The unit had a beautiful cliff-top view of the surf in a tiny inlet, and many sightings of whales in the ocean. The setting and the grounds in the facility and the golf course were all very nice and well maintained. I wish that the window outside the eating space had been cleaned, but they didn't get to it until after we had left - but I didn't ask, either. We enjoyed all of our time around the island, and had several good meals in Hanalei. Actually, I can't think of any reason why I couldn't give this unit 5 stars, the unit and the facility were all very nice.
Tom C., Augusta, MI, 2.6.12
The view was fabulous.. the condo is well-equipped but bit outdated in terms of furnishings. This complex is listed as having air-conditioning-- that is not the case. Angela in the Princeville office was outstanding.. mahalo! Looking forward to coming back soon!
Joy G., Dayton, OH, 1.27.12
The pictures of the home online do not do it justice! What a beautiful home in the perfect location. We had a party of 10 and there were things for everyone. Beach items for the young and old, including coolers (thinking those would be purchased upon arrival) enjoying the sunrise on the lanai while watching the folders was a pleasant start to the day! Safe neighborhood made us feel at ease having small children. The house was stocked with everything we needed to cook as well. Absolutely nothing bad to say about our stay...will certainly recommend to friends and family! Thanks for the great time and memories!!
Shaney B., Rapid City, SD, 1.14.12
My family and I loved staying at this condo. It was spacious, well furnished, had fun art and well stocked kitchen. We loved all of the books on Kauai and restaurant recommendations. It was great to have the use of the 2 beach chairs, boogie boards and snorkle masks. We rented fins for a small fee in the nearby town. We had an amazing meal at The Tavern at the Princeville Golf Course and highly recommend it to everyone that visits. The calamari appetizer was the best I've ever had and their Tavern Pie was incredible.
We really enjoyed the pool and hot tub at the condo. It was nice that it isn't a large complex so we had the pool and hot tub to ourselves a couple of times. We visited the week after Christmas and had beautiful weather. We loved being just a short drive from Hanalei with its charming shops, restaurants, and huge beach. We rented kayaks and stand-up paddle boards from Kayak Kauai in Hanalei and their staff were very helpful. My husband and 2 kids loved paddling up the gentle river.
Kate N., Sherwood, OR, 1.3.12
The unit was clean, spacious, and the entry instructions easy to follow. We had a terrific view of the north shore deep water that enabled us to do whale watching over coffee in the morning. While we enjoyed the north shore immensely, getting to the western part of the island is time consuming--but that's what you get with Kauai. All the more reason to go back and stay in another section of the island to explore some more! Restaurants not to miss: Kiluea Fish Market, The Eastside in Kapaa, Lighthouse Bistro in Kiluea. Piece of advice I wish I had had before the trip: the red dirt stains EVERYTHING, so if you're going hiking, bring dark colored clothing that you don't mind soiling.
My only complaint had to do with the internet service--not easy. There were two similarly named accesses and the other one kept coming up on all of our devices. It took a couple of calls to resolve--and then only our computers would link, not our iPhones. Being that we arrived on a holiday Friday afternoon, we didn't get this resolved until Tuesday. A nuisance that could be avoided with either a better router or better instructions.
Susan G., Wynnewood, PA, 1.3.12
The location of the Ocean Cliffs home was wonderful - close to a secluded beach, and one of the best hotels in the area. It was close to great activities - and to the Hanalei beach action as well. The ocean waves crash close to the home and provide a wonderful soundtrack to the vacation. We had a group of young people and kids - so the decor, although sparse - was good for that kind of group. There was little worry that young kids could do any damage. We had plenty of space for our group - and while we had plenty of time together - also enjoyed our privacy.
There should have been better instructions provided at the house, so that phone calls to the caretakers were not necessary. More than one house key would also have been helpful. The basics, like salt/pepper/etc. should also be provided. Wireless access should also be made available.
Charles R., Laguna Hills, Ca, 1.2.12
This fantastic rental home was perfect for our family of five adults. The house itself is beautiful example of casual yet sophisticated Hawaiian charm. It has great Feng Sh way. The quiet location was great for vacation sleeping and the walk to the beach was just right for our exercise oriented family. We give it an A+. Thanks!
Maureen D., Milton, MA, 1.2.12
Staying at Plantations 121 was wonderful. Previous reviews noted that this unit overlooks the road. While this is true, we realized that we preferred an 'outward' facing unit that had beautiful views rather than a unit that looks over other condos or the pool. Living on the road meant shutting the windows at night to cut the noise, but awaking to great views of the sunrise over the mountains. The home is well equipped and we used the beach towels, cooler, and chairs every day. We would gladly choose this unit again.
Kurt T., Santa Rosa, CA, 1.2.12
We spent 11 days in this rental with two teenage sons. The condo was spacious enough and comfortable. The location is great and we even spotted whales off the lanai. The rental had everything we needed supplied including beach chairs, towels and boogieboards. We cooked in most nights and the kitchen is well supplied. The only suggestions I would make is that the rental needs a little TLC. We had problems with the master toilet and the refrigerator. The rental company was quick to remedy both problems though. And it would be nice if the condo complex had a shared BBQ area. It was hard to walk down the path to the common BBQ in the rain. We would definitely stay again!
Nancy F., Ventura, CA, 1.1.12
Our stay at the Nihilani was truly relaxing and met every expectation we had for a stay in Princeville. Close to Hanalei and the Na Pali Coast hike as well as kayaking, ziplining and surfing. After each day's adventures we looked forward to the peace and quiet provided our unit.
Richard L., Columbia, MD, 12.20.11
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Nihilani 9C. The space was very well appointed and was the perfect size for four adults and two young children. Unfortunately, the complex is very restrictive towards any noise, as demonstrated by the numerous signs around property that restrict children from being children. While the rules say "no screaming or yelling" at the pool, the property "police" seemed to interpret the rules to mean "no children". Our kids were very well behaved and we were the only people using the pool one morning when an elderly couple came down to the pool and treated our family like we were in the wrong place. The woman stood at the edge of the pool and scowled at us for 5 minutes without saying anything. She then spouted off to her husband about our group at a volume we could hear, but would not address us directly. Fortunately, she then stormed out of the pool area. All six of the people in our party, including the toddlers are very well traveled. As a group, we could not come up with another experience in our travels where we were treated so poorly. I would recommend this property to someone without children, but there are plenty of other places to go on Kauai that welcome children with open arms.
Michael S., Dallas, TX, 12.3.11
413 was excellent. The furniture is new and the appliances are state of the art. The view is incredible. We spent most of our time in Hannalei. Great little town with good beaches. The Tropical Taco is good. They don't sale alcohol but you can walk next door to a store and buy it and bring it to the restaurant with you. Kayak Wailua is a great kayak/hike company and we love Captain Andys Dinner cruise.
