Trip Advisor reviews from our guests:
"Like Staying With Family! #302 Banyan Tree"
Reviewed December 1, 2011
My fiance and I vacationed on the Big Island during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Everything about this condo is perfect; the location, the layout, the cleanliness, how the kitchen is well-stocked with modern conveniences to snorkeling gear, beach mats and towels, fishing, etc. Throughout the entire booking process, Janice Townsend, the owner, made it so simple and easy. She even shares with you the best places to eat, snorkel, etc. It really was like staying with a family member because we were so well taken care of. Like the reviewers, we found the condo overlooking the water, just fabulous. Hearing the waves at night and sitting out on the lanai for breakfast was such a highlight. On our 3rd day as we were dining on our tropical fruit salad for breakfast, we spotted a school of spinner dolphins flipping and somersaulting in the air as they moved across the water. It was simply magical. How fortunate were we to have experienced this while enjoying this lovely condo? We also saw surfers and boogie boarders as well. My fiance and I are looking forward to coming back next year.
Stayed November 2011, traveled as a couple
"Better Than Home"
Reviewed August 24, 2011
I stayed at this condo for 5 nights with my 25 year old son and 3 of his friends. We were totally at home and comfortable. The kitchen was better stocked than mine at home, and the guys were thrilled with the selection of water "toys." It was close enough to town for the guys to enjoy the night life, but far enough out to be quiet. Well, not quiet really. We left the windows open at night and were lulled to sleep by the sound of the sea. It really IS just outside the window. The condo was very clean and well-maintained, so was the entire property. The property manager was helpful and always available. I didn't think we'd get much use of the pool at first, since we were at the beach all day, but it was a great place to be when the sun went down. I would very much recommend this condo to anyone who really wants to experience an oceanside vacation. While Banyan Tree beach is really only accessible to experienced surfers, it was such a joy to watch them from dawn to dusk. Our favorite boogie board beach was Magic Sands, just a ways down the road. We had a wonderful time there. Some of us went on the Atlantis submarine cruise. It was okay. I enjoyed the coffee tours up on the mountain more, and also our trip to the seahorse farm. The submarine was the most expensive activity we did, there was plenty to do that was free. We had a wonderful vacation.
Stayed August 2011, traveled with friends
"Wonderful stay at this beautiful condo-302 Banyan Tree Big Island"
Reviewed July 28, 2011
Have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this wonderful apartment on the Big Island. It was so clean and comfortable with everything thought of. There was even some food to tide us over when we first arrived before we had a chance to do any food shopping. Later we even took the owner's advice to eat at Lava Java and bought papaya at the Farmer's Market.
The apartment is right by the sea as the pictures indicated. The sound and view of the sea were simply spectacular. Everyday we watched the surfers right in front of us doing their stunts. There were some really good ones. We also took the surf boards, beach towels and toys provided by the owner to go swimming and surfing at the Beach Park not far from the apartment.
The owner Janice was always very helpful and prompt with her replies when initially we had some problems with the booking and some other questions. Only wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed July 2011, traveled with family
"Beautiful Condo # 302 !!"
Reviewed July 9, 2011
We absolutely loved Robert and Janice's condo – it was the best part of our trip. The setting was perfect, right on the ocean. It has easy access with covered parking and a convenient elevator. It is close to everything yet not noisy.
We loved the ocean breeze off the water, keeping us very comfortable. The condo is very current both in style and amenities.( Lots of beach and snorkel equipment, as well as useful local information binder.) It is also clean, neat, and organized . It has a nice floor plan with the bedrooms and bathrooms, offering good privacy. My husband is the cook in the family, so he really enjoyed the kitchen with everything he needed. Many times we just wanted to stay "home" instead of going out – maybe next time!. . . . and there will be a next time.
Finally, we want to say how much we enjoyed the excellent communication we had with Janice and Robert while we were planning our trip, which put us at ease when renting. Overall, we found everything about the condo to be the very best one could ask for and would recommend this lovely place in paradise to anyone! Mahalo!
Stayed May 2011, traveled as a couple
"Unit 302 - absolutely fantastic! Recommend for anyone"
Reviewed July 2, 2011
I'm always a bit sceptical of pictures of anything on the internet but this place is exactly as stunning as it looks in the pictures. The whole outside wall is windows or doors - you are completely facing the ocean, and it really IS only 30 ft from the water.
The location was very easy to find right on the main street of Ali'i Dr. It's not really walking distance to much but if you're looking for a quiet location where you can enjoy a beautiful stay with a truly oceanfront lanai, this is your place. To stay on the Big Island, you really need a car to get anywhere anyway, and parking was never a problem for us, no matter where we went.
Just 2 of us went and spent hours on the lanai watching the antics of the surfers in the water - they were there almost every day. Many times we saw dolphins jumping and playing in the water. When we scoped out the shoreline, we found many species of fish and turtles too.
The condo itself was clean and beautiful, and very well equipped with anything we wanted - boogie boards, lots of beach towels, kitchen stuff too like all the pots, pans, utensils you could possibly need. It was a lovely big size, bigger than we needed, but the peace, quiet and close to everything was exactly what we wanted. It would be just as fantastic for more people - I would recommend it for anyone, even those who may have mobility issues or strollers as the elevator makes it easily accessible.
