GUEST COMMENTS

"We had a great time last week at your Hilo house. It was lovely. And we were pleasantly surprised by the outstanding snorkeling across the street at Richadson's. Everyone said Kona had the best snorkeling, but we found Richardson's to be just as good. And the climate - marvelous. Even with daily morning showers, it was great. My other rave about Hilo is that it is so NOT touristy (for Hawaii). The tropical rainforest climate is far preferable to the hot sunny climate of Kona. And the locals are so incredibly friendly. What a great place to vacation. We are back home to 95 degrees with 85% relative humidity, ugh. Anyway, thanks. I hope all was in order when we left. Thanks again" -Flossie M., Charleston, SC

"Just a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed your place in Hio. The weather was fabulous and the location great. We were away from the beaten path but yet right there close to everything. We saw whales every morning!! Also the sea turtles a couple of time. Richardson's beach was very nice and we were there every day from 10-1. Then to the volcano, waterfalls, and we even took a helicoptor ride. Worth It! Thanks again for the opportunity. We will look you up for our 25th!!" -Marcia and Kevin S., Sylvania, OH

"Well we're back home, and having great difficulty adjusting to "big city" life, after our wonderful trip to Hilo!! Needless to say, the 8Hawaii Beaches house, exceeded our expectations. It's a beautiful house, with great views and every amenity you could ask for. We were very fortunate with regard to the weather, as it only rained at night and very early in the morning. Our days, were all fairly sunny and perfect for beach time at Richardson's. We took advantage of many of the other local sites, and visited the Volcano, Rainbow Falls, Hawaii Tropical/Botanical Gardens, Zoo, Tsunami Museum, and several other beach spots (Onekahhakaha, Leieiwi). We also dined at good old Ken's Pancake House a couple of times, as well as Seaside and Harringtons. We did find a place called Uncle Billy's (Banyan Drive) and found it to be excellent service, great food and they even had a small Hawaiian show (3 musicians, several dancers). We enjoyed it so much, we went back a 2nd time and would suggest you add Uncle Billy's to the list of restaurant recommendations. The local Walmart was also a good place to shop, at decent prices and very conveniently located near Safeway. One of the places in your literature for snorkle gear rental (Aqua Perceptions) is no longer in business, but the Natilus Dive Shop near the Farmer's Market had gear, and good prices. You had also mentioned a book we'd find in the house (Hawaii, the Big Island Revealed), which despite our search, we didn't find.......perhaps the previous renters forgot to return it. During our stay, we visited the University of Hawaii @ Hilo, which is on the list of colleges that our younger daughter is interested in. Of course, we have two more years before she gets to the point of selecting a school, but she fell in love with the small campus environment, and has worn her UH baseball hat non-stop for the past week. We did notice, you also have a house in Santa Cruz, and the University of Santa Cruz in on her college list as well, so we just might be interested in renting that one sometime in the next 12-18 months. Karri, our family has traveled quite a bit (several cruises, 3 other trips to Hawaii, extensively in Mexico, and many other vacation spots). However, this trip ranks very high on our all-time favorite list!! As you had mentioned, the people were friendly, the pace was pretty kick back, and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. Thank you very much for allowing us to rent your home, and for the wonderful hospitality. p.s. Claire was fabulous.......greeted us on our second day, checked on us to see if we needed anything and was so friendly, it was as if we'd known her forever." -Bill, Janice, Megan and Melissa D., Mission Viejo, CA
RESPONSE: Thank you! We replaced the Big Island Hawaii book, and will add Uncle Billy's to our restaurant list this month. Special thanks for letting us know about Natilus Dive Shop. Loved the thought of your daughter wearing her UH Hilo cap. We welcome your family to back to Hawaii anyime. I look forward to meeting you on your Santa Cruz visit! Warmest aloha, Karri

"I wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time in The Beaches. The house is very lovely and comfortable. On top of all its amenities, we particularly were impressed with the huge shower upstairs. After the beach we could all wash off quickly. And I loved the Dynasty stove top. It is much better than what I have at home and although I didn't do a lot of cooking noticed how fast it cooks. I would like to have one of those. Hilo is a charming town (even the staff at Safeway are kind). I soon became used to driving again and the drivers in Hilo seem to know that plenty of people driving are tourists because they are very patient. We all enjoyed the beach and went swimming several times a day. I was happy to see the colorful fish and we saw large sea turtles while swimming and were lucky to see a mother and cub whale several times. The girls had fun learning to surf with Claire's boys. Claire and her family are very nice people. We often went to Ken's for breakfast or for just a great chocolate milk shake. I think that Pesto's is excellent. We had lunch there twice. You should receive your keys in a few days. I hope that we will be able to visit again. Thank you." -Charlotte H., Tokyo, Japan

"Aloha! Your home is truly magnificent. We were blessed with sunny skies all week- could even see the top of the volcano. We were impressed with how well stocked the house was. The koi pond brought a lot of joy. We spent hours kneeling by the pond, watching the brightly colored fish. The frogs were an added treat. The soothing sounds of the beach added to the overall comfort felt by everyone staying at the house. The beach in front was wonderful for the kids. They saw turtles dolphins, and made quite a few friends. My daughter cried on the day we departed. She is ready to return already! We all look forward to coming back again soon. Many thanks for all the extras and your excellent hospitality." -Robert and Cynthia V., Chicago, IL

"By far, this was our finest stay ever in Hawaii. Well worth the expense. The house and gardens are incredible. We met a palm tree farmer in downtown Hilo, and had the pleasure of touring his farm south of Hilo. He introduced us to orchid grower and we're now considering starting a business in San Diego working with both of them. All of the people we met were wonderful. Hilo has a real charm, an inviting and comfortable feel. Please thank Claire and Rex for us. We bought Claire an orchid as a "thank you," and noticed before leaving she had planted it in the yard of the house. They are real keepers. We will definitely be back this year. We may bring the in-laws when we return. Thanks again for providing such a splendid retreat!" -Kevin & Virginia C., San Diego, CA
RESPONSE: Thank you, Kevin & Virginia. We will pass along your thanks to Claire & Rex. Indeed, they are special people.

