Location location location. And the house really feeling like a home and not a rental. The kitchen was well done with all tools needed for cooking, which we like to do. Their outside decks with beautiful plants growing everywhere is breathtaking and just adds to the beauty of the house.
Cheryl T., York, NB, 2.1.12
Garden Lanai is in the beautiful residential area of Lanikai, which has the loveliest beach ever! The apartment is on the bottom floor of the owners' house and is completely private with its own parking and an enclosed lanai. Although the place is not very big (the bedroom and bathroom are small) it quickly felt like home with everything we needed and then some,with plenty of closet and dresser space, a very generously equipped kitchen (including soap, cleaning supplies and laundry detergent, etc.), good wi-fi, as well as beach chairs, mats, towels, cooler, and an outdoor shower (hot and cold) for cleaning off after another wonderful day on the beach. The owners are nice and the atmosphere of the place and the surrounding neighborhood is friendly and serene.
Beach tips: from Garden Lanai, walk 5 minutes to a tiny beach, used by locals for a quick swim and to launch their kayaks and outriggers. Or drive a few minutes, park, and walk down one of the entry points (located every 0.1 mile or so between residences) to Lanikai Beach, which is gorgeous and has the most beautiful blue water and softest sand. The beach at Kailua Beach Park is beautiful too but it can be hard to find parking, especially on weekends.
Restaurants: For dinner we liked Zia and also Noburu on Hamakua Street (across from the Safeway). For shave ice, Island Snow on Kailua Rd. (Pres. Obama takes his daughters there when they're in Kailua).
Window shopping: Have a look at Muumuu Heaven (Kailua Rd.), where they take vintage muumuus and other Hawaiian fabrics and incorporate them into clothes and other items.
Other good things: On Thursday morning we bought local produce and flowers at the People's Market. We drove up the Pali highway to the lookout at the summit -- great view, wild wind. We also loved the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden -- go in the morning for best light.
Ruth S., Sacramento, CA, 1.31.12
Great location--very close to beach. Nicely furnished. We had several quiet evenings in the ohana untila
a family of five showed up upstairs. Had to ask them
to quiet down, which they did by 10pm. So just
be aware that if you are downstairs it can be loud
having folks upstairs. Rental company did inform
us there would be a family, but due to late booking
our options were limited. Property mgr next door
was friendly and helpful as needed. Would stay
there again for sure if upstairs not booked.
Roxanne W., Olympia, WA, 1.30.12
This unit served our needs as we wanted a place to stay that was close to our daughter, and did not spend a lot of time here. I guess the saying you get what you pay for would apply here, as this was reasonable rent for the place - being it was within walking distance from the wonderful Lanakai beach. It is pretty compact, so I would not recommend it for more than 2 people. The fact that we had a few cloudy rainy days probably made it seem a little more dreary than normal > but even a rainy day in Hawaii is good!!
DONALD & LAURA R., , , 1.25.12
This is a comfortable home offering incredible oceanfront views in a quiet but charming neighborhood. The location and conveniences of a private residence cannot be compared to any other accommodation. We were very pleased and hope to return again in the future. The host was super congenial and helpful. A very nice and unexpected perk was the Pillbox hike to breathtaking views just up the road, rivaling Diamondhead. Also, Kailua Beach Park is a short walk or run and the towncenter a short drive for all the conveniences of coffee, quaint boutiques, ice cream, and fantastic pancakes at Cinnamon's. Waking up to watch the sun rise over the ocean while drinking hot coffee is something all vacationers to Hawaii should have the pleasure of experiencing. We used a rented kayak and paddleboard and also snorkeled right down the steps leading to the beach from our backyard.
Sarah T., Hardin, MT, 1.25.12
We loved our stay in Lanikai! The house was everything we had hoped for and more! We would reccomend this place to anyone!
Kelly M., Fairbanks, AK, 1.13.12
We had a great time at Hale Sweet Hale. The house was perfect for us. Lori was super helpful and friendly.
The boys got up every morning and ran around the big yard.
Walking distance to the 2 best beaches on Oahu. Lanikai beach was just across the street and down the short path. Kailua Beach was 10 minutes walk along the road. They had beach towels, boogie boards and sand toys to take to the beach.
Lot's of room in the house, a king bed, a queen bed, a bunk bed and a single. One bathroom was sometimes tough with a teenage girl but we managed. WIFI was used daily. Anything you needed in the kitchen IF you wanted to cook!
Breeze through the house and the ceiling fan in the bedroom helped keep it cool at night, didn't need air conditioning. A little more noise than I am used to but it is pretty quiet in Wyoming!
Washer/dryer didn't seem to dry very well. A clothes line would be awesome for hanging wet, sandy towels outside.
Walked to Buzz's for a very memorable and delicious meal.
Farmer's market in Kailua on Thursday nights was a great spot to stop and get bread, fruit and vegetables and hot meals.
Surprised how few bugs were around, maybe just the season? We went at Christmas and New Years 2011-2012.
Obama's entourage did not affect us at all.
I would recommend this home for families for sure!
Lisa M., Cody, WY, 1.10.12
Alala Point has a GREAT location, a short walk brings you to BOTH Kailua and Lanikai beaches. The unit suited my friend and I perfectly in allowing us our own sleeping space, but also a deck to greet the beautiful mornings with our coffee. The unit's furnishings and finishes were contemporary and clean. Highly recommend Alala Point!
Marian L., Brooklyn, NY, 1.9.12
The Garden Lanai was perfectly located and had most of the amenities that we were looking for. The bed, however, was very uncomfortable and disappointing. We were also missing toilet paper, of all things, as well as pillow cases on the pillows. All in all, the experience was wonderful and we can't wait to do it again. Thanks again for your assistance.
Charlene R., North Highlands, CA, 1.6.12
Lanikai is the loveliest place on earth! People are friendly, beach is FANTASTIC! Can't wait to go again!!
Kimberly L., Chandler, AZ, 1.4.12
Lanikai Loft was very good location near to beach though the nearest beach walking to has a little less space of the beach when high tide but also very quiet and we really enjoyed nice ocean view and muntain view from terrace. I liked the house was clean, too. I really would like to say thank you to the honer families' warm hospitality.
Jun M., Mitaka, , 12.30.11
My family of 7 had a wonderful time in our beach house. The location was fabulous, and it was so homey that you felt it truly was your home. We had wonderful meals in town (Kailua) . . . Best was Baci Bistro -- wonderful Italian!! And best breakfast was at Cinnamons. The only "minuses" were the constant wind, which I guess you need to expect on the "windward side", and also we never seemed to have enough hot water. But they were inconveniences we worked around and overall have only great things to say about the location, the house, and the people. Thanks Lori for checking in on us --- MAHALO!!!!
