edward j.
January 2024
We had a great family time. 11 people aged 13 to 80. We spent 7 nights.
Really enjoyed being in a house for togetherness. The lanai was great with ocean view. The ocean in front is really just for beauty.
But boogie boards and chairs and sand toys made the beach we drove to fun. And it is a short drive.
We cooked, played games inside and outside.
Went to a hotel for 4 nights after and everyone preferred the house and wished we had more time there
Sharon J.
July 2023
We rented Marie’s home for a vacation after my daughter’s wedding which was held at the Four Seasons, Hualalai.
In many ways this was better than being at the Four Seasons as it allowed our family to come together as a family. It was a glorious place to decompress after the stress of a wedding weekend and all that goes with the planning of a major event.
We truly appreciated and enjoyed the magical oasis of Marie’s home. The home was as described, very clean and the short walk to the beach to watch the sunset and see turtles and a myriad of other sea life was incredible. We also appreciated being able to see the stars as it was far enough away from the resorts to have a much clearer view of the sky without the light coming from the resorts. The view of the ocean from the master suite and lanai was unparalleled! And the lanai was the favorite gathering place for the family.
The best response in describing Marie’s home was from my husband who repeatedly commented, “You did very well in choosing this place!”
Larry G.
April 2023
My wife and I stayed here with my son and his wife and 9 year old along with my daughter, her husband and 7 month infant. The house and adjoining apartment over the garage ( perfect for the parents with the baby) worked well for us, with immediate access to the only sandy part of Puako Bay. The outdoor porch was spacious and the house was well equipped both inside and outside, including lots of portable chairs and boogie boards to bring to the beach. The area is close to some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island, including the “key hole” reef.
We were fortunate to encounter, Marie, the owner, earlier in the year when we were reconnoitering the area. She was staying at the house and hosting a small gathering when we wandered by. Most graciously, she invited us in from the beach after we said we had rented it Lin March and gave us a preview tour of the house, so we had a great idea of what to expect prior to our arrival.
This is a great vacation rental (he writes as he sits on the porch his last day listening to the waves and gazing out over the Bay towards the Mauna Lani Hotel).
karen w.
January 2023
Beautiful home with a stunning view of the ocean. The pools just out the back door are a spectacular place to swim (perfect for kids) and snorkel. Loved seeing all the turtles. This is also the perfect place to watch the sunset which was gorgeous every night. We were a party of 10 and fit perfectly. Marie couldn’t have been more attentive, caring host. Thank you Marie. This vacation has given us everlasting family memories.
Ed M.
January 2023
Over the past two decades, we have rented many outstanding premium vacation homes in the area. This home may be the best of them. The house is impeccably designed, built, appointed, and maintained. The beach access and ocean views are outstanding. The owner and local agent are attentive, helpful, and welcoming. We hope to visit again.
Patrick B.
October 2022
The property is beautifully presented on the beach. 7 of us shared the accommodation, which is set on a quiet road by the beach. The weather was great during our stay (2 weeks at c. 88 degrees). The villa is position on a dry part of the Island on the West coast. The sea was calm with plenty of fish and turtles. Big Island is quite large, so you typically need to travel 45 mins to 90 mins for most activities. These are generally to the South or to the East. The owner, Marie, was most helpful with advice and accommodating when our plans changed. We could not have asked for more.
Suzanne O.
October 2022
Finally made it after 2 1/2 year Covid delay.
Owner was very responsive and flexible.
Michele B.
August 2022
Perfect home for our family of five; lovely artwork/ stocked kitchen/ ocean breezes/ comfortably appointed / excellent lanai/ snorkel at beach of home/ tide pools/ beautiful sunsets/ stargazing on hammock/ ocean, beach, island views lovely setting , peaceful . Excellent location to beach 69 and Hapuna beach ; location to Waimea and restaurants easeful/ convenient. The description is accurate and memories/ experiences yours to make. Owner very responsive and available with inquiries. We had a memorable, beautiful and important family experience
Kristina K.
April 2022
The house was beautifully built, perfectly located, and had everything we could anticipate needing (completely stocked kitchen, snorkeling gear, boogie boards, beach towels, etc.). We spent ten days enjoying time relaxing out on the lanai, snorkeling off the beach next to the house, and at the end of the Puako road (a top snorkeling and dive spot). The outdoor showers next to the house made rinsing off easy. Spotted many Green Sea Turtles on the beach and in the water. Make sure to either head out of the lagoon farther where it starts to get deeper, or take a quick drive to the end of the road, where entry immediately leads to the edge of the reef and fish are plentiful. The house is conveniently located next to Beach 69, a great swimming beach, and Hapuna beach if you want to boogie board. Don't miss the malasada truck at the intersection of the road and the highway (but drive don't walk). Our extended family of 4 adults and 3 tweens fit easily into the house with enough private space for everyone. The owner was incredibly responsive to any questions. Total luxury!
Sandy M.
