March 2022 around 75 degrees days, family of 4 stayed here. Our family been to very expensive to worst places all over the 4 major Islands. Mom rather stay at the Courtyard Marriott, 1 block away, for 2.5 times the price. 24 yr old son rather stay here at the same price. Dad rather stay here for the value of saving cost on eating here and lodging. 18 yr old daughter indifferent. Don't expect a 5 star resort and you be fine! Saw a listing for 100k leasehold 616 sq foot 2 bed/1 bath remodel condo which looks like a model match. Negatives of Trudy's. The beach is not recommended for tourist swimming or snorkeling (MUCH better options 5-10 min drive away.) But if you are into master class level lap swimming this is a GREAT beach for it. Get your swim googles on and swim with those pros. Yes you could see some fish by the buoys per so 60-70 yr local lady snorkelers. Another negative is the AC needed to be own during the night until 2am, then turned off. Both doors left open, so the other room could get the cool air. Both had ceiling fans so that is an option. Did get to cold for both rooms, so you will have to get up and close the AC. There might be a sleeper function on the Wall AC unit, but I couldn't figure it out, but I'm not techie. Queen size bed had folks walking around in the middle of the night waking up the light sleepers below. King size bed in the AC room, no noise and sounder sleepers. We should have switched rooms, but we didn't. The floor in the hallway leading to the bathroom is slanted so wife felt funny getting to the john. This is an HOA issue, not an owner issue as the foundation is in need of repair. You also will be around owners that are struggling, but they are nice. This is neither a pro or con, just sharing if you are looking for expensive condos and their owners this is not the place. "The HOA dues are a killer". "My wife has to go back to work at the grocery store to pay for my medical bills". Now the POSITIVES- LOCATION is the key. With the car we got supplies at Costco/Foodland/KTA, Farmers Market. Gas is cheaper on the Hilo side by 40cts/gal and that last gas sign to the Volcano (Ask for the Senior annual pass at the National park, save you $10 entrance fee) is not the last gas, but close to it. My kids could go drive to the beach and surf. While the parents could shop for a day. (after a day, that's about it for us.) Dad wanted to stay home one day after a early snorkel morning run, while the others took out the rental. Decided to cook fish. Walked 1/2 block to my favorite KTA, asked the guy what fish to get. MahiMahi +Ono, picked up an orange and garlic and pan fried the fish as instructed on the youtube video. Another day used the Condos bbue to fry steaks.
Within 1 mile: (non drinkers males 155lb females 120lb.) ///Huggos on the rocks $128 with live music during sunset, wait 30 minutes so check in then shop. /// Umeke's, Hilo local friend says come here for the best poke on the island. He was right. $51. We only had 2 orders and I had very little. /// Broke Da Mouth Grindz that is just north of you was excellent. My favorite of the 3. Only 2 orders again as my girls shared as well as I, as we still had food at the Condo. $79. Got to the the Garlic Fried Chicken. But we did order 2 big lemonades. The nice glass mugs left at Trudy's. There are 2-4 shaved ice close to the condo. One by the second beach, Scandinavian Shaved Ice rated 2nd best place to go (per one youtube video) or up the hill and cross the street in a strip mall saw locals going to. Explore and have fun.
Pool is not heated and about 79 degrees. Jump in 1 second of cold then you are fine. Warmer than the best by 2-5? degrees depending where you are at. My swim team kids jump ////South Point- Cliff Jump, not recommended to non swimmers. Tuck your knees together to protect the family jewels. //// Two Step Beach at Honaunau Bay is nice for snorkeling. 15? drive south. Don't stick your hands in holes as you get in and out, there are things in there. /// Kahalu'u Beach Park was my favorite about 10 minutes away. Wife that doesn't swim could on this one, but didn't, says the bathrooms clean and she had a picnic bench and sun coverage to watch us snorkel. Had her laptop and was having fun enjoying herself, while my son was surfing with a life guard shouting at my daughter to stay away from the rocks to her left. The snorkeling is better for the less swim ability folks then Two Step beach. I could stand up 70 percent of the time 40 yards out. And being more shallow, water is warmer...hee hee. /// Pine Tree - For better surfing, and pretty white sand beach, you will find nothing but locals surfing and partying. We saw one lane roads of packed cars and families bringing trays of food to rows of canopies. I didn't see any tourist but us there. My son had to get his last surf in, showered there and off we went to KOA Airport. ----- Highly recommend Trudys with those things above in mind. Not a 5 star place. Beach not for most tourist. But the positives. Trudy is great. Place is clean. Walking distance to KTA, Safeway, Local hole in the wall Restaurants, Shaved Ice, Bubble Drinks, Bars Overlooking Ocean, Stocked nicely (no need to bring towels). We used