Testimonials

I just wanted to send you a little note to let you know that everything (flight, car rental, condo) that was purchased/organized through Great Hawaii Vacations went quite smoothly. The Wailea Ekahi condos are fantastic. I have to admit that I was initially skeptical about using an unfamiliar company, especially one on the internet. Your responses to my calls and emails slowly helped allay my concern. I hope your company continues to thrive, as I plan on using you againi when we return to Hawaii. I will recommend Great Hawaii to anyone who tells me that they're planning a hawaiian vacation. Mahalo!

Alba
Daly City, CA

Thanks for your e-mail! Actually, this year's vacation is not over yet. My husband and I had to cancel our portion of the trip because of a family emergency. We did treat our son, granddaughter. They are still in Kauai. Our daughter is also going later on this month. I want to let you know that Melodie Bold has been a great help. She is a gem. I have been booking our trips to Kauai with her for four years. She is always helpful, efficient and a pleasure to work with. She is a great asset to your company. In fact, all of the people I have spoken to have been very professional. We will continue to deal with your company in the future!!!

Helen Maynard
San Francisco, CA

I am actually still here on Maui, and we have another full day ahead of us, but I would like to thank you. We had a great time, and the hotel was exactly what we had expected. We explored every corner of Maui, and we were very impressed. We have seen plenty of tropical islands before -- in fact, my wife was born on one -- but this is truly one of the most beautiful. Thanks again.

Dr. Thomas Kinne
Nauheim, Germany

Everything went well and we appreciate the attention given to us by your people...especially Janet.

Raymond Fox
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

We had another wonderful Hawaiian vacation. We experienced several new things this time around, such as a few days on the Big Island and a visit to Volcano Park, a coffee farm, and hanging out with green turtles! We took our first helicopter ride on Kauai including breathtaking views and fascinating information about the island. We snorkeled, body surfed (what a riot), and ate delicious fish dinners as often as possible. Thanks to the crew at Great Hawaii Vacations for helping with reservations, making suggestions, and handling arrangements for us. We'll definitely call again!

Steve and Lauretta Zurcher
Berne, IN

We had an awesome time on Maui! If you have a survey or questionnaire, I'm more than willing to fill it out. The trip went 100% perfect!

Randy
San Diego, CA

Bali Hai Treasures ( I'll always think of you folks thusly regardless of what your advertising consultants say about Great Hawaii Vacations being more encompassing and informative) - You've done it AGAIN!!!! Our vacation was perfect with the single exception of the Kilohana lookout view (at the end of the Alakai Swamp Trail in Kokee) being fogged in. There's nothing you could do to control that, though. We're safely back in Massachusetts and will begin saving for our next trip to the islands. Thanks for your help. These trips wouldn't be possible without you.

Ellen
Southbridge, MA

We have been to Maui 5 times and always enjoy our time there. Tim helped me with our arrangements this time and he was always very helpful and gracious. Please extend my gratitude to him.

B. Demenge
Pacifica, CA

It was great. The price of gas was horrible, but I guess we can blame G.W. Bush for that! We had stayed at Hale Kai O' Kihei several years ago and it was nice to return again. Even though it is an older condo complex it is well maintained.

Juliann Olson
Marysville, WA

Our family had a wonderful time (even our teenage daughter!!). The hotel was very courteous and the rooms were nice, we got two adjoining rooms just as we requested. The pool at the hotel was a bit small, but I guess they expect most guests to go to the beach. We ran into no problems with the rental car or the hotel reservations, thanks for taking care of everything for us.

Lisa Shew
Sunnyvale, CA

Thanks to Patti for the great accomodations she made for us at the Royal Lahaina Resort. We had a partial ocean view and it was awesome! Our seats got changed on the flight but the airplane was bigger so it worked out fine. The rental car was set up well and everything was great! We do want to return to Maui in the future. Thanks to Patti for answering questions when I called and sending out orderly forms. Thanks for the screensaver and future $25 discount.

Nancy Sarpy
Rancho Cucamonga, CA

We had a MARVELOUS trip thanks to all of Patti's great work! We continue to refer you to our friends! Keep up the great work and we look forward to booking again in the near future!

