John-Your place is great. Probably the nicest condo we've ever stayed in.
D.E., Bradley Beach, NJ

We are rested, relaxed and already missing Kona! We had a wonderful vacation…only a bit too short. Our family voted your condo the "best equipped" condo we have ever stayed in. From the kitchen to the beach necessities, you have provided it all!! We laughed and said we could have arrived with no suitcases, swimsuits under our clothes and survived just fine. Thank you. Your book is also terrific! My husband and son did a manta-ray dive; the rays didn't show but the guys had fun. They caught a 22lb. ahi off a friend’s boat, and we all had a wonderful time kayaking in Kealekekua Bay. Lots of dolphins, whales and the most fish we have seen in years.
K.Y.,, Hillsboro, OR

I want to say how much we enjoyed staying in your Hawaii condo in December. My wife had a great 50th; she was warm on her birthday for the first time in her life and thoroughly enjoyed herself.Your condo is in an amazing location and was a great place to spend the time. Sunsets from the lanai were spectacular - we learned after the first day to be back at the condo before 5:00!
C.Y,, Boulder, CO

Mucho mahalo for allowing us to hang at your Kona pad. We really enjoyed it. We would like to plug-in a stay on Kona for 2004. We look forward to staying there again in the future.
Aloha,
G.Y., Virginia Beach, VA

So quickly our time in this idyllic setting has drawn to a close. I never seem to get enough of this place .... I caught up on reading and just relaxed. Many thanks for sharing with us.
R.R., Silverton, OR

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. They helped make our first visit to Hawaii extra special. Sunsets are awesome! As well as the ever-changing view from your lanai. We enjoyed again and again.
J.T., Tyler,TX

Had a great eleven days on the island. As always, loved your unit.
Thanks for everything.
T.T., Portland, OR

Thank you Mr Bear (sic). We really loved staying here. It was a complete blast.
Thanks again.
M.W., San Antonio, TX

What a week! We loved it. This place is so beautiful. Highlights included snorkeling with the dolphins, seeing the turtles in the morning here at the bay just down the road and breakfasts on the lanai. The week has gone by all too fast and we already long for a return visit.
Many thanks.
G.B. Colorado Springs, CO (on honeymoon)

Wow! What a birthday. From manta rays to oozing lava to delightful dinners on the lanai. It is, well ... indescribable. It's not often I am left speechless but this trip has been stupefyingly wonderful. Thanks! And
Thanks and Thanks!
S.S., Eureka, CA

We are watching our last night's sunset. It is glorious!!!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful oasis with us. You are so lucky to have it.
We hope to come again soon.
D.W., Los Angeles, CA

Our wonderful week has gone much too fast. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home with us. We are not in the habit of vacationing in the same place twice; this has been a great exception. We have loved sitting on the lanai listening to the waves and watching the play of light on the water. Cooking here has been even better with the new appliances, and it has been fun seeing your art again and trying to decide which pieces are new acquisitions. Again, many thanks.
M.B., Ann Arbor, MI

We had a wonderful time in your nice condo. We are leaving with many fond memories. Thank you for the use of your home and for the great recommendations in your book.
W.P., Lee's Summit, MO

I had family visit me while I was here. We had a blast. You've spoiled me. Where else am I going to get the waves pounding at my door and a great sunset right outside? I didn't do a lot of sightseeing because I was over here for R&R. I did get over to Hilo, the falls, and around the island. Ate in most of the time so that was nice and relaxing. Today we leave, back to the old grind stone tomorrow.
C.L., Grover Beach, CA

Fantastic sunsets, waves that never end, each with its own splash--great! It was nice to finally stay in a condo with enough comfortable seating and enough light (lamps) at night to read by. We had a great time at your condo.
D.P., West Bend, WI

