Mailan Hale - Hostel, Apartment rental, condo rental, Vacation Rental, car rental, luxury house — Hotel in Hawaii

The only knock I have on this place is that I made it my first stop on a 5 week trip around the island....and then I didn't want to leave to go anywhere else!!

It's a great centrally located spot about 4 blocks up Kalani from Ali'i drive; and pretty much everything you could need or want as far as supplies, food & bev, (gear rental on site), etc is within an easy 2-3 min walk. Super laid back vibe from the staff, and guests; the latter of which is actually pretty well screened by management to weed out any traveling (or local) ruffians, dogoodnicks, or hornswagglers (that one was for you Katie & Chelsea) that might try and step on your mana!

Each of my 3 nights was accompanied by ohana style family bbq's on either the well shaded back patio, or upper view deck. Fresh Ahi tacos, seared shrimp, and amazing sides were only a few of the dining highlights; and each sunset was spent on the beach among new friends, cold Kona Longboards, and sweet sounds from da uke.

I can't attest too, or refute the experiences of other travelers reviews; but the one I did want to address was the one where someone had a security concern. Not once did I ever feel my gear, camera, laptop or anything else was in jeopardy. These people treat you as family, and everyone watches out for everyone else. The dorms, private rooms, and common areas were always cleaned each day; with no shortage of fresh linens or towels.

In closing, as a management & marketing consultant I take special notice of the SMALL things in any business I walk into (fyi - this is a curse you don't want :); and not a day went by where I didn't witness at least 1-2 employee meetings whereby they strategized ways to improve the property, and make each guests stay more enjoyable (well done). The property does need a bit of updating to the grounds; but I'm nitpicking on this point. Owner Ron, and his staff (Marcus, Ben, Nalu, Katie & Chelsea) are aware and making great strides towards addressing it. Don't by any means let that sway you however....this place...

Koa Wood Hale is in many ways the best Hostel I have experienced to date.

More than 20 years I have preferred the more personal and interesting Hostel accommodations rather than a Hotel.

The unique encounters with staff and world travelers is more rich and rewarding than is possible at the more generic, impersonal and often sterile qualities of the much more expensive Hotel.

This Hostel is surprisingly clean, neat and organized. And the location!

Ocean view, rootsy, local neighborhood yet very close to beach, shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. The bus around the Island or to the airport is just down the street.

Most significantly is my experience with the Staff. After having two days of grueling travel from Alaska to the Mainland to Kona, Hawaii, I was exhausted and in a foul mood.

Joey, the night staff member at the desk when I arrived was very friendly, professional and welcoming.

I felt at home and was so glad that the AirBnB did not work out.

The next day I met the manager Mary, and she was a delight to listen to. I decided to stay another day just to experience more of the surrounding attractions and the very much needed R&R from too much travel.

Special thanks to Loa Wood Hale.

I definitely recommend this place over other options for accommodations in Kona or on Big Island.

the cleanest Hostel I have been to in the...

This is a family-owned place that's run by a couple that runs 2 properties under the same listing name. They work hard and are super nice, responsive and try to be helpful. The stay was more like a 2.5 star, but they are good people.

This place is ridiculously expensive for what you get, or maybe they change their pricing based on the season. They basically charge more than the vacation rentals down by Alii for hostel-like experience. They also charge a pricey cleaning fee when they don't have professional cleaning staff. I booked here because there was no availability elsewhere but price : quality ratio is not good.

Very bare bones in terms of general necessities that usually come in an Airbnb experience -- you will need to buy most things. Things smell musty and dated -- particularly the kitchen cabinets. The place is pretty dated, and you will need to jerry-rig some stuff to make it useable. The owners will try to help the best they can though. Shower pressure is great.

Internet is good when it is up, but it cuts out often, so somewhat unreliable if you need a stable connection consistently.

Location is great and central in Kona, a quick walk down a big hill to the beach and toward Alii Drive where all the restaurants, bars and touristy stuff is. They also include parking...