reviews for: listing #21130 - Hilo, Hawaii House rental
- bedrooms 1
- pool no
- type House
- baths 1
- hot tub yes
- community Kapoho Vacationland
- sleeps 2
- pets allowed no
-
rates (USD)
$120
-
$130
/nt
$840 - $840 /wk
I loved everything about this place.
Sandyy003
(Seattle, WA)
Review submitted: August 24, 2009
Date of arrival: August 18, 2009
It was my husband and my first time in Hawaii. Iki Hono was the perfect experience for our first trip together. We loved the jacuzzi and the lovely ocean view from the bed. This was a lovely place to stay. We will def come back.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway
Owners response: We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay at A Snorkeler's Paradise - Iki Honu, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Big Island again soon.
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Helpful votes: 3 / 3
Excellent
Hankalni
(San anselmo ca)
Review submitted: March 8, 2013
Date of arrival: March 1, 2013
fantastic place, like being Ina very comfortable tree house. Would def return!
bring flashlight and reef shoes and you are set,
J and H
Recommended for: adventure seekers, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Lovely Home away from home
Stella_Maris63
(Kronberg, Germany)
Review submitted: February 27, 2013
Date of arrival: February 21, 2013
My husband and I loved Iki Honu, the cottage is the perfect getaway for two! Very well maintained with Lots of little touches that showed that the owner cares about the place. The Tidepools were an unexpected bonus; unfortunately the weather was so bad we could only snorkel once; same goes for the Jacuzzi. One little thing though: we arrived after dark in the pouring rain and the locks were a slight problem...
Very accurate driving instructions, though!
We'd love to come back when its not quite as rainy!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Super cute cottage in Tropical Paradise - Can't wait to go back !
Roger & Steve
(Los Angeles)
Review submitted: February 25, 2013
Date of arrival: February 1, 2013
A close friend had rented this owner’s larger home up the coast, and had a blast. I had never been to the Big Island ( I’d been to Kauai years ago ), so my partner and I went for my birthday during the first week in February.
I was a little concerned that it might not be warm enough or that it might rain too much, but it was perfectly warm, and only rained briefly during one afternoon. In Hawaii, even if it does rain, it tends to come and go quickly. During several evenings it rained intensely, and I couldn't help but sing "In the Tiki tiki tiki room..." Tropical birds, chirping frogs, the wind thru the palms...vivid green geckos... We'll definitely go back to the Big Island / Iki Honu in February 2014 - it was a perfect getaway from the winter blahs and seven days just wasn't enough time to balance all of the things there are to do, and simply relaxing.
"Iki Honu" is just as everyone else has described - updated, clean, and fully stocked with so many of the little extra's that you might need. We enjoyed the hot tub on several occasions, and grilled giant tuna steaks and veggies from KTA market on the BBQ on a day that we had decided to stay close to home & enjoy the tide pools. There are so many cool things to do; you will be challenged to "do nothing"
Purchase the book "Hawaii, The Big Island Revealed" by Doughty and particularly read the section on Hilo & Puna to get familiar with the area and plot out your "must do" activities for your stay.
Pass on the cookie cutter resort, and stay at Iki Honu for a tropical adventure that you won't forget.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Perfect Seven Night Stay!
JohnandJanMinnesota
(Forest Lake, MN)
Review submitted: February 22, 2013
Date of arrival: February 12, 2013
My wife and I spent seven nights at this great place after spending 9 nights in South Kona. Iki Honu was the perfect ending to the trip. We loved having our own private place near Pahoa with the tidal pools right out the front door. The snorkeling was the best we have ever experienced and the number and variety of both fish and colorful coral was amazing! The location is also great for a trip to Volcano National Park, Hilo and the east coast of Hawaii. We spent each day with whatever activity we had planned, did some snorkeling, had a nightly walk around the area, jumped in the jacuzzi for a quick soak then enjoyed the large flat screen tv before going to bed. The residents and other visitors we met on our walks were all very friendly. The property had everything we wanted, the kitchen was very well equipped and we both loved everything about our stay. We would highly recommend this for others!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Secluded getaway
Stagewalker
(Oakland, ca, USA)
Review submitted: October 26, 2012
Date of arrival: October 10, 2012
This is a lovely place in an exceptionally lush part of Hawaii. While some of the amenities were a little worn from use (new pans would be a plus, and the snorkel masks could stand to be replaced) the majority of the furnishings were comfortable and in good condition. In the final equation, the close proximity to the tide pools quite made up for it. We particularly appreciated the memory foam on the mattress, as we often find beds at most rentals/hotels to be overly hard. The property IS quite far from most of the island's attractions, so if you are looking for a launching point from which to explore the island you may find the drive trying after a few days. If you want a place to get away from it all however, this just might be the place for you!
