks so much for our 2 weeks in this lovely, homey cottage (with the wonderful bed – great sleeping) from which we could emerge each day to explore and photograph the island. We grilled fish, went to the beach and even flew (DOORS OFF!) over an active volcano. Then, we came home each night to enjoy our “hale”. If we ever return to the Big Island, it will be to Hale Kea Cottage. 
Ruth & Walt, Mesa, AZ-USA

Watch this space for more great 2017 tips and testimonials from guests coming.

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January 2016
Loved our stay [Hale Kea Cottage]! Last year, after being in your cottage [Hale Plumeria], I purchased a teapot like yours. This year, I’ll be getting a pancake cooker like yours. We have loved our pancake breakfasts outside on the deck. Red Water Café was fabulous! So much gratefulness in our hearts for you. We love what you create here. Thank you for your kindness to us. See you next year. 
Marianne & Larry WA-USA
February 2016
We had a wonderful two week stay with mostly good weather. Thank you for a warm welcome at 12:00 (midnight). We found the Hale Kea Cottage very comfortable and quiet. Enjoyed the birds at the feeder and the shady deck. What a great place! 
John and Jenny, British Columbia – Canada.
March 2016
I wanted to write and express my appreciation of everything you do to make vacations so wonderful. We had a great time here. 
Paulette & John, Colorado – USA
March 2016
We had a great stay here. Thanks for greeting us out front at 1:00 a.m. in the morning when we arrived. Also, thanks for the great information on places to visit. It was very helpful. The Hale Kea was outfitted very nicely. Thank you for getting the breakfast items for our first morning, too. You were a wonderful host for this lovely cottage in a great location. Mahalo. 
Sue and Roger, Wisconsin – USA
April – May 2016
We were lucky to stay in such a lovely, cosy and completely furnished cottage. Nothing was missing! Having breakfast on the nice, private and well protected terrace was a real pleasure …it was our extended living area for the two weeks we stayed. We also appreciated our pleasant contact with our host, Annette, who was attentive to everything before we arrived and looked after our needs during our stay, when we had a request. Mahalo. 
Regine and Karl-Heinze, Munich, Germany.
May 2016
Wow it was a fantastic time here. Wonderful! Thank you very much! We truly appreciate the quiet and privacy of the cottage and especially the fish monger recommendation. Take care, we hope to come again. 
Steve & Carol, Texas, USA
June 2016
June (Closed)
September 2016
September (Closed)
October 2016
Great being back. Thank you for the hospitality. See you again.
Doughas Johns, USA (second time staying)
September 2016
Great to see you. We are always happy here. See you next time, again.
Taeko & Ian, USA-Japan (ninth time staying)
September 2016
Thank you again. Our second stay here at Hale Kea and it was a treat. Hope to return.
Stevan & Siri, USA-WA
December 2016
Everything was wonderful. We had a fabulous time. Love the cottage, location and of course the hosts! If we get an opportunity to recommend your place, we definitely will.
Kathy & Don, Canada (second visit staying)

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January 2015
We have had such a delightful time here at Hale Plumeria. It’s a perfect location between Waimea Village and the ocean where we’ve gone to enjoy the sunset every night (minutes away). This cottage is small and because it is so well organized, it works really well. You two (hosts) are fabulous and this sweet cottage is a reflection of the two of you. We feel well cared for here. We so appreciated telling us about the lovely walk up in Waimea Village and the waterfall hike!!! Also, we loved doing the shoreline walk near A-Bay. We really appreciated all your little tips in the cottage, your informative books, and your quick response to requests and delightfully expressive responses to all our questions. I loved the way you sign off your messages, so I’m using it here…
Peace and Aloha –Marianne & Larry, WA, USA

February 2015
Thank you again for the lovely stay at Hale Kea Cottage. Everything was great. We enjoyed the cottage  and really appreciated the care you took in making our stay comfortable.
Dawn & Jim, Alaska USA

February 2015
Had a great time. Your place (Hale Kea) was amazing & very comfortable. Everything was 1st rate:  the linens, cooking equipment….the best rental kitchen I have worked in. We will sure share info with friends. 
Linda & Bruce, Ontario, Canada

February 2015
We have had a nice respite here, and have gained a deeper appreciation for this part of your island. All was well in the cottage. We wanted for nothing. The birds are delightful here and the grill is fabulous for fish!!!  
Many thanks for your hospitality and all the comforts of home.  
Dana and Tom, Minnesota, USA

