Rated: 3 of 5

Location & view are staggering. The inside screams "Yeah, but lo

1801 is a spacious condo with an oustanding panoramic view. The unit sits right on the "beach",abuts against coastal lava rock and is oriented such that there is complete privacy on the lanai. Crashing waves, smell of the sea, sunsets---really, who wouldn't love that?

The complex is nicely situated geographically if you have teenagers since it is easy to walk to downtown Kona, surfing, swimming.

Master BR is roomy and uncluttered with a large high quality flat screen TV that also houses a DVD player. Smaller bedroom is indeed a smaller bedroom. Two beds. Little else. Would work very well with younger children. We had two teenage boys. Thankfully, overcrowding in that room led to bloodshed only once.

Kitchen is good sized, plenty of "stuff." Living room furniture is outdated, seating is limited and couch/chairs are not particularly comfortable. Older TV, maybe 30 inches with picture quality consistent with an older TV that is 30 inches. This room is not totally unacceptable in a vacation locale where being outside is the attraction, but upgrading the living room furnishings to a much more comfortable, perhaps even a present century decor would be ideal.

If you feel like coming back to a cool condo after a hot day in the sun (in August) look elsewhere. The air-conditioning system, for which you pay a surchage, is completely ineffective. Running 24/7 kept the temperature approx 78-80 degrees at night, 85 or so during the day. Without a doubt, this was the most disappointing aspect of the home.

In summary, great oceanfront location tucked into a private corner of the complex with a magnificent view; many nice features, but sorely in need of a cash infusion to repair/replace air conditioning and update living area furnishings. These upgrades would easily make this unit outstanding inside and out, rather than a unit you'd find simply acceptable in exchange for its marvelous setting just feet from the Pacific.

· By ccd from california on 9/26/2009 for a stay in 8/1/2009 at