The condo was very nicely appointed and clean. The complex though is in need of a facelift and the pool was very un-inviting. This condo is on the windward side of the island so plan on some pretty high winds that whistle through the condo unless you completely shut the windows. The beaches on the NW side of the island are beautiful and are more protected from the wind! Overall good stay.
Victoria J., Marina Del Rey, CA, 5.7.12
The Beach Front Jewel had a view that could not have been better, waking up to the sun rising over the ocean with the beach and palm trees in the foreground. The rental was very clean and had all the amenities one could think of, down to a rice cooker. The reef offshore made snorkeling possible when one could not in other places. There was not a lot of fish but enough to go in everyday. We did though see a turtle every day we went. The physical location is excellent, being close to numerous activities as well as two grocery stores within a few miles. Our experience with Hawaiian Beach Rentals was excellent as agents were always available when we had questions. The only issue one would have is that the bedroom is on the highway of the property making it noisy. However, as another rater suggested, make up the queen futon in the living area. Besides, who would not want to wake up and open their eyes to sun, sand and surf!
Tracy L., Anchorage, AK, 4.24.12
Everything was great, the rental had everything you needed. If I had anything to add, it would be to mention more of the things you had. My wife and I stopped at the store to pick up some items before we got to the rental just to find out the rental already had them. I can honestly say that this place was just about perfect.
Jason B., Murrieta, CA, 4.10.12
The best part of this unit was it's location. We were looking for a more "laid back" area on Oahu and this was perfect. No city life just a lot of relaxation and privacy. The beach was wonderful - good for long walks. The swimming and snorkeling was perfect. We saw lots of turtles and whales. There are enough restraunts close by - but for us we enjoyed being able to do our own cooking at our own pace. There were more than enough well stocked supermarkets within 10-15 minute drive. You definitely want a car. Remember that Oahu is small enough that all tourist attractions are an "easy" day trip away - but staying here allows you to come "home" to a quiet private place. The comments about the road noise on the bedroom side are accurate - but the view and privacy of the beach more than offset that minor inconvienence.
Robert P., Colbert, WA, 3.2.12
We loved our stay at the beach front jewel. Everything was as we expected and more. It is fully equipped with anything we needed, down to a hair dryer. We enjoyed being away from the craziness of Honolulu. There were many things to do just a very short drive away. The Polynesian Cultural Center was fantastic we also enjoyed the town and beaches of Haleiwa, Laniakea beach and the sea turtles, the Dole Plantation, Hukilau cafe in Laie, Giovani's shrimp truck just passed the PCC, Surfin Tacos. We bought groceries at Food land and Tamara's and enjoyed cooking in the full equiped kitchen. We liked watching the sun come up each morning from our lanai. The view was exactly what we hoped it would be. We left wishing we could stay a little longer. We had a wonderful visit.
Julie P., Puyallup, WA, 2.22.12
The unit was clean. We loved going to sleep to the sound of the ocean and waking with the sunrise. Boots and Kimos for breakfast in Kailua. Kahuku Grill for lunch or dinner...fantastic!!!! Surfin Tacos in Hauula!!! Thanks for providing the boogie boards.... very fun! We loved our stay!
Linda E., Norwell, MA, 9.13.11
All the reviews and descriptions written for this condo are honest and accurate. What a relief! The pictures of the sandy beach, coral reef, beautiful sunrises are all what you will see. Even the stories of the turtles drifting by are true! The balcony offers an amazing panoramic view of the sea. Read as many of the reviews as possible and you will get the full story. This condo really is a jewel. The kitchen is wonderfully outfitted. The appliances are new and perfect. The bedding and towels are very nice. The bathroom is also as described and nicely appointed. Everything in this condo functions very well. The best word to describe the condition of this unit was "SPOTLESS!!!" I am pretty picky and I was satisfied. The condo comes furnished with everything advertised. Beach towels, chairs, coolers, snorkel and fins, boogie boards, etc. You are set up for a great time. The North Shore has the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. We enjoyed all the local restaurants from the simple Shrimp truck at Chings Market up to a couple of upscale fancy ones at the Turtle Bay Resort. The Fish Taco place next to Tamara's market was also a favorite for some take out. Tamara's is a small friendly market that has most everything you will need, including adult beverages! Foodland is a little further north and is a little more "Urban". Before you read list last paragraph about the "so-so" characteristics of this condo, I would definitely recommend this place to friends as well as stay here again. There are only three things that kept me from giving a full 5 stars. The building looks a little shabby from the highway. I was a bit unsure of my choice as we parked the car and headed to the secure elevators. You feel better as soon as you get to the 7th floor and totally relieved once you enter the "Jewel". You also get a slight whiff of septic gas or something while in the parking lot. There is some kind of transfer pump station between the front of the building and highway. It's not horrible, but it is noticeable when you walk to your car. You in NO WAY sense anything in the condo. The last thing to complain about is road noise from the highway while in the bedroom. There is a wonderful breeze blowing all the time so you will want the window open, but you will also hear every vehicle passing up and down the highway. You will be better off sleeping in the living room so you can enjoy the breezes as well as the sunrise!
