Reviews for Wainiha Vacation Rental - VRBO 101686ha - 3 BR North Shore House in HI, 100 Shades of Green - Lushness Beyond Belief

Simply Amazing

Guest Jeff
Date of stay 10/13/11
Review Submitted 11/11/11

WOAH. This place exceeded all of my expectations. Set up in a river valley above Wainiha/Hanalei, 100 Shades did not disappoint. Master bedroom is the size of a football field, with tall vaulted open-woodwork ceilings, and nicely appointed with a private shower & bath. Guest bedrooms are less dramatic but comfortable. Kitchen is nicely equipped and well kept. Living room is fine with a very large TV (we didn't spend any time in this room, nor did we ever turn on the TV). The Lanai may be 100 Shades' best feature. Very large with comfortable furnishings including a heavenly double hammock. Very nicely decorated with a dozen or so antique surfboards. At first them seemed like kitch, but after some consideration, they reveal themselves as intricate masterpieces of surf artistry. We spent hours and hours on the Lanai. It invites eating, drinking, reading, napping, chatting, and listening to the wild. The grass yard down to the river is inviting and well kept. Both open and sufficiently private/tropical. Hottub on the deck is OK (small, older model). Outdoor shower is nothing fancy, but it's fun. House is nicely stocked with travel books, snorkel gear, beach stuff, sarongs, etc... Feels like a real house where real people leave. But still clean and tidy. North Shore is the best place on the island. Slightly cooler, slightly rainier, but still plenty of warmth and sun. Dramatic cliffs and lush tropical gardens. Can't be beat. Skip the resorts and see Kauai how it was meant to be seen. I will be back to 100 Shades. Hopefully soon... A real gem by any standard.

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

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So Thankful to Be Here!

Guest Heidi
Date of stay 12/28/10
Review Submitted 01/13/11

How completely we enjoyed 100 Shades of Green! The gardens are just exquisite, and the house equally so. I traveled with a flower expert and a gourmet cook. Each was delighted with 100 Shades. The kitchen is very well-equipped, and we especially enjoyed eating fresh fruit from the garden. All meals were taken on the lanai with the sound of the rushing stream and the soft touch of the tropical breeze. The Jacuzzi was a very welcome luxury. Merely being at 100 Shades made us feel that we were having the ultimate tropical experience. We really had to force ourselves to leave the house each day, in order to see some sights! We will always remember hiking the Kalalau Trail, kayaking on the Hanalei River, and taking a boat trip to see the Na Pali Coast and snorkel off the shore of Ni'ihau. My husband said it so well, when he said of 100 Shades of Green, "I am so thankful to be here."

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

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Guest Keith Menasco
Date of stay 10/19/09
Review Submitted 10/18/09

We have totally enjoyed our stay here at 100 Shades of Green. This is truly a place for relaxing and re-charging. We have travelled to Kauai many times and we agree that your home has been our best trip yet. It was perfect to enjoy breakfast and watch the birds from the lanai. Our days were filled with our favorite things to do . . . We thank you for sharing your home with us. You have done a wonderful job of making it inviting and well-stocked and comfortable. We particularly enjoyed the Wainiha Quadrangle Top Map. We spent a lot of time orienting ourselves using it to locate favorite spots. The BIG surprises of coconuts when they fell on the deck or shed. You had warned us so we were watching out. We have to return to real life now. Thank you for providing us a place that we will always remember. Mahalo and Aloha.

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Guest Michael Mueller
Date of stay 08/12/09
Review Submitted 08/11/09

This was our third time here on the Hawaiian Island and on Kauai our most favorite island. We love the North Coast and Hanalei. Your beautiful house is really the best place to stay on the whole island - so lush, so tropical, so 100 shades of green. We enjoyed the evenings on the romantic screened in lanai and in the wonderful whirlpool. And our nights with deep relaxing sleep to the sound of the river and with the fresh breeze always going through the house. You did an excellent job of decorating the house, Barry. So pretty, so unusual, such a great mix of Hawaiian and 'rest of the world'. We specifically liked the Asian art and the paintings which bring some Northern atmosphere to this tropical place. It reminded me of the"Group of Seven" paintings. We had a great stay with many beach days and super snorkeling. We finally did a helicoptor tour on the Hughes 500 with no doors - a lifetime experience. And we sailed the NaPali Coast. Should we have a chance to come to Kauai for a fourth time, we will definitely stay here again. Thanks a lot. Mahalo.

