We had a great time. The house is great. We loved eating on the porch and watching the ocean. The walking distance to beaches and sunsets was amazing.
Home is very nice, centrally located. Nice to see some wildlife in the trees in the backyard. Had everything we needed, I would use the house in the future.
Good , well appointed & friendly.
We (6 adults) spent a WONDERFUL week at this lovely home just south of the main part of Kona. The listing and photos are very accurate. The GREAT Stuff-The location is absolutely PERFECT. Beach access across the street, 15 minute walk to Magic Sands and a 5 minute walk to the Kahaluu Bay for incredbile snorkeling. 10 minute drive to downtown and 15 minute drive to coffee farms. -The lanai is the unbeatable. Huge, overlooks the ocean, tons of comfortable seating, beautiful gardens. We spent almost all our time out there. -Super well equipped kitchen with everything you could need for cooking (including a Vitamix blender!)-Lots of towels, beach chairs, and other amenities to make vacation easy peasyThe Not So Great Stuff-The house gets hot and the main area has no AC, just tons of fans. The bedrooms all have window AC, but those are noisy and situated at the top of the beds in the main house so it is right next to your head all night. -The bed linens and beds themselves are in need of an upgrade. Sleeping was not the most comfortable in this house, unfortunately. -The "rules"...there are post it notes literally everywhere throughout the house with various "rules". I understand having house rules, but like most rentals it would be a much nicer experience to put these things in one place like a Welcome Guide. Overall, the pros certainly outweighed the cons and would recommend Simmy's place to anyone who cares about location and homey amenities.
Lovely home, exceptionally clean on arrival, well-equipped and conveniently located. Fantastic deck with ocean view became the center for our family meals and relaxation. Beach parks within walking distance, well maintained pool on property, and shopping center within a few minutes drive. Gracious host provided an arrival tour of the premises and recommendations for exploring Hawai’i, all in the spirit of Aloha.
The house was a perfect Hawaiin style house complete with great lanai, wonderful view of the ocean, Close to beaches. The space was perfect for our family and the kids loved the lizards, named most of them and counted them daily. Definitely would stay again!
The lanai was our favorite place to hang out. So much room and the view was beautiful. The pool was perfect for the end of day. We definitely would come back.
Great location. Close to town, stores and easy walk to the beach. The residence is beautiful and the house and kitchen are well stocked with everything you’ll need to enjoy your time on the island. Located on a main road through town so traffic noise can be loud and steady at times. Driveway can be difficult to see at night. Reflector at the entrance of the drive would remedy that. Communication with the owner was great. Overall a great place to stay.
This property has an outstanding ocean view and porch/deck on which to view it and enjoy yourself. We were here to celebrate a 90th birthday party. Most of our time was spent on the deck. The rest of the house had some interesting amenities. As such we had a total of 3 different adult children and their spouses during the 2 weeks. We found the lighting very poor in the living room particularly and recommended use of fans and air conditioning units a little overwhelming and in need of some updates. The house has some beautiful collectibles...but too much for a rental.
We have rented Simmy's house next door (vrbo 49376) several times but this was the first time we stayed in this house. We rented both houses as we had a family gathering of 6 adults and 5 kids this trip and it made a great family compound for our group. The lanai is very large and it's where our family of 11 spent a great deal of time. The location of the property is a big plus as you can walk to Kahaluu Beach or Magic Sands (we drove to Magic Sands as we had so much gear!). It's also a short drive into town or to the beaches north and south. A longer drive but we also went to the other side of the island and back a couple of times. Simmy's properties are stocked with items a person would need for a pleasant island stay - boogie boards, toys, coolers, chairs. We also used the bbq grill a couple of nights & even used the washing machine! We value communication & Simmy responds quickly. Overall, we had a lovely 50th anniversary celebration with our family on this property.
This was our 2nd stay here in as many years and it was better than the 1st. We briefly thought about looking for a different property to try then realized this is where we wanted to go again…. This house is perfect !
Again, we literally lived on the lanai all week. Walk to 2 beaches for snorkeling or boogie boarding…. 5 minute drive to town….5 minute drive to grocery store…. The location is perfect.
Check in / check out was seamless…. Simmy is a incredible host.
See you next year !!
Mahalo !!
Great location, lots of room, awesome Lanai, responsive host. We had a wonderful vacation!
Our favorite part of the house was the deck. The view was amazing and the deck had plenty of furniture for seven adults, with a dining table, bar chairs, and relaxing chairs.
We love the location, nestled in a neighborhood and a five minute walk to a beach on the left and a few minutes to drive to a terrific snorkeling Beach on the right.
The kitchen was stocked with every possible item you could imagine for cooking and in the back is a cabana with a bbq, multiple chairs, Boogie boards, and beach toys.
Our “kids”are adults so they enjoyed their own separate sleeping quarters with attached bathroom.
If we return to this part of the island again, this would be our first choice for a future vacation.
Thank you Simi for providing a fabulous vacation home for us!