March 2015
Two weeks already!  The time has flown, and each day has been a wonder. Thank you so much for providing the perfect setting for a carefree and peaceful visit to the Big Island.  It’s our second stay with you — last year was idyllic, and this year even more so!  Last year, Mike and I decided we would marry…this year, we returned and had our ceremony on Wailea Beach – amazing. You are now a permanent part of our lives. Mahalo – peace, love and aloha. 
Joyce & Mike – New York, N.Y. (Brooklyn and Long Island)

April 2015
Hale Kea – there is no better place for us to stay on the Big Island. There would be only one alternative and that would be to have your own house in paradise. Until that dream comes true, we will keep coming back to Hale Kea Cottage. Much mahalo, again.  Petra & Torsten, Berlin, Germany

April 2015
I can confirm what all the people already said: Hale Plumeria is a perfect place in a wonderful area, quiet, peaceful, friendly. It was a Hawaiian holiday perfect from A to Z. Thank you for all !!!
Now the much too short week has been passed by. Everything was so perfect.  I leave this great place with many deep impressions. Back home I will compose a diary of my journey, when finished I send it to you.  Now I wish you all the best.  Yours,  Alex from Germany.

May 2015
This is a great place to kick back and relax. We just finished a two-week stay in Hale Kea Cottage. This is a great place to get away from the tourist bustle and experience what it’s like living in a quiet neighborhood on the dry side of Waimea. The lanai is surrounded by flowering plants that afford complete privacy, yet the mountainside with, often, clouds moving across the upper elevation is visible. In the evening, you can hear cows lowing and the occasional bray of a wild donkey in the distance. A bird feeder attracts a multitude of java [finch] – very entertaining. Some nice beaches, both for snorkeling and sunbathing are 7-10 miles away [10 to 12 minutes drive]. We enjoyed the beach at Mauna Kea resort most – many different kinds of coral out a ways. We saw a large [manta] ray, large turtle, crab, eels and many reef fish there. The hosts are great. The cottage was equipped with everything we needed and then some. [We were provided] with details on snorkeling spots, and some very good suggestions on places to eat – try the pizza place in Kapaau. All in all, an A+ experience. We would not hesitate to recommend to friends.

May 2015
[Hale Kea Cottage]  Thank you for all the info and updates. We felt at home.  Loved all the fresh air,  bird songs, and a pleasure to work in your kitchen. Everything was immaculate.  This has been a wonderful trip. We love your island. Mahalo for thinking of everything to make our life easier. I enjoyed the “Practice Aloha” book.  Loved your slack-key music CDs.  Everything was perfect.
Margaret & Ed, Virginia Beach, USA

June 2015
Thank you for the warm welcome back!!  Staying here is always a treat.   
Paul & Lorrie – WA US State / New Zealand
July & August 2015
Closed for annual renovations and vacation 

September 2015
It’s been nine years since our last visit – too long – good to be back with you. Thank you so much for all you did to make our stay here a pleasant one. We really appreciate all of the provisions you provided.  It’s amazing what you have available to us. We really felt like this was our place and felt very much at home here. It was so nice of you to meet and greet us when we got in so late. The fresh flowers in vases and the welcome basket of fruit and goodies were wonderful. You’ve been so gracious throughout out stay. We loved having the Hawaii CD’s. Thank you for your aloha spirit.  
Cathy & Sue, Missouri, USA
October 2015
This was our first time renting a private cottage and the first time visiting Hawaii. Hale Kea Cottage was more than we ever expected. Just perfect. We are so happy we found your place and can’t wait to tell our family, friends, colleagues about our experience. And we can’t wait to come back. Thank you for everything. See you, again. Erika and Max, Berkeley, California, USA
November 2015
A wonderful week in paradise. Hale Kea Cottage was so homey, comfortable and with everything we could possibly need – including comprehensive tourism ideas & the warm caring of our hosts. Thank you for your aloha! We will think of our time here often with love and appreciation. Tena & Tim, Anahim Lake, BC, Canada — Eagle’s Nest Resort
November 2015
We enjoyed the week so much at your cozy cottage and all your terrific amenities. Thank you for doing everything to make sure that we were well and enjoying ourselves. We loved it here and the Big Island. Brenda & Larry, California/USA
December 2015
Spent a month on the Big Island ending our vacation with a week at Hale Kea Cottage. The cottage was perfect. Clean, great ventilation, quiet, well socked kitchen and very accommodating hosts. We loved the location…only 10 minutes drive to our favorite beach at the Mauna Kea …arrive early for beach parking access because parking is limited. Thanks to our hosts for making the cottage so cosy and welcoming. A hui hou kākou (translation by hosts: Until we meet again). Don & Kathy, La Conner, WA/USA.

