Hula Cove was a phenomenal place to stay! The full kitchen was wonderful, considering the higher cost of food in Hawaii, and was exceptionally well stocked. The house was very clean when we arrived and everything was ready for us. The location felt very private most of the time and it was just awesome to have your own snorkeling right off the back deck. The only think I would recommend would be bringing some earplugs for overnight. We didn't have trouble with the frogs like some people, but it did rain overnight every night we were there! And when it rains, it really, really, really rains! All in all, I would highly recommend this place to anyone coming to the Big Island.
Rachel K., Tacoma, WA, 11.8.11
What I liked best about the unit I rented was ---the beautiful views and the location near the oceanand it was very quiet and peaceful and we felt safe. The ocean breeze was wonderful The customer service I received was very good. Everyone was very helpful in setting up the trip. The best part of my trip was the beautiful flowers and plant life The best restaurant I found was The best picture I took was of myself (us) I can't wait to tell all my friends that I had the vacation of a lifetime My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be bring an umbrella!! The part of my trip I would definitely recommend to others is make sure you have GPS navigation The best "insider tip" I received while on my trip was I didn't have time this trip, but next trip I'm looking forward to visiting the volcano park for a longer time I do have to comment that the internet service was lousy. I never was able to connect to the Muhammed network with either my Laptop or iPhone. Sophia tried to help but I think someone with IT experience should take a look at the installation. I also have to comment that I think there may be something living between the 2nd and 3rd floors. At night I could hear movement like something (mongoose??) was walking around and maybe nibbling on the wall or ceiling (I was sleeping on the 2nd floor). My wife saw a mongoose or ferret (??) on the 2nd floor roof trying to get inside of the 2nd floor bedroom through the screen with an open window. But we thought it was an incredible experience overall. Thank you for wonderful memories.
Ralph F., Mandeville, LA, 10.22.11
Great location but the weekends get busy because of public access to the tide pools for swimming and snorkeling. Great restaurant is Paolo's in Pahoa...excellent Italian food. This is a remote area and is not a resort area so there are limited dining and shopping options...even if you travel to Hilo. This is for those wanting to shun the resort (touristy) stuff and experience an authentic Hawaiian experience. The weather is much better in this area then in Hilo where it was raining much of the time when we had nice sunshine and cooling breezes. Had a great time and the rental house is very nice. Doug.
Douglas G., Sacramento, CA, 8.22.11
The place is a wonderful site for family visits. My children who are 6 years old twins and cannot really swim yet enjoyed the champaigne pool immensely because it is so quiet that they can just float with their snorkle gears. I saw a turtle which was a real treat. The place is quiet with a gorgeous view. We also met owners of the property and they were really nice. I recommend this place to anybody who would like a quiet get-away. The only drawback is that it is too far away from anything. The restaurants nearby were not exactly star-rated, and we decided to cook for ourselves on most days, which is nice as well, dining out on the porch with nice breeze. But it does take time to go shopping for food and I recommend that you finish all your food shopping before going there. Otherwise, it is a great escape from the hectic life.
Aya A., Tokyo, Tokyo, 8.21.11
Best = Location and size. Customer Service was nice. Best part of our trip was snorkling outside the house. Best restaurant was either Ponds in Hilo or Pearl's Cafe & Bakery on H11 on way to volcanoes Best picture we took was anything snorkling My advice is stay at this place.
Margaret G., Seaman, OH, 6.26.11
Perfect location, friendly and attentive service, made me feel special on my birthday. The best part was snorkeling in the tide polls and then walking a few steps to the great accommodations. Spent the entire time at the tidepools, other than visiting Volcano, next time I'd like to stay longer and do some sightseeing.
Christopher P., San Mateo, CA, 6.10.11
I'm afraid if I say how nice it was, everyone will want to go! The bikes were fun. Nice to have a washer and dryer. The snorkeling was amazing, and the privacy was peaceful. The sound of the surf, frogs, and happy island critters sung us to sleep. It was very clean and even supplied a digital underwater camera. We needed more time to snorkel and explore the pools. Very well stocked kitchen.
John L., Tillamook, Oregon, 4.22.11
Beautiful house, great views! We couldnt get enough of the sun rises, they were different every day! Kitchen well stocked, comfortable beds. Easy walking distance to Champagne Pond and the Ocean. Quiet gated community, highly recommend!