Thank you for a wonderful Hawaii experience in your beautiful condo. The sea lulled us to sleep (and I didn't confuse it with the freeway noise I am accustomed to.) Our two kids, 7 and 4, loved playing house in your big closet and they enjoyed snorkeling and kayaking, especially the 4 year old. Even though we live within minutes of the So. Calif. Coastline, we seldom just go to the beach. But we greatly enjoyed hanging out at Mauna Kea Beach. A turtle swam out to bid us goodbye. The coral and fish at Capt. Cook's monument are the best to view and the local supermarket had great prices on ahi which we enjoyed grilled to perfection. Your kitchen served us well. We will have sweet dreams of Hawaii for many nights.
R.M., Irvine, CA

We had a wonderful time. One of the highlights was seeing spinner dolphins and whales from the lanai. Thanks for sharing your home with us.
M.M., Bothell, WA

Wow! What a wonderful place to stay! Our top ten: 10. Our trip to volcano and seeing the sights. 9. Shopping, shopping, and did I mention shopping? 8. Eating our first lunch at Thai Rin on Alii Drive. 7. Eating dinner with the locals at Ocean Seafood in Kona. 6. Eating lunch at Pescatore in Hilo. 5. Eating lunch at Café Pesto in Hilo. 4. Eating dinner at Bamboo restaurant. 3. Your recommendations in the "Red Book" 2. Hearing the ocean from the bedroom 1.Whale watching from the lanai!
A.K., Sacramento, CA

This precious time has just flown. We have thoroughly enjoyed your place in paradise. It is well stocked and that was great not to have to buy everything from salt and pepper on up! Thank you for sharing this beautiful spot!
R.R., Portland, OR

Thanks very much for the use of your second home. Beautiful location, beautiful place. What more can I say.
S.P., San Mateo, CA

As everyone else's comments attest, you have a lovely home. Like everyone else, we have had a wonderful, relaxing vacation here It couldn't have been a more perfect way to celebrate our 25th anniversary. The "Red Book" was invaluable and helped us determine what to do and what to avoid, making the most of our time here. Dinners on the lanai were fabulous.
H.B., Davison MI

This is the best place ever to stay. Our son took a surfing lesson and had a terrific time. Snorkeling at Kahalu'u Bay was great. We saw turtles almost every day plus many different fish depending on the tide. Boogie boarding at Magic Sands was terrific. We don't know where the week went; it just flew. We hope to come back soon.
B.F., Ann Arbor, MI

Mahalo! We had such a wonderful time here in Hawaii. It was my first time here. This island is so beautiful! I was amazed with the location of your condo. The view is beautiful and I wasn't expecting something so great. During our stay we went snorkeling off the beach and off the boat. Aside from the gorgeous sunsets this was one of my favorite things. The fish are so cool! Thank you for letting us stay in such an amazing place. We had a blast!
C.W., Tracy CA

What a wonderful time we've had. Who could have imagined the stupendous view from your lanai? We booked this week from the web and were pleasantly surprised that your advertisement did not do justice to the condo! Great snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. We rented kayaks and as we paddled across we spotted a school of dolphins. We were able to jump out and swim with the dolphins. What a once in a lifetime experience! We are looking forward to our next visit. Thank you for one of the most relaxing and beautiful vacations we've had.
M.B., Buffalo, NY

Our many thanks to John and Becky for the use of your get-away. Location from the town is terrific. View is magnificent. Surroundings most peaceful. We did the volcano trip, hiked the a'a fields. Mauna Kea at night for stargazing is excellent. Many thanks and mahalo.
J.F., Monroe, WA

Paradise Found! This has been the nicest vacation that we have ever enjoyed. Your condo is so pleasant that it was difficult to leave. We caught some beautiful ono just outside the harbor, filleted them , and grilled them on the community grill. It was wonderful. My only regret is that we didn't bring fly rods to catch them. Your sharing of this great location and home is so much appreciated.
T.H., Cottonwood, ID

Mahalo. Your condo is great, the sunset views exceeding our expectations.
D.C., Pacific Beach, CA

