Customer Comments

Gary G. (Jan. 2010) - Audiophile / Recordings

Our production company needed to find a central location on the Big Island for 3 weeks of recording.  Our crew consisted of 3 people on-site and one roving engineer, an entire van filled with gear and coolers containing our nutrition in the field.  We covered the entire island from this amazing property in Wood Valley.  The house was extremely comfortable and always offered us a welcomed respite from our difficult days in the field.  Beyond the amazing care and help brought to our crew from the owner’s Rich and Sandra, the community of Wood Valley seemed to welcome us home each evening. The property itself was an extremely beautiful location. We didn’t expect to record on-site but spent many hours in the fire-circle, on the road (if you want to call it a road as only 2-3 cars would pass by each day) and in the gardens.

This property is magical and it only took us a one day to realize it.  Our entire crew misses the Big Island but mostly we miss the energy and solitude that this property has to offer.  If you are a hiker, biker, birder, or nature lover you will not find a better place to explore.  The KAU forest preserve (many thousand of acres) can keep you busy for weeks at a time. Access to the forest is just beyond the Buddhist temple and easily accessible with a 4x4 vehicle or on foot/bike.  The roads require a GPS with trail maps or you could easily get lost on the many miles of back roads. You climb slowly to nice elevations where the clouds can come and kiss the treetops. It is amazing and highly recommended.  As mentioned, we traveled the entire island and found that Wood Valley offers the type of peace and quite that can only be found away from the ocean and tourists. It is as if we lived there, became locals and felt what it would be like to spend the rest of our days on the Big Island.  Black Sand Beach is just down the highway and beautiful.  We wouldn’t recommend this house if you’re a beach lover because it’s not a beach house.  It’s a nature house, a tranquil magical place that offers comfort you’d find in town but a feeling of being completely off-the-map.  We spent 3 weeks working in Hawaii and this house made it all worth it.  Unlike the hundreds of locations we’ve recorded, this house will be a memory we will never forget and hope to return with our families someday.  Thanks to Rich, Sandra and Russ for making sure we never needing anything and pointing us to “local” spots we will treasure forever.

---

Plantation Palace Paradise in Pahala
Sun-seekers in Seattle Seattle, WA USA
Review Submitted: March 25, 2009 Date of Stay: October 2008

My husband and I spent 10 days of our honeymoon at Plantation Palace. It was exactly what we wanted -a private retreat in a warm lush setting. When we arrived the sun had already gone down, so we had no idea what it looked like outside until the morning. When we opened up our bedroom door and stepped out onto the patio, we found ourselves looking out at a wondrous garden flooded with sunlight, tropical colors and scents. The birds were there to greet us too.

We had such a wonderful time, we decided to return again with our 1 ½ year old daughter. This worked out so well for us. The house was very convenient and we cooked most of our meals there. We all enjoyed the outdoor shower and tub. And our daughter helped to feed the animals several times. She was delighted by the doves, sheep, goats and chickens. We were also able to take day trips to Volcanos National Park, Black Sands Beach, Hilo and Kona.

Rich and Sandra are truly the kindest hosts we have encountered anywhere! They are there when you need them and nearly invisible when you don’t. We enjoyed sharing a meal with them and they were very helpful on filling us in on how to move around the island, tourist information and very useful local tips. It is obvious they love their island and have explored most every corner.

---

Save a spot for us, we’ll be back! John and Renee
Rating 5 out of 5
This is a palace- I’d like to move in!
Animallover San Jose, Ca, USA
Review Submitted: March 19, 2009 Date of Stay: February 2009

When this house is described as a palace, they are not kidding. The house is like a mini resort tucked away in a valley so peaceful and serene you may never wish to leave! Not only are you just minutes from the beach and day excursions away from any part of this beautiful island, Rich and Sandra are great hosts. If you like animals, they have a herd of sheep you can pet, friendly cats, cute chickens, and one overly rambunctious goat. You may even get invited next door for a party or a meal; they are very friendly, as are most of the people that we met in the valley and elsewhere. I can’t recommend it enough!

---

Rating 5 out of 5
Guestbook Comment
HAC194141 The Sea Ranch, CA
Review Submitted: March 6, 2009 Date of Stay: March 2009

We entirely enjoyed our 2-week stay here at the end of February 2008. The house was fine for two couples, if they’re good friends and not shy about sharing. It would be ok for three couples, or a family. Gracious, helpful hosts nearby (but not uncomfortably close). Tastefully furnished, fine outdoor bathtub, lovely gardens, kitchen satisfactorily equipped—we prepared virtually all meals there (just as well, long way to a restaurant). If you like quiet and relatively unpaved old Hawaii (well, the access road is paved), no noise but the birds, you will like it. Good high-speed internet and free phone to anywhere in USA were pluses (tho no TV except for DVD player). It is a long way to the nearest serious market, but the Reha’s did offer to get fine local produce for us, at cost.

---

Rating 5 out of 5
Guestbook Comment
HAC186776 Washington
Review Submitted: January 25, 2009 Date of Stay: January 2009

The “Plantation Palace” is an amazing deal for your own house and mini-spa on 12 secluded acers on the Big Island.  I liked the remote location, yet it was only 30 minutes to Volcano National Parks and 15min to Puna Lu’u , Black Sands beach where you can swim with the turtles.

The key is to get a group of friends to go. When you land in Kona, make a trip to Costco (10min away) to load up on food for a week. This will save you big money and make the trip very reasonable.

Kids will love the huge 12 acre grass field and the friendly goats, chickens, doves and sheep. Make a campfire at the fire pit circle, roast marshmallows and gaze at the amazing stars. There is nothing quite like the Big Island and clear skies at night..

The ladies will love the rustic mini-spa on the property with the cute bath cabana, massage and steam room. Organic fruit was plentiful on the property and free!

The owners Rich and Sandy were delightful and helpful to point out “off the map” secret Hawaiian “locals” beaches and sights. There is even a Buddhist Temple just down the road and the Kapapala Ranch.

Relax and do it with out blowing your budget on the “corporate” hotels.

Aloha! Tim