Jordan Bajor
Palo Alto, CA

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Great Hawaii Vacations and definitely plan to make future plans through Great Hawaii. Our Maui condo was fabulous -- clean, updated, beautifully decorated, outstanding view, great location next to a safe swimming beach, and with a deep, clean, quiet pool on property. The grounds were meticulously maintained and shopping and restaurants were within walking distance, just as described on the website. It was so easy to navigate the website and communicate with Great Hawaii -- the only hard part was to narrow down all the choices! We feel we received great service from Great Hawaii -- they were patient with all our questions, quick to respond, and later helped with our decision to add a rental car. All the paperwork was mailed to us with clear instructions for picking up keys, etc., and the whole trip went smoothly without any hitches. We definitely plan to reserve through Great Hawaii Vacations in the future.

R & K Reynolds
Bear, DE

I was very satisfied with the hotel accommodations as well as your service. Your rates were very reasonable and the lowest I had found. I have every intention of using your company again for my next Hawaii trip in May 2006 or sooner and will recommend you to my friends and family. Much thanks.

V. Swinney
Elk Grove, CA

I was very impressed with your company and the efforts made on my behalf to see that everything was in order. I also appreciate the opportunity to give you my feedback. I feel you run a very well organized, efficient operation and would definitely use you again when booking another trip to Hawaii. Thanks again.

T.F. White
Signal Hill, CA

Our recent vacation in Maui at the Kaanapali Alii was great! The condominium was right on Kaanapali Beach, close to Whaler's Village and was very spacious. I appreciate Kavan (the travel agent from your office) for following up on my request for a refund on the early return of my rental car. His attention to my request helped make a wonderful ending to a great vacation. I would use your travel agency again and recommend you to our friends.

Dr. and Mrs. Vilkins
Kansas City, MO

Great Hawaii Vacations did a wonderful job in arranging our vacation to Kauai in January. I would especially like to commend Patti in the reservations department. After booking our trip originally, I decided I wanted to surprise my husband by booking first class on the way to the island. Patti was extremely patient and accommodating in her search to find first class seats for us. She was unfailingly courteous and helpful as we pestered her with phone calls right up until a few days before departure. Because of people like Patti, we will definitely use Great Hawaiian Vacations again and recommend them to our friends. Thank you for employing such personable associates.

C. Stewart
Naperville, IL

We had a fab-o trip to Maui. we stayed at two different places 8 days each. Our first was the Kihei Akahi. WE LOVED IT! We were so happy there we didn't care that we got to move to the beach at the Royal Mauian except our 4 adult kids wouldn't fit at the akahi!! we had a 3 bedroom at the mauian. the condo was fabulous!!! We just loved it there. The rooftop garden was awesome. We b-b-q-ed every night. the grounds at the Mauian and the access to the beaches is fantastic. One of the best surprises was the toys in the closets that we were able to use at the beach. What a great extra. Both condos had great stuff. So thanks, we really do feel like we were very well taken care of from your company and that our accommodations were beyond our expectations.

The Lockharts
Port Townsend, WA

First of all, I would like to send the warmest thanks to one of your travel agents- Cheryl. The morning my family and I were scheduled to take our trip, my father, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor last year, became ill will the stomach flu. He was not able to fly and my family was more than upset, as this was going to be a very special vacation for us. My mother tried to reschedule their portion of the flight with United, who were very unhelpful. She then called the emergency number through Great Hawaii Vacations and was able to speak with Cheryl (mind you, this was 4am in the morning). As soon as Cheryl got into the office, she did all she could to help us out and got my parents on a flight out the next day! We are so very grateful for all her help! This message is not to discount Eric, who was more than excellent to work with and booked us on one of the most memorable vacations my family has ever had. Our condo at the Poipu Kai Resort (Poipu Sands) was incredible! The condo was so spacious and beautifully decorated - it made us feel like we were at home. The staff at the resort was also incredibly friendly and helpful throughout the trip. We cannot wait to go back to Kauai!

