OCEAN FRONT LUXURY 4 BEDROOM HOME IN KONA BAY ESTATES(VILLA KAI)

Villa Kai is like a model home. Perfectly appointed, welcoming, spacious, well laid-out, sparkling clean, complete with lots of "extras" (laundry detergent, guide books, a lovely welcome basket). The "check-in" procedure was exactly as indicated in correspondence before our arrival and was very easy. The location was perfect...close to restaurants, grocery, shopping, massage therapist (!), etc., but still felt remote. Within 10 minutes of our arrival we saw spinner dolphins from the back terrace. We also had great fun checking out the tidal pool behind the house, and seeing the surf crash on the lava rock was something I'm still missing. Definitely felt it to be a home away from home. Cooking was a joy in the kitchen, the hot tub was a nice refresher. Plenty of room for our three kids (who loved having their own tvs, as we don't have a tv at home), us, and our friend. I didn't want to leave, and I would go back in a heartbeat!!

The house was amazing. The layout was perfect as the home was an open and maximized the ocean view. Pool was perfect. Privacy and safety were definitely big pluses. All the little things (towels, dishes, coffee machine, etc.) were all included. Close to Target, shops, restaurants and main Ali'i drag.

We spent a week here with extended family. We cooked all of our meals in the very nice kitchen and on the BBQ by the pool. It was like being at home, but with the pacific ocean as our soundtrack and backdrop. The great room is huge, with three separate eating areas and multiple sitting areas, allowed everyone to spread out. We enjoyed cocktails on the lava out by the crashing waves while watching the sun set over the Pacific. Kids loved the pool. The house is well stocked with towels, boogie boards, coolers, etc for day trips to the various beaches.

The neighborhood backs up the the Kona community center, with jogging paths, tennis courts, playscape, and an incredible aquatic center (with a former olympic swimmer coaching masters classes) available free of charge! Very strong swimmers can snorkel off the front of the house, but there is not much to see. Enjoyed swimming the ironman swim course Kailua Bay, watching colorful fish on the way out and dolphins play on the way in (they come into the bay in the mornings).

A day trip to the volcano was fun, but a long drive. The botanical gardens by Hilo were also very nice. The snorkel trip to see the Manta Rays was very cool (don't waste money to scuba with them, the snorkels are actually closer and have better views for less $'s). They all go to the same spot, so shop for best price. We used sunlight on the water and were happy with them.

There is a Costco close to the airport, which is a good place to stock up, as the grocery stores are very expensive, and most of the restaurants are mediocre and overpriced. Although, we enjoyed our coffee and fish sandwiches at Lava Java.

Sushi lovers will appreciate the fresh, locally caught ahi at the TKA grocery store in town. We enjoyed that with cocktails every night! Farmers Market in town has good local fruits and a good French bakery stand (try the coconut butter on their large loaf, sliced and toasted...ummm yum!). Donkey Balls chocolate store in town has great chocolate and very memorable souvenir shirts.

We'll definately be back!