Frequently Asked Questions
ACCOMMODATIONS FAQ:
Q: What is the bed and room configuration?
A: The home consists of a total of four bedroom “suites.” Each is more than just a bedroom as they contain a sitting area as well. Additionally futons are available in each suite for children under the age of 10, if desired.
The Master Bedroom is a spectacular suite on the second floor overlooking the surf and endless blue ocean. It has a king sized coconut four poster thatched roof bed with tropical netting. A large marble, tile and teak bathroom with indoor/outdoor shower featuring a copper shower panel with rain head shower and 4 body jets and hand held shower head and Jacuzzi tub overlooks the surf as well. A spiral staircase takes you up to the “Whale Watch Tower” with 360 degree ocean and island panoramic views or you can sit and read one of the two private lanais either overlooking the ocean or dense foliage of the courtyard. Adjacent to the Master suite is a study with desk, fax/telephone, printer and wet bar including fridge also overlooking the beach. A full walk in closet is provided as well.
The two Guest Bedroom suites each have their own separate outside entrance from the courtyard compound. Each has a private lanai opening onto the “Jurassic” park like courtyard ponds and waterfalls Both contain a queen sized hand carved teak four poster bed with tropical netting. Each suite has a sitting area and its own sink and vanity. These two spacious suites are very private yet share a custom marbled high ceiling breathtaking luxury bath with walk in shower, tub, two more vanities and water closet.
The Family Bedroom suite is a private studio apartment with full kitchen, sitting area with full couch, full bath, pass through sitting bar, lanai with dining table and chairs all overlooking the “Jurassic” park like foliage of the courtyard and waterfalls. The bed is also a queen sized hand carved four poster hand carved teak bed with tropical netting.
Q: I see that the home is open air Hawaiiana style and there is tropical netting on the beds, does this mean there are bugs and mosquitoes?
A: We are in a tropical environment but have had extremely few problems with mosquitoes or bugs. Our ponds have mosquito eater fish, we prevent areas of standing water which could breed mosquitoes and there is a nearly constant breeze from the ocean which is favorable to deterring mosquitoes. The property is sprayed for bugs on a regular basis and we allow the most beautifully colored pet geckos in the world to live on the walls…they eat the bugs and provide a real tropical feel to the home…and they won’t try to sell you insurance! The tropical netting on the beds is to give you peace of mind while sleeping but is primarily for ambiance.
Q: Do we need air-conditioning?
A: We do not have air conditioning and have rarely had a request for it. Only a few of the homes in our community have air conditioning and we have been told that they rarely use it. First of all, we get a nearly constant gentle daytime breeze right off the ocean (“makai“) year round which switches at night to a gentle mountain (“mauka”) breeze at night. Secondly, the sights and sounds of the ocean surf washing ashore is a true paradise experience which mesmerizes and relaxes. To come to Hawaii to be closed up in an air conditioned home unable to hear the ocean or experience the tropical mystique is not what this home is all about. This home offers a true Hawaiiana tropical experience with all of the sights, sounds and smells of the island its wildlife, and flora.
Q: What all is provided?
A: We provide all of the linens, sheets, blankets and towels We provide an initial supply of TP, tissues, soap, dish soap, laundry soap, Coconut shampoo and conditioner and even bath gel.
Q: What is provided in the kitchen?
A: We stock a fully gourmet functional kitchen with coffee maker, rice maker, toaster, blender, fondue pot, Coffee machine, French press, electric kettle, Iced Tea maker, utensils, pots & pans, dinnerware, silverware, chafing dishes, party trays and even many spices! This designer kitchen has dual ovens, JennAire six stovetop burner, Viking food warmer, dishwasher, refrigrator with cold water dispenser, two refrigerator ice makers (one in the main kitchen and one in Ohana kitchen). We have a casual set of dishes for daily dining, a special non-glass set for all out door use and a dinner set for evening ambiance.
Q: How many can be seated for dining?
A: The primary dining table seats six along with five more at the adjacent granite bar. There are also two poolside tables which each seat four, one on the oceanfront pedestal and the other next to the poolside waterfall. There is also an intimate bar table with two chairs up in the “Whale Watch Tower” and another dining table on the Ohana suite’s lanai.
Q: Do you have a BBQ?
A: We provide a beautiful stainless steel built-in BBQ on the large outside granite built in lava rock buffet overlooking the beach. This long granite table contains a sink and plenty of surface area to set up a “luau” style buffet. (To turn on the BBQ you must first open the small black door in front and turn on the propane tank. There is a torch provided for lighting in the kitchen or on the door. When finished please remember to shut off the propane tank).
Q: How do we check in? check out?
A: Your arrival is scheduled for 4 PM on the date of your arrival. You will have access to the home on or after 4 PM on your scheduled arrival day. Your actual arrival time will be coordinated with one of our greeters who will meet you at the home with tropicsl shell leis. The greeter will assist in getting you settled in and explain some of the features of the home. The greeter will be available throughout your stay by phone should you have any questions. Entry is keyless. Upon arrival you will be given a code for your stay which will allow access via the programmable electronic lock to the property compound. You and your guests will use the electronic code during your stay each time you enter the property compound. To “check out” simply turn off lights and appliances, gather your personal belongings and depart no later than 11 AM with what we hope are magical lifelong memories. Our cleaning crew arrives at 11 AM to prepare the home for our next guest.
