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The unit was clean and it was apparent that visitor's comfort was important. I especially liked the bathroom amenities, very high end, and the bed super comfortable. I have stayed at five star hotels and find this unit comparable. Downside would have liked to have a broom or small vacuum to help keep floors clean and have the BBQ more accessible. Dave was very helpful and special thanks to him. I'd definitely return again.
What I liked best about the unit I rented was the architecture and the furbishing. Very stylish and comfy. The customer service from Emma was just great and very friendly. The house is beautiful but in a very secluded location 7km far from Hanalei city centre. We were not soothed by the gentle noise of the river. In the opposite, as it rained in Wainiha (location of the house) every day for 19 days but 1 (we stayed early March). The river level was so high, it was just a few inches of coming out of its bed. It was roaring and ripped apart large branches of trees just opposite the house. As there are no windows in the dining room, we could barely hear the music from sound system or TV. The nights were below 60 sometimes and we were glad the owner put some electric stove and extra blankets. The only way to dry clothes and towels were to put it in the tumbler. The place was very humid. We left 2 days earlier than planned. The owner was very kind to reimburse us 1 night due to "weather hardship". This place is recommended for the warm, dryer season. In winter we would suggest to have some windows put in the dining room.
Bamboo Hale was lovely and serene, very private; the river running through the property helped promote a feeling of serenity and peace. The decor is just gorgeous; the kitchen is fabulous. I slept on the daybed in the front screened porch - I have never had a feeling of such "oneness" with nature! I would recommend it for two couples, or grandparents and a family unit; the separate master suite would be perfect for a couple. The downsides: it's very remote and not for everyone; it's far from the beach; it would not be a good choice for groups with small children, for safety reasons; the bathrooms are not "user friendly" - the clawfoot tubs, while interesting, are not as safe and practical as walk-in showers. I would recommend that you add specific instructions for using the DVD with TV, and perhaps leave some board games and cards for guests (it got dark about 6:30 PM...). Our customer service was excellent - Emma, the local contact, was very friendly, helpful, and accessible. I love the northside of Kauai, Hanalei, Princeville - we were disappointed that Ke'e Beach was closed to snorkeling and Tunnels was pretty wild. The best discovery was Allerton Gardens - wow!! We had great meals at Gaylord's, Brenneke's, and the Hanalei Colony. Next time, I want to be sure to book a catamaran cruise and see a show with Hawaiian music and dance; I also want to see the Queen's Bath in the Princeville area.
1. Location - I loved the feeling of being in the tropics. Views were wonderful. Place was lovely.
2. Short on smiles and felt rushed on departure. Cleaning lady arriving early and knocking to see when we were leaving. Didn't have time to have breakfast and make sandwiches. We had called office to see if we could leave later but they hadn't returned the call. We had called on a Saturday tho'.
3. The sheer beauty, sounds, smells of Kauai.
4. Restaurants pricey and Bouchons' sushi was positively the worst sushi we have ever had.
7. Wait until they have refurnished the living room - then we will be back.
9. Bring Deet and a good after mosquito bite cream and hiking shoes.
10. Doing the kayak/hike/waterfall trip.
The rental was very good and we were suprised to find so many of the things we wanted for the beach all ready provided for. These included beach mats, snorkling gear, beach towels and ice chests. If we get the oppurtunity to come again we will consider staying their again.
The house is stunning. We loved the setting - secluded and right on a roaring river. With such an open floor plan and screens only on the water side, it felt like the river came right through the house. It rained most of the time we were there so the river was particularly high, but we loved it. The house itself was really well laid out and beautifully appointed - gorgeous touches from granite counter tops to unique light fixtures to special furniture. We coooked at home often on the grill - buying fresh local fish at Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market. We hiked in Na Poli and Waimea Canyon - both very muddy and slippery but beautiful and well worth it. We actually only had one day of sun and we hiked the bike/walking path along Ka'aapa and saw spouting whales. We didn't know ahead of time theat there was internet connection in the house, it would have been nice to know that. Emma was very accomodating and helpful. We will definitely return.
Nestled off the beaten path between two mountains, Kuraoka Cottage Haena is a lovely and peaceful cottage home. The treetop views of the mountains and distant waterfalls were beautiful, and the gentle sound of rainfall on the rooftop was cleansing to the soul. Do not expect an artificial "condo experience". Kuraoka is an opportunity to "borrow" the lovingly and artistically decorated cottage of a local owner and experience living within the Haena community.
I do not suggest that you try to first locate the cottage after dark as my husband and I did. We found it without missing a turn, but we felt as if we were contestants on The Great Race! A hand-drawn map of the bridges we would cross would have been helpful. Do bring a flashlight. It'll help you find your way from the road to your door on cloud covered nights.
Hawaiian Beach Rentals were very professional in dealing with us. The property was well represented and they were very quick to tend to a few small glitches that arose after we had checked in.
Kurakoa Cottage Haena is ideally located near the "end-of-the-road" beaches. If we are ever able to return again, I would definitely spend more time at each beach - just soaking up the sun and sounds of the North Shore. Ke'e beach, with its crystal clear water and great snorkeling, is not to be missed! Looking for coffee and baked goods on the run? The Village Snack & Bakery Shop is a great place to stop.
We loved our stay at Kurakoa Cottage and would considered ourselves blessed if ever we could return once again!
My husband and I enjoyed our stay here. The rental was clean and neat and cute i may add. The only thing is the bugs at night since no a/c and the geckos. Other than that, it was beautiful and the view was amazing.