Christine M., Manchester, Mi, 3.11.11
We whole family had great fun at this condo for a week! We were so impressed with how perfect the condition and the location the house is- just right size for two families from the U.S and Japan with two young kids! The kids (4 and 5 years old boys) were able to use the equipments there enjoying their vacation and the parents didn't need worry to bring anything along at all. Since so many food and other items (kitchen paper, shampoo, soap, etc) in there, so try not to buy anything until you really need any specific item. It is just 1 minute to ocean and surrounded by green garden, next time we are thinking to spend at least 10 days at this condo so that we have enough time to enjoy the hot tub which we didn't have time to use on this trip! "" Mike & Luping- Tokyo
Luping L., Tokyo, Tokyo, 2.11.11
The only advice we could pass along would be that this place is great even though it feels like you are driving thru Jurassic Park movie scene to get there. Also bring earplugs as the frogs are loud and go all nite. There is no cell service there but the wifi is a plus! Only negatve was the lock on front gate was hard to operate in the dark.
Sonja K., Vancouver, Washington, 11.7.10
This place was excellent lauren was very helpful and she has excellent customer service skills. I really appreciated Mr Mohhamud and his kindness. He has a Great rental. Im so excited and have told my friends about his place that I/m even thinking of doing a couples retreat there from our church here on the mainland. I give you 5 Stars. Gilbert Saldate 626 281-0754
Erma S., Alhambra, CA, 9.10.10
Everything was well thought out for taking care of guest needs--towels, snorkel equipment and fins, fully outfitted kitchen with everything we needed and more. Great view, and swimming in naturally warm pond right down the steps at the rear. Comfortable beds, quiet neighborhood. the owner was helpful and easily accessible when we had questions or needs.
Karen I., Eugene, OR, 6.1.10
It was very nice to stay on the "slow" side of the island. The tidepools are within a minutes walk and was perfect for young kids. Be sure to buy reef shoes! The house was great and the owner was very accomodating and took care of the one issue we had immediately. We ate at Mings Thai and the Italian place next door to Mings (I think it is called Pablos?). Thai was great but the Italian was the best I have had in years.
Brian M., Glen Ellen, CA, 4.6.10
Proximity to the surfing. There were eight of us and we had a grand time. The scariest part was the tsunami and evacuation. We had friends out of the way and they put us up as we sat spell bound in front of the TV. We love to cook, a few more kitchen utensils would be helpful, plus we normally leave our left over goods but doesn't seem to be the way there, so no unspoilables are available to help cook Growers market is most delightful and we bought as much as we could. We have stayed in vacation land before so we didn't do much sight seeing, but we recommend to all the falls, the volcano, the observatory and so on.
Bobbie R., White City, OR, 3.4.10
White house is in front of this rental! Not "on" the water.
Gregory H., Newport, OR, 10.22.09
What I liked best about the unit I rented wasthe easy access to the ocean for swimming and snorkeling. The best restaurant I found was our own kitchen--fresh ahi from Safeway, pineapple and papaya,green salad. My advice to someone else staying at this unit would bebring your loved ones and enjoy the lanaii at night--beautiful views and ocean sounds.
Susan H., GRASS VALLEY, CA, 1.28.09
The accommodation is excellent for a family or up to 8 people. Although not new, it provides the space and atmosphere for an excellent vacation. The warm lava ponds are an excellent attraction; and, stepping out of the back deck and walking into one of the ponds is extremely inviting and pleasurable. Also, the people around supporting the guests are very friendly and helpful in making your visit an excellent one.
Robert T., Troutdale, OR, 1.24.09
Aloha! Thanks so much for a wonderful stay at Hula Cove. We loved the snorkeling there and the sunrises over the tidal pools were the best. Having the washer/dryer available was a great plus. We would highly recommend the evening drive out to watch the volcano - it's an easy drive from Hula Cove and it was worth every bit of time. My wife and I will recommend this place to our friends and we would LOVE to come back. Thanks again for your good help! Tom Roe
Tom R., Everett, WA, 10.8.08
Its location is incredible; we loved the pond and its tropical fishes, and the nature surrounding.
