Vacation Rentals by Owner

Beautiful Getaway on the North Shore

Guest: hrf (Venice, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/11/12 Review Submitted: 04/18/12

This was a last minute decision - and we could have not made a better choice! Upon walking into the place, we knew we had made the right choice. The location is breathtaking, everything that is shown in the pictures perfectly represents this place. If oceanfront is what you are looking for (we were) - any closer and you would be on a houseboat! It is clear that a lot of care has gone into creating this place and maintaining it. Wonderfully equipped with everything (and more) anyone could ever need, perfectly clean and well stocked! We will definitely be back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

The Perfect Honeymoon

Guest: MaryHolly (United States)
Date of Stay: 01/16/12 Review Submitted: 02/17/12

The Kauai Love Shack far exceeded our already high expectations! We arrived to find everything we could think of was provided for us.There were even some wonderful items from a local bakery along with champagne in the fridge and plenty of coffee/tea on hand. I have never had any accommodation think of so many details. The kitchen is very well equipped and there was not one thing we needed that we did not find in the ten nights we were there. There is even an air popcorn popper and popcorn...we never had the chance to use it but it was a very nice touch. The layout of the house is perfect for a couple. We usually spend our vacations on the go but we had a very hard time leaving the house...we just kept staring out the bedroom window. There is a considerable amount of traffic by the house but I never really noticed any road noise. We found that we preferred the North side of the island and couldn't wait to get back once we left. Another thing that was a huge help was Christine. We were quite a ways away the first day and she got a hold of us to let us know that the bridges were probably going to close due to flooding. We were able to get groceries and get back before the bridges closed. That was one of our favorite days because we had Haena State Park to ourselves once the storm was over. We also had questions during our stay and Christine always answered us right away. Overall the house was comfortable, clean, and well equipped. The location is perfect and so are the views. All of our interactions from inquiry to departure were good. This is the first location my husband has ever wanted to go back to instead of going somewhere new. I have been in the travel business for 17 years and this is one of the best overall stays I have ever had.

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

WILL BE BACK to the LOVE SHACK! Honeymooners

Guest: JA newlyweds
Date of Stay: 06/29/11 Review Submitted: 09/22/11

Hi C.L, having the best time here in kauai, would like to ask about checkout as I didn't pay too much attention to it earlier, at we don't fly until 820pm I'm hoping we could leave around 5:30 ish directly to the airport. Thanks for everything, WILL BE BACK to the LOVE SHACK! thanks a ton, JA

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Great house but...

Guest: Anonymous (Carlsbad, NM)
Date of Stay: 06/12/11 Review Submitted: 10/21/11

The house is great! The layout of the house works perfectly as you can lie in bed and view the ocean. The sound of the waves will put you to sleep every night. The kitchen has everything you need to prepare just about anything you can think of. The location is pretty close to the end of the road, which is always nice. The house has many wonderful aspects, and a few negative ones. On the down side, we had read reviews prior to going about the house being located right next to the road and the noise from the traffic could be a problem at times. I couldn’t agree with this more. In the evening and throughout the night, it is not too big of a factor as there isn't much traffic down there during those times. Early in the morning is a different story. Every morning we were there we woke to the sound of vehicles zooming just outside the bedroom windows. Of course we could have closed the windows, but with the absence of A/C that would leave you in a rather "sticky" situation. Another down side is the beach the house is located on. The beach is pretty, but not swimmable even during the calm months of summer. My final issue with the Love Shack is that we stayed there in the middle of June and I am still waiting on my security deposit to be returned, near the end of October. This is not a huge issue but more of an annoyance.

Owner response:We appreciate the opportunity to clarify, the guest $150 security deposit was paid in full. The address was wrong and went to Carlsbad CA instead of Carlsbad NM, the issue was immediately rectified. The beach is swimmable, during many months of the year. With a secret snorkel reef within a couple minutes walk. We have ceiling fans and stationary fans, most of the time you do not need extra fans, we have a nice breeze from trade winds. We serve in the spirit of aloha and our goals is that you are very happy and come back like many of our guest.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Paradise found!