Jennifer Y., Mansfield, TX, 11.26.11
We love to be here and we try to clean this home before we left. We will tell my friends about #237. Thank you very much we had a great trip at Kauai.
Lily K., , , 11.18.11
What I liked best about the unit I rented was the incredible view - just magnificent!!!
Laurie C., Issaquah, WA, 11.2.11
I loved the studio at Pali Ke Kua. I was like an extremely comfortable hotel room. The shower was particularly awesome. When I arrived some very thoughtful person had placed hibiscus flowers around the room. It was a lovely gesture, but I had to fight off little fruit fly like bugs for a few days afterward. I would suggest some other type of guest present instead -- coffee, nuts, hawaiian jam? I also found the key lock hard to operate. I loved the morning visit from the local Nenes and the views and path to the beach were awesome. Thank you for the wonderful time. It is a great unit in a great complex.
Nancy C., Mill Creek, WA, 11.1.11
We loved this condo very much we stayed September 2011, the view and the private walkway down to the beach is fantastic! The unit was the perfect size for the 2 of us and all our luggage. The beach next door (Hideaways) is fantastic for swimming and snorkeling plus very quiet and in walking distance. Our favorite activity was hiking in Waimea Canyon, the views are spectacular.
Jean A., Madison, WI, 10.2.11
The view was incredible, nice bathroom. Bed comfortable, Good location ,Very quiet Dislikes, No barbecue Several dirty kitchen items like cutting knives,silverware,plates When I say dirty I mean little specks of dried Food. When humans get lazy and don't scrub in sink Before putting in dishwasher. For a 150.00 cleaning fee the place should be immaculate. It also could have used a tv in livingroom. The whole time I'm thinking how great it would be to barbecue on patio While enjoying that beautiful view. Not having a barbecue was a huge let down.(they make electric ones) They make good electric ones/not having huge let down.
Carl & Lisa S., Santa clara, California, 9.19.11
The hale nalu is so much better in person than they make it seem online. The pictures dont do it justice! If you stay there then take care of it because we are coming back!
Lily A., Pacifica, CA, 9.12.11
The house was gorgeous, comftorable, and very well kept...thank you so much for this wonderful vacation I was able to take my family on.
Susan S., Coquille, Oregon, 9.9.11
The house was a great option for two families, we were able to spend time together as well as have our own private spaces. The lanai areas are beautiful!
Audrey R., West Sacramento, CA, 9.9.11
I loved that fact that the house was more beautiful than the pictures. The views from all sides of the home were breathtaking. The lay out was absolutely perfect for 8 people. I really loved it. The fact that the house was already stocked with toilet paper, paper towels, napkins to get us started was a huge help. Having coolers, snorkling gear, and beach toys in the garage for our use took a huge burden off of us to rent. We cooked most nights, but did find a little treasure sushi bar (Genki) behind Starbucks in the mall at Lihue. 8 of us ate for $61, and it was GOOD. This restaurant was a recommendation from a local, and it was a good one. With 6 kids, we didn't get to visit museum, and the history of Hawaii, so that is on the list for next time. I have to give kudos to our contact Cyrla, she was always there when needed, and extremely helpful. Forgot to mention the gem of a find,............Wishing Well Shave Ice in Hanalei. Try the cocunut with extra condensed milk.......................................TO DIE FOR!!!!
Donna H., Malvern, Pa, 9.4.11
Location was excellent with a breathtaking view, but with a few minor things it could have been much better. It was a good place which could have been excellent with a little TLC to the unit. It looks like some upkeep has been done (painting, etc.) but more is needed. Small improvements could really make it a great place such as putting in new curtains (they are old and do not completely cover windows--it really felt like you couldn't go into the living room/kitchen area without being seen from the outside, especially at night), better supplies in Kitchen (some of the pans and bakeware were really worn), caulk or fix screens so bugs and small lizards don't get through where the screen meets the wall--there is a gap in the kitchen screen, clean out some of kitchen cabinets which were filled with paint and other stuff. It was well supplied with towels, paper products, etc. It was neat and very clean, but just needed updating on some things--with such a beautiful piece of property a few simple things would make it even better. When we arrived the high speed internet wasn't working and with a phone call we were told it was DSL. We found that it had been unplugged from the phone and we were able to plug it back in and get it working. It was also wired without a wireless router (however to be fair the ad never said the high speed was wireless, so we weren't expecting wireless internet, just high speed). Our contact for the property offered to bring a wireless router which we thought was a great gesture, but never did and we didn't hear from her again--but we were able to resolve the situation ourselves so we did not try to contact her again. We visited Pali Ke Kua in August and it was warm, with the sun beating in with little curtain protection the unit warmed up while we were away. There are ceiling fans which help alot, but I would recommend getting a fan-- the unit was warm and damp. Over all the problems were not major and we had a great time. It is in a great location, very safe community, and wasn't crowded. It is in driving distance to many wonderful sites and great things to do. I gave it three stars because of the improvements that need to be done and some of the issues we had to deal with such as internet and bugs and small lizards in the condo.
Dirk E., Hooksett, NH, 8.30.11
The place was excellent. We enjoyed our stay. There were some issues with the gate not opening. We had to enter the security code several time before it worked. Also, the landscaping people came early morning. Since there are no curtains on the back windows, my family was "exposed" to the landscaping people. Some type of notification should be made to inform the renters. The best part was the trip was sail boat trip along the Na Pali coast. We also enjoyed out visit to the Waimea Canyon and Wailua Falls.
Kevin M., Mitchellville, Maryland, 8.19.11
Wow - the view can't be beat. The cave that can be accessed right there had a big sleeping turtle in it. Amazing!!!!
Sara L., Los gatos, CA, 8.17.11
The PERFECT location in soooo many ways: the house, lay-out, rooms, decorations, the pool, ocean views, activity below at Queen's Bath, tons of sunsets, garden, proximity to lots of sites & beaches, etc. I know for sure, the pool has never been used so much as during our stay at Hale Makana..!! The only drawback is that this pool is unheated and only went up in temperature to 86F (30C).... gosh darn...;) (kidding).... and no chickens on the lot!...haha... We did however, hear the bird chicks do their thing on the cliff below.... you know what I mean after visiting. A special word of appreciation and recognitions to all the attention paid to detail in/around the house to make us feel comfortable and taken care of, and make it all work! And to Mary, thanks for the welcome and intro at the beginning - all worked out perfect. We will tell our friends about Hale Makana and think about planning to return. The Verloop families of Kirkland, WA, and Oldenzaal, Netherlands. Mahalo
Arie V., Kirkland, WA, 8.11.11
This home is beautiful, in a gorgeous setting. The mountain view is stunning, and the bay is also visible. The home was spotless, comfortable and roomy, perfect for our group of 7 adults. Huge kitchen, 4 bedrooms, including a wonderful master suite.
