My family stayed at Mia Huna for 2 weeks in October 2011 and it was fantastic. The accomodations were perfect for us as there were 10 of us, 5 adults and 5 children. We loved the pool, the close proximity to good surfing, all the beach toys, chairs, towels, snorkling gear, etc. Someone was at the house almost the entire time everyday as the pool and sunbathing was so ideal. Linda Saunders, the owner was unbelievably helpful and Shoko, the housekeeper, and Jon, the maintenance person were exceptional and helped us any way they could. When it rained we hung out under the covered lanai's and enjoyed the scenery and each other. The cooking facilities, laundry, games, books( I read 3), children books (two full bookcases of them), 3 HD TV's, WiFi, unlimited free long distance phone to anywhere in the US, BBQ's, pool toys, spa, outdoor shower, beautiful flowers and scenery, comfortable beds, on and on and on......... made our vacation the best we could ever expect. We highly recommend Mia Huna for any ages (we were 2 1/2 - 67), any physical condition as I am 67 and have difficulty with stairs because of a serious back injury but found the privacy and intimacy allowed me adequate time to move around the grounds and enjoy all the amenities at my own pace without feeling like I was slowing others down. We were on Kauai to celebrate the recent wedding of my nephew, Steve and Monica. They had many of their immediate family (13-14) in town as well since Monica grew up on Kauai and Steve has been a builder there for about 7 years. Nearly every one of them stopped by at some time during the 2 weeks and all thought Mia Huna was one of the most ideal vacation rentals they had ever seen. One of the most ideal features is the size and the ability to have privacy and quiet time if you desire or be right in the middle of activities at the pool, spa or lanai's. All the family wanted to stay forever and couldn't understand why "grampa would not just buy the place for them and they could stay forever". I cannot imagine Mia Huna being unsuitable for any family or group of friends wanting to enjoy paradise together. Staying at a hotel just does not compare and by the time we had rented 3 rooms for my family the cost would have been similar to what we paid at Mia Huna and without all the privacy and intimacy. There was so much to do that 2 weeks was not enough time and this was my 5th trip to Kauai. There is great Pizza (green sign facing Hanalei Bay road) a short distance to the right of the Big Save Grocery store (the one by the post office in Hanalei Bay). The kids had to have Pizza one night and it was terrific, about $100 for 3 giant ones. Took some time but was worth the wait. If you like to run, my daughter and her husband ran from the house everyday and raved about it, they ran down and across the beach at the end of Kalihiwai road and then back to Secret Beach and then back to the house. Most everyone loved Bubba Burgers and the Ono Charburgers, and Grampa liked to BBQ fish, steak, etc. The house is even better than the pictures on-line show so you won't be disappointed. Plan to enjoy everyday and you won't be able to stay long enough to exhaust your possibilities. We can't wait to return to paradise. The Z's
Jerry Z., Anchorage, AK, 11.2.11
The beach house was very nice and the owner was fantastic to us. The view was incredible. I would definitely recommend this beach house to others!
Jay R., Los Lunas, NM, 11.2.11
What I liked best about the unit I rented was the incredible view - just magnificent!!!
Laurie C., Issaquah, WA, 11.2.11
My husband and I and 4 teens stayed in Kailua Kai II in October - we had a fabulous vacation! The house itself was perfect, with lots of indoor and outdoor space for us to spread out. The house had everything we needed, including outdoor shower (with warm water!), boogie boards, towels and beach toys, a well equipped kitchen, and a bathroom for every bedroom. The beds were comfortable, the home was in good shape, the neighbours were friendly, and the location couldn't be better.
We spent hours body surfing immediately in front of our house, and enjoying the beach itself complete with friendly locals and dogs. One of my best memories will be of drinking my coffee at the beach every morning while watching the sun rise. The kids loved the big yard for playing ball.
We discovered a great new restaurant in Kailua, "Prima" which served pizza, but had a great selection of salads and appetizers too. We loved it so much, we went back twice! They don't have a wine list yet, so take your own bottle, and they'll only charge you $5 corkage. For less expensive meals, head to Maui Taco - I love the Ko'opika burrito or fish taco salad.
The management has been great to deal with; there when you need them, but not intrusive.
Lex B., Calgary, AB, 11.2.11
I loved the studio at Pali Ke Kua. I was like an extremely comfortable hotel room. The shower was particularly awesome. When I arrived some very thoughtful person had placed hibiscus flowers around the room. It was a lovely gesture, but I had to fight off little fruit fly like bugs for a few days afterward. I would suggest some other type of guest present instead -- coffee, nuts, hawaiian jam? I also found the key lock hard to operate. I loved the morning visit from the local Nenes and the views and path to the beach were awesome. Thank you for the wonderful time. It is a great unit in a great complex.