April 2022
Over a year ago, my husband and I decided that instead giving “stuff” to the kids and grandkids, we would make memories. After much discussion with the family (our two kids, their spouses, and four grandkids, ages 11 to 17) about what time would work for all involved (school, jobs, etc.) we settled on the fourth week of March 2022. I had already found this house, and thank goodness, it was available. It has three suites with king-size beds in the main house, plus the apartment with beds for each of the three boys. Perfect for our family of three couples, one girl (the extra bed in the upstairs room) and three boys. The house was on the beach so we could snorkel right there, and Hapuna Beach is a ten minute drive for boogie boarding. My husband and I planned to relax and not to have to go any further than that, yet the kids could explore more of the island if they chose. (Note: For Hapuna Beach State Park, there is a $20 charge per car pus a $5 per person per day, but the beach is worth it.)
The house is lovely, with everything as depicted in the description and more. We all had our private areas but whoever wasn’t in or on the water enjoyed time together on the comfortable lanai. One of the very nice features of the home was the dining table that seated everyone for family meals, a rare find in a VRBO. There were plenty of dishes, spices and condiments available, towels, beach chairs and random snorkeling equipment. We rented more snorkeling equipment from the handy nearby General Store. (Their Kona coffee ice cream is delicious!)
Because my husband died of cancer in January, the trip was not as we had anticipated, but it was a gentle and healing time for the nine of us, and yes, many good memories were made.
Many thanks to our wonderful and generous host, Marie, and her local representative, Katherine. Both were gracious, readily available, and easy to work with throughout the entire process. We could not have asked for a better experience. Mahalo nui loa.
Kim R.
January 2022
Our family of 7 fit very comfortably in the beautiful house, and our local family of 4 more joined us most days for dinner. There was plenty of room and supplies, dishes, towels, quality beach and snorkel gear for all of us. The beach was perfect and the whales sporting in the ocean put the experience over the top. Thanks for a wonderful week in a great location.
Richard R.
January 2022
My wife and I are grandparents. We had our adult children and three grandchildren with us for Christmas week on the Big Island. We've stayed in Puako two other times, but this time was the best, because this house was so great. The owners Marie and Dom are great people who made us feel at home in their beautiful home and were always available to answer questions within a few moments of a text of email. So many things make this place special: The location on the beach with a comfortable sandy beach about 100 yards walk through a hedge, even though most of the shore at Puako is rocky. The beautiful art work a woodwork throughout the house. The luxurious and plentiful towels. The huge lanai where we spent most of our time and had our meals. We are a family of 9 and the place was so spacious, everyone could have their sense of privacy while still being with the family for the holiday week. There were many games for the kids to play. There was snorkeling equipment and boogie boards. An excellent grill. Huge windows everywhere so that one could see the ocean and the front gate from almost everywhere. The internet was high speed. The cable TV had all the premium channels, plus netflix and prime. We had great dinners delivered by a local chef so none of us had to be cooks during a vacation and it was so easy in the superbly equipped kitchen. We had a four year old who we could let play in the front and the backyard. grass There were many exotic birds visiting the back yard. So many things make this a perfect place for a family vacation, but the best was the beauty. Thank you so much to Marie and Dom for making their home available.
Jim C.
December 2021
Beautiful home, wonderfully appointed, perfect location.
bert c.
August 2021
Looking to go back with the same group, and new people as well
Leesa F.
July 2021
Our family of 9 stayed at the Puako house. There was plenty of room for everyone to have their own space and to make meals together. The lanai was the primary living space for us. Beautiful views. Easy access to get in the water just to the right side of the beach. Peaceful neighborhood. Beautiful property inside and out. Very clean. Marie- the owner, was great with communication, availability and offering suggestions.
We had an issue with our rental just before we had to leave and the local agent was also extremely accommodating and helpful- she went above and beyond. We highly recommend this home and hope to have the opportunity to return.
Lauren F.
May 2021
I would highly recommend this home and location. Our extended family loved sitting on the lanai and enjoying the ocean and sunsets. It’s a super short walk to the swimming beach where we swam, snorkeled and rented paddle boards. The house is big, comfortable and beautiful. It was fully stocked with everything we needed for cooking and grilling. We have two young kids and it was great for them with the hammock outside, lawn area and a box of toys and some games inside. It’s a quiet and peaceful area. We would stay here again!
Brian C.
January 2021
Our family of 10 stayed over the holidays and could not have imagined a more perfect spot to spend time together with the indoor/outdoor living accommodations overlooking the ocean. There is no need to go anywhere else given the incredible snorkeling and sandy beach steps from the back door, but it is conveniently situated between the two best resorts on the island.
Iris H.
December 2020
Beautiful view out the sliding glass doors to wake up to every morning. Great space for just the two of us. Kitchen has the basics for your meals at home. Minimal steps away from the shoreline/beach. Easy communication.
Dave H.
February 2020
Access to the best of the Big Island whether it be beaches, snorkeling, golf or sightseeing. The home and garage apartment are perfect for a family vacation. Perfect open layout in the living/dining and kitchen areas..The exterior and interior were immaculately maintained. Access to the Puako Bay beach was perfect. Quiet neighborhood with a country store 100 yards away. Restaurants choices could not be better. Everything from high end resort restaurants to charming spots in Hawi, our favorite, and Waimea. Cyclists -- the Kona Ironman bike route is one mile from the house and provides extra wide shoulders and well maintained road surface to say nothing of stunning scenery.
