Vacation Rentals by Owner

Review of Ewa Beach Property

Guest: Rosie (Brighton, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 04/14/12 Review Submitted: 04/22/12

What a wonderful, homey place, so clean, so well furnished. The owners included EVERYTHING needed, including a great collection of local books, tableware, pots and pans,dish and laundry soaps, welcoming pies---list goes on. We were in Hawaii for our daughter's wedding (she married a local man) and this became the bridesmaids and spouses home away from home--they all said they wished they stayed someplace like that instead of downtown. And...the beach is truly steps away. One more thing--my 87 year old mother, who's not well, managed to make it to the wedding--even though she and my sister and brother had stayed in Waikiki and had to check out before noon, the owners allowed us to stay there until our evening flight. That is way above what anyone could expect. All in all--we loved this house--it's got character!-- and would certainly recommend it.

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

Better than we dared hope!

Guest: AK Froze Fruit (Delta Junction, AK)
Date of Stay: 03/15/12 Review Submitted: 03/29/12

Dear Laurie & Darla, Thank you for sharing your incredible home with us! As we pulled into the drive & then stepped onto the front deck, all I could think was, "This is incredible, better even than we dared to hope!". We were literally steps away from the sandy beach and waves. The beach was clean and very private, the neighbors were friendly, in fact, the whole Ewa Beach community was terrific. We were able to meet up with family from another state and reconnect, that is priceless! Everything in the house was awesome and we totally felt relaxed and very much at home. We will be back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Ewa Beach Rental

Guest: Kamloopsians (Kamloops, B.C.)
Date of Stay: 02/09/12 Review Submitted: 02/25/12

Our experience with this vacation rental was awesome. From booking to arrival and departure, the service was awesome and Darla and Laurie were wonderful! We got to see a monk seal on our beach! and the location was perfect for exploring the island. The house was spotless and we were so very happy with everything! Ours was a family vacation and was thoroughly enjoyed by all 9 of us! Mahalo to Darla and Laurie both for helping us to experience an incredible visit to your island! Aloha 'til next time!

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

Everything it said it was!!

Guest: Marcella (Albany NY)
Date of Stay: 01/27/12 Review Submitted: 02/03/12

This house was perfect for us! It lived up to its description and more. We had a party of 11 (10 adults and 1 3 YO) and it fit us very well. They had many things for the little one also...books and movies and beach toys!! They were also able to accommodate a person with special needs by bringing us a bath chair. Being right on the ocean was awesome! We slept with the window open listening to the waves. The special welcome items like coffee and chocolate covered macadamia nuts were great too.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Traditional Hawaii

Guest: Gwen (Mt Vernon, WA)
Date of Stay: 04/03/11 Review Submitted: 04/19/11

Thank you Laura and Darla. Darla went out of her way to get us booked in the right Ewa Beach house. Laura took care of us during our vacation. The house was a delight. The fenced yard was great for the little ones but, being right on the beach was the best part. It was wonderful to fall asleep at night listening to the surf. There is plenty of outdoor seating and indoor seating for everyone. We appreciated using the coolers, boogie boards, and snorkel gear. The kitchen was well stocked and we were delighted with the welcome basket. This house felt like home as we came and went on our Hawaiian adventures. Laura took very good care of us and made sure everything was just perfect. Thank you for sharing this lovely home.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Wisconsin Family of Eight

Guest: Lemie49 (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 03/14/12

We had our family gathering in Oahu to celebrate my adoption of my two sons some 28 years ago. This included my wife, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandsons. The Ka Hale Kai beach house in Ewa was everything we expected and more. The entire family could lounge separately in the two parts of the house, or gather (as we did every night) on the huge deck on the beach and recount the day's activities. A serene quiet beach; but minutes away from the more hectic Waikiki scene if/when we wanted to go there. Laurie and her staff were always ready to make sure our vacation was flawless. From the recommendations for dining and sightseeing to the macadamia nut pies that appeared on our doorstep one morning. The house lacked for nothing; from surfboards to the spare batteries. Since returning reluctantly to Wisconsin we have heartily recommended this location to all we meet.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Stayed Nov 27-Dec 9, 2011

Guest: Travelling family (Yukon, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