It is a short 15 minute walk from the trail-head to queen's bath, or to the Princeville hotel.
There was plenty of room for our 2 rental cars in the garage.
Beach towels and 4 beach chairs were available, but that was about it as far as beach toys - snorkel rental at Hanalei Bay was easy and inexpensive so that was not an issue for us.
We hope to return!
Brian G., Farmington, UT, 8.11.11
The view is by far the most incredible lovely part of the place. The open and spacious house was wonderful too. And having 3-1/2 baths for 6 ppl was great!! Everything we could have thought of to have needed was already there at the place (beach towels, laundry, beach toys, kitchen supplies--just great!). It was our family vacation and just all being able to be in one home was fantastic & memorable! Thanks for a great week! The Conleys
Janet C., Huntington Beach, CA, 8.9.11
1) The modern design, cleanliness and warmth of the house. As well as the items available for use such as bicycles, surf boards, beach mats, etc. 2) Satisfactory 3) The entire trip was great! 4) No restaurant really stood out for me. 5) Beautiful Scenery of Kauai 6) Kauai is a great place to visit and without a doubt that it will be a memorable trip. Also to stay at least a week. 7) To take full advantage of the amenities offered 8) Take advantage of what Kauai has to offer, especially the hiking, kayaking, and many other outdoor activities 9) The best spots to enjoy the Kauai beaches 10) Using the bicycles and surf boards offered at this unit as well as signing up for skydiving.
Shielah L., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 8.9.11
The rental was well situated for the 8 people, with ample room for sleeping, lounging, cooking, eating and bathing. The kitchen utensils were well equipped but it needed more baking dishes and serving dishes and it should have been stocked with some basics like cooking oil and salt and pepper. Some items are worn and needing replacement and or repair, we called for one repair and the repairman was right on it. It was a good experience and location for the property but given the dated appliances, beds, and disrepair of kitchen items the rental price was probably a little too much. One other thing is that there wasn't enough beach things like mats or chairs or umbrellas. I wasn't concerned with toys just the things that you cant carry everywhere with you when you are on holiday that should go with the house. Cathy was our service agent and she was great to work with and very helpful. We left a list of things for repair.
Larry D., Park city, Utah, 8.4.11
The apartment was comfortable though could use some TLC. The dining area curtain was too narrow and soiled. Some touch up paint is definately in order. The office at the complex lacked a little "aloha" attitude. Would be nice if guests could get "E tickets" without going to the library or using a credit card in the office. If we return to this side of the island we would probably rent it again. The view is great and the kitchen was supplied nicely. Our parting rainbow was the best...............
Herbert M., San Diego, Ca, 7.25.11
We were very happy with the entire process. Booking online was easy. Entry to our unit was seamless. Condo was extremely clean and was very nice. Cannot beat the price! The Pali Ke Kua beach was very nice! Good snorkeling and very quiet!
James D., Lafayette, Indiana, 6.27.11
Liked the cottage view and beach. Customer service was great. Na Pali coast was the best part of the trip. Best restaurant was Lighthouse Bistro. Best picture I took was on the Napali coast. Can't wait to tell my friends that is was so affordable. Advice...expect to eat out a lot. Kitchen is small. Would recommend the napalm coast and hide-away beach. Plan to kayak next time.
Rich W., Houston, TX, 6.24.11
This was an absolutely fantastic location -- stunning view, private beach with great snorkeling right here, terrific access to Hanalei attractions. Quiet, clean, user-friendly. It was great that the condo also had books on local birds, as well as sights, such as the Limahuli Botanical Gardens, coolers and beach mats as well as beach chairs. All we needed was our swimsuits! Snorkeling is best in the morning, so don't put off going to the beach early. Guests should definitely consider visiting the Kilauea Lighthouse on a cloudy day, and take the Na Pali Coast tour boat out of Hanalei. Unbelievable sights, and well worth the money. Heading west also got us out of the overcast and back into bright sunshine for the afternoon. The only slight negative for the unit is that the bathroom appears to have some dryrot going on behind the toilet -- in this wet climate, the owner will want to get that fixed or s/he will have a bigger problem to contend with soon.
Mimi H., Tacoma, WA, 6.19.11
The house was very new, very well equipped, I should have nothing to complain about. We really had a good time. If anybody is seeking for the trip to Kauai, I would strongly reccommend Nihilani 9C!
Hisayuki W., Gifu, Gifu, 6.9.11
We really loved our stay in Kauai, loved everything about it. The rain every morning was soothing but we found the roosters to be quite annoying. The Kalypso Bar and Grill in Hanalei was one of our favorite places to eat. Everyone loved the calamari.
The unit we stayed in (#322) was awesome; just be sure to bring extra toilet paper and paper towels. When you have 5 adults staying there you will need extra. The view from the lanei was spectacular and visits from the local birds while sitting there will be expected. The little red headed ones were quite cute.
We went zip-lining, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and a dinner cruise on The Blue Dolphin out of Port Allen. There was much more to do but we didn't have enough time to do it in. We will recommend Kauai to everyone and The Plantations a must stay!
Aloha...
June K., Mesa, AZ, 5.30.11
Loved the view! The condo also had a lot of snorkel and beach gear for use which was great.
Gretchen K., San Diego, CA, 5.30.11
We stayed 10 nights here and we loved every day. The amenities were perfect, fully stocked kitchen, bathroom linen and other misc. items in the closet. The view from the room was amazing. Every time we had a need Liz was there to help. We stayed at another resort nearby a couple of years ago and this place was above and beyond better. The only negative was that the ceiling was thin and you could hear the upstairs plumbing and tenants. However, everything considered I would hands down give this 5 stars. Thanks for everything!
Michael B., Whittier, CA, 5.8.11
The house had a wonderful layout and was furnished with a lot of extra items for (Kitchen, beach, etc.). All of your agents are most professional. I would definitely rent again!
Kathleen S., Eugene, Or, 4.22.11
The view from this unit is spectacular. The customer service was close to the same. Kauai deserves its reputation as the Garden Isle, as it's totally beautiful and lush. Lushness comes from rainfall, but it's not at all in the way... The condition of the condo was deplorable: broken tiles in the bathroom with water seeping from them in two places, poor tableware (rectified by the property managers immediately), knives straight out of 1955 which was also when they were last sharpened (also rectified by the property managers), glassware equally poor and immediately rectified, furniture unsuitable to the room, bedding poor and immediately rectified, curtains stained and with holes, screens missing from windows (rectified quickly), a door whose lock was barely worthy of the name, a range with one burner malfunctioning, walls so thin that a toilet flush in the upstairs unit sounded like a locomotive in the next room... and so on. You can do way better than this condo for comfort and luxury, and while you might equal the view, you cannot beat it.
