Aloha! Through the years, Hawaii has become our favorite destination for a relaxing 2-week vacation. As a result, my family and I have vacationed on the Big Island of Hawaii more times than I can remember. And whenever we go, we always stay at a vacation rental. If you’re wondering why we prefer a vacation rental over a hotel, please be sure to read this post about the benefits of a vacation home. Of all the places we’ve stayed on the Big Island, my favorite by far, is Sandy’s condo, located at Kolea, the most exclusive address in Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Kolea
Kolea is a the only gated property that offers direct access to Anaeho’omalu-Bay, also known as A-Bay, the only sandy beach at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Kolea is flanked on one side by the Marriott and on the other side, the Hilton. It is within walking distance of the Kings Shops, Queens Marketplace as well as the Waikoloa Golf Club.
Having stayed at several different properties at Waikoloa Beach Resort, I can attest that Kolea is the most beautiful and most luxurious. The grounds at Kolea are beautifully manicured with tropical flora and fauna. It is also very clean and very safe; the beauty and serenity of Kolea is exactly what draws us to this particular property.
Kolea 15E
Sandy’s unit, 15E, is a spacious, tastefully decorated condo with African mahogany trim and travertine tile floors. It is a 2-bedroom unit with in-suite washrooms; the master is outfitted with a King-size bed while the guest bedroom has a Queen. Having an in-suite washer and dryer is fantastic which means, being able to pack lighter! I love the unit’s open concept, particularly the fully retractable doors between the living room and the lanai. When fully retracted, the lanai becomes a part of the living room allowing the beautiful outdoors to flow right into the room.
The unit also features a gourmet kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances. Sandy’s outfitted the kitchen with everything imagineable. From several styles of indoor tableware to beautiful Sur-la-Table Melamine dishes for outdoor dining, she’s thought of it all. In fact, she even offers beautiful chopsticks! Now, that’s definitely thinking of everything!!!
Besides the gourmet kitchen, the unit also has a summer kitchen complete with a stainless steel Viking grill. Due to fire-safety regulations in Waikoloa Beach Resort, most properties only offer communal grills. To be able to grill on your own lanai is truly a luxury in this area. And should you get thirsty while grilling, a stainless steel wine fridge is located right on the lanai for easy access to a cold beverage! Did I also mention that the lanai offers a partial ocean view? We spent many evenings sitting on the lanai, with a cocktail in hand, watching the sunset. Just the thought of it now makes me want to go back!
Kolea Beach Club
Staying at Kolea also means having access to the beautiful Kolea Beach Club. The Beach Club is located right on A-Bay. It has an infinity edge pool and lava rock Jacuzzi. There is an open air fitness hale and a large shaded lounging area. There are also plenty of padded chaise lounges and sun umbrellas. While all these features are awesome, the very best part of the Kolea Beach Club is the complimentary towel service. I love that I never have to bring my own beach towels to the pool nor wash my towels at the end of the day. Talk about being spoiled!
As I’d mentioned, through the years, we’ve stayed at many different places on Hawaii. Of all the units and properties we’ve stayed at, Kolea 15E is by far, our favorite! So that we’re clear, this is not a paid review. I’ve been wanting to do a review on Sandy’s unit for a while but had only recently approached her and she agreed. Sandy is easy to work with and very responsive. Although she does not live on the island, she has a Property Manager that manages the property for her and she, too, is lovely to deal with. I have nothing but praise for this property and unit and can’t wait to return. Kolea 15E is where I want to be lost in paradise: Don’t send help! For more information about this unit, please click here.
If you have any questions about Kolea or Sandy’s unit, please comment below. I’ll be happy to share more details about this beautiful unit and the property with you!
Until next week…. Mahalo!