We had an incredible time at Hale Nuii. We booked it for the first week of our vacation and then were to move to the North Shore for the second week. We fell in love with Hale Nui and after only three days on the North Shore, called Laurie and she was gracious enough to let us come back for the rest of our trip! We travelled with our two teens and they loved having the space, the long stretch or virtually private beach and internet! They had a very relaxing time as did we. Laurie made sure we had everything we needed including a thoughtful welcome package, treated us to a dinner and was a wealth of information in terms of tours and must-sees in Oahu. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our trip so memorable with your incredible home. I recommend you to everyone and will definitely be back. Hope you got the package we sent form Canada, enjoy! Susan and Ron

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

Thomas family sept 2010

Guest: Simone (Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/20/10 Review Submitted: 10/24/10

A very welcoming home right from the start. After travelling the U.S. for 5 weeks, a week spent in this haven was a real treat before returning to Australia. The local fruits & coffee to welcome us was appreciated, as was the follow up phonecalls received from both Laurie & Darla. The service from original enquiry to follow up calls/emails to ensure we were satisfied is truly amazing. The photos depict the home very well, there is nothing that has been forgotten!! The only negatives were the bathrooms are a little old but i guess true to the character/era of the home. Also, after reading reviews describing isolation i was surprised to have close neighbours. It was a lovely surprise once we met Danielle & she was also helpful. Over all it was a very positive experience & i wish we could visit yearly. Perfect for children, the library of books & dvds was a welcomed delight. Great laundry facilities, comfy beds, lots of closet space. I think having a car would be a must, unless you plan to spend most days at the house, which is very tempting!! Magic hostesses that make you feel like family. Simply fantasic!

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

Good value, spacious, fabulous beachside location

Guest: Miriam (Northern California)
Date of Stay: 05/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/11/10

I have family in Oahu and needed to be close to them and have a requirement that I only stay in vacation homes and I only stay beachside. Thankfully, this one was available and the agent and owners were very professional, timely, and responsive from first booking to after my stay. We were delighted to be greeted by fresh groceries and fruit on arrival - chocolates, cookies, Kona coffee, milk and guava juice in the fridge and a big pile of pineapple, oranges, bananas, etc. - great hospitality. Partway through the trip, Laurie left us a chocolate haupia pie from north shore! Includes all the amenities mentioned - free wifi, an a/c in each bedroom. Large spacious closets, huge living room with an extra bed so if you want to be next to the sea as you sleep, you can! Danielle is a sweet next door neighbor to you so say hi! Huge amount of usable goods - from kitchen appliances to cookware, to a whole pantry of cleaning and household maintenance refills (garbage bags, paper towels), to lots of spices and ingredients to use from previous guests. This is a GENEROUSLY stocked house, compared to others. Large amounts of towels and plenty of toilet paper, soap, etc. you really are stocked up, even in the medicine cabinets! We saw monk seals at the START of our trip and at the END - right on our beach! Foodland is 5 minutes away, as is a local Catholic and another local Lutheran church. The Foodland center has L&L, Jamba Juice, Beard Papa, Starbucks, Longs, and more. Kapolei, 10 min drive, has a movie theater, and junk food outlets, some stores (sunglasses, clothes), with a handful of restaurants and Gialuchi Day Spa, which we went to for some really good massages. Some CONS: The hospitality made up for this for us, but the bathrooms did feel dated and toward the end of their prime (the tubs). The floor was a nice cool tile but within the first day of being indoors only walking around in socks or barefoot we discovered it was not necessarily mopped or scrubbed clean. We did see a few roaches. Yes, the house book says to relax, it's common on the islands but I've stayed in several homes on Oahu and Maui and only seen roaches at 2. Be mindful to NOT leave any food out and keep it in the fridge or microwave. Cupboards aren't safe. Also, would be great if a sturdy, outdoor umbrella were installed over the deck chairs, we didn't want to try and dismantle the umbrella from the other table.

Owner response:We do our best to make sure our guests do have everything they need. We are striving for perfection but at times we may fall short just a little. We do appreciate hearing from our past guest all the encouragement as well constructive criticism. I would like to say we never get those unwanted visiting guests the "cock roach" but that would not be true. We do spray often and keep the traps around. We find our guests do love to keep the patio door open which is fine but that is how our little critter slip in occasionally. I do know when the houses our surrounded by lush vegetation and plants it is more likely to get cock roaches than a high rise condo or a place with not much trees and flowers. I found out early on after moving to Hawaii from the Midwest that there are many reasons for wearing slippers. They do make a good swatters. It is true and important to keep food put away. This does help a lot. We will address the floor issue with housekeeping. We have had several umbrellas in the past for tables that our guests tend to leave up and the trade winds come through and destroy them but we are totally open to getting new ones in the yard if this would be a blessing.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Guest: pualani (landstuhl, germany)
Date of Stay: 07/21/09 Review Submitted: 07/21/09