Recommended for: romantic getaway
Owners response: The cooking pan and snorkel mask will be replaced as recommended. My house is only 29 miles or about 40 minutes drive from Hilo airport. It is not that far from other attractions in the area. It may seem far when you drive through empty fields of lava.
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Wonderful Getaway -
ken-ji
(seattle)
Review submitted: September 11, 2012
Date of arrival: August 31, 2012
Probably one of the best snorkeling spots that I have been at in a long time, and it is only a minute walk to the crystal clear waters and aquatic world that awaits you!!!
the house is very charming and clean and you will find it very accomodating -
extremely easy reservation process and helpful owners!!! Tons of stuff to see and do in close proximity to the house, but it is secluded enough to feel like you can escape everything!!
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Remote, quiet, everything you need including snorkel gear, hot tub, good kitchen
Suzi V.
(Austin, Texas)
Review submitted: August 8, 2012
Date of arrival: July 30, 2012
I was not quite sold on booking Iki Honu because on the satellite it looked like a suburban neighborhood. I was reassured by the owner and she was right, it is private and secluded. We encountered friendly neighbors while out walking, but at the rental it was just us. The access to the tidepools was literally just across the street, so we went several times each day, going back to the rental to rest and eat and yes, do some work (great wifi! and we have ATT for cell service, which worked well).
Even on the weekends, it was serene and quiet. I thought there would be more people there, but it was super laidback. The rental itself had everything we needed...blender, good knives, working stove, comfy bed, shower with rain faucet, hot tub, washer and dryer, snorkel gear, bikes, boogie board. We were able to get groceries in Paho'a, just ten minutes up the road. The beautiful drive with trees in a canopy was astounding every time we did it.
I noticed in the guest book that some people were return guests...one couple was even on their fourth visit. I actually think we might do the same, it was just that good.
Recommended for: romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
A week in paradise!
J
(MA)
Review submitted: July 21, 2012
Date of arrival: July 12, 2012
My boyfriend and I just returned from this lovely cottage, and we loved everything about this place! This is a true stand-alone cottage (hard to find!) and is very well-kept and nicely updated. We especially enjoyed the screened-in lanai, because we did not have to worry about mosquitoes at night. We also loved sitting in the hot tub under the stars. The small community of Kapoho is located about ten minutes from the nearest city, but it is an adorable area and receives much more sunshine than the nearby areas. Some houses in Kapoho are located quite close to each other, but this cottage is set back a little ways from the street and is elevated, so it is quite private. People were always very friendly when we walked around and the foliage was beautiful. The tide pools are amazing and so close! We did have to work a little while on our trip, so having internet was terrific and we enjoyed watching shows on the flat screen TV as well. Our Verizon cell phones did not work (I believe AT&T and T-Mobile have coverage, but we just had people call us on the house phone. Truly one of the best places we have ever stayed in! We were so relaxed that we slept 11 hours one night! The owner's were very responsive to all our inquiries as well.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Perfect for what we wanted
Billy
(United States)
Review submitted: June 11, 2012
Date of arrival: May 30, 2012
Iki Honu was the perfect home away from home for me and my fiance. If you are looking for a private, romantic setting in tropical paradise, this is for you. Great snorkeling in the tide pools across the street, a few minutes drive from a thermal heated spring. Beautifully done kitchen, outdoor grill, and a relaxing private Jacuzzi under the stars. The house is in a bit of a remote location, but this is exactly what us city folk wanted. You can load up on groceries on your way from the airport and be set at your secluded hideaway.
Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
beautiful vacation
jessie
(San Diego,ca)
Review submitted: May 30, 2012
Date of arrival: May 19, 2012
Absolutely loved staying here! The house as everything you could possibly need and the water was amazing.we can't wait to visit again!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
What a wonderful place to stay!
ricktick
(New Franklin, Ohio, USA)
Review submitted: May 2, 2012
Date of arrival: April 21, 2012
This was our first trip to Hawaii, and Iki Honu was one of the best parts of the whole trip!