Nancy C., Mill Creek, WA, 11.1.11
great property
Tammie H., Halifax, NS, 10.31.11
I can't wait to book with the same place next year. The place was perfect. Cozy and beautiful. The landlords, if that's what you call them, were so nice and knowledgeable. About an hour from Honolulu, but we knew that already, North Shore is my favorite. Stay here instead of some hotel, the rates were about the same if not better. Again, can't wait to go back and stay here.
Andy G., Austin, TX, 10.30.11
The Mahi Mahi Hale was beautiful. We were a little surprised when we drove there - thinking that it was a beach house, when it is actually in the town of Kaneohe, but at the waterfront. There is NO beach where you can swim at the house itself, and to get to the nearest beach require a car. We has misunderstood the description of the house there - but as said, it is very beautiful and quiet once you are on the property. I loved sitting on the lanai in the early morning and watch the sun come up. There are shopping a few kilometers from the house - again you need a car. The jacuzzi did not work until the last evening which was a bit disappointing as well. The house has three bedrooms but only one with a kingsize bed. There is one bathroom for the three bedrooms and one bathroom downstairs. We were two couples traveling- so it was not optimal, the house is better suited for a family. The owners are very friendly and helpful.
Charlotte K V., Harlev J, , 10.30.11
The best thing about this unit was the location right in front on sunsets...Customer service with Bill and Paula McLane is wonderful, they are very nice people. The best part was the weather, average 32 degrees and not even a drop of rain in 30 days. Restaurants Spices in Kihei and Mai Tai in old lahaina were to remember. Of course, pictures of beaches and sunsets were awesome. Car race at the dirt track is something to see. Every trees and flowers we saw in the streets are the same we find here in flower shops !! The best insider tip I found is the Safeway membership card, it is free and you save close to 20% on everything... We walked every day between one and two hours in different directions and we discover so many nice people, everybody says good morning even if they don't know you. This is a piece of paradise. It was the third time in Maui, we will go back. Lucie and Jean-Guy
Jean-Guy H., Lasalle, QC, 10.29.11
We found the accommodation absolutely beautiful, it was very close to a beautiful bay. We found the accommodation very homely easy to settle in. The best restaurant we found was in Waikiki the Tiki Bar in one word Awesome.....
One of the downfalls and it was more in planning on our part is it is an hours drive to/from Waikiki/ Honolulu. . the space was fantastic for the 4 adults and two children but with little children i would recommend a security gate for the stairs. absolutely would stay there again. Very easy, service was excellent.
Tobia M., Ormeau, , 10.28.11
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
Majestic Maui was our little oasis for 3 weeks, and what a truly remarkable property this is. The various elements of the property were fantastic....from the fire pit, to the water feature and hot tub, to the open floor plan concept. We truly did not want to come home. Some of the highlights of our trip were the helicopter ride over Molokai and Maui, the drive to Hana, dinner at Mamma's Fish House, shopping in Lahaina, good food and good laughs at Warren and Annabelles Magic Show, our visit to the Lavender Farm and picnic at the Maui Winery, dinner at Star Noodle, etc... Get up early and enjoy sitting around the fire pit, and view the stars before the sun rises. It's amazing to watch the moon set as the sun is rising....remarkable! And the sunsets....beautiful. Where else can you sit on an island while watching the sun set behind another? We hope to return again next year and create more wonderful memories. Thank you Aaron for all your help during our stay. Mahalo!
Dorothy W., Dana Point, California, 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
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
We stayed at Hali'i Kai before (in a different unit), so we spefically selected unit 15D for its location on this visit. It did not disappoint -- quiet, private, beautiful view. The condo was very well equipped and made our vacation easy and relaxing.
It was all good!
Sharon V., Santa Rosa, CA, 10.24.11
What was a magical place to stay in a magical place. The secluded, yet convienent location. The views, Hanalei, nuff said. But to have the space for our 7 adults to share and yet have their own space and privacy was everything we could have asked for. I feel guilty that we didn't stimulate the economy much in Hanalei's restaurants, as we just bought our own provisions at Costco and had great meals in house, easily prepared in your spacious kitchen. But we did so enjoy the Luau at the Med. Gourmet. The ohana that performs are so talented, and the food was better than the usual luau fare. Yes I could nitpick the facts that there was no ping pong table as advertised, and the badmitton consisted of 2 worn out rackets. But to be honest, we didn't even use the huge pool. We were usually too exhausted from the days activities that we wound up relaxing together in the comfortable living room, watching "Charlie Chan" movies that I had brought. To my surprise everyone loved them too. To the owners, Mahalo Nui Loa, for sharing such a special property Jay, Mary, and the Rodgers clan ps; maybe update some of the info out there
Jay R., Las Vegas, NV, 10.24.11
Nice spacious unit. This Condo is ON THE WATER just 75 feet off the balcony. Older tube TV with DVD in LR. Boogie boards & snorkel equipment for 2. Beautiful view of rocky beach & ocean out lani doors. Sound of Ocean lulls you to sleep at night, Beach is known for surfing and Surfers are fun to watch. Good parking on first floor of condo complex. Exterior of complex is dated but inside of unit is very modern. Security is there all night. There is a small public access beach right next to this complex. Convenience store right across the street for last minute essentials & liquor. Close to shopping & restaurants downtown. When going to market & downtown, look for free parking not the public $10 lot on Alii street next to market. Listen to Allen the concierge, he will steer you to the best activities.
