Ka Hale Ma Kahakai        (House by the sea)

 Sue and Larry (New South Wales, Australia)  A beautiful spot with great facilities. We will always remember evenings on the lanai enjoying food & friends & wine. Rod and DJ (Phoenix, AZ) This was the perfect spot for our Aus-USA reunion and thanks for my birthday cake!

 Jerry and Dolores and daughter Tracy (Fair Oaks, CA) As we prepare to leave the Island of Hawaii, we reflect back on the fabulous experiences we have had. On the Kona side we enjoyed the numerous restaurants, searching for and visiting the Kona coffee plantations, and just watching people during the busy holiday season. When we arrived at your side of paradise it was a perfect and contrasting change for us. While we did many activities on this side of the island, we found that we longed to return to "our house" and enjoy the views and sound of the surf, watch and listen for the whales, and just relax. Your hospitality made our visit special and unforgettable. Thank you so much!

The Steinblock Family (Cameron WI) Thanks so much for all your wonderful hospitality you showed to us. We had a great time in your beautiful home. Your lanai is so enjoyable - I would eat breakfast and whale watch every morning at the rock wall. It was so awesome seeing the whales, dolphins and turtles right from our yard and a pool to boot. Wow. Thanks again.

 Danny & Marilyn (Sanger, TX) It takes allot of work and allot of thoughtfulness to make a vacation home for others. This book is a testimony that you are very successful in making a special place for your guests - us included. We love the diversity of the Big Island and look forward to another adventure here again. God Bless! Mahalo

 Val  & Jacqueline  (Phoenix, AZ) Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us! You thought every detail thru. It was the perfect island getaway.

 Colleen and Tom (Vancouver Island, BC, Canada) Thank you so much for providing a beautiful oasis to begin our holiday. the house is comfortable and lovely and the goodies were great! We enjoyed every minute.

 Vito & Virginia  (Westmont, IL) Thank you very much for your island hospitality. Your thoughtfulness in attention to every detail was much appreciated. Your home and the landscape are beautiful, you definitely have a knack for decorating. Seeing the whales breaching when we arrived was amazing. Thanks again for sharing your corner of paradise with us.

 Judy  (Florence. OR) Claudia , Billings, MT and Linda (Oregon) Claudia wrote: Stan and Chris - You both helped make our stay on the Hilo side of Hawaii the best it could be. Everything is so beautiful here. I really love your view of the ocean. Thanks for all you have done to make our stay here the best, Judy wrote: This has been a dream come true to visit Hawaii again and get to stay in your home. Thank you so much for all your good advice & help in getting everything we wanted to do done. I've always wanted to see a volcano. Special thanks to Stan for changing our flat tire. You saved us!!

 Brenda and Ben and daughters Olivia and Lauren (Eugene, Oregon) Stan and Chris - thank you so much for all you have done making your place seem like home to us. Your travel advise was priceless and so was your homemade jam and bread! The kids felt right at home as well. We love this island and so glad to be close to the volcano. It's truly an amazing place. The whales and turtles made the trip unforgettable!

 Dave and Terri (Buckley, WA) Mahalo for providing us with a home away from home. For future guests - be sure to snorkel the Kapoho Tide Pools - fantastic coral; hike to the green sand beach at South Point and visit the Lava Tree State Park. Also for any scrapbookers, Island Scrapbooking in Hilo has wonderful Hawaiian Paper, etc. Wish we would have had more time to sit and watch the whales by the pool. We did manage to catch a couple. Maybe next time! Aloha!

 Stouffer Family (Bozeman, Montana) A wonderful place to spend Susan's 50th in the 50th (state)! Enjoyed the occasional show of whales, dolphins and turtles. and it was a nice jumping off point for visiting the area. The waterfalls were nice and full with the recent rain. Thank you for the extra touches as well - the papaya and lime, the banana bread and lilikoi jam and of course the pieces of cake for Susan's 50th!

 Deb and Barry (Desoto, Kansas) Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home. Meeting you will be one of our favorite treasures of this trip. Thanks for all the valuable information. Everything was perfect for our stay. Aloha and Mahalo (PS: we hope to return and stay longer next time. See you again!

