Kanaloa Condo (Big Island) - Solitude # 3004
Oct 15th, 2006, 04:47 PM
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Aloha Hanalei,
I am hoping you read this response because my family and I are planning a visit to Hawaii and to this specific unit at the Kanaloa resort (#3004). I am wondering if you did stay there and what you thought of the condo?
Mahalo!
I am hoping you read this response because my family and I are planning a visit to Hawaii and to this specific unit at the Kanaloa resort (#3004). I am wondering if you did stay there and what you thought of the condo?
Mahalo!
Oct 15th, 2006, 07:26 PM
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Aloha Hanalei,
Our family is planning to visit in July and I have been doing a lot of research on condos in the Kanaloa resort. I, too, wish there were more reviews on Tripadvisor about this particular unit. I have found in the past that the reviews on that website are pretty reliable.
Perhaps someone will see this post and give us both a "first hand" review of Solitude #3004.
In any event have a great vacation and definitely post a trip report when you return.
Mahalo!
Our family is planning to visit in July and I have been doing a lot of research on condos in the Kanaloa resort. I, too, wish there were more reviews on Tripadvisor about this particular unit. I have found in the past that the reviews on that website are pretty reliable.
Perhaps someone will see this post and give us both a "first hand" review of Solitude #3004.
In any event have a great vacation and definitely post a trip report when you return.
Mahalo!
Oct 16th, 2006, 09:16 AM
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Dmpalena,
Here is a website of rentals from owners. They require 5 nights minimum and some are less than Solitude. Keep in mind that you have to pay extra for air conditioning. We are only staying 2 nights in Kona and did not meet the minimum requirement and Solitude owner did not require min. number of nights.
http://www.alohacondos.com/
Here is another site:
http://www.konarentals.net/
Here is a website of rentals from owners. They require 5 nights minimum and some are less than Solitude. Keep in mind that you have to pay extra for air conditioning. We are only staying 2 nights in Kona and did not meet the minimum requirement and Solitude owner did not require min. number of nights.
http://www.alohacondos.com/
Here is another site:
http://www.konarentals.net/
Oct 16th, 2006, 01:32 PM
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It isn't really ocean front like the one I stayed in, look at 1801 or 1804.
http://kanaloa-at-kona.com/
http://kanaloa-at-kona.com/
Oct 16th, 2006, 02:19 PM
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Hi SeaUrchin,
I realize that building 30 is a little farther from the rest by looking at the map of the resort. But unfortunately, we don't meet the 5 night requirement in order to book at those condos on your link. The Outrigger rent them out but even at a more expensive rate than Solitude. We are going for 9 days and are staying for a week on the East side (lots to do: caves, volcano, waterfalls, north side, etc).We probably will drive South and lower Kona on one of those days on the East side. We got a really good rate for staying there for a week. Besides, we have a piece of land on that side and wanted to stay there to get a feel of the local. Mahalo for your help. Hanalei.
I realize that building 30 is a little farther from the rest by looking at the map of the resort. But unfortunately, we don't meet the 5 night requirement in order to book at those condos on your link. The Outrigger rent them out but even at a more expensive rate than Solitude. We are going for 9 days and are staying for a week on the East side (lots to do: caves, volcano, waterfalls, north side, etc).We probably will drive South and lower Kona on one of those days on the East side. We got a really good rate for staying there for a week. Besides, we have a piece of land on that side and wanted to stay there to get a feel of the local. Mahalo for your help. Hanalei.
Jun 20th, 2007, 07:25 AM
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Aloha Hanalei,
I wondered if you have completed your travel plans to the BI and what your impressions were of the condo at Kanaloa. We are planning to rent there at the end of July and are a bit apprehensive about the fact that I have not gotten much feedback on this condo.
Last year we rented a house in Yellowstone through vrbo.com website that we followed suit this year with our Hawaii plans. We are really hoping that our experience will be a good one there and wondered what you thought of it?
Hope you had a great vacation!!! Look forward to reading your post.
Any suggestions of things "not to miss" while we're there??
Thanks for your help!!
Diane
I wondered if you have completed your travel plans to the BI and what your impressions were of the condo at Kanaloa. We are planning to rent there at the end of July and are a bit apprehensive about the fact that I have not gotten much feedback on this condo.