Roger R., Hatfield, PA, 10.23.11
The convenience & all the amenities
Great service
Everything... Close to the beach, nice accomodations, guide book
Taquiera Fish Tacos
at the Luau at the Marriott
Kihei is actually nicer than Kaanapali
You dont need anything, it is all there & there are several pools & hot tubs
Best insider tip is Haleakala at O dark thirty is well worth the trip
Spend more time at one of the many beaches.
The only thing I wish was different is when there are guests that are arriving, have the unit cooled down. It was 90 degress the day we arrived & the unit had no air or fans on.. Took quite a while to cool down & since you know when we will arrive that would be a huge plus!
Kevin O., Wenatchee, Wa, 10.23.11
What I liked best about the unit I rented was ---the beautiful views and the location near the oceanand it was very quiet and peaceful and we felt safe. The ocean breeze was wonderful The customer service I received was very good. Everyone was very helpful in setting up the trip. The best part of my trip was the beautiful flowers and plant life The best restaurant I found was The best picture I took was of myself (us) I can't wait to tell all my friends that I had the vacation of a lifetime My advice to someone else staying at this unit would be bring an umbrella!! The part of my trip I would definitely recommend to others is make sure you have GPS navigation The best "insider tip" I received while on my trip was I didn't have time this trip, but next trip I'm looking forward to visiting the volcano park for a longer time I do have to comment that the internet service was lousy. I never was able to connect to the Muhammed network with either my Laptop or iPhone. Sophia tried to help but I think someone with IT experience should take a look at the installation. I also have to comment that I think there may be something living between the 2nd and 3rd floors. At night I could hear movement like something (mongoose??) was walking around and maybe nibbling on the wall or ceiling (I was sleeping on the 2nd floor). My wife saw a mongoose or ferret (??) on the 2nd floor roof trying to get inside of the 2nd floor bedroom through the screen with an open window. But we thought it was an incredible experience overall. Thank you for wonderful memories.
Ralph F., Mandeville, LA, 10.22.11
The home was beautiful and the view very relaxing , we enjoyed the it almost every night. The best part of the trip was the Old Lahiana Luau and we loved that we had the concierge service. Karen did a great job with booking all that we wanted to do. I would recommend the steak and fish house on Front street, the Mahi, Mahi was delicious. The only part of the trip that was not up to par was the access code for the Wifi. We were never able to use the internet because the access code in the house book was incorrect. A few calls were made to ask for assistance but we were not contacted for this small problem. Other than that, we had a great trip. Thank you!!!
Debra H., Damascus, Or, 10.20.11
This was a family vacation for us, my husband, me, three sons, one daughter, three daughters-in-law and two grandsons! Hale Lele Villa was perfect. We rented the Penthouse and Poolside Bungalow. There was lots of room for everybody, the place was very clean when we arrived and we found it to be very children friendly. The grounds are lovely - both the grounds and the house are very interestingly, but enjoyably decorated. Our Hostess, Scarlett, was so kind to us and rounded out our vacation nicely. Thank you to all of you - we will be back.
Joan C., Coquitlam, BC, 10.19.11
This unit exceeded our expectations. Beautiful inside and out and the outdoor living style was phenomenal. Complete privacy in an island and intimate setting, my husband and I look forward to revisiting again and again. The customer service, specifially the concierge services was fantastic, and with a small scheduling error, the recovery and rescheduling was outstanding. We've already told many of our friends who are planning trips to Maui and will be excited to share experiences with those who choose this property. The private setting and pool was fantastic after an outing scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing or just hanging out on a beach. The outdoor shower was the most unique to us and was used many times during our 8 day stay. The town of Lahaina is charming and has just about anything you could possibly want or need. We happend on Mama's Fish House out of Paia on "the road to Hana" which was incredible and 5 star all the way with the property right on the beach and a breathtaking view. We have agreed this was our best vacation ever and wouldn't dream of going to Mexico with such a fabulous place right here in the good old USA. Living in Alaska, this was everything we dreamed of and more as winter is already knocking on our door here in Bethel. My husband and I started renting private homes several years ago and have never been disappointed. Our week started with a couples massage on the lawn overlooking the ocean and ended up with a 15,000 foot sky dive our last day as we awaited our plane in Ohau. From relaxing to extreme adventure, I would recommend this to anyone.
Coryee H., Bethel, AK, 10.18.11
The house was very nice and provided a great atmosphere for our gathering. The customer service received was quite adequate and there were no major problems.