Don W., Malvern, Victoria, 4.22.11
Beautiful view, comfortable furnishings. Could use a new bed though I have slept on worse. Bathroom could use some updating. Had a wonderful time and would rent again.
Patricia M., Chisago City, MN, 3.29.11
Liked price the best, customer services was perfect (5stars), best part of trip (it is Hawaii what can be wrong), best place to eat was St Regis down the street a mile away, my advise about the unit would be not to take it if you have to use your cell phone or need Internet service. The unit was great. Love the colors, kitchen was perfect. I really love it. Close to the front desk and main pool.
Pattie K., Pleasant Hill, CA, 3.24.11
Very nice 2 bdroom condo with stunning views. We saved on food using the more than adequate kitchen. We had a wonderful time snorkeling at Pu'u Poa, Pali Ke Kua, hiking to Hanakai'ai Falls, watching whales and dolphins along the Napali Coast, and just soaking in the golden sunsets over Bali Hai. The Kalapso in Hanalei and the Tiki Room in Lihu'e had great food at decent prices. The best shave ice, can't beat either Jo Jo's or Ono's.
Bill B., Wellington, Utah, 3.17.11
Great!
Scott M., Redmond, WA, 2.10.11
Fabulous view. Great sunsets and whale watching. Super kitchen. Easy walk to several different and wonderful beaches. Easy drive to great sights and delightful towns. Best place we have ever stayed in Hawaii.
Terry E., San Francisco, CA, 2.6.11
Plantations 1021 has excellent decor and very comfortable mattresses very good customer service coming home at night to a wonderful home was a treat snorkelling places only 2 in winter annini and poipu need lighting over BBQ and could use another bbq overalll lighting at night was dark definitely worth a return trip would recommend this unit to others would do more of the k trail at kee beach next time
JOHN K., Victoria, BC, 1.29.11
Staying at Pali Ke Kua #208 is the best reservation i think i have ever made! The condo is clean and well layed out, there was plenty of room and the view!!! You can just sit on the lanai and overlook the Pacific Ocean all day long it is sooooo beautiful. The location also is great since it is close to the market and surrounding restaurants.
Timothy B., Lake Forest, CA, 1.15.11
We loved our stay! What a beautiful home. The only drawback was the number of bathrooms. For our party was not quite what we needed. Other than that, everything was perfect!!!
Debra R., Palmer, Alaska, 1.6.11
Pali Ke Kua Unit # 237 has a decent view of the ocean, and a good view of the mtns out both br's & exiting the condo. It has great size at about 1300 actual sq ft + add'l lanai space and closet space, and all the amenities, Everything was in good shape. It could use some place mats for the glass dining table, and a few more channels since we've now been 1 other place on Kauai when we missed our flight to another island and stayed 1 more day, and the same Oceanic Time-Warner cable system had many more. The pool is nice, as is the spa, and wasn't too crowded. I would recommend it to anyone as it is a good value for the Princeville area at this price with that much space. The best two restaurants we found on the higher scale range, besides all the little fun places where you can get Saimin, Sushi, etc, would be the HOokilau Lanai in Wailue just past Kapaa, and the Lighthouse Bistro in Kilawea which used to have a diff name when we were there before, but is still good.
Tom W., Akron, Ohio, 1.4.11
We loved the spaciousness of the unit and view off the balcony! We even got to see a baby sperm whale playing in the water in the distance - awesome! Customer service was fine, we received several emails ahead of our stay with directions and lock box information - since we arrived on a new moon night in the pitch dark, it would have been even greater if a marked map of the complex could be provided, otherwise, all was hassle free and easy Best part of our trip was the Kauai experience - tropical island, beautiful vegetation everywhere, friendly people, Princeville and the Na Pali coast has absolutely gorgeous landscapes which appear different every day, and the North Shore is less crowded, and very peaceful and relaxing. Hanalei has a wide variety of restaurants, we tried two and the food was good, prices were decent, but we like the condo life self sufficiency. Hanalei Bay has a long beach around almost the whole bay, accessible from Hanalei village, which can be walked easily even on days where the waves are too rough for swimming or bobbing in the waves. Best photos of us was on the Kalalau trail overlooking the Na Pali coastline. We paid close attention to the weather forecasts and were able to hike the trail after a few dry days, but it is a strenuous hike and we managed only 2 miles one-way to the first beach - but it was all worth it. The trail goes up and down and sometimes over large rocks so you have to pay attention to where you are stepping to avoid twisting an ankle or worse, so keep that in mind if you decide the hike, 2 miles is one way, you still need to come back, too! My advise to someone else staying in the unit would be to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail or ice tea on the balcony, relaxing and letting the waves and the vast ocean seep into you to 'feel' the spirit of the islands. The unit was fully stocked with almost everything one would need, including cards, a great large flat screen TV and cable, for the longer winter evenings, free internet so you can stay in touch with friends and family, comfortable living room furniture and patio furniture; the kitchen had all the utensils, applicances, pots, pans dishes and wine glasses, even spices, one could wish for... The bathrooms are nice and spacious and even both bedrooms had ample room despite having a large king sized bed in one and two full sized in the other. Washer and dryer make it easy to keep the beach towels, etc., clean. The grounds are also lovely, we were visited by the endangered native Hawaiian goose, the NeNe, several had chicks and they were just the cutest. On a new moon night we were able to see so many stars and even made out the Milky Way - something one rarely gets to see with all the light pollution of the big cities..... I would definitely recommed to stay in the Princeville area, the Pali Ke Kua complex was very accessible, very quiet at night, with a grocery store and shops close by and a lovely bay 2 miles down the road, Hanalei Bay. Kauai is not known as much for snorkeling, but the insider tip we received was Po'ipu Beach on the South Shore (we were there in December - summer would be different) which was a bit of a drive, but lovely, and we were able to see many big fish and a wide variety literally feet from the shore - rewarding! In short, we had a wonderful 10 days on Kauai and felt very relaxed and welcome. Aloha and thank you for providing the environment/basis camp from which to experience this beautiful island!
Jim L., Scottsdale, Arizona, 12.16.10
The rental was exactly what we needed. Jeri was very gracious and helpful and we'll try to rent this studio if we return to Kauai's north shore.
Laura H., San Diego, CA, 12.10.10
We enjoyed the condo and will be back ASAP. You guys rock!