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January 2014
We so loved it here  !!!  [Hale Plumeria]   Thank you so much! You have thought of EVERYTHING to make our stay here full of ease and delight. How can 8 days go so quickly? I guess because we were having so much fun! We loved going to the fish market to get fresh-caught fish that they were cutting up.  And, we went to buy [island-raised] lamb at the ranch (you guided us to)….the best lamb we’ve ever had. And, we loved eating all our meals on the deck.  We spent most days at Beach 69. But, one day we walked from The Marriott resort to A-Bay, the ponds, and arrived at Waikoloa Hilton resort just as the dolphins were being fed. It was such a wonderful walk.  We will be back! 
Aloha, Marianne & Larry – Seattle/WA-USA

January 2014
[This is the sixth year vacationing in Hale Kea.] Thank you again for sharing your special place with us. We love the “caring and sharing” that you have shown us, once again. Aloha and Mahalo!
Audrey & Bruce, North Carolina / USA.

January 2014
Thank you for a wonderful stay [Hale Plumeria]. We ate a LOT of fish from the fish monger you recommended – and loved every meal. Your fabulous guest “home” with everything we needed was more than we expected, We didn’t eat a single meal out because being here was just so good and easy !!! Again, — Mahalo.
Heather & Scott, Vancouver/Canada.

February 2014
{Hale Kea}  We are leaving after our two-weeks with many wonderful memories of our stay and places visited. Hale Kea was perfect in every way – we could not have asked for anything more. You have thought of absolutely everything and your helpful advice enabled us to make the most of our time here.  Hale Kea is exactly as depicted in the photos and having traveled extensively we can state with total conviction that we have never stayed in a self catering facility that was so well equipped – our hosts have thought of absolutely everything to ensure their guests enjoy a perfect vacation. There is so much to enjoy on the “Big Island” – beaches with snorkeling are close at hand, hiking( our passion) offers many, many choices; historical places of interest and Volcano National Park, all of which combined to provide many enjoyable memories. We would like to return to the Island and would again stay at Hale Kea to renew our acquaintance with such gracious hosts – thank you for waiting up to welcome us when we arrived after midnight (delayed flight) – hopefully on our next visit we will arrive a bit earlier! We would have no hesitation in recommending this lovely cottage to friends and family.  Thank you so much !! 
Maureen & Peter, Vancouver/Canada

February 2014
Thank you for your lovely cottage again (Hale Kea). We were here last year and we really enjoyed being back. Your thoughtfulness to help make our stays perfect are much appreciated.  
Franca & George – Vancouver, Canada.

February 2014
This year, our second visit at Hale Kea, we discovered more of the gorgeous coastline in areas that we had not seen last year thanks to your tips. The cottage was cosy as ever. We almost didn’t want to go out for the days but coming home to Hale Kea after excursions with our fresh fish and beef from your local sources was a highlight of every day. Our best restaurant these past couple of week was at the BBQ on our deck. 
Thank you for everything.  Allison & Andrew, USA

March 2014
You are the loveliest hosts ever!  We are so sad that we must leave this great place!  
Aloha and mahalo.  Dorte & Markus – Germany

March 2014
Thank you for allowing us to stay at your cottage.  It was great to have such a nice place to return after a day out on The Big Island.  We enjoyed our trip to your island.  If you ever come to ours let us know. 
Janet & Michael – Nova Scotia/CA

April 2014
Once again in paradise.  Once again in Hale Kea. Once again at home.  Once again we have to leave.  Mahalo for everything.  Aloha – until we meet again!  Petra & Torsten, Germany

May 2014
Thank you so very much for making our first visit to the Big Island enjoyable, peaceful, and relaxing. Rennie and I loved cooking in your efficient and modern kitchen. You seemed to have thought of everything that a cook would need. We’ve never received such a warm welcome and appreciate it very much. The Hale Plumeria accommodation [at Aloha Vacation Cottages] was a perfect location for us to see the whole island and the cool evenings made sleeping comfortable. We are sad to leave today, but look forward to returning soon. God Bless you both!
Love & Prayers from Kathy and Rennie, USA/California.