Calvin W., St. Petersburg, FL, 10.17.11
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
We had an excellent time staying at this property, the house is perfectly presented and the veiws are amazing a great place to watch the sunset over the water and the lights of Kona, the house has all that you could want
We visited the Hawaii Volcanes & the Manuna Kea Summit, all were fantastic. One highlight of our trip was snorkling with the turtles in a small bay north of a marina, that for the moment I cant remember the name of, but if you asked a local the will tell you, it was a suprise how many there were and you didnt need to snorkle as they were feeding so close to the shore. We didnt eat out often as we enjoyed entertaining at home but we did have a fun lunch at Bubba Gumps - be careful the desserts are huge, best to share with a friend ....Mahola and enjoy..Diane from Sydney Australia
Diane G., Frenchs Forest, New South Wales, 10.15.11
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
The view was incredible. That, and the location - including the beach, pool and barbeque facilities - were the best features of this unit. The proximity to shops and restaurants was great. The condo was nicely laid out and furnished, and the photos on online did not do it justice. Unfortunately, the very uncomfortable beds and the road noise in the bedrooms would keep us from renting this particular condo again. We enjoyed the place very much, until in came time to go to bed. We will definitely look into other units in the project for future visits.
Cynthia H., Summerland, CA, 10.11.11
This is an amazing property! So much attention to detail, a gorgeous view and great location! A little piece of paradise!
Stephanie R., Menlo Park, CA, 10.10.11
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
We really enjoyed another stay here. This is our 3rd time renting this house. We keep coming back because we love the location and the amenities. We won't stay anywhere else! Thanks for another great trip.
Liz H., Spokane, WA, 10.7.11
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
Close to the beach, and the house was great Great customer service With my family Kimos Picture of my family at the beach the house was perfect and beach was great clean, had everything you wanted Sip lining To spend two weeks All around it was a fun time, can not wait till next year
Linda F., Carmel, CA, 10.3.11
We loved this condo very much we stayed September 2011, the view and the private walkway down to the beach is fantastic! The unit was the perfect size for the 2 of us and all our luggage. The beach next door (Hideaways) is fantastic for swimming and snorkeling plus very quiet and in walking distance. Our favorite activity was hiking in Waimea Canyon, the views are spectacular.
Jean A., Madison, WI, 10.2.11
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
Stayed here in Fall 2011. The unit was well located with amazing views of sunrise every morning. As other reviewers have mentioned, there is a bunch of gear, including fins, boogie boards, tennis racquets and such (bring or rent your own snorkel and mask). The only issue I had which could have been handled better was that the internet (no WiFi - Ethernet cable only) didnt work, and the local Time Warner support was inept in fixing it, insisting that everything was ok. Remax wanted me to call national time warner on my own. I would have expected the owner of the property to have taken care of fixing it, not relying on a person who was there for just a couple of days. A Wi-Fi router would have been good to have too - pretty much all condos I have rented have had one.
Prasanna V., FREMONT, CA, 10.1.11
Clean, neatly kept and responsive rental owners. The location is very central and easily accessible. Walking distance to the beach.
My other rental owner only communicated by text message. These guys actually picked up the phone. Big difference when you need something, since condos are not standardized like a hotel. They also had a folder with things to do that was neatly organized. It was good to flip through.
Two things I would ask the owners to consider:
1. Providing for some "faster" ceiling fans, since the ones in the master bedroom were pretty slow. Or they could provide a pedestal fan that guests could position where they liked, since the ceilings are a bit low and a faster fan could raise a liability issue.
2. Some beach gear like boogie boards, swim noodles, fins and other snorkel gear would be great. Additionally, another rental I visited even had tennis racquets and balls.
One thing that guests must know: The unit's master bedroom opens to Allii Dr. And it is one heck of a busy road, and is noisy until late at night. You can close the shutters to drown the noise a bit, but then you run into the bedroom getting pretty warm. I am a heavy sleeper and didn't mind it much, but I can see it being an issue if you sleep light.
Prasanna V., FREMONT, CA, 9.30.11
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
The privacy, landscaping, and outdoor patio were all enjoyable and beautiful. The property managers were extremely professional and helpful. We would have liked a curtain over the ocean facing glass doors to help with the late morning sleep-ins!
Bill C., Oak Grove, MO, 9.27.11
Alohilani was amazing. It had every amenity one could think of for a perfect Kauai vacation. The rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable. Vicki was very nice and even left us a huge bouquet of tropical flowers which was an amazing way to start our trip. My advice to someone else staying at Alohilani would be that even though there isn't air conditioning in every room, you don't need it because of the gorgeous cross breeze that flows through the house! Everything was pretty much perfect! Also, the walk to Poipu Beach is easy and close, which was amazing. All in all a wonderful trip, I look forward to returning!
