Vacation Rentals by Owner

"Amazing Time"

Guest: guests from Fresno CA area
Date of Stay: 03/28/12 Review Submitted: 04/03/12

Aloha Joan, I just wanted to personally thank you for all of your help during our stay at your condo this past week. Rob and I had such and amazing time and adored the place. You were so helpful with any questions we had it made the trip that much better. I actually just recommended it to a friend and she is looking to go in May. Thank you again for everything, Liana and Rob

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Special Place

Guest: E.B. from TN
Date of Stay: 03/10/12 Review Submitted: 03/16/12

Joan. We are enjoying Kauai and your lovely home here. It really is a special place. Thanks for all your help in making this a great vacation!

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"Enjoyed our stay"

Guest: W and L
Date of Stay: 02/13/12 Review Submitted: 02/23/12

joan - wanted to write and let you know how much we enjoyed our stay - the weather was perfect - i loved the aquarobics class at the pool which gave me a chance to meet quite a few of the locals. your place is beautiful and i really enjoyed spending time on this part of the island as we usually stayed on the poipu side thanks again for making our vacation so enjoyable

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Could not be more pleased

Guest: KH from Calabasas, CA
Date of Stay: 01/30/12 Review Submitted: 02/04/12

Randy and I could not be more pleased. The condo is gorgeous and so well equipped and the view, of course, is to die for! I'm embarrassed to say we ate sandwiches for dinner 2 nights because we couldn't pull ourselves away (and we were exhausted). Today we kayaked; we've boogie boarded, enjoyed great lunches and hiked over 4 miles round trip on the treacherous, but incredible trail along the Napali coast. My knees are still protesting. We're even in love with your CD collection! It will be interesting to compare everything here to Poipu. I can't imagine liking it any more or having as nice a place to stay as yours. We now understand all the rave reviews and will definitely return. Thank you for it all.

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Big Waves

Guest: Tom P from New Mexico
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 01/11/12

Hi Joan; We had a great time, Back home now. Spent a little time in the hot tub and tanned at the smaller pool. They were working on the stone paths at the larger pool so it should be pretty nice once the work is completed. We had big waves in the bay on three days and smaller rides on the rest so it was exciting and fun down on the beach Also had a great dinner at the Dolphin. Aloha

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Spectacular!

Guest: Ray P from Canada
Date of Stay: 12/27/11 Review Submitted: 12/30/11

Thank you so much for making 4222 available to us -- it truly is as spectacular as you had described. It is also providing us with the relaxing holiday that we so desperately needed, Ray.

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Hate to Leave

Guest: Mark T
Date of Stay: 12/18/11 Review Submitted: 12/21/11

Aloha Joan, We were upset we had to leave! It was the perfect place for our vacation. The location could not have been better..our last morning we woke up to a huge rainbow stretching all the way across hanalei bay. We would love to visit again someday. Thanks for being such a great host, I am very appreciative of how welcoming you made us feel. It was fantastic, we will certainly recommend your place to our friends and family for a vacation in a place truly like no other. Many thanks and happy holidays to you and your family, Mark

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Hate to Leave

Guest: Mark T
Date of Stay: 12/15/11 Review Submitted: 12/21/11

Aloha Joan, We were upset we had to leave! It was the perfect place for our vacation. The location could not have been better..our last morning we woke up to a huge rainbow stretching all the way across hanalei bay. We would love to visit again someday. Thanks for being such a great host, I am very appreciative of how welcoming you made us feel. It was fantastic, we will certainly recommend your place to our friends and family for a vacation in a place truly like no other. Many thanks and happy holidays to you and your family, Mark

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Perfect

Guest: Y and J from Northern California
Date of Stay: 10/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/28/11

We had a beautiful time - can't wait to go back. Everything was perfect.

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"Great Stay, stellar host"

Guest: J.A.
Date of Stay: 09/12/11 Review Submitted: 10/01/11

Review posted on Trip Advisor Oct 1: I'll start with - we did reserve through a private party. Our hostess with the mostess, Joan, was wonderful before, during and after our stay. The good vibes started with the phone call to discuss our reservation plans. Joan was full of good advice and we chatted for almost an hour. She is really passionate about both her property (well deserved) and Kauai. All reservation items were handled professionally and without any issues. We were reserving both units and it was no issue to split the CC bill between two parties and we did know up front the timeline for everything. We had been on the south shore for a couple of days before heading north - we walked into the condo and were blown away by the amazing view! And we were surprised by the size of the condo, the pictures really do not do it justice, it was quite spacious for two couples. The beds were excellent, the sheets great (something I care about), the furninshings were great - OK, our one big complaint is that we couldn't find the dice for the Yahtzee game (haha). We did have a couple of minor issues while we were there and they were taken care of immediately (a fan not working and the HBR had to get propane to the grills). we enjoyed taking the golf cart down or back some of the time, but found the walk up or down the hill not too bad. I think there is extra O2 from all the greenery which ensures you don't get out of breath walking up hills (or have hangovers) in Kauai. Another plus that was unexpected is that we had complete privacy between the bedrooms. The condos are insulated well or something, we could not hear a thing from the other side. We also loved being close to our private pool (not really, but we pretty much had the little pool to ourselves) and BBQs. While I don't think we'll get back to Kauai for a while I would stay here again in a heartbeat. The entire experience, from reserving with the owner, to the stay and wonderful location and view could not be beat!