May 2014
We really enjoyed our visit and the Hale Kea Cottage.  Thank you for sharing the equipment and the Big Island guide – it was great.   Kathy & Wallace, Maryland / USA

June 2014
Thanks so much for making us welcome and for a superbly equipped cottage!  We had a very busy holiday and enjoyed every minute. We hope to be able to come again soon.  
Sue & Bob, BC/Canada

June 2014
Bonjour – I didn’t have the time to write something in your guest book but I wanted to make sure to let you know how much we enjoyed our days as your guests.  The cottage [Hale Kea] was perfect, with everything we could have needed and even more.  You are a great hostess and all the information you provided was really helpful. We were so very happy. I have only a couple of issues that I have to share with you.  First, now because of you, our expectations are going to be so high that we know we will most likely be disappointed when we rent a vacation home in the future.  Nobody can make it better than you did.  :-).   Second issue, your bed was so comfortable, it was a tough decision every morning to get up and visit your beautiful island!  But I would do it again in a heartbeat.  A bientot. 
Brigitte & Mario, CanadaJuly 2014
We are closed for one month for rental renovation upgrades.

August 2014
We enjoyed the cottage (Hale Kea). All good. Loving Big Island more than Maui. Swimming with the dolphin was the highlight so far. Thank you for everything. Louise and Claude, Canada

September 2014
We’ve had the opportunity to rent homes and condos in a variety of locations but we’ve never rented from a host with your passion and dedication for detail and for the true interest of the renter in mind. Thanks for creating a perfect vacation environment. We didn’t want for anything!  The location is perfect; the Hale Kea Cottage is perfect and we’ll recommend it to all who plan a visit to the Big Island. 
Steve & Kathy, Boise, Idaho – USA

October 2014
You have been so kind. We have truly loved our stay in Hale Kea Cottage. We love to come back to Hawaii every 6 months until we can settle here to call Hawaii our full-time home.  Looking forward to our next visit.  
Love and Blessings from Lynn & Bill, Endocino, CA

November 2014
This has been great (Hale Kea Cottage) — more than we expected. You’ve got everything set up …all turn key. We arrive and it’s like “we live here”…so easy. Our eleven days here were wonderful. Location was exactly what we hoped for close enough to the beaches to reach in a few minutes…close enough to a super little village and the lovely surroundings. We’re going to see you again — we return annually to Hawaii as we search for our future retirement home — and we’d be so pleased to stay at Hale Kea again.
Thank you for making everything so easy and pleasant for us.
Linda & Dave, WA-USA

December 2014
Thank you so much for sharing Hale Kea with us. We were so comfortable and happy. Your cottage has everything!!  We had a wonderful Christmas vacation. We got in snorkeling, boogey boarding, whale watching, volcano climbing, Kona shopping and a lot of eating. Hope we have an opportunity to return.
Mahalo, Al & Aileen, Florida – USA

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January 2013
Thanks to you, we have had a wonderful, carefree visit to Hawaii [Hale Plumeria]. We appreciate all your hard work and thoughtful generosity. The more we learned about Hawaii the more we understood our good luck in finding you and your place. Mahalo and aloha. Bonnie & Billy, Texas – USA

January 2013
We have done a number of hotel trips and your Hale Plumeria was a welcome change from all of the hustle and bustle. We lacked for nothing and greatly appreciated all of your personal touches. Especially appreciated was all of your background information about places and events on Hawaii Island. Thank you for all that you have done to make your place special. Cassandra & John, Canada

January 2013
We left the Big Island on Tuesday, returned home and I have just turned on the computer. We want the same dates again for January 2014 ….[for visit no. 6!]. Your place is very special to us and we love Hale Kea.
Audrey and Bruce. N.Carolina/ USA

February 2013
Thank you so much for your place [Hale Plumeria]. All your tips and hints were very helpful. We had a wonderful time!
Mahalo, Thanks, Danke. Peter & Jan – Germany

February 2013
We could not have asked for more – the cottage is so well equipped [Hale Kea]! Thank you very much for a wonderful stay. We hope to be back soon. Francine & Glenn, Vancouver, BC – CAN

February 2013
Thank you for a great visit (despite rain). This is the most completely furnished cottage [Hale Kea] we’ve had on our many trips to Hawaii. We especially like the location halfway between Kailua Kona and Hilo. We are already planning our next trip to this Hawaii [vacation] home. Anne and Al, Idaho — USA

February 2013
Have you not thought of everything…NOT! We were so impressed with Hale Plumeria,,,it’s “the best of the best”. Your attention to detail makes for a very comfortable stay. Your Aloha shines through! We will certainly talk about our stay here for many years to come. Mahalo. Alan & Barbara, British Columbia / Canada.