It was sparkling clean, with a good-sized, up-to-date and well-equipped kitchen, sparkling outdoor (but very private) hot tub, and snorkeling equipment and bicycles for our use. I was a little concerned about renting a studio, but we were very comfortable and had plenty of room. Even though it doesn't have a separate living room as such, the lanai served as both living room and dining room. It also had a nice laundry room, and an outdoor shower for after snorkeling. It had a great location, right on the tide pools, but also very handy to Pahao, Hilo, Volcanoes National Park, and the waterfalls of the east coast.
The owner was great, too. She provided us with much useful information, such as sights to see (don't miss the Botanical Gardens on the east coast of the Island!), places to shop and get provisions, a map of the Island, etc. This was very helpful.
Being in our own little compound was very private and very romantic, and the screened-in lanai we enjoyed every day for breakfast and dinner, and to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature and the view and sounds of the ocean -- so peaceul!
My husband and I both agree, if we ever get a chance to return to the Big Island, we would definitely stay at Iki Honu again!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Attention to Detail by Owners
SewShari
(Los Angeles CA)
Review submitted: April 29, 2012
Date of arrival: March 31, 2012
The house was perfect for my husband and I located in a very quiet remote area of island. Perfect for getting away from all the busyness of life. Kitchen was well stocked for cooking. We used the BBQ one night and our chicken was delicious. The hot tub was wonderful! Aside from needing some attention, I'm sure from all the humidity, the bikes were fun to ride around the area. WD-40 would have been nice to have in the utility room. My watch was returned in a couple of days after I realized I left it there. The owner was very good to work with.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
disgusting
jen
(oregon)
Review submitted: March 31, 2012
Date of arrival: March 12, 2012
this place is so hard to get to but its cute
my major complaint is it was so full of roachs everywhere it was gross i couldnt
cook or use anything in the kitchen because there where so many bugs and roaches
crawling all over an exterminator should be used before renting it again tropical i understand insects but not disgusting roachs gross
Recommended for: adventure seekers
Owners response: The reviewer did not notify the owner or maintenance man about this issue. We did not know about this until we read the comment. There were no complaint by other guests before the reviewer arrival and departure. We had changed the cleaning crews recently. From now on, my cleaning crews are instructed to bomb the house after each guest leaves. They will check all the drawers in the kitchen to be certain that there are no bugs.
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Helpful votes: 2 / 3
A Great Experience
Rose
(Kailua-Kona, HI)
Review submitted: March 26, 2012
Date of arrival: March 23, 2012
Aloha,
I have to say that it was one of our best experiences we ever had. The studio was very nice and had everything you would need. There was a little welcome basket of macnuts, candy and juice which was a nice touch. The place was cute, comfortable and updated. It even had a jacuzzi and bikes to go exploring. What fun! You can hear and see the ocean. The nights were very relaxing for sleeping. We've been to some fancy resorts but you don't really experience the true tropical feel of paradise until you've stayed at a place like this. Who cares about the extra amenities or service that a resort can offer, I just want to feel and be a part of nature! Nature is what heals you....I want to go back. My only regret is that we didn't stay longer.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Wonderful Accomodations
Jim
(Herndon, VA)
Review submitted: November 23, 2011
Date of arrival: November 3, 2011
This was our first trip to Hawaii and the Iki Honu was a great way to start our trip. I just wished we had planned to spend more time there. I never realized how beautiful the tidal pools would be and how amazing the snorkeling turned out. The tidal pools are huge and easy to swim in their entirety. There is so much sea life it is like you are swimming in the National Aquarium. There is plenty of snorkel gear in the Iki Honu, so you don’t have to bring anything but a beach towel!
The Iki Honu was a great place to return to after a long day or sightseeing and snorkeling. It is a great location - away from it all - yet close to all the attractions like the black sand beach, Volcanoes National Park, and downtown Hilo. We also enjoyed breakfast and our snacks out on the lanai. If you are looking for a romantic place to stay, this is it. The property had everything advertised and obviously well maintained. The previous tenants had the coffee pot fail on them, but when we returned from our first day exploring Hawaii, we found a new "Mr. Coffee" pot waiting for us by the front door. That is outstanding service and this attention to detail will ensure you have a great vacation in the Iki Honu!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Perfect getaway for local residents too!
hannahan822
(Honolulu, HI)
Review submitted: November 15, 2011
Date of arrival: November 11, 2011
Me and my boyfriend live in Oahu and we were looking for a place for a weekend getaway for his birthday. Iki Honu was absolutely what we were looking for. We drove around during the day, went to Foodland and got dinner material, and just came back to cook and enjoy the night just chilling. Can I say the hot tub was a god-send? The place was definitely well-equipped, clean, and cute. We had absolutely a wonderful time there. :)
Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
A snorkeler's dream!
