Where do we begin? Such an absolutely perfect stay for our relatively well-traveled family...

Our experience at Monkey Pod Villa was phenomenal. Having multigenerational, family ties to the islands and a two decade history of visits to Oahu, Kaua'i and Kona, we seek out stays that are locally authentic and family-oriented. It's important to us that our seven year old understand true "aloha." LeeAnn, Evan and their three year old son, Wyatt, plus extended family, made us feel like family. Sharing their house made this meaningful trip even more memorable.

Their location is Holualoa is ideal; at a cool elevation of 900 feet, it's centrally located for trips to Waimea (love this community and the Saturday farmer's market!), Kohala Coast, visits to Daylight Mind cafe in Kailua-Kona, snorkeling/dolphin watching departures from Keahou Bay with the small excursion outfit, Dolphin Discoveries, day trips to Place of Refuge, and exploration of local
communities such as Captain Cook. We were even able to do a day trip from the house to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Our favorites beaches, Makalawena and Beach 69 were less than an hour away.

Best of all, we truly felt at home in the Monkey Pod Villa. The size of the unit was perfect for the three of us and could have easily accommodated one more, possibly more with the pull-out couch. We loved looking out from our bedrooms, into the colorful gardens and celebrated the opportunity each morning to sip on coffee in bed and listen to the birds sing about the daybreak. We cooked breakfast in the full kitchen every morning and prepared many of our lunches for our daily adventures in this same, well-appointed space. The beds were incredibly comfortable and the unit is beautifully, yet modestly, decorated. LeeAnn regularly brought us fruit from the community cooperative stand just up the hill. Our seven year old played with three year old Wyatt on a number of occasions, including in the front yard sprinkler, and asked upon leaving when he would get to see his new friend again. We enjoyed the pool where our son became comfortable with a snorkel and mask for the very first time.

The fact that we came across this listing, after making a last minute shift in our plans to visit Kona instead of Costa Rica, was a blessing. We'll be back very soon and are looking forward to meeting the newest member of this wonderful family, due in May, upon our return in October.

Mahalo nui loa, LeeAnn, Evan and Wyatt!
From Stacy, Kelsey and Elliot