You were right. It was hard to pull ourselves from the lanai and the surf. It's mesmerizing. Thank you for your home and warm comforts. The Red Book was a great resource as well as your other maps and guides. And we enjoyed your collection of local art.
J.E., San Luis Obispo, CA

What a fantastic Hawaiian home you have here at Kona. Thanks for sharing it with us Michiganders who had never been to the islands before. This has been a dream come true for one 65 year old who has always wanted to come here. Time was short but we made the most of it from the volcano to Hilo, north to Hawi, south to the black sand beaches. We actually saw three turtles sleeping on the sand. We watched with envy the golfers on the par 3 hole just outside the lanai. Mahalo.
D.C., Grand Rapids, MI

Our stay was shortened by a business obligation back home, but our time in your marvelous home in paradise was magical and a real delight. We love the personal touches of art and the incredible Red Book that makes your condo so special. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and kindness. We are determined to come back again.
D.N., Milwaukee, WI

Thank you for sharing your lovely oceanfront condo with is. We had a wonderful time and saw lots of wildlife from the lanai. We visit a different island each year for a few weeks and we'll undoubtedly look forward to another stay at 1701 in a few years. Mahalo.
R.H., Tulsa, OK

You've spoiled it for us. We won't be able to stay anywhere else. Thanks for the use of your Kona condo. This was our first time to the Big Island. Couldn't have been a better location. The cool breezes off the ocean were wonderful. Whales and spinning (sic) dolphins put on a great show. We have vacation rentals in Oregon. We pride ourselves on equipping them for the convenience of renters. Things like paper goods, plastic, well-equipped kitchen, spices, soap, etc. Yours was great. How nice that it isn't one of those with four forks, four knives, one burnt-up frying pan, and maybe salt and pepper if you're lucky. The Red Book shortened the learning curve about the area considerably. Thanks again.
C.C., Portland, OR

We wanted you to know that we had a wonderful time in your condo. The view held us spellbound. The whale shows were outstanding. As they say, "Location, location, location." We appreciate your allowing us to escape the snowy Ohio winter.
J.P., Centerville, OH

We found your condo on the website. We stayed at Kanaloa five years ago and wanted to return. We had a truly wonderful restful and peaceful time. Love the ocean and the surf. We've been to Big Island many times and will be returning, hopefully next year. We hope your condo will be available. We felt very comfortable and were able to cook many meals. Thanks for a memorable time. You've done a great job on the "Red Book".
R.H., Vancouver, BC

I'm so glad I found your website. We stayed here two weeks and your place is the best. We met some great folks around the grill. The lanai view is great. We have been to Kona many times and your place makes this trip the best by far. Thank You.
R.L., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

I can't believe that it's time to go. These four days went by so fast. After a rough start, everything went fine. You can't beat this view. Thank you, John, for making our stay wonderful.
J.H., Atlanta, GA

We booked this condo from the web site and were so pleased with how lovely it is. The artwork makes it very homey. We stayed at Kanaloa last year in a second floor fairway view unit. It can't compare to this! We enjoyed, as everyone does, the snorkeling at Kahulu'u. I think going early (8am) is best for visibility. We sure hope to be back at condo 1701 for some more fun on this great island.
U.L., La Quinta, CA

John, Thank you for the use of your beautiful home. Nothing would top the patio. We hope to be back. What a wonderful vacation.
D.S., Chatsworth, CA

John, Thanks for everything. This condo is amazing. The view from the lanai was incredible! Seeing the sunset, sunrise and just being out there was great. Hawaii was great, especially with this condo.
H.K., Baltimore, MD

John , Thanks for the best view of the ocean. I will never forget the many hours spent on the lanai with friends and family. Your home has been an island to me and my family and today I will leave with a multitude of fond memories.
S.S., Santa Monica, CA