March 2013
“Hale Kea” and “Hale Plumeria” – we love them both. Once you stay in one of these lovely cottages, you want to be on the Big Island forever. You never want to leave again. One important remark about the Aloha Vacation Cottages website: it really describes the cottages and the island exactly the way they are. Before your trip to Hawaii, you exactly know what you are going to get – [the choice of] two clean, nicely furnished cottages right in paradise! This is our second vacation staying here and we will come again – and again! Petra & Torsten. Germany

March 2013
I don’t think we’ve ever stayed in a nicer place with such amenities! We stayed at Hale Plumeria for two weeks in March. Our flight was late and we were tired. The owner was there to make sure we were informed of the essentials and could get settled in with no drama. She made us feel at home instantly. The cottage is exactly as described with every amenity you could possibly need for a relaxing stay. You will find that that the hosts have thought of everything. They are the perfect hosts, unobtrusive but there when you need them. We love music and they were great about letting us know about events we might have missed otherwise. The cottage is very private with a separate driveway so you really feel like it’s your own little retreat. The location is perfect and the countryside is beautiful. It’s about as central as you can possibly be to all the Big Island must sees. Waimea, about 4 miles up the road, is a really nice little town with lots of great places to eat and shop etc. (Don’t miss the Hawaiian Style Cafe!) We felt like we really lucked out when we booked this place. Many thanks for welcoming us to their little piece of paradise.
Thanks for everything!!. Deirdre and Rob, Vancouver – Canada

March 2013
Just like home only better! You have thought of every need we could dream of and supplied it to us. The cottage (Hale Kea) is comfortable and beautifully appointed. We can read books on the deck and listen to bird calls unlike anything in the Pacific NW. And, the flowers! We came here to rest and frolick in the warmth of 80sF temperatures. We also had the sun! It had been a looong, cold, wet, dark winter back home. This is paradise. It has been 45 years and yet we feel like we are on a honeymoon. We have quiet, privacy, freedom to go out and have fun being together exploring the Island. You have provided us with suggestions and driving instructions to new places we have never been before. We had a spectacular experience dining at Merriman’s in Waimea village! Thank you for giving us these terrific memories.
Suzy & Lew from Vancouver, Canada

April 2013
We wanted to drop you a note and thank you for all of your help and advice when we visited, we had a great time, and both of us loved the cottage, the provided comforts, and the neighbourhood! Somehow we managed to catch the flight and got back last night as planned, on that note thanks, too, for your understanding! Many thanks, and perhaps we will meet again! Paul and Leilani – USA

Maj 2013
Thank you for letting us stay at your beautiful home [Hale Kea].  It was a very peaceful stay. 
Luisa and Charmaine –  California, USA

June 2013
We are closed for one month for rental renovation upgrades.

July 2013
You are the finest representation of Aloha. No need to say more, it’s all been said before.
Mahalo, Chris & Karen – CA / USA

August 2013
We want to keep in touch with you for a return visit in the future. Thank you for everything…we loved it here and both of the cottages that we were able to stay in!
Peter and Dorte, Vienna-Austria

September 2013
What a lovely, peaceful, beautiful place to relax. The plants & flowers make us feel like we are in paradise as we eat on the lanai. Not only is the place and setting made so wonderful with all the care and attention to so many details – ultimate comfort – but it also just has such a good feel to it – an inviting peaceful energy. We look forward to returning! It was just perfect.
Thank you! Lisa & Doug, Oregon/USA.

October 2013
Perfect in all ways! 
Just needed to let you know how much we appreciated your wonderful place and your gracious hospitality. I will share your location with any one that asks me. Hope that you keep on enjoying making people happy with your cottages.
Eileen & Ron, WA / USA

November 2013
We had an absolutely wonderful time! Everything was great, with such thoughtful touches from the super comfortable bed to the night I was up late reading …and wished for a nice, warm throw…and there was one draped over the end of the couch! Having the washer & dryer is so convenient. And, we just loved feeding all the tiny finches (birds) — watching them was a blast, on the deck. Thanks for providing such a wonderful setting for an unforgettable vacation!
Cindy & Arlin – Portland, Oregon / USA

Hawaii Island Vacation Rentals

November 2013
Thank you so much for opening your home to us…we love it here!  We hope to move [to this island] soon.
Aloha and blessings.  Lisa & Steve, AK-USA.