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Guest David Lechuga
Date of stay 07/13/09
Review Submitted 07/12/09

Barry, we loved using your home for the 2nd half of our vacation on Kauai. It is a home with a lot of personality. I think the screened in lanai/porch is our favorite - incredibly comfortable, cool and soothing with the sounds of the river flowing. The master bedroom was very comfortable as well - loved how spacious it is, and how the sound of the river and rain wells you to sleep. The young adults with us were comfortable in the room and the living room as well. We all loved the outdoor shower, surf boards, the spa, porch and barbecue. Besides hanging out at the house, we went to beaches - Queen's Bath, Hideaways, Hanalei, Tunnels, Ke'e, Kipu Falls, Secret, Kalihiwai, etc. We've been coming to Kauai every year since 1995 Coming back to the house at the end of the day or afternoon was rewarding. Can't say enough about your house. We took many photos of the grounds, house and each other immersed in activity here. Again, thank you!

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Guest Mike Morrison
Date of stay 07/05/09
Review Submitted 07/04/09

What a great week. We love to come to the North Shore and "try slo" as the sign reads on Powerhouse Road. . . The style team from Architectural Digest way west found your decor highly original, supercute, and fun to live with. A previous place we stayed took bland as the design concept - travertine with tan (think 100 shades of beige). 100 Shades of Green is much better. And did we mention the view. We hijaced it via ipod and brought it back as a screen saver. Muchas mahalos.

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Guest Peggy Canderle
Date of stay 06/17/09
Review Submitted 06/16/09

Barry - What a wonderful time we all had! The peace, quiet and you really know how to decorate and create ambience and you've thought of everything - right down to amusement for the little ones! Thank you. Thank you. We will come and stay longer next time. We've stayed at several other places - we like yours the best!

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Guest Christine Waters Rust
Date of stay 06/14/09
Review Submitted 06/13/09

I could list 100 ways that 100 Shades of Green is just wonderful!!!! We live on Oahu, in the back of a beautiful valley and our future projects are screening in our deck and an upstairs master bedroom! You can bet we have taken notes on this place. The sound of the river and the stars and smell that permeate the night made for the best sleeping ever. We came with 4 boys who made several "river runs" on body boards from the falls to the bridge. Their laughter and joy could be heard down the valley. The use of surfboards and color made the decor feel so made for us. We hope to come back many, many times.

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Guest Christine Murphy
Date of stay 05/17/09
Review Submitted 05/16/09

My boyfriend and I stayed here for 3 nights which was not enough time by far. The place is amazing! We are in such awe of this house and can't take enough pictures. The screened-in lanai was the perfect place to unwind after a hike and the outdoor shower adds to the beauty of this place. Also love the surfboards. Kauai has so much to offer it was hard to choose from the activities to do. . . Thank you so much Barry for allowing us to enjoy our stay here. Your place is absolutely perfect (a dream home really). We can't wait to return.

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Guest Christine Murphy
Date of stay 05/17/09
Review Submitted 05/16/09

My boyfriend and I stayed here for 3 nights which was not enough time by far. The place is amazing! We are in such awe of this house and can't take enough pictures. The screened-in lanai was the perfect place to unwind after a hike and the outdoor shower adds to the beauty of this place. Also love the surfboards. Kauai has so much to offer it was hard to choose from the activities to do. . . Thank you so much Barry for allowing us to enjoy our stay here. Your place is absolutely perfect (a dream home really). We can't wait to return.

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Guest Greg Smithson
Date of stay 05/10/09
Review Submitted 05/09/09

This house exceeded my expectations. The only problem with it is it is too relaxing. What ever you do . . . stay away from the hammlck. I think it's possessed. It took me 3 hours to get out of it and then it would call to me. Definitiely hit Ke'e Beach and Tunnels. Snorkeling is great and lots of turtles.

