MIGUEL C.
December 2024
The condo was larger than the photos make it look. The beds were comfortable, and while there was A/C in the living room only, we did not need to use it during our stay as the windows did a better job of cooling the place. The condo was well stocked with Beach equipment. The location was very convenient for the best sandy beach on the island.limited grocery stores nearby so best to stock up before heading to the condo.
Lynn W.
November 2024
Outstanding location a few minutes walk to the bay. Beautiful groubds, sunsets and so many turtles. Very windy at times on the corner lanai but sheltered lanai off one bedroom.
Havalah W.
August 2024
We had the beach time here! Puako is the best place on big island.. it’s quiet and quaint and the condo was so easy and convenient. We were totally at home here. Comfy beds, great showers, and the washer and dryer were a huge perk. Close to all the best beaches and the house was stocked w beach gear. I would pack a cooler though! Just a hot tip. It’s got at the condo during the day time bc there is only 1 AC so as long as you are out adventuring you’ll be fine. Cooled down at night easily. We will be back!!
Istvan p.
May 2024
The building property manager a old lady who bothered us multiple times checking us! First day knocking on us door for smoke comes out from our unit no one smoked in our family, loud noises when 4 days no one was in the unit!
When you're going to use the pool or the grill at the pool checking on you what you doing all the time!
The property picture shows has a grill on the patio it is not correct you need to use the grill at the pool where no privacy all the old people getting on the balcony and watching you some use binoculars!
Annette
May 2024
Quiet peaceful condo with friendly neighbors. Easy walk to several shore access points. Short drive to Hapuna and Spencer beaches.
Everything we needed was provided except food of course. Beautiful welcome basket.
Definitely would stay here again.
jennifer k.
February 2024
the hardest part of our stay was finding the building in the dark. most likely due to all the talking that was going on in the car. every day had little surprises... the great market next door, the fun quiet pool, and best of all the amazing quiet, tranquil beach directly across the street. just wading into the water we saw turtles, rays, angel fish, eels. let alone when you put on the snorkel. super easy short distance from hupuna beach if you want more action.
Robert Z.
December 2023
Well equipped condo just across the street from Puako Bay. Snorkeling was great. Thanks for all.
Sandy G.
April 2023
Was not overly clean though I have high standards. Kitchen was well equipped and when we needed an additional frypan it was provided without question. The electric bbq on the lanai takes a very long time to cook meats, when we asked to use the propane BBQ at the pool were able to do so without any difficulty. Responsive to most requests in a timely manner though slow with a request for dish soap which would have been helpful in managing gnats so was frustrating to have to request multiple times and not receive a response for several days. Great to have the General store next door for cold beverages and incredible ice cream, unfortunately does not sell milk or cream. Most excellent location if you enjoy morning sunrise and evening sunsets that are truly amazing, extraordinary when treated by performances from whales. We were staying when gnats were particularly bothersome and very difficult to manage which made it challenging to maintain the space (gnats in the fridge, on all surfaces inside and on windows and deck). If you enjoy snorkelling Puako is in my opinion some of the best on the Island!
Michael W.
August 2022
The apartment is well appointed for cooking with a lanai too. One shower head could be replaced in one of the bathrooms. Other than that all good.
DeWaine T.
July 2022
We loved staying in Puako! It's just down the street to our favorite beaches! The condo was comfy and well-stocked, and the property managers were helpful and accommodating. We hate to say Goodbye!
tamara b.
January 2022
Location is excellent!
Jeremy G.
December 2021
Came out to the big island for a friends wedding and found this place because it was the most reasonably priced and right near the beach. We all ended up enjoying our stay and really enjoyed Hapuna beach which was only a few minutes drive away from our place. The kitchen is a nice size as well if you're looking to cook your own food and store whatever else in the fridge. The Market next store is also very convenient for any food/drinks you may need, and in my case, goggles and a snorkel.
claudia a.
December 2021
Everything was as advertised. We arrived hot, tired, and a bit confused because of the covid protocols. Condo 109 was airy; soft Hawaiian music was playing; there was coffee and chocolates. There was plenty of toilet paper and garbage bags. We instantly relaxed. It was wonderful.
Ken M.
August 2021
Loved the quiet of Puako condos. Walking across the street to take in the sunsets was a highlight. The unit was dated and the kitchen needs an update. We enjoyed all the channels on the cable. After a day exploring it was nice to watch the Olympics. Overall a good value.