Peggy C., Pacific Palisades, CA, 12.28.11
Lanikai Escape was PERFECT for my husband and I. It was comfortable, nicely furnished/decorated and the location is absolutely SENSATIONAL! It's not just the proximity to the ocean, but the neighborhood itself - there is a sense of ease, security and safety, and a feel of 'locals' just going about their business, so you do feel completely at home away from home.
Mike and Dena are ultra friendly/supportive hosts, but at the same time, there is a sense of respecting each other's privacy. Hanging out with Leroy, their chocolate lab was fun, too :)
The points that we liked the very best about being at Lanikai Escape:
Pillbox Trail - it's a 3mile/5km trail along the ridge with absolutely STUNNING views of the area - the trail head is about 2 blocks from the place - Do it on the first day,because once you see the views - you will want to do it every day!
Having access to Mike & Dena's collection of water and land toys (stand up paddle board, boogie boards, kayaks, bikes, lawn chairs, beach mats etc)
Having a massive stash of beach towels on hand (and our own private washer and dryer to keep all our stuff dry and clean)
The drawer full of 'recycled' past visitors' Hawaii guide books and maps - if Oahu is the only place you are coming, the borrow-able books are here already!
the nearby shops are all easy to get to and reasonably priced. Dena and Mike have even left a hand-made information book for your use, Including maps to each local shop (Safeway, Foodland etc - INCLUDING the membership/club cards!) maps and menus to local restaurants, and general info about sight seeing, attractions/destinations (THANKS GUYS!)
the fact that Mike and Dena do not necessarily throw out what other visitors have left behind at their place - for the continued use of future visitors. There is a big basket of various sun screens. There is laundry soap and dryer sheets next to the washer/dryer. The bathroom cupboards are stocked with shampoo, conditioner, Q-Tips, body wash - a hair dryer WITH a diffuser, for all you curly haired folks! etc. The kitchen has an assortment of condiments in the fridge, and spices etc in the cupboards. There are also other bits and pieces of non-perishable food stuffs in the cupboards, as well as things like plastic wrap, zip lock bags, plastic cutlery etc etc. Having these essentials left for us was an especially nice touch - to make us feel even more at home! (We also donated to the stash by leaving a few things of our own :o)) These are always the things that every visitor needs to buy or bring on their holiday when staying in a self contained unit - I only wish ALL self contained units/houses would follow this example!!!
We live in Australia, so getting back to Hawaii is not an easily recurring destination, but just a few days after our leaving, we already inquired with Vacation Rental Agent to see whether this place was available for an additional week on the way back!
Mahalo!
:o) Kara and Lach
Kara K., Beldon, WA, 12.20.11
The unit worked perfect for two couples, with ample room. It was very clean and comfortable, and we enjoyed all the windows overlooking lush tropical foliage. The customer service we received was excellent. Tony, the property manager, was very friendly and made us feel at home. The best part about the rental is the location to Lanikai beach, just houses away. Thank you for a great vacation!
Danielle H., Seattle, WA, 11.26.11
The location is phenominal - walking distance from the nicest beach in Oahu. The bedrooms and bathrooms are nice, as is the living space. The pool is not very nice, but you are not going to want to spend time here anyway...
Travis K., Menlo Park, CA, 11.14.11
Such a lovely peaceful place to stay and the hosts Dina and Mike are so warm and welcoming. Lanikai is a little piece of heaven in Oahu and we will definitely return.... A very high standard of accommodation too - such a comfy king size bed and all the mod cons you need! A hire car is a must though as you need to drive 5-10 mins to get to the restaurants.
Lisa M., Sydney, NSW, , 10.26.11
First, let me talk about the property itself... I came here with my extended family (including my parents and kids) and the layout of this home was perfect for us. The house sits on a hill that faces toward the ocean and the entire front of the house was practically all glass including the main bedroom. I thought that the large glass windows would result in a lack of privacy with the neighbors but surprisingly the mature tropical foliage surrounding the property provided all the privacy we needed...plus there were no other homes at the same level as us so it felt like we were in a big treehouse. My 3 daughters enjoyed feeding the koi fish in the fish pond every morning and loved using the swimming pool when it got too late to go the beach (which is literally a half a block down the road). Although the swimming pool could probably be refinished and the kitchen could be updated a bit more, I'm glad the owners decided to focus their efforts on the 2 bathrooms which were recently renovated and turned out beautiful. It gave the home a much more luxurious feel with the marble and Kohler finishes. The new modern, Craftsman-like mahogany door also added a nice modern touch to the home. They also provided us with new pool toys to use, which was great. I loved the fact that there were beach hairs, beach mats, boogie boards and a cooler for us to use for our frequent visits to Lanikai Beach. Secondly, let me talk about the customer service. We received many communications from the rental agent but also the owners themselves. The owner reached out to me via email the week prior to stay and wanted to know if we we wanted a small futon for my 4-year old to use, which I thought was a very nice gesture. The next door neighbor, Tony, was the on-site property manager, and dropped in a couple of times during our stay to check in on us. He was very nice and helpful. The balcony off the living room was a nice place to relax and drink some beers while watching the sunset and hearing the soft ocean waves and cool breezes. It was a great way to relax and chill. I enjoyed taking morning walks or jogs in the neighborhood and being able to take in the view of Kailua Beach made it worthwhile. I would come back here again in a heartbeat especially if you want a truly relaxing vacation where you want to have family meals together and enjoy scenic walks and close proximity to one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. I highly recommend this place!
Rachel D., Ontario, CA, 10.26.11
The studio was exactly as described. It was a simple, comfortable & convenient place to stay. I enjoyed how close it was to the beach & how peaceful it was. I was welcomed & treated very well!
Kyle I., West Covina, CA, 10.7.11
We loved the Lanikai Beach Bungalow! We really enjoyed the property, and were impressed with everything there it had everything that the family needed for a great holiday. The environment was fantastic (particularly the honu), seeing the moonlight on the water at night was stunning, and the design of the property is perfect for the environment. It's a shame that it all had to come to an end, and am now home!
Joy L., Richmond, Victoria, 9.16.11
Great location, two blocks down the street from the beach! A 10-minute walk to the main beach strip. Good kayaking spot too. Very idealistic spot - perfect for relaxing. Full kitchen in the rental, although we didn't do as much cooking as planned - too many spots to check out (dined out almost the whole time).
Ethan F., Seattle, WA, 9.15.11
Lanikai Escape was extremely clean and had everything you could possibly need. The renters are very nice people and have a lot of information about Ohau. The beach in Lanikai is beautiful!! If you love relaxing and take it easy, this is the place for you!