J Grabenkort (...and family!)
San Jose, CA

I'd be happy to give you some feedback on the accommodations your company helped us arrange for our recent trip to Hawaii. We stayed in Wailea, Maui at the Elua Village condominiums. We had originally considered something like the Surfside in Kihei but when I mentioned that we really liked the style of Poipu Kai on Kauai, Patti suggested we consider Elua Village. She was quick to point out that it would be more expensive but that it was a very nice place to stay. She was absolutely on target! We loved the Elua Village. Even though we had a unit near the top of the grounds, the view from the lanai was stunning and the walk to the beach only 5 minutes. Even the path through the grounds was a treat to walk each day. Check in was easy and handled effortlessly, and the staff made us feel welcome without any undue interaction. In fact, we saw very few people, either staff or guests, on the Elua grounds. It was extremely peaceful and quiet. Maid service was handled very efficiently and in no way interrupted us. The grounds themselves were meticulously maintained and gorgeous in every detail. I would recommend the Elua Village to anyone considering a visit to Maui and I would be very comfortable referring them to Great Hawaii Vacations for their travel plans. My special thanks to Patti for her help and suggestions and particularly for her flexibility during the early planning stages. We look forward to the next time we have occasion to call you for help with Hawaii vacation planning.

P & K Ferguson
Redmond, WA

We had the most amazing first visit to the island. The room at Sugar Beach was awesome-Kihei in itself was perfect for us to stay in. In the short time that we were there--we rented a Harley and rode around the island, went horseback riding, ATV's on Haleakela and snorkeled with Turtles...WOW and couldn't have asked for anything better for me and my husband. Eric was who I booked it with and he was very flexible and understanding in my switching days back and forth...Made it very easy for me to get different choices. I will definitely keep you in mind for me and friends when future trip come along-- Thanks again.

Karin Younger
Ventura, CA

As always the service I received was of the highest caliber. I always enjoy working with Janet. I have referred many of my friends and family to your company and they have also been very impressed with the pricing and service they received. I will definitely book my next trip through your company.

L. Tsobanakis
Cupertino, CA

Words can not express how wonderful our trip was and we thank Eric SOOO much for all his patience, planning, advice and tips which made our trip a memory we will never forget, and memories to cherish for a lifetime. The wine basket on our Anniversary was a wonderful surprise from the Staff of The Outrigger Reef and swimming with the Dolphins was an experience to be had by all....AWESOME (thanks to Eric for recommending them). We would like to take our kids to Hawaii in the future and will certainly contact Eric to start the planning process. Again thanks to all who helped plan, emailed and called to assure us of a vacation of a lifetime.

K & R Barker
Kethcum, ID

I just wanted to let you know that my family and I had a wonderful time on our vacation to Oahu. Everything ran smoothly, from the car rental to the Kulima Condo Rental to the beautiful Turtle Bay Resort. The Condo at the Kuilima Estates was great....very clean and comfortable. Suzanne, thank you for getting us a room with an air conditioner. That really helped. The Turtle Bay Resort was wonderful. We enjoyed the pool daily and the staff there was great. The daily breakfast was delicious and the view breathtaking. I love booking reservations through you, because you make it so easy and everyone is so nice. Keep up the great service. I always recommend your company to all of my friends and relatives who plan on going on vacation. Your satisfied and loyal customer,

A. Azucenas
Cerritos, CA

Shirley and I are very appreciative of all the care you give us each time we go to the Islands. Your service is exemplary. And we wish all business was conducted like yours. Our trip was wonderful. I surfed every day and both of us sunned, read and dosed around the pool near our unit each day. We found some artwork Hanapepe we liked. While at the gallery I mentioned a surf spot I had wanted to surf and was invited to go with the owner and a friend out to Pakalas. That was a dream-come-true for me. In fact the whole trip was like being in a very relaxed and peaceful dream. We’re already planning to go back. Kauai is our favorite island and you are our favorite (only) travel agent. Thank you so much for all your help and kindness.