December 2013
We want to thank you for such a wonderful vacation. The Hale Kea Cottage is far better than the advertisement that drew me to it. We have been so happy since day one at Hale Kea. I will be telling all my family and friends what an amazing place your Hale Kea is…this paradise in paradise. Gayle and I loved it so much here, y’all, and Waimea Village, that we have a dream of moving to this area. We are going to work on it with God’s help. Amazing if things are meant to be, with Him they are possible. Here, we celebrated Christmas, my birthday, New Years (2014) and our anniversary. And, we hope to come again ASAP. We felt like we had brought all of the conveniences of home with us…you’ve thought of everything! Thanks for the shopping and entertainment tips. Y’all don’t have just a vacation cottage, it is a paradise run with love for your guests.
Aloha and mahalo – Cleta and Gayle, Texas/USA

December 2013
Thank you so much for your hospitality and a great stay (Hale Kea). We enjoyed every minute of it.  We are sad.  We don’t want to leave. We wish we could stay longer here in your sweet cottage. 
Elia & Arlo –  Portugal and Holland.

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January 2012
What a welcome to Hawaii! Our first trip to these beautiful islands and we were lucky enough to land here at your place! Your generosity began before we even left Seattle by providing a very “last minute” rental car service …and the river of generosity just kept flowing our entire stay here. You have both created a completely gracious service. There is nothing that we missed. Thank you so much for your aloha spirit! Pamela, Seattle/WA – USA

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Much gratitude to you for making our transition [mainland to island] so smooth. We left Seattle during a big snow & ice storm. We just got out before they closed the airport. I loved your orientation to “paradise” and our new “home”! You really gave us the info to make our stay here so welcoming and your attention to details at the cottage ‘blew my mind’. I continued to find house items you provide in the cottage even on our last day here. I am now officially a “boogie board addict”….thank you for providing so many “toys” for us to play with. My time here was a joy and I am so grateful to have met you both. Your aloha spirit is alive and well. See you again soon. Peace & Love & Aloha. Bobbi, Seattle/WA – USA

January 2012
Mahalo for another fantastic 3 weeks in Hale Kea! Your kindness and hospitality every year make our time here memorable. We are looking forward to our stay next January, 2013…for 4 weeks!!
Aloha, Bruce & Audrey, North Carolina – USA

February 2012
The first time we emailed you to make enquiries about accommodation, we received an immediate, friendly reply. From that moment onwards, we had a good feeling about Aloha Vacation Cottages. During further correspondence, we were very impressed with your efficiency and organization. On arrival and during our two-week stay here, we certainly were not disappointed. We have stayed in many self-catering accommodations during our travels – this has been, without doubt, THE BEST!  It was immaculately clean and well maintained and the listing photographs and description were totally accurate. Your caring ways and eagerness to help your guests tell us that running the cottages is much more than a “job” to you both. It has been a joy to use the wonderful equipment and utensils in the kitchen and indeed throughout the [Hale Kea] cottage. We wanted for nothing. Thank you so very much. We’ve had a marvelous time.  
Janet & Stuart.  British Columbia – Canada

February 2012
Through our numerous stays in vacation rentals in the U.S., Europe and Canada, there have been some lovely places with wonderful people as owners, that offered well equipped houses, apartments and cottages. But, I must say none offered the personal touches we have found here that make it feel like home. Everything you provided us – and the “aloha welcome” basket –  was most appreciated. Thank you for a lovely stay, a warm and special cosy feeling even when the “freak” wind arrived for three days. We managed to go swimming today where it was sheltered from the wind; it was heavenly. You were right about that beach…it was fine {out of the gusty wind}! There are so many wonderful excursions to do, and the fresh fish is awesome. Patricia &  Chris.  Montreal, Canada.

February 2012
What beautiful [guestbook] paper to write on to go with all the other details you provide for your guests. The fresh flowers, the welcome fruit basket, welcome gifts, the great attention to detail – so amazing! You provide it all! It’s so difficult when travelling to take along all the creature comforts, but you provide it for your guests! We especially treasure the opportunity to meet you both and appreciate your own journeys. We so positively impressed here. Your location gave a great center from which to explore the Big Island, Hawaii. Your personal guide book was most useful as we travelled both east and west sides of the island. And the kitchen…what a treat! It is so well appointed.
Thank you so much. From your newest Texas guests = Texas “cousins” now. Sandy & David, Great State of Texas, USA.