Cheryl & Mike K., East gwillimbury, ON, 9.2.11
1. We loved the 3 bedrooms and 3 baths attached. My husband loved having the AC for those humid nights. I loved the kitchen, the two common living spaces, and the large dining room table and chairs. The view!!!!!! 2. The customer service was excellent!!! Thank you. 3. The best part of our trip was the beachfront location and the view and sound of the surf right outside the door. 4. The two best restaurants that we found were Cinnamon's and Hy's. 5. The best picture that we took was playing on the beach with our grandchildren and the sea turtles. 6. This was my most relaxing vacation ever. 7. There is a sea wall and steps leading down to the surf. At high tide you cannot go into the ocean outside of the house. You have to walk down a couple of blocks to Lanikai for beach activities. 8. The Lanikai location is spectacular.
Cyndee R., Northridge, CA, 8.30.11
The location of the Ocean House was the best. Customer service by Kia'aina was great. He replaced the refrigerator in my place very quickly when the original wasn't operating properly. The best part of my trip was watching the sun come up every morning, the Mokulua Islands, and Lanikai beach as it was the beach I grew up on. The best restaurant: Buzz's Steak House. Best pic was taken with my Kailua High grads, most of them I have known since elementary school. I've told all my friends, already. Location is great, don't sweat the small stuffs, like having "no microwave oven" to heat your food, save some kau-kau for the smartest ants in the world that live there with you. You can give them "the evil eye" and the ants will run and hide! not bad enough to worry about. There were a few other things, but I talked to Kia'aina about them already. On-street parking was sometimes a headache on weekends or if I returned late in the afternoon. My recommendation, swim every day and watch the turtles in the late afternoon feed on the coral below the sea wall. Ride "The Bus" at least part way around the island. Do some hiking up to the pill-boxes and the backside of Lanikai overlooking the beach. Spend more time sailing and kayaking with friends in Kailua and Kaneohe Bays. Mahalo nui loa Kia'aina. Berk Adams
Berk A., Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 8.16.11
The unit we rented was perfect for the 2 of us, walking distance to the beach, quiet, comfortable and well appointed. The best part of the trip was exploring the island of Oahu for the first time.
Ralph D., Aurora, IL, 8.16.11
What I liked best about the unit I rented was Perfect price/size/amenities/location/little things were there like paper towels, dish soap, cooler, etc. The customer service I received was Very good The best restaurant I found was Aloha Salads in Kailua has been a longstanding favorite The part of my trip I would definitely recommend to others is Kiteboarding for the adventurous Improvements: There was a cat that came around everyday who meowed insistently at the door. Not sure who the owner is. Also, the bed sheets have a lot of friction/texture. Smoother sheets would be better. Finally, travel size soap/shampoo would be nice to have for new arrivals.
Brennan C., Annapolis, MD, 8.7.11
The apartment is small but there is everything you need. It's quiet and comfortable, the perfect place for a relaxing vacation. The garden is beautiful and we really enjoied having our meals outside. Everything was perfect, even better than what I expected!
Elisa G., Marina del Rey, CA, 8.1.11
What I liked best about the unit was the location . It was 4 or 5 houses & across the street from a beautiful beach.The unit was spacious and the bathrooms were updated. I thought the cleaning fee was excessive especially after I looked under the bed to make sure we didn't leave anything . There was lots of dust etc under it. The pool needs repair badly. Outside of house needs painting. We enjoyed sitting on the upstairs deck and taking morning walks around the walking/bike path. The area is incredibly beautiful .
Mary V., Jacksonville, Florida, 7.31.11
The unit was very nice - my favorite part was the lanai. Very nice. There was one thing future renters should be aware of... the owners that live above the unit are very noisy!!! I felt like we were underneath an elephants path. Customer service was good. The best part of the trip.... Kailua beach - very nice to hang out and play in the water. A very nice restaurant was Halewia's Joes. Advice for future renters.. would be keep the food in the fridge - the ants are in the kitchen!!! I would recommend snorkeling at shark's cove - very nice.
Caroline S., Tempe, AZ, 7.26.11
Aloha! We had a fabulous trip back home to Kailua and the Lanikai Beach Bungalow was exactly what we all hoped for! It was clean, comfortable and provided the perfect "beachy" atmosphere. Our agents who helped us were simply awesome from beginning to end! We just love them! Mahalo to both of them, from the eight of us who truely left our hearts in Lanikai! We will all be back very soon!
Jamie S., Bellingham, WA, 7.25.11
This was a beautiful house with a spectacular view. It was perfect for a family of 5. We enjoyed relaxing on the deck and barbecuing.
Amy J., Exeter, California, 7.23.11
What I liked best about the house was its large size which comfortably accommodated our large group, and its obvious proximity to the beach. Also, the lot was a nice size which included a large grass area for the kids to play and plenty of parking behind a private gate. The appliances and stereo and tv equipment were easy to use, and having all the bedrooms upstairs allowed for privacy. The customer service was very good, and the agent and property manager were relatively quick to respond to our inquiries. The house was very warm with the air conditioner not running when we arrived and it would have been a nice customer service touch to have had that working and comfortable upon our arrival and I would recommend you request this before your arrival. The best restaurant we found was Big City Diner. I would definitely recommend this villa to any large family looking for a comfortable place to stay next to the beach. My advice would be to make sure you understand the rules regarding heating the large pool, as it was very cold and not really amenable to swimming without paying extra for the heat and we were not aware of this issue until after we arrived. Overall, this house was wonderful and I would highly recommend it. Overall, the rental agent was very helpful and responsive, and addressed all of our inquiries. Aloha.
Dan C., Las Vegas, Nevada, 6.22.11
Fabulous beach house! We had a mini family reunion and it worked out perfect! Lots of space to not feel crowded and in each others' way. Very shabby chic/cottage, laid back feel. We LOVED the ocean smack dab behind the property and even had sea turtles visit! Kiaaina greeted us the first day and gave us all sorts of tips on where to go to eat and hike. He and Lori, his assistant, are right across the street from the property so they are readily available if needed. A couple of challenges - the wifi connection was intermittent, but we were experiencing strong winds and lots of rain and the cable company was suppose to come out to fix, but never made it. Also the gas grill could not warm up hot enough to work properly but we did not report it to Kiaaina or Lori. Overall, we all LOVED the Ocean House and would stay there again if we do another big group trip!
Helen D., Castle Rock, CO, 6.14.11
The house was perfect for my mom's 70th birthday vacation. We had 8 adults and 5 kids...and plenty of room for the kids to run around. The beach was fabulous..The house had everything we needed. We only left to go to Costco and Safeway. We would definitely rent this house again. Mahalo!