Last year we rented a house in Yellowstone through vrbo.com website that we followed suit this year with our Hawaii plans. We are really hoping that our experience will be a good one there and wondered what you thought of it?
Hope you had a great vacation!!! Look forward to reading your post.
Any suggestions of things "not to miss" while we're there??
Thanks for your help!!
Diane
Jun 20th, 2007, 10:18 AM
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Diane,
Yes, we've been back and stayed 2 nights at Solitude # 3004. I posted my review at tripadvisor site also.
The positives are: the owner sent you information about various sites you can visit and even some brochures that you see at the airport. The condo has 2 skylights - one in master bath and one in living room. There are 2 new beach chairs (the ones that Costco are selling - you can strap to your back to wear down the beach). I found these chairs to be very portable to the beach. There are 2 lounge chairs (Costco merchandise) plus the table and 4/5 chairs on the lanai. It
is ocean view. Master bed is comfortable. Refrigerator looks fairly new. Master shower has 2 shower heads. Antibacterial soaps are provided in both bathrooms. I received my deposit within a week's departure.
I am listing negatives/shortfalls here. Even though it is ocean view, building 30 is further in than the 2 buildings to its right and left. I felt that we don't have as much privacy because people on the lanai of the back units (facing the inside) can see you sitting on your lanai. The owner asked for AC to be turned off when you leave. When we arrived, it was off and so hot. We turned on the air and left for dinner. Three hours later, it's cooler but not as cool as we'd like. Once it kicked in and working, it was fine. The carpet was showing wear on the stairs. It was the shaggy, long fiber type. Therefore, those type shows dirt and do not look good once it's been walked on, especially high traffic area. The rest of the unit's carpet has some stains here and there, but the stairs were the worst. Tiles in the master bath is the 70's/80's. It could use a facelift, but was functional. We did not use the jacuzzi. The shower door was warped, but water did not leak out. There were 2 shower heads. I am very picky about utensils and kitchen supplies. I felt that the utensils were of mediocre quality and drawers do not look appealing. There was a butcher block with some nice knives. There was only 1 cutting board. I did not inspect all the pots and pans because I stopped at the skillets. Both of their non-stick surfaces were peeling so bad that if you had given them to me for free, I would not have accepted. We ate out the first night and bought Costco meatloaf to heat in the 9x 12 pan. The dishwasher was functional but part of rack had been damaged, where the white coating disappeared and rust had taken over (the price you paid for living near the ocean). I stood by the sink and smelled something really bad but could not figure out why. I thought it was the disposal. I pumped some antibacterial gel down there and let it run and that seemed to help. Bath towels were dark red and thick, but they must have been washed with whites. There were white lints all over them. I rewashed them before using just to be safe. I hope this helps. There were some tripadvisor posts saying the units were as pictured and posters seem to find it OK. Like I said, I am picky and have had better rentals than this one. But I am the type that wash the towels again before using and put the dishes I plan to use in the washer just to be sure they are really clean.
Yes, we've been back and stayed 2 nights at Solitude # 3004. I posted my review at tripadvisor site also.
The positives are: the owner sent you information about various sites you can visit and even some brochures that you see at the airport. The condo has 2 skylights - one in master bath and one in living room. There are 2 new beach chairs (the ones that Costco are selling - you can strap to your back to wear down the beach). I found these chairs to be very portable to the beach. There are 2 lounge chairs (Costco merchandise) plus the table and 4/5 chairs on the lanai. It
is ocean view. Master bed is comfortable. Refrigerator looks fairly new. Master shower has 2 shower heads. Antibacterial soaps are provided in both bathrooms. I received my deposit within a week's departure.