Guest: DMSDS (Southern California)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 05/04/11

Just returned and miss it already. I did extensive research prior to planning and although a little pricey for our budget, we were not disappointed. The views from the house are captivating and the sound of the ocean waves lulls one gently to sleep at night. It was simply beautiful. We grilled fresh fish every night and were afforded the comforts of home with a fully outfitted kitchen. The tub was amazing and I indulged with several long soaks as I took in a sweeping panoramic ocean view. The ocean breeze keeps the place airy and cooler than inland which was appreciated (it was in the upper 80's), however a time or two I wished for air conditioning, at least in the bedroom. Also to be fair, the road is very busy during the day but it wasn't deal-breaking. It's not bothersome if one is on the beach or out doing activities. At night, it's totally serene. We are already planning our next trip and hope to make this wonderful little gem a regular yearly vacation spot.

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Couldn't ask for a better location and accomodations

Guest: wilsonern (Plano, TX)
Date of Stay: 11/12/10 Review Submitted: 11/29/10

This was a great vacation, our second anniversary to be exact an we couldn't have picked a more pristine spot. The privacy is fantastic. The kitchen is well equipped for standard cooking fare. Be prepared, the groceries are quite pricey. We were told by the Enterprise (who were unbelievably polite, helpful and reasonably priced) that the Safeway in Lihue was the cheapest grocery. The bed is a comfortable king and a little soft for my wife's liking but I loved it, slept like a rock. The clawfoot bathtub was a popular attraction. My wife used it to do her evening reading, whereas, I just like to turn the lights out and listen to the ocean and watch the waves by moonlight. Pretty cool. This place has "all natural" A/C with vented windows on the coast side breezing through to the road side. That's right, you are right off the only road but truthfully, you're pretty out there that the thru traffic is pretty light. After you take in the view, you don't pay the road noise much mind. Pay attention to what time of year you are booking your stay. This is important for one reason only as far as I can see. There is a killer reef just outside the Love Shack and would be great snorkeling in the summer time. We went in November and the currents and surf that time of year on the north end of the island make swimming quite hazardous. Easy fix - head down to the Haena State park at the beach there. They have a nice protected cove with plenty of fish to check out. We tried to schedule some snorkeling trips at Napali coast and Poipu but they kept canceling due to the currents. We A few MUSTs while you are there. 22 degrees North is a 45 minute drive to Lihue and is located on the Kilohana Plantation. They grow everything there, except for the fish which is picked up locally each day. Awesome food and reasonable price. Get two bags of donuts for dessert. One for on the way home and the second to eat with coffee the next morning in bed. The atmosphere is perfect outdoor patio dining with small tiki torches and fire pits for ambiance. Great service.. so good that we went back the next night for dinner again. Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tours are awesome - worth every penny. The only negative thing was minor ant problem. Trash must be taken outside and NO crumbs or anything can be left out or ants WILL take over the kitchen. We sprayed for ants at every meal. Small price to pay for an otherwise perfect getaway. Enjoy!! We'll be back.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Fantastic stay, but still waiting for our deposit to be returned

Guest: David & Leigh1 (Phoenix AZ)
Date of Stay: 08/19/10 Review Submitted: 12/12/10

The Love Shack is as described in the listing. It was the perfect location for us & we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there in August. Would have rated it an Excellent, but it is now December & we still have not received our deposit back even though we've been assured that we would.

Owner response:Security Deposit was refunded.

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

Relaxing getaway

Guest: this isn't working (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/22/09 Review Submitted: 10/06/09

Had a great time at the Love Shack. Everything is exactly as pictured on the website - down to the furniture and views. We visited at the end of September and spent most of our visit watching the waves and listening to crashing surf. The only downside was proximity to the road, but those sounds were generally drowned out by the surf. The location is VERY close to the end of the road with great beaches for snorkeling and close to hiking. It's about a 10 minute drive to restaurants, but we found the kitchen useful for most meals. We really enjoyed our stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/27/08

Loved this house and Location. The best spot in the world!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/02/08

i stayed in the love shack at the end of october 2007 and find myself thinking long and hard about returning this month for a short trip on my own. that little house is magical. laying in bed at night with the moon reflecting on the ocean is unlike anything i've ever experienced. and the tub is every girls dream. :)

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Fantastic!!