Jolene, Frances, Andy, Andrew, and Cat (Kalihi & Nanakuli, Oahu) This was the best spring break we've ever experienced, thanks to you! Chris and Stan, you guys were amazing throughout the entire process, from booking to leaving. Better than any hotel we've been. Beautiful home too!! Can't wait till both units are available and we're definitely coming back, just for the house! Meke Aloha "The Bunch"

 The Noble's (Superior, Wisconsin) Thanks so much for your hospitality during our stay on the East side of the island. We had a wonderful time. What a beautiful area! Everything was great. No whales......so we'll just have to come back. You gave us a great vacation spot far from the crowds...people are cheating themselves if they don't spend some time on this side of the island!! You've thought of everything and make it very easy to transition from the "West Side" to the "windward". Loved our stay here!

Dolores & Kerry  (Sun Valley, CA) Thank you for allowing us the use of your lovely home. The views were without comparison! Your gracious hospitality made our experiences on the island all the more memorable. Thank you for the delicious bread and fruit, they were a wonderful surprise. My one regret was that we visited too late in the year to see any whales, though I did spy a dolphin or small whale. Loved the lushness of the area. The scenic drive along the dirt "government road" was breathtakingly beautiful.

 Kate & Rick (New Jersey) Thank you so much for sharing your home with us. You gave us such a great vacation. The fruit from the farm was delicious! The bread was ono! and we did get to see a whale...Kate  This is the first vacation in years that I have had no problem sleeping at night. The waves crashing against the rocks has been so relaxing. The quietness has rejuvenated my being! The occasional Couqi frog has let me know what paradise sounds like. Thanks, Rick

 Grant & Lindsay (Tunnel Hill , IL) Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise with us. We enjoyed the special touches - like the bread & fruit & fragrant flowers in the bathroom. Mahalo...P.S. Thank you very much for making everything convenient! We appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Steve & Fran  (Londonderry, NH) What an awesome place to stay. Your hospitality was the best! We appreciated your attention to detail. We will miss the morning open air ocean views with passion fruit jam and Kona coffee. We enjoyed exploring the island's sights, sounds, and its people. Come visit us in New Hampshire!

 Jevins & Suzi  (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) Thank you so much for your hospitality! If we come back to the island we'll stay again for sure! We did so much from here - the snorkeling, hot pool, volcano, Akaka Falls, Hilo, Mauna Loa and so much more!

 Alan & Robin (Alpharetta, Georgia) Although our stay was short, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in your beautiful home. How relaxing to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves! Thanks for all the goodies and personal touches...Also the Wa'aWa'a tour suggestion  - we enjoyed doing that.

 Fred & Diane and their friend Pat  (Miami, Florida) We just want to say thanks so much for your small spot of heaven on this wonderful "Big Island". Everything was just like the comforts of home and that was so greatly appreciated! We will sure miss the pounding of the waves to lure us to sleep. Thank you both for all your hospitality. May God bless you both.

 Chris, Vivian & Judi (Montana, California and New Mexico) We sure had a great time, your info was spot on & saved us lots of "flapping" around on our own. And thank you for your "welcome home" fruit & baked goods. We've stayed in lots of places, never one as nicely appointed as this. "The Girls"

Jen, Lyle, Tim and Luke (Honolulu, HI) What a beautiful home! It was so luxurious here, definitely the best home away from home experience. Our first time with a vacation rental on the Big Island, and hopefully not the last! Hope you see you again and we'd love to check out your farm the next time we're here. thank you so much for your terrific hospitality.

 John & Eileen  (San Marcos, CA) What a blessing if has been to be here. Thank you for your hospitality and those special touches you provide. What an incredible location! It has been a dream of mine to one day live on the Big Island and you have encouraged that dream. Hopefully you will be hearing from our friends as we will be giving high recommendations to your place.

 Terry Pace and Debra  (Houston, TX) Wonderful home and experience. My first visit to the islands and repeat for Debra. The hospitality you've shown to us made us feel quite at home. We thoroughly enjoyed your banana nut bread & homemade preserves while se turtle watching! Debra will return soon and I hope to in the near future. You home is indeed a jewel on the diamond in the pacific! Mahalo and God Bless  (Debra then stayed eight more days later in the month)

 Rebecca  and grandson Jonathan (Toledo, Ohio) This trip was to celebrate my grandson's 18th birthday and high school graduation, We had a wonderful time. Many thanks t you, Chris and Stan for making us feel at home. I am sure my grandson's memories will last a lifetime.

 Sara and Aaron and Gabe and Jillaine  (Corbett, Oregon) We enjoyed our stay and appreciate the hospitality that we received. the view, sounds of the ocean, turtle watching, and pool helped make our short stay on the Big Island amazing! We also found your tips and activity ideas very helpful. Thanks for sharing this beautiful paradise with us!