Alan E., Washington Twp, Michigan, 8.11.11
1. close to the beach. 2.good 3. walks along the beach 4. Buzz's restaurant etc
Alexander N., Sydney, , 6.24.11
This is a great little place to stay. Not really big enough for 4 people, although there would be enough room to sleep, it is quite small and is a good size for two. The place was super clean, and provides beach towels, snorkels, and even a picnic cooler and ice packs which came in very handy. The best grocery shopping is up near sunset beach. Not much in the way of restaurants near this condo, so we bought some fish and fresh vegies and enjoyed some quiet dinners at home. The beach is fantastic; perfectly quiet and the water is great! Beach is almost non-existent at high tide, but the property is wide enough behind the beach, to still be able to lounge and enjoy the view of the ocean.
Elise B., Baie d'urfe, Quebec, 5.24.11
The view was awesome, loved being right on the beach. Customer service fine. The bedroom in our unit was extremely small and the traffic noise from the highway was annoying since we didn't have a fan to mask it. The rest of the condo was cozy.
Jeff and Maryeve L., Chehalis, WA, 5.11.11
The view was great, it was the best part of the condo. Customer service was fine. Ted's Bakery was wonderful, breakfast and dinner. We spent all of our time at Waiema bay, swimming. North Shore's FoodLand was the best for food, La'ie no beer or wine at that FoodLand. My advice for someone staying at the condo is it's not the Ritz Carlton but it's comfortable clean and quiet. We slept on the futon because the morning view and nightly sounds of the ocean were breathtaking. Best tip for the island....2 cooler min.
Delaney E., Tualatin, OR, 5.1.11
We felt very safe with the secure elevator access. The customer service I received was very helpful. We enjoyed driving around the island of Oahu and seeing all the little communities. The best restaurant we found was in Manoa -Paesano Ristorante, more upscale; great lasagna and eggplant parm. The unit we stayed in had a very small bedroom and had highway traffic noise all the time; after the first night we slept on the futon couch in the living room so we got fresh air and the sounds of the ocean. We liked the washer/dryer in the condo. Insider tip for visitors to Poly. Cult. Ctr.-the cost is 51.00 for a gen. adm. ticket-go later in the afternoon so you can take adv. of more activities. Dole Plant. has pineapple ice cream!
Elizabeth I., Hilliard, Ohio, 3.30.11
This was a great unit, although small for more than 2 people. The bedroom is very snug!! Wonderful view of the ocean. The kitchen was well stocked with spices etc, and there was lots of beach "stuff" for people to use if they wanted. We loved the Huuala Loop trail, and also Laie Falls trail, both offered wonderful views. If you want to eat out much there's nothing within walking distance, we went to Crouching Lion one night but mostly cooked at home.
Tessa M., Palo Alto, CA, 11.27.10
This was a trip of a lifetime for my husband and me. We had a wonderful time, the beach was beautiful and private. There were several great places to eat - The Crouching Lion, Jameson's by the Sea - just to name a few. The condo was quiet, secluded and had a killer view for sunrises. Real close to several other great beaches to watch amazing sunsets. If you are looking for a place to truly get away for some much needed R&R, we highly recommend this condo.
Judy F., Marion, IN, 6.1.10
We had a wonderful stay. Our unit was beautiful. We had everything we needed. From Beach chairs, coolers and all new appliances. The view was stunning. We saw whales right from our balcony. The beach was beautiful. I swam with a sea turtle and saw lots of fish while snorkeling. The water was calm and warm. I could walk for ever on the beach. I can't wait to come back. Sunrises were amazing. We hiked the Loop which was a nice hike and a good workout. The best part of my stay was the quiet, peacful area and beach. We love Hawelia Joes restaurant. Food and service was great. If you like relaxing, peace and quite then this is the place to stay! Pack lightly as the unit had a washer and dryer and all you really needed was swim suits, shorts, sweater and 1 dressy outfit. Thank you for everything. Margaret
Margaret F., Scotland, Ontario, 2.28.10
We enjoyed our stay. It was like a home away from home. It was exceptionally clean and comfortable. Although we frequented the local shrimp trucks and other delightful eating spots, it was nice to be able to prepare some of the world's freshest foods in a great kitchen. The best part of my trip was diving and hearing 'whale music'. Haleiwa was a great place to hang out. I will miss the Maui sweet onion chips.... I will be back again and again.
Arron B., St Albert, Alberta, Canada, 4.16.09