Guest: kauai dreamin (Menlo Park, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/08 Review Submitted: 07/17/08

The love shack is perfect!! We loved the location right on the beach, it was breezy and beautiful. The beach was quiet and it felt like having our own private wonderland. The kitchen was well equipped and the owner was awesome and totally helpful. The house was immaculate and so comfortable!! Ive heard many horror stories about critter problems in Hawaii but luckily, the only critter we saw at the house was a friendly gecko. We felt so lucky every time we came home to the love shack!! I highly, highly recommend this property for people who want a low key romantic getaway.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Sandy & Charlie (Costa Mesa, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/05/08

We stayed at the Haena Love Shack from May 24-31, 2008. The location on the water is just beautiful! The views from every window were unbelievable-we kept pinching ourselves and thinking Nick must've paid that fisherman to throw his net, or those kite sailors to fly by, etc. I loved the bed, the pillows, the claw foot tub, the dishes and mugs and the extra little amenities like lotions and after sun products. Just looking at our photos makes me want to return. Both of us agreed we liked the north side of the island and the greenery plus the little town of Hanalei to explore. Thanks for sharing this nicely remodeled home with us!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/11/08

We just spent our honeymoon at the Haena Love Shak and could not have been more pleased. The house was perfect and ON the ocean just as advertised. There's not a bad view from the whole house. There are large picture windows on the entire side of the house so you can shower/take a bath while looking at the Pacific, wake up and look at the Pacific, eat/cook while looking at the Pacific Ocean... We loved the location too- it's so close to Ke'e beach, Tunnels beach, and the wonderful hikes on the first part of the Nepali Trail as well as Hanalei. We hope to return one day. Thank you for your hospitality.

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Guest: Russ & Family
Date of Stay: 03/14/08 Review Submitted: 03/13/08

(Original review found on Homeaway Property ID 166774) The setting and views of the ocean have to be the best on Kauai!! With only a few steps to the water this home is a true tropical paradise.Nick the owner was very informative and has a great attitude and has thought of every thing you will need.I would recommend this property to anyone who can get here!! We hiked the trails at the end of the road the the views are spectacular. We saw countless whales , sea turtules , and Dolphins. The snorkiling was amazeing. You can not go wrong renting this home.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/24/08

Awsome place!We will be back.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/18/08

What a fantastic place! Before we arrived my wife and I had all sorts of activities planned, but as we settled in we looked at one another and said "we really don't need to go anywhere!" The property is every bit as gorgeous as it looks in the listing, and really is RIGHT on the beach. It's very well outfitted and equipped. The location can't be beat - close to the Napili Trail, Hanalei (great little town), Princeville, and a short drive from Lihue. Fantastic beaches very close by, but hard to convince yourself to go when the house is ON the beach!

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Haena Love Shack-Exceeds Expectations

Guest: Russ (MUSKEGON,MICHIGAN)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/11/08

The setting and views of the ocean have to be the best on Kauai!! With only a few steps to the water this home is a true tropical paradise.Nick the owner was very informative and has a great attitude and has thought of every thing you will need.I would recommend this property to anyone who can get here!! We hiked the trails at the end of the road the the views are spectacular. We saw countless whales , sea turtules , and Dolphins. The snorkiling was amazeing. You can not go wrong renting this home. Russ& Family Muskegon,Michigan.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/25/08

This is a lovely property -- literally steps away from the ocean. Beautifully appointed and very comfortable. We enjoyed our stay and look forward to a return visit. I can highly recommend a stay at this beautiful, peaceful place.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Vandy Kauai Tradition (South Dakota)
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/21/08

Hi Julia, I have stayed at the Haena Love Shack twice and have enjoyed it both times. It is a lovely cottage home located right on the beach - with a gorgeous view of the ocean from the bedroom, bathroom (love the old claw foot tub), kitchen/living area. Watching the sunrise in the morning from bed is wonderful! My family stayed in December, I would not swim right in front of the cottage, but you can walk along the beach to areas that you can swim or snorkel. The end of the road is a short drive where you will want to be sure to go to view the sunset at the end of the day. Hanalei Bay is also a short drive and is a very nice place to swim, snorkel, etc. It is a great place to stay and I would not hesitate to go back if given the opportunity. The owner does a great job to make sure you feel welcome and enjoy your stay. Best wishes! Lisa From: J. Lyon Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 3:40 PM To: Lisa Vandevoort Subject: haena love shack Lisa, My future husband and I are thinking about renting the Haena Love Shack for a week as part of our honeymoon. Based on your stay there, is it a good place for a honeymoon (quiet, somewhat secluded)? Could you go swimming in front of the cottage? What did you like or dislike? Thanks so much!!! J. Lyon Salt Lake City, UT

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