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
We had a lovely time at Honu Hale Studio. The view is breathtaking and the fish ponds are amazing. The unit is small but has all the ammenities you need for a short stay. The shower has fantastic water pressure.
Jason E., Havre de Grace, MD, 10.25.11
Best holidays ever!!! Great online assistance, stunning place, thanks a lot! Assistance with planning activities was really a good idea as we've spent great time enjoying Helicopter tour, sharks, etc
Many thanks,
Christine M., RIGA, , 10.25.11
This unit is located in a beautiful landscape witgh lush vegetation and flowers. The night is quiet and only interrupted by the clear sky, the stars and the sound of the ocean. The customer service for rental and settling in to this unit was great. My wife and I enjoyed our stay at Turtle Bay...Wew have stayed in Wakakii a number of times, but prefer the North Shore area better.
Harry Y., Lebanon, TN, 10.16.11
The unit was fine. Only problem was with a couple of the appliances -- the living room TV was difficult to figure out and get working. Also, couldn't get the microwave to work. Other than that, no problems. Beautiful view and location. My advice to someone staying at the unit is to make sure all appliances are working properly at the beginning of the rental, and report any problems immediately.
Dick W., Waialua, HI, 10.15.11
Right on the beach and views were amazing! It was quite and relaxing! Customer service was good. Best part of our trip was visiting a Hawaii ranch. The Crouching Lion Restaurant was amazing food and great prices! BEST pictures was of us newlyweds down at the beach in front of the condo. I will definitely recommend this rental to other newlyweds in the future!!!! Next trip we would like to go snorkling and to a waterfall on the island and the culture center. Loved the stay!!!
Kaci N., Burwell, NB, 10.15.11
Lovely home. Good location. would definitely rent this home again. 2 small "irritations". There are no blinds on bedroom windows, which is fine for privacy as they are high up, but the rooms gets bright pretty early in the morning. Also, the a/c is on a timer from about 5 pm to 7 am...there were a few afternoons when it was humid and some a/c would have been welcome. Don't care much about the arrangement with a/c, but concerned that it was not reveled in the info.
Sandra S., Silver Spring, MD, 10.13.11
The condo had everything we needed. It was great having the snorkel and beach gear available. The beach at the site was great, we couldn't believe all the turtles that were in the water and sleeping on the shore. Our only concern with the unit was the lack of air conditioning. It was pretty hot a couple of nights we were there and difficult to get the master bedroom cool enough for us to sleep comfortably. We enjoyed the area. we didn't want to be in the crowded Honolulu area and found the north shore was kicked back and exactly what we were anticipating.
Cathy B., Savannah, Ga, 10.12.11
Every step of the process from renting the house, to checking into the house to departing the house was seamless. The photos are accurate and the house is spacious, clean and comfortable. The location was a perfect distance from the beach (a 1 block walk away, so you don't have to worry about finding parking!) a short drive to a local shopping center (for groceries, provisions and Lani Kai Juice <-- best. smoothies. ever.) and a short 30 minute drive to Waikiki. The covered porch and hammocks were so relaxing to have - and the pool was a nice way to cool off if you didn't want to deal with the short beach walk. All in all, Vacation Rental Agent handled this rental beautifully and I would highly recommend the services to others who are looking for housing rentals.
Rebecca L., Brooklyn, NY, 10.9.11
I was very happy staying in this unit. I would suggest they put a table next to the couch area and put a lamp on the one corner of the living room which would give more light to that area. Look forward to returning again to the same unit perhaps next year.
Pamela H., Comptche, CA, 10.7.11
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
Excellent help from property manager she tried everything to get our local phone service and internet working---and it did for one day, she also dealt with the alarm problem secondary to the phone line being out--Thanks!
Ron P., Selah, WA, 10.5.11
Aloha The Unit was perfect, the location was excellent, the beach just seconds away from the house, pool, hot tub. The unit was large enough for four couples, big enough and spacious that we all had our own special space. The greeting with Lori and Pete, and the service taken care of with in an hour, was excellent. Beautiful people. The four couples didn't want to leave this area, and the villa. We wished that we would have booked for longer, but, we had a money budget. We just loved our time their. And the Catholic Church just at the end of the street, walking distance. And the welcome we recieved their was perfect. The best thing about my trip was everything. Lori suggested Buzz's restaurant, it was excellent, friendly staff, no reservation they accomadated us, with in 1/2 hr. We took many pictures of the villa, and the beach. Standing on the beach and looking at the scenery, foilage mountains was breath taking. I would rent this villa again anytime. I will share this part of the Island and villa with anyone who asks me. And I will tell my friends. We were told by Lori to go to the Polynesian Culture Center, and Dole Plantation. We were not disapointed. We just were getting use to going, and discovering different little hide aways. If God willing maybe, we will be able to cross paths again. I will send this also to the other couples. I was a lovely time, so much peace. Mahalo
Beverley B., Ottawa, Ontario, 10.4.11
great views, child friendly and comfortable
Arthur W., Elsternwick, Victoria, 10.4.11
Me and my husband stayed in a studio room we had no maid service even had to buy own toliet paper and it smelled. When we first checked in 2 of the lights didn't work and the t.v remote didn't work the whole time. The shower curtain was moldy. First time to Hawaii and It was the cheapest rental property we could find. If you decide to stay there go threw the hotel not the rental agents. We were told there was a kitchen and there was not. You have only one sink for everything and small. Staff at the hotel though real nice.
Keith R., Anchorage, AK, 10.1.11
My stay was great. The view from the balcony is amazing, and the beach is easily accessible. The condo was clean and very comfortable to live in. The area was very quiet compared to the Waikiki area where most of the tourists stay. Thank you!