Thank you for a wonderful vacation spot. It was my parents' zillionth time to Hawaii and the kids' second. We loved it-especially the beautiful views and sounds from the lanai. We all thoroughly enjoyed family tennis tournaments on the lovely courts. The ahi was the freshest and most scrumptious ever. We would love to return someday.
P.P., Davis, CA

Thank you for sharing your peace of paradise with us. This is our second time on the islands (first time on Hawaii). We've stayed at a number of ocean- front condos and this is the closest we've been to the ocean yet. Thanks for the Red Book. For one whole week we really didn't feel like tourists. We hope to return.
P.R., Algonquin, IL

This was a vacation of a lifetime! Thank You Thank You Thank You.
L.L., La Jolla, CA

John and Becky-Thank you for making a family dream come true! We all had such a wonderful relaxing vacation in your beautiful condo. It's (almost) hard to go home. We especially enjoyed eating, or relaxing, reading, talking out on the lanai. The kids loved the snorkeling. We all thoroughly ourselves.
P.H., Arroyo Grande, CA

What is there to say! After a month here I don't want to go home. Congratulations on your taste.
L.K., Lake Oswego, OR

My 14th visit to the Big Island and the second time in 1701. The art pieces are such a pleasure. We have read every page in the red covered note book . Aloha.
V.S., Flossmore, IL

We spent the last five days of our honeymoon here on the Big Island after five days in Wailea on Maui. We found the relaxed easy going atmosphere here far superior to the resorts on Maui. During our stay we've gone snorkeling at the local snorkel beach-Kahalu'u-three times. It was crowded but great snorkeling, lots of fish and we saw turtles twice. We were also really fortunate enough to see lava flowing on a helicopter tour. John, thank you so very much for sharing your piece of paradise with us on our honeymoon.
L.G., Lincoln, NE

What a beautiful place to stay in for our first trip to Hawaii. Our son competed in the Ironman and the endurance of the athletes is beyond me. We loved being here in the relaxed atmosphere and watching spray up off the rocks. Now we return to the Midwest and hope that the fall has lingered a little longer.
P.T., Peoria, IL

Thanks a lot for giving our family such a great vacation in Hawaii. Our kids just lost words when they looked at the ocean out of lanai. This is something we could never have living in Japan. We are leaving early morning tomorrow, but we surely miss this place. Our older son is already begging us to come back. Thank you again for this great vacation.
H.I., Yokohama, Japan

We really had a much needed relaxing fun time in this beautiful condo. Thank you for sharing it. We hope to come back next year.
W.S., Seattle WA

We have truly enjoyed our week in your condo-it's lovely and very comfortable. We've enjoyed having four generations here from our eight- month old grandson to my 81- year young mom. The snorkeling at Keahou Beach was great. Mahalo.
S.B., Lake Arrowhead. CA

We had a wonderful two weeks here in your beautiful condo! It really is the best unit at Kanaloa. The sunsets off the lanai were incredible!! We have been coming to Kanaloa for 15 years and this is the best weather, surf, boogie boarding, surfing and just plain relaxing time we've shared with our children and my parents. We enjoyed the "Red Book". Thanks so much for sharing your condo and beautiful view with all of us.
K.Y., Hillsboro, OR

We love this place of yours! This is our second time at Kanaloa and we are very sad to leave. The view and surf sounds are the best. I'm sitting here at 2AM absorbing this wonderful place and storing memories until we can return again. Thanks for sharing this wonderful place. We have read and enjoyed your comments and suggestions. Also the other guide books you thoughtfully provided. We have explored the island and eaten good food. We will return to this most special spot.
C.M., St. Johns MI

We were here for the Ironman again. My wife competed and placed 8th in the women's event. We love to stay here as it was our third time in this wonderful condo. We think that this is one of the most beautiful locations in the world and we thank you for sharing it with us. See you next year.
L.W., Indianapolis, IN

Many thanks for sharing your lovely Hawaiian home with us. So very relaxing-just what the doctor ordered. Mahalo!!
N.G., Cambria, CA

We couldn't have a better view! The sunsets are fantastic! Snorkeling is incredible just up the street at the public beach. I've never seen so many fish in such a small area. We even saw turtles!
L.V., Denver, CO

We couldn't have asked for nicer weather during our "sun break". We certainly enjoyed exploring the island and returning to this comfortable condo. It was so restful listening to the surf breaking.
C.F., Minneapolis, MN.