Colleen
(Chittenango)
Review submitted: October 24, 2011
Date of arrival: October 18, 2011
This property was more than my husband and I expected. We arrived on October 19th and spent 4 nights. The property was just as described, the short walk to the beach was easy and the tide pools were absolute heaven. We are novice snorkelers, and it is just what we were looking for. Calm clear warm waters, no crowds. Convenient to other parks and sights. Great food,Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian within a 20 min drive.
We loved this home. It would be great for honeymooners as well as for long time marrieds like us.
This home was private and clean. I can't think of anything that was not provided.
We would return to this home and location without hesitation.
I would recommend this home over a hotel room any tjme!!!!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Quiet and Romantic Hideaway
Steph11
(Pittsburgh, PA)
Review submitted: October 24, 2011
Date of arrival: October 10, 2011
My husband and I stayed here for the second part of our honeymoon in Hawaii! The home was perfect! The place was quiet, private, fully-equiped, and clean! The residence is extremely safe and secure- no worry of unwanted guests! The kitchen is perfect for cooking meals, staying in and having dinner by candle light on the screened-in porch. The tide pools are gorgeous! This is a must see spot for those that love to snorkel. The location is a little bit off of the beaten path- but the privacy is well worth it! We visited Volcano National Park, Mauna Kea, and Pahoa on some of our excursions. We did not make it to Kona, but definitely hope to get back to explore more of this beautiful island! Pao was a delight to work with in booking her rental- a true professional! Staying here, we had to feel more at home than we've ever felt without being home- thank you for a great experience :)
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Honeymoon in paradise...
SusanW
(Oakland, CA)
Review submitted: October 5, 2011
Date of arrival: September 27, 2011
We loved every minute of our honeymoon at Iki Honu. The cottage is well equipped and very romantic. The location is perfect for exploring the eastern side of the Big Island. When you are at the cottage, it feels very remote -- but it is so close to everything!! If you don't feel like spending your days snorkeling the Kapoho Tide Pools, which are just a short walk across the street, the cottage is a short drive to the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park as well as the beautiful waterfalls in the Hamakua District. After your adventures, be sure to hit up some of the yummy eateries in Pahoa Village on the way back to the cottage. The private hottub is awesome for stargazing and relaxing. Iki Honu is wonderful!! We can't wait to return!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
4 nights of paradise
Maria
(San Francisco)
Review submitted: September 25, 2011
Date of arrival: September 3, 2011
Iki Honu was the perfect spot to start out our vacation. If you're looking for a romantic getaway with nearby adventures, this is it. The property was small, but in fabulous shape. The kitchen was lightly stocked with condiments and very well stocked with cooking tools, so we were able to cook delicious meals with the fresh produce and fish we bought in town and make killer mixed drinks to enjoy in the evenings on the lanai. The snorkeling was fabulous - comparable to Captain Cook Monument in terms of the number of fish. Quick drive to Hilo, Volcanoes and some black sand beaches.
We had one minor incident (the shower handle fell off) and the repairman arrived in 10 minutes and had it fixed in 30.
I can't imagine not coming back - this is a really special place.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Perfect secluded hideaway for two
Tommy
(Wahiawa, HI)
Review submitted: July 12, 2011
Date of arrival: July 5, 2011
We just got finished with our five day vacation. Iki Hono was the best place to stay for two people trying to reconnect. I just got back from a year long deployment in Afghanistan and it was perfect for us to spend time together. It is literally a 30 second walk to the tide pools. We saw several fish in the tide pools and it was great. It was a nice place to come back to after traveling around the island and doing things all day. The jacuzzi was very relaxing after the hike down and up Waipio Valley. If/when we come back to the big island, we will definitely stay here again.
Recommended for: romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Lovely place in paradise for two
Erlinda E.
(Santa Clara CA)
Review submitted: May 5, 2011
Date of arrival: April 19, 2011
My husband and I have stayed at Iki Honu three times now and each time it has been perfect for our needs: clean, comfortable, well equipped, and close to the best snorkeling on the island. And relaxing in the hot tub under the stars: blissful! We'll stay again.
Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 1
Quiet, secluded getaway
Marie Reed
(Nevada City, CA)
Review submitted: March 31, 2011
Date of arrival: March 22, 2011
We recently stayed at the Iki Honu for two nights and had a wonderful time. The house is cute, clean and well maintained. It's situated in a quiet, off the beaten track city with beautiful snorkeling across the street. The kitchen is well equipped, and the screened in porch is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the warm breezes and view. The price is great for all that you get. The instructions we received from Pao were easy to follow and very helpful as they included instructions for the nearest grocery store, etc. My only complaint is that the mattress is very soft and for me personally, was not comfortable. I would stay here again and would not hesitate to recommend it to friends.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Big Island Retreat
Holly
(Olympia, WA)
Review submitted: February 15, 2011
Date of arrival: February 3, 2011
We had a wonderful week at Iki Hono on the Puna Coast. This was our first visit back to the Big Island in 25 years and after a week of camping and exploring almost the whole island, this cottage was a great home away from home. We loved snorkeling in the tidepools before anyone else was up and it was a great jumping off point for both Hilo and the Volcanoes National Park. The kitchen was well stocked and equipped for cooking and we ate every meal on the enclosed lanai! Thanks for sharing your piece of paradise with us.
Holly and Jeff
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Snorkeling during the day, Lava by night
Anita and Ralf
(San Francisco, CA)
Review submitted: January 7, 2011
Date of arrival: January 25, 2010
A very nice studio - perfect for a couple. Spotlessly clean with a fully equipped kitchen and a big porch which actually serves as the living room. Plus a good selection of snorkeling gear. However the best about the studio is its location: The best snorkeling on the Big Island is right across the street, the lava flows are 30 min away and the National Park an hour away. And it's on the Hilo side of the Island - the laid-back Pahoa district gives you the real Aloha feeling - nothing compared to the touristy Kona side. We hope to be back soon.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
This really is a snorkelers paradise; cute, quiet and relaxing!
Michelle
(Denver, CO)
Review submitted: December 16, 2010
Date of arrival: December 6, 2010
Thank you for the wonderful stay in your perfect little home. This spotlessly clean studio "cottage" has tasteful decor, a fully equipped kitchen, a great selection of snorkeling gear and the BEST snorkeling access ever! I lived in Florida for 25 years and enjoyed the diving and snorkeling there but I couldn't believe the snorkeling across the street from Iki Honu. The coral was so healthy, the variety and quantity of fish were amazing and the water was crystal clear!
The peace and tranquility of the quiet Pahoa neighborhood makes for a relaxing vacation and a glimpse of the real Hawaii. We enjoyed the lanai with our morning coffee and evening glass of wine and the hot tub felt so good after a day of hiking in Volcanoes National Park. We ended our vacation feeling happy and relaxed. This was the perfect getaway!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 3 / 3
Perfect location for two
Ken
(Wasilla AK)
Review submitted: September 24, 2010
Date of arrival: September 16, 2010
Very nice for a couple. Snorkeling across the street, Close to Hilo and all the nice things on the island. Lots of snorkeling gear in the utility room, including masks, fins, and snorkels. Hot tub was very nice, and the gas grill too. It's recently renovated, with a nice kitchen. The handyman was prompt to resolve a problem with the refrigerator. There are many more expensive places nearby, but none nicer.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Great Time
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: December 7, 2009
Had a great time staying on this side of the island. Much closer to the things we wanted to see. It's great to not be in a motel room.
Kyle and Jenn
Grangeville, ID
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Great Time
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: December 7, 2009
Had a great time staing on this side of the island. Much closer to the things we wanted to see. It's great to not be in a motel room.
Kyle and Jenn
Grangeville, ID
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Good Medicine
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: November 5, 2009
Good medicine is what I needed, and good medicine is what I received...hadn't had a real vacation for some years now, and this place became my little paradise home instantly, recharging me and soothing me, this home and the environs are like a constant prayer.
Mahalo, Mahalo, Mahalo!
Keith
St. Louis, Missouri
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: November 5, 2009
Good medicine is what I needed, and good medicine is what I received...hadn't had a real vacation for some years now, and this place became my little paradise home instantly, recharging me and soothing me, this home and the environs are like a constant prayer.
Mahalo, Mahalo, Mahalo!
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Good Medicine
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: November 5, 2009
Good medicine is what I needed, and good medicine is what I received...hadn't had a real vacation for some years now, and this place became my little paradise home instantly, recharging me and soothing me, this home and the environs are like a constant prayer.
Mahalo, Mahalo, Mahalo!