Group of 10 traveling for vacation. 6 adults and 4 teens.
Pros:
3 bathrooms
Beautiful view
Public access within walking distance
Safe neighborhood
Responsive host
Let's start with our host, Simmy - what a wonderful unique person! Super helpful and responsive; her energy is contagious. Thank you Simmy! Truly "From Big Island".
Next, the property - you'll know you're at the right place as soon as you see the gorgeous trumpet flowers out front, leading you into your slice of island paradise. The property itself is gorgeous, with the lanai as the focal point. We ate all our at-home meals in this beautiful space, sharing sun and shade with the geckos, watching sunsets over the ocean. We had use of the full property including the rear suite, and it was fantastic for 3 couples, one with an 8 year old. Lots of privacy, while allowing everyone to congregate.
Continuing, the kitchen - well stocked with appliances, dishes, pretty much anything you might need to cook breakfast lunch and dinner (including a nice BBQ). If you have any questions about how things work - don't worry, there's a note to remind you!
Finally, a nice surprise were the beach amenities - I think we made use of all of them! The toys for kids, the chairs, the towels, and the boogie boards all got a workout both daily at Kahalu'u beach as well as many other locations around the island. There was even some snorkel gear in the bins, possibly from Simmy's family surf shop downtown Kailua? Even the outside hose to rinse the salt off your gear after a day's use was a wonderful touch.
I'd go back tomorrow in a heartbeat.
We’ve stayed at beautiful places all over the world. Simmy’s family home down the street from Kahalu’u beach is among our very favorites for several reasons.
The lanai. We spent the early mornings on the lanai with our coffees , the view of the palms and the sea, and the calls of a dozen species of birds . We spent literally hours in the evening on the lanai watching the sun set and the stars come out. The lanai was like a national park unto itself.
The snorkeling at Kahalu’u. The house is a short walk to this amazing spot, which is said to be among the best fish watching anywhere in Hawaii. We went every morning, before the crowds, and many evenings. We were close also to Honaunau Bay and the trail head to Kealakekua Bay, where the snorkeling is amazing.
Simmy. You can tell from the house description she is passionate about Kona. Against all odds she saved hundreds of acres of scared forested land behind the house from development. I felt our money was well spent.
The bunk room. We stayed at Simmy’s for two weeks with our college aged kids and their spring break friends. The kids mostly stayed together in the bunk room. There was plenty of room for all.
It was a magical week. Can’t wait to return.
We were so thankful for the many bedroom options and 3 bathrooms for our 2 teens and 3 adult children. The house was clean and private! The DECK - WOW! That incredible view with NO house to block the sunsets, or hear the crashing waves at night. Thank you Simmy!
My wife and I really enjoyed our 9 day stay in this property. It's a beautiful Asian-themed home across the street from the ocean as reflected in listing photos. The home is up a slight hill that enhances the view from the spacious patio. Yeah, that patio is wonderful and was our favorite place to hang when not out touring the island or snorkeling at the nearby beach. The kitchen has everything you need to prepare your own meals. Plenty of bath and beach towels that should last your stay too.
We've been to Kona multiple times now and this location near Kahalu'u is our favorite - far enough south of the congested main tourist area, but still close to restaurants, grocery stores, and one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island.
You'll meet the owner Simi at the property on your first day to pick up the key and get a tour. She's super nice and takes great pride in the care of her home. You may even see her outside personally caring for the landscaping. She's such a hard worker :-). We had a couple of questions during our stay and she was quick to respond. You'll love her.
Thanks for the great stay Simi - we can't wait to come back!
This was the third time staying at this property….. we return every year because we love it! The host is great…. Good communication and prompt responses. The view of the ocean from the lanai is amazing! Very comfortable home with lots of amenities. Also lots of beach gear is available to use. The kids enjoy the pool. I would highly recommend this property. 5 stars all around. 😎
One of the best features of this house is the view and proximity of the ocean. Sunsets through the palms was very nice and it is an easy walk to a nearby beach to have a totally unobstructed view. We all slept extra well with the sound of the surf nearby. The beds in the main house were very comfortable.
During the day we enjoyed our coffee and breakfast on the lanai while watching the light change while being sheltered from the heat and sun. We watched the shy geckos sun themselves on the railing while I assume they were helping keep the insects in check. Beach excursions were made even more pleasant with beach chairs, umbrellas and other water toys available.
The location was really great! Not too far or too close to Downtown. We enjoyed the Asian decor and art work as well as the cozy indoor sitting area.
We all decided we would stay there again and recommend it for others. I had good and responsive communication with the host which was really helpful.
The landscaping was beautiful and easily enjoyed from the above ground pool and the deck. The bougainvillea hedge was a good locator for the property while we were heading home from an excursion.
One of the best features of this house is the view and proximity of the ocean. Sunsets through the palms was very nice and it is an easy walk to a nearby beach to have a totally unobstructed view. We all slept extra well with the sound of the surf nearby. The beds in the main house were very comfortable.