Jason C., San Jose, CA, 9.28.11
It is centrally located from practically all the beautiful beaches on the eastern side of Oahu. Forget about Waikiki, it is too crowded and commercialized, and hard to find a parking spot.
Since this cottage was just across the Polynesian Cultural Center, you can have as much as 20% savings each person when you buy your ticket in the morning and tell the agent that you would just walk over about an hour before the LUAU and show package later that day.
The owner of the place is so nice and friendly.
Lou P., Des Plaines, IL, 9.26.11
The location of this home is outstanding. The ability to walk out the front gate and step in Kailua Beach Park absolutely spoiled us. We stayed in the house with another family, so having two master bedrooms and two rooms for four kids (a bed for each) was absolutely brilliant. The open layout of the kitchen / family room / eating area flowed extremely well into the back yard with the pool. We loved the wiring in the house and the mp3 / iPod hook up at the desk that allowed us to listen to our music both inside and at the pool. House is stocked very well. Thanks for a great home away from home!
Robert B., Fenton, Missouri, 9.26.11
Kailua is our favorite place in Hawaii and since we had a two year-old toddler with us, we wanted to make sure that the house we get will fully satisfy us in many ways. It is the closest beach access I've ever seen. The street is private and the secret pathway to the beach leads you to the one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world in just two minutes! The best thing about it is that there are no people around you on the beach, since it's all residential houses around and no public parking around the area where the house is. We could go to the beach 2-3 times a day. And even if we forgot something at the house, it'd be a 5 minute round trip to get it :-) The house itself is very spacious, clean, with a good library and artwork, and very well taken care of. All the things you need are there. The swimming pool is large and deep and you can find all the beach toys you need. We were grlilling and watching night sky every night. We will defnitely be back! Mahalo for everything!!!!
Elena L., Anchorage, AK, 9.21.11
What I liked best about the unit we rented was that it was beautifully decorated. The unit was remodeled using the best materials and appliances. We also enjoyed the large lanai. Everything you could need to make your stay feel like home away from home is in this unit. We only had to purchase groceries to fill the refrigerator and the detergent and softener for the washer and dryer, which I LOVE. All my laundry is clean before I leave so less work to do when I get home! The convenience of having the beachfront is AWESOME! And traveling with a 3 year old makes it all the more convenient not having to drive or walk far to the beach. The swimming pool is well maintained and we spent many hours in it.:) Beach chairs, umbrella, towels and sand toys are available in the unit as well. Easy peasy. We would gladly recommend this unit and property to our family and friends as well as anyone wanting a great deal.
Melissa G., Wasilla, Alaska, 9.16.11
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
The size and space and the decor. Very good to difficult to choose, - Kailua beach? surf lessons? seeing our friends again?? The Beach House in Kauai, (was slightly disappointed with Buzz's this time. My daughters surfing Although Hawaii is a long way it is still very 'doable' Walk to Kalapawi market for your morning coffee and Lanikai in the early evening. Enjoy Kailua Beach as much as possible From England coming via LAX and back via San Francisco makes a great trip and alleviates some of the jet lag. The longer you can spend in Hawaii the better.
Judith M., Croydon, Surrey, 9.15.11
I loved the follow up and intro to the home by Verana. I loved that at night it was quiet and peaceful and the ability to walk out on the beach. we also loved the stadium seating and watched the sunrises from there in the morning. We love Cinnamon's and Boots and Keemo. We will back next year.
Mary G., Mayville, WI, 9.14.11
The inside of the unit was very clean, but the outside could use a good power wash. Other than that, it was a comfortable place to stay.
Daphne G., Danville, CA, 9.14.11
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
The location is great, right on the beach. It was easy to book and the price was right. A good restaurant is Lei Lei @ Turtle Beach Golf Club. The food was awesome. This is a quiet location beautiful location, where the locals live. Met quite a few friendly people. The bedroom is quite noisy due to being on the road and parking lot, sleep on the futon in the living room.
Jacque C., Henderson, NV, 9.12.11
I loved having 3 bathrooms. This made getting ready for the day much easier for us. The washer and dryer worked well and had a quick wash cycle. I made 2 phone calls to the management and my calls were returned promptly. We went to watch a family member get married. The wedding was the best part of the trip. We also got to fit many events in to our visit such as Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, parasailing and many other things. The pineapple ice-cream at Dole is a "do not miss." It was delicious. The condo had a nice swimming pool and picnic area, we barbequed some mahi-mahi fish that we caught ourselves on a deep sea fishing trip. YUM!! Sharks cove was very cool for snorkeling. A tip would be to sign up at foodland grocery for their discount card. It's easy and makes a lot of difference in price for food. The Polynesian Cultural Center is not open on sunday's, as is the Foodland in that town. The whole town closes on Sunday due to the LDS church. The LDS temple was quite spectacular to see too. Next time I go I will probably shop at the Costco store for groceries for the week.
Annette V., Dayton, OR, 9.12.11
I liked the unit. It had everything it advertised. My husband liked the fact there were books to read and a selection of movies to watch. The pool was within steps to the condo. I would give it a 5 start but there were ants around the kitchen and had to put all the groceries even the bread inside the fridge. I called Mark and he offered to come in and spray them.
About 10 minutes walk to the beach, which is next to Turtle Bay Resort. I was able to use their pool and had few drinks and appetizers. Even though the pool is for guest only...opps! they didn't notice. LOL
We drove about 10 minutes to Giovannis Shrimp Truck and had lunch there, if you like shrimp this is a must go! The lines are long but it was worth the wait. If you like water falls and nature you should go to Waimea Falls which is a 15 minutes drive.