Q: Is there Internet Service? Cell Phone Service? Cable TV? Stereo? DVD? CD?
A: We provide Coconut WIFI service in the home and around the pool (remember though….you are supposed to be on vacation!!!) Cell Phone Service is good throughout the property. Premium cable TV is provided in the entertainment room and in Master bedroom. There is a Smart TV in each bedroom. The entertainment room has a sound bar which with the pool side doors open will provide gentle background music. (Please respect the neighbors!). We provide a DVD/CD player as well. (Please note however that on occasion one or more of these components may suffer from the salt air….we do our best to replace them promptly from time to time but cannot guarantee that all will be operational at all times)
FACILITIES FAQ:
Q: What are the parking arrangements?
A: The home can accommodate parking for up to five cars in our driveway. The garage is unfortunately not available. Please do not park on the community driveway.
Q: What athletic facilities are nearby?
A: Adjacent to our community and only steps away are public recreational facilities. Tennis courts, Olympic pool, running track, horseshoe pits, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, roller blade rink and public beach are all free and open to all.
LOCATION FAQ:
Q: How close is the house to the waterfront village of Kona?
A: Our secluded gated community is tucked away yet just two blocks from the waterfront village of Kona with all of its restaurants, shops and activities. In fact the Kona pier which serves the cruise ships, dive boats, fishing boats, glass bottom boats, submarine and others is right there at just two blocks from our community. The home has all of the features of a private exclusive paradise home but is within walking distance to the shops, restaurants and activities of the waterfront.
Q: What is the address of the home?
A: Hale Kona A’ekai is located at 27 Kona Bay Estates, 75-5484 Kona Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740. You can find the location on MapQuest.com.
Q: How far is it from a grocery store?
A: We have three choices for grocery stores. All within three to seven blocks away. Safeway, Sack and Save and KTA all have a good selection. Costco is also available and is just 6 miles. Walmart is just five blocks and Kmart four blocks.
Q: Is the home quiet or is it in the middle of town or on a major street?
A: The home is right on the ocean in an exclusive tucked away oceanfront gated community with a private drive. It is very quiet. Most of the homes are vacation homes with few full time residents. We ask that you help to maintain the serentiy of the neighborhood with a quiet time after 10 PM.
Q: Are there any good restaurants within walking distance in Kona?
A: Two of our favorites are Huggo’s by the Sea and the Fish Hopper. These are along the waterfront village. There are many others.
ACCOMMODATIONS FAQ (CONT.):
Q: We have elderly guests coming with us, is the home wheelchair compatible or suitable for elderly guests?
A: Yes, the home was uniquely designed with the same level quartzite stone that covers the driveway used throughout the main level without door thresholds to trip over. Elderly folks can comfortably move about the property from the driveway to the two “Guest” suites to the main living area and around the pool without encountering any change of elevation or door thresholds whatsoever.
Q: Is the home suitable for children?
A: The home is a paradise for properly supervised children. The property is surrounded on three sides by a six foot lava rock wall and tropical foliage which restricts access to the property and creates plenty of privacy. The neighborhood itself is walled as well with a 24/7 patrolling guard. There are of course ponds and waterfalls on the property along with the main pool which can be accessed. The main pool flows over a waterfall into a shallow sandy bottom wading pool for children. The kids love it! Children must be properly supervised. For small children we provide a child gate for the Master suite, a basinet, crib and high chair upon request.
Q: How deep is the pool? Is it heated?
A: The pool is four feet deep. It has a beautiful infinity edge waterfall which flows over to a lower sandy bottom shallow pond where kids can frolic. The pool has a black lava rock waterfall flowing into it with a “lover’s bench” to sit and enjoy the view from inside the pool. The pool is not heated but is kept comfortable year round by the intense sun baking the black lava rock in and around the pool.
Q: Are there pool toys, accessories, beach towels and such provided?
A: We do have a teak “toy box” alongside the house which is filled from time to time with pool toys, rafts, floaties and such. There are also some fins and snorkels. The contents of the toy box change from time to time but you are welcome to use anything in it. A basket by the pillars in the main living area is filled with rolled fresh beach towels for your use.
Q: Is there a sandy beach on the property? Can you swim out front?
A: Our oceanfront contains both sand and lava rock with tide pools. Depending on the swimmers ability and the surf conditions it is possible to enter the water and swim or snorkel along the shore. We have done so many times when the conditions were right and have found the sea life interesting and exciting. The ocean area in front of the home is a protected sea life sanctuary with much to see. Entry and exit into the water can be difficult and very dangerous at times. Only knowledgeable and experienced swimmers should attempt this.
Q: Is there a beach with access for families and kids?
A: Yes, absolutely! The uniqueness of our community is that it contains a gorgeous semi-private crescent shaped white sand beach and lagoon. Just a few steps along the beach path from the house takes you to the “Keiki” (means Kid’s) ponds. A great place for kids to play in the sand, explore the tide pools, snorkel or swim. It is always accessible regardless of the surf conditions.