1. The remote location, the cleanliness, the sounds of the river. 2. Excellent! 3. Discovering the Bamboo Hale. It exceeded my expectations in every way. 4. Postcards Cafe 5. At the Botanical Gardens, right before sunset. 6. I have discovered the most relaxing, beautiful house on Kauai. 7. Stock up on groceries at the market in Princeville. Get the discount card to save money on your groceries. 8. Snorkeling at Anini Beach. Great for kids and easy snorkeling for the beginner. 9. Stay on the North Shore. 10. ATV rides 11. This is the BEST vacation I have ever had. Thank you!!
The River House is located in a most beautiful setting surrounding by verdant mountains with a distant waterfall. Privacy was excellent and the gardens were extremely well kept. The house was lovely and we enjoyed the separate small quarters for our children. Customer service was very good. We would highly recommend this rental to anyone interested in a stay in "paradise". rnrnThe beaches on Kauai are not well marked and it would have been nice to have had specific information regarding how to get to specific beaches. We had read that Tunnels Beach was a great place to snorkel and we knew it was nearby. However it wasn't until our last day that we actually figured out where it actually was (about 2 miles from The River House - turn right into a narrow beach access road about a half mile past mile marker 8) and what part of it was good for snorkeling. We went early, about 630 am, and had it pretty much all to ourselves. It was by far the best snorkeling we had during our 10 days in Hawaii. If you enjoy snorkeling, Tunnels Beach early before the crowds arrive is a must. I just wish we would have known this when we first arrived! rnWe enjoyed a boat ride tour of the NaPali Coast, were awed by Waimea Canyon, and enjoyed the many beaches on the Island. (Anini Beach is another beach we'd recommend to families for swimming and snorkeling). Swimming off the Hanalai Pear is also a great activity for children who swim well.
After being delayed for 7 extra hours at the airport (who can't relate to that?), we arrived in Kauai late at night. Luckily, they were thoughtful enough to leave a light on for us at Bamboo Hale! The minute we walked into the house, the stress from the travel started to melt away and the ooh's and aah's started. The design and detail elements of the architecture and the furnishings are beautiful. We felt comfortable and glamorous all week. Although it's off the beaten path and that may deter some people who feel the need to be right on the beach, we found the seclusion and the lull of the river to only add to our elite experience. The linens, towels and kitchenware were of much better quality than any hotel we've ever stayed in. And we loved having the ability to cook our own meals with the local produce. The only reason I would hesitate to recommend Bamboo Hale is for fear that the word might get out about this spectacular hideaway and it may not be available the next time we want to visit the paradise of Kauai's North Shore! The on-site contact (Emma) was very gracious and helpful when we needed her. MAHALO!!
Fantastic rental! We loved the spectacular views, and the place felt real in a way most Kauai rentals do not. It was hard every morning to leave the cottage to go out and explore the island.
Working with HBR was good -- thank you. We appreciated all of the e-mail communications. We do have a few minor suggestions:
* We had a bit of a tough time finding the place. We suggest you mention in the directions that the green fence to look for is wooden; there's a metal green fence just up the road around a house with several dogs that we unwittingly disturbed.
* You could also add direction as to where to park. The rental's "driveway" in fact appears to be a roadway to several units below. We found it simplest just to park on the side of the road.
* Taking sixty days to return a security deposit seems unnecessarily slow.
Thanks for helping to make our vacation so wonderful!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and Kauai Paradise was just that. The tranquility of the North Coast was the most relaxing vacation we have had in years and would definately go back. The only sadness was that the Kayakwas not available to transport us accross the river to the beach, but it was something we could work around comparatively easily. the home was beautiful and well appointed and lived up to our expectations if not exceeded them!
Had a great stay at a great place. Some minor issues (that did not detract from our excellent experience): No propane in the grill and various lightbulbs burnt out (on lanai in particular). Would certainly return to the Kuraoka Cottage :-)
The house was not not only in a beautiful setting but was beautiful inside. Everything that we could possible need was provided. We would rent this house again!!! We loved Kauai and all it has to offer! thank you
This is a beautiful piece of paradise. Meals on the lanai, reading in the hammock, and watching the changing light on the mountains. This spot is truly a treasure.
The Riverhouse... what a perfect place to relax, breathe, and to call home for a limited time. The frest fruit on the property, ChuChee, and the private excape were only a few things that be in our hearts and memories forever. We wish it never ended, and we are looking forward to visiting again soon. Maholo for anabsolutely amazing place to stay on an even better vacation.
This is a delightful, luxurious, well maintained house. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. It has a great view with the sound of the ocean. Nearby main road was not a noise factor. Overall, one had a feeling of isolation in a wonderful setting. Kayaking on river is also a plus. Highly recommend it especially for those who want to get away from the resorts.
The place was beautiful. The pictures here explain it well, but dont do it justice. Listening to the water every night was awesome. You never get tired of just looking around its so pretty. The birdsnest is not for anyone afraid insects or gecko's! (HAHA) true... but still, what a pretty little room. Our only complaint was mosqitoes. But in the rain forest... what can u expect? Here's a tip I learned while there. Do not put on any porch lights at nite... the bugs come to the light. Leave the lights that shine on the yard and stream, then bugs dont hang by the door. Lite a citronella candle(bucket) by the door at nite to see. (At the Chevron station in princeville they sell a bug spray called Mosqitoe Shield. Smells like lemon pledge but works!)
Great place, great location on the island, great amenities, extras (beach stuff, etc.). GREAT.
If only the bugs at night would go away, but that's island living.
Thanks
This house was great, on a river for kayaking, across the river to a very secluded beach, and just a short jaunt for hiking and snorkeling at tunnels with the sea turtles. Also very close to Hanalei Bay for some great food and surfing. Very enjoyable for the active lifestyle kauai has to offer. No air conditioning wasn't a problem with the sea breeze blowing through the screen doors. We would definately love to stay here again.