Vacation Rentals by Owner

Just what we needed to escape life's stresses!

Guest: Daniel & Randi (Durham, NC)
Date of Stay: 04/25/12 Review Submitted: 05/23/12

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Hale Male Pua... it was so relaxing and just what we needed to de-stress after a busy month of selling a house/packing/moving/etc. Rick and Holly were so welcoming and were there for anything we needed without being pushy. It was amazing- all at the same time we felt like we were alone in paradise, but yet had an incredible resource on activities/restaurants/etc. whenever we needed them :) The location outside of Kapa'a was ideal for North Shore exploration, but also not inconvenient for trips into Lihue or even Poipu. We had been to Kauai once before and stayed on the south side of the island. We found the North/East side to be more charming, though a bit more rainy. The cottage was perfectly appointed, clean, and well-stocked with everything we needed for picnics, hikes, beach days, adventures, etc. The fresh fruit and veggies that Rick and Holly grow are amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed fresh pineapple, bananas, mangoes, and more throughout every day we were there. One thing to be aware of: The mosquitos are pretty bad... if you react badly to bites or tend to attract them anyway, come prepared. Once the sun went down, they weren't too bad, but at dusk we didn't spend much time outside the cottage :) Overall, it was a wonderful vacation made all the better by Rick and Holly's hospitality, charming cottage, recommendations, and true spirit of Aloha. I would go back right now if I had the chance! :)

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

Wonderful eco-friendly cottage in paradise!

Guest: Tom B. (Berkeley, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/12 Review Submitted: 05/06/12

My wife and I came to Kauai for a week for our honeymoon and decided on Holly and Rick's cottage. Let me tell you, it was the best decision ever! The cottage is so well located for exploring the lush north shore of the island that has beautiful beaches while still giving easy access to the southern part of the island. The east shore which it is on is also very well stocked with great places to eat, have coffee, and buy produce. Could not have chosen a better location to stay! The cottage itself is beautiful! It is in pristine condition and is so pleasant to be in and around. We also enjoyed the lanai very much. The hot tub on it was very pleasant to be in and the grill came to great use for searing fresh ahi and for grilling pineapple (yummyyyy). There is also a sports shack on the property which very well supplied with snorkeling gear, bikes, other beach gear, and kayaks (which Rick can help you easily mount on top of your car - we had a small sedan with us and it was not a problem). This makes enjoying the island much easier since you do not have to rent or buy anything. Now for the yard... it is huge and so beautiful and lush! There are fruit trees (mangoes, papaya, lime, orange, lychee, coconut) on the property that Holly and Rick let you pick fruit off of and a vegetable garden for your enjoyment! There is also the nicest golden retriever that greets you, as well as Lucy the pig, parrots that will talk to you, and geckos! It was our paradise, as we are big lovers of animals as well as fresh produce. There is also a fire pit and many lawn chairs to relax on. Just behind the property there is also a very beautiful stream and waterfall that there is a path to from the yard. You can even swim here! Awesome! Holly and Rick were so wonderful and kind, very knowledgeable about the island and more than willing to help us out with anything. You have plenty of privacy, but if there is anything you need, they are at your fingertips. Our honeymoon was wonderful, which was made especially possible by our choice of this cottage and the wonderful ambiance it provides.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We love this place!!!!

