Ignoring the negative reviews and focused on the positive ones??...however....the negative ones are correct.
1. Pictures not accurate (patio furniture is basic Target stuff...not nice padded furniture like in the pictures....there is no radio/stereo in the place...there were in the pictures)
2. Limited kitchen supplies and basic at best....no can opener???? Knives cheap and dull....Cutting boards think and flimsy....no plastic cups to take down to the pool.
3. Beds in 2nd bedroom are squeaky, roll around and are seeminly short (my 5' 7" daughters feet hung off the end.
4. AC System programmed to shut off at night and hard to figure out if you don't own a similar system.
5. Bugs are bugs...this is understandable in a 1st floor property...they will fly in if you open the patio in the evening...that's just how it is.
6. Propane ran out after two cooking sessions and in the middle of a third session...the other tank available was empty...had to call to get them replaced.
Kolea is an awesome facility, but book a different unit not from this company.
David D.
August 2024
The condo was in an amazing location. Plenty of space for our party of 4 to spread out. The condo was clean and well stocked.
Lisa B.
August 2024
From the moment we drove through the gate, to checking into the amazing condo. We were so in awe with the views, the scenery, the amenities, the 5 minute walk to A Bay. My family and I are and will stay at Hula Moon time and time again.
Frank C.
August 2024
The property owner was great with communication, and very kind to compile a list of activities and asked the age of my children to be more specific. The location was walking distance to many activities we enjoyed. I will definitely look at this condo when coming back to the Big Island. Very enjoyable vacation!
Vanessa C.
July 2024
The apartment is better than what you expect, the complex/resort is stunning, surrounding areas are simply beautiful, having so close markets, shops, restaurants, and all you need! also, the apartment has everything for the beach, and beyond. Robert the owner responded very quickly, gave us great suggestions of what to do, and was very easy to communicate with, we will definitely stay there again.
Carolina O.
July 2024
We absolutely LOVED this rental. It’s huge, comfortable and clean. The views on the porch are better than pictured, and the location can’t be beat. The pool area is stunning and access to A-Bay is so Can’t wait to return one day.
Kate R.
July 2024
We had a wonderful time staying at the condo in Kolea. The condo itself was clean and just as described in the listing. Everything went fine during our stay, but if it hadn't, communication with the property manager was very easy. The kids loved the pool area and the beach. Definitely would consider returning on a future vacation!
Alison L.
July 2024
The property is well maintained, well furnished and great for families. The host is very easy to get a hold of and very helpful.
Aaron D.
July 2024
Beautiful place, outstanding location, indoor/outdoor space was ideal for enjoying the ocean breeze. Beautiful sunsets over the bay. One of the nicest places we have ever stayed, anywhere.
Scott M.
July 2024
The location and proximity to A Bay are amazing. The unit is great with lots of space, an amazing lanai with ocean views. Where this rental falls short is in the “little things” as others have mentioned. No beach equipment with the beach a five minute walk away is a head scratcher. I watched lots of people in the complex with chairs and umbrellas provided by their rental. Not one spice, condiment or cooking supply is not on par with other vacation rentals. We didn’t even get a sponge to wash pots and pans. No kleenex and tv remote batteries were dead. The units instructions say you are getting a “starter pack” of essentials like TP, trash bags, toiletries, etc and if you run out it’s on the tenant to provide. That was a new one. Others have made similar comments but the corporate entity that runs this rental doesn’t seem to be interested in listening which is too bad. And not providing these trivial incidentals seems petty on their part. We will definitely stay in this complex again but probably in another unit unless these things change.
James F.
July 2024
What an amazing home! Our family enjoyed the location, views and spaciousness of this rental. It was beyond our expectations. The beach, pool and shopping were all within walking distance. I took early morning walks on the trail along the shore and enjoyed seeing many turtles. Your home had everything we needed including beach and snorkel gear. It was an amazing vacation and our twin HS graduates loved their 8 days on the Big Island. Thank you for a fabulous stay and a vacation we will never forget. We will be returning!
zoe p.
July 2024
Easily walkable to stores and restaurants
Julie C.
July 2024
Our family of 5 had a great stay. The unit was clean, spacious and well equipped with everything we needed. The beach towels and cooler were very helpful. The pool was peaceful and relaxing and steps from the beach. Communication with the owner/manager was responsive and accommodating. Overall a relaxing day and enjoyable vacation.
Christopher K.
July 2024
Great place to stay in terms of location and view. Also, well run. We had one issue, the propane tank on the grill was empty but Wendee took care of it in a short time. Highly recommend.
Ken L.
