We had a great time in our Ocean Breeze beachfront unit. It was the bottom air conditioned remodeled unit in the back house. The layout was a little weird, where the vanities were in the bedroom to the left of the bed and the toilet was right next to the shower with no door to divide the space. However, overall, we would have to say that for the price we paid for such a prime beachfront location, it was worth it. The Polynesian Cultural Center is literally right across the street, but because we visited the center on our last visit, we didn't visit it this time around. We had an exciting trip where we spent the entire day out each day around the island and visited waikiki each night. You can't beat topping off each night with a beer on the patio right in front of the ocean! Here are a few attractions we suggest: Makapuu Lookout (overlooks Waimanalo Bay) Makapuu Point (a paved hiking path next to Makapuu lookout with a lighthouse at the end) Manoa Falls (hike the rainforest in Honolulu-behind Univ of Hawaii) Kualoa Ranch (go on a 1or2 hour ATV tour!) Snorkeling at Shark's Cove in the North Shore Visit sea turtles at Haleiwa beach...trek east along the volcanic rock beach for .5-1 mile. Couples' oceanside massage at Turtle Bay Resort Pali Lookout Paradise Cove Luau Basking in the sun on Sandy Beach near Waimanalo Bay Good eats: Papa Ole (delicious mac salad and spicy fried chicken) Hukilau (on Man vs. Food!) and best of all it's just down the street. Super affordable breakfast, but cash only! Helena's (it was on Travel Channel and possible other food channels. Located in Honolulu) Super affordable, but cash only! Giovannis' or Romy's shrimp truck. Boots N' Kimos (awesome mac nut pancakes in Kailua)...Cash only... Waiolas Shaved Ice (in Honolulu). I didn't make it to Matsumotos, but everyone says it's a MUST. Side Street Inn (good late night food in Waikiki...pork chops!) Puka Dog (yummy garlic sauce over hot dogs in Waikiki) North Shore Markets: Foodland and Tamara
Amy C., Los Angeles, CA, 5.28.11
we enjoyed the ocean breeze suite ..it was private right on the ocean very comfy.. Ray is a wonderful person was very respectful of our privacy but and all the info you needed...we watged the sufers in the regular places but went to the beach on the south part of the island sandy beach...we enjoyed getting fresh ahi salas at the foodmart at the north shore cheap and fresh..thank for everything Ray you will see us again..Marie and Billy
William and Marie V., Anchorage, Alaska, 1.13.11
The Ocean Breeze Suit really lives up to its name. The property is in a beautiful location and is a great place just to relax and soak everything in. The Suite itself is very nicely decorated and we really enjoyed the outside shower. Drinking our morning coffee on the patio while watching people surfing and humpback whales off in the distance was just breathtaking. The sunrising right in front of the suite was gorgeous and watching a full moon rise was just spectacular. Being animal folk, we really enjoyed Jake's company whenever he would come over just to lay on the floor and watch us or join us for a walk on the beach. Ray was a more than gracious host, and was always egar to answer any of our questions about the area. Shopping at the local Foodland is great and make sure to get one of their store cards for good discounts. A great place for breakfast is the Hulilau Cafe just up the road from the Foodland. We had such a great time, I don't know if it is possible to improve on anything we did or saw. Staying at the Ocean Breeze Suite was the best idea ever, and I can't imagine our vacation being so perfect if we had not found it. I would definitely stay there again, without question.
Dawn E., Fort Collins, Co, 2.6.10
Beautiful location, nicely decorated.
Patricia N., San Diego, CA, 12.26.09
It was awesome! No bugs! Great Ocean breeze right in your door. Beautiful sun rises and the beach just outside the door was wonderful. Our unit was warm and cozy, perfect for two people. We had everything including an out door shower just outside our bedroom door. Perfect for when you get out of the ocean. Maria and Raymond were gracious host. We hope to come back sometime with the whole family! Back home in KC!
Eileen T., Kansas City, Missouri, 10.5.09
This suite is absolutely beautiful inside and out. You are literally steps away from the ocean. The property also offers a beautiful little garden to sit in. Little touches around the property and in the suite are superb. Would definately visit/stay here again, in fact we plan on returning next year. Location is great, nice and quiet.
Kelly W., Surrey, BC, 9.13.09
The unit was the right size for just two adults, and having access to our own private beach (and breaks for the shade) was great. Snorkeling was good down the beach to the left. If you are staying in this unit: take advantage of Foodland grocery store just up the road, but do not forget there is another Foodland up near Pupukea, and there is another grocery store just south of La'ie, this one open Sundays. You can choose to dine at the Turtle Bay Resort even if you are not staying there. There are a couple of restaurants. We chose Lola's on the beach, fine dining at a table on the sand and watching the sunset. Free parking with restaurant validation. Also: if you want to spend the day at the beach at the resort, they have limited guest parking available for this specific purpose (come early in the a.m.), and there is also public beach access if you go on foot, but you need locals to give you some direction where to access if you do not plan to park at the resort. Best part of the trip: Snorkeling at Shark's Cove; visiting the turtles at Turtle Beach in the late afternoon; Giovanni's white shrimp truck! If you like hiking, Ray can give you some tips on nearby good hikes. We did not take advantage of this on this visit, but hope to in the future. Best insider tip: bring your own snorkeling gear (or purchase in Haleiwa)--you can pop into the water the minute you drive past a beach that is inviting you! Next time, if it's not so windy we hope to do some kayaking!
