A little disappointed

Guest: hsisa (San Diego CA)
Date of Stay: 11/29/11 Review Submitted: 12/07/11

My wife and one other couple recently stayed here 11/29-12/6. We collectively chose this place because of its location and let’s be honest we were somewhat sold on the pictures they provided of the condo. The pictures are deceiving. The pictures seem to show a ground floor unit right on the beach. Wrong, this is an upstairs unit approximately 6 units in from the end beach unit. From the pictures I was lead to believe the sand is just a step out our Lanai. The upstairs ac unit worked, but leaked copious amounts of water on the floor. And like some previous reviews, the fan remotes didn’t work, and it’s the only way to turn them on. The kitchen sink also leaked when we washed dishes. The primary bedroom window faces the parking lot, and is extremely noisy in the morning. The sprinkler system turned on at 4am every morning and the morning commuter traffic at 6am. You have to remember you’re on a main thoroughfare with your bedroom window facing right to it a stone’s throw away. So do not count on sleeping in. Upon entering the unit, all the power was turned off at the breakers so plan on looking for the power, and waiting for the refrigerator to get cold. The wireless password does not work. Again I know im on vacation and the need for the internet should be non-existent but let’s face it I needed to change my fantasy football lineup. The ad states beach towels are provide. Nope. Plan on packing beach towels. The upstairs unit was unique but travelers need to know that there is no bathroom door on the bathroom, only a shower curtain to close when taking care of business. So I write this review not to bash on the place because it had its pluses, but vacation rentals are a competing business, and I felt deceived on this sale. Did it ruin the trip? No. Is the location perfect? Yes. Would I stay here again? No.

Owner response:The guests immediately following had no trouble working the remotes to the fans, the air conditioner or access to the email. The sink was leaking and we appreciated the information but would have preferred a phone call as we would have had it repaired immediately. Unfortunately, I, the owner, do not live on Maui and need to hear from tenants if there are problems that need addressing. Spare batteries, light bulbs and other supplies are kept in the closet in the bedroom. Unfortunately, the noise is all over Maui. If you're at a resort there is constant gardening noises and maintenance. Living on an island requires constant care. It doesn't impact most of the guests as they are usually up and raring to get started on their day. By early evening everyone is tired and ready for a good night's sleep. The condo is charming and decorated to be my home away from home. I wish that the guest had mentioned all the personal touches put into the place to give it a homey feel while still on vacation. The unit is on the second floor and the pictures from the lanai were taken from the second floor. I care about my Hawaiian home and hope that those who stay there appreciate the love that went into making it comfortable and inviting. Jane

Recommended for:Families with young children.

Aussie travellers

Guest: Aussie travellers (Sydney AUS)
Date of Stay: 05/29/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

We recently spent 8 days here. Great location,very friendly locals unit was comfortable and had all we needed for a good stay. We found the painters on site a little disruptive and would have preferred to have been told prior to our stay to expect the disruptions. Four adults travelling together found it a little concerning that there was only one key available for our use.Also found upstairs air conditioning not working very well and fan remotes all seemed to require replacement batteries. Decor interesting but dated.In need of freshning up inside.Loved Maui and will return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers.

Guest: Bill (-)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/19/11

Greetings Just thought I would drop you a quick email to say how much we enjoyed our week at your place in Hale Kai. It was a beautiful spot, with a terrific ocean view. We really enjoyed the boardwalk, that is just a couple of blocks down the main road, for our morning jog. The staff and other 'guests/owners' were great company. Thanks again for putting your place in the exchange pool. We hope to be able to make a similar arrangement next year. Best Regards Bill

Recommended for:

Not as advertised

Guest: beach fan (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/07/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