Jaime H., Los Angeles, CA, 9.27.11
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
We loved how well equiped the home was! We did miss a tea kettle but Belle Mar seemed to have everything else. Customer Service was great! Floyd checked in on us a couple times and responded quickly when we accidently locked ourselves out of the garge. We ate in all but a couple of meals but enjoyed a nice dinner at Kimos and drinks and appetizers at the Plantation Golf Club House. My advice to others staying in this unit: enjoy! it is a wonderful, comfortable home with knockout views. I would tell others to skip the farmers market - we never did find it and was very dissapointed in the roadside fruit stand.
Lee R., Oakland, California, 9.26.11
Condo was in nice condition but it holds up to 10 people, but there was only seating for 4-6 in the dining area (not really a dining area. Table was in middle of living room. It was in the way of everything). The rules on the property are outrageous and over the top. They even told us to be quiet when we were sitting on the deck drinking coffee with my 85 year old in-laws. The list could go on and on. There are too many options on Maui and we will never return to the Papakea. We would not recommend this property at all. Also, no beach at all. It is on the top of a flood wall. Love Maui, but not the Papakea.
Michael Conati party A., Evansville, IN, 9.26.11
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful condo. The location was great, and the condo was beautiful. Great view of the sunrise from the bedroom and living room!
Jodi S., Frisco, TX, 9.24.11
This rental was fantastic for our group of 5! My parents (in their 60s) really enjoyed relaxing on the beautiful lanai and walking the beach in front of the house. Also, the snorkeling in front of the house was superb when the wind was down. On windier days we would take a short walk around the point where the outer reef keeps the water quite calm. Their were dozens of turtles to swim with every afternoon, definitely a highlight of the trip. My boyfriend and brother and I (in our 20s) really enjoyed the hiking that the Haena area has to offer. If you go DEFINITELY do the 2 mile Kalalua Trail to Hanakapai Beach. It is a little strenuous but worth every bit of effort. If your not a huge hiker even the first 1/2 mile of the hike offers OUTSTANDING views of the Na Pali coast.. definitely not to be missed!!! We planned to hike the 4 miles to Hanakapai Falls (I hear its great) but ran out of energy and time! We definitely will be back to conquer that! Other activities we enjoyed were a helicopter ride as well as a catamaran sail along the Na Pali Cost... both BEAUTIFUL ways to see the breathtaking north shore of Kauai. As far as restaurants and groceries we enjoyed going to the Dolphin Fish Market in Hanalei and cooking fresh caught fish on the grill at the house. Other places we really enjoyed were Bubba's Burgers and TikiMan Pizza in Hanalei. Tahiti Nui (next to TIkiMan) was a great bar to relax, listen to local hawaiian bands in the evening and enjoy their 50 year old mai tai recipe!!! Everyone in Hanalei was really friendly. We found a number of our groceries at the Big Save in Hanalei but recommend Foodland in Princeville for more variety (and only 5 minute additional drive). Oh and dont miss grabbing a smoothie at the Aloha Juice Bar stand (located next to the Big Save in Hanalei)!!! The Hanalei passion was our favorite of all the smoothies (yes we had one each day, it became an addiction!) I would recommend this house to anyone, regardless of age or ability due to the high number of activities offered. Some days we just enjoyed nothing more than napping on the lanai and beach. The sunsets every afternoon were outstanding. You could walk out to the point on the right and see all of Bali Hai and the accompanying mountains. Such a beautiful way to end each day! The house and neighborhood were so quiet that we all slept great each night. The option of having AC helped as well as we did have a few hot nights and many rentals in this area do not offer AC. We were a bit worried about the Y Camp located next door but this was not an issue. It was occupied part of our stay but we could not hear any of the noise next door. There is also a beach access between the Y Camp and the house but that did not bother us either. Since the house is up on stilts it drowns out a lot of the noise and with very few beach access parking there was never more than a few cars parking and using the beach access. The entire booking process of the house was great!!! Vacational Rental Agent answered all of our questions when trying to find our perfect house. Once we arrived on the island we were greeted by Ginny, the house caretaker. She was really helpful in giving us restaurant ideas, grocery shopping, etc! I cannot recommend this rental enough, we will definitely be back! We stayed for 10 days and it flew by. If you can definitely try to stay at least 10 days to really soak in the area. Kauai offers SO many activities that its fun to do a few things and have days to do nothing. This was my third trip to Kauai and definitely the most enjoyable! I know this is a long review but I know when deciding to invest in a trip like this, more information is better than less. Thank you Vacation Rental Agent, Ginny and the owners of the Makua Kai homes for such a fun trip that we will remember for years to come! Natalie Dallas, TX
Natalie P., Garland, TX, 9.21.11
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
The house felt like a cozy home! The hosts were so caring and accommodating!! They have thought about every single thing - we missed nothing throughout our stay - we even had the surf boards waiting for us there... We loved the attitude of our hosts and we are definitely coming back!! And for those of you, who want to hear on the 'value for price' relationship - we rated it as so unfair to the hosts - this cute and lovely house costs lots more then they give it out for!!! Wishing everybody who goes there an amazing time and we can't wait to be back.