Guest: kristy (Calgary)
Date of Stay: 03/15/12 Review Submitted: 03/29/12

My boyfriend and I just got back from a 10 day vacation in Kauai where we stayed at Hale Mala Pua for the full 10 days. Holly and Rick have really made a special little paradise here at Hale Mala Pua. From the moment you step foot on the property you are blown away by the beauty of it all, from the garden, to the waterfall/river, and all of the beautiful flowers and plants. From there you walk into your private cottage and my breath was seriously taken away. There were 6 different hand picked flower arrangements (six!), soy candles burning all around you, the place was spotless, and it had all of the comforts of home!!! The sport shack was absolutely amazing to have, it had everything we could've asked for and more! It saved us a ton of money, not having to rent anything and we were set up for the entire trip! We both showered outside every day....it was so nice to be a part of all the lushness around you in your private lanai out back. The hot tub was amazing to have...we burned lots of candles and made it really romantic out there! There is sooo much to do around Kauai and by the time we got back to the cottage every day we were exhausted! So it was so nice to come home and just relax in this beautiful cottage! Holly & Rick were absolutely amazing! They gave us our space, but we loved hanging out with them, they are such beautiful people and know the island so well! They gave us tons of good "local" information on where to eat, where to surf, what beaches were best, where to kayak, etc... We are SO happy that we stayed here at Hale Mala Pua and hope to one day return. I really cannot say enough good things about this place! Holly and Rick...we miss you and all your fur/feathered friends so much already! We really left with two new amazing friends! Please keep in touch!

Owner response:Dear Kristy and Travis, WOW ! What a awesome review. Thank you SO much. We are so lucky to be able to share this amazing property, overlooking a beautiful waterfall and river with our guests, who often become friends. We are so happy that your time spent here was so special and everything met with happiness for you. So glad you loved the outdoor shower. Most everyone ends up living on the lanai, taking showers under the stars in total privacy, dining at a pretty teak table set with flowers, taking a romantic jetted tub surrounded by candles. All this just outside your door with 20' hedges and fence protecting your privacy.So glad you loved the sport shack too and that it saved you a ton of money ! We totally loved watching your stress seriously melt away before our eyes as you gazed around the cottage. Many of our guest are so taken aback with joy, that they cry tears of happiness. We love it here and are so happy that you do too. We look forward to your return one day soon. Nikky and Fluffy and Lucy all said to say they miss you and can't wait to see you again...We second that emotion !! Hugs to our new friends. Love, Holly and Rick

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

Great Place!

Guest: Laurie D. (Delaware)
Date of Stay: 01/29/12 Review Submitted: 02/14/12

Our trip to Kauai was great and a big part of that was because of where we chose to stay. Hale mala pua was great. It is a little off the beaten path, but a great location if you plan on doing it all! You are about 40 or so minutes from both the north and south areas on the island, so venturing either way was an easy drive! About 10 minutes from kapaa, where there are several low-key restaurants/ shopping marts. My husband and I settled into the cottage quickly. It was very clean and well kept. The kitchen was fully stocked with all you would need to cook. Holly and Rick supplied us with coolers, water bottles, and tupperware for days spent out adventuring. Holly gave us a fabulous tour of the grounds on our first day. Needless to say, it has EVERYTHING you could possibly need and more. From kayaks to snorkel gear, you name it, the sports shack has it all. Holly stocked our cottage with fruit for our arrival. The pineapple was probably the best I've ever had! One morning, we picked oranges and made some delicious, fresh OJ. It was fun getting to see all the animals. Lots of mosquitoes outside. Bug spray was a must. Be prepared for the morning rooster calls.They are quite loud, but we learned to close the windows at night early on in our stay. Which wasn't a problem, because there are fans all throughout the cottage so it was easy to keep cool. Right behind the house they have a small waterfall and deep natural swimming pool that looked fun, although we never had the chance to swim in it. The house, and everything that came along with it, was really cool. Overall, our stay here was great. Holly and Rick offered some great suggestions and seem to be kauai experts. I would absolutely recommend staying here! Laurie from Wilmington, Delaware

