We've used Airbnb over a dozen times. And when we select a place, it is only after we have spent a lot of time researching all the options - both on Airbnb and elsewhere. It's important to us that a place is very clean, upscale (new furniture, appliances, updated look, etc.), and we need to have high confidence that What We See Is What We'll Get.
There weren't a lot of reviews - since this is a relatively new property on Airbnb, but the pictures made the place seem very clean and right on the water. And Katrina was amazingly communicative - so we took a chance. I am so glad we did.
It's Even Better Than It Looks. We spent over a week. We felt completely at home and hated having to leave. And we'll be back.
The place is exceedingly clean (and we are they types to notice that) and orderly. The furniture and beds are all in wonderful condition - and comfy. In the pics, you can't really get a sense of size - but the rooms are very big. The master bedroom is huge and the way the living room and dining room flow together...and connect with the deck....means that it is actually very spacious but feels even more open as a result.
We didn't need it - but the couch in the living room actually opens up into bed. The place could comfortably hold a large family/group - without anyone feeling crowded in any way. The kitchen is actually very large as well - with more counter space than you will ever need and very wide, so that it is easy for multiple people to cook together or just hang out comfortably.
And even though you can see it in the pictures, the deck has a great sofa and chairs around a coffee table (actually, there's another table and set of chairs around the side that we never even used) AND there are also two fabulous loungers that you could lie down on and chill to enjoy the sun. And Katrina thoughtfully placed two large beach towels on each of them for us. Which reminds me - she is very generous with beach towels, kitchen appliances, silverware, etc. - and the washer and drier work perfectly. We are very active - and used those every other day.
Air conditioning. So, we are air conditioning princesses. We like our home to be cold. In Hawaii - lots of places don't have air conditioning and as my sister found out at the place she stayed at, even places that SAY they have air conditioning....it doesn't mean they keep the rooms cool. We were so comfortable. The place got as cold as we wanted it. And since we were trying to be respectful, we turned it down/off when we were on our trips - but the place gets cold very quickly (10-15 min max from hot to cold).
You are right on the water. You literally can swim and snorkel from the house. The views are completely unobstructed - you are next two homes on either side that you don't really see due to the plants. So you feel completely secluded and in your own piece of paradise.
The sun sets directly in front of you. Completely unobstructed. And at night - you can see the stars and planets from the yard.
We have stayed in some amazing homes, but Katrina's place is easily the best place we have rented. The location is unbeatable - on the water and less than a mile to the city center in Kona - but the quality of the home, the appliances, furniture, air conditioning, and amount of space it provides makes you feel immediately comfortable and at home.
We'll definitely be back.