Noriko C., Sacramento, CA, 6.9.11
We work hard all year and look forward to relaxing on vacation, as you know these beachfront rentals are not cheap. This trip we had 3 different houses rented and they were all nice properties, here is why I only gave this one 2 stars: -The property manager was overly strict; I understand I have rental properties too, and I know how renters can be, but this house had about 6 additional papers that had to be signed on do's & don'ts up to how to wash towels, too ridiculous. -We were supposed to remember what nights to take out the trash & recycling. I'm paying thousands on vacation to take out trash barrels?? In addition the barrels were all overflowing when we arrived and they are shared with the permanent residents on the front property and paperwork said extra charge if we have too much trash. -There was some sort of animal loose in the house, we found fresh cat size droppings in the downstairs bedroom, also a strange smell. I immediately made Claudia aware, she said there was nothing that could be done unless we saved the droppings for her to view. -Downstairs TV needed written instructions. There were 3 remotes and we could not work the TV, thus being unable to watch NBA playoffs together. She did come once to demonstrate how to work and said she would leave written instructions (we had written rules for everything else) but failed to leave written instructions due to an emergency. (There wasn't anyone else available that could cover for her?) -Internet at this house only was fair in the AM and non-existent in the evening. This was not the case in the other 2 rentals we had. -Parking at this property for the number of people it sleeps is very inconvenient, not enough space. -Your website "Vacation Rental Agent .com under "BEDS" lists 5 kings and 2 queens. It is 4 kings and 2 queens. We were short a bed. Claudia was not apologetic about that, (I know she didn't have control of that) but told me briskly that it was not her problem what the rental agency does. -We would not chose to rent this property in the future. We were quite happy with our other 2 rentals.
Rudy and Cheryl Z., Encinitas, CA, 5.14.11
It was a very clean, quiet and equipped with all necessary items anyone could want or need. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to friends and family.
Lynn M., Waipahu, Hawaii, 5.4.11
Lanikai beach is a piece of heaven--few tourists, beautiful sand and seas. The accommodation was perfect--bright, quiet, pretty, zen-like, with a lovely lanai from which to enjoy the sunrise over the sea and a morning coffee. A quiet street, minutes walk from Lanikai, and a short walk to Kailua beach. Mike and Dena were warm and welcoming, and most helpful--I hope I can find a chance to stay here again!
Lara C., Calgary, AB, 4.22.11
This place is paradise! It felt like home immediately, and the host family is incredibly kind and generous of their bikes, kayaks and local island knowledge. The location is ideal. Quaint and quiet street, just minutes from the most beautiful beach. The back patio area is peaceful and beautiful. We are already looking forward to going back!
Gusty S., Portland, OR, 4.2.11
WOW.....where do I start. Sixteen people from 5 different states met in Hawaii for vacation and stayed at Ocean House. The view was one of the best in Hawaii. Situated only feet from the ocean, the open air house was perfect for our trip. The layout of the house allowed for a constant breeze reminding you of the closeness of the ocean. We could see the whales from the living room, watch the sea turtles and sunrise from the lani and if we had wanted, we could have had the perfect vacation by never leaving the house. Thank you Kia' Aina and staff for making our stay fantastic especially after being evacuated due to the tsunami. Being able to return to the last day made our trip home easier. Thank you again..........
Cathy S., Smyrna, TN, 3.13.11
The house was just wonderful! My family enjoyed the amazing view and the cooling tradewinds. We went snorkeling and bike riding in our free time. We were also lucky enough to go see a sea turtle during one of our walks on the beach! It was such a great trip! We are already beginning to plan a trip for next year!
Teresa B., DPO, AP, 2.11.11
What I liked best was the location and the cozy feel.
Natalie L., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 2.7.11
A fantastic place for families or large groups! Perfect walking distance to everything that matters... Kia'aina and his team are pros. I highly recommend staying at the ocean house!
Pete D., Surrey, BC, 2.1.11
The location was outstanding and the owner wonderful and very generous. The concerns were primarily that the 3rd bedroom did not have a door and being right off the kitchen the noise often work up the kids (even though we tried to be very quiet.) Also, the fan in the middle room was not in working order for the first 2 night and the owner fixed it immediately. The fan in the front bedroom had a clicking noise that would wake us up in the morning. Would love to return but probably not with babies as the noise from the TV and weekend workers in back apartment kept the babies awake. Mahalo, Peggy
Margaret W., Annapolis, MD, 1.27.11
Excellent. Loved the new improvements. Hope you found the house clean and tidy as we left it and look forward to our cleaning bond being returned.
Glenn A., COFFS HARBOUR, NSW AUSTRALIA, 11.8.10
Robbie and Mike are excellent hosts. The studio has all that one needs for a comfortable stay. The location is perfect.
Gloria L., San Francisco, CA, 11.3.10
Oceanhouse was awesome, it accomodated our family and friends comfortably. We enjoyed our views and the all the amenities. Customer service was great. We had a memorable birthday party. I would definitely stay here again.
Shana T., San Francisco, CA, 11.1.10
The Lanikai Escape was a fantastic retreat for my husband and I. We rarely get to take vacations, so we truly appreciated the "home away from home" vibe at the Lanikai escape. Robbie and Mike were so welcoming and friendly. EVERYTHING we could need was provided for us: Beach towels, cooking utensils, washer/dryer, use of kayaks, life vests, beach chairs, etc. The unit was very comfortable and clean, with all new finishes. Robbie and Mike also left some very useful tips, restaurant recommendations, and directions to local stores for us in a binder, which we took with us everywhere. Not being familiar with the area, it was so helpful to have that information at hand. The door to the main house was always open if Robbie or Mike were home. If we needed anything, they made sure we felt comfortable enough to ask! The unit is located on the Leeward side of Oahu, in a cute town called Kailua. The beaches are fantastic. Kailua Beach Park has a lifeguard on duty, as well as restrooms, picnic areas and a nice long, wide swath of soft sandy beach and crystal clear, calm water. Lanikai Beach has the softest sand ever, but does not have any facilities or parking. You can walk to Lanikai Beach from the unit and Kailua Beach is a very short drive. There is also water access directly next to the unit. Perfect for bringing out a kayak for the day! Definitely kayak out to "the Moke's" with the provided ocean kayak's. The water is calm and crystal clear. The beach, rugged island and bird sanctuary waiting to be explored there are amazing!!! That was a highlight of our trip, for sure. We also drove up to the North Shore and explored a little, but did not find the big waves we were expecting ( they are biggest from Nov-March ). If you want to watch some good waves, body boarding and surfing, try out Sandy Beach Park or Makapu'u Beach Park!! These are not really "swimming" beaches, but are good places to get some sun while watching the surfers and body boarders. Hanauma Bay Park has the BEST snorkeling and quite a nice beach, to boot. It makes for a very nice day! Arrive early, it gets crowded by late morning, and the water is clearer the earlier you go. Stop by Sandy Beach Park or Makapu'u Beach Park on the way back from Hanauma Bay. They are right on the way back to the unit from the Bay. We tried many of the local restaurants, including Cinammon's, Buzz's and Lucy's. Lucy's wound up being our favorite. The food and service were top notch, but the atmosphere was relaxed -- perfect. We made a couple return trips there. Also, breakfast at Cinammon's was great! If you drive in to Honolulu / Waikiki ( it's maybe 30 minutes ), try out Duke's. It's inside the Outrigger Hotel set directly on Waikiki. It's a fun atmosphere, and they have very good Mai-tai's :D Be prepared to wait a spell if you come for dinner around sunset. Perhaps the best recommendation we could give is that we would return to this unit WITHOUT HESITATION on a future trip. We fell in love with the area, and the Lanikai Escape felt like a home away from home!