"Thank you so much for all of your help with making my mom's trip memorable. She had a fantastic time! The house was better than I could have ever imagined. I will always remember the extra time and special attention you have us. I will look forward to staying in one of your homes in the near future. You will be highly recommended to all of my friends and family. A sincere THANK YOU." -Jennifer O., Phoenix, AZ

"We most definitely enjoyed our stay at 8 Hawaii Beaches. What a beautiful house! And Great Location Too. We only wish we could have stayed longer. Hope to be back soon. Thanks again." -Debbie R., Montreal, Canada

"Where was all the rain rumored to plague Hilo??? We never saw a drop of rain over our 2 week stay. The house was absolutely spectacular, just as you described it. Marvelously equipped, immaculately clean, and very comfortable. Thank you for accommodating us for the extra nights. We were not ready to return to Kona. We truly appreciate your introduction to Claire and Rex. They are warm, kind, and helpful people. My husband spent hours walking the gardens learning about the native plants from both of them. We've returned home enlightened by the generosity of the local people who shared so freely. We've been talking about retiring in Hilo. We're seriously considering it, and would like to return later this year to look at property. Please expect our call." Jan S., Portland, OR
RESPONSE: Thank you, Jan. We get about 30% less rain in this area of Hilo, but generally Hilo is not as rainy as you might think. It gets more rain than Kona, but it does not rain daily. When it does rain, it usually does so in short spurts, but definitely not the cold rain you're accustomed to in Oregon. Throughout the year, there are far more beautiful days than rainy days!

"We returned late tonight after an amazing first trip to Hawaii. Thank you for allowing us to stay at this most beautiful house, and for opening our eyes to all that the spirit of aloha encompasses. We can't stop talking about all the nice people we met in Hilo. My mother, father, and I agree that the spirit in Hilo is so much stronger and more endearing than in Kona. We also prefer the green, tropical feel of Hilo over the dry barren desert in Kona. With the wild orchids, those giant red flowers (that look like they're made of wax), countless varieties of palms, and wild green vegetation, Hilo looks a lot more like the Hawaii we dreamed about for so many years. We would like to return as a family next year and stay in this same house the entire time. The experience was everything we hoped it would be, and more. We really enjoyed the beach, volcano, botanical gardens, waterfalls, and mac nut factory. I loved the Hilo Hattie store in town, and also the farmers market. My father and mother walked each morning at the beach, and had the time of their lives. Thank you for encouraging us to try Hilo, and to stay at this amazing house. With much love and aloha - from my family to yours," -Jean M. and Family, Richmond, VA.

"What an amazing house! We've been to Hawaii 15 times in the past 20 years. It was our first trip to Hilo, and our best trip ever. For the first time, we really felt connected to the local experience. The people were unbelievable friendly. I walked the block each morning to many waives, smiles, and warm greetings. What a wonderful Hawaii. Many mahalos." -Earl and Emile T., Salt Lake City, UT.

"We most definitely enjoyed our stay at 8Hawaii Beaches. What a beautiful house (and great location)! We only wish we could have stayed longer. Thanks again." -Debbie R., Higley, AZ.

"We just returned from Hawaii where we had a wonderful time. The property was every bit as beautiful as the pictures and the people in Hilo were absolutely wonderful. We had a restful vacation and want to thank you for allowing us to stay at your property." -Sheila D., Cupertino, CA.

"We want to thank you so much for letting us stay at the beautiful Hilo home. We enjoyed out time on the island very much & have already told many of our friends about it. Thanks again (actually Mahalo!)" -Karen & Dean U., Los Angeles, CA.

"Just a note to let you know we had a wonderful stay on the Big Island. The 8 Hawaii beaches home was wonderfully furnished -- I loved the kitchen, and the walk-in shower was fabulous. Even though there was quite a bit of rain last week, it didn't stop us from doing anything we planned. A real treat was snorkeling at Richardson Beach right across the street, and swimming with the two resident turtles there! 8 Palms was a great contrast, and we enjoyed the opportunity to spend a little time there. The crashing surf was very impressive. Didn't have time to try the surf rods, but we did find and use the barbecue. (Might be a nice addition to 8 Hawaii Beaches at some time in the future)." -Barbara B., Seattle, WA.
RESPONSE: Thanks Barbara for the suggestion. We added the barbecue!

"I just wanted to write to tell you what a wonderful stay my family and I had at the 8 Hawaii Beaches house. It was incredibly spacious and perfect for a family of 6! However, we only had 3 people in our party so the space was more than ample. The house itself made us think we were on vacation without even leaving! All 3 bedrooms have exquisite views. Waking up in the morning was impossible to do without a smile on our faces. The tide pond in the front is beautiful with the fish and tropical foliage. The house had everything and more that we needed for our stay. The kitchen was huge, gorgeous, and contained all modern amenities. The black sand beach and prime snorkeling are just steps away in a protected bay area with a lifeguard. It is a perfect family retreat in which we plan on returning in the future." - Shirley H., Sacramento, CA.