March 2012
Thank you so much for making us feel welcome. The cottage {Hale Plumeria} is beautiful and so are you. This vacation exceeded all expectations. We shall return!! Bonnie & Mike. Alberta – Canada

March 2012
Just a note of thanks: We had a peaceful, relaxing time at the cottage. Wonderful snorkeling and great weather. Only now are the tans peeling and fading. We have referred several folks to your website as well. We shall return [for a third visit]. Dave and Edith. Edmonton / Canada

March 2012
Thank you so much for the extra care and thoughtfulness that you put into our Hawaii experience.  We will sing praises of this stay throughout the mainland!  A BIG MAHALO!
Joe  & Betty. Eureka, California – USA

April 2012
Thanks so much for a great stay! Your cottage [Hale Plumeria] has been a very great place to call home as we explored the Big Island. We offer our comments on how well you have provided for the kitchen and extras for enjoying the beaches – this has made it very easy to settle in and start enjoying the island lifestyle! The beaches are within easy reach and are all great. We especially enjoyed Beach 69 and the old sugar cane train wharf for snorkeling – so many fish we saw including a large eel off the south point of Beach 69. We look forward to coming back as we still have to explore south of Kona and the Volcanoes National Park needs a further expedition. Thank you again for making us feel welcome and at home. Priscilla and Budd – BC, Canada.

April 2012
We could not have hoped for a better place to vacation! Your hospitality, thoroughness and friendliness made our trip complete. You seem to have considered every possibility. We really enjoyed our time here and hope to return soon. Mahalo from Oklahoma !! Jim & Brenda. Oklahoma, USA.

April 2012
What an amazing place. Your genuine care and concern for your guests’ well being shows many times over. I cannot think of another thing we would have needed. Thank you for your generosity. The beautiful plants & setting on the deck give a wonderful view from inside – including Alfie’s visits. Also, thank you for all of your recommendations. We found Waimea Village to be a hidden gem of great restaurants. We enjoyed our stay in this amazing guest cottage. Loved the cool evenings for sleeping, too. Cindy & Rob – Denver, USA

April 2012
Thanks so much for your hospitality and the many suggestions offered. We spent the last day snorkeling at Beach 69, which was lovely. We absolutely loved this island and coming home each night to this cozy spot (Hale Plumeria) was the icing on the cake. Mahalo!  Rob & Allison, Vancouver, BC – Canada

April 2012
Thank you for your “stories” and for helping us to make our stay special and comfortable!  Great cottage [Hale Kea] and we are happy to write a great review on the Internet.  You are welome at our home if you ever travel to Portland area…we have neat beaches, too! Leslie & Terry – Portland, Oregon, USA.

May 2012
We had another god day today at “Beach 69” for the third time and had a great snorkeling day. We have really enjoyed our stay at Hale Kea. Thank you so much for all you have done to make our Hawaii vacation memorable and comfortable. This holiday is our early celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary {the day isn’t until July}. Your attention to detail left nothing to be needed [except we couldn’t find a potato masher, but as the staple of starch is usually rice, not a problem]. We were way too ambitious when we arrived and during our two weeks have learned that going out for meals is a lot less work. Thank you for your kind, warm and enthusiastic hospitality. Pamela & Ivan – ON/Canada

May 2012
Aloha Vacation Cottages is truly a unique find on the Big Island. The cottage my daughter and I stayed in was spotless and so fully equipped that we felt just like we were in our own little home. It is very private and located on the best spot on the island with beaches and charming town nearby. We could quietly relax, enjoy cooking on the grill on the lovely deck, watch movies and sleep comfortably between our excursions. Our hosts were nearby and so helpful anytime we needed them, but not intrusive in any way. I could not think of any other place I would rather stay and highly recommend it to anyone travelling there…a perfect vacation spot!
Helen and Lindsey – Colorado and Arizona, USA

June 2012
Vielen dank für das herrliche willkommen und die sehr freundliche Gastfreundschaft. Alles was super. Alles war vorhanden. Gut erholt, gut geschlafen. Leider war der Aufenthalt zu kurz. Vielen Dank. Rolf und Gitta – Deutschland

(Thank you for the lovely welcome and the very friendly hospitality. Everything was great. Everything was there. Recovered well, slept well. Unfortunately the stay was too short. Thanks. Rolf and Gitta, Germany)