Eric G., Nashville, TN, 12.6.10
Aloha, The two bedroom condo was great! The furnishings were very attractive and comfortable. The kitchen was well equiped and the towels were very nice. The second bedroom is a bit small, but the bed was comfortable. The pool is lovely. It is very nice that there are beach chairs, beach towels, etc. We very much enjoyed!! Mahalo!
Kathryn S., Manteca, CA, 11.24.10
The view from the unit was spectacular and the spaciousness was incredible. We especially enjoyed the two sitting areas facing the ocean. The kitchen was well equipped but did lack a few basics: cake pans, cookie sheets for heating or re-heating, oven mitt or hot pad. Otherwise, great. Very clean throughout the unit. We appreciated the filled book shelf, stereo system, quality soaps, etc. Bathrooms were large. More outdoor furniture would have been a huge plus. One chaise lounge and two plastic outdoor chairs. With four adults, we couldn't all sit outside at the same time. However, we would definitely go back to this unit as the pluses far outweigh any minuses. It was cloudy, windy and rainy most of our visit so we didn't do some of what we came for, like fishing, helicopter ride, spending a day at the beach. The island is gorgeous, though, rain or shine, and we were able to get some quick beach stops in, as well as view the canyon (must see) and waterfalls, and plenty of shopping. We enjoyed the Lighthouse Bistro for dinner and the Coconut Marketplace for souvenirs.
Teri M., Puyallup, Wa, 11.8.10
Our stay at Hihimanu was incredible. The house is amazing as well as the grounds. Extra outside trash cans would be nice since there is only one trash pick up per week, but it was all still great!
Jennifer R., Pooler, GA, 11.2.10
Great location. Some of the items were in need of replacement like the towels which were bleach and or dirt stained; the dishes and items were a mixed bag and more comfortable chairs on the lanai would be great. The fact that there were beach chairs, towels, mat and cooler were all great. I would recommend the unit or similar units again. Our 4th time on the island and when we come back it will be to a condo.
Steven T., Queensbury, Ny, 10.30.10
What I liked about the unit was the peace and quiet and the beautiful view of the ocean from the terrace, it was very relaxing. The best parts of the trip - Waimea Canyon, Na pali coast on a catamaran and the drive through Hanalei Bay along the coast with its beautiful beaches. We will definitely return to Kauai it is a beautiful island.
Morena G., Wahroonga, NSW, 10.27.10
This rental was more than we could ever ask for. The view is great, the unit is fairly spacious and very clean. Absolutely loved the bathroom as well. You can hear the waves crashing on the rocks outside while you sleep, which was amazing. For us, it was the little things in this rental that really made it outstanding. Accessories like beach towels, a beach bag, snorkels, coffee maker, dish soap, etc. We felt very at home in this cozy rental. The pool is also quite outstanding. We will rent here again when we return to Kauai!
Andrew W., Chicago, Illinois, 10.25.10
Overall we felt very comfortable because the unit was clean and the view was wonderful. Everything we needed was present and the beds/furniture were comfortable. We appreciated the washer/dryer on site. My husband particularly liked the HD TV.
Eileen P., Niskayuna, NY, 10.14.10
The house was wonderful. The view om the back lanai was incredible. We took a dinner sailboat ride to the western coase but found out that we had a better view of the mountain range out the back lanai. It is not easy to find in the dark even though the instructions were good. Good place to eat is at the shopping center when you first enter complex at princeville. Cafe is good so is CJ resturant for steaks.
Sherry C., Sahuarita, AZ, 10.11.10
just fantastic. a great house, great pool, great vacation!
Amy C., Boulder Creek, CA, 9.27.10
Condo Location perfect for us. We appreciated the beach towels, the boogie boards, it was quiet, peaceful and the view was awesome. It would have been nice if they provided more than 2 rolls of toilet paper...and more than one plastic garbage bag...but all in all everything was wonderful.
Denise C., Battle Ground, Wa, 9.15.10
Staying with you was exactly what we needed . The view off the bluffs will always remain in my mind as my most beautiful sight while on the island. The condo was very clean and big enough while being so kind to our credit card. The walk down from the condo to the beach was breath-taking and the snorkeling we found there was the best; a must to do! The farmer's market in Hanelei on Sat. morning was an experience and you need to get there early; they leave by 11:30. The owners of the condos who live on the island are so friendly and helpful; we miss them. You will meet them as you gather on the bluffs for the nightly sunsets. It would have been nice to have had a regular sized coffee pot and a change of clean sheets when staying longer than one week; these are our only suggestions. Thanks for a wonderful vacation. We highly recomend staying in your garden paradise.
Patricia & Sam O., Lebanon, Tennessee, 9.2.10
We loved the unit and the stay in Kauai. The unit had everything we needed- perhaps some beach chairs would have been nice- otherwise we had everything we needed- great location, great view and all was well. Thank you! Peter L. Balogh
Peter B., San Francisco, Ca, 8.18.10
This was a great place for a big group. Lots of space to spread out and great lanais. We were here with family for my parents 50th, and also our own 10th. It was such a relaxing setting, and great for keeping the kids busy. Lots of great pool and beach toys to borrow. Easy access to great North Shore sites. A well stocked kitchen with nice appliances. Jim, the owner, was very friendly and helpful when we needed anything. The air hockey table was broken while we were there, and the 2 bikes are in desperate need of a tune up. The pool was amazing. Great DJs for dancing at Tahiti Nui in Hanalei, best souvenirs hand painted sarongs and boxers at Coconut Style in the Kong Lung Center in Kilauea. Be careful on the beaches....don't underestimate the waves....our last day, at Secret Beach, ended with an emergency room trip!
Granville P., Rockville, MD, 8.8.10
we loved our vacation home the house was spacious tastefully furnished and well equipped our location was very convenient to all services and various beaches we hope to return soon
Carolyn L., Los Angeles, CA, 7.31.10
the unit was big enough for the family service was very good i will recommend the unit and the whole facilty to my friends kauai is wonderfull
Heinz H., Graz, Styria, 7.30.10
My wife and I recently spent 10 days at Pali Ke Kua and we absolutely loved it! Our unit was a ground level studio, with the patio facing the ocean. The local Nene birds would walk by several times each day. Around the corner we could walk to where we could see Bali Hai and the sunsets. The local beach had excellent snorkeling. To get there requires a leisurely walk down a concrete path. Walking back is all uphill. There is no laundromat at Pali Ke Kua so we had to drive elsewhere to wash our clothes but that was a minor inconvenience. For a great lunch, we'd highly recommend the ahi wrap from the Fish Market at the Kilauea Lighthouse turn off.
