The Best

Surfer Girl (New York)
Review submitted: March 24, 2008   Date of arrival: March 1, 2008

This is a great place to stay in Kona. The owner has provided you with all you'll need for a wonderful vacation. If you're looking for a home away from home right on top of the Ocean this is it. We would recommend to one and all. We will stay again.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, sight seeing, tourists without a car

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Helpful votes: 15 / 16

The Perfect Escape

Monica F. ()
Review submitted: April 28, 2013   Date of arrival: March 15, 2013

Marianna,

We loved our stay at your place! Perfect location, close enough to downtown Kailua Kona but far enough away from all the hustle and bustle. The privacy of this location is superb! The amenities were great and the sound of the ocean was spectacular! We live on the beach in San Diego and although we hear the ocean, we also hear lots street noise, so needless to say, we were very happy to not hear any sounds from the street and only hear the ocean. We also appreciated the overall welcoming feeling of your condo, it was the ideal setting to relax and unwind and appreciate your surroundings.

The property was well-maintained and clean. I would highly recommend this place and we will definitely be back. Thank you Marianna for accommodating our request to extend our stay once we arrived on The Big Island, it was a relief to know we didn't have to scramble for a hotel.

On a side note for recommendations: if you are looking to save money on groceries, shop at the open market near St. Michael's Church on Alii Dr, it's much cheaper and fresher than the grocery stores. We also shopped at local Farmers Markets. For restaurants, Huggo's is kind of a tourist trap and over-priced. We enjoyed Humpy's, which is right across the street from Huggo's, (happy hour Mon-Fri 3-6). If you are looking to rent Scuba gear, Jack's diving locker is great, $6.00 a day and they provide you with detailed maps and directions for snorkeling spots on the island.

If you choose to book your stay at Banyan Tree 404, you will not regret your choice! We have been to The Big Island many times are so glad we found this location.

The Mehrings

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Banyan Tree Condo Kona

JAM (Colorad)
Review submitted: March 18, 2013   Date of arrival: March 1, 2013

We loved staying in this condo. It was an open, relaxed space with beautiful views of the shore and the ocean; great whale and dolphin watching. It was out of the busyness of downtown Kona but very accessible to anything we wanted to do. I would recommend it to anyone interested in a quiet, beautiful Hawaii vacation.

Recommended for: age 55+, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

My favorite Kona lodging

Vi (Reno, Nv)
Review submitted: March 3, 2013   Date of arrival: February 19, 2013

Thanks Marianna for another great stay in your condo. The tall chairs on the lanai are the perfect place to have morning coffee, enjoy the view and watch all the activity on the water. That is where I spent most of my time. Had everything we needed to enjoy candlelight dinners on the lanai every night and watch the sun set beyond the surfers. Can't beat it, and can't wait until we can make a return visit.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Amazing view

Eric (Waterdown, Ontario)
Review submitted: January 28, 2013   Date of arrival: January 12, 2013

We loved watching the surfers and whales in the distance. You do need to be an advanced surfer to join them though. Very good snorkeling spot a couple miles down the shore line. The town of Kona was also stunning. Huggos was excellent and had someone for everyone.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

four rejuvenated nurses

none (seattle)
Review submitted: December 30, 2012   Date of arrival: October 31, 2012

boy did we need a rest from caregiving and we got it! we just had the greatest ohana extened to us by marianna, she came over a couple times to make sure our needs were met. very peaceful, watched young surfers from dawn to dusk, used a relaxing pool

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Great place

Christin N. ()
Review submitted: November 25, 2012   Date of arrival: November 18, 2012

We stayed here witruler 12 year old daughter. It is very conveniently located. We went to Magic Sands beach each day, a mile south, to go boogie boarding. Snorkeling was great ther also. The condo is very clean, right over the ocean and feels secluded. The ocean is very loud at night when everything is open. Feels secluded because you can't see the other units. Would definitely recommend!

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Our stay

User (California)
Review submitted: September 22, 2012   Date of arrival: September 11, 2012

My mother and 2 sisters and I loved this condo. It was extremely clean. The condo had covered parking, an elevator (with a code which was nice), a pool that also had a code to get in, and air conditioning. While we didn't need the air all the tilme, my mother is elderly and is not used to the humidity so we wanted it for her comfort if needed. 2 days before we were to arrive, I recieved an email from the owner that the air conditioning unit had broken, and the part would not be in for 2 weeks! WIth that, she purchased a portable unti for our comfort. NOW THAT IS SERVICE!