We drove all the way to Lanikai beach (about 1.5 hours away) and was worth it. Calm waters and soft sand.
Great stay!
Alebel M., Silver spring, MD, 9.9.11
Jennifer was a wonderful hostess for our visit. We were fortunate to have the place to ourselves, so the privacy was perfect! The location is unique and the unit was tastefully finished and furnished. We toured the other available units on site and they offer ample space and convenience for larger groups who wish to book the property for things like a family reunion, wedding or other engaged event. The 3 acre fish pond was remarkable and very pleasant to stroll around. We fed the fish and that in itself was an adventure! There are a number of great beaches within a few miles and also for hikers, there are both simple and challenging hikes with beautiful terrain and vistas. Our thanks to Jennifer and her family for making our stay such a memorable one.
Kimball A., Irving, TX, 9.8.11
Great house - clean - spacious - comfortable. TV's in every bedroom - lots of pool/beach toys - everything you need in the kitchen. Owner available with local suggestions and very helpful. Thing I liked the best: house is located only 1 block from the most beautiful beach in the world! We will return!
Cindy O., Boulder, CO, 9.8.11
Hello, We enjoyed our stay in this beautiful home. So close to everything we wanted to do but far enough away for total relaxation. The beach was only a few minutes walk from the house. The Kailua beach is one of the best for taking long morning and evening walks. Of course, finishing our day off in the House's pool was perfect. Watching the palms swaying in the night breeze while we all enjoy sitting around the pool. Thanks, Joseph Miller
Joseph M., San Francisco, CA, 9.5.11
Great yard and very large pool. Beach was a close walk and great spot as no large crowds. Kailua and Lanikai Beach were the best beaches on the island. Kailua was very close so were able to enjoy the beach and not have to travel more than a few minutes to get groceries or something to eat in Kailua.
Patty G., Las Vegas, Nevada, 9.4.11
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
What I liked best about the unit I rented was the space for our extended family, especially the two bathrooms. Critical with two teenage girls.
The best part of my trip was the daily memories that we made as a family. The fireworks cruise on the Makani and kissing and dancing with dolphins at Sea Life Park were just two of the awsome activities.
My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be to believe what you hear about traffic into the southern areas of the island. It is going to take some time if you travel in the morning.
We ate in most meals but did make it to shaved ice at Masamoto's (spelling?) three times. Big hit with all of us.
Giovanni's shrimp was also incredible.
Janet K., Milwaukie, OR, 8.31.11
I liked the location it was easy to drive to all the places around the north shore. The best part of our trip was snorkeling at Shark's cove. The best restaurant we found close to the condo was Leonardo's at the Turtle Bay Resort.
Deanna S., Minneapolis, MN, 8.31.11
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
What I liked best about the unit I rented was that it was so beautifully furnished with things I would not have remembered to bring such like paper towels, toilet paper, beach towels, glasses, silverware, and also things such like blow dryer and even a washer and dryer!
The customer service I received was excellent, though I was a little confused as to the check out. I felt a little uncomfortable not talking to anyone or giving the key to someone before leaving.
The best part of my trip was the beautiful unit and how it was so close to the beach. My other guests were able to walk to the beach without having me to drive them which was very nice.
The best restaurant I found was Cinnamons which we all ate for breakfast. I mostly like to eat at Zippy's when I come down to Hawaii.
The best picture I took was of myself and for my bridal pictures was with some of the beautiful furnishings within the unit.
I can't wait to tell all my friends that the Makana's Place is a beautiful place to stay if they are planning to stay for an extended time in Hawaii.
My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be to double check the rules for check out. I still don't know if I did it right.
The part of my trip I would definitely recommend to others is to book this unit if they would like to enjoy a relaxing get away from Waikiki and would rather enjoy a more local atmosphere.
The best "insider tip" I received while on my trip was....n/a
I didn't have time this trip, but next trip I'm looking forward to spending more time at the beach. Me and my new husband's favorite beach is Sherwoods.
Thank you so very much for making our stay such a relaxing and stress free experience. This was my first time renting out a SFH and so did not know what to expect. I stumbled on a diamond in the rough. The Makana's Place is so very beautiful and we hope that we may one day come back and revisit, rent this unit again in reminiscing our marriage years from now. Thank you so much for everything. You all have really made our destination wedding such an memorable and enjoyable experience which we will carry with us. I'm sorry, but I hope we did what we were suppose to do as far as checking out and clean up.
Tricia Y., Wilmington, CA, 8.29.11
Beautiful House in a lovely spot
Andrew R., Pasadena, Ca, 8.28.11
The house was very comfortable, spacious, and well equipped. The children, ages 6 and 9, found the pool excellent and spent hours there, swimming and diving for rings. The landscaping made it very pleasant to sit out there and watch them. The beach was lovely with its fine sand and clear, warm water. We watched turtles swimming and some of the party even saw sea horses. One of the best aspects we should not advertise, but it was great to be away from the main tourist areas. The closest restaurant, Buzz's, was crowded and noisy, although the food was good. We found a good Italian restaurant in Kailua.
Kay I., Parnell, Auckland, 8.28.11
What I liked best about the unit I rented was its location by Kailua Beach, about 1500 feet to the waves The customer service I received was excellent, and Kimberly lives just next door, so problems (actually there wern't any) are solved quickly. My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be bring an air conditioner, unit needs more than just a couple of ceiling fans to cool it during the day, at night it's fine.
Evan S., PORTLAND, OR, 8.25.11
All i can say is "what a great place to stay"
Suzanne and Paul F., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, 8.25.11
the owner was a pleasant man and we have no major complaints about the unit or the location in general. The yard and pool were very nice and we were made to feel at home. The reason for only 2 stars is our unit was frankly tired and needs to be spruced up and upgraded. The old TV looks ridiculous in this day of high definition flat screens.