Heather G.
April 2021
I remember seeing this property on a previous trip so I knew where it was. It was quiet and perfect for us. We had a big group. It was my husband and I with or 4yo son, along with my Mother, father and brother in-laws. This place worked great for all of us.
I was worried about the kitchen but was pleasantly surprised. It came with everything we needed. The oven works well along with the microwave and toaster. It was hard to get in to restaurants due to are large group and COVID issues. We cooked in most days. The grill was great to have as well.
I personally believe this is the best location on the island. Puako beach is privet, unique and magical. We were lucky enough to find turtles and witness wales breaching while holding our cups of coffee. The little beach up the street was perfect for my 4yo. We didn’t miss a sunset. Puako delivers the best sunsets!
The beds were comfortable and so was the water pressure in the showers. It was hard not to bring in sand, even with the hose out front but there was a great vacuum and broom to help us keep things clean.
The condo is minutes away from 3 of the best beaches on the island. 69, Hapuna, and Mauna Kea. Bring your snorkel! The snorkeling at the end of Puako is world class. The little Puako store next door is great for snorkeling and diving help along with small essentials and beer. Super friendly!
We didn’t need much but it was easy to ask questions and get help when we needed it.
Parking couldn’t be easier we even had a bit of shade.
We loved the balcony! It was big and a great place for our lunch and breakfast. There’s not an outdoor light so we had dinner inside.
This is a fabulous location! The condo itself is clean and easy to live in. It’s in an older building so it has some small issues like the sliding doors don’t slide perfectly but nothing sticks out that was a real issue.
I hope this review helps you pick your next vacation. Ours is over and I’m already missing our Puako place. We hope to come back and stay here again.
Mahalo!
Mike N.
April 2020
Location sell this place, close to great beaches. Resident Manager was great in taking care of some issues she could. Overall the condo needs some updating and work. Furniture is worn and needs deep cleaning, or cushions replaced. Lanai furnishing rusty and cushions worn through. One bath is updated, the other needs a complete redo. On the positive note the location is amazing. Close to some of the best beaches, great walking area, quiet and yet close to things you need.
Claire D.
March 2020
The apartment was very comfortable and well-appointed. Unfortunately it was quite windy most of the time so we couldn't use the balconies. Puako is a bit out of the way, but really anywhere in the US you have to drive a lot, so that's not really a problem. And Hapuna beach is very close - and was probably our favorite beach!
Susan T.
November 2019
Comfortable and inviting condo in a pleasant residential area. Close to the beach. Some road noise from local traffic but quiets down at night. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend the condo and location.
Erin O.
November 2019
Exceptional property managers on site. They were easy to communicate with and fast to respond. We really appreciated some of the extra steps taken for us, such as lending us a high chair and a pack'n'play. Pool was great, and access to beaches couldn't have been better.
We also loved the daily free fruit in the lobby. Oh, and it has an AC unit in the living room was heavenly!
Overall, the property is in need of a facelift. The bathtubs leak, the toilets didn't always flush, and everything was a bit tired. The dishwasher wasn't working however property management was great about finding a resolution for us. A new one was going to be ordered and installed. Also, the bbq had two wasp nests! A big drawback was the massive renovation upstairs. It was very noisy every day including on the weekend which was unfortunate.
Most of our complaints were situational. If you're looking for a basic place to lay your head and walk to beaches this would work.
Glenn B.
June 2019
Overall, my wife, two adult sons, and I had a fantastic trip. We were in HI for the Hawaii 70.3 Ironman triathlon (my son and I were racing).
This condo was in a super quiet, secluded neighborhood with easy and close access across the street to Puako Bay and awesome snorkeling, hanging out on a beach, and wading.
It is definitely NOT in a development that makes you feel like you are back in the hustle and bustle of daily living and that was special to us. If crowds and easy access to restaurants is your thing - this isn't the place for you. But if you like the laid back, quiet world and don't mind a reasonably short drive to restaurants in Waimea and Waikaloa - this is your place.
There were a few minor maintenance things that can be improved - ceiling fans in the two smaller rooms that work well at higher speeds without making lots of noise, a kitchen light that doesn't blink like a strobe, etc. But these were easily adapted to and didn't alter our experience too much. If you are looking for central air - not here - just a window unit in the family room. Like most of Hawaii - A/C isn't a standard thing. We enjoyed the almost constant breezes and cross flow on this end unit and only got hot when the air became still on a couple of the days of our stay.