Enrique H., Madrid, Spain, 9.2.08
This was a great house. I could not have asked for a more perfect place. My mother called it paradise and it was. We spent everyday in the water and it got to where we did not want to leave the house and site see. I recommend stocking up on fresh produce at the local farmers markets and then just enjoy the stay. If you must leave the property I can recommend Paulo's Bistro in downtown Pahoa. Great Italian food. Also a must is seeing the lava flow at night. It is rare to walk on earth that is younger that you are.
Sharadee H., College Place, Wa, 8.26.08
We have stayed at 5 places on our trip. We have stayed at 3 of Hawaiian Beach Rental places on Oahu and the Big Island and found that HBR are great. Even though we are on vacation and retired, I need Internet access to conduct volunteer business and communicate with the grandkids. Hula Cove was the best place on our trip. It was well equipped and the access to the tide pools was fantastic. It was a little far from basic necessities but with a little planning a a couple of trips we managed to eat well and survive.
James C., , , 3.31.08
Location was great. I love to snorkel and the Waiopae tide pools are the best. Customer service was great. We had an ant problem when we checked in but they answered quickly to resolve it and the owner called us personally when I called with a question. By the way, many of the homeowners in Kapoho Beach lots are trying to keep people out of the Champagne Pond, which is a cool place but not as good as Waiopae in my opinion, so be prepared to put up with some questioning and trouble getting in the gate. Best way in would be to use the bicycles. We really liked the new restaurant in Pahoa. I cannot remember the name of it but as you drive into town it's on the right hand side, before you reach the main part of town. It rained most of the time, in fact it rained harder and longer than I have ever seen it rain, but that was very unusual. This was our 3rd trip to Kapoho and this was the worst weather we've had. We did get a couple of semi-sunny days and got some great snorkeling and site-seeing in. Unit was well kept and has snorkeling gear, 2 bicycles, ice chests, mats, etc. Kitchen was well stocked with dishes and utensils as well as some spices. We did run very low on toilet paper! The hot tub was great. We love Kapoho and have considered buying property there. If you know of any good deals let us know!- skg123@charter.net .
Sylvia G., Roseburg, OR, 2.11.08
We loved the location because is was quiet and secluded, but within easy driving distance to Hilo and the volcano. Our favorite part of the trip was snorkling in the Champagne Pond and Tide Pools. We loved barbequeing on the lanai and watching the stunning stars at night. This turned out to be one of our best vacations!
Sandra F., Palo Alto, CA, 1.7.08
The unit was even better than advertised. It was close to the shore; basics like cooking oil and spices and pasta and rice and toilet paper were already there; cooking utensils (pots, pans, knives) were very good quality. The Hawaiian cookbook in the kitchen was a nice touch and the chicken with sweet potatoes and bananas we made with produce from the Hilo farmers' marked was unforgettable. The kids really wanted a sand beach, and Richardson Beach near Hilo was perfect for that, especially late morning when it was very quiet. My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be to book an extra week.
Valerie Y., Albany, OH, 7.2.07
This certainly is a paradise home and then some. We enjoyed our stay, the tropical fish and turtles were a treat. Next time Muhammad is going to let me drive his Porche! I wish! Dave
Dave B., Prospect, KY, 7.17.06
We had an absolute blast! What a fantastic home - fully stock with everything we could have even thought about needing! The only suggestion that I would make is that the directions have mileage points added to make it a little easier to navigate... and the directions were missing a left hand turn at the very end. But once we found it - it was fantastic! Totally worth it AND we're trying to figure out when we can come back!
Michelle W., Portland, OR, 6.27.06
Wonderfull place to stay, warm welcome by the owners. Would recommend this place to anyone.
David S., , , 5.19.06
This was the most amazing place! The home was just perfect - and the lanai was so nice, where we enjoyed all of our meals, sunrises and sunsets! Arthurena (turtle) was a joy to meet - and our children loved feeding her every day. Snorkeling in Champagne pond is my kind of snorkeling (sea turtles, fish, eels, and heated!!!) I highly recommend this home to anyone interested in staying in a true paradise!
Melissa E., San Francisco, CA, 10.13.05
What a great place. Wish that I had more time to be there.
Ted F., Salem, Oregon, 10.4.05