July 2012
What wonderful hosts! We cannot think of anything that would have made our stay more enjoyable. Snorkelers: go to the beach just south of Hapuna [Beach 69] — the reef on the north side is amazing.
Jeff & Barbi, Tucson/AZ – USA

August 2012
Though our trip was too short, you’ve really thought of EVERYTHING we might need. This place is a very special place for us and we will never forget our trip. Getting engaged while we are here makes the Big Island hold a place dear to our hearts, and we will definitely be back. The Hale Kea has been our home away from home. We will miss this place. Mahalo for everything! Andrea & Chris, Los Gatos CA – USA

August 2012
As always, everything was wonderful and just like our “home away from home”. We enjoyed the comfortably cool nights and beautiful views from around. The full moon was a special treat to see here. The provisions in the cottage are so nice – and with all you provide, we don’t have to bring much in our luggage – a wonderful perk! We look forward to our next visit sometime in the future. We will always stop here during our visits to Hawaii. You both are the best…and it’s such a treat and hidden gem, your Hale Kea. With our best….Cindy & Rob, Denver, CO/USA

September 2012
Heather and I want to say a BIG MAHALO ! …for making our first stay on Hawaii Island so wonderful! It didn’t take long for both of us to refer to Hale Kea as “home”. Such an inviting, warm, cosy and relaxing place you’ve created. We will both be recommending you to anyone who plans to visit here. Thanks again & may good fortune be yours!
Carol & Heather – Los Angeles CA / Pittsburg CA, USA.

September 2012
We have had such a fantastic time on this island and with a wonderful cottage to come home to each day – and that is so well equipped we felt more like “house guests” than in rented accommodation. Thank you! We hope to see you again. Very best wishes. Sue & Michael, Kent, England.

October 2012
Thank you so much for everything. We had such a lovely time and our “second honeymoon” was perfect! Your hospitality (and awesome cupcakes) were wonderful. We couldn’t have asked for more.
Aloha!! Frank & Joyce, Laredo, Texas – USA.

November 2012
Oh no….we have to go home! But it is with a wonderful memory of Hawaii. And our stay in Hale Kea certainly was part of this! Keep up the good work!
Mahalo & Aloha from Karin and Roel, Belgium.

November 2012
Thank you so much for letting us stay in the larger cottage too (!) even though it was the smaller one we had originally reserved. Very thoughtful. We got to enjoy both cottages and loved them both! What a wonderful place to call home. We really liked the area and would suggest it to anyone. The cottage is so much nicer than staying in a hotel. We had a great time and it was a very peaceful and quiet area. So relaxing! Claire & Chuck, Pennsylvania, USA
Owner’s note: when it is convenient for us to do so, at our discretion we might offer Plumeria’s guests our larger accommodation as an “upgrade”… on a case by case basis.

December 2012
What a perfect place to celebrate our 25th anniversary! We went to the summit of Mauna Kea, walked through rain forests, visited waterfalls, Hilo Farmers’ Market, South Point and coffee farms….each evening returning “home” to this lovely cottage (Hale Plumeria). The cooler and blue ice packs went everywhere with us for water bottles and picnic lunches. The laptop and Internet provided were invaluable for checking information and weather forecasts. So, we knew to wait until Friday for a perfect day for a beach. Hawaii – The Big Island Revealed was sooo helpful (wondering if there’s a newer edition). Thank you for your generous hospitality!
Lisa & Dave, Maryland – USA

December 2012
What a wonderful place to stay! We don’t want to leave!! Hale Kea has everything one could ever want and more. We really appreciated the well-equipped kitchen (5 stars for the many herbs and spices!). Your recommendation\, especially for your local fish monger, was spot on – we went every day and tried every fish we could. Just a five star experience all the way. We love the Big Island and Hale Kea. All the best.
Ran & Pavel, Canada [from South Africa and Czech Republic]

December 2012
We said that we would return and here we are! In our short ten days we visited The Caverns Of Fire, drove up the coast and hiked down to Pololu black sand beach, visited Akaka Falls and the World Botanical Gardens, took in the awe-inspiring Waipio Valley and hiked down to Waipio’s beach, visited Volcanoes National Park, and of course enjoyed a few breakfasts at Hawaiian Style Café. On our last day, we spent a relaxing morning at the beautiful Mauna Kea Beach. I’m sure I’ve left some stuff out. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate your hospitality. We were lacking nothing. We really enjoyed our conversations – you are both wonderful people. Thank you for having us. Can’t wait to return again! Peace & Love. Bonita & Mike, Canada.