 Gary and Diane  (Dripping Springs, Texas) We have truly enjoyed our stay here! The time has gone by too fast. Your house is beautiful and our stay here was very comfortable and enjoyable. Location and view were  very beautiful also. The fruits and breads were all so delicious and we appreciated your thoughtfulness on all the "extra" things that you did in taking care of us and having our needs met. Thanks for sharing your House by the Sea!

 Jodi and Jeff (Seattle, WA) Thank you so much for your hospitality and the use of you gorgeous home! You were correct that two days is much too short of a time to spend here. We will definitely be back! Take Care!

 Return guests Mark and Amy (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) Once again a fabulous stay in your little piece of paradise. Love it all - we shall return!

 Stan and Tonda  (Garrett, IN) Thanks for sharing your wonderful home with us. We have truly enjoyed staying here - watching Honu, swimming, relaxing, listening to the surf and talking with you. Wish we could stay longer. You provide so many extras that other rentals don't - we appreciate that. The breads and preserves were delicious. Hope your move to the farm goes smoothly and you enjoy your "new" home. Mahalo.

 Adam and Jodina (Return Guests) (Livermore, CA) Dear Chris and Stan, I can't believe it's been 4 whole years since I came here last with my family (but this time with my new husband - one year in August). Your beautiful place has all the comforts of "home" & we truly appreciated your sweet, thoughtful touches & great recommendations (Lava Roy's sunset boat tour to the lava flow, Farmer's Markets, Kaleo's amazing food). Our favorites were star-gazing at Mauna Kea, Kava bar-hopping, exploring lava tubes, hiking to waterfalls, hot pond, & volcano. Mahalo and big aloha hugs for EVERYTHING! Love, Jodina (Jacks) and Adam Ehle

 Ron, Ann & Ron, Jr. (Cadillac, MI) Aloha, I can't believe the week is up. It has been a wonderful experience. The ocean sounds have been very relaxing to listen to and to fall asleep to. It has been a very relaxing experience. The description on your web site does not do the house and location justice. It is a "fantastic location". The lava flows have been a wonderful experience. Twice we went there by land and the 3rd time by boat. Mahalo

 Ray, Devon, Sean & Nicole  (La Verne, CA) Thank you for sharing your home with us. This is such a good place to stay-the beds are comfortable and a great view of the ocean. We loved the Sea Turtles.

 Jay and Gloria  (Athol, ID) Thanks you for the opportunity to stay in your lovely home. We have put in an offer on a place in Lealani, so we may be in touch! This is a beautiful setting and your attention and services wee much appreciated. Thanks again.

Shanley, Joycelyn and family (Wailuku, Maui, HI) This was our first family trip to Hilo. We had a wonderful time staying at your beautiful home. Thank you for the Makanas (Makana means gift or gift from Heaven in Hawaiian) of pineapple, banana bread and chocolate cake. It was so nice to be here. Our one regret- we wish we could have stayed a few more days. Mahalo nui loa, The Kiaha ohana.

The Mueller family (Bensheim, Germany) On our third trip to the Hawaiian Islands we came to Puna for only 3 days between Maui - Molokai and our favorite island, Hawaii. We had planned this "stop over" to see the lava flow and ocean entry. This is a beautiful house in this stunning location with awesome pool terrace and the romantic nights above the waves became the highlight of our stay. Thanks for everything, for the delicious fruits and muffins and for your hospitality.

Willow and Bill (Louisville, OH) We have had such an amazing experience here on the Big Island; so much we don't want to leave! Your beautiful home and hospitality are so much appreciated! Our first vacation together as husband and wife has truly been unforgettable! We enjoyed every activity the island has to offer....Seeing sea turtles at Punaluu, snorkeling at the tide pools, visiting the volcano, driving across the island to Hapuna Beach and so many more! We felt your home was a "home away" for us and thank you so much! We hope to return and stay here at Ka Hale Ma Kahakai again! Mahalo. 

Susan and Jim  (El Cajon, CA) Our only complaint is that we did not spend more time here. Your household is very-well organized & designed to answer all our questions as they arose. Local attractions such as the awesome view of Mauna Kea's peak at the end of your ocean view among the palms, bright green crickets on orchids along the old government road, Hilo's Farmers Market and the lava fields with views of steam from Pu'u O'o and ocean flowing lava. Thanks.