Keith
St. Louis, Missouri
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
So Much to See!
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: September 18, 2009
Mahalo! What a treat the doves and frogs are :) What an interesting peninsula! So much to see! In order of our enjoyment I would recommend
1. Lava Tree Park (just down the road a bit)
2. The road to the top of Mauna Kea (amazing)
3. Hwy 137 South (just out the gate of this development and take a left) Drive it all the way to the end. Spectacular coast line! Stop at the hot pool park for a swim.
4. Hwy 137 North (just out the gate and take a right) Follow this approx. 10 miles as it turns into a partly paved 1-lane road through beautiful old growth mango jungle until you come out at a subdivision. You can either reverse your tracks or take a better road to Pahoa.
God Bless and thank you for Hawaiian goodies! We loved seeing your fish here.
Steve and Debbie
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: September 18, 2009
Mahalo! What a treat the doves and frogs are :) What an interesting peninsula! So much to see! In order of our enjoyment I would recommend
1. Lava Tree Park (just down the road a bit)
2. The road to the top of Mauna Kea (amazing)
3. Hwy 137 South (just out the gate of this development and take a left) Drive it all the way to the end. Spectacular coast line! Stop at the hot pool park for a swim.
4. Hwy 137 North (just out the gate and take a right) Follow this approx. 10 miles as it turns into a partly paved 1-lane road through beautiful old growth mango jungle until you come out at a subdivision. You can either reverse your tracks or take a better road to Pahoa.
God Bless and thank you for Hawaiian goodies! We loved seeing your fish here.
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
So Much to See!
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: September 18, 2009
Mahalo! What a treat the doves and frogs are :) What an interesting peninsula! So much to see! In order of our enjoyment I would recommend
1. Lava Tree Park (just down the road a bit)
2. The road to the top of Mauna Kea (amazing)
3. Hwy 137 South (just out the gate of this development and take a left) Drive it all the way to the end. Spectacular coast line! Stop at the hot pool park for a swim.
4. Hwy 137 North (just out the gate and take a right) Follow this approx. 10 miles as it turns into a partly paved 1-lane road through beautiful old growth mango jungle until you come out at a subdivision. You can either reverse your tracks or take a better road to Pahoa.
God Bless and thank you for Hawaiian goodies! We loved seeing your fish here.
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Absolutely Wonderful
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: October 3, 2009
This was our first time to the Big Island, and we hope it won't be our last. Your place was absolutely wonderful for us -- we were so glad not to be in a hotel.
Had so many memorable moments -- a night sky with more stars than we'd ever seen at Mauna Kea, the roiling lava flow and steam not far from here, the craters at Volcanoes Nat'l Park, a double rainbow near the spectacular Laupahoehoe Point, the larger-than-life plants at the Tropical Botanical Garden.
And lots of great local food -- Spam loco at Cafe 100 in Hilo, excellent sushi at Ocean Sushi (Hilo), delicious steak at Ruth Chris (Kohala), Korean fried chicken to die for at Low International Bakery and Catering (Hilo), delectable apple monkey bread from Lanky's Pastries (Hilo), and the Kamak Attack at Kuhio Grill (Hilo).
Oh, and the snorkeling was unbelievable here too -- got to swimn and watch a sea turtle grazing at these tidepools right here!
Thank you so much for such a wonderful house to stay in -- we'll highly recommend you to others and hope to be back some day.
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: October 3, 2009
This was our first time to the Big Island, and we hope it won't be our last. Your place was absolutely wonderful for us -- we were so glad not to be in a hotel.
Had so many memorable moments -- a night sky with more stars than we'd ever seen at Mauna Kea, the roiling lava flow and steam not far from here, the craters at Volcanoes Nat'l Park, a double rainbow near the spectacular Laupahoehoe Point, the larger-than-life plants at the Tropical Botanical Garden.
And lots of great local food -- Spam loco at Cafe 100 in Hilo, excellent sushi at Ocean Sushi (Hilo), delicious steak at Ruth Chris (Kohala), Korean fried chicken to die for at Low International Bakery and Catering (Hilo), delectable apple monkey bread from Lanky's Pastries (Hilo), and the Kamak Attack at Kuhio Grill (Hilo).
Oh, and the snorkeling was unbelievable here too -- got to swimn and watch a sea turtle grazing at these tidepools right here!
Thank you so much for such a wonderful house to stay in -- we'll highly recommend you to others and hope to be back some day.