July 2024
The condo building and interior were excellent. Location is a short walk to the pool, and just a bit further beyond the pool to the beach. The beach was good for swimming / bobbing. It wasn't good for snorkeling or boogie boarding but maybe the waves were just low when we went.
My only complaint is that the twin beds are absolutely terrible. They are not suitable for anyone but children. My 36 year old brother chose to sleep on the couch instead of that bed.
Chris P.
July 2024
We had an absolutely wonderful time staying at Steve and Maryanne's lovely condo. Everything looked exactly like the pictures. We stayed for nearly 10 days, and it really felt like a home away from home. Steve and Maryanne thought of everything to make our stay as comfortable as possible - there were beach towels for use in the laundry room, shampoo and conditioner in each of the showers, rice/flour/spices for us, and of course, we loved having beach chairs and umbrellas at our disposal. Above all, the kitchen was incredibly well stocked. We are used to staying at condos where things are sparse when it comes to cooking (one didn't even have an oven mitt!), but this condo had everything! We don't have little kids anymore, but I appreciated that they had plates and utensils for babies/toddlers.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't glow about how beautiful the condo complex is. There's a really nice private pool and direct access to the beach. We really loved staying here!
Stephanie B.
July 2024
The place was beautiful, comfortable, and quiet. We really appreciated having beach chairs, umbrellas and towels available for our daily excursions. Being a walk away from dining and shopping was also a plus. This was an even better experience than staying at one of the hotel resorts.
David E.
July 2024
There is a reason we keep coming back -- the location is spectacular, the condo is perfect for our needs, the amenities wonderful, the beach amazing and the host responsive.
Elizabeth P.
June 2024
Very nice top-floor corner unit at Kolea at Waikoloa Beach. Nicely appointed kitchen, very responsive and helpful host, great assortment of beach chairs, boogie boards, umbrellas, etc. We'll be back!
Ryan I.
June 2024
We enjoyed this beautiful property. It looked just like the photos, clean, roomy, and great lanai. Close to everything and in walking distance.
Kristina F.
June 2024
Beautiful location & comfy accommodations!
Kathleen L.
June 2024
Condo is roomy and nice, but the grounds and the beach club are really beautiful and well kept. The pool area is large and very inviting. The pool wasn't too busy and overlooks the bay and the ocean. It is a short walk from there to the beach. The condo is within walking distance to a grocery store, shops and restaurants.
Nathan W.
June 2024
Our family loved staying at the condo. It was very comfortable and we enjoyed everything about it. The owners have thought through everything you would need. The lanai was probably our favorite part. Waking up everyday to a view to drink our coffee was terrific. We also enjoyed grilling a few dinners. The sunsets from the beach were spectacular. My girls loved the pool. Very nice pool with great lounge chairs. The quality of the condo unit and landscaping was very nice! Also, great location with shops and dining close by.
Lauren E.
June 2024
Generally it was lovely. We had to adjust sleeping arrangements due to listing of two double beds which in fact were two single beds. Also one of the king beds squeaked so loudly that it could be heard with every movement of the occupant. Other minor issues: half of the toaster was unuseable and ice did not come out of the ice maker. Despite issues, we had a wonderful time.
Dorothy H.
June 2024
We loved our stay here! We had an issue with the air conditioner, but management was super responsive and did everything in their power to get repairs done. Communication was excellent.
Two spacious bedrooms and bathrooms that looked like they were in a spa! We loved the lanai and the barbecue, as well as the spacious kitchen and eating area.
What a treat to have passes to the beautiful Hilton Waikoloa! The water slides were a hit with the whole family.
Convenient walking location to the King’s and Queen’s shops as well as the beach and pool. Just a perfect location!
We hope to return someday!
Laura H.
June 2024
From the moment you walk in this place is perfection. Beautiful, clean, AC was amazing. The pool and beach access was so, so perfect. Privacy of the 2 bedrooms. Spacious all the way around. Just really so so beautiful. I do have to say, the pictures on line do not do it justice. Nearby plazas are so perfect. Went grocery shoppi g but also ate out and everything was so nice and convenient. So blessed to have fou d this treasure. We would LOVE to return!
Oh, almost forgot....teenagers legt behind all their souvenirs they had bought for friends back home and owners reached out and then mailed them to us. So sweet! They deserve 10 stars. They went above and beyond and we were SO impressed. Mahalo a million times over!
Joel Z.
June 2024
Wendy’s Kolea property is perfection. Everything we wanted or needed was easy to find; the location could not be better; the unit was spotless; and, Wendy was attentive and prompt in answering all queries. Highly recommended unit!
Carol W.
