The rental unit was not as nice as I expected. There were some problems that need repair. The view of the ocean was beautiful. It made for some very nice pictures. The unit had ants and roaches which I think are common in tropical areas but the ants were so bad I bought ant traps to kill them. The unit was stocked very well with beach towels and snorkeling equipment and surf and boogie boards too. There was a kitchen chair that was broken. The screen to the lanai was off the track. The mattress was not good and we woke up every day with back aches. One of the towel bars fell down when I was hanging up a towel on it. The kitchen faucet was broken. The refrigerator had some problem where it was leaking water on the first shelf and the meat holder. The television had some problem when it warmed up it turned black around the edges. One day it was so bad you couldn't see anything except for the very middle of the screen. There were movies to choose from, books to read and it was nicely decorated. However I think a little bit of money needs to be spend to replace the mattresses, screen door, faucet, and refrigerator. With a little bit of money put into the unit it could be much better. I would not recommend this unit to a friend in its current condition.
Betty C., Beavercreek, OH, 12.18.11
Comment by Owner/Manager:
This guests comments are in my opinion are not accurate. First as for the roaches, we have the condo pest controlled every 3 months and upon inspection we found no sign of any roaches of any type and we have never had a complaint about roaches here even though in the tropics you will occasionally see some.The screen on the lanai was off the track which I simply reset it and it is fine. The mattress and box spring was replace less than 6 months ago with a brand new firm mattress. I guess they were use to a soft mattress but we have found most guest prefer a firm bed. The towel rack has been tighten so even if a guest now is rough with it it should be fine. The kitchen faucet is not broken it was just loose and it has been tightened. The refrigerator is fine, no problems found. The TV is also fine, the guest just did not know to adjust the aspect ratio on screen size. If the guest would have called we could have helped with any concerns. They did not check out at the correct time and when our cleaners showed up to clean they were no where to be found and all their stuff was still in the condo. The owner was called and she came down and found them and were told they needed to leave and this is probably what has caused them to complain and make it seem like this was a run down place which it is not. Also, the chair that was broken has been fixed and it was fine when they checked in so they broke it.
Too windy and rainy fo us. We went and stayed in Makaha area with friends. Left two days early. had friends come over from the Big Island and the hide-a-bed was terrible. We actually liked the unit itself for 2people. Gail and Mark.
Gail R., Tualatin, OR, 11.21.11
The thing I liked best about this rental was Mark's attentiveness, and customer service. He was great. Especially where we made our decision to come at the last minute, Mark's help was very much appreciated. (Just one recommendation regarding communicating the location of Pat's place. As we came in at night, and addresses were not easily seen by car light, it would have been very helpful to have a more detailed description of the complex and what to look for. I seem to recall that I had to ask several times for directions as to where Pat's place was located. For example, in your communication you could have just said, that it was 4 miles south of the Polynesian Cultural Center and that it is the only 8 story condo complex at this location on the east shore. Just that simple added input, would have made it so much simpler to find.) The unit itself, was just okay. I had problems with the DVD player and the TV as well, which was frustrating. I couldn't really get the DVD player to work properly. The drapes in the living room were dangling from the rod, missing some rod hooks, which made it look tacky. The screen door on the same window would regularly come off the track and I had to reposition it often. You were right that when we opened the slider and side windows and then left the front door ajar, we got a regular breeze through the unit at night, which was great. It would have been helpful to know that the unit had snorkeling equipment there for use, as I went out and bought my own, and it would have been so much easier to have just been able to know that some was there, and available. The window in the bedroom looks out on the landing where there is a light burning 24 hours a day, and so it made that bedroom very light at night, which was disturbing. We had to rig up some sort of black out shade there to be able to sleep. Having a black out sheet(just a piece of black cloth, that could be hung up at night would be helpful, or installing a mini blind that could be closed at night, even better.) would have been very much appreciated. I had problems with the fan speed in the living room. It seemed to only have one speed(slow) and off. We loved being on the beach, and I used that access almost every day. The snorkeling was okay, not spectacular. With the rainy weather that we had last week, I'm sure that contributed to the quality of the water experience, as the ocean was choppy and a little murky. I found the need to use the keyfob to access the unit and elevator at every turn somewhat frustrating, but I know that is something you have no control over. We enjoyed our stay, and would consider returning again, if the price was right. Thanks for helping us enjoy our vacation.