Matt S.
January 2020
This property is in the perfect location and built for entertainment. We had 3 generations of family with us and everyone loved it. It's located in an area close enough to anything you would want to see or do but with infinitely more privacy then anything found in Kona. It is fenced off from the road so we didn't have to worry about our young children running into the street. We saw whales off the back porch almost every day with beautiful backdrops. The property manager met us late in the evening due to an unexpected flight delay without any issue and made the walk through seamless. If you are on the fence between this and anywhere else I hope this review is the deciding factor as this property has it all!
Judy W.
December 2019
Aloha Sands was a terrific setting for our family to spend relaxing time together. The ocean views were beautiful and having the beach so close was such a treat! The owners were quick to help with any issues and definitely don’t miss the roadside donut truck at the end of the street 🍩!!
February 2012
The house and the location are perfect. Every morning I would jog along Puako Beach Road and then grab a cup of coffee, walk a hundred yards to the beach, and watch the wales breaching. What a way to start the day! The house itself is wonderful, and it is so convenient to have the little store across the street for last minute supplies. And many choices of restaurants nearby -- either to the south towards Four Seasons or north to Kawaihae or up the hill to Waimea. This was one of the best vacation spots that we have ever had, and my wife and I have a lot of vacation experience! We will come back.
Eileen F.
January 2012
Our week-long stay at Aloha Sands was perfect in every way. The house was as advertised, which means it worked well for our family and friends, including our 19 month grandson. The owners had a crib, high chair, toys, and with the large deck he had room to roam. Of course the high light for him was discovering the ocean. The shallow tide pools right out the front door with almost no wave action was great. The adults enjoyed the snorkeling plus having Hapuna Beach, the best for boogie boarding,is only 5 minutes away! Well stocked kitchen, plenty of linens, falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and a responsive owner. Everything that makes this a home I would recommend for small groups (ours was 7) to larger families.
October 2011
Beautiful, gracious and spacious home with a view "to die for." Lovely grounds, in a natural setting, terrific outdoor lanai for dinning and sitting. Enter the great room that is expansive and welcoming. Well appointed, with all the kitchen tools anyone could want in great kitchen overlooking the ocean. Thoughtful owners even provide beach towels, beach chairs and snorkel gear. Hapuna and 69 beaches nearby and wonderful in addition to beach and ocean access out the back door. Definitely recommend for couples or family. We'll definitely come back again.
September 2011
We stayed at this magnificent home in August 2011 and we had one of our most favorite vacations ever!!
I'm so glad we chose to rent a home vs stay in a resort hotel room.
The location was ideal ...it was sunny every day (which is not unusual for Puako) and was cooled by the breezes in the early morning and late evening (we didn't need to run the AC at all). The home was immaculate, newer, every amenity possble, very open floor plan and very resort-like. We loved the large lanai overlooking the beach. And the large grassy back yard area that opened up to the beach. It provided a lot of privacy and an area for the kids to play.
We brought our mother on the trip who at times preferred staying at the house vs going to the beach, etc... And she has a nice time simply staying home, reading, relaxing, etc.. So much better than being in a cramped hotel room.
LOCAL BEACHES:
The white sandy beach was at our footsteps which was perfect for tidepools, short strolls, and great sunset photos
Additionally, you are literally just a 5 to 10 minute drive to 69 Beach (snorkeling), Hapuna Beach (boogie boarding), and Mauna Lani resort beach (really good snorkeling).
LOCAL TOWNS:
20 minute drive up to Waimea (local shops, farmers market, restaurants).
40 minutes or so to Hawi (older Hawaiian town for shopping).
We were very happy staying more close to home which made it very relaxing. And I would definitely come back again.
May 2011
Without a doubt the most relaxing vacation, in the most beautiful surroundings,we have ever had an opportunity to enjoy! From the moment we entered the property, with the lush gardens and secluded ambiance, to the entryway with the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, we were entanced. The interior design is perfect in every way...We enterained several times utilizing the professionl-like kitchen, while actually dining on the lanai with it's extrordianry views of the sunset. During the day we swam, snorkled, went kayaking and of course just lay on the beach! As an aside the wild life in the area is wonderful! Those evenings we wished to go out the Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea and last but not least my favorite Merriman's as well as many others are all within a short drive.
If I had ten wishes one of them would be for everyone to enjoy this bit of heaven!
Gary and Midgie
March 2010
My husband and I had a wonderful stay at this jaw-dropping property. It is so lovely that we had to force ourselves to leave and explore the rest of the island. Just sitting on the deck gazing at the ocean, watching for whales, and snorkeling right out the back, was all the vacation we needed, although it is easy to get to beautiful beaches, groovy restaurants, and cool shops from here. We did one all-day outing to the Volcano National Park which is highly recommended, stopping at the Botanical Gardens on the way. That said, returning "home" from our many shorter jaunts, was always a highlight after any outing, as the luxurious comfort of this property and the view and breezes from every window, made us never want to leave. Count yourself lucky if you have the opportunity to spend some time here. You'll be booking your return as you walk out the door. It's magical.
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.