Robert T., Richmond, BC, 8.22.11
I can't really comment at length because I ws not the occupant. We had Chinese friends, a mother and son, who stayed there. The mother said she enjoyed her stay and liked the unit very much. The boy was in the pool a great deal and really loved it. Their favorite restaurants were the Ginger House in Mililani and dim sum restaurants in Chinatown. Of course the view and closeness to the ocean were much appreciated and enjoyed.
Dick W., Waialua, HI, 8.22.11
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
We arrived after dark. Directions were clear & easy. We were welcomed thru the gates to a warmy lit home. The pictures do not do it justice. This home has a wonderful spacious layout with all the personal touches of home. It is so much bigger & more beautiful. Lush, tropical backyard so relaxing. Pool & beach towels and toys. Gourmet kitchen had everything you could ask for. We felt like we were staying at a fabulous resort with no one else around. We plan to return and would never stay in Waikiki again. Lanikai Beach was pristine and so perfect for our Sons sunrise wedding. Kailua Beach and surrounding area was fabulous. Loved all the "localness" not touristy at all. It reminded us of old Hawaii and we loved every minute. Customer service was excellent too. 1st day our coffee maker did not work, but a quick phone call and a new one appeared on our door step that afternoon. Only drawback is the place sits on a busy road and is a bit noisy for 2 bedrooms on that side of the house.
Shawn C., Taylorsville, UT, 8.16.11
Unit was in good condition but AC was not working. Mark was very responsive and had the units fixed/replaced the next day. Location was the best part of this rental. Located at Turtle Bay, the surfing, golf and food options were great. Best food for the value was Ted's This condo rental was a value based decision for me as I was traveling with my teenage son. It was perfect for two guys planning on surfing and golfing all week. I wouldn't recommend it if you wanted a more romantic "high end" ambiance.
Jeff S., Los Gatos, CA, 8.14.11
excellent location. property is fine, but is showing its age. really loved the North Shore. mahalo Brumby family
Steven B., Santa Fe, NM, 8.14.11
What I liked best was the house had everything we needed for a family visit, the bedrooms were comfortable, the kitchen was well stock with dishes, the access to several beaches was easy and beautiful; just right for the kids as well as our underwater explorers. Customer service was Great! Renee Guerrero and Ohi were both sweet, knowledgable and helpful.The property manager Mark was Great and he shared a lot of local information that helped the stay as well. The best part of the trip was mixing with the locals as a family. We met the neighbors, caught the bus...it was Great! It was a perfect location for a family vacation; we made some Great memories and we will do this again. I saw an ad on your site for twin houses, next door to each other which may work for our next trip as the number of family members may increase. We left a couple of items behind, but Mark is looking into it for us and we're hopeful they will be returned. Thank you for the Memories; see ya soon!
Myla W., Los Angeles, CA, 8.13.11
The best part of the Pikake Hale was the master bedroom on the second floor. The room was all windows with a large rooftop lanai. Every morning we woke up to the sunrise peeking in above the ocean. The constant sound of the waves and the breeze through the room was paradise. The caretaker, Eddie, was great! He helped us out with anything we needed. I would reccomend this rental to anyone and would love to come back. Perefect home away from home!
Gregory E., Falls Church, VA, 8.13.11
Everything is perfect except that controlling the room temp was a bit difficult at night. A/C on, it gets too cold, and A/C off, it gets really warm.. Other than this, we both enjoyed staying at this condo very much. If we have a chance to visit Hawaii next time, this would definitely be the most likely candidate for us. Thank you for having us. We loved the place and Oahu!!!
Fred F., Asahi-ku, Yokohama City, , 8.12.11
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
what I liked best about the unit i rented was : clean , really big like the picture showed on the web site , close to the beach , in a wonderful position , we recommend this house for family with kids
Paolo M., Villa guardia - como, , 8.11.11
Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hale Kimo! The house is perfect for families, with lots of room to spread out and well appointed with anything a family might need. The pool and and gardens are breathtaking! The proximity to the beach was primo! Kailua is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. We enjoyed shave ice at Island Snow, and breakfast at Cinnamons Restaurant. Our stay at the Hale Kimo was the highlight of our Hawaiian vacation and we plan to return in the future! Mahalo!
Melissa R., Vienna, VA, 8.11.11
It's hard to go wrong when the beach begins just beyond your back yard. We truly enjoyed relaxing as a family at Hale Kai Surf. The house has plenty of room and the views were amazing. Watching the sunrise each morning over the water with a cup of coffee was a great way to begin the day. There were many things to do with our four kids (ages 1, 5, 7 and 10) within 30 minutes! The house also had almost everything we needed - boogie boards, beach chairs, umbrellas, toys, etc. This was very nice, finding out that we didn't have to go out and buy a bunch of stuff. What a great time.
Blake S., Kansas City, MO, 8.9.11
Thank you for this wonderful holiday in this very comfortable house. There was everything we needed for our stay and also extra "goodies" such as boogieboards, beach towels, snorkel equipment and beach chairs -- great!! The beaches on the north shore, particulary the waimea beach and kailua beach, were great and we also saw dolphins. Mostly the weather was not so good on the north shore (rainy) and so we often drove to south oahu such as waikiki beach. The best parts of our trip were the "Get Lost" Hummer-Tour by KOS Tours, were we have seen a lot of Movie-Sets at the Kualoa-Ranch and the one day trip to Big Island. We can also recommend a visit of the Dole Plantation, Germaines Lu'au, Pearl Harbor and the Macademia Nut Farm (close to the Kualoa Ranch). The best restaurants close to Hauula were Kahuku-Grill in Kahuku, Giovannis-Shrimp-Truck in Kahuku and Jameson's by the Sea in Haleiwa. A good place for breakfast is "Papa Ole", which is located very close to the house (max. 5 minutes to walk). There is also a supermarket and a post office very close (in the same shopping centre as "Papa Ole"). We will definitely travel again to oahu!!