Lynn A. Z., Arvada, CO, 11.7.11
Comment by Owner/Manager:
As the owner I am disappointed by your comments. Both the new 42" flatscreen and dvd seemed to puzzle you; a phone call would have brought my property manager to your rescue. In fact, he cut short a family trip to bring you keys after you lost the first set! And it appears that you are upset that I overprovided you with amenities...sorry about that snorkel gear. As for elevator security and night lights; well I have no control over those and in fact I welcome the additional security and again, do provide a blackout drape. Seems getting a beachfront condo, well furnished, clean with amenities included at less than 1/2 the normal rate wasn't enough. As for snorkelling on this protected private little bay during rainy weather it is what that was what it was I cannot help there. I wish you well in your next travels.
Right on the beach and views were amazing! It was quite and relaxing! Customer service was good. Best part of our trip was visiting a Hawaii ranch. The Crouching Lion Restaurant was amazing food and great prices! BEST pictures was of us newlyweds down at the beach in front of the condo. I will definitely recommend this rental to other newlyweds in the future!!!! Next trip we would like to go snorkling and to a waterfall on the island and the culture center. Loved the stay!!!
Kaci N., Burwell, NB, 10.15.11
I appreciated the wonderful view and the condo was very nice. We made many trips using this as our base and enjoyed coming home each night. It was very helpful to have a kitchen to cook most of our meals.We would stay here again if we were on this island. Bob
Robert B., Beaverton, OR, 1.22.11
CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT THE BEST RESTAURANT WAS OLA AT TURTLE BAY A FEW THINGS MAYBE TO INCLUDE TO GUESTS, I HAD ANTICIPATED FULLY STOCKED WHICH OVERALL WAS VERY GOOD BUT LITTLE THINGS LIKE A HAIR DRYER HAD I KNOWN WOULD HAVE BROUGHT ONE BUT ENDED UP HAVING TO BUY ONE. THERE WERE PLENTY OF TOWELS FOR BATHROOM AS WELL AS BEACH WHICH WAS VERY NICE OVERALL OUR TRIP AND OUR EXPERIENCE WAS FANTASTIC AND WE LOVED EVERY MINUTE! THANK YOU
Christine M., Redding, CA, 12.11.10
It was nice You might check video feed on dvd and leave instructions for next geust, how towork the ting aloha, Mahalo
James H., Hauula, Hawaii, 11.22.10
Best Snorkel beaches: Makaha Beach, Electric Beach (Kahe Beach), Sharks Cove. Best Bakery: Ted's Bakery, North Shore Best Picture: sunrise at Blue Hawaii condo, and rainbow over Honolulu and Ilikai Marina Thanks again, Brian
Brian T., Miamisburg, OH, 11.1.10
Great condo! Very clean and relaxing!
Ashley B., Wahiwa, Hi, 4.7.10
My husband and I had a great time at the Blue Hawaii, I lived in HI 23 years ago and didn't care to return to Waikiki so we decided on staying at Pat's at Punalu'u, it was a great decision as the Blue Hawaii was so clean and well equipped, it even came with snorkel equipment and a surfboard..surfing it's much harder than those guys make it look. The sunrises were amazing and we had the beach pretty much to ourselves every afternoon. I would suggest to anyone staying on this side of the island to rent a car, we drove all over the island from Halaiwa to Kailua and everywhere in between. Dining out options on this side of the island are limited so we shopped in Laie at Foodland and cooked in breakfast and dinner and usually ate out for lunch when we were on one of our many road trips. Our condo had all the necessary items to cook a meal, which saved a lot of money and who wants to eat out every meal. My husband and I loved kayaking in Kaliua, swimming with the turtles at Hanauma Bay, doing the hike up Diamond Head and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center. Always travel with a back up camera or at least replacement batteries, you don't want to miss a thing. I would like to comment on the customer service but we never had any issues so we didn't need to call Mark..I guess that means the service was great. Thanks for a great stay!