Owner response:Aloha Laurie! Mahalo for your lovely review ! We are so happy that your time here at Hale Mala Pua was a great one. . We are so glad that you were able to make use of the many things we have available from Sports equipment to kitchen and picnic supplies and picking fruit from our trees. Oh...the oranges...they are simply to die for, making the sweetest juice I have ever had.So glad you got a chance to try them. I'm happy that you loved the pineapple too ...we usually get them from our local farmer just down the road. They are great by themselves, in smoothies, yogurt and we've even made the best Pineapple upside down cake for our guests....Really ono, which means delicious ! Yes, we do have mosquitoes here in the country and offer am awesome, all natural, made on Kauai, spray that not only works great for most people, but is great for the skin too. Most everyone says the roosters on Kauai are our back round music. Our fans are actually a great solution to not only keep you cool, but they work great as "white noise", so you don't even need to close the windows, most times, but I'm glad your solution worked for you. We hope when Kauai calls you back, you will come and stay with us again. Perhaps next time you can take the plunge into the beautiful 30' pool below the waterfall, just below our home..One of the many wonderful things to do here at Hale Mala Pua. Until then, sending you a warm Mahalo and much Aloha. Love, Holly & Rick and our animal family.

Recommended for:

Honey moon in paradise

Guest: Tender Warrior (Seattle Wa)
Date of Stay: 11/13/11 Review Submitted: 11/13/11

We came on our honeymoon not knowing what to exspect and were blown away. It was an incredible stay at Holly&Ricks.We had so much fun and Rick & Holly were friendly and took real good care of us. The cottage was beautiful and the hot tube was sooo much fun. The landscape was so beautiful and we had fresh fruit to pick each day so awsome! We look forward to going back and will stay at Rick&Holly's any time.Our stay in the country was like the athentic Hawaiian experience, we would highly recommend anybody to stay at this Kauai Hawaiian get a way.

Owner response:Aloha Lori and Tracy, It was a true blessing having you as our guests here at Hale Mala Pua. We are so happy that your stay "blew you away" and you felt like we took good care of you. We take pride taking good care of our guests, it makes us happy too ! So glad you loved the humble beauty of our cottage as well as our landscaping and gardens. There is nothing better than starting off the day picking fresh fruit, juicing fresh orange juice or making a yummy smoothie. Our country cottage is truly an authentic Hawaiian experience and we are glad you felt the true Hawaii we wanted to share. We felt so blessed to have gotten to know you both and are very thankful that you were here when we suddenly lost our precious kitty. Mahalo for your dear prayers and loving hearts. We look forward to seeing you again when Hawaii calls you back. Love, Holly & Rick

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Vacation turned honeymoon- in paradise!

Guest: Mike & Ericka (Essex, Vermont )
Date of Stay: 10/25/11 Review Submitted: 11/19/11

We feel so blessed to have stayed at Hale Male Pua and to have met Holly & Rick. This is by far the best place to stay on the island- the location, accommodations, and hosts were better than we could ever dream possible! The location is perfect- a short drive north or south shores, Kapaa, and Kealia beach. The property (and views from the property) felt like being in another world- exquisite paradise. The house is beautiful, immaculate, and contains everything you need for the perfect vacation. Holly & Rick are a wealth of information and know all of the best places, activities, and restaurants on the island. They were extremely helpful whenever we needed guidance during our vacation and have the gear (bikes, kayaks, maps, beach chairs, snorkel gear, you name it...) available for you to experience all Kauai has to offer. Holly and Rick are by far the sweetest people we have ever met; they exude aloha and we look forward to keeping in touch and hopefully visiting them again someday. Staying with them is like staying with old friends you just met! What started as a vacation (an amazing one) turned into our honeymoon when Holly helped us (really she did all the work) to plan the sweetest impromptu wedding! We never could have done it without her help and are grateful for the attention she paid to us and the effort she put in to our special day! We felt honored to share it with you, Holly, and we could not be happier to have been married on the most beautiful island. We would never consider staying anywhere else on Kauai. We wholeheartedly recommend Hale Male Pua to anyone and everyone, in fact, we encourage them to travel to Kauai simply to have the opportunity to stay there. For us, Hale Male Pua felt like home (if we moved to the most amazing island and had the nicest neighbors!) Mahalo Holly and Rick for the most incredible vacation turned honeymoon! Aloha, - Ericka & Mike

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Second time to Hale Mala Pua