It was very comfortable and could not have asked for a better view. It was so fun to watch the surfers from our unit. And we even so a turtle feeding the water was so clear. I would recommend this unit!!

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Awesome water views!

Flyrod (Moe, VIC, Australia)
Review submitted: September 10, 2012   Date of arrival: August 11, 2012

What a fantastic week we had at Banyan Tree 404. You can be confident that the pictures on this site tell the story well, in particular that view!
The warm welcome we received from Marianna began a very relaxing week. The condo had everything wee needed and also included some special touches to give it a lovely homely feel.The location is perfect if you want to be away from the busier parts of Kona, but still an easy drive to the shops and restaurants and an easy walk to a delightful sandy beach where turtles are often seen amongst the swimmers. As the block is relatively small, there is no feeling of being crowded, in fact we rarely saw any of the other guests, although the site manager, Daina, was very helpful with advice about the area and always with a smile.
If the recliner mentioned in a previous review is the one there now, it was so comfortable to sit back with a good book and a cool drink that it should surely stay.

If you are looking for somewhere nice for dinner, we can recommend Huggo's on the Rocks for another magnificent view, good food and nightly entertainment.

We will definitely be back!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Great view and location!

Mimi (Pleasanton, CA)
Review submitted: July 18, 2012   Date of arrival: July 9, 2012

The view and location of the condo is terrific. The pictures on VRBO needs to be refreshed along with some items in the condo. Marianna is very friendly and nice. However, the interior needs some TLC and updating as the condo is well used. (Condo was dusty upon our arrival and the kitchen sink had a leak.) We paid extra for air-conditioning but didn't really need it. Over-all was a comfortable stay.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Banyon Tree Condo at Kona

Tom H. ()
Review submitted: June 25, 2012   Date of arrival: June 16, 2012

My family and I had a wonderful time on the Big Island and our Banyon Tree condo was super. It was on the most beautiful part of the island with access to the best restaurants and shopping. It was a terrific location, near so many nice beaches and snorkeling spots. The 4th floor views were tremendous, a daily show of some terrific surfers, and the constant sound of the surf - we could throw a stone and hit the pacific - you can't get much closer than that. Nicely appointed with all the amenities one would need - we were very happy. Nicely maintained both inside and around the pool area. We'd recommend this place!

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Loved our stay!!

Aarushi B. (San Jose, California)
Review submitted: May 28, 2012   Date of arrival: May 22, 2012

Amazinggg, beautiful and lovely.. Completely loved your condo. This surely was our home away from home. Beautiful view of the ocean, we literally felt as if we were in the sea. It was so serene to wake up to the sound of waves right outside your home. The place is so well equipped and very well kept. We would surely recommend anyone visiting the big island to stay here. Its very close to Kona downtown and everything is so easily accessible. Thanks for a wonderful experience. Mahalo :):)

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Kona Condo

Phil & Elaine (Clarence, NY)
Review submitted: February 16, 2012   Date of arrival: February 4, 2012

WOW! WOW! This condo is beautiful, comfortable and clean; and it was very difficult to leave and come back home! Pretty much everything you need is there. I can't think of one negative about this rental, except that we had to leave! Rent this condo, then pack your bags and feel confident that what you rented online is what you will see when you arrive. We did not take the additional AC, and it really wasn't necessary...opened all the doors and windows and there was a wonderful breeze throughout all the rooms. THANK YOU, Marianna, for letting us enjoy your condo; especially liked that it was clean! Wished we could have visited longer on Saturday but you were busy and we were off to enjoy our last day on the island. If ever we return to Kona, we will be sure to contact you for a rental. Again, Mahalo!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Wonderful Stay!

Jen (RI)
Review submitted: January 31, 2012   Date of arrival: January 14, 2012

My husband and I stayed here 1/14/12-1/18/12. This condo is beautiful! The view is unbelievable! The sound of the waves crashing right below is one of my favorite memories from the trip. Marianna is kind enough to stock the condo with beach towels, sunscreen, chairs, etc. and it is so nice to feel right at home while away. I hope we can come back and visit again soon,
Jen

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

No interference

April Honeysuckle (US)
Review submitted: September 13, 2010   Date of arrival: September 9, 2010

If you are the type of person that wants to see people only when you want and do not want drama when reserving Marianna's condo then this is the place for you! You are at the ocean on the top floor with no people in sight except for a few surfers. The ocean can be seen from the kitchen AND from the soaking tub. My husband and I had breakfast on the lanai every morning and enjoyed a cocktail every night watching the sunset. Location is near to everything. Home away from home. Thank you kindly, Marianna!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Paradies

hase (Seeheim-Jugenheim)
Review submitted: June 29, 2010   Date of arrival: June 18, 2008

