Would you advise visiting Puna?
Sep 5th, 2000 | 09:10 PM
#1
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Would you advise visiting Puna?
We are considering spending a week in the Puna area to balance out another week in Kona. We love the more rural and lush parts of all of the Hawaiian Islands and are intrigued by the idea of the thermal pools in Kapoho. Any advice or ideas for accommodations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Sep 5th, 2000 | 11:16 PM
#2
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Aloha Mary!
If you are careful, Puna will be a wonderful memory. It is definitely unspoilt Hawaii. I lived on the Big Island for 10(!) years, and recommend off-the beaten path adventures if you are a wise traveler. I must warn you though that the thermal pools at Kapoho and the parking areas nearby have unfortunately become prime theft/car burglary areas. There was a recent unfortunate incident where a couple from The Netherlands, I believe, was ripped off while swimming during the middle of the day; their packs, containing cash, cameras, and passports were taken from the rocks next to the pools where they had left them. By the time they scrambled out shouting, the thieves were long gone and there was no one around to help. I am afraid to some degree people that look like tourists and drive rental cars are in a higher risk category. It's truly sad that this happens, but it's a fact. So, proceed with caution, just as you would in certain areas in Europe where you have to be on-guard. I haven't been to the thermal pools in about as many years, and the last time we were there (my husband and I) we had a great afternoon and shared the thermal pools with a couple of local teenagers. It was mellow.
Do be careful and don't leave valuables in your car or packs unnatended.
Aloha,
k
If you are careful, Puna will be a wonderful memory. It is definitely unspoilt Hawaii. I lived on the Big Island for 10(!) years, and recommend off-the beaten path adventures if you are a wise traveler. I must warn you though that the thermal pools at Kapoho and the parking areas nearby have unfortunately become prime theft/car burglary areas. There was a recent unfortunate incident where a couple from The Netherlands, I believe, was ripped off while swimming during the middle of the day; their packs, containing cash, cameras, and passports were taken from the rocks next to the pools where they had left them. By the time they scrambled out shouting, the thieves were long gone and there was no one around to help. I am afraid to some degree people that look like tourists and drive rental cars are in a higher risk category. It's truly sad that this happens, but it's a fact. So, proceed with caution, just as you would in certain areas in Europe where you have to be on-guard. I haven't been to the thermal pools in about as many years, and the last time we were there (my husband and I) we had a great afternoon and shared the thermal pools with a couple of local teenagers. It was mellow.
Do be careful and don't leave valuables in your car or packs unnatended. Aloha,
k
Sep 6th, 2000 | 07:43 AM
#3
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I stayed at a great oceanfront rental house earlier this year, in the gated and guarded part of Kapoho. (Sunrise House, at www.apoparadise.com - they have others.) Very private and secluded, with its own (non-thermal) tidepool.
If you love rural and lush, you won't be disappointed in Puna, and very few tourists make it out that far.
If you love rural and lush, you won't be disappointed in Puna, and very few tourists make it out that far.
Sep 6th, 2000 | 03:29 PM
#4
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Aloha Mary,
We also love the Puna area. We stayed in Steve's cottage in the gated community of Kapoho(apoparadise.com.) It was perfect for the two of us. You are in for a real treat. The thermal pools are wonderful and are homes to many green sea turtles. (Champaigne pond had the most when we were there). If you do a search on Fodors under Hawaii, Puna you should come across another discussion on this area. We are headed back to the area in January. I can't wait. I know you will have a great time.
We also love the Puna area. We stayed in Steve's cottage in the gated community of Kapoho(apoparadise.com.) It was perfect for the two of us. You are in for a real treat. The thermal pools are wonderful and are homes to many green sea turtles. (Champaigne pond had the most when we were there). If you do a search on Fodors under Hawaii, Puna you should come across another discussion on this area. We are headed back to the area in January. I can't wait. I know you will have a great time.
Sep 20th, 2000 | 07:29 PM
#5
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Warren,
We are also looking at renting the Sunrise house. The web-page doesn't show an exterior picture of the house but the view from the living room looks terrific. How was the house and its condition as a whole? How far in advance did you rent it? Do you think the company that manages it is reputable? We have never rented a house over the internet so I am a bit nervous. We are looking about 6 months in advance and their cancellation policies seem a bit stiff. Any additional info you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
We are also looking at renting the Sunrise house. The web-page doesn't show an exterior picture of the house but the view from the living room looks terrific. How was the house and its condition as a whole? How far in advance did you rent it? Do you think the company that manages it is reputable? We have never rented a house over the internet so I am a bit nervous. We are looking about 6 months in advance and their cancellation policies seem a bit stiff. Any additional info you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Sep 21st, 2000 | 09:23 AM
#6
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MMS,
We rented Sunrise House about 2-3 months in advance (were there in March of this year). Steve Marcotte at A Piece of Paradise was a pleasure to deal with and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. We were able to switch our reservation from one weekend to the next with about 3 weeks notice.
The house looks rather plain from the outside, but it's very clean and comfortable and has all the conveniences we could have wanted. What you can't see from the pictures is how private it is, at the end of a driveway and surrounded by tropical foliage so that you can't see or be seen by your neighbors at all, despite the incredible ocean views. In front of the house there's an outdoor shower, and stone steps leading to a tidepool where we saw (and fed) eels, shrimp, and a variety of fish. There are lots of other pools in the area to explore.
Just writing this makes me want to go back--sitting on the couch in the living room, with the doors wide open and warm breezes blowing in, watching the waves break outside...heaven.
We rented Sunrise House about 2-3 months in advance (were there in March of this year). Steve Marcotte at A Piece of Paradise was a pleasure to deal with and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. We were able to switch our reservation from one weekend to the next with about 3 weeks notice.
The house looks rather plain from the outside, but it's very clean and comfortable and has all the conveniences we could have wanted. What you can't see from the pictures is how private it is, at the end of a driveway and surrounded by tropical foliage so that you can't see or be seen by your neighbors at all, despite the incredible ocean views. In front of the house there's an outdoor shower, and stone steps leading to a tidepool where we saw (and fed) eels, shrimp, and a variety of fish. There are lots of other pools in the area to explore.
Just writing this makes me want to go back--sitting on the couch in the living room, with the doors wide open and warm breezes blowing in, watching the waves break outside...heaven.
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Sep 22nd, 2000 | 07:08 AM
#8
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MMS,
The house is part of a cluster of vacation houses that is accessible only by one entrance road, which has a locked gate manned by a security guard. So, yes, I felt safe there. Although the house feels very secluded, there are other houses on each side--you just can't see them because of the vegetation.
When you go sightseeing in the surrounding area, though, it's a good idea not to leave any valuables in your car (and leave the door unlocked so a would-be thief won't break your car window instead). Personally I never had a problem.
The house is part of a cluster of vacation houses that is accessible only by one entrance road, which has a locked gate manned by a security guard. So, yes, I felt safe there. Although the house feels very secluded, there are other houses on each side--you just can't see them because of the vegetation.
When you go sightseeing in the surrounding area, though, it's a good idea not to leave any valuables in your car (and leave the door unlocked so a would-be thief won't break your car window instead). Personally I never had a problem.