Guest: Spencer Mountain (Corvallis, Montana USA)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/15/11

This is the second time we have stayed at Hale Mala Pua and we enjoyed it even more than the first! Our boys, even tho they are men now, loved it as well. Holly and Rick recommended a few beaches that were un real in beauty and surf. The boys boggie boarded themselves into exhaustion which was really fun to watch. Even though they are both men now, they didn't act like it while playing in the surf! We were able to attend the 10th Annual Tahitian Dance Competition in Kapaa the day we were to fly out and what a fun experience that was. I was bummed not to be able to say good bye to you Holly, but I understand you weren't feeling well and I'm praying you are well now.l Give Ms. Lucy a big hug from us please! Mahalo for everything!

Owner response:Aloha Kay, Russ and family, We are so happy that you were able to come back to enjoy Hale Mala Pua once again. It was really nice to see you all as a family. So glad that the boys, well men, enjoyed boogie boarding so much ! We love to recommend our personal favorites to our special guests so they too can reap the benefits of our many years of living on Kauai. It's always nice to see you and we really look forward to your next visit to Kauai and here at Hale Mala Pua. Lucy really likes you too and sends a piggy hug. A hui hou kakou (until we meet again) Love, Holly and Rick

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

Honeymoon in Paradise!

Guest: Phil (Arizona)
Date of Stay: 05/17/11 Review Submitted: 06/05/11

We vacationed in Kauai to celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary. We loved our vacation in Kauai and we can attribute your wonderful cottage to our overall enjoyment of the island. We are "clean freaks" and your cottage did not disappoint. It was so relaxing to come 'home' to the cottage after a long day of hiking, snorkeling, or just adventure seeking. As previously mentioned, the cottage was very clean and the fresh gardenias smelled wonderful. The cottage was also complete with all the comforts of home for cooking or grilling. Most importantly, our privacy was never interrupted and if we had questions about the island, your personal notes or Rick (who was so kind and helpful) provided excellent advice and "local" tips. If/when we make it back to Kauai, we will definitely stay at your cottage. If more vacation rental owners were like you two, you'd put hotels out of business. Thanks again, Phil & Julie

Owner response:Aloha Phillip & Julie, Mahalo, for your kind review ! I'm so glad that we measured up to your "Neat Freak" standards! Cleanliness is extremely important to us. We are neat freaks ourselves, but more importantly, we want our guests to feel special. Everything is done with you in mind, so that you feel like you've come to a luxury retreat, without being touristy. Ahhhh..aren't those gardenias' just heavenly ! The floral essence is just sublime ! I'm glad our notes and personal advice were helpful & made your trip fun with our local tips.. Mahalo for choosing Hale Mala Pua for your 21st Anniversary. We hope to see you again one day for more joy-filled comforts of home. Sending warm Aloha to you both, Holly & Rick

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Honeymoon stay in Paradise

Guest: Jess (Charleston, SC)
Date of Stay: 05/08/11 Review Submitted: 05/21/11

The pictures of the property are very accurate and in fact, the cottage and yard were even more wonderful in person! Holly and Rick were wonderful hosts and were very helpful about giving us information on Kauai. They were also very awesome about giving us our privacy as we were on our honeymoon. We thoroughly enjoyed staying in their cottage, hanging out with their pets, and eating the fresh fruit grown in the yard. My only wish is that we could have stayed longer. We are already saving up to return next summer!! It was for us, the trip of a lifetime. We love the location, the privacy, and of course the kindness of Holly and Rick. I just can't say enough nice things about everything overall- best 10 days ever!

Owner response:Aloha Jess & Ewell ! We are so happy that you had such a wonderful time staying in the cottage, spending time with our animals and eating all the fresh fruit from our gardens. We wish you could have stayed longer too ! If you want to return next summer, do let me know of the dates as soon as you can. Thank you for your kind words of appreciation. We truly look forward to seeing you again, hopefully next summer. We are happy that your honeymoon stay was all that you dreamed it to be. Sending love and Aloha to you both, Holly & Rick

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

Perfect Honeymoon Retreat!