Lori H., Austin, TX, 10.26.10
What I liked best about the unit I rented was the proximity to the beach with easy access. The customer service I received was the friendly manager waiting for us at the unit helping us orient ourselves to the unit and its amenities The best part of my trip was waking up to the songs of the local birds and the dramatic sunrise over the Mokulua islands My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be to use mosquito repellent before going to bed. If squeamish about roaches, arm yourself with traps and spray.
Pierre A., Yucaipa, CA, 8.27.10
Beautiful setting, immaculate, lovely hawaiian decor, lots of light and roomy. It was also very private in a beautiful neighborhood. There is a great walking loop, right outside the door and a very vigorous hike in the neighborhood that has a spectalulor view. Our trip included kayaking, a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center and a drive to North Shore. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it...
Claudia W., Encinitas, CA, 8.10.10
Great location on Lanikai Beach. Beautiful views from the second floor. Plenty of room. Customer service was very good and friendly.
Terry R., Boulder, CO, 8.7.10
This place is fantastic! So cozy, casual and comfy! Great location and neighborhood, easy walking distance to the beach. Loved the 1.8 mile loop...great for jogs and walks! Just had a few issues with the dishwasher and garbage disposal, so follow the instructions from the owners carefully! Our kids loved the L & L Drive-In for local food... We would definitely stay there again! Love Lanakai...fun to be out of the rat race of Honolulu!
David M., Camas, WA, 7.26.10
We loved our stay in Lanikai at the Lanikai Bungalow. The beach is close by and very beautiful. The closest entry points with the "postcard perfect" long, sandy beach were only a couple of blocks up the road. Heavenly location. The surrounding garden is peaceful and charming and the interior is colorful and unique. The owner of the bungalow is on the premises and was particularly helpful. Laundry was convenient and she had lots of beach gear to share. We are avid snorkelers and thoroughly enjoyed Shark's Cove up north near Waimea. Since we were here in early July, we had smooth, calm, warm water with a very easy entry. Highlights: schools of good-sized fish, cuttlefish, Hawaiian lobsters, morays. Be sure to detour to Hale'iwa for shave ice! We became big "plate lunch" fans and especially liked "L and L" barbecues. Don't miss the frozen yogurt place in town called Yo Mama. We ate twice at Buzz's and would have gone back for our last night's dinner, but we didn't make reservations in time. Great kiave grilled seafood and steaks.
Sandy B., Santa Rosa, CA, 7.8.10
The Lanikai Cottage is a little slice of heaven. Thank you! -Meg
Megan F., San Francisco, CA, 7.4.10
The location was great. It was less than a 5 mins walk to the most beautiful beach in Oahu (in my opinion)! It was a fantastic location for a low-key vacation and away from all the hustle of Honolulu/Waikiki area. My dad fished at the shore, my nephew swam at the beach, and my husband and I layed out everyday. It was about a 30 mins drive to Waikiki and the touristy area. The house itself was quaint. It was hard at times with 6 people and 1 bathroom. The kitchen was somewhat spacious with 2 dining room tables. There are 2 small TV's in the house - but, when you're in Hawaii, do you really want to spend time watching TV? :) There's a hike in Lanikai, the Pill Box, great hike with great views. We ate at Zippy's a couple times.. it's convenient, yummy, and cheap.
Janet Y., Alhambra, CA, 6.1.10
This is a great rental unit for a family. It is very spacious and comfortable (family of five). The unlimited use of the pool and having a wonderful beach very close by made our trip very enjoyable. Sandy the caretaker was very friendly and offered great advice.
Katherine A., Vancouver, BC, 4.8.10
WE LOVED THE LANIKAI ESCAPE, SO PEACEFUL AND QUIET, YET ONLY 20 MINUTES TO HONOLULU. EVERYTHING WE NEEDED WAS PROVIDED, AND ROBBIE AND HER HUSBAND WERE VERY WELCOMING AND HELPFUL. KAYAKS ARE PROVIDED, AND A ROMANTIC TRIP TO THE ISLANDS IN A TWO PERSON KAYAK IS A MUST. (WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKETS). THE BEACH AT THE PROPERTY HAS THE MOST EXQUISITE SAND ON OAHU...FINE, WHITE AND BEAUTIFUL, PLUS IT IS RARE TO SEE ANOTHER PERSON ON THAT BEACH. WE WOULD DEFINITELY RETURN TO THIS RELAXING LOCATION.
Doug B., Tenmile, Oregon, 3.27.10
Our stay at the Ocean Treehouse was even better than we had imagined. The house is gorgeous, the view spectacular, and the accommodations all around were perfect for our group. We especially enjoyed the spacious deck, the semi-private lower level room, the large dining and living room areas, and the fabulous kitchen. Lanikai was the perfect spot for our vacation.
Marianne W., So. Strafford, VT, 3.15.10
This is a little piece of paradise! What a great place to stay. It was very windy while we were there, and instead of braving the sandstorm on the beach we could just lie in the yard, in the middle of the amazing (and private) garden. Very quiet and peaceful! I will miss breakfast under the Banyan tree, listening to the birds, going to Baci's Bistro (best food in the world, seriously). The house is clean and well equipped - it is definitely a home, not just a rental accomodation. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Kara H., Nanaimo, BC, 3.14.10
We enjoyed the house but the public access is quite noisy and tere is a constant stremnof people on the houses property which certainly limits privacy. We don't feel we were informed adequately of that situation and would not stay at the house again due to it. The house itself is large and well appointed and we enjoyed our time there. Wish there was some type of outside seating or tables to eat at and enjoy the views.
Nicole N., Kailua, HI, 3.14.10
This was a great house for our group (6 adults and 4 small children)! The proximity to the beach and the pool at the house were fabulous. The house had all the amenities we needed. We would definitely recommended this to anyone wanting a place to stay that is close to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Ali S., Issaquah, WA, 3.9.10
We rented the whole house.. upstairs and downstairs. The space was large enough for 10 people comfortably. It was close to the beach and close to town. The only problem was that the downstairs kitchen only had a 2 burners for a stove and very little area to prep food... since we had the whole house we used the upstairs kitchen more.