Vlada S., New York, NY, 9.21.11
Truly Majestic. The back yard and the view from that same back yard were breath taking. The great room/kitchen were fantastic and the bedroom suites were spectacular. Our best dinners were at the house, but a must do dinner is at Mama's Fish House. Even if it's the only dinner you have away from home, it is a must.
Daniel O., Salinas, CA, 9.20.11
Hello, the house that we rented was amazing, the outside area near the pool was where we spent most of our time, so I would have to say that was the best part. Customer service was good, house was well stocked with items we needed. Sercurity guards at the gate were very helpful and friendly. Our trip was great the whole time we where there so I cant really say what was the best part. " The whole trip" Best restaurant would have to be BUBBA GUMMP, what an amazing, friendly place, with great food and service. The adive I would give to someone who wanted to stay at the house, would be. " Sit, eat, drink and enjoy the peace and quite this house brings." Thanks to everyone who made our holiday one to remember, thanks to all the locals, you guys are lovely people, kind and friendly, you made us feel welcomed.
Phil O., Newborough, Victoria, 9.20.11
great place for family,stayed 9 days good family time spent at the house
Stan A., Coppell, TX, 9.19.11
The view was incredible, nice bathroom. Bed comfortable, Good location ,Very quiet Dislikes, No barbecue Several dirty kitchen items like cutting knives,silverware,plates When I say dirty I mean little specks of dried Food. When humans get lazy and don't scrub in sink Before putting in dishwasher. For a 150.00 cleaning fee the place should be immaculate. It also could have used a tv in livingroom. The whole time I'm thinking how great it would be to barbecue on patio While enjoying that beautiful view. Not having a barbecue was a huge let down.(they make electric ones) They make good electric ones/not having huge let down.
Carl & Lisa S., Santa clara, California, 9.19.11
The light house is an amazing house! It was better than expected and it made our vacation that much better. It has everything you can possibly need for a comfortable stay... - Towels -- LOTS AND LOTS of towels including beach towels - Extra bed sheets, comforters, blankets, etc - Fully stocked kitchen with everything other than perishables - Soaps, detergent, dish washing liquid, shampoo/conditioner, etc - The owner had also provided us with a full binder with things to know about the house, the area, emergency services, things to see, and numbers to call. - board games and books - BBQ grill was clean and ready to go with all the tools required for a great a barbeque We were a total of 8 people and we enjoyed every bit of the house. There was a small private beach just 2-3 mins walking distance. The community is gated with a security guard patrolling 24/7. The house has plenty of fans and windows creating lots of ventilation. In short, the light house description and pictures do not do it justice. RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE!
Mohammed S., Carteret, NJ, 9.19.11
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
Beautifully decorated. Loved it.
Earl K., Whitney, TEXAS, 9.14.11
Best trip ever. Thanks for all your help
Earl K., Whitney, TEXAS, 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 hale nalu is so much better in person than they make it seem online. The pictures dont do it justice! If you stay there then take care of it because we are coming back!
Lily A., Pacifica, CA, 9.12.11
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
What a beautiful home! We walked through the doors to an unbeatable view of the ocean and Lanai. The managers were there to greet us and anser all questions and get us settled. The rooms were so comfortable and we lived outside around the pool, bar and barbeque. We hope to come back. Vacation Rentals and the Concierage were more than attentive. We loved going on the America Cup sale boat, eating banana nut pancakes and eggs benedict at Longhi downtown. We bought all the usual tourist stuff and everyone was so good to us. While the boys golfed at Kahalua, the girls had massages at Zensations (I believe that is the name) which is a storefront but wonderful place. Can't say enough great things about our trip and, especially the house which we really did not want to leave.
SHERIDAN B., Coto de Caza, CA, 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
A beautiful home for a beautiful island! We had a great time. It was wonderful to be with our 3 daughters and their husbands. Next year we plan to stay for at least 2 weeks as 1 week is just too short. The bad thing about Paradisio Ho'o Kumu is that you are not as motivated to explore the island. You just want to stay and enjoy the home!
Melodee N., Loma Linda, CA, 9.12.11
the unit was clean and spacious and easy access to shops, restaurants and beaches. the pools were smaller than we expected and I couldn't ever get the internet to work the whole time I was there (on your computer or mine). probably wouldn't stay there again only because we'd prefer to be ocean front...I thought this place was closer to the beach. my mistake.