Kellan B., Poulsbo, Washington, 1.12.10
What we liked best about the unit was the excellant view of the ocean from the patio. The customer service from Mark,was outstanding. The very best part of our trip was my wife and renewing our marrige vows,we where married At Pearl Harbor 50 Years ago. We drove to all points of the Island,some several times.The very best was the area around from diamond head and also the north shore. We have countless pictures and video. My advice to share with others staying in this unit is to really appreciate all the beautiful photos hanging throuout the unit. Also keep in mind this building is not one of the newer condos on the Island,with the exception of a few minor repairs needed the unit was very nice. Again I will say that Mark, was my contact person and I would recommend him any day. Thank You ! William Olson.
William O., Vancouver, WA, 11.22.09
The unit living room/kitchen area was nicely furnished, very clean, and comfortable. The beach was literally steps away and the water easily accessible.
Jan S., Seattle, WA, 9.14.09
I thought the place was wonderful. It was very nice and clean.
Lacey M., Etowah, Tn, 6.27.09
No bugs in the unit, everyone there in the complex was very friendly, everything was clean, furnished well.
Starr M., Anchorage, AK, 2.28.09
What I liked about the unit I rented was the beautiful ocean view from the lanai. It was also nice to have a pool too. The snorkeling was also very good and the beach was kid friendly.
Anne C., Salt Lake City, Utah, 8.4.08
Very nicely decorated condo with just about everything you need to make a great vacation in Hawaii. The beach was very kid friendly and the pool a nice extra as well - although you don't really need the pool. The accommodations were perfect for our family of 4 (our two kids, 8 and 5, slept on the sleeper sofa). The condo complex was very quiet so we had no issues with any noisy neighbors or being able to go to bed early. Even if the unit had AC we would not have needed it (in April). Although we think a first aid kit would have been a good addition (we couldn't find one). Also - be sure to know that checkout is at 10:00 AM! - We thought for some reason it was noon like most condo arrangements and were caught off guard a bit. We came to Punaluu to avoid the busy Waikiki area. However we still wanted to visit some of the main attractions, so the drive was at least an hour to Diamond head, Pear Harbor, Sea Life Park, etc. The traffic going back to the condo was a bit rough from 3:30 pm until about 5:30pm. Although it was only a few minutes to the Poly. Cultural Center and of course the north shore attractions are not that far away either. There is grocery shopping within a few miles plus a gas station, etc. We saved a lot of money buy eating in - the kitchen was adequately equipped with newer appliances. During the late afternoon swims we always saw sea turtles which was exciting for us. The snorkeling right off the beach was Ok - but there are certainly better spots to do this in Oahu (namely Hanauma Bay).
Marc R., Fall City, WA, 4.10.08
The rental unit was quiet, clean and right next to the beach. I would definitely stay there again or recommend it to a friend!
Peter S., Lakeside, CA, 1.17.08
The unit itself is perfect. It's deligtfully decorated and has everything you need to enjoy and relax. Be aware however that the exterior of the building is in dire need of repair and is currently under renovation. It will surprise you; but if you can get past that...well, then you will enjoy the condo.
Amy S., Seattle, WA, 7.28.07
Lovely flat, well furnished and with beautiful Photo taken by the owner. The location is perfect and just in front of the beach... My wife and I spent wonderful times there. The owner is also very friendly and will provide you with the best tips in order to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Alex G., Tokyo, Tokyo, 8.22.06
Although the construction was somewhat of a draw back, the amazing views, the beach and the adorable condo made up for it all the noise. Thanks to Mark for all his hospitality.
Susan W., Bowie, Maryland, 8.15.06
Comment by Owner/Manager:
construction complete in 2007
Our stay was very nice. Romantic location & the condo itself was immaculate. Very well appointed with new & clean furnishings.
Michael C., USS ABRHAM LINCOLN, FPO AP, 7.6.06
A very beautiful view. Nice and clean place. Truley enjoyed our stay.
CHeryl B., Woodland, WA, 6.2.06
Very nice...beautiful views... Would stay there again!
Shelly A., Tecumseh, KS, 3.29.06
We had a great time. The location is great.
Tina M., Portland, Oregon, 3.14.06
New furniture bedroom, living room, new TV plus cable, kitchen redo, comfortable bed.
Elmer G., N. Ridgeville, Ohio, 2.25.06
The view is beautiful and the distance to the beach is very close.
David R., Corona, Ca, 11.1.05