Esa K., Placerville, California, 7.29.10
The view from PKK 118 is spectacular! It was wonderful to start each day with a cup of coffee and fresh pineapple on the lanai while looking out at Hanalei Bay and Na Pali coast and to end each day with a cocktail on the lanai while we watched the sunset. Hideaway Beach, an easy walk down the bluff from the unit, is a good snorkeling spot. The condo is comfortable, nicely furnished, and was well stocked with towels and other essentials (the only odd thing is that the water from the water dispenser on the front of the refrigerator tasted moldy, so we didn't use it). We spent every day exploring new places to snorkel and swim. Great spots for snorkeling include Ke'e Beach, Tunnels, and 'Anini Beach. We saw several turtles, eels, an octopus, in addition to a huge variety of fish. Great swimming spots include Kalihiwa Bay, Ha'ena Beach Park, and Kahalahala Beach. This was our first time staying on the north end of Kauai, so we decided to focus on the north end and not spend too much time driving all over the island. We have stayed in Kapaa twice before, so didn't feel the need to go to that area on this trip. The north end of the island in the summer can't be beat!
Nancy P., Olympia, WA, 7.19.10
We LOVED the house that we just left. Of all the amazing things that we saw and experienced, the thing that I may miss the most will be the tradewinds blowing through the house's louvered windows. Beautifully appointed (although not really a comfortable chair to relax in), lovely grounds, and the most well-appointed kitchen I have ever used in a rental home! The one suggestion that we would have would be to inform the guests that there will be constant traffic on foot flowing through the front yard en route to the beach. It was no problem except the first day when the windows were a little "too" open in all of the rooms. We quickly figured it out! Thanks for an AWESOME week. Great value
Andrew W., Hattiesburg, MS, 7.15.10
We found the home to be very well equipped and clean. We encountered that the grill tank was empty when first going to use it. Jim was very accommodating and delivered/hooked up a new tank within the hour! A few of the appliances seemed to need a little attention. The dishwasher didn't empty residual water a few times. The washing machine did the same once. A little instruction regarding the pool would have been helpful. Upon arriving, we weren't sure if the filters were running or not. The pool seemed a bit dirty the first few days. We emptied the skimmer baskets which were overflowing with debris. The pool service did come twice during our stay and by second week, the pool was great! Loved the extensive back lanai as well as upper and lower front porches. Great way to watch the mountains, sunrise and sunsets.
Mary Jane H., Hummelstown, PA, 7.7.10
The view and privacy at the home was excellent, however the kitchen and bathrooms needed updating. For the price, I would expect the entire house to be top of the line.
Colleen R., Glendora, CA, 7.6.10
This unit was perfect for our needs. It's location is excellent, within walking/driving distance to some of the places to see in Northern Kauai. It has a small kitchenette that is good for a small meal and coffee in the morning, with a beautiful Lanai to drink it on. The small refrigerator is quite handy. The value for the price we paid was excellent. We have already recommended it to friends. It is small, so those looking for a lot of space may be disappointed. But, one does not spend too much time inside when in Kauai anyway.
James D., Oakland, California, 6.29.10
This is the second year I have booked a condo with this company. What an amazing place to stay for our second trip to Kauai! We loved every aspect of this condo. The beds were amazing, the unit was equipped with fun beach accessories, their was every kind of cooking utensil available. The complex was quiet and very accessible to the Hideaways beach. Some great snorkeling there that we didn't know about last year. I will be requesting this unit again for next year! We had six family members and everyone had very nice accomodations. We loved Scotty's in Kapaa - great barbeque. The Bull Shed in Lihue was also excellent. Very disappointed in the Hanalei Dolphin this year - food horrible. We had a great time on our Kayak Kauai trip to the Secret Falls, we tubed the sugar plantation with Kauai Backcountry adventures (great guides) and did an ATV backcountry tour Kipu Ranch adventures (would not spend the money on the ATV tour - not worth it.) Thanks again for a lovely vacation - I did not want to come home!!
Shannon C., Cave Creek, Arizona, 6.28.10
great stay!
Rebecca C., Venice, CA, 6.7.10
We loved the location of Pali Ke Kua within walking distance to snorkeling and other many beautiful sights and beaches. The amenities and cleanliness fulfilled our expectations and people were warm and friendly. This unit was perfect for us and we certainly appreciated all the great tips from the owners for available activities. Our favorite activity was a snorkel trip to Na Pali, the (4 mile roundtrip) Kalalau Trail, and Waimea Canyon. We would definitely recommend this accommodation for a couple and hope to be back soon!
John C. M., Brentwood, TN, 6.2.10
The unit was great, very close to perfect. The sun shines into the unit in the afternoon. I noticed some units have shades outside to drop down over the lani. This could cut down on the afternoon heat gain in the unit. The bed is too soft. This unit had the best view. Two of the chairs on the lani had cusions. That was so nice most units just had hard plastic chairs. Customer service was good. the directions that you e-mailed were easy to follow. The directions for the unit on the frig were clear and concise. The kitchen had everything you could possibly need. I can't really think of any thing to improve, you guys have obvious been doing this for awhile. Thank you for allowing us to rent the unit. We only stayed a week in kauai. I would return again but I think we would need 10 more days to really see kauai. I would not hesitate to stay in this unit again if it was available.
Frances F., Forestville, CA., 5.9.10
The unit was very roomy and much closer to the beach than the maps lead you to believe. We were minutes from Queens bath parking and Hideaways. Location is great, escape the heat a little in Princeville.
Timothy K., RENTON, WA, 4.28.10
The unit suited us well because we were 2 families with toddlers. The separate rooms, one on main and one above helped with noise control for nap times and night time. The view was beautiful and the full kitchen was very handy. The condo community was very quiet and clean. Waking up to an ocean view was fabulous. On our next trip we hope to do the Kalalau trail hike.
Paul B., Edmonton, AB, 4.26.10
Super nice inside I was really impressed.
Steve C., Haleiwa, Hi, 4.6.10
The unit was very comfortable for a family of 4. Good location, convenient to restaurants and grocery shopping. Unfortunately, we didn't have a chance to use the golf course, but it looked beautiful (and challenging!!). There were no basics (coffee filters, sugar, shower/bath soaps). . .so plan accordingly. Perhaps the rental company could provide these????
