I am in real estate, but I have also been a Flight Attendant for 12 years & travelled the world. I know a thing or 2 about what I like in a house. I also use reviews to make decisions when booking or buying things. This house is amazing, & we almost didn't book it because the photos didn't accurately show the true beauty of the home (some updated real estate photos/video would really elevate this listing). Luckily, with a little research I found an online video tour of the house and booked.
Pros
We could check in early and checkout late with min cleaning list (AMAZING). Beds are very comfy. Theres a split floor plan, the primary & 2 bedrooms are on 1 side. The primary overlooks the pool/golf course, & has a lanai, en suite, & outdoor shower. The 2nd bedroom has a lanai & ensuite. The 3rd bedroom is by the garage, has a lanai, & ensuite. The 3rd/2nd bedrooms also are next to the front "kiddie pool."
The center of the home is the kitchen, dinning, & living which are HUGE. The other side has the office & sits at the front of the house w/ a day bed & twin trundle, & the guest bathroom (you can get to it from the living room/office. The 5th bedroom opens up to the pool & has an ensuite.
The backyard is beautiful perfect for entertaining. The location is PERFECT. You're right on the Mauna Lani resort, 10 min walk to the Beach Club (which is included in the rental and VERY kid friendly), 20 min walk to 49 Black Sand Beach, 35 min from Kona/Airport, 35 min to Pololu Valley, 30 min to Waimea, 10 min to the Hilton/Marriott, 5 min to the Auberge and Fairmont, & a Foodland close.
CONS:
I am giving this place 5 stars, but I still think it's important to list a few things just so you have the FULL picture when booking. The experience was so great that they really aren't worth mentioning unless you're super particular.
There's a noise restriction at 10pm, & the HOA is VERY strict. We learned the hard way after we were doing Karaoke (very late- sorry again). They are also very strict on lighting. We rented an ALOHA sign and brought a neon light to light up the VERY dark patio and the HOA complained (none of the outlets worked on the bar to plug in lighting & its pitch black once the sun goes down). A waterfall, built in grill, & outlets on bar don't work. No lighting around bar/steps. There is another grill to use though. We found 1 dead bug (a good thing). Ignore the other reviews saying otherwise. Its a tropocial island & an open air home.