Had a wonderful stay on the Big Island
Review Submitted: August 26, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
Jim's condo provided an excellent base for our week on the island. After a more hectic week on Oahu in a much smaller condo with no parking (though we loved our time there too), it was great to spread out and relax in a much bigger, brighter and cleaner space - and not to have to hunt or pay for parking like in Waikiki.
Jim provides lots of information and is very easy to deal with; communication is fast and good. Everything went very smoothly.
Breakfast on the lanai was very pleasant (we never ate inside the condo, since the lanai was so enjoyable), and the kitchen is very well equipped, a lot more than the basic stuff. Thanks to whomever left us some Tropical Island mango ice cream! (It was so good that I couldn't care less if the last person ate out of it with a spoon.) Wish we had enjoyed the lanai in the evening more, but we came back pretty late every day - a lot to do and see on the Big Island!
The condo is very clean and well maintained. It is also equipped with unexpected touches like snorkeling gear, etc. Tons of towels, everything you might need, and the laundry was very helpful to have after already being on the road for a week once we got there.
The pool is quite enjoyable, and we used it for a quick dip several times. We normally had it to ourselves. The condo complex is pretty quiet and peaceful - perfect for our family, not the place if you're looking for a young party scene. Be aware that the unit is on the 3rd floor in case you're like a couple groups we saw at the airport that looked like they were traveling for a year - you will have to lug all that stuff upstairs. (We travel light, so wasn't an issue.) We like that many places on the island are not air-conditioned (would be sad to shut yourself off in such a paradise), but it may be hot in the condo when you get home. Don't worry, ventilation is good and by morning it will be very pleasant.
We would love to come back. Note that trail runner shoes are very helpful if you're going to hike across any of the lava fields (like at Volcano NP or South Point or the beaches at Kekaha Kai, etc.). If you can swing a 4WD, it is worth it - we wished we had one (ironically we got one without asking on Oahu). The drive back from the lava viewing at night is brutal, but totally worth it. If you forget flashlights, they sell them in the gift shop in Volcano House. If you forget food, it will be a long, hungry night. (We pigged out at the buffet for lunch and brought snacks.)
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