This vacation rental is a gem. It was clean, well stocked and possibly the best view on the island. Our favorite thing to do was walk next door to Carlsmith Beach Park and hang out in the water. We saw sea turtles there several times. If I ever go back to the big island I would want to stay here again.

I am going to start with the positives first. The location is perfect for quiet evenings after a day of sightseeing around the island. The neighborhood is not touristy and busy like Kona. The condo is about 40 minutes from Volcanoes National Park. The condo has a beautiful view of Carlsmith Beach Park from the balcony and a very short walk to the water. There are ladders to the water and the water was shallow. We were able to see schools of fish and several turtles in the water at dusk. The unit itself was very comfortable and inviting. The unit had everything we needed for a family stay with all kitchen gadgets, sundry items (sunblock, beach towels, sewing kit, umbrellas), and sports equipment (pool noodles, snorkels, fins, bodyboards, etc.). We saved some money by not having to rent snorkeling equipment, buying umbrellas, and by making some meals at home. The building also has a pool for swimming laps. The Seaside Restaurant across the street served some pretty good seafood. Terry (the property manager) responded quickly to inquiries and had a binder at the entry way with all sorts of useful information and recommendations. I only had two items that were minor issues. One needs to sign a rental agreement for a stay in the unit and the elevator keys were a bit sticky and took a few minutes of trying to make them work. However, if one doesn’t mind either of those things, the stay is well worth it. I would stay here again if I come back to Hilo.

Had an amazing time! The property is clean, beautiful and offers access to the beach park next door (but there are several right down the road if you like to snorkel) Loved being able to go without having to pack up and find parking! Quiet building with the most friendly residents. The property manager was responsive and very helpful. The property is close to shopping and dining. The local farmers market was wonderful! Loved our visit and would stay again!

The positives: location right on Carl Smith Beach park, clean, organized, that has been fixed up tastefully. We enjoyed snorkeling, viewing turtles, exploring the trail on-site to a secluded separate shore area. There was beach towels, snorkeling equipment, and mineral sunscreen. This unit was probably better than most at this building. The negatives, the key for the elevator barely works, plan on 5 extra minutes to find the sweet spot to get into the elevator. The water was shut off the second morning, no flushing toilets or filling up water bottles for the day. I texted Terry about it and he never replied, which was strange because he texted us right back the night we checked in and the wifi wasn’t working. There is no air conditioning in this older building, and opening the windows and screen doors at night let in bugs because the screens are broken and the screen door to the porch won’t latch shut. There isn’t black out drapes in the bedroom, or any window coverings in the main room, which made me feel exposed and it gets light at 5:30 a.m.

Well appointed (well stocked), great location. Near enough to Hilo but basically at Carls Smith Park. Swimming, snorkeling, turtle watching. I also really enjoyed the pool. Very clean and under used so it was quiet and peaceful.

We absolutely loved the condo and the location! The condo is beautiful, clean, comfortable and very well equipped. The views are fantastic towards the lagoon and the ocean beyond as well as the lush vegetation that surrounds Carlsmith Beach Park. The complex is well maintained and quiet. The lagoon is right in front of the building and was wonderful for swimming and snorkelling. Regularly met a couple of turtles that came in to feast around the lava rocks. We took walks down to Richardson Beach Park and along Nene Road nearby. Hilo and area is full of sights and attractions, historical and cultural relevance, opportunities to see endemic birds and other wild life. We`ve spent time in Kona several times but this place is definitely more authentic, more multicultural, less touristy, less crowded and has so much to offer. The only regret is we had only two weeks - planning to stay longer the next time!

We absolutely loved the condo and the location! The condo is beautiful, clean, comfortable and very well equipped. The views are fantastic towards the lagoon and the ocean beyond as well as the lush vegetation that surrounds Carlsmith Beach Park. The complex is well maintained and quiet. The lagoon is right in front of the building and was wonderful for swimming and snorkelling. Regularly met a couple of turtles that came in to feast around the lava rocks. We took walks down to Richardson Beach Park and along Nene Road nearby. Hilo and area is full of sights and attractions, historical and cultural relevance, opportunities to see endemic birds and other wild life. We`ve spent time in Kona several times but this place is definitely more authentic, more multicultural, less touristy, less crowded and has so much to offer. The only regret is we had only two weeks - planning to stay longer the next time!

This condo was well equipped with all of the basics and lots of extras. It was was very organized and Terry provided great recommendations for places to go and things to do.

We arrived really late after delays with flights but detailed instructions made it easy to find the keys and get in. It was too dark to see much then, but waking up at sunrise to that gorgeous view was worth the wait! It was a little warm in the afternoons after being out exploring, but cooled down quickly with the doors/windows open. We were there during spring break so there were young people at the park after dark a couple nights after closing time - with the open windows the noise really carries making it hard to get to sleep but the bed was really comfortable and we slept well once the noise died down. Our first morning we discovered the coffee carafe was broken so we ventured out and ended up finding our favorite coffee shop on the island (the SS) which we returned to many times during our stay! We found another coffee maker in the cabinets, but nothing we made compared to their delicious coffee! We loved the detailed instructions and helpful hints for things to do/see in the area!! We absolutely loved our stay and would love to return one day!

This is an attractive, up-to-date condo with an open floor plan, comfortable bed and lovely water view from the main room, bedroom and lanai.. Terry, the property manager is very accessible and responsive. The kitchen and linen closet are well stocked. We snorkeled every day and had a fun, relaxing time.