I would stay in one of the updated units facing the ocean but would not stay in this unit again. The people in these units are extremely nice and the gatherings at sunset were delightful. We saw turtles and whales every time we sat by the pool. You can go out past the coral to snorkel fairly easily. It is close to public access beaches, golf, and shopping if you have a car. Downstairs bedroom is comfortable and private. Those were the positives. These were the negatives: The paint is being removed so the front of the property is extremely unattractive. The pictures of the decorating that are shown in this ad are somewhat misleading since it must have been years since it has been decorated and updated. It was very clean though.Towels, and kitchen basics were fine. The sheets on the upstairs bed were old and very worn and the mattress is not great. The pillows need replacing. The very small fan in the upstairs bedroom is inadequate. If you do plan on using the top bedroom, be sure to open all the shutters and run the fan on high in the living area at night . The spiral staircase is quite narrow and not easy to negotiate with luggage. Recommend the owners install a bigger fan if you rent as a 2 bedroom and look at other units with a safer staircase when they renovate. No air conditioning so it could be quite warm in summer. There is a lot of street noise at night. One of the beach chairs rusted through and needs replacing.

Owner response:There is a fully operational air conditioning unit upstairs that is a stand alone w/ a remote. There are also both window and and an overhead fan in addition. As an owner I always sleep upstairs with the air conditioner and am very comfortable. The sheets are being replaced as the unit has been so popular this last year the sheets wore out more quickly than usual. Since there had been new construction across the way in the past few years the Maui dust settled on the complex. The entire unit is in the process or has just recently been repainted in response to that red dust problem. The spiral staircase has been recently outfitted with wooden oversize steps to make it more accessible. This design was chosen so there is more room in the total unit. The beach chairs are constantly being replaced due to the salt water influence. That is one of the drawbacks of ocean front property. Our unit is furnished as a home and not just as a rental, hence the personal touches and the not industrial feel that other units have. Therefore, there is some sacrifice of the utilitarian look for a more homey feel. However, if anything is ever a problem while staying at the unit we are always ready to receive a phone call and help in any way possible. We appreciate all feedback.

Recommended for:Age 55+.

Wonderful Experience, Thank you!

Guest: Idaho girl (Boise, Idaho )
Date of Stay: 04/25/09 Review Submitted: 04/10/10

We just returned from Maui with a most relaxing vacation in your wonderful condo. Your place was comfortable and included everything we needed for the week. Hale Kai was as great as you told us it would be! Everyone made us feel like family and we made new friends for life. We loved the pool, pu pu parties, blowing the conch shells at sunset, the beach, watching the whales and turtles from the pool every day and being next to the park was also nice. We walked to the Farmer's market for fresh fruits and vegetables on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The fish market provided incredible sunset meals grilled beachside. Thanks again Mike! We will be back and this time bring family with us!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Incredible!

Guest: Idaho girl (Boise, Idaho )
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/09/10

We just returned from Maui with the most relaxing vacation in your wonderful condo. You place was comfortable with everything we needed for the week. Hale Kai was as great as you told us it would be! Everyone there made us feel like family and we made new friends for life. We loved the pool, pu pu parties, blowing the conch shells at sunset, the beach, watching the whales and turtles from the pool every day! Being next to the park was also nice. We walked to the Farmer's market for fresh fruits and vegetables. The fish market provided incredible sunset meals grilled beachside. Thanks again Mike! We will be back and bring family with us!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway.

Guest: casey22 (west hills, california)
Date of Stay: 01/11/09 Review Submitted: 01/11/09

i've stayed here 3 times and i never want to leave. the park is friendly and full of fun people to meet and play with. The pool next to the beach is perfect temperature. i love having the kitchen so close to the lanai so i can eat my breakfast outside every morning.

Recommended for:

Guest: Dania1 (California)
Date of Stay: 01/10/09 Review Submitted: 01/10/09

This place is beautiful, and right on the beach! It's got everything you need to live, kitchen, pool, BBQ, and internet access! There's a really great healthy natural foods market just out back, and an amazing fish market within walking distance. Very comfy and totally relaxing and private. Can't wait to go back :)

Recommended for: