Hanalei reviews

Guest Rating:

We had 11 people traveling ages 2 through 73. Renting this house was the best possible thing we could have done. It gave all 11 of us private space when necessary; however, it also gave us the opportunity to spend time together as well. We were a little sad because the BBQ wasn't working while we were there but we made due. We all enjoyed going to different beaches each day and big family dinners at night. I think we would all agree that The Smith's family Luau was one of the highlights of the trip. It was really nice to be able to experience the easy going slow pace of the Hawaiian culture in Kauai. We were all sad to go and are eagerly trying to plan for the next large family get away. We definately want to return to Kauai and hopefully to stay at Hale Hanalei. Thanks for the wonderful experience and as they say in Hawaii...........................ALOHA

Barbara R., Daly City, California, 7.14.08

Guest Rating:

The rental was great, on the beach and close enough to town that we could walk up to get breakfast/lunch/dinner/drinks. The customer service was also great, the previous renters had not treated the house with a good deal of respect and the house was fixed to a very acceptable stadard by the time we checked in. All resturants were top notch, but it is hard not to be when you are in this location.
My advice to others that are staying at this unit is to make sure you enjoy surf, beach and people. The house is located at the He'e parking lot and when there was a surf contest, the lot was FULL and you were not going to move your car anywere during this weekend contest. Other than that, I enjoyed the people that "hung out" at the parking lot, they were respectful and fun to talk with throughout the day. Like anyone on the beach there, show them respect and know that you are the visitor to their "home" and you will find them to be very friendly.
I would and will reccomend this unit to friends and family, I may even come back myself when I can get time away from work. Thanks.

Jordan T., Baltimore, Md, 2.21.08

Guest Rating:

see comments on Ipo Lua...it will be the same....

Charlotte K., Los angeles, California, 1.6.08

Guest Rating:

the unit had a lot of space...when we needed anything rob was there for us...we enjoyed just walking to the beach and to ching young village...everything was very close...we could have had better weather, more sun but it worked out....we loved just driving all over the island and discovering different things to do...we liked kalypso, bubba burgers, and the small family type restaurants...next time we return will have to come when the weather is warmer...we didn't get to learn how to surf...that will be on our next agenda...what a great trip...

Charlotte K., Los angeles, California, 1.6.08

Guest Rating:

Great place ... beautiful! Bedrooms great ... all good.
Best part of our trip was just hanging out in the area.
Bar Acuda was our favorite restaurant.
Advice ... be super careful with the floors!

I might avoid December next time it was a bit wet.

Next time we want to do more hiking and snorkeling ...

Thanks.

Mike D

Michael D., La Jolla, California, 1.3.08

Guest Rating:

Palaka house is a lovely old plantation style cottage with a wonderful lanai to view the peaceful Hanalei Bay. Every morning we would have our breakfast on the lanai and most evenings watch the sunset from there. The company that manages the property was very helpful and friendly when we had a few issues come up. One of the problems is that mosquitos were entering the house and biting us! This is a reality in the tropical area of Hanalei, so we got some candles and mosquito traps and that seemed to take care of the problem Even though the beach is across the street, there is not public access there. You will need to walk or drive down to the public area. The water is very calm and great for children, but you will not be able to snorkle here. There is a popular surfing area near the pier, also there is a lifeguard at the public beach. Palaka house has an outside shower that has hot water, which we really loved! We also loved that the house is very private, with a yard surrounding it, so you have that feeling of home. Only drawbacks were the mosquitos and the roosters that start crowing very early! Thankfully I brought earplugs, but after the first few nights I didn't even need them, because I got used to the roosters and they didn't wake me up. I would stay here again because it gave me the feeling of old Hawaii and I was able to relax in this peaceful and tranquil home.

Rebecca A., Redondo Beach, CA, 10.12.07

Guest Rating:

The negatives were:
- The house being so close to the hwy.
- The description saying "three blocks from the beach" when it was at least five.

The postiives were:
- The view of the waterfall mtn from the deck was incredible.
- The house was charming.
- Great being so close to town.

Kit C., Pacific Palisades, CA, 8.14.07

Guest Rating:

Kauai is our favorite island and we have spent many weeks of vacation here. Our favorite way to visit is to rent a home in Hanalei bay and walk to the beach every day. We loved staying at Malapua. We thought it was a great rental with the one exception of noise from the rental unit below. The first couple of nights we were there alone and it was very peaceful. When the guests below us arrived, it was noisy and felt a lot less private, comfortable, and relaxing. We would only rent Malapua again if friends or family were staying below us in the Luana rental. The accomodations were excellent, the caretaker was fabulous, and the place was well cared for, unfortunately, we are light sleepers and the noise from below did taint our experience. We appreciated having internet access and free long distance, things we hadn't experienced in other rentals before. Our favorite things to do in Kauai are: to snorkel at Tunnels & Kee beaches, kayak the Wailua river, and hike to the waterfalls all over the island and swim underneath them! Bodysurfing at Hanalei bay, catching the sunset at a different beach every night and seeing rainbows nearly every day are the highlights of staying on the northshore. Kauai will always be one of our favorite vacation spots. The beauty of the NaPali coast, Waimea canyon, and Polihale are hard to beat. The aloha spirit also has a lot to do with our feelings. We shall return...Mahalo.

Teresa S., Pacific Grove, CA, 7.30.07

Guest Rating:

This rental property was a blessing, because of its location (beach, healthy foods, patio view of mountains)

My advise to further provide quality service to your guests would be to include a butcher knife, (a least one quality butcher knive and a wood cutting board)

Mahalo for the opportunity to stay with you.

Noris

Noris and Brooke V., San Diego, CA, 6.11.07

Guest Rating:

The Hanalei House is a terrific gathering place for families and big groups. We absolutely LOVED our trip and will go back year after year.

Katherine R., Ketchum, ID, 5.17.07