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Guest William Fleming
Date of stay 11/14/07
Review Submitted 11/13/07

Dear Barry: Finally, I have a few minutes to sit down and write again to thank you for opening your wonderful home in Kauaii to us for a most memorable stay in paradise. I delayed writing you because I wasn't sure I could find the right words to adequately express my gratitude for sharing your very special treasure with us. Everything was perfect and even exceeded our high expectations. We lacked for nothing. Your home is so much better equipped than my loft in L.A.--I'm ready to just move over there! Do let me know if you need a caretaker in the future or if you decide to sell the small guest house! As far as phone service, neither I nor my T-mobile friend got a signal at your place, but we picked it up at around the second bridge in towards town, I believe, he slightly ahead of my I-phone. I don't recall using the phone much on the island to give you a good evaluation of reception in other locations, except for the resort at Princeville, where I was able to make a call home. Again, thanks so much for welcoming us into your home. I felt you were there in spirit for sure. Look forward to meeting you someday and also having the opportunity to stay at your place in Provincetown. A special thanks also for the discounted rate you offered and the prompt return of the security deposit. Bill

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Beautiful View, but that wasn't enough.

Guest Sensi
Date of stay 09/01/07
Review Submitted 12/18/07

After researching numerous locations to spend my honeymoon in Kauai I finally settled on 100 Shades of Green because of it's excellent price and beautiful views. My wife and I and I spent our first 2 weeks as a married couple toughing out some unexpected situations. First, the good stuff. This property is located in a beautiful area just north of Hanalei where the view is absolutely spectacular. Sitting on either of the 2 lanais offers you a picturesque view of mountains and waterfalls. The home is well furnished with the entire 2nd floor being dedicated to the master bed/bath. Two additional bedrooms are located on the ground floor, one with a queen bed, the other with 2 twin beds. The home is also equipped with high-speed wireless internet which worked flawlessly for the duration of our stay. There is a deck with a hot tub that is surrounded by coconut trees. The screened in lanai on the lower floor is perfect for relaxing with a hammock, 4 comfortable deck chairs, foosball table, and dining table that will seat up to 8 people. There is also a separate laundry room and an outdoor shower. Now onto the bad... Finding this location was difficult as it sits just on the inside of a blind turn with no indication that the driveway is located there, let alone a home. My wife and I were both thankful that we arrived during the day as it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible to find at night. The very first thing I noticed upon entering the home was how warm it was inside (warmer than outside where the temps were around 85). I walked around to see if I could find the A/C controls, but none were to be found. In all my research, every property that I found that didn't have A/C mentioned that fact specifically in their ad, but this location made no mention of it. I figured I'd just open some windows and things would cool off....not even close. Things cooled down a bit once the sun went down, but the temperature in the master bedroom never dropped below 80 for the duration of our stay. I would be covered in sweat less than 5 minutes after taking a cool shower. The downstairs temperature during the day with all the windows and doors opened would get up to 95 degrees during the day. If you're thinking of firing up the gas range in the kitchen (which is part of the living room), you'd best wait until sundown unless you enjoy a sauna with a couch and television Now, the heat alone made it difficult to sleep, but that's not all. Every morning around 4am-6am the neighbors dogs would begin barking. Not just one or 2 dogs, but it sounded like this person was running a dog kennel next door. Shutting the windows to block the noise was not an option for obvious reasons. So, each night it took me quite awhile to fall asleep with the heat and then I would be awoken a couple hours later, laying in sweat-soaked sheets, listening to a pack of dogs beg for their breakfast. Not my idea of a relaxing honeymoon. All in all, we enjoyed our stay in Kauai, but we felt that the owner of this location should have been more up front about the lack of A/C. Had that information been listed on his website, I never would have given this property a second look I can't fault him for not mentioning the dogs or construction as they are out of his control, but they deserve a mention as well since it really took away from the ambiance of an otherwise beautiful area. We wanted to spend our honeymoon in a secluded location, sleeping in late, and relaxing. While the location is visually secluded, we were surrounded not by sounds of the jungle, but by constant construction work, barking dogs, and loud vehicles. Oh yeah, cell phones do not work there and the phone service at the home didn't work for the duration of our stay, thankfully there were no emergencies. The owner did attempt to fix this problem, but communication was difficult due to the time difference and lack of telephone...thankfully I had my laptop.

