Villages At Mauna Lani — Hotel in Hawaii

We've rented multiple units in this complex and additionally know many owners. These are privately owned, very well-constructed town-homes in a gated community that is not directly on the ocean (additionally there are a few stand-alone homes, although these may not be bookable). All of the units have 3 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a lanai with outdoor barbecue, well-equipped kitchens, and a laundry room. There are two basic floor plans (Lehua and Maile), with the larger Maile units having the living/kitchen space and master bedroom upstairs (and a balcony lanai that probably will give you glimmers of the ocean). || Because of the footprint of the community and private ownership, there is wide variation among the units. There will be different levels of furnishings, different views (sometimes very little), different maintenance/property managers, and varying degrees of closeness to a next-door shopping center and the recreation center within the complex (which consists of a smallish pool, outdoor hot tub, and workout room). Typically there only will be cleaning done after you have ended your stay (i.e. no maid service). All told, it pays to research the specific unit that you wish to stay in.|| The vibe of this complex is sedate - there are many full-time residents who want things quiet. Brief-stay renters are strongly discouraged and it often would not be possible to have more than two cars parked at each unit. Some of the owners may charge for excess electricity use - but with Hawaii electricity rates (highest in the nation), this is understandable. Having the two AC units running most of the time could easily give the owner a bill of over $500 per WEEK (and let's not forget the monthly HOA fee the owners have to cover). || In sum, these are large, very well-constructed units in a very nice complex in the Mauna Lani resort. If you are looking for larger recreational facilities as part of a condo complex (e.g., better pool), you might want to consider the Fairways, Ka Milo, or Kulalani complexes nearby (or the two hotels - Mauna Lani Bay or...

We stayed at Unit #205 (as my husband did the Ironman this 5/31/2014) and we highly recommend it. The unit is tastefully furnished and bursting with all the amenities you'll need. Everything was in good working condition: hot water, air conditioning, washer/dryer, stovetop, toilets, tubs, etc.||Kathi the house assistant was a gem! She visited us on our 2nd day and explained how to operate all the facilities / equipment. When I reported that the coffee machine didn't work, she promptly brought a French press and coffee percolator. Denise, the house manager is very straightforward to deal with.||We were a family traveling with 3 kids and were with other families & couples that all rented units in the Mauna Lani Villages. I have to say, ours was the most fully equipped! There were tons of towels (rationed in other units, ie: 2 per room only), beach towels, beach chairs, bikes, beach umbrellas, mattresses, lots of extra bed sheets, pillows. There was even a kayak! The unit owner provides toilet paper, kitchen tissue, laundry detergent, washing machine liquid, liquid hand wash. The unit owner was considerate enough to not leave their car in the garage so we were able to park our car indoors. Other friends complained that they could not use their garage as it was locked with a vehicle inside. ||The Ironman bike route loops in front of the entrance gate of the property and it was precious being able to put lounge chairs out front and cheer for the triathletes! The Villages is also 5 mins away from the Fairmont where the Ironman finish line is. ||The reason why I rated it 4 stars and not 5 stars is because on my personal rating scale, 5 stars is for uber luxurious resorts / hotels. Nonetheless, Unit #205 is stylish, comfortable, fully equipped, well maintained with great service from Kathi (who lives in Mauna Lani Villages too!). We would definitely rent this unit again if we go...

ROACH INFESTED!|Roaches were in the kitchen, the 2 downstairs bedrooms, under the sink and in the dishwasher. A couple sprinted across the counter. The follow-up reply from the host was, "We get really used to them because they are everywhere in our tropical environment much better than spiders!” |I am no stranger to the Big Island, this is my 5th time here this year. I am here at least twice a year. My mom is from Hilo and her entire family is here. This is the only rental or hotel I have stayed at on the Island that has had roaches inside the unit.|The property was beautiful, very nicely appointed and clean, except for the roaches. When we started using the kitchen there were roaches. I moved the trash can from under the sink and spotted the first one. We sprayed it and other roaches scattered. The spray only slowed them enough to get them with a newspaper. |I called and emailed the host. She said someone would bring traps and have the service come. The traps were delivered and placed under the sink. She said the service would be by later, but no one came. The next day, my sister had to kill a roach in her room, my son killed a roach in his sister’s bed and the downstairs shower. My daughter opened the dishwasher and saw at least 10 roaches scatter. Before we left we made a video and sent to the host.|I really felt as if I was being blown off as if I was just a complainer and my concerns about the roaches were unwarranted. Not what I expected from a...