Aloha Laurie, Danielle and Darla, As an island girl, born and raised on O'ahu, I was looking for a place to vacation with my ohana that was similar to a place I was raised as a little girl - near the ocean and very peaceful. I found Hale Nui and Darla! She was extremely helpful pulling together this wonderful trip home. I've been living away from the island for 5 years and felt I needed to reconnect with the island, people and culture. I was already excited from the pictures I saw on the internet and could not wait to see the place. When we arrived, we were treated to delicious island snacks and fruit I grew up with. There was even a delicious Ted's Bakery (chocolate haupia) pie waiting for us to indulge. I loved all the nice touches from the snacks to the comfortable beds. I really loved the spaciousness to BBQ, enjoy the cool air outside, walk the beach or sun bathe. I also enjoyed the decor and attention to detail. You made our visit comfortable and pleasant with your follow-up calls and another delicious pie right before we left. Mahalo nui loa for all you did to make our stay an enjoyable one and for being so willing to help us find accomodation when we could not do a late check-out. You folks really epitomize the true meaning of the aloha spirit. With fond aloha, The Iuli and Pagala Ohana

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Guest: Island folks (Paso Robles, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/09/09 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

We spent our spring break at Hale Nui. It was a wonderfully relaxing vacation right from the start. We were able to escape the crowds and just enjoy the beach and the water. We loved watching the surfers during the day. We kayaked and boogie boarded right off the beach. Grocery stores were well stocked and within an easy drive. The tourist locations like Waikiki and North Shore were easy drives. The house had everything we needed to prepare dinners for 5. We look forward to going back agian soon. Thank you Darla and Laurie for having such a special place and making it so easy to go there.

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Guest: Kevin Conant (-)
Date of Stay: 06/03/09 Review Submitted: 06/03/09

We just ended a 17 day stay in the islands yesterday, and spent the last three at Hale Nui Beach House in Ewa Beach to visit our niece. My wife has had family in Oahu for over 30 years, so we've seen plenty of properties. This property is truly Hawaiiana and full of the Aloha spirit. Laurie and Darla have done a great job creating an experience and environment that makes you feel more like family than customers. The home is very charming, filled full of features that you’d see only if you had family on the islands. The décor, the artwork, the music, the library, the kitchen amenities, the dining and entertaining amenities are beyond compare. Don’t waste your money on beach/surf/boogie boards or outside recreation equipment, this property has it all.To wake with beautiful sunrises, incredible sunsets, sleeping to the sound of the surf, having your own beachfront property or gated yard is perfect for any traveler. It’s private enough for romance and big enough for family entertaining.We’re planning our next family reunion to include this property.

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Guest: The Gudemans (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 05/10/09 Review Submitted: 05/10/09

Hale Nui was more than expected ~ clean, well stocked and extremely cozy. We enjoyed the boogie boards, snorkel gear and surf board. After our daily outings we found comfort in returning to Hale Nui each evening. We agree this was by far better than staying at a hotel in town and are talking about a possible return visit. Thank you Darla & Laurie!

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Guest: Duncan family (Summerland, B.C., Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/08/09 Review Submitted: 01/08/09

Our family thorougly enjoyed our stay in December of 2008. Our kids said that the place was funky and we all enjoyed the homey feel of the house. We loved the sound of the waves on the beach at night and the security and privacy of the location. Two thumbs up!!

Owner response:It was a joy to have you! I guess funky is good!!!! Please do come and stay again! Aloha! Laurie and Darla

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Guest: Trudy & Lewis Andrew (-)
Date of Stay: 11/11/08 Review Submitted: 11/11/08

This haven at Hale Nui offered us the perfect spot to relax after a very busy holiday spent exploring Asia. We appreciated being given the flexibility to check-in early and the warm welcome we received from Laurie and Darla was amazing. The way our holiday home was decorated gave it a very "Hawaiian" feel and the owners made sure it was well-equipped with everything you could possibly want in terms of dishes, linens, laundry facilities, and beach toys. Lots of books, DVD's, and games provided, offered many options for evening activities. We found that after busy days exploring Waikiki and the rest of the island, we loved returning to the serenity of Hale Nui.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/05/08 Review Submitted: 10/05/08