Kathleen P., Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 4.5.10
The studio was very clean! I loved the attention to small details.. such as the fresh flowers left on the bed. Sitting on the lanai eating breakfast and watching the endless ocean was great. Bring gym shoes so that you can hike down the steep path to Hideaways beach. Hideaways beach is amazing! The first time we went we were completely alone... felt like a movie! The owner of this condo is great... she kept in contact with me and arranged for an earlier and late arrival. She made me feel really comfortable with renting (especially since this was my first time renting a condo for vacation). As for food, make SURE to eat at the Hanalei Taro and Juice Company (it is a tiny truck on Kuhio Highway, right next to Wishing Well Shave Ice.. you know it's good when locals are the main customer). The taro smoothies are the BEST (strawberry sunset one is my fave)... what I would do for one right now!! There pork platter is delicious too... best food on the island! All in all, good condo in a ritzy neighborhood.
Alexandra H., River Grove, IL, 4.4.10
I had the vacation of a lifetime on the island! Due to the fact that it was night, my first impression was made by the room itself and I couldn't of asked for better. As soon as you pull into the parking lot you can hear the ocean, the unit was clean with plenty of amenities. It was easy to feel at home here.
Melynda S., Machesney Park, IL, 3.15.10
â¢What I liked best about the unit I rented was .. Everything I needed was there. It was a cute place and like home away from home. My only disappointment was a very cold swimming pool.
Debbie G., Parkdale, Or, 3.4.10
Our rental studio unit at Pali Ke Kua was as advertised and perfect for the two of us. Not much to say about the studio. It was roomy enough for the two of us and the kitchen well appointed. The bed is very comfortable. The bathroom is large and the tiled shower stall is huge. Bring your laptop to stay in touch with friends with emails or a blog (as we did) as the studio has a high-speed wireless router. It worked very well. We did all of our own cooking in the studio and took lunches with us on day trips. (We are not restaurant eaters.) The nearby Foodland grocery store (although a bit expensive) had great selections and we did all of our grocery shopping there. (We had pizzas one day at Aloha Pizza in the Coconut Mall in Kapa'a. They serve gluten-free pizzas and we ordered one plus a regular pizza. Both were great.) Most things we did touring around were rewarding, but the very best part was snorkeling at the Pali Ke Kua beach (with the private paved footpath access) and swimming around with a green sea turtle for a few minutes. Very cool. We saw humpback whales everyday right out of the studio patio (lanai) windows. They never came in closer than about 1,000 meters but I still managed a few decent "breaching" shots. The fact that this particular unit faced the ocean was a huge bonus for us. We could sit outside in the morning and have breakfast and a coffee while watching for whales. We also saw a lot of turtles below in "turtle bay" and saw one group of porpoises. I took 2,500 pictures in two weeks and posted a few of them here: http://clives.shawwebspace.ca/photos/view/kauai_2009_/ Perhaps the "best" picture was one of the wave shots, but the most fun picture was the underwater shot of the green sea turtle. Overall communications and service from VRA was great. The driving directions and access information was easy to follow. We received lots of insider help from the condo owners who pointed us to several interesting places such as "Powerline Trail" which we enjoyed for the orchids, lizards and great views. My main advice for anyone using the unit would be "have fun" ... we did.
Clive S., COALDALE, ALBERTA, 3.3.10
* What I liked best about the unit I rented was the VIEW * The customer service I received was wonderful; Liz was very helpful (and her son...what a well-spoken young man!); manager Mike of Pali Ke Kua was also very helpful and courteous. * The best part of my trip was too hard to choose: Waimea canyon hike, sunset at Hanalei bay, Na Pali hike * The best restaurant I found was Postcards Cafe (Kalypso had surprisingly great food as well) * The best picture I took was of myself (us) at Waimea canyon on the ledge * I can't wait to tell all my friends that I survived a "tsunami" * My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be bring your own binoculars * The part of my trip I would definitely recommend to others is Hanalei Bay (bring a cooler and stay all day) * I didn't have time this trip, but next trip I'm looking forward to surfing!!!
Jamison E., Los Angeles, California, 2.28.10
The unit is lovely, located near the beach, within walking distance of the shops and a short drive from Hanalei bay. We enjoyed watching whales while eating breakfast and the visiting birds kept us entertained! I would definitely recommend this unit to friends.
Valerie S., Quadra Island, British Columbia, 1.29.10
The cottage is a perfect place for a getaway with someone you hold dear. The view is worth more than what is charged to stay at the cottage. Also the close proximity to everything on the north shore is a big plus!
Paul D., Oakland, CA, 1.20.10
Very clean and spacious. Excellent customer serives. Sunshine Brennecke's in Poipu Family on the Kalalau Trail
Kent K., Lewiston, Idaho, 1.9.10
The best part was of course the location. Great views and convenient parking and accessibility. Customer service could not have been any better. Liz, Scott, and David all very helpful. Unit was well-equipt with all the necessary supplies....with the exception of facial tissue....Oh well... Would definitely choose this location/agency again.
Russell O., San Diego, CA, 1.8.10
We really enjoyed our stay at the plantations 322. We really liked the fact that it was clean and updated. The condo was close to shops, beaches, and golfing. The condo also had beach chairs, sand toys, boogie boards which made going to the beach a lot more fun!! We had an opportunity to attend a Luau and the the one we chose to go to was the Smith's family Luau. It was our second time attending that particular Luau and it's a must see. The food and entertainment were amazing it was also recommended by many of the locals. This was our fourth trip to this island in the past four years and this was the first time we have stayed on the north shore and we loved it!
Deanna S., Rancho Cucamonga, California, 1.4.10
Everything was great, the town, the unit, the island, the vacation, would definitely return.
