Vacation Rentals by Owner

Miss the open-air breezes!

Guest: Patrick (Santa Cruz, California)
Date of Stay: 04/15/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

My wife and I stayed here with Dawn for six days and loved it. You get exactly what you see in the pictures and other reviewers have accurately described what it's like to stay here. Sweet. You'll need your car to get to a beach, but it's only a few minutes away and truly world-class. Folks who have never been to the North Shore just won't believe how lush this area is. So totally not Poipu! Being North of Hanalei a bit, we found ourselves doing more activities at Shell beach, Tunnels and the Lumahuli national botanical garden than we have when we've stayed in town. Stock up a bit for your stay. Papayas and bananas from local farmers markets plus fresh bread, granola and coffee took care of daily breakfasts. We grabbed lunch from the TakeOut spot next to the little market down the block. Very convenient, leaving lots of time to just coast on the lovely screened lanai. Wifi is reliable and long distance, needed for a couple business calls, is free! Totally makes up for sketchy cell reception. It's like having an office in paradise. Dinners were in Hanalei, all delicious. One evening though, we put fresh Mahi Mahi on the gas grill with locally-grown organic sweet onions and pak choi. OMG! If you could live on Kauai, this neighborhood would be hard to beat.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great home-base for active adventures!

Guest: Wendy (Omaha, NE)
Date of Stay: 12/05/11 Review Submitted: 12/28/11

We stayed on Kauai for 5 days in December, and Song of the Jungle was our home base for all sorts of crazy outdoor adventures. This comfy condo-studio had everything we needed: kitchenette, insanely beautiful screened-in lanai with views of the green mountain ridges and jungle, and a lovely bed so comfortable it was sometimes hard to get out of in the morning. Also available for use was a shelf full of beach gear (chairs, snorkels etc), a washer & dryer, and a bookshelf with paperbacks and more informative titles about local trails and wildlife. The "Jungle House" (as we called it) is situated at the end of a narrow dirt road, but Hanalei is only a five minute drive, as are Tunnels Beach and the start of the Kalalau trail. Julie the facility manager was super friendly and helpful, although we found we already had everything we needed. A few things to be aware of (none of these things bothered us at all, but some renters might want to know in advance): - There are cats that hang out around the premises (outside only, not in the rental). They like to hang out curled up together on the chair outside. - We stayed in the downstairs unit. There is another rental unit upstairs, and we could often hear the other renters moving about above, especially since everyone keeps their windows open. However, the units are completely separate with their own doors, and the garden and jungle outside keeps everything private. - There is a small kitchenette available--full size fridge, a portable 2-burner stove that you set on the counter, a microwave, 4 cup coffee pot, and a sizable toaster oven (no full size oven or range...so don't plan to make a casserole while you're here!) There is also a grill available in the garden. Oh yeah, and an blender for whipping up smoothies from fruit you can purchase at the weekly farmers market... Bottom line: we loved this little rental hidden away in the jungle, and were so sad to leave. We'd definitely return if we get the chance! Thanks so much, Dawn!

Owner response:These guests were a delight to have around and we are so happy that they loved the Song of the Jungle and their time with us. This wonderful review they wrote is greatly appreciated. So as not to cause confusion or concern I did want to add that the road that leads off the main hwy up to the home is actually paved for about 1/8 of mile then it becomes a gravel road for the remaining distance to the house which is about another 1/8 of a mile. The county services the road on a regular basis so it is kept up and it is easily traversed with a regular car, you won't need a 4 wheel drive or anything like that. One other thing for those that really want to cook, the toaster/oven is quite large and you can actually cook whatever you like in there , provided the size is moderate.( A big turkey dinner wouldn't work!) It has a convection oven feature which you can set up to 450 degrees and bake as you would with a normal oven. Although there are feral cats on island we don't have any at the property. We have two domesticated cats, Paco and Jimi . They have lived their whole life at the property and are outdoor cats. They do have a favorite chair on the outdoor lanai that they like to curl up together on so you will likely see them from time to time.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

PERFECT HIDEAWAY

Guest: Tonja (Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 06/08/11 Review Submitted: 06/16/11

Driving up from the main road was like driving into the Jungle of the North Shore Kauai. Coming into the driveway and up to the house was like coming onto the mountain top where the few opens up into the sky. We loved the Song of the Jungle hide away. After the warm welcome from the host we stepped into another world for us. Newly renovated and everything clean and ready. Sun throughout the apartment from the morning to sunset – a wonderful breeze crossing the space day and night (we did not even need the ceiling fan). When it was raining for a little bit in the early morning it was the most cozy place you could be in the world. My favorite place was the screened in living room where you felt like sitting in a tree house, listening to all the birds and watch the sun go down over the majestic mountains pouring golden red light over the valley. Thank you Dawn – this place made our visit on Kauai a very, very special one.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Phenomenal place to take a vacation!