Also, there were beach chairs and a beach umbrella too - invaluable!!
Next to the Condo is a cute store: Puako General Store - with just about anything you need - very quaint and friendly!!
The location is perfect for accessing Waimea, Hawi, Waikaloa and as a base for excursions with Blue Hawaiian Helicoptors, to Moana Kea with Hawaii Forest and Trail tours, and to Hilo on the other side of the island with gorgeous waterfalls and a return through Volcano National Park.
Thanks for a great vacation!
Erin H.
January 2019
We really enjoyed staying in Puako. The location is superb–located near Hapuna Beach and Beach 69, and literally right across from the awesome tidepools and friendly neighborhood beach at Puako. The condo location was convenient, parking was great and easy, and the proximity to the General Store (right next door) is AWESOME.
We like to cook and we book condos so we can do our own meals. (This is especially handy with a toddler.) We found that the kitchen wasn't very well outfitted for people who actually cook. There were lots of *things,* but they did not add up to a useful collection of items for actually preparing meals, and there were no cupboards in which we could store food. The owners could benefit from putting just a little more thought into what people would need for cooking.
The property management was AWESOME. There was a problem with the internet while we were there, and Jay and his wife Arlene (and their sweet son) were friendly, courteous, and on it. I can't say enough wonderful things about them.
One more thing to note: Puako lies in a wind tunnel between the two mountains. We had HUGE winds the whole time we were there. I love to sleep in wind, but my partner does not. Our toddler learned to say "wind" while we were staying here. This was not an issue for me, personally, but could be for people who are more sensitive sleepers.
All in all, we had a great time. We felt at home. Things were a bit dated in the condo, but it was very comfortable. With a little more attention to the kitchen supplies, this would be a great place to return to in the future.
Amy S.
October 2018
Puako is such a great place. The location and 3 bedrooms is such a good deal for the price. It was stocked with everything you need. The pool was clean. The furniture was dated, but comfortable. The one downfall is that it needed to be sprayed inside. I’m used to Hawaii bugs/cockroaches, but there were more than a few residents inside. I would still stay here again.
Nico M.
December 2017
Puako is such a wonderful location near Hapuna Bay. We are so glad we chose Puako over other locations (Waikoloa, Kailua). This condo has a beach across the street, with access path. The condo is nicely located and next door to the Puako General Store. The condo served our needs, but the posted pictures are nicer than in person, and we were surprised by the age of the building. It felt dark and aged. The lanai off the master is nice, and the master bedroom is a good size. One bathroom has a jetted tub that filled the entire room - it could fit our family of six inside! The other bathroom has a shower/bath combo, with chipped porcelain. The bedroom ceiling fans have chain riggings running down the wall, and the living room felt a bit like a motel at night. During the day, we opened the curtains and let the sun in. We did not spend much time inside the condo, and again it served our needs especially with cooking daytime meals for the beach, but we would've chosen a more modern facility if we'd known. The managers were very nice and receptive to our call about parking location and texts for towels. Lovely people!!
December 2016
Our family has stayed in many of the Puako condos over the years. This was our first time in 109. There is a reason we keep coming back to Aloha Debbie. We had asked if they could provide a cot and there was a brand new air bed waiting for us when we arrived. There was a storm that blew off all the blinds and they came and put up curtains right away. The unit was clean and comfortable. We loved the large lanai that has a partial ocean view. The huge two person jetted tub was a lovely perk. Very small problems with condo that are easily fixed and didn't bother us.
We love that this is off the beaten path and not a touristy area. We've recommended these condos to others over the years and they've all been satisfied with their stays. Perfect condo for older or disabled people. Parking is just a few steps from the condo itself and my 84 year old mother had no problems getting to and from. The beach across the street is lovely but I would not recommend snorkeling there. My brother and I were caught in strong rip tides twice and had trouble getting back to shore. If you're adventurous, snorkeling was excellent at the and of Puako Beach Drive. It's a little hard to get in and out of the water there but doable. Waimea is a good place to go and eat. There is a craft brew place there that had fabulous food and was affordable ( can't remember the name ). Costco and Walmart in Kona were good for grocery shopping and we filled in our groceries at Foodland which is close by. There is a little general store beside the condos that was good for last minute stuff like eggs and bread, it's convenient but pricey.
You do need a rental car to get around so keep that in mind.
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.