Guest: Keely and Cameron (California)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/07/11

My husband and I feel like the luckiest people on earth to have gotten the chance to stay at Hale Male Pua for our honeymoon! It was absolutely perfect. While reflecting on our wonderful trip to Kauai, we both identified the moment we first saw the place as one of our favorite memories of the week. Holly had attended to every detail possible to create the perfect romantic and relaxing mood for our stay complete with Hawaiian music, soft candle lights, and fresh flowers. Although we had already made many plans to be adventurous during our trip, as soon as we stepped foot on the property, we didn't want to leave. The perfect place to rejuvenate your spirit and relax. Holly and Rick have thought of EVERYTHING! The sports shake is amazing and equipped with all you need. The waterfall swimming hole, outdoor shower, outdoor jet tube, hammock, animals, fire pit, and cozy cottage are just a few of the relaxing touches you experience here. Holly and Rick are some of the sweetest people we have ever met and we can't wait to return someday soon!

Owner response:Aloha Cameron & Keely ! What a awesome review! We love the way you wrote upon your reflections and can totally remember the moment I think you are referring too, where you felt taken in by the special touches of romantic ambiance. It is my gift to you, preparing a special love nest so that your honeymoon is extra special. We did a little happy dance after reading your thoughtful words of gratitude, as we love to be of service and share our love of creating that special ambience with you, our special guests. You too were so very sweet. We feel so very appreciated And thank you for the time you took to mention all your favorite experiences here at Hale Mala Pua :) We truly look forward to the day you return to our special slice of paradise, now your own special retreat to return to again and again. With the sprit of Aloha, we send all our love. Fondly, Holly & Rick

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Truly a Special little Slice of Paradise! Rick and Holly are Amazing Hosts-

Guest: J-M (Lake Tahoe, NV)
Date of Stay: 03/29/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

Hale Male Pue is an amazing little house set on a beautiful 2 acre property, with a private waterfall, and swimming hole, located just above Kapaa. The location is absolutely perfect for a vacation on Kauai. Rick and Holly were the perfect hosts during my stay. I came as a visitor and left as a friend. The house was immaculate, and comfortable. It was impossible to find a vacation rental that did not use harsh cleaning chemicals, and everything was all natural here. I'm amazed with how clean everything was. Fresh flowers greeted me upon my arrival, as well as fresh fruits, as well as some items I asked for in advance. (Holly did some shopping for me before my arrival, what a nice treat!) Each morning I picked oranges to make fresh juice, as everything you can possible need is available in the kitchen. It feels like the house was built just for me. There is a fully stocked game shed with bikes, kayaks, snorkel gear, beach chairs, etc. I have been to Oahu over 8 times, have traveled the world and only stay at vacation rentals, and this is by far the greatest, cleanest, and friendliest property I have visited. You will not be dissapointed. Don't forget to stop by the Farmer's Market in Kapaa on Wednesday, and try the AHI nori wrap at Mermaids. Holly was so helpful and imformative, I felt like a visiting family member, and Rick will share stories and Ono Recipes with you around the fire. This is my new home in Kauai! Thank you Rick and Holly for making my Kauai 2011 trip the best ever!

Owner response:Dear, dear John-Michael. What a special man you are ! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for such a loving review. We are blown away that after traveling the world, to so many exotic places, you choose ours as being at the top of your list. WOW ! We are so honored by your kind words of gratitude. We truly revel in the moments before our guests arrive, making sure everything is perfect and extra special. There's nothing more pleasing for us, then to watch our guests gazing around each corner, and catching the look of awe in their eyes...then watching any stress or tension, totally melt before us ! We are so happy that everything met with your high expectations and your time here was so special ! We feel blessed that you felt like family. Please know that we feel the same. :) We are happy that you have a new home on Kauai and are welcome any time...Please let us know as soon as your know what dates you have in mind for next year, we book 6 mo to a year in advance ! We wouldn't want you to miss out on your dates for your next adventure at Hale Mala Pua. Sending much gratitude and Aloha to you. Love, Holly & Rick