Naomi C., Portland, OR, 9.11.11
We loved your house and the location, overlooking the ocean and the mountains behind us. There was enough room for the eleven of us to spread out, with the ohana. The only suggestions we had is with both units there weren't quite enough towels, I washed two loads of towels each day. We didn't find any clothes hangers in the ohana, or pans to cook with, we took turns cooking each evening and everything we needed was in the main house, just a suggestion. We loved the fact that you had shampoo, conditioner and body wash in all of the showers, what a nice touch. The location is close to shopping in Lahaina, Ka'anapali. We received great customer service, I called with questions twice and was taken care of. We went to The Old Lahaina Luau, the grounds are beautiful, the food and entertainment was great. We found some great snorkling spots above Kapalua, and by Black Rock. The kids and grandkids loved jumping off black rock. The family gave us a dinner cruise on the Quicksilver, the food was great, and so was the staff. We took everyone on a snorkle cruise to Molokini on the Four Winds II, we enjoyed the captains humerous comments, and the staff was great, also the food was good and the was food out to eat the whole time we were on the boat. My family loved the slide into the ocean. We liked eating at Cool Cat and Cafe O'Lei. We hired Aubrey Hord to take 45th Anniversary pictures for us at Kapalua Bay, we are waiting to see them in a couple of weeks. We got several pictures of us at the Banyon Tree, We bought 11 Aloha Christmas Eggs from a teacher under the Banyon Tree, she put each of our names on the eggs. She is mailing them to us. We got a picture of all of us at the Old Lahaina Luau and a picture of us on the snorkle cruise, strangers were kind enough to offer to take our pictures. Hula Cookies and Ice Cream is a great place for dessert. We took a trip to Hana in our three little jeeps, we played under some waterfalls, my son , as well as all of the others loved the Black Sand Beach, actually it was little tiny pebbles. Our last stop was The Seven Sacred Pools, they had a blast jumping off the rocks into the pools. What great family memories in Maui.
Judy L., Yakima, Washington, 9.9.11
The house was gorgeous, comftorable, and very well kept...thank you so much for this wonderful vacation I was able to take my family on.
Susan S., Coquille, Oregon, 9.9.11
The house was a great option for two families, we were able to spend time together as well as have our own private spaces. The lanai areas are beautiful!
Audrey R., West Sacramento, CA, 9.9.11
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
Nice home, but disappointed in the cleanliness and lack of air conditioning on the bottom floor. There were tons of ants/bugs in every room during our entire stay. The property manager provided bug spray, but we were not comfortable using this since we have a young child. This home definitely needs to have a pest control treatment on a regular basis and a better cleaning between visitors. In addition, the bottom level of the home was not air conditioned and it was therefore very hot sleeping in the bedroom on this floor. On a positive note, this home has a great location and plenty of space for a family gathering.
Andrea B., West Lafayette, IN, 9.7.11
BEAUTIFUL SETTING. The house was a perfect size for our family of four. Everything was clean. Plenty of towels made life that much easier. The kitchen was stocked with every gadget you could think of. We had a lovely lovely time. I would recommend this house to all my friends and family.
Safa H., Laguna beach, CA, 9.6.11
Good place. very nice view from the balcony. Near from everything. we was 4 me and my wife with our 2 kids. maybe just one thing. the condo was built in 1973 and never renovated. so the shower drain and copples things need to be renovated. except that ther many air/con tv and chairs and all thats stuff. i recommend it
Francis H., Shannon, QC, 9.6.11
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
We absolutely loved the location of the bungalow. It's maybe 20 steps away from the beach and you can see the water from your kitchen and living room window. We had lovely breakfasts on the patio looking over the Pacific Ocean and dinners sitting outside. The rooms are nicely furnished, the kitchen is well equipped, we had plenty of towels, beach towels, etc. We even found sand toys, boogie boards by the backdoor. The place is quiet, the street is not busy at all, the nice beach is perfect for families with kids or couples who are looking for privacy. A nice shopping center is 4 minutes away by car where you can find restaurants, a Whole Foods-like grocery store (lots of organic food), and a sweet, little Farmers Market on Wednesday (from 4-6pm). I love Kauai and we always stayed in the Hyatt but renting the Baby Beach Bungalow made our 6th trip to the island even more special. By renting this lovely place we felt like locals. :) We were welcomed by the cleaning crew and they were very polite and did a great job cleaning out the house. They leave a vacuum cleaner in the closet that we used several times a week. (Some unwanted sand found its way in the house even after hosing off). The wireless internet and wash machine were a godsend! Kauai is the most amazing island and highly recommend it to everybody! We surely will return! Aloha, From San Francisco
Ildiko P., Kentfield, CA, 9.4.11
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
I loved that fact that the house was more beautiful than the pictures. The views from all sides of the home were breathtaking. The lay out was absolutely perfect for 8 people. I really loved it. The fact that the house was already stocked with toilet paper, paper towels, napkins to get us started was a huge help. Having coolers, snorkling gear, and beach toys in the garage for our use took a huge burden off of us to rent. We cooked most nights, but did find a little treasure sushi bar (Genki) behind Starbucks in the mall at Lihue. 8 of us ate for $61, and it was GOOD. This restaurant was a recommendation from a local, and it was a good one. With 6 kids, we didn't get to visit museum, and the history of Hawaii, so that is on the list for next time. I have to give kudos to our contact Cyrla, she was always there when needed, and extremely helpful. Forgot to mention the gem of a find,............Wishing Well Shave Ice in Hanalei. Try the cocunut with extra condensed milk.......................................TO DIE FOR!!!!