Guest: Tony and Christa (Auburn Hills, MI)
Date of Stay: 05/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/15/11

My wife and I were looking for a special place to enjoy our honeymoon. The Song of the Jungle did not disappoint! Nestled deep into the Wainiha Valley, the Song provided us everything we were looking for and then some. We truly felt like we were one with nature during our stay, and we came home completely refreshed. Dawn, Mahalo nui loa for making our trip a memorable one! We highly recommend the Song of the Jungle to anyone who wants to reconnect with nature and enjoy an authentic, unique, and satisfying stay in Kauai. Without a doubt this was a much, MUCH better option than staying in the soulless, cookie-cutter style "luxury" resorts you'll find on the south side of the island.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A song of a deal

Guest: Mark V. (Boulder, CO)
Date of Stay: 05/23/11 Review Submitted: 05/30/11

Song of the Jungle Just left the “song of the Jungle” and already miss it. The apartment had a wonderful floor plan and was open and spacious with 3 large well appointed rooms. I liked the fact it was al tucked in on the side of the mountains on the north shore. We definitely felt like we were living in the Jungle of Kauai yet the home is perched high with an incredible valley view so you never feel closed in. Our beds were very comfortable and the kitchen was spacious and had a wonderful sitting area. You get a lot of bang for your buck here. You’ll have fun staying at this home-apartment especially since all the best beaches are only minutes away!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

Wonderful Retreat in Hanalei

Guest: MeganRS (Escondido, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/26/11

What a fantastic getaway we had at Song of the Jungle. Thank you to Dawn for all of the "extras" - beach chairs, snorkel gear, books, beach towels and for a peaceful break from the world. My husband and I loved the proximity to the beaches, Hanalei town and the Napali Coast. This rental has a comfortable bed, a kitchen, a wonderful screened in patio and the owner, could not be more welcoming nor accommodating. What a terrific experience. I wholeheartedly recommend staying at Song of the Jungle and hope to have the opportunity to go back in the near future.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Wesley and Lydia
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 05/22/11

What an amazing , serene place to hang out. Song of the Jungle is the perfect name- birds singing, rain falling, geckos chirping--beautiful! The bed was so comfortable, especially after hiking the Kalalau to the falls! It was our first time staying on the North Shore and we will definately be back! Tahiti Nui Reggae nite-yes-rasta,! Thank you Dawn..much love from Mill Valley. ( entered from guest book)

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Charla from Grand Forks BC

Guest: Charla (Grand Forks)
Date of Stay: 11/15/10 Review Submitted: 07/10/11

The holiday that we had in Kauai was the most memorable one of my entire life. Much of that had to do with the place we were staying at - The Song of the Jungle. We had everything we needed to make our trip an exceptional one. We didn't even miss our cats as we had good cuddles with Paco! The view was beautiful, the area gorgeous and the accomodations peaceful The beaches were close as well as the quaint town of Hanalei. Enjoyed it all! We are planning another trip as soon as we can! Thank you very much!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jamie and Ryan
Date of Stay: 01/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/10

What a wonderful place to come to! Your home has been a sanctuary to return from all our daily island adventures, Thank You ..Love Jamie and Ryan ( entered from property guest book August 6/ 2009

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Guest: Jim and Dawn Wirick
Date of Stay: 01/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/10

What a magical place this is !! We were truely blessed staying here! We had a wonderful time on our honeymoon. Thank you so much for everything. We would love to come back to experience everything all over again. we want to come back for our anniversary. We'll miss Paco and Jimmy too!! We are so sad to say good-bye. Mahalo and see you soon Love always Jim and Dawn Wirick, California ( entered from quest book July 12th, 2009)

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Guest: AARON AND RENEE/SAN DIEGO
Date of Stay: 03/31/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

OUR STAY HERE WAS JUST WHAT WE NEEDED. IT WAS SO RELAXING AND PEACEFUL HERE. WE JUST HAD THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME. EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING. MAHALO FOR OPENING YOUR HOME TO US. WE WILL BE RETURNING HERE NEXT TIME WITH OUR DAUGHTER. AARON AND RENEE FROM SAN DIEGO, CA.

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Guest: MARC AND ELIZA,
Date of Stay: 03/31/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

Thank you for such a perfect extended weekend! We have been trying to escape from Honolulu for ever and finally found peace and quiet in this beautiful little spot you have created on the Na Pali Coast. This retreat was exactly what we needed. It felt like home away from home. The bed was amazing and we made freinds with your friendly kities. Count on us here again next year, same time, mahalo ! ..Marc and Eliza from Honolulu, Hi.

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Guest: LISA AND JOHN
Date of Stay: 03/31/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

THIS IS A RETREAT!! SERENE, BEAUTIFUL AND SOUL SOOTHING. THANK YOU FOR CREATING A HAVEN ON THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH SHORE OF KAUAI- OUR FAVORITE ISLAND.THE HIKES IN WAIMEA CANYON AND THE NA PALI COAST, SNORKELING AT TUNNELS AND SWIMMING WITH THE GREEN SEA TURTLES AT KE'E WERE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES. BESIDES THE SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET AND FORGING FOR TROPICAL FRUITS ON THE HIKES. BLESSINGS TO YOU FOR CREATING THIS SPACE... MAHALO NUI LOA! LISA AND JOHN FROM PORTLAND , OR.

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