During the day we enjoyed our coffee and breakfast on the lanai while watching the light change while being sheltered from the heat and sun. We watched the shy geckos sun themselves on the railing while I assume they were helping keep the insects in check. Beach excursions were made even more pleasant with beach chairs, umbrellas and other water toys available.
The location was really great! Not too far or too close to Downtown. We enjoyed the Asian decor and art work as well as the cozy indoor sitting area.
We all decided we would stay there again and recommend it for others. I had good and responsive communication with the host which was really helpful.
The landscaping was beautiful and easily enjoyed from the above ground pool and the deck. The bougainvillea hedge was a good locator for the property while we were heading home from an excursion.
This house and owner Simmy were absolutely outstanding. Sleeps 10 if u pack them all in but realistically its great for a family with kids up to 6-8. 3 full baths which was huge for our family of 4 adults. The set up is great with both main bedrooms opening out to the most wonderful lanai over looking the pool and ocean. The bunkhouse was perfect for our adult kids as they had their own quiet space.
Location could not have been better. Walking distance to 2 awesome beaches, one great for snorkeling, the other great for boogie boarding.
Private entrance and parking.
We will most definitely be back.
Mahalo
This house and owner Simmy were absolutely outstanding. Sleeps 10 if u pack them all in but realistically its great for a family with kids up to 6-8. 3 full baths which was huge for our family of 4 adults. The set up is great with both main bedrooms opening out to the most wonderful lanai over looking the pool and ocean. The bunkhouse was perfect for our adult kids as they had their own quiet space.
Location could not have been better. Walking distance to 2 awesome beaches, one great for snorkeling, the other great for boogie boarding.
Private entrance and parking.
We will most definitely be back.
Mahalo
We had an amazing stay!! Easy walking distance to both Magic Sands and Kahaluu beach. MASSIVE lanai, where we spent most of our time, and a few of us even spent the night on. Simmy is a doll, and totally helpful, taking the time to meet with us in person at check in. Absolutely perfect stay!
We had an amazing stay!! Easy walking distance to both Magic Sands and Kahaluu beach. MASSIVE lanai, where we spent most of our time, and a few of us even spent the night on. Simmy is a doll, and totally helpful, taking the time to meet with us in person at check in. Absolutely perfect stay!
We absolutely loved this house! As others have mentioned, the lanai is huge and shaded with a great view of the ocean. We spent most of our time there. The kitchen is meant to be cooked in and we ate fresh fish (from KTA or farmer’s markets) for most of our meals. Even though it was July, we generally just used the fans and sat on the lanai with the ocean breeze to cool down but there are air conditioners we used occasionally. There was a issue with hot water which the owner took care of within hours. Yes, there are a lot of notes, but they asked nothing unreasonable. We also loved walking to Kahalu’u and Magic Sands beaches- different kinds if beaches but each fun in its own way. The snorkeling at Kahalu’u was beautiful. So many great snorkeling sites on the big island. We found Simmy’s book “Hawaii Revealed” to be very helpful.
We absolutely loved this house! As others have mentioned, the lanai is huge and shaded with a great view of the ocean. We spent most of our time there. The kitchen is meant to be cooked in and we ate fresh fish (from KTA or farmer’s markets) for most of our meals. Even though it was July, we generally just used the fans and sat on the lanai with the ocean breeze to cool down but there are air conditioners we used occasionally. There was a issue with hot water which the owner took care of within hours. Yes, there are a lot of notes, but they asked nothing unreasonable. We also loved walking to Kahalu’u and Magic Sands beaches- different kinds if beaches but each fun in its own way. The snorkeling at Kahalu’u was beautiful. So many great snorkeling sites on the big island. We found Simmy’s book “Hawaii Revealed” to be very helpful.
Staying in a lovely traditional Hawaiian home set near the coast with easy access to everything in the Kona area gave our three generation family just the right balance. We could choose to snorkel, explore, shop, adventure, or hang on the ocean view porch and read, knit, and watch the tiny green geckos, birds, and blossoms silently fall, while the 11 year old swam in the pool. Magic memories.
We had a group of 4 women and the house was perfect. 2 of us stayed in the 'bunk house' (which includes a full bathroom), and the others had their own bedroom/bathroom - perfect! Simmy was the best host I've ever had - she even sent us messages letting us know when we could see Iam Tongi on local TV (he won 'American Idol' while we were on the island). It was fantastic to be able to walk to Kahalu'u, which is an amazing snorkeling beach. Simmy is also a strong proponent of the environment, which we really appreciated - we need to respect paradise!
Staying in a lovely traditional Hawaiian home set near the coast with easy access to everything in the Kona area gave our three generation family just the right balance. We could choose to snorkel, explore, shop, adventure, or hang on the ocean view porch and read, knit, and watch the tiny green geckos, birds, and blossoms silently fall, while the 11 year old swam in the pool. Magic memories.