I am listing negatives/shortfalls here. Even though it is ocean view, building 30 is further in than the 2 buildings to its right and left. I felt that we don't have as much privacy because people on the lanai of the back units (facing the inside) can see you sitting on your lanai. The owner asked for AC to be turned off when you leave. When we arrived, it was off and so hot. We turned on the air and left for dinner. Three hours later, it's cooler but not as cool as we'd like. Once it kicked in and working, it was fine. The carpet was showing wear on the stairs. It was the shaggy, long fiber type. Therefore, those type shows dirt and do not look good once it's been walked on, especially high traffic area. The rest of the unit's carpet has some stains here and there, but the stairs were the worst. Tiles in the master bath is the 70's/80's. It could use a facelift, but was functional. We did not use the jacuzzi. The shower door was warped, but water did not leak out. There were 2 shower heads. I am very picky about utensils and kitchen supplies. I felt that the utensils were of mediocre quality and drawers do not look appealing. There was a butcher block with some nice knives. There was only 1 cutting board. I did not inspect all the pots and pans because I stopped at the skillets. Both of their non-stick surfaces were peeling so bad that if you had given them to me for free, I would not have accepted. We ate out the first night and bought Costco meatloaf to heat in the 9x 12 pan. The dishwasher was functional but part of rack had been damaged, where the white coating disappeared and rust had taken over (the price you paid for living near the ocean). I stood by the sink and smelled something really bad but could not figure out why. I thought it was the disposal. I pumped some antibacterial gel down there and let it run and that seemed to help. Bath towels were dark red and thick, but they must have been washed with whites. There were white lints all over them. I rewashed them before using just to be safe. I hope this helps. There were some tripadvisor posts saying the units were as pictured and posters seem to find it OK. Like I said, I am picky and have had better rentals than this one. But I am the type that wash the towels again before using and put the dishes I plan to use in the washer just to be sure they are really clean.
Jun 20th, 2007, 12:22 PM
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Diane,
You can click on my name and see my posts. Here are some must do's from our list:
Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna'oa), Hapuna Beach. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Eat at Cafe Pesto in Hilo. Eat at Thai Thai in Volcano Village. It is opened for dinner only 5-9PM, from east side, take HW 11, turn right on mile marker 26 (Volcano Village sign), left at next street and it's on the right near True Value Hardware store. Laupahoehoe, Place of Refuge, Pololu Valley and Beach hike (don't swim there), VNP and Kilauea Iki hike, etc. If you like tropical fruits, go to Hilo Farmers Market and Makuu Sunday Market. At Makuu Sunday Market, try the Laulau Smoke Meat stand . Their grilled chicken kabob is ono. Also try the Thai Green Papaya Salad (first row of stalls next to parking lot)
Sign up for the Wild Lava Tube tour with the park rangers on Weds only. See my post here:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...=Hanalei&fid=1
Cut and paste:
The lava tube tour on Wednesday that you must booked exactly a week ahead is led by VNP rangers and I have never been. I read about it in the Big Island Revealed Book and also from DoctorCarrie here. I was on the island 5/31 until yesterday. I called the week before the Wednesday I wanted to hike at 7:40 AM and the line was busy. I could not get through until past 8:00 AM; and by that time, it's fully booked. Word of warning, when the line is busy, you get this message that says the number is not a working number. I tried the VNP's main line and they gave the same 6017 extension. They said they realized that quite a few callers get the non-working number message when they dialed 6017.
I took another 4 hour lava tube tour with Harry Schick. This tube runs somewhere near the Volcano all the way down to Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision. The 4 hour tour is only 2 miles, but there are a lot of stopping points where Harry pointed out various things. The tube is behind his property in Fern Acres subdivision. Tube is called Kazumura. Here is the link:
http://www.fortunecity.com/oasis/angkor/176/
It's $10/person for 2 hour tour and $20/person for 4 hours. He takes maximum 6 people per tour. You go further into the cave with 4 hour tour and there are neater stuffs than the 2 hours. This requires climbing about 3 ladders and 1 rope. My kids, ages 14 and 16, had no problem.