Dieter W., Traismauer, Lower Austria, 8.8.11
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 fitness facility was not available to us as renters as promised and we were unable to use any othe fitness facility in the area because we were either not the right kind of owners or renters or whatever. We only received 2 keys for the condo for 8 people and had to pull teeth with the condo resort people to get more and they would only let us have 2 more keys. The keys are very important in this place because they not only get you in and out of the condo but also in and out of elevators on the premises and in and out of the pool area, onto the beach area and into the bathroom near the pool area, and only we could only use one of the bathrooms at the far end and not the other one that was closer to us! It is extremely difficult to be anywhere without a key hanging around your neck. This was such a big negative that it really did put a damper on the 7 day vacation. There seems to be a dispute going on the Ko Olina Resort with the owners, the resort facility that rents out their own units and the timeshare owners - I'm sure it's about money. One of the emplyoees told me that at one time everyone at the resort could use all the facility but that the rules changed. Also the Marriot use to let Ko Olin resort people come over and use the fitness room for a small fee but they had too many coming over so they stopped. You can't even find a class for yoga or paddle surfing to pay for because we were we had no privilages. We felt second class. I would not recommend this place to anyone unfortunately. I think I would have been better off renting directly from Ko Olina Resort Beach Villas to get the privilages and services.
Rena A., Palo Alto, CA, 8.7.11
We enjoyed a wonderful vacation on the north shores of Oahu staying at Kuilima Estates. The location was perfect for us, since all we ever do whenever we visit Hawaii is go snorkeling at Shark's cove. We had stayed in other parts of Oahu before and "commuted" an hour everyday, but this year we were just 15 minutes away. The weather was a little unstable with a little bit of rain everyday, and it was quite cool in the mornings, but it was also a welcome respite from the heat back home. The unit had air conditioning in the 2 bedrooms, but we didn't once turn them on. It was a comfortable unit with a lot of privacy and I would have rated the unit 5 stars, except for the smell coming out of the kitchen sink, and the broken faucet outside the entrance which made rinsing off sand a hassle. We were instructed to rinse off using the showers by the pool, but we weren't quite comfortable lugging our gear to the pool. Also, the screen doors were in need of much repair. That being said, it is still a great place to stay, and it had all the things we needed for our vacation. We would love to stay there again someday.
Maria O., Yokohama, Kanagawa, 8.6.11
We enjoyed Baby Honu so much as a couple that we traveled back there from the east coast with our teenage kids. The location is excellent, the ocean kayak company we rented from was next door, the beach 1 block away is great plus the next beach down on the right - Lanikai beach has some of the best snorkeling on Oahu and the next beach on the left - Kalama beach - has some of the best boogie boarding. The property manager, Kimberly, is great - she proactively checks to see if you need anything and is very helpful with activity and restaurant recommendations.
Eileen and Brian C., ABINGTON, PA - Pennsylvania, 8.6.11
Kimberly was welcoming and helpful about things to do in Kailua. We enjoyed the farmers market on Thursday night, kayaked and walked to our hearts content.
Colin C., Phoenix, Arizona, 8.2.11
The best thing about Palm Paradise was the roominesss of the house and the many bedrooms. The customer service was great! The best parts of the trip were Waimea Valley, the beaches. Ted's Bakery, Pearl Harbor and Haleiwa Village. The only complaint was that the house had a faint musty smell, not enough to disturb us.
Jerry K., Keller, TX, 8.1.11
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
It was a perfect family hangout. Everything that you could have needed was provided for. The location is so convenient and with the added benefit of a pool- good enough size for kids. Kailua was beautiful, the sand on the beach so fine.
Daphne S., Hong Kong, Nil, 8.1.11
The Hale Manu is perfectly located on Kailua Beach. Our favorite part of each day was taking early morning walks along the beach to the Kalapawei Market for our morning coffee and returning to the home for a relaxing open-air breakfast. Also recommend the Kalapawei Cafe in downtown Kailua for well prepared dinners utilizing local ingredients.
Russ L., McKinney, TX, 7.31.11
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
My stay here was fantastic! I had never stayed at anything except a traditional hotel prior to this, but after this trip I can't imagine staying anywhere else on Oahu. The room was so nicely furnished, and the pool is fabulous. You would have a hard time finding a place to stay with better beach access than Plumeria.
Karlyn K., Gig Harbor, WA, 7.29.11
The house was clean, open, and easy to enjoy. We loved being close to the water and and especially loved spending time in Haleiwa, Waimea Beach, Shark's cove, etc. The Polynesian Culture Center was a great place for the kids. Expensive, but well worth the money. The best place to grab food is at Mackey's. Great shrimp! Jamie was very helpful. Great service. We loved it and can't wait to come back.
Todd C., Omaha, NE, 7.29.11
The house was so much more than we expected.....it was a delightful surprise. The nearness of the beach was truly a plus and the layout of the house worked like a charm for all 10 of us even though initially we had a tough time finding the 5th bedroom. Five out of the 10 of us had lived in Kailua for 21 years -- 1968 -1989....and two of the ten currently live in Waialua, I know we would all recommend this vacation rental in a heart beat. It truly deserves a 5***** rating.
