Guest Rating:

The location on Kealaukua Bay was totally wonderful. The snorkeling there was better than any we've seen. The access for kayaking, and snorkeling was great with a feel of privacy we wouldn't have had at the resorts. Kayaking to the monument and seeing the dolphins along the way was the highlight of our trip. The small market on the way into Kona was convenient.

The rental company contact was friendly, helpful & available. The house was large & comfortable. Quinn's was a local's restaurant we enjoyed. The manta ray night snorkel trip was a little disappointing for the snorkelers in our group. We found the snorkelers outnumbered the manta's about 50:1.

Be sure to bring water shoes, or sturdy waterproof sandals. The lava is tough to walk on & slippery in parts. Avoid the sea urchin spines! '

Sandy and Tom H., Boulder, CO, 8.7.08

Guest Rating:

Hello Gary,
Yes, our family had a great stay at the Dolphin Retreat. Before I forget, the sink in the upstairs master bath is leaking. The cold knob is leaking under the bowl where it is attached and dripping down onto the shutoff valve and then onto the floor. Suggest you fix that right away.
We loved the house--especially the upstairs. It was a tough decision on who was going to get what bedroom because everyone wanted to be upstairs but it all worked out.
When we got to the house and walked around the side to see the back yard we were all blown away. It was truly beautiful and more than what we expected. We sat on the lower deck along the seawall every evening before sunset and soaked in the beauty of it all.
The snorkeling was great although we had to go to the little white beach over to the left in order for my parents to get in and out of the water safely.
I understand the kayak at our house is usually at your other house. I strongly feel you should always have the tandem kayak at the house as part of the amenities so we were glad to have it and used it several hours each day.
We all loved the upstairs lanai with the dining table. That was our gathering spot and it was great having all of our meals outside yet protected.
The house would be more comfortable with sliding screen doors upstairs as we did have a few mosquitoes and had to kill 2 large brown recluse spiders in the kitchen and one bedroom. We liked the geckos so keep them around.
The snorkeling was the best I have seen over by the Captain Cook monument and the spinner dolphins were fantastic. Paddling through a pod of about 40 jumping and spinning dolphins made the trip for my 77 year old father.
The hot tub was great and the outdoor shower was an added special.
Thank you for the stereo and all of the supplies in the kitchen. The wine glasses were put to good use.
Our family liked Big Jakes BBQ the best. It was the best pulled pork I ever tasted including North Carolina BBQ. Also, the luau at the King Kamehameha was small and personable with excellent dancers.
I would and will recommend the house to others and my parents want to come back again to the same house. So perhaps we will be returning in a few years.
Thank you for making my 50th birthday celebration a huge success and when I get the money I will talk to you about buying an interest in the house.
Not sure if we had a security deposit that is to be returned. Would you please let me know about that. My cell is 808-381-5387 or email me.
From all of the Steinmiller family, we say MAHALO!!

John S., Honolulu, HI, 8.1.08