Donna H., Malvern, Pa, 9.4.11
We were staying for 7 days at the Wailea Sunstet Bungalow with our 10 year old doughter. We enjoyed and liked best the location, view, privacy, comfort, sunsets, snorkling, ..... The bungalow was very well equipped, we got familiar at once and enjoyed all the accessories we faced. Perfect BBQ, nice kitchen, outside shower, even chopsticks where there ;-) The close distance to some of the nicest beaches of Maui was a blast. Daily we went to Big Beach or just the next one for Body Surfing, Boogie Boarding or snorkling. There were always plenty turtles around. One evening we joined the Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea Hotel. This was excepitonal and we can recommend the Show, the food and the drinks. As we enjoyed staying at the Bungalow so much, we decided do skip excursions like the road to Hana or driving up to the Haleakala. We spent some days bevore on Big Island and saw plenty of Volcano and Rain Forest, so it was ok to skip the sights of Maui. The only place we went on the Island beside Kihei and Wailea / Makena was Lahaina, what we liked a lot. The only complain we have about the Sunset Bungalow and Maui is the long distance from our home country Germany. An exhausting trip to go - but worth it! Mahalo and Aloha
Alexander G., Haar, Bavaria, 9.3.11
The customer service I received was excellent. The location of the house is just stupendous.
Victor L., La Canada Flintridge, California, 9.3.11
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
Great location!
David L. S., Chandler, AZ, 9.1.11
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
The cleanliness and view of the ocean
Good before and after
The weather and incredible scenery
Bubba Gump Shrimp
Standing above the clouds on a mountain of volcano rock
I snorkeled with turtles
Pack more towels and a light jacket
Getting a Costco card ahead of time
Helicopter tour
What could be improved on as for the lodging is better shower and front door locks. It was difficult to get in.
Shelli K., Barnhart, MO, 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
Location was excellent with a breathtaking view, but with a few minor things it could have been much better. It was a good place which could have been excellent with a little TLC to the unit. It looks like some upkeep has been done (painting, etc.) but more is needed. Small improvements could really make it a great place such as putting in new curtains (they are old and do not completely cover windows--it really felt like you couldn't go into the living room/kitchen area without being seen from the outside, especially at night), better supplies in Kitchen (some of the pans and bakeware were really worn), caulk or fix screens so bugs and small lizards don't get through where the screen meets the wall--there is a gap in the kitchen screen, clean out some of kitchen cabinets which were filled with paint and other stuff. It was well supplied with towels, paper products, etc. It was neat and very clean, but just needed updating on some things--with such a beautiful piece of property a few simple things would make it even better. When we arrived the high speed internet wasn't working and with a phone call we were told it was DSL. We found that it had been unplugged from the phone and we were able to plug it back in and get it working. It was also wired without a wireless router (however to be fair the ad never said the high speed was wireless, so we weren't expecting wireless internet, just high speed). Our contact for the property offered to bring a wireless router which we thought was a great gesture, but never did and we didn't hear from her again--but we were able to resolve the situation ourselves so we did not try to contact her again. We visited Pali Ke Kua in August and it was warm, with the sun beating in with little curtain protection the unit warmed up while we were away. There are ceiling fans which help alot, but I would recommend getting a fan-- the unit was warm and damp. Over all the problems were not major and we had a great time. It is in a great location, very safe community, and wasn't crowded. It is in driving distance to many wonderful sites and great things to do. I gave it three stars because of the improvements that need to be done and some of the issues we had to deal with such as internet and bugs and small lizards in the condo.
Dirk E., Hooksett, NH, 8.30.11
It was all fantastic, and the only low point was my trip to the E.R. and an overnight non-rest in the hospital! We all loved the house, the hostess (Scarlett, and Tim, too) the gardens and everything! The location was superb. We hope for a return visit in a few years. Many, many thanks for all of it!
John V., Vashon, WA, 8.30.11
We spent our honeymoon at this rental and it was PERFECT!!! We never wanted to leave and hope someday we can make it back to pardise....
Andrea G., Spokane, Washington, 8.30.11
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 house is well designed and built high enough to see the surf and coastline even when sitting down. Swimming and snorkeling possible right in front of house---and excellent, a beach-walk away. We loved the spacious living area and the beach-level shower. It's a great beach house "just around the corner" from one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Jean E., Encino, CA, 8.30.11