Colony I at Sea Mountain in Pahala

The unit is very nice and the kitchen is well equipped. There is a wide selection of stations on the two TVs . The landscaping is beautiful, too and the location near the Punaluu Black Sand Beach is nice. The Visitor Center in Volcano National Park is a 29 mile drive away. There is bar soap provided (and dish detergent and tissues) but compared to the other two places on the island we've stayed at where shampoo, body wash, conditioner and body cream are given, they seem to be a bit parsimonious here. The other places (which actually cost less) also provided in the room many beach chairs, a beach umbrella, a cooler, freezer packs, etc.for free. Here you can rent two chairs and an umbrella for $15 a day or $20 with a cooler added. The environmentalist in me approves of charging extra ($10/day) for the air conditioning since most people then won't use it (but one of the other places did have it for free- we mostly just had it running on fan). Here there are ceiling fans and one floor fan and the ventilation is good so I don't think most people would need it. Another unusual thing is that they want you to put your tip in an envelope that you give to reception to be distributed by them. But the only one doing something that would usually be tipped is the chambermaid so I left the tip for her in the room. Check-in time is extremely limited. It starts at 4:00 PM and the office closes at 5:00. Seems like it should at least be until 6:00. If you accidentally get locked out of your unit, it costs $100 to get back in. If you can't get your safe open- it's $200. There are also fines for various other things that they consider infractions.

Great resort. Beautiful views. Nice pool, very quiet area. Kitchen is a nice size. Need to buy supplies in Kona or Hilo very limitedsupplies . Restaurants close early in the area . Great bakery close 10 minutes drive. Black sand beach 10 minutes walk

I’d never stay there again. Some of the condo owners who live there are lacking the “aloha spirit.” And it’s not as if the condos have a lot going for them: below average decor, no air conditioning, and stingy with little things like shampoo & soap…are they trying to squeeze out every penny? It’s painfully windy there so far south, and it’s a hot wind. There are better options on this beautiful island; next time we’ll pick a place that’s worth the money and where there’s more aloha.

If you want luxury, go elsewhere. These condos are clean and basic. We’ve visited there several times and be aware - it is always windy! There is a defunct golf course; and not surprising no one plays it lest their ball fly into the next county. Probably this is due to it being at the southern tip of the island. A plus is that it is a ways from touristy Kona, therefore peaceful. Too many areas are becoming a version of Miami Beach. I hope this area remains undeveloped and truly Hawaiian.