Stayed June 2011, traveled as a couple
"Great Vacation Condo #302"
Reviewed July 1, 2011
We loved the condo. It was clean, well stocked with everything we needed for the beach, snorkeling, great guide book, food prep in the kitchen,nice beds and decor, PLUS it overlooks the Banyan surf spot. We would sit on the lanai drinking our Kona coffee in the mornings watching the surfers and boogie boarders, then at the end of the day we would sit there and watch the sun set as we had a drink or ate dinner. The view was amazing. The condo was centrally located to the town and the main roads and highways and we never got lost. Best vacation we've had. Would definitely go back.
Stayed June 2011, traveled with family
"Spectacular condo!!!"
Reviewed May 25, 2011
My husband and I have just returned from renting Condo #302 at Banyan Trees Condos in Kona on the Big Island. We so loved staying there that we called Janice and Robert and told them to keep our deposit...we were coming back next year!
The view is SPECTACULAR! You have the best seat in the house to watch the surfers surf on one of the most premier surfing beaches on the Big Island. We could also see sea turtles and watch the fish.
The condo is accommodated extremely well...every need was thought of, from the pantry to the "toys" to play with while on the beach. Dana, the on site manager, was also attentive and helpful.
You will have an amazing vacation when you stay at this condo!
Stayed May 2011, traveled as a couple
"Spectacular Ocean Front"
Reviewed January 31, 2011
My wife, Niece and I spent 10-days at this beautiful ocean front condo (#302) in January, 2011. We found the view/proximity of the ocean spectacular. The condo is tastefully decorated from top to bottom, including the travertine bathrooms/showers. Beds are comfortable, kitchen is well equiped. The condo is equiped with WiFi, flat screen TVs and every other entertainment gadget one may desire. The printer came in handy for printing boarding passes for our return flight home. The condo is well-stocked with all things related to snorkeling/water activities clear down to foot protection for exploring the lava rock tidal pools adjacent the property. We found the on-site manager (Dana) to be very pleasant/helpful with local directions, activity suggestions, etc. Parking (covered) is very convenient to the building elevator which was very helpful in lugging in/out all those must-have vacation items/groceries, etc.
We would definitely book this condo again and certainly recommend to family/friends.
Stayed January 2011, traveled with family
"The best in Kona!!"
Reviewed January 12, 2011
We stayed with friends at the Banyon Tree - Unit No. 302, for 2 weeks in December/2010 and it was an awesome holiday. Don't believe any of the negative reviews of the area as we felt very safe and had a wonderful time mingling with the locals. Our condo was the perfect location, nearly overhanging the ocean, a free show every day by the local surfers, and a perfect sunset every evening. The condo itself was lovely and equipped with everything you can imagine, the owners had thought of everything. The complex manager was wonderful and very accommodating. We are saving our nickles...we will be back!
Stayed December 2010, traveled with friends
"Wonderful Christmas Vacation"
Reviewed December 29, 2010
We spent a wonderful week relaxing at this condo over Christmas. The condo is beautifully updated and remodeled. We were very comfortable and enjoyed the location right on the ocean. We loved going to sleep to the sound of crashing waves and waking up to hear the surfers already out in the ocean in the morning. Sunsets were incredible. The condo is equipped with a washer/dryer, a full kitchen of appliances and everything you need to take to the beach; including boogie boards, coolers, snorkel gear, towels, chairs and an umbrella. Fishing gear too. This condo is in a good location with covered parking and provides a great homebase for exploring the island.
Stayed December 2010, traveled as a couple
"A beautiful view - it doesn't get much better!"
Reviewed November 16, 2010
A very cute condo literally on the water's edge - it was great fun to watch the surfers - who seemed to almost surf up to our windows! Likewise the sunsets - a truly beautiful spot.
Stayed November 2010, traveled as a couple
"WOOOOOOW"
Reviewed October 3, 2010
WE stayed in condo 302 at the Banyan tree condos, and had the best time we have had in a long long time. We watched the turtles, dolphins, and surfers from our deck every day. The place was clean and pristine. We will definately be back.
Stayed September 2010, traveled with friends
"Paradise FOUND--Unit 302 is GORGEOUS!!"
Reviewed August 27, 2010
What a fantastic discovery! This beautiful complex sits right onthe ocean, with one of the few OCEAN FRONT POOLS in Kailua-Kona! Covered parking, beautiful shared common spaces. Stayed in unit 302 which took my breath away when we stepped insode. There are floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean with a spectacular view--Check out the pics we got of the amazing sunsets from the lanai. Full kitchen was well stocked with equipment and great spice collection too! Master bed was devine and we left the screen open to hear the ocean at night. Everything done in tastefully elegant Hawaiian style furnishings. Daughter liked the spacious second bedroom with the "Woodies and surfboards" theme. Also a full supply of beach toys, chairs, games. Really liked the location too. Close to everything and handy convenience store right across the street. No reason to stay ANYWHERE ELSE when we come back to the BIG ISLAND!
Stayed August 2010, traveled with family