2 years ago we stayed at this stunning apartment (june 2008 max and birgit from germany) and we loved it so much. it really was a fantastic time. Marianna, you are special - so friendly and understanding, thanks again and looking forward to seeing you and your apartment again some day.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

The title was fine.

jessup (Redmond, WA USA)
Review submitted: March 25, 2010   Date of arrival: January 14, 2010

My wife and I stayed here for our 10 year anniversary and I don't think you can get any closer to the water without getting wet!! The view was beautiful and the sounds of the ocean were inviting. The condo provided a good "base camp" for our stay and we really enjoyed the bar style chairs on the lanai to watch the sunsets. Beds were a little hard and unit could use a little updating but overall decent value for the price.

Recommended for: romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 3 / 5

Unbeatable view; very usable kitchen

Bubblescooks (Northern California)
Review submitted: January 8, 2010   Date of arrival: December 21, 2009

We were very fortunate to ring in 2010 at this condo. We were even more fortunate to have two full weeks there. What a treat! The unit is clean, very well equipped (plenty of towels and sunscreen etc, but even treats like boogie boards and beach umbrellas), and extremely comfortable. On the fourth floor you feel like you are literally on the ocean -- almost like waking up on a cruise each morning with nothing but crashing waves and sparkling surf below. There are sea turtles visible right below, and it is also one of the best surf spots in Kona. It is also a very nicely decorated unit - with indonesian buddha's and a wild assortment of cherubs. But decorated in a very relaxed way - not a terribly "be careful" way. There were two TVs - it was great for my daughter to have a TV in her bedroom since she doesn't get that at home. And the kitchen (I like to cook) was far better equipped than most places I have stayed, with pots and pans that were genuinely usable.
We can't live without broadband internet, so it was great to have DSL available, and have it working well.
The pool was remarkably uncrowded. There were always more chairs than people, and the spa was almost always available as well. There is a gas grill that we used as well in the pool area.
Marianna was also a total pleasure to rent from -- she is very generous of spirit and makes everything easy. She is also very well organized.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 8 / 9

Stay for our 25th Wedding Anniversary

ScottandPaula (Aurora, CO)
Review submitted: May 1, 2009   Date of arrival: April 18, 2009

This was the most relaxing 6 days of my life!! My wife and I stayed here as part of our trip to the islands for our 25th wedding anniversary and could have not been more pleased. It was convenient to Kona town (dining and shopping), to the beach, to golf, but most of all, just sitting on the lanai watching the turtles and surfers and soaking up the warm Hawaii sun. Marianna provided everything we could have possibly wanted or needed. We made the mistake of not reading the comprehensive description of the conmmdo and the property until shortly before we left but we had no problem finding everything we needed. Thanks to Marianna for her hospitality and making this a trip of a lifetime!!!

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 3 / 4

Delightful Stay

ACS211 (London)
Review submitted: April 28, 2009   Date of arrival: April 15, 2009

Thank you, Marianna. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The view from the unit is unquestionably magnificent and we hope that others will trust our review. We were not disappointed.

Points of fact. Quiet location, fantastic ocean view, unique/charming condo decor, and spacious layout.

Sincerely,
Alex Sanchez (London, UK)

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 2

Guestbook Comment

HAC141363 (green valley, az.)
Review submitted: May 24, 2008   Date of arrival: May 1, 2008

The nicest condo we Haven't stayed at....This is a note to thank Marianna for the professional treatment we received when after booking a two week stay, she realized that ongoing renovations to the exterior of the building would effect the quality of our stay. She immediately contacted us and assured us whatever we decided would be fine with her. Since the work was going to be so disruptive we decided our only option was to change properties. Because of Marianna's honesty and caring attitude our vacation will still be a great one. Mahalo, Marianna. Gayle and I can't wait for our next chance to visit Kona and we will definetly be staying at your condo in the future. Thanks again, Terry O'Malley

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Helpful votes: 2 / 4

Guestbook Comment

Guetten (Kalifornien, USA)
Review submitted: September 13, 2006   Date of arrival: September 1, 2006

Dear Marianna.
You are right. The ocean view, the sounds and the sunsets are awesome. It has been the best vacation that we had in a very long time. We have traveled all over the world and we have stayed in may luxery hotels. This lovely condo is the best.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
We shall be back.
Peter and Jan Altheim
Sarasota, Florida

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Helpful votes: 4 / 4