Our day of leaving and we want to say how very much we have enjoyed staying in your condo. What a spot! Fantastic! We feel like we've done it all (but of course we haven't)-- a big luau, swimming, snorkeling almost every day, golfed here at the course (super), marlin fishing, the dolphin show, the volcano, and so many other things. We can hardly wait to come back and see even more of this great island-maybe skiing next time. We have hardly thought about work. One of our best vacations ever.
R.L., San Luis Obispo, CA

We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this most beautiful unit-undoubtedly the nicest of the five that we have stayed in at Kanaloa.
K.H., Santa Barbara, CA

Our third time staying in this unit (our favorite). We did everything we enjoy here: scuba diving, snorkeling at Place of Refuge, kayaking at Capt. Cook's, golf, and eating at our favorite places. Weather has been great as it always is. We look forward to our next visit.
J.A., Danville, CA

John and Becky-- Your condo was so wonderful to come home to after an adventure packed day. Between your Red Book and the books you recommended we were very busy indeed. Your Red Book was truly such a wealth of info. It will be hard to leave this magical place, but it does seem to call you back--at least for us-- and we would look no further than here.
S.P., La Jolla, CA

Our two weeks have passed so quickly in your dream of a location condo!
K.C., Sisters, OR

My husband and I are so impressed with the loving attention to detail and the wonderful taste with which this island home is decorated. I have stayed in many timeshares, condos, etc.and have never been a guest in one so beautifully appointed.Your kitchen is a dream.We will think often of the sound of the surf, the amazing sight of spinner dolphins leaping, the exotic flowers, and the comfort and serenity of your island retreat.
L.B.,Palm Harbor, FL

The days go by like warm honey. What a joy to be here in your home. We feel so welcome.Your good energy emanates from the lanai. The sky is dreamy and the water perfect. This is our third time on the Big Island but the first time in your absolutely perfect condo. Thank you so very much for this beautiful home.
S.R., Bayside, CA

Time to leave--but we wish we didn't have to. What a beautiful spot! Sun, ocean breezes and surf pounding outside your door. What more could anyone ask for? We enjoyed the restaurants--thanks for the recommendations --but it was hard to beat the ambience of the lanai. Thanks for sharing.
We will remember this vacation fondly.
F.F.,Pismo Beach, CA

We so enjoyed your condo--loved your decor and the amazing art work--so tasteful. We were blessed with a breaching whale, right off the lanai. Spectacular!
L.P., San Jose, CA

WOW! What a view. We enjoyed our stay. The view from the front room is a real treat! Mahalo for your hospitality. Everything was so welcoming, especially your helpful instruction.
J.W.,New Orleans, LA

John--everything was good about Kanaloa and yours is a special place--no doubt about it. My wife spent the first four years of her life on Oahu and has been visiting the islands every year for the past 20+ now and she knows what she speaks of. Together,we have explored Maui, Kaui and Molokai and stayed in many shore front condos. Yours ranks with the best. We are always excited to see the whales and we weren't disappointed while lounging on your lanai, along with the sunsets. The condo was very comfortable and roomy. Are you getting the feeling yet that we really enjoyed your special place? I just want to say Mahalo! for sharing.
C.S., Longmont, CO

Thank you for sharing your home with us. There are ten of us here between two condos, celebrating a 75th birthday. We have cooked great meals, snorkeled, swam. Early mornings from this home are the best, as are the sunsets.
We are sad to be leaving and returning to the cold fog of San Francisco. The Red Book was fantastic.
E.L., Sausalito, CA

My wife and I wish to thank you immensely for allowing us and the kids the use of your fabulous Kona Condo! From the second I turned the corner from the parking lot I was enthralled with your location and the ocean. Opening the doors to the lanai, everyone knew where I would be found for the next few days. The finned visitors kept us watching expectantly for the next breaching whale or pod of dolphins. We were never bored! The sunsets were incredible.