Everything is just like the pictures. The kitchen is very well equipped, everything you might need. There is a great farmers market near by for fresh produce. It isn't far to stores or restaurants. The water out front is very clear and every time we went in we saw sea turtles. I would recommend good sturdy water shoes for the entire island beaches -it makes it easier to walk across the lava. This location has easy access to everything on the Hilo side. I would recommend a car. The owner not only had great communication they also had lots of great tips on things to do and places to eat. The only negative I have is the pool isn't great. However, with the beautiful ocean right there I don't know why you would care about the pool. I would strongly recommend this as a great place to stay.

This was our 3rd time at the MKS and hopefully not the last one.

The condo was great and the view fantastic - direct access to Carlsmith Beach park with protected swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon. This condo is supplied with everything you need for the beach also. We would definitely recommend.

If staying on Hilo side of Big Island, this is a great location. Great snorkeling with turtles in the “back yard” (beach next door). Many “extras” included: beach chairs, snorkel gear, well stocked kitchen supplies, Even umbrellas!! With all the above, still a stand out to mention is the property management company running this VRBO. Terry and Amber were GREAT. Numerous emails explaining the condo, check in process, and things to do/sites to see. Especially with the every changing volcano eruption. They are both well versed regarding Hawaii and had great suggestions. I would stay here again! That is best review statement I can say.

This is such a sweet place. It has everything you need and is a great location. We explored all over Hilo, Volcanos and the east and south sides of the island and this was a great location for us. Having the park right there is amazing. Saw lots of turtles. ❤️❤️❤️

This rental was perfect; cute inside, loved listening to the ocean waves, perfect location.

Great property with all kinds of "extras" for our stay. We used the beach chairs and beach towels many times. We saw turtles every single day. The unit was very clean and organized when we arrived. Nice place. We will stay again for sure

This is a beautiful place, great snorkeling right out your door. So many things to do and we did them all. First place I have stayed that gave you everything to enjoy your stay . Aloha 🤙🤙

This is a perfect spot to enjoy all that Hilo has to offer. The apartment was very clean and comfortable and had everything we needed. The view from the lanai and bedroom is beautiful. We saw turtles at the beach park next door almost every day. The Hilo Farmer’s Market is a must see. No need for AC with the big windows and ceiling fans. It cooled down each night and we enjoyed listening to the ocean surf. We can’t wait to come back!

Over the past 11 years we have now stayed at this property 5 times in 4 different units. This unit is the nicest of them all. There is pretty much everything you could ask for already in the unit. All of the kitchen tools and appliances (Can you say dishwasher?), beach toys, ironing board and iron, even robes hanging on the door in the bathroom. Added to that the owner is a great communicator. I can't speak to how responsive he is to issues, well, because we didn't have any. Then there is the location, which is why we keep coming back. Great snorkeling at Carlsmith and there are always turtles there.

The condo was very well stocked. Hosts even provided bath robes, umbrellas, snorkeling equipment and more. We had to drive through a depressing industrial area to get to the condo, though. It’s right next doors to Carlsmith Beach which is a lovely lagoon for swimming.

We really enjoyed our stay at Mauna Loa Shores. We loved being able to walk outside and swim and snorkel. Hilo restaurants, shops, and the farmers market are minutes away. The condo isn’t huge, but it fit three people just fine. Very clean and well stocked.

We really enjoyed our stay at Mauna Loa Shores. We loved being able to walk outside and swim and snorkel. Hilo restaurants, shops, and the farmers market are minutes away. The condo isn’t huge, but it fit three people just fine. Very clean and well stocked.

This was such an amazing place to stay. All comforts provided with an incredible view of both the water and nature area. A short walk to the water with amazing snorkeling.

The location and condo were lovely. The kitchen was well equipped… right down to the frosted beer mugs! Clean and inviting, a great experience.

Good communication with renter. Nice size for a small family (2 adults and one ten year old). Nice kitchen and definitely saved money by eating in 2-3 meals per day. Not as many turtle sightings as expected but did see a few. The view from the balcony was great and I was surprised how cool it stayed with just fans (No AC). Beach is rocky (No sand) but still cool to explore. The water is also quite cold but was tolerable in the afternoon. Very popular beach so it got crowded and noisy at times. Overall we had a great time but missed having a sandy beach.

Good communication with renter. Nice size for a small family (2 adults and one ten year old). Nice kitchen and definitely saved money by eating in 2-3 meals per day. Not as many turtle sightings as expected but did see a few. The view from the balcony was great and I was surprised how cool it stayed with just fans (No AC). Beach is rocky (No sand) but still cool to explore. The water is also quite cold but was tolerable in the afternoon. Very popular beach so it got crowded and noisy at times. Overall we had a great time but missed having a sandy beach.

This is our favorite place on The Big Island. With a view of our Favorite Swimming Hole in Hilo. and a little rubber ducky in our individual bathing unit. See you again !!!

This is our favorite place on The Big Island. With a view of our Favorite Swimming Hole in Hilo. and a little rubber ducky in our individual bathing unit. See you again !!!

This is our favorite place on The Big Island. With a view of our Favorite Swimming Hole in Hilo. and a little rubber ducky in our individual bathing unit. See you again !!!

Great stay at Condo. It had everything that one would need for home and beach. Lagoon within fifty feet with turtles to boot! Would definitely stay here again.

Great stay at Condo. It had everything that one would need for home and beach. Lagoon within fifty feet with turtles to boot! Would definitely stay here again.