Alyscia D., Burnaby, BC, 2.27.10
This is an amazing home, without a doubt the best one I have ever rented. Simply but elegantly decorated, and full of all the amenities you could ask for. It is obvious that the home is well-cared for by all the details. The back of the house area is absolutely spectacular, fit for entertaining or even better, just some lovely quiet time. The location across from the beach is perfect, barely a two minute walk. I would highly recommend Hale Maluhia, and look forward to returning someday.
Kim M., Chicago, IL, 2.19.10
Lanikai Escape was amazing! Robbie was so friendly and accommodating. Everything was perfect -- the location, layout, decor, everything! We used the kitchen quite a bit and it was convenient to have a washer/dryer to use as well. Everything you need is already in the condo as far as pots, pans, utensils, and even shampoo, books and beach towels. Lanikai is the best beach in Oahu, and it is still a quick drive to the North Shore and Waikiki. We loved eating at Buzz's Steakhouse nearby. I would definitely recommend this to others. We didn't have time this trip, but next trip Iwe're looking forward to snorkeling in Hanauma Bay park which is not far. We love to eat so we'd recommend going to Leonard's Bakery in Honolulu for malasadas, Romy's Shrimp Shack on the way to the North Shore, Ted's Bakery for Haupia Pie (on the North Shore), and Aoki's and/or Matsumoto's for Shave Ice in Haleiwa. There is so much more to Oahu than just Waikiki, and this is absolutely the best place to stay to prove it...
Darlene C., Miami, FL, 2.17.10
The owner was very nice and made you feel like you were a freinf visiting. the location was good, I would stay here again!!! Lanikai is always a great place to stay!!!!
Dan C., Pittsburg, CA, 1.25.10
The house is spacious and well equipped. When we arrived, Sandy Earle met us and told us about the setup. She was extremely helpful, even to the point of helping us with some heavy luggage. The other service which was amazing: the owner came over on the first evening to repair the wi-fi so that we could use our computers. The only bad thing was the overgrown greenery blocking the view from the deck. The owner did send someone to cut back this overgrowth, but it was not successful. The deck, in fact, does NOT provide an ocdan view. But it is an easy walk to Lanikai beach, and a short drive to Kailua beach....both lovely.
Dorothy D., St. Louis, MO, 1.23.10
The Garden Lanai was great! The instructions that we received ahead of time made finding the place and getting in no problem. The place was very clean and well appointed and comfortable. The access to the beach was closer than we had anticipated- and the beach itself was stunning. I would certainly recommend the Garden Lanai without hesitation. We look forward to returning.
Emily M., Tivoli, NY, 1.22.10
This was a great property. I'm big on peace and quiet, and this property provided exactly that. A nearby dog barked a few times during the day on a few separate days, but never at night. And a neighbor and his friends in the gigantic property to the left woke me up cursing loudly in their yard at 7am one morning, which was weird. Other than that, it was very peaceful. The neighbor that lives behind the rental property is named Wayne (I think). He was a very nice guy. As another reviewer noted, the actual beach is a short walk away. It's about a 10 - 15 minute walk down the street to a public beach access walkway around property 1104, which brings you onto a secluded beach which was very nice. Plenty of coral for snorkeling in front of about 1/2 of the beach there, with mostly open water near the beach on the other half for swimming. Outstanding. Better than the other beaches in my opinion (unless you want to surf in waves near the beach). Also, I love to swim and you have a great place to do it right in front of the property. I loved walking down the stone steps there at the oceanfront stone wall at the end of the yard down to the ocean, where the area is great for wading and swimming. Careful, though, when going down those steps. The stone steps are a bit steep and rough on your feet, and the last couple can be a bit slippery from the high tide. Plus, the house comes equipped with some body boards, water toys, coolers and some snorkel gear. A nice touch! Also, if you have a kayak or the like, you can boat out to the two nearby small islands, one of which has a small beach on it as well. I saw people from nearby houses heading out there a lot, and wished I could have joined them. My stay was during the first week in January, and it was in the 70s and sunny almost the entire week. The full moon also luckily happened right when I got there, so I never encountered jelly fish (which show up around 9 days after a full moon) at this or any of the other beaches I visited. That was a huge plus! The water this time of year was a bit chilly, but still great once you were in it for a few minutes and got used to it. A bummer for me was how Shark's Cove up near the North Shore was supposed to be a snorkeler's paradise, but in January it's a treacherous area full of torrential waves that are not safe for anyone. Oh well, maybe next time during the summer! By the way, the fruit basket waiting for me was awesome. Thank you for that! I'm hoping they might install a dishwasher, as that was one of the only luxuries I missed not having. I knew it didn't have one when I rented, still I'm mentioning it with the hopes they might upgrade to one eventually. That aside, the kitchen is well stocked with silverware, plates, pans and dish ware. The bathrooms also have plenty of wash clothes and towels. The only big downside was the wireless router had gone bad and I couldn't salvage it, so I had to buy a new router in order to have wireless internet. So the Linksys N router is courtesy of me. I wrote up instructions for accessing the wireless network and put them in the white folder there on the table. Also, the white folder which I'm assuming is courtesy of the owner, is chock full of great info and resources for the visit. Not sure when I can make it back to Oahu, but this rental property will be high on my list for a place to stay!
James S., Richmond, KY, 1.11.10
Quiet location at the far end of Lanikai was perfect for a getaway with my girlfriend. Unit was very clean, owners were friendly and non obtrusive....would love to return
Mike B., Anna, TX, 12.23.09
The house was the perfect size for our family! We had a great time and the grounds and home was beautiful. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and holiday! We would suggest anyone stay there and am more than happy to tell others about it and your service. Gayle Giovanetti-Fisher
Gayle G., San Jose, Ca, 11.29.09
The property Manager and the Owner were both great to work with and extremely flexible and responsive. We have two small children and this responsiveness was very much appreciated. The best part of our stay was the proximity to the beach - a phenomenal beach only 150 yards away! If you don't know Kailua well (like us), there is a nice downtown area very close with a small mall and great shops and restaurants (and Starbucks too). We discovered this 2 days before the end of our trip, after struggling to find good spots to eat (besides Buzz's, which was a great place). The house has some nice attributes but is really outdated. From the description on the HomeAway website you would think that you were staying in a multi-million dollar property in a gated community, but in reality the property is quite old and a little grungy in some areas. The neighborhood is quite nice though. If I owned the place I would do a couple of days of landscape work (mainly trimming dead branches and removing dead plants) and put quite a bit of work into the interior remodel. At the very least some deep cleaning and painting.