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Larger than Expected

Guest: J
Date of Stay: 07/22/11 Review Submitted: 08/30/11

Condo was in perfect shape, clean and much larger then I expected. Both Bedroom and Living room were larger then I expected. Both the bed and furnishings in the living room are all really comfortable. The condo required a bit of a walk from the parking lot, but the upside of that is that it's really quiet. Only hearing the surf in the distance and the birds with the windows open. Beach below the bluff was also a walk, but with the cart in the condo it was easy to bring our stuff up and down the path. The beach was uncrowded and the snorkeling good, just to the south of where the path leads.

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Guest: C F
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/16/11

Ron and I returned last night from Kauai and loved our visit! Your condo was very nice and comfortable, Joan, and thank you for making our stay so nice! We especially enjoyed the gorgeous veiw from the deck and appreciated the beauty of the ocean, mountains and foliage! It was a wonderful visit, enjoying the wedding festivities of our neice and driving around the beautiful island. Many thanks again! And we hope to return someday for a visit , and I will certainly be in touch.

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Guest: Carolyn M from FL (email)
Date of Stay: 06/03/11 Review Submitted: 06/09/11

Hi Joan, I just wanted to thank you and tell you what a wonderful time we have had here. We hate to leave and can't wait to return. Your recommendations have been fabulous and we love your home here! yesterday we did a helicopter trip that was amazing and today we did the coast on a zodiac boat that was so beautiful and sooo much fun. it was thru Blue Dolphin in Hanalie Bay, we loved it. have met 2 other couples staying here one from CA and the other from OR and have really enjoyed spending time with them. Everyone here has been so nice and the staff has been great. I will share pictures when I get home. Again thank you, we have had a wonderful time on Kauai and here at Hanalei Bay, talk to you soon. Fondly, Carolyn

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Guest: Pat (trip advisor review)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/08/11

The condo itself was beautiful and so comfortable. (condo #4222)The view from the lanai was breath taking with views of the ocean and mountains. We would watch the sunrise and the sunset -so special. Everything we could possibly need to make our visit perfect was provided including beach chairs, umbrellas, binoculars etc. The Condo was very quiet during our stay. The staff at the Hanalei Bay Resort was top notch , the grounds very well kept. Also and having a beach to walk to from the condo was an added bonus. The location, north Kauai-is just a great combination of beauty, quiet, beaches, beaches, beaches. We found Ke'e Beach to be our favorite for snorkeling, swimming and chicken watching. We visited many of the beaches on the north-one more dramatic then the next. Tunnels-very good snorekling too, but since we are beginners, Ke'e was easier for us. We hiked part of the Kalalau Trail too, wonderful views. The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant was great for lunch and dinner. Also shave Ice from Wishing Well Shave Ice - was very good and fun. We visited the west side, enjoyed the Phea trail hike in the canyon and the walk and views at Polihale beach. Also spent a day on the hiking and swimming on the east side and the south side, but we would definetly stay in the North side, at the Hanalei resort if we have the opportunity to visit Kauai again. It just felt like a vacation-a retreat.

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Guest: CG (email to owner)
Date of Stay: 03/31/11 Review Submitted: 04/01/11

Aloha Joan, We arrived at about 11pm on Wed night after traveling for about 10 hours. We were greeted with the warm ambiance that you have created in your Hanalei Bay home. After a wonderful nights rest, the next morning I opened the blinds to the view that was even better than depicted in the photos. I couldn’t believe how stunningly beautiful. Needless to say, we are so happy to be here. Your home is fabulous and has everything we could possibly need. Thank you for sharing with us. Best wishes, Carmen

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Guest: Jim and Yvonne from Downieville, CA
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 03/27/11

Joan, It's hard to leave the lanai and the spectacular view so perhaps we'll sit here all day! :) We'll at least make our way to the lighthouse - hear we might see whales there. We enjoyed lunch at Mediteranean Gourmet yesterday. I was there when it was Charros, many years ago! The fish was yummy! We have reservations at BarAcuda this evening. Thanks again for your beautiful place. We're loving it here and also enjoyed Maui!