Matthew H., New York, NY, 1.2.10
The house was spacious and very comfortable esp. as we had teenagers with us. However were disappointed with the lack of maintenance that prevented us from using the pool and the hot tub. There were also annoyances like the wasps that were on the upper deck. We could not use this area at all because of this. The window blinds did not function too well. Also not having a cutlery container in the dishwasher was a handicap. We reported on these as soon as we took over the rental but apart from the pool being cleaned two days later (which unleashed a whole lot of mosquitoes, nothing else was attended to. Trust the owners would consider reducing the rental they charged because the hot tub and pool were one of the reasons we rented the property. Saji Weerasinghe
Saji W., Adelaide, South Australia, 12.21.09
When we arrived we got a big surprise. The View was Great it was the best part of the house. It's billed as partial view, Oh but wow you can see the ocean from almost everywhere in the house. Now for the bad. The house was very run down. Many of the lights did not work. None of the out side lights worked. The house has three bathrooms however if someone is showering down stairs and a toilet is flushed up stairs it takes all the water from the shower, so only one shower at a time and only flush when everyone is done showering. The Kitchen was billed as a "Gourmet kitchen", that was a total joke. It's an old kitchen with new windows The ice/water on fridge didn't work, appliances were sparse and mostly didn't work. Very little cooking utensils. House sleeps 8+ but only dishes for 6. We had to buy our own wine glasses. The bar had no glasses and the mini fridge was so dirty we didn't open it a second time. The garage was full of junk taking up 1/2. There is a little room off the garage that is full of garbage from the kitchen remodel (which was two windows only). There was owner stuff everywhere so when you went to put your things away you had to move there things. We had to drain the hot tub as it was green and moldy. I have rented several "house/condo" rentals before and always found that the owners had there things in one area and locked up that was not the case here. The entry area was the worst. When you walk in there is a small little pond that was a mosquito trap. Dirty and moldy. The B-B-Q was so filthy we spent one full day trying to scrub the mold off and get the old food off the grill, we also had to fill the propane tank. The table and chairs were rusty and moldy so much we could never use them. The lighting here didn't work (oh if you stood in the hall way and giggled the switch for a while you might get it to work. There was only a broom so if you needed to scoop up what you swept you were out of luck, and no vacuum. Now you might think this is great because you are on vacation however when you are staying a long time and there is no housekeeper, even though she leaves you a note telling you she is your housekeeper, things get pretty sandy and sticky. Some cleaning must be done. But with no utensils. We instantly became aware that the pictures on the internet were probably 5+ years old and the house is so very run down. We are sorry to say that we will not be going back to this house. We probably will not use this company again and that is sad because our booking agent was so very nice and helpful, she just wasn't up to speed on the property. We did find for the same money you can rent houses right on the beach. Anini beach has several houses on the ocean and several in Hanilea ON THE OCEAN FOR THE SAME OR LESS $$$. Oh by the way the house is on the market and if you are as lucky as we were they will call you and ask if they can show the house while you are in it ON YOUR VACATION. There is so much more I could add but I think you get the picture.
Lori V., San Pedro, CA, 10.14.09
Laurel helped us book our vacation and it was great. We loved the unit and hope to return next year.
Matthew C., Bellmore, NY, 9.12.09
What I liked best about the unit I rented was the view! We also liked the private beach just below us. Tunnels Beach is by far the best beach to snorkle and hang, we saw a pod of 30 turtles! You have to visit Queen's Bath and bring reef shoes, camera, and a mask and snorkle. It's like a natural aquarium.
Teri E., Dana Point, Ca, 9.8.09
What I liked best about the unit I rented was 1) the lovely location and views, 2) the fantastic neighbour who lent us a guide book and other things while we were there and was wonderful. The customer service I received was brilliant. I rang up about 4 problems with things, and they were all fixed the very next day. The best part of my trip was snorkelling with amazing tropical fish and turtles. The best restaurant I found was in Kapaa - can't remember the name - Pau Kuru or something like that - did lovely food and was a sort of pub/cafe type place. The best picture I took was of the canyon at Waimea which was amazing. I have already told my friends about swimming with 3 massive sea turtles for over an hour (that was actually on the big island though, not Kauai). My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be to make sure to look down at the sea for turtles, as you can regularly see them swimming just below the cliffs. The best "insider tip" I received while on my trip was to make the trip down to Queen's Bath near the condo. It was well worth the trip and swimming in the bath was quite magical. I didn't have time to kayak down the Wailua River this time, but if I ever get to Hawaii again, I will definitely do that. The only thing really missing in the condo is air conditioning. For someone coming from a cold climate, we found that the ceiling fan did not really cool things down enough so sleeping was quite difficult. On the other islands, we had air conditioning and this really made a difference to being able to cope with the heat.
Chris B., Dargaville, New Zealand, 8.30.09
Although the Bon Dance ceremonies are over for this year, I would definitely recommend that cultural event to anyone that is on the Island next year. We had a great time and the food booths featuring unique foods was a bonus. I pln on visiting again next year and this event is already on my calendar.
Ildebrando S., San Antonio, Texas, 8.20.09
This was a very special trip for us its the first time we had had a family trip with all of our children, I have 4 and my partner has 2 and the house worked very well for us. The view from the back yard is a dream.. it was wonderful to wake each morning and see the sun peeking out from the clouds. We would recommend this home to friends. Tom and Marty
Marty Q., Lake forest park, Wa, 7.11.09
This is by far one of the best vacation rentals we have ever stayed in ... from the moment we walked through the door, we knew it was going to be great! The unit is brand new, the decor is soothing to the eye, everything is clean, every room was bright and airy and the icing on the cake ... central a/c! The swimming pool and hot tub are also fabulous. You folks at VCA are also wonderful to work with (especially Cynthia and Laurel) and whenever we had a question while in the unit, Liz was very prompt about responding. We had amazing weather every single day and like they say, "Life is a Beach!" Our fave ... Ke'e Beach because of the sandy bottom and good snorkeling ... great for kids! Tip: Go early in the morning because parking is very limited. Other kid friendly beaches: 'Anini ... halfway out to reef and my 9 yr. old son was still in his depth (however very rocky bottom so reef shoes a must!), great for snorkeling also. Hanalai and Lumaha'i Beaches are also must visits. If we had more time, we would have like to visit Secret Beach and go hiking on the Kalalau Trail. Other fun things we did: horseback riding at Princeville Ranch (10 minutes down the road) and a visit to the Kilauea Lighthouse and grounds. Some "food tips" ... to get most value we ate lunch out and dinner in the unit. Best full-service restaurant: Bouchons over at Ching Young Village in Hanelei. Best self-service: Polynesian Cafe ($5 for lunch = great deal!). Our fave grocery is Foodland at Princeville Center. Be sure to sign up for the Maika'i card to get best prices. Their deli is amazing and great for dinner items. Next time we return to Princeville, we look forward to staying in Nihilani 9C again. So to future guests, please take good care of this unit and keep it nice so we can all return & enjoy. Thank you Gerald and Gloria for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home!
Mary W., Duvall, WA, 7.8.09
We absolutely LOVED our stay at Spindrift! The house has everything, from a gorgeous setting to every kitchen utensil you could ask for. It is obvious that the owner cares both about her house and her renters. Everything is in tip-top shape and just where it should be. The layout is great (loved the big laundry room by the garage entrance for all the wet beach towels!) and the decor is warm and inviting. Everything you need for a beach vacation is there: snorkels, fins, boogie boards, water shoes, lots of towels etc., etc. There is even a bicycle (no pump, though...) There is a fantastic ocean view from every room in the house. We felt like we were on a cruise ship while having dinner in the main dining room - nothing but water to see for miles. And going to sleep to the sound of crashing waves is just wonderful. And we fell in love with the resident albatross chick, Komaka, and his neighborhood buddies. Watching these beautiful birds and their visiting parents was a huge treat. Spindrift was nourishment for our souls and we highly recommend it and would love to return.
Berit B., Tai Tam, Hong Kong, 7.3.09