Cory F., Portland, OR, 11.22.09
My wife and I enjoyed the property very much...we weren't there very often as I was on the island for business. However, if we get back into the territory we will certainly attempt to get back to this little cottage. Thank you!
Kelly M., Las Vegas, Nevada, 11.5.09
This is a beautiful house with all the necessary amenities in the kitchen, large lenai, and wonderful views.
Susan O., Encinitas, CA, 10.31.09
great stay. the dishes were not very clean when we got there, however.
Ernie C., San Mateo, CA, 9.15.09
We traveled to Hawaii with a disabled child. The Rental Agency was great with getting us information on local medical services, etc. It really increased my level of comfort and feeling prepared. Hospital is not far if needed. The house and property were beautiful and the nice thing about having a seawall rather than beach was that it maintained our privacy and with a beautiful view. Buzz's food was great as well as Roundtable pizza and both very close. We were able to rent Kayaks and bikes during our stay to use as needed. The trail up "Bunker Hill" to watch the sunrise was alot of fun, not overly challenging but a good morning work out. I had purchased a self guided CD tour of Oahu and we split our drive around the island into a couple days so it wasn't tiring. Dole plantation, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Blowhole, Hanaumu Bay, Chinaman's Hat, a Luau @ Paradise Cove and the North Shore Shave Ice. We saw them all but at our own pace and not on a travel bus. We could cut the day short and go back and relax. Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach were alot of fun and amazingly not very crowded.We did need to watch out for jellyfish but they were dark blue so easy enough to spot. One issue with the house was a loud wailing sound during the night at either one of the 2 back bedrooms. We had a couple sleepless nights but when my son-in-law came over on the weekend he found it was some kind of seabirds that would walk under the window and make all kinds of noise. Never saw them during the day but if you hear a very loud howling it is just a bird under the window. Pool and Lawn people were very friendly and the Pool maintenance man shared alot of information about the area. Would like to get to the Polynesian Cultural Center next time and maybe take some paddling lessons.
Christine B., Spring Hill, FL, 9.14.09
The unit I rented was very big and comfortable, the property manager very nice and the position excellent. Lanikai beach is the best one I have seen in Oahu The best restaurant I found is Buzz's: excellent !!!
Paola T., Segrate, Milano - Italy, 8.20.09
The rental looked small from the outside BUT this was the best decision we made as a family. The rental was everything we dreamt of and more! It was spacious with a constant breeze, a worn but welcoming feel with lots of room and bathrooms to accomodate all of us. We all loved it! We are originally from Honolulu, HI and have relocated to various states on the mainland. We wanted to see what it was like to rent a home on the beach rather than stay at hotels in Waikiki as we did in the past. We are so happy we rented! The property manager was awesome, the kitchen had all the utensils needed, two very large stainless steel refrigerators, lots of amenities....We watched the sea turtles, the sunrise, beautiful ocean view and did not have to leave the rental to do anything else. We will definitely have to do it again. From the bottom of our hearts, Mahalo! NY, VA, Germany
Hope B., New York, NY, 8.3.09
The owners were wonderful, the privacy was great. The rental was so great i could see myself living there. I had a couple of friends come see the rental and they loved it too. I have already passed the word for people i know who visit Hawaii and have told them about this rental. Thank you so very much!!
Debra C., Enterprise, Alabama, 7.8.09
What I liked best about the unit I rented was furnishings. And I was enchanted by the beauty of the scenery from this house. I wished I could stay there longer.
Yoko K., Tokyo, Japan, 5.10.09
Beautiful setting and a spacious informal home with nice Indonesian furniture. The booking agent was responsive and fixed a plumbing problem that we should have noticed earlier. Nice swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking and beautiful beach and view right outside the door. definitely hike up to the pill box for a spectalular view
Kenneth S., Seattle, WA, 4.13.09
Lanikai Escape was everything we had hoped for and then some! It looked just like the photos, but the photos can't convey how large it actually is - we were afraid it might feel small, but it's a great big, bright & airy space, windows everywhere, high ceilings, and everything is done top notch. Fabulous views off the lanai. Robbie & Michael were gracious hosts, and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrrived. We've stayed at several rentals in the Kailua/Lanikai area, and if you are looking for a great location for a getaway for two, you won't do any better than this.
Wendy L., Phoenix, AZ, 3.16.09
This unit is very clean and and cozy on the inside all the kitchen convience of home on a smaller scale. The childeren upstairs were not a problem very quite. We will try to use this unit again on another visit.
Carl H., Placerville, CA, 2.4.09
The Garden Lanai was perfect and served all our needs quite well! We used to live in Kailua years ago so it was nice to get back to the islands for some surf and sand. The private patio area with BBQ was fantastic for bringing home some fresh fish and serving it up. For those visiting, make sure to do a kayak trip out to the Mokulua islands! Also, sandwiches down at the Kalapawai Market (green market on the beach) are fan-tastic. Check out Baci Bistro as well - best Italian food in Kailua. Overall, loved the unit and look forward to booking it again in the future!! - aloha
Katie P., Denver, CO, 2.2.09
This house was a great location and I agree with most people Lanikai is the most beautiful beach in Oahu. I loved the layout of the house and it was great to have a pool to entertain the kids and me! We really enjoyed Buzz's restaurant. The steak and crab were very tasty. This house was just a great central and quiet spot for our small family reunion.
Stacey R., Edmonton, Alberta, 1.27.09
Robbie & Michael are wonderful hosts! They made us feel welcome and are a great example of what 'Aloha' is all about. The unit is a wonderful and relaxing place to be, with all that you could possibly need at your disposal. The sound of the waves crashing is my favorite lullaby. Definitely take advantage of the kayaks and the easy access to the Mokes. They are a great paddle out and you will have a wonderful cruise back. Relax have a Mai Tai & grill up some Huli Huli Chicken on the grill. Don't forget to walk on Kailua beach too! It is a fabulous walk and you get to see some great kite surfing along the way. Thanks again for the great memories, we will definitely be back again soon!
Jennifer C., Napa, CA, 12.28.08
This is a wondeful place. Off the beaten path yet very close to several great beaches, restaurants, and shopping. The unit is newly constructed with top end comforts, located in a private, beautiful neighborhood. We hope to return soon.
John L., Anchorage, Alaska, 12.20.08
What we liked best of the unit as how cozy it was :) Loved that it was just up the street from Lanikai and Buzz's. Everything was clean and and it was really nice to have cable TV on the days that it rained! I would definitely recmmend this spot to anyone I knew :)
Fatima S., Irvine, CA, 10.31.08
location is super the beach fantastic the owner is a rare find as was sandy for their kindness and help. It is the place summer vacation is all about. thanks Laurel the wonderful lady that sent me here. Bill
Bill C., Olympia, Washington, 10.28.08
We loved the view. The location was great espeically since we had small kids. It was just a very relaxing place to stay. Had a great time!!