My sister and family were staying at K & K Surf and Racquet and at Mauna Loa Resort. For some strange reason they would appear at the door just before sunset everyday. Their impressions of your unit were incredible. Our niece summed it by saying: "If I had to imagine you both living anywhere but your house this condo is it!" The hints and suggestions in your "Red Book" were right on target.

My wife was enamored with snorkeling among all of the colorful fish.She and her sister took the Fair Winds cruise to Captain Cook's monument and have not stopped raving about the experience.

Golf on the island was great. We played four days at Kona, one day each at Makalei and Big Island and could not believe the scenery and the wildlife that abounds on the courses. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and the wildlife is extremely tame, turkeys, pheasants, partridge, francolin, quail, and peacocks. The course was in great shape with the greens having been aerated 2 weeks before we played the course it can only improve over the next few weeks.

We visited Hilo, the beaches at Hapuna and Waikoloa, Black Sand Beach, Green Sand Beach, Akaka and Kahuna Falls. We rented a 4x4 and went everywhere.We even found time to visit Greenwell's Coffee Plantation and learn more than I could ever believe about Kona coffee.
Our son thought that the condo and the location were ideal. He was writing the lyrics for a Rock and Roll CD while there and says that he thinks he should revisit when he needs to write the next album.The quiet and peaceful lanai allowed him to complete everything he needed to during our visit.Normally it takes him months to complete an album.

I came home invigorated and full of energy but ready to begin planning a return visit. John, you and Becky have a fabulous location and we really want to thank you. The decorating and the extra touches are terrific.
Thank you immensely!
D.S., Richmond Hill (Toronto), Ontario (March 2007)

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to enjoy your special condo! It felt like we were guests at our friend's home from the moment we opened the sliding glass door and heard the ocean. We had arrived late, without juice and pancake mix, so your having the supplies in the refrigerator made our first breakfast in your condo perfect. Your computer and library were very useful and again added to the hospitalbe feeling. We enjoyed listening to your Hawaiian music and reading about the Big Island from your well-prepared Red Books. Your condo was nicely furnished and decorated. We loved the quilts. We enjoyed seeing many pods of dolphin our first morning here. Our son took his first surf lesson in Kahalu'u Beach waters. He really enjoyed surfing there. Our family also found the snorkeling great. The fish are big and beautiful and we spotted many sea turtles.

I discovered the great Hawaiian fabric store, H. Kimura. What fun! We wanted to linger when it was time to leave. Your place was an outstanding experience!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
S.R., Zeeland, MI (December 07)

John and Becky, Thank you for sharing your condo with us this pastweek. The views are spectacular from your beautiful lanai. We saw several whales and also experienced our first dolphin sightings on this trip. We enjoyed wonderful food at various restaurants and also enjoyed grilling and eating here.

We went up to Hapuna Beach and attempted to bogey board using your boards--it was quite an experience!We had a greatweek.
K.J.,Minneapolis, MN (March 08)

Our three weeks in your beautiful condo has come to an end. We loved everyminute that we were here. After 16 trips to Maui we have found a new piece of heaven here in 1701. Loved your art and decor.
D.J., Sun City,AZ (February 08)

We four women from Seattle and our granddaughter, age six, enjoyed our stay in your condo. Having been to the Islands and to this island multiple times, we have stayed in houses and resorts. This is top notch. We hope to return. We just loved the lanai, grill, sunsets and pool. Wonderful to have a computer so handy.
F.C., Mercer Island, WA (March 08)