Fay D., Lodi, CA, 7.27.11
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the accommodations and the view at the Blue Water Lagoon. The nearby beach was also very much enjoyed by many of us. We would and hope to do it all again. I would especially like to thank Denise in your office as she provided excellent and much appreciated customer service at the last moment. Thanks again.
DuAnne S., Lynnwood, WA, 7.27.11
Nice unit with everything, but the location is the real star here. The North Shore is a real paradise, and not only for surfers. The condo is ok, but the building could use a makeover, hence the missing star.
Karina V., Sherbrooke, Qubec,Canada, 7.26.11
The House was perfect for our family of four and could easily take more people comfortably. The location is amazing with a two minute lovely walk to the beach. The beach is miles of long white beautiful sand and warm clear stunning water, which we walked everyday of our stay. We used the house pool equally as much and our boys swam all day everyday. This trip we visited Pearl Harbour and our two boys aged 11 and 9 really loved it - as did we. Whilst we did most of our own cooking we loved Buzz's - the fish was delicious!. The owners were very welcoming and never once made us feel like anything was to much bother, they never seemed to mind the noise that two very active boys can make and in fact they laughed with us about how high spirited they are. This is our second stay at Hale Kea and we will always come back to here.
Peter E., Auckland, Auckland, 7.26.11
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
The location, the views, the furniture, the kitchen and convenience were the best parts of the unit.. I loved how it was so open. The customer service was EXCELLENT answered all calls, friendly and helpful. The best part of the trip was having a pool and being with family. We did not eat out the kitchen was excellent! The best picture was on Flat Island after we snorkeled to it. I can't wait to tell my friends how beautiful Hawaii is and how great it is to rent a house on the beach there. My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be is to rent it! The part of my trip I would definitely recommend to others is that you can relax but get up to see the beautiful sunrise on the ocean. I didn't have time this trip, but next trip I'm looking forward to kayaking to Mokulua Islands and hiking up Diamondhead. My only single suggestion for the unit would be to get a better coffee pot that includes a thermos and buy some bigger mugs but the rest of the dinnerware was beautiful. I would definitely rent there again!!!
Marie C., Clarksville, MD, 7.26.11
My Family of 8 ranging in age from 6 months to 54 found this property,which has MUCH 'Aloha Karma' resonating throughout, to WAY EXCEED our EXPECTATIONS for comfort and usability. The ONLINE photos tend to 'downplay' the size of the more than comfortable house and yard areas....everyone in my party said "When I come back to Hawaii; I'm staying right HERE!" We were on Oahu for a Family wedding and while several other families had very nice beach houses on the NORTH SHORE, everyone was envious of our spot and particularly the 'natural beach amenities' as the house is particularly situated to enjoy one of the better beachfronts with a natural reef in front of it that provides extra good snorkeling,surfing, and calmer wading areas for the little ones. Beach toys included! The well equipped kitchen (in a week's worth of cooking we couldn't come up with one gadget and/or appliance that WASN'T right there for us !) and incredibly diverse and plentiful selection of books,DVDs,& VCR tapes made our indoor time easy and entertaining. Personally, I hated to leave the house!!.....but IF you need to, my 'pick' below....... Plenty to do on the North Shore or around the island. Took my 2 year old Grandson and my Daughter-in-Law to Sea Life Park on the Southeast side of Honolulu which is a beautiful drive to get there, children friendly, and such a beautiful setting it brought tears to my Daughter-In-Laws eyes and spontaneous clapping from the two year old. Having been to Hawaii 2 other times previously, I was not prepared to be WOWED a 3rd time....but I was wrong :)
Linda C., Venice, FL, 7.25.11
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
1. Everyone had their own bathroom!! The view!!! 2. fine 3. Swimming with the turtles 4. Agnes's Portugese bakery, love the malassada. 5. Family dinner for mom's 90th birthday 6. Renting a house on the beach is the only way to visit the islands 7. rent a kayak, snorkel, visit the north shore I have a bit of a problem with the $500 cleaning fee. I think this is a bit exorbitant. Perhaps a partial refund if the unit is left in good condition. We left it as least as clean as when we arrived, beds just needed stripping and sheets laundered. Other than that we loved our stay.
Mary L., Huntington Beach, California, 7.23.11
We are from Holland. We stayed in this house with 6 adults, 4 teenagers, 2 children and 1 one year old baby. Everybody fit in! It was a very nice house, not too big but big enough to fit the whole group. The kitchen was well equiped and the bathrooms were nice too! The beach was 3 minutes walk and almost "private" we didn't see other people on the beach. A supermarket and restaurants are at 5 minutes walk. No negative surprises for this house, we can recommend it to everybody.
Gerben K., Hilversum, , 7.22.11
*the location *excellant customer service...beyond call of duty in my special situation. *best part of trip for my daughter was all the gekos and lizards! :) * best resturart we at was the Sushi Bar in Halewia and Ted's Bakery. * best photo of myself was in fromt of the fan like palm to side of the house. *My advice to someone else would be ,have plenty of bug spay and shop at Costco( Worth the trip to other side of island). *The part of my trip I'd recommend to other is, check out all the side of the road places to eat! It's a great drive and take adavantage of all the local beaches. *The best insider tip, Ted's Bakery! :) * Next trip i'd like to go to Turtle Bay and Hike Diamond Head
Vanessa L., Oceanside, CA, 7.21.11
The house was beautiful, well-designed, well-organized and perfect for relaxing. It's well decorated and appointed - and the distance to the beach truly is just 100 steps. Neighborhood is quiet - but close enough to shops, restaurants, and stores to enjoy activity when you wanted to. The beach is not crowded, fairly private and beautiful. The management company responded very quickly to the only issue we had - and this was a mechanical issue with the pool caused by the previous renters. The management company took care of it very quickly - within 24 hours. The house is fully stocked - especially the kitchen. We enjoyed our visit immensely and would highly recommend this rental! The only improvement I could recommend is having the owners add some additional beach towels to the linen closet. We ran out of beach towels every couple of days. Otherwise, perfect. Aloha!
Cindy M., Bellaire, Texas, 7.20.11
We loved seeing so much of what the island of Oahu had to offer and then getting away from it all in this lovely condo. It felt like home. We would return in a heartbeat. Don't miss Ted's Bakery's garlic shrimp. It was so much better than the famous Kuhuku shrimp. Make sure to visit the Polynesian Culture Center in Laie, only a ten minute drive from the property. Enjoy the sunrises over the golf course from the unit and the sunsets on Sunset Beach or Waimea Beach.
Chris M., Reno, NV, 7.20.11
I loved the view. The customer service was great. The best part of my trip was seeing the sea turtles on the north shore and swimming in the ocean in front of the condo. One night, a turtle visited the beach in front of us. Best restaurant was Kuhuku Grill! The best picture of me was taken on the lanai with the ocean in the background. My advice to someone staying in this unit is use the futon in the living room as it was too warm sleeping in the bed as the window does not open. and there is no air conditioning. Drive to the south east coast to see some of the awesome views. Stop by Ola at Turtle Beach and watch the surf while enjoying a few sliders. Best insider tip was where to find the sea turtles. Love the fact that volunteers watch over them. Very laid back, rural area - a nice change from Waikiki! The parking lot smells of sewage. Difficult to manage while you are there but does not affect the unit.
Bonnie B., Calgary, AB, 7.18.11
This was a pretty nice house, but it could be cleaned a bit better. Also, the washer and dryer are not inside the home. You have to walk outside and down the stairs, to do the laundry which was a pain. There is not good swimming in front of the house. It is brown water and VERY rocky. The beach is littered with sticks and wood. The beach is not good at all, the plus side is that you have it all to yourself! We were literally the only ones on the beach, but only because it was a very crappy beach.
Jesse and Kara C., Shakopee, MN, 7.18.11
The stay was just awesome. Just a Short Walk to the Beach - nice neighbourhood - this is the real Hawaii! We will definetily come back Next Year!! Also the Property owners Gary and Bev were very nice. Their kindness was just amazing! Once again Mahalo for everything !!! Sven and his four friends .... from Germany! m/
Sven L., Essen, Nordrhein Westfalen, 7.17.11
Best things about Lani Loa 3 included the panoramic view and proximity of the ocean, the size of the kitchen/dining/living areas, all the lanai space and hot tub. We especially enjoyed swimming and boogie boarding at the beach on the far north end of Malaekahana Bay State Park which was a 4 minute drive from the house.
Barbara C., Lafayette, IN, 7.16.11
Conditions inside the unit were so poor we did not stay. The couch, chairs and ottoman were threadbare. The vertical blinds were rusty at the bottom. Vacation Rentals told us to go ahead and leave and they would give us a full refund. We are still waiting for that to happen 16 days later! We took pictures of this unit and would not recommend either the unit or Vacation Rentals as the responses to our refund inquiries have not been answered in a timely fashion.
Dale B., Jerseyville, IL, 7.16.11
The Beach House has an excellent location it is right at the beach. We had an amazing time. We hiked to a waterfall through a forest that looks like a movie set. We also kayaked to the Mokes and went snorkling. The best resturant we went to is called Halea Joes they have wonderful fresh caught fish and a pond that you can walk around. Kailua is a heavenly place.
Kathy V., Venice, CA, 7.14.11
I would like to say thank you for renting Makana's Place. It was very clean,i received prompt service, we enjoyed the peacefulness also. The one thing we did not like on our trip was too much traffic in Honolulu, however we did enjoy some of the things we got to do there like Jimmy Buffett's Restaurant. I would definitely recommend taking the trip to Pear Harbor, my grandchildren enjoyed it alot. The only negative comments I have about Makana's Place was not enough dishes when we got ready to eat for our family of nine and the first bedroom bed had a broken rail, however I did not report it until I got ready to leave because we were able to sleep in the bed anyway. I will definitely recommend Makana's Place to my friend who is planning a trip next year.
Sharrion A., Winchester, Kentucky, 7.13.11
Really nice place and great location on the north shore. Went to Haleiwa and Waimea daily. Also we used the pool since my one year old was a bit wary of the waves and the grill came in handy. There is a stretch of sandy beach about thirty feet west of the building if we felt too lazy to drive anywhere and we used the snorkel gear and toys provided in the unit. Also be sure to check out sharks cove with the snorkel gear-it was my favorite place. All in all we had a great time and the accommodations were wonderful. Highly recommend and we will def stay there again! Pros: -location -amenities such as grill, pool, washer/dryer -owner provided items; plenty of towels, umbrella, chairs, toys, snorkeling gear, book of suggested activities -spacious unit, we had two families with small children and didn't feel crowded -view! -lots of street parking since our rental car was a little big to easily maneuver in the provided space Cons -didn't bother me since I've lived in hot humid climes before, but we saw just a few tiny bugs -um, can't think of any more!
