"2 years ago, my daughter approached me about my upcoming 60th birthday. Where did I want to go? We kicked around ideas like a month in Italy or an Alaskan cruise. I had just returned from a week at the Dolphin Bay House with another couple, and since I could chose anywhere, I just wanted to go back there. I’m very well traveled, and I’ve fallen in love with the Big Island. And if you’re going to do the Big Island, there’s no better place to stay.

I was traveling with my entire family, including a 2-year old granddaughter. The house was perfect. The setting was perfect. The neighbors were friendly. We made the 2 minute walk to the bay for swimming, kayaking, diving and snorkeling. We loved walking around the block taking pictures of the beautiful flowers. The best golf course on the island is only 15 minutes away.

The house is simply gorgeous! It was completely remodeled since our last visit and is worth six stars on a scale of five! The house is roomy and well appointed, with a gourmet kitchen - top of the line everything throughout. It should be featured in an architectural magazine! The beds are comfortable (with 7 of us; the house was perfect for us with separate area downstairs for the couple with the small child).

The neighborhood is so safe, that we felt was didn’t have to lock our doors at night. We ventured to Hilo and later to Maui, and found the comparison between the people strikingly different from the folks in Kona. This has to be the most friendly place in the world! I’ll never return again to the masses of Kaanapali. My future trips will bring me back to the serenity of this little spot of heaven on earth."

F.S.

"Hello Martha and Leonard,

My wife and I stayed at Dolphin Bay House during the last 2 weeks and wanted you to know how much we enjoyed our stay. Everyone at the house could not have been more satisfied. The remodel is absolutely perfect and so user friendly.

We would definitely like to return next year at about the same time. If you will allow us to again use your house we will be in touch as soon as possible to make the arrangements.

Thank you again for providing us with a most spectacular place to stay."

Best regards,
M.P

"You and Leonard did a wonderful job here, Martha. The kitchen is fabulous, the bamboo veneer is outstanding. After I leave, you should charge more. :) Merry Christmas."

K.M.

"Aloha Martha and Leonard!

What a wonderful time we had in Hawaii! Your house is beautiful, and we felt very welcome and comfortable there. The ocean was incredible - we had a few days of calm, but a lot of it was high surf from a storm in Japan. There were times we saw waves over 15 feet! It was amazing! Dad and I got to snorkel a little - we also snorkeled at Kahalu'u and Honaunau, but I think Manini was the best! How amazing to grab your snorkel gear, walk about a block, and end up in the most beautiful waters!! I took so many underwater pictures, it's ridiculous! My kids loved looking up the fish in the book that you have at the house. Then we took them out on a glass bottom boat, and they were so excited to see the yellow tangs and other fish, "live and in person." And I must have the only 3 year old that can say humuhumu nukunuku apua'a AND the longest fish name: lau wiliwili nukunuku 'oi 'oi!! And we also went over to Volcano one day.

The house was wonderful - the flowers were beautiful - the orchids lasted the whole 2 weeks! Everything was so clean and comfortable! The kids were really bummed that we had to leave! They want to come back! I don't think we'd get away with coming back to the Big Island without staying at Dolphin Bay House. :) We absolutely loved our visit. It was nice to have a comfy home and a relaxing atmosphere when we came home from a busy day of sightseeing! It was great to be able to cook our own meals, and visit with neighbors. I just wanted to say thank you again, and let you know how it went. It was a fabulous 2 weeks in paradise, and we appreciate the use of your home.

Thanks,
G. and Family, Anchorage, Alaska

"Dear Martha & Leonard,

We have just had the most wonderful vacation at Dolphin Bay House! Thank you for allowing us to use it. It was a much needed break from the monotony of an Alaskan winter. We loved the Manini Beach, and our two little grandsons’ just couldn’t get enough of “our” beach!
We found the house very clean, and what a nice touch to have fresh flowers, a fruit basket and coffee to welcome us! What a great way to start a day listening to birds chatter in the plumeria trees and the scent of the flowers drifting in through the open windows. I can¹t wait to go back it went by way too quickly.  Again, thank you for your hospitality.

Sincerely,
S. and Family, Alaska"

"Dear Martha & Leonard,

I want to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at Dolphin Bay House. We have many wonderful memories! The air temperature, day and night, was consistently PERFECT! The morning sea was smooth, almost like a lake, and we swam every day at least once, and usually more! We paddled a kayak over to the Captain Cook Monument one day. We snorkeled amongst thousands of brilliantly colored fish in hundreds of varieties! One night we took a stroll to the beach quite late at night, and sat there at the water?s edge quite transfixed by the silvery moonlight shining down on the swaying palms and gentle waves. Back at the house we were enchanted by the sweet smell of some mysterious night-blooming flower filling the air. As your web site says, we did awaken to a chorus of birds every morning, and we fell asleep at night to the sound of waves...just glorious! We left there feeling healthy and whole, and we can't wait to come back.

Thank you!
Elisabeth & Dave

"Dear Martha & Leonard,

Dolphin Bay House is in a great location—only a 2 minute walk from the water! I was able to sit on the deck and read for hours. I enjoyed the breeze and the peek-a-boo views of the ocean. We also went kayaking—this was really easy because you can rent close to the house, and then you can be the first into the bay in morning. My family and I felt like we had found a secret spot. The bay is the best snorkeling spot I’ve been to in Hawaii (I’ve visited Maui and Kauai). We had fantastic weather, and the true aloha spirit really came through during our stay. Dolphin Bay House is luxurious, convenient, and we could tell that during the recent remodel every detail was beautifully thought out. The place was spotless--we're picky about that so we felt right at home as soon as we walked in. Very comfy beds and lovely decor also. The house is non-smoking—an absolute must in my family. This is the owner’s second residence, so it is maintained very well and feels like a real home. While at the house, swimming, snorkeling, or hanging out at the beach, we felt like we were in paradise. I would check out The Coffee Shack for breakfast and lunch. I also REALLY liked the Italian place that was right up the hill--fresh bread and tasty pasta. There is a book in the house with sample menus and it's in there. The renting process was easy and pleasant; the owners are very accommodating and aim to please. We are trying to plan our next vacation back ASAP because we wouldn’t stay anywhere else!".

Mahalo and aloha,
J & R, San Diego