Maz M., Fairfax Station, Virginia, 10.5.08
Stunning view of the Mokuluas! I have marked this only 4* as I was disappointed with ocean front/beach front discrepancy not being fully apparent until reading the contract. Also it is an exaggeration to say it is perfect for swimming. Access from the steps is difficult. We are all very fit and mobile, two of the party kayaked to the Mokulas and the same afternoon one of us then swam to flat island and back! Also, two of our group were badly stung by jelly fish (Portuguese Man of War). Additionally, up to 14 fishermen would apprear every day at any one time, even making use of our sea wall. The vey much appreciated tht the kitchen was very well appointed and stocked with the basics that we would not want to buy for just a week's stay. However there was no dishwasher as claimed in the particulars The bathrooms were sparkling and well stocked with towels, including those for the beach. We also apprecited the quality and scope of the yard, the furniture and the sports equipment I found Verena extremely helpful and overall we liked the property and very much enjoyed our stay in Honu Hale. Alison Rose
Alison R., Berkshire, UK, 9.18.08
Location of the house was excellent and Lanikai beach and area was sublime. The house was very good and only lacked air con but with the traditional slated window style this would have been impossible. Otherwise the house had ALL the amenities we required with plenty of towels, hot water , massive fridge and comfortable beds. Thankyou if we come to Oahu again we will be in touch. Bill Tidman
BILL T., STRATFORD ON AVON, WARWICKSHIRE UK, 9.8.08
It was a wonderful rental. Thank you
Kerilyn M., Barre, Ma, 8.17.08
stayed for a week in july. first time in hawaii. i stayed with 2 other good friends (we're all 21years old). As long as you can afford a car rental this place is definitely for you. the converted space is BEAUTIFUL in the best neighborhood on the whole island on the best beach on the whole island. they had everything you might need to cook, bathe and clean etc. if your unfamilair with the island i would recommend spending your first night in waikiki to get the beach and nightlife out of your system because Lanikai will spoil you and nothing on the island will compare after that! only things to look out for with this property... -they do have young children so you can't be too loud and you may hear them cry in the morning (never was an issue with us) -it's not beach front, you'll have to walk about 1/2 mile to get to water and another 1/2 mile to get to where there's a beach (both accessed through alleyways between millionare homes) why it's worth it... -you'll be living in a postcard! -Lanikai and Kailua are amazing/safe neighborhoods and everyone's very happy/nice so you won't mind the walk to the beach (infact we jogged whenever we could because the area was too nice to ignore) i had the time of my life here
George C., Glendale, California, 7.21.08
Great stay! We loved meeting you and your beautiful family... And "adopting" Kona for a couple of weeks! Looking forward to another 30-day stay with you next year. Take good care. Mahalo! Paul and Barbara
Barbara J., Smyrna, GA, 7.12.08
Layout of the house accommodated our group very well. Pool and beach access was great. Lanikai access to Kailua area was very convenient. The upstairs bedroom and dining area got very hot and the front porch light did not work so it was always dark when we came home. Overall, everything else was great.
Alan S., Albany, OR, 7.4.08
The Ocean House is the perfect beach house! We had a fabulous time with our "chosen family"! The breeze that blows through the house was all we needed to be comfortable. We could have easily never left the neighborhood to have a vacation well beyond our expectations. Lanikai beach is amazing!! The best part of the trip was relaxing on the beach and floating in the waves. No to mention the turtles!! You will love this rental and I highly recommend it to anyone!
Kris W., Everett, WA, 6.30.08
Loved it! Absolutely enchanting garden surrounding the bungalow, with patio furniture where I enjoyed breakfast and dinner most days, and a relaxing hammock for afternoon naps under the leaves of the banana tree. Owner was very kind and not invasive at all. Only complaint was the next door neighbor (at rear of property) was a very loud talker and could be heard quite easily when she was on the phone. Other than this, it was just awesome.
Burl H., Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 6.29.08
Clean, peaceful and well-equipped, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Garden Lanai. The thoughtful extras such as the covered parking were appreciated and the owners and rental agency were responsive to any questions we had. To anyone seeking an affordable, quality, self-catering home way from home on Oahu I totally recommend this unit.
Ben W., Victoria, BC, 6.10.08
What an incredible property! We could barely get to any of the "touristy" things we had wanted to do because we just couldn't tear ourselves out of that yard! It is impossible to capture in pictures, but you really feel like you're in the Garden of Eden -- the waterfalls, the incredible swing, and the white doves fluttering down to drink from that amazing pool made it almost surreal. Ya gotta eat though, so at least make sure to get to Pinky's on Tuesday nights for balloon night, a huge hit with the kids.
Janice E., Charlotte, NC, 6.10.08
The people who rented the property were very nice and helpful. The property was clean and suited what we were looking for. Thank you.
Paolo S., Marlow, Buckinghamshire, 4.8.08
This is the 2nd time that we have stayed at Hale Maluhia and we are already talking about renting for a third time. This house is perfection. Its beauty, location and layout are perfect for family or friends on a vacation getaway. We consider this our Hawaiian home away from home!
Leslie P., Lexington, MA, 4.7.08
Three stars is an underestimated choice. The location of Sunrise Retreat is AWESOME. Depending on the tides, you had your own little piece of paradise outside your back door. House was lovely, but not the one we originally chose. The space was a bit cramped for 11 people. The attached cottage shouldn't be rented until the whole area is gutted and refinished. Dirty, old, bathroom. Kitchen okay but not very clean. Fortunately, we all stayed in the big house and we only used the cottage for sleeping quarters. Customer service was good and the location in Lanakai was great. Great shops and restaurants (although we only ate out once locally at Buzz's and a couple of times at Teddy's). Great photo ops everywhere including a spot where Peter Lik took an amazing shot from our beach, taking in the two islands opposite. Great, safe location for children (needs to be supervision around the beach). Lots of local dogs being walked on a relatively quite public beach which is great for human walking too. You can snorkle right off the beach where there is a lot of coral deposits. Saw a sea turtle swim by right outside Sunrise Retreat. Take recycled items to the local Elementary school for their fundraising. Great idea I wished we had here in Canada. Put garbage out the night before otherwise it won't get taken. They pick up REALLY early. Water park, Sea life park, Catamaran sail and quick visits to Waikiki were our highlights. Don't miss Hanama Bay for snorkling - but go very early to get a parking spot. Only one group went to the Polynesian Village and said it was superb. Had a great time although it was expensive. Great holiday..would love to stay in Lanakai again, but not this house with this many people (2 bathrooms for 11 - not good). The Hayday, Petersons & Stayko families.
Rosemarie H., Sturgeon County, AB, 4.6.08