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Absolutely Wonderful
Review submitted: September 8, 2010 Date of arrival: October 3, 2009
This was our first time to the Big Island, and we hope it won't be our last. Your place was absolutely wonderful for us -- we were so glad not to be in a hotel.
Had so many memorable moments -- a night sky with more stars than we'd ever seen at Mauna Kea, the roiling lava flow and steam not far from here, the craters at Volcanoes Nat'l Park, a double rainbow near the spectacular Laupahoehoe Point, the larger-than-life plants at the Tropical Botanical Garden.
And lots of great local food -- Spam loco at Cafe 100 in Hilo, excellent sushi at Ocean Sushi (Hilo), delicious steak at Ruth Chris (Kohala), Korean fried chicken to die for at Low International Bakery and Catering (Hilo), delectable apple monkey bread from Lanky's Pastries (Hilo), and the Kamak Attack at Kuhio Grill (Hilo).
Oh, and the snorkeling was unbelievable here too -- got to swimn and watch a sea turtle grazing at these tidepools right here!
Thank you so much for such a wonderful house to stay in -- we'll highly recommend you to others and hope to be back some day.
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Great Place
johnnap02
(New Jersey)
Review submitted: September 2, 2010
Date of arrival: August 20, 2010
Spent 10 days here and it was great! The photos are right on. Its a one minute walk to snorkel. Two beautiful state parks within 10 minutes. A great area of the island. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend or stay here again. The place was spotless clean too.
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Review submitted: August 3, 2010 Date of arrival: September 29, 2009
Mahalo -plenty:
Iki Honu was simply perfect for us.
The cottage had everything anyone could need. It certainly is a snorkeller's paradise. We were lucky enough to see "Honu". Before breakfast one morning we counted up more than fifty types of fish. We had a fabulous time & would recommend:
1) Feel the Heat, open door helicopter ride
2) Visit Volcano National Park
3) Akaka falls
and an absolute must snorkel across the road.
We are coming back,
Wendy & Simon
Cambridge, UK
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Review submitted: August 3, 2010 Date of arrival: January 22, 2010
We enjoyed snorkeling, best snorkeling in Hawaii, 1 block away, WOW!
We also enjoyed our stay here. We ould consider coming back & highly recommend it to our friends.
Also recommend Blanes Drive-In in Hilo. Great Hawaiian food at reasonably prices.
Murray & Jan
Minnesota
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Review submitted: August 3, 2010 Date of arrival: February 2, 2010
This is our first trip to Hawaii. Thank you for opening up your lovely home to us. It is everything and more than we expected! Loved the welcome basket with wine & nuts. That was a nice surprise and made us feel so welcome! We hope to come back again and will tell our friends to stay here too. Your directions were very helpful especially as we came in the evening. Loved the tide pool especially being so close to snorkel. Wonderful ~ fun ~ and great memories! Thanks again.
Levi & Aspasia
West Richland, WA.
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
This is our firs trip to Hawaii. Mahalo!
Review submitted: August 2, 2010 Date of arrival: February 2, 2010
This is our first trip to Hawaii. Thank you for opening up your lovely home to us. It is everyhting and more than we expected! Loved the welcome basket with wine & nuts. That was a nice surprise and made us so welcome. We hope to come back again and will tell our friends to stay here too. Your directions were very helpful especially as we come in the evening. Loved the tide pools especially being so close to snorkel. Wonderful~fun~and great memories! Thanks again.
Levi & Aspasia from West Richland, Wa
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Best snorkeling in Hawaii, 1 block away WOW!
Review submitted: August 2, 2010 Date of arrival: January 22, 2010
We enjoyed snorkeling, best snorkeling in Hawaii, 1 block away WOW!
We also enjoyed our stay here. We would consider coming back & highly recommend it to our friends.
Also recommend Blanes Drive-In in Hilo. Great Hawaiian food at reasonably prices.
Murray & Jan from Minnesota
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Mahalo plenty
Review submitted: August 2, 2010 Date of arrival: September 29, 2009
Iki Honu was simply perfect for us. The cottage had everything anyone could need. It certainly is a snorkeller's paradise. We were lucky enough to see "Honu". Before breakfast one morning we counted up more than fifty types of fish. We had a fabulous time & would recommend:
1) Feel the Heat, open door helicopter ride
2) Visit Volcano National Park
3) Akaka falls
and an absolute must snorkel across the road.
We are coming back.
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Quiet get-away!