D. & S. Marcum
Garden Grove, CA

My experience with you has been fantastic. This vacation was my second working with Patti, who helped me get to Hawaii last April for a friend's wedding. This time, it was my honeymoon and Patti again made everything extremely easy- even with me changing my mind several times before we finalized everything. Patti is knowledgeable and so easy to talk to. The resorts she picked were perfect, our favorite being the condo at the Poipu Kai followed closely by the Four Seasons on the big island. While on the big island, we did have some trouble at the Waikaloa Marriott. Our bed was uncomfortable, forcing my wife to sleep on the couch in the room- not the best way to spend a honeymoon. I wasn't sure what to do. I contemplated talking to the front desk but was afraid I wouldn't get very far. Then I remembered the your 24-hour customer service line. I called the morning after the bad night's sleep and spoke to Trudi. She assured me I did the right thing by calling, and proceeded to get all the way to the Marriott's manager. When the hotel's response to the situation was slow, I called again and talked to Cheryl. She and Trudi then worked relentlessly to get the manager to address my concerns and she did, moving us to a cabana with a nicer bed (well, nicer everything, really). Without Trudi and Cheryl, I would have spent precious vacation time arguing with the front desk and generally stressing out. Their help was priceless. When I first started planning my honeymoon, I considered booking everything myself. After working with Patti, Cheryl and Trudi, I won't even consider doing it myself again. Every trip I make to Hawaii will be through Great Hawaii Vacations because of the ease of planning, knowledge and customer service I experienced. Please thank Patti, Cheryl and Trudi for me- I've done it so many times, they may be getting tired of hearing it from me. We had a great time thanks to their help.

J. Zimmer and J. Leary
San Francisco, CA

All I can say is..... the experience using you as our travel agents went very smoothly from start to finish. Kavan, my agent, was polite, professional and followed through very responsibly with what he said he would do. I appreciated that. All the paperwork arrived promptly and was self explanatory. Thank you again for your assistance...and I will use you again.

Craig
Newport Beach, CA

Hi, we had a great time, everything that you did for was superb. Everyone was expecting us as per the schedule, from hotel to airline. The staffs at the locations were great, very helpful and extremely professional. The "Big Island" was fantastic, the variety superb and the food excellent. We were not sure what to expect, but we were in awe at everything from the Arizona Memorial to the scenery to the hospitality of the local folk. Thank you for a vacation of a Lifetime, it was a belated 25th Wedding Anniversary Holiday. Must admit coming from England was easy the return with the accompanying jetlag was gruesome, plus its only about 10 degrees C here so please send us some sun. Thanks again.

Kevin
Exmouth, England

We just returned from our Big Island adventure. It was a great trip and David and I agree that the Big Island is our favorite for exploring and so many different things to do. We finally made it out to the lava flow and was that ever an experience! Were you the one responsible for our upgrade at the Hapuna Prince? We had the most gorgeous OCEANFRONT SUITE! I think you mentioned that you knew someone there so I wondered if you had a hand in our GREAT room(s).:) If so.....Thank you! The weather was sunny the whole time and despite the surf we did make it to some great snorkeling as well. We feel like we are really getting to know the island inside and out. We liked the Hapuna Prince a lot. Less fussy than the Fairmont Orchid and a better layout for the rooms and grounds. The pool seemed much bigger and cleaner as well. We will return there for sure if when we visit that island again. I think maybe Kauai is in our future plans....... Thank you again for assisting us with our travel plans. As usual everything went off without a hitch. Which is why I keep calling you after almost 10 years! Hope to be calling you soon.

K. Ashley
Bellingham, WA

I want to thank you both for all of the time and hard work you did for our final trip to Hawaii. I didn’t think that we would make it, but we did. We had a wonderful time, the condo’s were great. I was able to even walk on the beach a little, which really made my trip. I am now awaiting my scooter to help me to get around. Janet it has been wonderful talking with you over the many years. Your professionalism and personality and caring way has meant so much to me. Trudi, is truly a wonderful addition to your staff. It was a pleasure working with her. Please know that we will always recommend Great Hawaii Vacations to anyone who is planning a vacation to Hawaii. Mahalo & much aloha,

R. Rebellato
Crest Hill, IL