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Guest: CC (taken from Trip Advisor review on 4/5)
Date of Stay: 03/13/11 Review Submitted: 04/05/11

This complex is on a large rolling property with beautiful ocean views and a great pool area. Lots of grass and landscaping. You can walk down a steep but very doable path to the ocean. Tennis courts abound. I also took a yoga class, had an outside massage and actually got to work with a local painter to paint a picture which is definately a first for me. You do need to walk a way from your car but we liked the exercize and there are golf carts if you call for one, which we never did. We were told that the restaurant and bar will open this summer which will be nice. Unit 4222 is lovely. It's nicely decorated, well furnished and of course very clean. It's situated in the middle of the complex which worked well for us. The sunset views of "Bali Hai" were outstanding. It's a very quiet place and we enjoyed it immensely.

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Guest: Jay T
Date of Stay: 02/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/06/11

We did have a great time. We thought you're condo was great, and are glad we decided to rent it instead of the other one we were looking at. Jay

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Guest: Tim C
Date of Stay: 12/19/10 Review Submitted: 12/22/10

Jackson and I are in love with your place and the care you give it to make it so fun for us!! Thank you soooo much!!!

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Guest: Margaret A
Date of Stay: 09/30/10 Review Submitted: 10/08/10

We loved your condo and were very sorry to leave. You provide so many extras that we would not expect to find in the UK or Europe. We loved the north of the island and visited many of the lovely beaches and we watched your DVD of South Pacific (yet again) but this time we recognised the locations. We swam in the Queens Bath - not an easy place to find but very enjoyable. We loved the resort of Hanalei Bay and as we were feeling jet lagged (11 hours time difference from UK) we spent quite a lot of time either on your balcony or by the fantastic swimming pool and hot tub and enjoyed the burgers at lunch time by the pool. We are now enjoying the south of the island. We swam with turtles on Poipou Beach and then on your recommendation visited the farmers' market at the new shopping centre near Kuhio Shores. You are quite right - the jam is 'to die for' and we bought some slices of pie from the pie man. We thought all the traders there were lovely people and we were pleased to support them. Had a great meal at the Beach House, drove to Waimea Canyon this morning, tomorrow a snorkel cruise in the morning, then evening in Hanapepe. Saturday we have booked a plane ride. Sunday we fly to Honolulu for 3 nights at Turtle Bay. Thank you again for all your helpful advice.

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Guest: Randy
Date of Stay: 09/05/10 Review Submitted: 09/26/10

Joan, Everything was great! Your condo was fabulous and we were even pleasantly surprised with how friendly and efficient the staff at the resort was. The grounds were immaculate, the shuttle arrived within minutes (even just to pick up the trash), parking wasn't a problem (the resort was full), everything was working, and everyone was very friendly. It's such a shame that the bar/restaurant are still for sale, because everything else about HBR is top-notch. I guess having those closed helps keep the noise down at the resort, at least. It was very quiet and peaceful even with the resort at capacity. Your condo exceeded our expectations and lived up to all of the glowing reviews. The view is just as amazing from inside. We thought the guestbook and photo album were a very nice touch. My wife wrote in the guestbook, and we'll send some pictures for you to add to the album. We will definitely be back in the future! Mahalo nui loa!

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Guest: Elizabeth
Date of Stay: 09/01/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/11

I am late in writing a review of our stay at Hanalei Bay Resort but I wanted Yelp fans to know what a beautiful place this is. I took some friends with me to Kauai this fall (September) and we stayed in a beautiful 2 bedroom condo owned by a private individual. I found it on VRBO. Sorry I can't find the number. It was in Palms building and the number was 4222. When you drive up to the North Shore it couldn't be more beautiful. I've stayed in Poipu a few times but the North side is just gorgeous. It is more country up that way with rolling hills and guava farms. I like that rural feel, like going to the Road to Hana. We stopped at Banana Joes to get a smoothy and then we came to Princeville. This is where Hanalei Bay Resort is. You drive past a golf course (we aren't golfers so I don't know if its any good) and we came to the resort. The staff couldn't have been nicer and they showed us to the condo in a golf cart. You can't park near your condo. We opened the door and saw the mountains and water in front of us and didn't want to leave. The condo itself is decorated very nicely (I went into a few other condos because they were having open houses and I can say this was much nicer) We could use the owners boogie boards, umbrellas, binoculars, and she even had tennis rackets. I broke a string but the pro on site fixed it for nothing. We had a great time meeting nice people at the beautiful pool (it wasn't heated thought) and at night in the hot tub. We mostly hung out at Haena State Beach (or I think it is called Tunnels Beach), Kee Beach and one day drove to Poipu to see Spouting Horn and had lunch at Brenekes. We didn't do many other things except go to the beach and see the beauty of Kauai but every night it was so nice to come back to a clean and well maintained condo with the awesome views for sunset watching. I had read a review that it was going downhill and under new ownership. What I was told by the owner is they have a new management company who is helping them clean up the mess of the last one who didn't do a good job. I saw a few things like some of the buildings could use some paint but our condo was in perfect condition. I guess it depends on where you rent? The grounds are truly beautiful. There are flowers all over, a koi pond and they light tiki torches at night. It is like old Hawaii. My friends and I have decided to come back next year.....

