The booking was cancelled due to water heater going out and not being repaired in time - as we were flying to Hawaii. Effectively - I received the cancellation after the check-in time. They had a replacement unit in an inferior location without air conditioning. I received a full refund, and am working with VRBO to reimburse me for the extra cost for the unit we had to find on extremely short notice - jury still out on that as I have been getting the run around from VRBO. Wasn’t impressed with the communication from the property manager - and will avoid using them in the future.
The location is perfect for fun in the sun. Great area to go on walks, access the beach, shop and dine. The unit was super clean and supplied with everything you could need. The unit is older, not modernly renovated which I liked. It had more of a homey feel and traditional Hawaii vibe to put me in the island frame of mind.
We have been to the Big Island many times and usually stay in Kona. We always go out to Wailoloa a couple of times each trip for the beach, shopping and grocery store there. The condo was quiet, comfortable and in a great location. The gym was great and a great perk of staying there. We also enjoyed the pool and hot tub as well as used the bbq for making dinner. We have already decided to stay there again next time.
I have stayed at The Shores more than once, the first time 18 years ago.
My complaints regard burnt out bulbs in the bathroom, extremely low wattage in remaining bulbs. The unit has obviously been well used, stained carpet.
My major complaint is the work being done on the tile in the walkways. The tile had been removed and it did not feel very safe to be walking from the elevator to the unit
According to the email that i had received, the work should have been ongoing and almost, if not completely finished by the time i left. The workers were there one day during my stay. The same goes for the workout room. Extra days required. In spite of this there was no adjustment to my bill. I should have at leadt been offered a different unit so that i did not have to deal with the tileless walkway. I'm 70 years old and did mot appreciate the difficulty dealing with the second floor lack of tile.
I give this rental a 5 out of 10. The good stuff:
Location within resort is perfect.
Condo complex is beautiful, quiet, and well maintained.
Condo unit is good size for 2 people and a corner unit.
The bad stuff:
Carpet is stained and looks gross. Please replace your flooring with tile or LVP. Who still has carpet in Hawaii ?
Living room furniture is uncomfortable. I know it's a rental, but you can buy inexpensive furniture that is more comfortable than the old stuff you have.
The bedroom closet (the only closet) has a bunch of the owner's belongings stored in there. Not enough room to hang long dresses or dress pants. The owner's vehicle is stored in the designated condo parking spot. I had to park in the visitor spaces and walk some distance to the unit. When I am paying $260 a night (with taxes and fees) I expect to be able to park in the designated spot and use all the closet space I need.
The A/C in the bedroom did not cool properly. It was fine in the living room, but we could never get the bedroom cold enough.
Please supply more hand towels and wash cloths. There were only 2 of each.
This could be a great rental, but it is only just OK. The owners need to start treating this as a business instead of acting like I'm a friend or acquaintance asking to use their place for free. Next trip I will pay a little more for a professionally run rental unit.
Unit needs to be upgraded. Stains on carpet. Furniture clean but needs updating. Personal buckets of owners takes up the whole closet. No assigned parking spot due to owners car in stall. Very inconvenient to have to walk a ways to visitor parking. Patio is nice and comfortable. View of the Shores Office and maintenance area not ideal. Good location to shopping and restaurants.
If 1986 is your favorite year, this place is for you. If you don’t spend much time inside your rental, this place is for you. The carpet is definitely in desperate need of replacement. The furniture is in desperate need of new cushions or replace. The TV requires multiple attempts before it works. The outdoor space is good. Beach chairs and umbrella are good. This is not a rental for a long term stay. We’ve been coming to the Big Island for many years and this was a definite “miss”.
My husband and I enjoyed another great vacation at The Shores at Waikoloa Beach Resort. We've stayed in a variety of units at the property and feel they are a very good price for the location and amenities. Many of the units at the property, including this one, are older show some signs of wear but we will definitely return. We enjoy the pool, hot tub, ample parking, quiet setting and short walk to shopping, restaurants and A-Bay. The property management company for this unit, CB Island Vacations, provided great instructions and responsive communication.