June 2024
Wonderful property in an amazing location..everything was great except the cleaning crew did a poor job left smelly items in the washing machine.. dirty dishes in the dishwasher.. counters dirty and left over food in fridge that should have been tossed out.. Thus the low score on cleanliness ..
Bill A.
June 2024
We loved Kolea 14H! Great location just steps from the beach and a gorgeous infinity pool with amazing views. Also within short walking distance of shops and restaurants. Condo was extremely comfortable and QUIET--you'd never know there were people staying above or beside you. Kitchen had every dish or tool you'd need, just no basics like spices or condiments, so bring those with you. Our family enjoyed breakfasts on the porch listening to the birds all around us. Would definitely stay here again when on the Big Island!
Jennifer M.
June 2024
Nice unit and convenient location
Gerald K.
June 2024
Wonderful condo located in the Waikoloa area. Easy walk to pool and beach. Parking right outside condo building. Easy walk to shopping areas. I would recommend for adults — too many things to break for kiddos.
Debbie M.
June 2024
Beautiful condo and so much room for our family and perfect location! Loved the lanai with the peekaboo view of the ocean, the unit was stocked with all the cooking equipment we needed and we loved making food for ourselves. Beach club is wonderful and easy walk to the gorgeous beach! Everyday we saw tons of turtles and monk seals! We had the best time! Can’t wait to come back and hope to stay here again! Thank you!
Elizabeth E.
June 2024
This condo is very clean and well maintained - it is obviously a loved vacation home. It is in a gated neighbourhood, and just a short 5 min or less walk to the beach and pool. Beds were comfy, linens were nice, and there were more beach and bath towels than you could ever need!!!
There is a closet that is full of beach things: chairs, boogie boards, snorkels and flippers, footballs, kids sand toys, kids life jackets, pool noodles, and coolers for drinks.
The bedrooms are all as pictured, and the bathrooms were clean. Good amount of TP was provided for our week stay, but would need to purchase more if you stayed longer. There was only a very small amount of shampoo and body wash, and no conditioner, so you should bring some or buy it here.
The kitchen was really well stocked - I think the only things we noticed that were missing were scissors and a pizza cutter. The appliances are all clean and worked well. Lots of plates and cups and cutlery, so we didn’t have to run the dishwasher until it was full. Plenty of dish towels too! A good amount of spices and condiments were left behind by previous guests, and they were all appreciated!
The property is a 10-min walk from the Kings/Queens marketplaces. There is a grocery store there, but the prices are all pretty high due to the location. If you drive 15 mins up to Waikoloa Village there is a grocery store that is a bit more reasonable (though still island prices!)
The management company was very responsive and flexible!
Amy C.
May 2024
There could not have been a nicer place to stay on the island. Everyone loved the condo so much it was in mint condition and in the most prime location for walking to shops close by. The host was super responsive as well and attended to all our needs I couldn’t be more grateful
Amber V.
May 2024
The week went by so fast. There was so much to do from the location. Beaches restaurants shopping. We drove to Hilo and visited volcano. Our condo was perfect. Immaculate. Amenities were just as advertised. We hung out at the pool every evening too.
Aimee M.
May 2024
Very comfortable and very nice
Linda A.
May 2024
We had a great stay at this property on a recent trip to Hawaii with family. It accommodated 4 adults very easily, with plenty of space. The property was clean and had everything we needed for cooking onsite. I would recommend this spot to others looking for a convenient location walking distance to the beach. We also enjoyed the small pool area to relax at in the afternoons/early evenings.
Communication was easy and quick with the property manager.
Julianne M.
May 2024
We stayed for 12 days in Kolea. The unit was clean, safe, quiet (off season). The communication with Grand Welcome was TERRIBLE. I would stay in the unit again, but dealing with Grand Welcome was anything but welcoming. A large corporation that does not know customer service. My only complaint on the unit was the lack of lighting over the dining room table. It was very dark to eat there in the evenings. The second bedroom could use more lighting too. I thought it was nicer than pictured. The location within the complex is good, can walk to pool/beach. The Kolea complex is withing walking distance to dining, shopping, but away from noise and paid parking in Kona. The Kolea complex is gorgeous!! Loved the trails around the area, and the sidewalks along Waikoloa Drive. Lanai was large with a grill to BBQ outside. Comfortable furniture and beds. Very nice unit. No one mentioned the elevators. We thought we'd have to hump up three flights of stairs. The elevator was a pleasant surprise. Also covered parking kept the car cool.
Charissa
May 2024
This unit has a lovely view of the ocean and everything we needed for a great vacation. The kitchen was well stocked and there were extra paper products and towels everywhere. Lots of everything just like we were at our house! Very clean and a quiet location with a nice club house and pool to use.
