Loading more photos...
The house of whale is absolutely amazing. We all love the open layout, numerous art work and the gigantic whale sculptures on the ceiling. The view was somehow blocked by the trees, but still fantastic. There is a lot of thoughts put into designing this house. So why 3 stars? I have stayed in many vacation rental properties in US and Europe, but this is so far the stingiest. There is only one used roll of toilet paper in each bathroom. There is only a tiny little bit of everything left in the house including, dish soup, hand soup, laundry detergent, dish washer detergent, paper towel and napkins. It's hard to believe that previous guest used everything until the very last drop. We had to buy everything for just a 5-day stay and we couldn't use them all. Of course we leave them in the house, and we hope the next guests don't need to buy every single household item. Even motels provide at least one spare roll of toilet paper. The quality of the tiny soap provided in the bathroom is really bad. It's just doesn't match a beautiful house like this one. I think guests would have a much better travel experience if the manage company add $50 to the rental fee so they can phase out all old kitchen appliances from the 80's and stock everything. The kitchen is huge, but it's not designed to cook. There is only an electric stove that doesn't work very well. The only very old coffee maker takes about 25 minutes to make one pot of coffee. All kitchen appliances are really old and all knifes are really dull. We found several dirty, unwashed dishes hidden among clean plates in the cabinet. It's very disgusting to find dry meat on several greasy plates when we try to serve dinner. The patio table on the 2nd floor has a thick layer of dust on it. We tried to clean it, but it's just too dirty. We all like the house and the location, but there is a serious problem with the management. At least they should remind renters that there is no supply at all in the house, and they should buy every single item before they get to the house. We went grocery shopping before we get to the house, and then we found we need to go out and buy supply. But everyone was so tired after a long flight. This is just something the management company should consider. We definitely will consider other vacation rental company next time.
Vincent G., Irwindale, CA, 5.16.12
Comment by Owner/Manager:
Mahalo for your review. We were delighted to hear you loved Hale Kohola:) However we understand you feel certain things were not quite as they should be. With regard to the view somehow blocked by trees. Our description states 'elegantly designed with lush tropical views', 'Partial Ocean View', 'Garden View' and 'ocean sunset, surrounded by layered tropical foliage'. Hale Kohola is exactly as stated, we never say clear to ocean view. As well we provide copious photos and slide show. Foliage grows and matures but we are always provide honest view assessment. We were disheartened to hear of your dissatisfaction with sundry supplies. We state clearly and always have in our contract; our homes are equipped with starter supply of these items. The bathrooms and kitchen were however stocked; upon check out housekeepers and caretaker both found supplies in cabinets and drawers where they left them for guests, unused. These items are purchased in bulk so we are aware of our brand and know these were not guest purchases. To be fair, you received a substantial discount for this last minute booking. We offer pre-provisioning concierge service if you wish to have the home stocked when you arrive. We don't add that cost on since not every guest desires that service or the extra charge. It is offered for those who prefer not to shop. The patio table on 2nd floor lanai is brand new, only a few months old. Housekeepers, owner and our greeter all have checked and the table is easily cleaned by wiping with a wet cloth. Trade winds blow on the islands, a fine layer of dust settles quickly but we try our best to keep everything clean. The kitchen has not only an electric stove but an oven, microwave, toaster, blender etc. The kitchen is fully equipped. It should be noted that the refrigerator is new and while the other appliances are not brand new they are not from the 80's either. We have a very high, 5 star rating on this home. We respond to all guest questions, calls and emails. However, you did not contact us until AFTER check out so we were unaware of your dissatisfaction during your stay. Had we known we could have told you where the supplies were located i.e. toilet paper in bathroom cabs, paper towels in kitchen cabs etc and brought you a new coffee maker. This home is very popular with families. We just closed on a busy high season without one complaint on kitchen or supplies and in fact received quite a few great reviews. We provide a personal greet when our guests arrive and a welcome binder with our contact information. We sincerely wish we would have been notified during your stay so we would have had fair opportunity to address. Our endeavor is always to provide a well maintained, clean vacation home for our guests.