Owner response: I was somewhat floored by this review, having rented my house for over 6 years for usually over 30 weeks each year with hardly a negative feedback. As a matter of fact most people tell me they have had the time of their life and 100 Shades of Green was a big part of that experience. Indeed, I was even more surprised by this comment since my feedback from this party was - "everything else (other than the phone problem) has been going well and we've really enjoyed this time away from all the stress back home, just being able to relax without a care in the world". But to respond - of course I will review the directions and make them even better, but this is a rural area and that's just what it is. I have not before received feedback about difficulty in finding the house. As to A/C I was not aware that I should mention it's lack since, in my experience, the fans in every room and the cross breezes make the house very comfortable. Yes, if the house has been closed up all day, it may take a little time to cool down, but it is quite fine. August and September are the two months of the year on Kauai where tradewinds die down and it can be a bit more sultry. But never ever, even in those moths, do I lie there in sweat or discomfort. If that were the case, believe me I would have installed A/C long ago. Finally the dogs and construction. Construction I can't help and presumably is shortlived. I can't help the dogs either tho they only bark for short periods of time and not usually early in the morning and are far less bothersome than roosters e.g. which are potentially a problem anywhere on the island (tho recently don't seem to be in residence near my house). Wherever one travels there are different sounds that go with that location - birds, roosters, frogs, all sorts of animals and insects, and even dogs. Sometimes these sounds are romantic or romanticized but they are a part of the experience. I cannot say that the barking of the dogs is romantic, but honestly it just is a small annoyance (and perhaps not even notable after a few days) in the context of an otherwise fabulous experience. In short 100 Shades of Green has been very happily rented by probably over 100 different families since 2001 and I am extremely proud of it and the unique Hawaiian experience to be had there. It is not (nor do I pretend it to be) a air conditioned condo in Princeville or the like. It is life in the jungle in a real Hawaiian neighborhood with lush old growth, awesome views and beauty, flowers, orchids and great comfort and amenities in an artist-decorated home. I am sorry for and surprised at this tenant's experience, but can truthfully say it is not reflective of most of my tenants.

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Guest comment entered by owner

Guest Howard Monaghan
Date of stay 08/25/07
Review Submitted 08/24/07

Hi Barry, Thanks for your card and enclosed check. We had a truly wonderful time at your comfortable house and loved the freedom it allowed us for exploring the surrounding area. All my sons agreed that the nicest beaches in Hawaii ,that they visited, were the ones closest to us in Kauai. ( we were also on the Big Island earlier in our trip). They jumped from the pier in Hanalei endless times . They buried each other in the sand over and over again on Lumahai . They were forever fascinated by the resident crabs( and fish) in the early evening at Ke'e . All the lads ( including my husband) loved the outdoor shower! I ,myself ,was partial to the upstairs room and shower(delightful)! I loved the sound of the rain through the night and how everything green glistened in the morning. I also enjoyed the crisp sounds of the birds in the trees and even the roosters began to sound melodic(!) I took many photos of the sunsets and each is so different and so amazingly stunning . People who see my photos do not believe that the sky can be so vibrant. I tell them "only in Kauai" . My husband knew about the hawaiian style guitar playing and managed to get to a concert in Hanalei. He has become an avid fan. We hiked 2 miles( and back) on the Kalalau trail . We visited the Kilauea refuge and were intrigued by the nesting birds. We hiked in the Waimea canyon and my boys experienced the thrill of the water fall. We swam and played (on all the northern beaches around Hanalei and beyond). We ate the most delicious fruit, fish, ice cream and smoothies. We had an amazing , memorable vacation. Thank you for sharing your unique home with us. Thoughts, Mary , Howard , Conor , Sean and Rory