John & Diane(Littleton, CO) and John's sisters Rose and Lana .. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us. We love it here and wished that we could have stayed here longer instead on moving to Kona. If we only knew how perfect your place is! Best way to spend a birthday and anniversary (37th)!!! The special details & touch shows how much that you cared for your guests. We love the tips that you gave & the wonderful fruit and baked goodies. We hope that we can come back with our kids & their families someday. Mahalo

Randy and Pam  (Olympia, WA) Your home was just fabulous. You seemed to have all the detail taken care of. I think we will be back - this time with several friends of our. The view - the yard - everything was great! Again, thank you for sharing your home. What a great way to spend our honeymoon! Especially enjoyed the pineapples and avocados from your farm, Thanks so much for everything!

Arturo and Renata  and children (Rome, Italy) Thank you for everything, Your house exceeded all our expectations. We would have liked to stay longer, and we hope we'll be able to return soon. We find it really difficult to suggest anything to improve your hospitality, which was outstanding. Our sons and daughter especially appreciated a real home, after two weeks of hotels in the Southwestern USA. Thank you again.

Hanna and Jan  (near Bodensee Germany) Thank you so much for the wonderful time we could spend here.

Dana  (Chicago, IL) I came here to have rest and clear my head. This was a wonderful place to be alone and near the ocean. I saw a couple of sea turtles right here! Next time I will share this experience with my friends and family.

Jim, Karen, Fred and Linda (Chicago and Sacramento) Your home is beautiful. Saw turtles every morning and this side of the island is just like you said. We all enjoyed our stay.

The Thayer Family (Phoenix, AZ) Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us. It was a wonderful vacation and we hate to leave! Saw a few turtles also! We will definitely be be back!

Bart  (San Francisco, CA) Thanks for letting me stay in your beautiful home and for fixing my foot. See you in January.

Sharon and Don  (Houston, TX) Linda and Charles  (Aledo, TX) We enjoyed your house for our week stay. It was everything you said it would be and more. We can't think of anything you forgot. We spent one full day iVolcanoes National Part. We also went to see the lava flow into the ocean on another day. In retrospect I would suggest getting there as soon as the gate opens at 5pm and taking a light picnic dinner and flashlights. I think it best to hike out to the viewing area before dark and get a true perspective of where you are. Plan to stay awhile and watch the lava display as darkness fall and the stars show! It was the highlight of our trip. Thank you for a  lovely visit and for your willingness to provide information as we needed it.

Carpenter Family (Honolulu, HI) Just this short note to express our appreciation for the stay. So rarely does one find any deal equal to or better than advertised. In this case, that is what we got....more than was hoped for. We had much fun, relaxed well and are already planning our next trip. There are no recommendations - you thought of everything. Both your home and your service are superb. We all agree that any plans for Big Island travel start here. Mahalo

Tony and Cheryl  and friends Tracey and Greg (Australia) A lovely place to relax and enjoy the quiet part of our honeymoon. Your home is wonderful with everything you could possibly need, very well equipped. We would highly recommend your beautiful home to all our friends in Australia. Thank you for your hospitality and the fresh fruit and veggies. Mahalo.

Hal and Kathleen  (Washington) Cherie and daughter Oregon and Scott and Cheryl (Washington) Thanksgiving Day 2009...Mahalo for the privilege of using your home for our family vacation. It was perfect for our being together without being on top of each other. Everything we needed to prepare a meal including a full thanksgiving dinner was here. This home made us feel at home & Stan and Chris were hands on to make sure we felt that way. Fresh flowers, homemade tropical banana bread as well as fresh fruits and veggies from your farm. WOW! They definitely spoiled us and we loved it. Thank you for making this trip so special. Janice and Dale (Shelton, WA) What a lovely home and beautiful site. My husband never put the camera down. Mahalo!

Liz, Evan and Lloyd (Santa Cruz, CA) We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay on the Big Island, in no small part thanks to your beautiful home. Watching the moon rise over the ocean from the lanai was a highlight of our trip. Thank you so much for your warm welcome and hospitality. we will not hesitate to recommend your home to our friends and we hope to return someday soon.

Tammy & Will and Beth and Bill (Kansas City, Missouri) Wow! This is an awesome place. We saw whales, dolphins and the sea turtles. The weather was incredible! Beth says the Kona side is very overrated. There is so much to see and do on this side of the island. the lava arm that is now visible made the experience that much better. This is the first time we've been on vacation as a group and didn't want to go back home, Mahalo!