Pamela
(San Jose, California, US)
Review submitted: July 20, 2010
Date of arrival: June 23, 2010
Not too far off the beaten track, but far enough that the only sounds you hear at night are the frogs and the ocean! About the size of a large studio apartment, this stand-alone home is incredible! The biggest plus is the large screened-in porch facing the tidepools: a perfect place for morning coffee or an intimate dinner. Since the streets in the Wai 'Opae enclave are quite narrow, even having a house between us and the view was not a minus. Iki Honu has an incredible, fully-loaded kitchen, a nice-sized bathroom and a very comfortable bed. We turned on the TV once--briefly--just to see how the satellite dish worked. Driving from the airport, we stopped at the KTA at 50 East Puainako Street (not the one in downtown Hilo but the one right on Hwy 11) to stock-up on groceries and a wonderful bottle of Volcano Winery wine. We made sure to buy sandwich makings and snacks for the three all-day trips we planned to the Pololu Valley Overlook (north), Ka Lae (South Point) and Volcanoes National Park (so we wouldn't have to purchase fast-food). We did find and eat local snacks though: don't miss the Punaluu Bake Shop when visiting Punaluu Black Sand Beach or Ka Lae! In Hilo, the Kuhio Grill is a great family-style restaurant with big portions (we took home a full order of fried rice for dinner the next night), and in Pahoa (the closest town), Ning's Thai is really outstanding (again, with big portions for a second night's dinner). Terry, the property manager, was very responsive to our questions and got the contract to us quickly. Teri, the housekeeper, had the house sparkling for our check-in. The nearest attraction were the Kapoho Tidepools themselves: practically right outside the door AND you don't need to be a snorkeler to enjoy and take pictures of the colorful fish and coral. Don't forget to apply plenty of sunscreen and wear water shoes to walk out on the tidepools at low tide!
Recommended for: age 55+, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 2 / 2
Review submitted: June 28, 2009 Date of arrival: June 28, 2009
As first time snorkelers it was great (and very much appreciated) to have gear to borrow. We didn't know we needed fins but found them extremely useful not to mention fun! The house couldn't have been cleaner or more convenient. While we never did see any frogs they made the perfect background sleeping and hot tub sounds at night. Loved pulling up under the house when it was raining, really cool idea. Loved every second of our stay and will return!
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Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Review submitted: June 20, 2009 Date of arrival: June 20, 2009
Thanks so much! We LOVED staying at Iki Honu :) It was perfect! Brad absolutely loved how serene the setting was, and it was the perfect introduction to the Big Island. More explicit instructions for the jacuzzi would be great. We had a hard time getting it to the temp we wanted, and it wouldn't go down to 60 degrees for us. Using the Internet connection, Brad was able to submit his research paper to
an online journal (Johanna was maybe not as thrilled about Brad working on vacation :) Thank you again for everything. We'll be recommending Iki Honu to everyone heading to Hawaii :)
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Really nice place to stay
HughG
(Canberra, Australia)
Review submitted: June 17, 2009
Date of arrival: June 10, 2009
We really enjoyed our stay here. The Kapoho Tidepools have fantastic snorkeling. Also this accomodation is one of the closest places to stay if you want to see the lava flowing into the sea. about a 25 minute drive. The spa was nice and everything worked well, we used the kitchen alot and all the oil and untensils and spices were there to use. Great!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway
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Helpful votes: 2 / 2
Rod1
(Marina del Rey, CA)
Review submitted: December 24, 2008
Date of arrival: December 24, 2008
The place was very nice perfect for us, quiet, green, great snorkeling. We wanted to be out of touch, no phones, no TV, no internet. We live in L.A., so we need a vacation from being in touch.
The Jacuzzi worked great, and we cooked dinner at home and the kitchen and Bar be Que worked exceptionally well. The Que ran out of gas, but there was back up. The snorkeling was fabulous and there are a number of interesting places to drive to that are close by.
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Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Very Nice
Rod1
(Marina del Rey, CA)
Review submitted: December 24, 2008
Date of arrival: December 17, 2008
The place was very nice, perfect for us, quiet, green, great snorkeling. We wanted to be out of touch, no phones, no TV, no internet. We live in L.A., so we need a vacation from being in touch. The Jacuzzi worked great, and we cooked dinner at home, and the kitchen and Bar be Que worked exceptionally well. The Que ran out of gas, but there was back up. The snorkeling was fabulous and there are a number of interesting places to drive to that are close by.
Recommended for: sight seeing, romantic getaway
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 6 / 6
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