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A piece of paradise

Guest Cassidy
Date of stay 08/01/07
Review Submitted 12/26/07

Hi Barry, We had a truly wonderful time at your comfortable house and loved the freedom it allowed us for exploring the surrounding area. All my sons agreed that the nicest beaches in Hawaii ,that they visited, were the ones closest to us in Kauai. ( we were also on the Big Island earlier in our trip). They jumped from the pier in Hanalei endless times . They buried each other in the sand over and over again on Lumahai . They were forever fascinated by the resident crabs( and fish) in the early evening at Ke'e . All the lads( including my husband) loved the outdoor shower! I ,myself ,was partial to the upstairs room and shower(delightful)! I loved the sound of the rain through the night and how everything green glistened in the morning. I also enjoyed the crisp sounds of the birds in the trees and even the roosters began to sound melodic(!) I took many photos of the sunsets and each is so different and so amazingly stunning . People who see my photos do not believe that the sky can be so vibrant. I tell them "only in Kauai" . My husband knew about the hawaiian style guitar playing and managed to get to a concert in Hanalei. He has become an avid fan. We hiked 2 miles( and back) on the Kalalau trail . We visited the Kilauea refuge and were intrigued by the nesting birds. We hiked in the Waimea canyon and my boys experienced the thrill of the water fall. We swam and played (on all the northern beaches around Hanalei and beyond). We ate the most delicious fruit, fish, ice cream and smoothies. We had an amazing , memorable vacation. Thank you for sharing your unique home with us. Thoughts, M, H, and the lads

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7

Guest comment entered by owner

Guest Ruth Guyer
Date of stay 01/04/06
Review Submitted 01/03/06

Hi Barry, We are home now and got your check and note. Thanks so much. We had a fabulous time and really loved your house. We hope to be back! Naturally, the only bad thing was that we were not there longer. We last were in Hawaii some thirty years ago, and we wanted to visit three islands...the same three as last time. They are all so different. Kauai is so lush, and the setting of your house was ideal. We did drive to Waimea canyon one day; it's so amazing, but we also would have been happy to stay home and just luxuriate. Anyway, I'm so glad we had the chance to be there. I will definitely recommend your house to our friends. Oh...and I really liked the water color you did in the upstairs bathroom. Yes, we met your cleaner. She was very nice. We managed to kill one of your knives cutting a carrot! (Rather large carrot.) Other than that, I think we left things the way we found them. The roosters were pretty amazing! And as my husband wrote in your guest book...we are pro Barbie! Happy, healthy new year to you both. Best, Ruth

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Guest Sileen Bednarski
Date of stay 10/17/03
Review Submitted 10/16/03

Thank you for sharing the business cards. It sure helps me remember the beauty and magic amoungst all this turmoil. I do have to say we are keeping your place a guarded secret. If we gave the info to all the people who have asked - we would never be able to make a reservation again. But if you do find that there are slow times for your rental we could share the magic of 100 Shades of Green with a few anyways. Thank you again. We look very forward to out next visit. L, Sileen Bednarski

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Guest David Bonanno
Date of stay 09/19/03
Review Submitted 09/18/03

Dear Barry and Rick, I just wanted to let you know that we LOVED staying at your beautiful house! We had a great vacation. We really liked Maui, but we weren't crazy about the Big Island. We wanted Kauai to come through, and it did! When we got to your place, we were literally walking around open-mouthed, and gushing about how great it was. The best part of the vaction was spending time with each other, and your house was the perfect backdrop for that. We made Shrimp Scampi and ate out on the deck- it will be hard to forget. Thanks so much again- I will recommend your house to anyone who will listen. Sincerely, Dave Bonanno and Family

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Guest Trina Dopp
Date of stay 08/26/03
Review Submitted 08/25/03

I also wanted to let you know that we ABSOLUTELY loved your home in Kauai. What a unique place with incredible island decor. The kids loved the house and they thought the use of surf boards was really cool! We plan to return to Kauai and when we do, we'd love to stay at your place again. We forgot to sign the guest book but it was the guest book that gave us the best ideas on what to do while we were there. We did as much as we could possibly do in the three weeks we were there and that still wasn't enough time! Mahalo! Trina

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

100 Shades of Green - Lushness Beyond Belief - Tvr 1231 [#14169] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (19)

Simply Amazing

Simply Amazing

So Thankful to Be Here!

So Thankful to Be Here!

Beautiful View, but that wasn't enough.

Beautiful View, but that wasn't enough.

A piece of paradise

A piece of paradise