Susan P., Woodland Hills, CA, 7.1.09
The information that I was given about the Ocean Breeze Suite was very accurate. The location was terrific and we really enjoyed the north shore, especially after driving down to Waikiki. I would definitely recommend the unit to others. Thanks so much!
Lynn K., Scottsdale, AZ, 6.11.09
The unit was fantastic. We all liked the wonderful shower, and that the kitchen was so complete in all untensils. Ray was so willing to accomendate us, we needed two extra coffee cups to a 1/4 cup of milk, he gave us a can of condense milk. The best part of our trip was just lounging around the suite, walking the beach when it wasn't raining, and being with family. The kitchen was so complete that we ate all our meals there. I have already told everyone about the suite. There is one thing that the guys have suggested, and that is the bed in the kitchen could be a hida bed, so you would have a couch to sit on when watching the T.V. (That would be only when it rains, which it did alot of while we were there.) Also maybe the T.V. in the bedroom! The girls think it was just perfect. Thank you. Hoping to coming back in the next couple of years.
David J., Arlington, Wa, 4.29.09
This is a NICE unit. It is decorated very tastefully. You CAN NOT beat the location on the beach. PERFECT! Slept with the sliding doors open listening to the ocean waves crash. Ray was very helpful.
Stephanie P., Cumming, Georgia, 3.16.09
The Ocean Breeze Suite was an excellent way to round off our 10-Hawaii visit. We started out on the Big Island for 5 days followed by Oahu for 5 days. Ocean Breeze accounted for the last 3 and they were great! A semi-secluded beach and ocean bay was litterally steps away from the back door with access to snorkeling and kayaking (gear available from property manager). The location of the home is just a short drive to Sunset Beach and Shark's Cove: both are awesome places to visit. The accomodations are great with spacious living area, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and vanity indoors. The home also has a beach hammock and a hot/cold shower outside to rinse off after a beach walk or swim. I would recomend this rental to anyone who is looking to stay in the North Shore region...perfect both for relaxing and exploring.
Amanda L., Kirkwood, MO, 2.4.09
our favorites: shrimp shack fumi's shave ice general store in haleiwa beach waimea or kailua hike dragon's nostrils drive laie to kailua
Angie B., Auburn, WA, 9.3.08
Being right on the ocean was wonderful! We loved the sound of the surf (24/7). We loved playing in the sand, walking on the beach and snorkling right outside the condo. The owners were very helpful and took care off everything we needed. The best part of our trip was taking surfing lessons from Sunset Suzy. The best restauraunt was at Lei Lei's at Turtle Bay. The best picture was of the sunrises from the lanai of the condo - every morning! I can't wait to tell me friends that the beach was only 10 feet from our door each morning. My advice to future guests would be locate the A/C early. We slept one very hot night without it. We found it the next day. The quarters are tight, but the room you have on (practically) your own private beach is worth it. We took a great little hike into the mountains on advice of the owner. It was about a 2 hour hike (stopped for lots of pics) and close to the condo (10 minutes). We saw beautiful plants and views of valleys and oceans. Staying at the Ocean Breeze was the best start to our Hawaiian Island-hopping vacation.
Amy M., Germantown, TN, 7.9.08
- Right next to the ocean - Right next to the Polynesian center - Maria and Ray were very nice and helpfull - Nice appartment - beautiful place
Morten H., Kolding, Denmark, 7.4.08
Excellent aloha and talk story from our host. Everything was what we had expected it to be: great oceanfront view, clean, centrally located for our needs, many activities nearby. Definitely would recommend to family and friends. We'll be back. Aloha, and Mahalo.
Bryan G., Orlando, Florida, 4.29.08
The best about the unit I rented was the view/setting - right on a private beach with nice sunrises. The owners were very nice as well and very helpful and the suite was very clean and homey feeling. The location is a nice quiet place to relax and enjoy the scenery Oahu has to offer. I would definitely stay here again and will recommend it to my friends who want to come to this island for a different experience than just Waikiki.
Stephen B., Calgary, Alberta, 2.21.08
A very nice rental with an excellent ocean view. The landlords were very nice and helpful with local knowledge. I would recommend to any couple looking for a nice place to stay on Oahu.
Brenda W., Wexford, PA, 9.25.07
The unit was perfect! Great views and in great shape! Very close to all of the attractions on North shore. Great getaway from the big city!
Hugh T., PHOENIX, AZ, 9.7.07