We had a fantastic time at this vacation home. As soon as we walked through the doors, we felt relaxed. This home has everything you need and a whole lot more. We enjoyed the treats that Laurie had waiting for us, as we got in to HI in the afternoon and were too tired to grocery shop. Our family enjoyed the sunrise every morning - waiting for the sun to rise over Diamond Head - it was beautiful. Listening to the waves crash on shore while we slept was an awesome experience. If you are looking for a place to really enjoy paradise without the typical tourist interuptions, stay at this vacation home - we were left alone to enjoy and take everything in... as it should be when you are vacationing and we felt as though the beach belong to just us. Thank you. The Carlson Family of Minnesota

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Guest: Melissa53 (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 09/25/08 Review Submitted: 09/25/08

I spent a wonderful relaxing week with fiends celebrating birthdays. The accomidations were exactly what I was looking for. I travel often so hotels are not a vacation for me. This was a home away from home. I can't wait to go back.

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Guest: Linda Melvin1 (Scotland)
Date of Stay: 09/04/08 Review Submitted: 09/04/08

We have just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Ewa and we had a wonderful experience. The house was a dream and Laurie, thank you so much for making our anniversary so special. WE WILL BE BACK Aloha and Mahalo

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Guest: Larry13 (-)
Date of Stay: 06/07/08 Review Submitted: 06/07/08

This house was everything advertised and more. We stayed the first week of June 2008. From the lady who handled the booking to the owner that attended to us like we were family, nothing was lacking. Clean, well furnished with everything, even down to chopsticks. All the beach equipment we could use. I could find nothing to complain about, regret, or even to be disappointed with. A property you can surely trust. Ask the lady who books this property if you want to talk to me. Tell her to let me know and I will answer any questions you have. Best place I have ever stayed away from home.

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Guest: Gary L. Thomas (Virginia Beach, Va.)
Date of Stay: 06/04/08 Review Submitted: 06/04/08

Our vacation this year was spent at the Hale Nui in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. We normally stay at the Military Rest Camps. This year both of my sisters and their spouses along with my son and his family decided to stay in Ewa Beach, what a wonderful choice. We were born and raised in this area at the Ewa Sugar Platation where our dad worked. This place is a fantastic place to stay, right on the beach, tradewinds, waves splashing on the beautiful white sand and we even hit it on a full moon rising over Diamond Head. The place was fantastic, everything you could want was supplied, great beds, a great Hawaiian atmosphere with palm trees and the place was immaculate. Needless to say the time went by to quickly. Lori, a very lovely lady and a wonderful person wecolmed us. She has the Hawaiian spirit with love and aloha and to top that off she is completely customer oriented. Had a wonderful time. We plan on doing it again.

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Guest: Julie Mullen (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/31/07 Review Submitted: 10/31/07

As a seasoned traveler, I found that Hale Nui by far surpasses any hotel or other vacation rental I have stayed in. After a lovely two weeks vacationing at this beautiful beachfront property, I feel totally refreshed and rejuvenated. The aloha spirit of this place is present as you arrive, with lush bougainvilla, tropical plants, and an exquisitely maintained lawn which looks out at the Pacific and a beach lined with coconut trees. Inside, it is tastefully decorated, and the most important part...meticulously clean!! Also, quite often hotel beds are uncomfortable, the pillows feel awkward, but here, sleeping was restful, with bed and pillows soo comfortable, and clearly of excellent quality!! The linens were fresh and extremely soft... It is furnished with several guides to the island, magazines and books for reading about Hawaii, and even board games for stay-at-home entertainment. The kitchen is fully furnished for comfort and convenience. I also enjoyed the location, with close proximity to supermarkets and coffee shops. It is also near the world-acclaimed Ihilani. There we enjoyed the peaceful swimming and the poolside cafe. The property is furnished with sand toys for children, snorkling and swim gear, and even has a washer and dryer! After a long day of actvity on the island, it was such a relief to return to this private beachside property to simply relax and reflect on the day... to step outside at night onto the sand, looking up at the stars, the brillant moon, and the twinkling lights of Waikiki. The pounding surf lulls you to sleep, as the tradewinds gently blow throuh your windows. As you awaken in the morning, doves are cooing, signalling the start of a new day. I hope you can stay at this wonderful property and enjoy the incredible beauty surrounding it!!

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