Yachi L., Seattle, WA, 6.27.11
The Cottage at Kailua Beach Park was the perfect Hawaiian home for our family of 8! We absolutely LOVED it! The size was perfect and the layout was great! Our favorite feature of the home was definitely the pool and hot tub. After a day at the beach (which was very easy to get to--right across the street) we all enjoyed relaxing poolside. The details of the home were amazing--from the lighting, the landscaping, the great showers (inside & out), the fabulous kitchen, and the bedrooms all added to the enjoyment we experienced. EVERYTHING we needed was provided--we didn't need to bring a thing! The entire family had a fantastic time--from the 2 year old grandson all the way up to the 59 year old Grandpa! We can't wait to tell our friends about this and will recommend it to everyone! For an informal meal, we all loved Teddy's Bigger Burgers right in Kailua. One excursion we all enjoyed was the trip to the Dole Pineapple Plantation--something for everyone! And don't miss waking up and experiencing at least one gorgeous sunrise! Again, just a short walk across to the beach for the most awesome sight of nature! Next time, we all look forward to kayaking in the ocean (again the rental for these is right down the street). The convenience of the location cannot be overemphasized--it made everything so easy to do!
Sally T., Findlay, Ohio, 6.27.11
We are former residents of Oahu's leeward side but prefer to stay in Kailua whenever we visit. Kailua Beach House and Tradewinds Cottage was perfect for us! We loved having our morning coffee on the front porch! The cottage was great for our grandsons (age 19 & 25) as it gave them privacy from us old folks. Customer service was great. Even though we had no problems, the agent made it clear that she was available if we needed her. We look forward to recommending this property to our friends!
Tiffiney N., Woodway, TX, 6.26.11
1. close to the beach. 2.good 3. walks along the beach 4. Buzz's restaurant etc
Alexander N., Sydney, , 6.24.11
We liked that we were close to town & still on the beach. The views were wonderful. Unfortunately it was a very windy week while we were visiting causing the windows to get very dirty & too much blowing sand on the beach. We would have washed the windows if there had been a bucket, ammonia & a squeegee. The staff responded to our calls, but the AC wasn't fixed until the end of our stay. The room with the maroon bedspread had a high pitched humming sound so we quickly turned it off. The twin bedroom's AC had a condensation leak, so we didn't use it either. The maroon bedspread room also had a leak somewhere in the ceiling as the bed was wet. There were a number of issues that when I mentioned them it appeared as though the management knew about the problems prior to our arrival yet they hadn't been taken care of. The best part of our trip was being in Hawaii. We enjoyed the relaxing holiday that we had. The best restaurant we found was in Kailua, Uahi Island Grill, it was really good. Longhi's at the Ala Moana shopping center was good too. We also had a great lunch in Haleiwa at the burger place that's been in business for 30 yrs (new larger location on the main drag, don't remember the name, cash only). Our favorite picture was taken at the Paradise Cove luau (Ko 'Olina) with the birds, they put on a good show. My advice to future guests at the house would be to bring ear plugs, the construction next door was not noisy for construction, but noisy enough... Monday-Friday they start around 7am.The bedrooms were also light at dawn, we slept with the windows & doors open for ventilation, but if the AC had worked the curtains wouldn't have made the rooms dark. But the main issue that we had was the lack of privacy. The master bathroom was not totally separate from the master bedroom which is not totally separate from the room with the twin beds. The walls do not go all the way to the ceiling. I knew that the twin bed room had the partial wall, but I didn't remember that it was with the master bedroom! I definitely prefer more privacy (especially in the bathroom), at any price, but especially when we are paying top dollar. The other thing about the master is that there was only a lamp on one side of the bed, maybe a wall hung light could be installed on the other side of the bed for reading. Overall the unit was OK, looking a little run down & in need of sprucing up. There weren't even 6 matching glasses or wine glasses. The furniture in the main living room was damp feeling & not overly comfy. The dampness may have been because of the weather that we had while we were there, but it was noticeable. I think our main issue was value for dollar spent. We spent top dollar for beachfront location & the house itself wasn't top dollar. Location yes, house no. At a lower price point my expectations would have been lower too. All in all we still had a wonderful time in Hawaii & hope to return soon.
Linley B., Fresno, CA, 6.23.11
The best part was the beautiful views of the bay, close local shopping and access to the Laie Vistors Center and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Also I broke the back of a plastic chair which I set against the back wall. Please take the cost out of the deposit. Also we contributed a new boogie board to the collection. It was a wondeful no hassle vacation. Thanks for everything, Rick
Rick C., Ogden, Utah, 6.23.11
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
Ola was a great place to enjoy our last night at Turtle Bay. And the townhouse we stayed in was the envy of everyone who stayed at the hotel!
Michelle B., Oak Park, Il, 6.22.11
We enjoyed beautiful beach and nice accommodation so much. And privet pool is very secure for our daughters. In addition the location was very nice, it is easy to access for H3 or 61. That helped us to access anywhere in Oahu easily.
Masayuki K., Saitama, Saitama, 6.21.11
The pictures don't really do this house justice. It's spacious and clean and very Hawaiian comfortable. Even though the house is set back from the beach, you can see the water, hear the waves and feel the breeze. Actually, being that it is the windward side of the island it's probably better that the house is set back a little. The beach is amazing! High or low tide was still fun to go in the waves, and the warm water meant we stayed in for literally hours. It was very windy at times, but if it's hot out that becomes a benefit. We loved travelling around the island to hike, snorkel, shop, and see some sights, but mostly loved "living" in Kailua and feeling like residents, not tourists. We actually ended up cooking at home most nights because we stayed at the beach so long and it was easy to go to the market for different kinds of poke to eat with rice, salad, noodles, or whatever in the covered lanai. We would recommend Muumuu Heaven for amazing dresses, gifts and art (right in Kailua), Leonards and the Rainbow Diner in Honolulu, shopping in Haleiwa on the north shore, as well as swimming with the sea turtles and diving off the rocks at Waimea. We hope to stay at Hale Manu again sometime soon!
Leslie K., Irvine, CA, 6.20.11