Toni E.
May 2024
Beautiful, well appointed unit - this one does have two bedrooms and two bathrooms (detail not in its description). We would recommend it to others due to the close location to A-Bay and lovely infinity pool setting.
Leanne P.
May 2024
This was the perfect location for our 5 year old granddaughter's birthday staycation! It had more than enough room for 4 adults and birthday girl. The home is beautiful. The beds were comfy and the kitchen fully equipped. The large shower and deep tub were especially popular. We were happy to find the little things, like the stool in the bathroom cabinet and baby high chair if needed, made it convenient for little ones. The landscaping is beautiful with fragrant flowers in abundance. An awesome view of Mount Hualalai welcomed us from the living room window. The corner unit location is great and is just a few steps away from covered parking. Just a very short walk away is the welcoming infinity pool with the warm blue ocean of 'Anaeho'omalu Bay a few steps beyond. Just perfect! Nearby you'll be able to find everything you need from groceries to clothing to sunscreen or fine jewelry at either the Queen's Marketplace or the King's Shops. Very convenient. If you're looking for a perfect place to relax this is it! You'll see others on the property including kiddos yet it is not crowded or noisy. It felt very private and safe. Our host Bob responded quickly to any questions I had. I found it very warming that he reached out on the morning of our stay to check if we were ready. That was thoughtful and welcoming. My grandbaby has already planned for future birthdays at Kolea!! Thank you Bob for letting us stay in your home.
Ida-Mae F.
May 2024
Overall we enjoyed our stay. The room was as advertised, lots of space and well stocked with cooking utensils and supplies. Two things that took away from our stay:
1) The fitness centre wasn't really a fitness centre. Four cardio machines isn't a fitness centre. I was expecting to see a dumbbell rack, bench and possibly a cable machine at the very least. I would have liked to have known this in advance as I want to be able to work out while on vacation.
2) Not having an adults only area was an issue. When we had a chance to sit in the clubhouse area when it was quiet, this spot was perfect. When the pool filled with children it took away from the relaxing ambiance. It's unfortunate there isn't an adults only area so that all parties can make the most of their stay.
As mentioned, we liked the unit and the location and would consider coming back but we're going to check other locations as well.
Chris I.
May 2024
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had such a wonderful time. This was our 4th time staying at the Kolea units and this one in particular was stocked with everything we needed. The only recommendation I would give the owner is that it would be great to have a hard cooler in the storage area of the parking spot. Other than that, everything was perfect.
Josh G.
May 2024
Exceeded expectations, excellent location
Mary C.
May 2024
We've stayed at Kolea many times before, but this is the first time at Steve and Maryanne's. Their condo is a corner unit on the 3rd floor with very high ceilings that make the space feel very spacious. Because of the 3rd floor you get a fanatic view! It is a quick walk to the Kolea pool and 5-10 min walk to A-Bay where we spent most of our time. My family also noted that out of all our rentals this one was the most stocked with regards to cookware, kitchen utensils, spices, coffee, toiletries, and especially paper towels and toilet paper. We very much appreciated that! Also offered are a bunch of beach gear including snorkels, boogie boards, and a very handy beach wagon (this was very handy at Hapuna Beach). One minor improvement would be to upgrade the TV streaming system as we had some issues streaming. Overall our family loved our stay and would definitely return!
Kenneth D.
May 2024
We have stayed at Kolea many times and we always return! This area has it all.
Lindsey L.
May 2024
Had a great stay. The condo was super clean and the grounds immaculate. Kids loved the pool and the beach just a short walk from the condo
James J.
April 2024
The Kolea Penthouse (16F) was in a nice location and came fully equipped. The kitchen had every utensil you could think of, the living areas and balcony deck were very comfortable. The unit allows access to the complex's private pool and jacuzzi. The beach is a few minutes walk and a 10 minute walk to LavaLava which is a fun restaurant on the beach. Overall, we had a great stay.
Donald R.
April 2024
Location is great. Unit needs some TLC but equipt with basics. It was clean for the most part but I have small children and the area rug was really dirty and the bedroom carpets need replacing. Having the Hilton pass was great for the kids. Overall happy with our stay.
Elise and Sean W.
April 2024
The home was beyond what we expected. Great location. More amenities than what we expected. We were planning to rent a pack-in-play for our 7-month old grandson but one was already there along with an infant tub, and highchair. Beach toys galore. On-site pool and easy beach access were amazing. Already planning another trip back to Hawaii. Hopefully this home will be available.
Timothy H.
April 2024