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Guest: Micah and Julia P From TX
Date of Stay: 07/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

Aloha Joan! We have both been so busy since we have been back from our incredible honeymoon. We had the best time in Kauai! We truly think that it is the most beautiful place that we have ever been. A large part of our great experience was your Condo that we stayed in. The beautiful views, the convenience, and the resort itself were perfect for what we wanted on this honeymoon. Thank you for allowing us to stay in your beautiful condo and giving us so much help in planning this trip to Kauai. We have told all of our couple friends about your place and how great it is for a getaway. We cannot wait to come back!

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Guest: Jim from NC
Date of Stay: 06/16/10 Review Submitted: 07/15/10

This trip was for our 30th wedding anniversary. We thoroughly researched the reviews on Trip Advisor and selected HBR, unit 4222. This unit is privately owned and has been beautifully furnished and decorated. It is completely equipped with all kitchen amenities and includes most of what you need to enjoy and explore the island. The views from the balcony are amazing and we never got tired of gazing outside. Every time you look, it is different (lighting, clouds, shadows, rainbows etc.). The owner was very friendly and professional and very responsive to our questions. She even saw to it that a bottle of Champagne was waiting for us to help with celebrating our 30th (Thanks Joan). Joan worked with us on schedule in ways that you will not get a management company to do. As for the beautiful Hanalei Bay Resort. Everyone we encountered from the lobby staff, to the bellmen were professional and courteous. The pool and hot tub area are just what is needed to relax after a day of exploring the beatifull island of Kauai. Almost every evening we used the Weber gas grills located in the common area to cook dinner (had to get one of these when I got home). The parking is a little unusual in that it requires about a 5 minute walk to get from the car to the condo. If walking is a problem, bellmen are always available to provide rides in golf carts. This is only a consideration if mobility is an issue. I don't think you will be dissapointed if you choose to stay at HBR 4222.

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Guest: Dave D
Date of Stay: 05/18/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

Just stayed in unit 4222 and was quite surprised at the gorgeous views, friendly staff and value at this resort. The room has an amazing view of Hanalei Bay and is within walking distance to a nice beach. BTW, the pool is beautiful too.

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Guest: Elizabeth
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

Besides saying that we will never regret choosing Kauai as our Hawaiian island of choice for our (hopefully not) once-in-a-lifetime vacation...my husband both agree that this condo unit 4222 under Joan Bettencourt's ownership was a wise gamble. From the moment we stepped into the beautiful open-air lobby we just felt like we were dreaming and this whole vacation had to be too good to be true! It wasn't. The condo was beyond our expectations. It not only had updated furniture, but it was SO clean. Not just surface clean, but the comforters were clean...which is always a huge indicator for me of a quality vacation rental. The bed was very comfortable, our sleep was so solid. Something that stood out as well was the fact she made sure there were AC units in both the bedroom and living room. We are AC dependent, living in a tropical area ourselves, so when most rental companies told us in Kauai the ocean breezes are so strong you don't need it, we went back and forth in deciding. We went in May and let me tell you, it does make a difference. We didn't know how good we had it until we left. We had a vacation rental directly on the ocean in Poipu and were miserable as far as the heat goes with no AC. So if you are a little more sensitive to heat it may be something to consider. The grounds were perfect, the beach you can walk to was gorgeous and the pool area was fantastic! At first, I was concerned there was no restaurant on the property, but when we went there there was someone by the pool that grilled some simple but delicious food. Food wasn't a problem between the farmer's markets and fish market. The Mediterranean Gourmet was our favorite restaurant in that area. Joan was easy to work with and she was extremely helpful in every way.

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Guest: Mike from TX
Date of Stay: 03/12/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

First off, Joan, thank you for your eagerness to help. We really enjoyed our stay at 4222 and it was very nice and clean. Your condo was perfect in every way. It was funny because even the bell boy was stunned when he showed us to the room. He said "wow, you can really tell the difference in the privately owned units" The extra items stocked at the condo were priceless. It was like being at home, if I needed anything, there it was. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS UNIT. THE VIEW IS AMAZING. On a big north swell the waves wrap around the point and you can watch the surfing action. Definitely hit up kalypso for their amazing french fries and onion rings.

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