You can click on my name and see my posts. Here are some must do's from our list:
Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna'oa), Hapuna Beach. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Eat at Cafe Pesto in Hilo. Eat at Thai Thai in Volcano Village. It is opened for dinner only 5-9PM, from east side, take HW 11, turn right on mile marker 26 (Volcano Village sign), left at next street and it's on the right near True Value Hardware store. Laupahoehoe, Place of Refuge, Pololu Valley and Beach hike (don't swim there), VNP and Kilauea Iki hike, etc. If you like tropical fruits, go to Hilo Farmers Market and Makuu Sunday Market. At Makuu Sunday Market, try the Laulau Smoke Meat stand . Their grilled chicken kabob is ono. Also try the Thai Green Papaya Salad (first row of stalls next to parking lot)
Sign up for the Wild Lava Tube tour with the park rangers on Weds only. See my post here:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...=Hanalei&fid=1
Cut and paste:
The lava tube tour on Wednesday that you must booked exactly a week ahead is led by VNP rangers and I have never been. I read about it in the Big Island Revealed Book and also from DoctorCarrie here. I was on the island 5/31 until yesterday. I called the week before the Wednesday I wanted to hike at 7:40 AM and the line was busy. I could not get through until past 8:00 AM; and by that time, it's fully booked. Word of warning, when the line is busy, you get this message that says the number is not a working number. I tried the VNP's main line and they gave the same 6017 extension. They said they realized that quite a few callers get the non-working number message when they dialed 6017.
I took another 4 hour lava tube tour with Harry Schick. This tube runs somewhere near the Volcano all the way down to Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision. The 4 hour tour is only 2 miles, but there are a lot of stopping points where Harry pointed out various things. The tube is behind his property in Fern Acres subdivision. Tube is called Kazumura. Here is the link:
http://www.fortunecity.com/oasis/angkor/176/
It's $10/person for 2 hour tour and $20/person for 4 hours. He takes maximum 6 people per tour. You go further into the cave with 4 hour tour and there are neater stuffs than the 2 hours. This requires climbing about 3 ladders and 1 rope. My kids, ages 14 and 16, had no problem.
Jun 26th, 2007, 06:51 PM
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Hanalei,
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me all about your experience at the Kanaloa resort and for all your tips on what to see and do when we get there!! I read your review on TripAdvisor and was concerned that the condo would be really "dirty", but your post here seems to point more to the need for a cosmetic makeover than to the condo being "unclean". Would you say that is correct? I can live with an outdated condo, but a dirty one is another story. Especially when it comes to the beds and linens. I was tempted to pack my own linens, but you seemed comfortable with the beds.
Glad to hear you had such a great vacation. Look forward to following your posts for some further pointers!!
Mahalo! Diane
We never use the kitchen on vacation other than the fridge for cold drinks and snacks. I won't be using any of the pots and pans (otherwise it wouldn't be a vacation---at least not for me!!).
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me all about your experience at the Kanaloa resort and for all your tips on what to see and do when we get there!! I read your review on TripAdvisor and was concerned that the condo would be really "dirty", but your post here seems to point more to the need for a cosmetic makeover than to the condo being "unclean". Would you say that is correct? I can live with an outdated condo, but a dirty one is another story. Especially when it comes to the beds and linens. I was tempted to pack my own linens, but you seemed comfortable with the beds.
Glad to hear you had such a great vacation. Look forward to following your posts for some further pointers!!
Mahalo! Diane
We never use the kitchen on vacation other than the fridge for cold drinks and snacks. I won't be using any of the pots and pans (otherwise it wouldn't be a vacation---at least not for me!!).
Jun 26th, 2007, 07:16 PM
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Diane,
I did not mean to come across that the linens were unclean. I felt that the carpet is in need of replacement. The utensils and pots and pans were in poor conditions. But if you won't be needing the kitchen that much then I don't think it's a problem. We like to eat breakfast at the condos. Therefore cutting boards and knives are essentials for papayas, or making eggs, etc.
I get paranoid with linens and dishes due to a past experience. We rented a house and found foundation garments left behind in the washer. My immediate concern is that the cleaning crew usually do the towels and sheet washing using the same washer...not sure how they missed the left over garment..From that time on, I have to load and wash the towels myself before I use them.
I did not mean to come across that the linens were unclean. I felt that the carpet is in need of replacement. The utensils and pots and pans were in poor conditions. But if you won't be needing the kitchen that much then I don't think it's a problem. We like to eat breakfast at the condos. Therefore cutting boards and knives are essentials for papayas, or making eggs, etc.
I get paranoid with linens and dishes due to a past experience. We rented a house and found foundation garments left behind in the washer. My immediate concern is that the cleaning crew usually do the towels and sheet washing using the same washer...not sure how they missed the left over garment..From that time on, I have to load and wash the towels myself before I use them.
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