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Vacation of a Lifetime

Guest: Gary and Kim (Newfoundland, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 05/09/11

My husband and I spent the last 9 days of our anniversay vacation with Holly and Rick at Hale Mala Pua, and it was a wonderful experience. I had spent the full year trying to find the ultimate little vacation hide away for us, and Hale Mala Pua did not disappoint. We are such easy going people, very laid back and take things in stride, as does Rick and Holly. The location was perfect, with the most beautiful grounds, and the most wonderful animals. We absolutly fell in love with Bandit, one of their rescued cats. He was our evening companion on the lanai every evening. Both Holly and Rick were available for any questions that we had, and went above and beyond to make our vacation as perfect as possible. Rick took us sailing one evening, and it was so much fun!! I hope that we get to visit again, and that we stay in touch. It was our vacation of a lifetime.

Owner response:Aloha Kim! We too are SO happy that you got to spend 9 days out of your anniversary,(we were booked for the other days they wanted) here at Hale Mala Pua. We are so grateful that all your dreams and more came true here! We loved your easy going laid back style too:) Isn't Bandit the most adorable cat~totally loving and super adventurous...he loves running behind you while walking the grounds, basket in hand, picking fresh fruit and then scampering up a tree. getting ready to chase you right back. Plus he loves to hike down to the river ! The animals are an extra added bonus to staying here at Hale Mala Pua, that is if you love giving belly rubs and getting back that wonderful un conditional love that animals always give. We truly enjoyed spending time with you both and enjoy staying in touch. Mahalo. We look forward to another visit in the near future. Love and Aloha to you both, Holly & Rick

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

Great Place To Stay!

Guest: Mike & Ruby (Western Mass.)
Date of Stay: 02/12/11 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

We had a wonderful week in Kauai which included a great place to stay. Holly and Rick went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and were very comfortable. They really made us feel like we had found a home away from home during our stay. Everything that was described in the listing exceeded our expectations. We enjoyed sailing, kayaking to a waterfall, and biking along the beaches to watch humpback whales playing off shore. These are just a few things made possible by Holly and Rick. We would highly recommend this rental to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to have stress free stay in Kauai. Mike & Ruby

Owner response:Aloha Mike & Ruby, We are delighted that your stay here at Hale Mala Pua was all you had hoped it to be. So glad that you were comfortable and it was truly a home away from home for you both. It truly fills our heart with joy to know that our wonderful guests love it here so much. Knowing that we have exceeded your expectations makes it that much sweeter. We are so glad that you loved going sailing. I know it was a blast for all. It is so special to be able to take our guests when possible. Being in the country, but only minutes to the beach gives our guests the best of both worlds. We're delighted that you took advantage of our Sports Shack and were able to Kayak, snorkel, bike and so much more. We know your trip was very special for you both and we are grateful that we could be part of the memories you took back with you. We do hope that we will see you again soon. Mahalo, for your kind words of appreciation. We graciously accept them with Aloha. Love to you both, Holly & Rick :)

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

Awesome Place to Stay (MCS Friendly)

Guest: Lyla and Glen (Red Deer Alberta Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/08/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

My hubby was fortunate to find this piece of paradise searching online for a healthy place for us to stay because of my chemical sensitivities. We were pleasantly surprised that the cottage and surroundings are even nicer than they look in the pictures. It truly has everything you may ever need. We made full use of the kitchen, bbq and the freshly picked produce packing our lunches and snorkel gear and beach bags to take adventures around the island. We felt very relaxed and pampered at the same time as Holly went out of her way to make sure to clean with natural products and stocked choices that were ones safe for me to use. Rick built us a great bonfire and we enjoyed some great conversation and the beautiful night sky on our last evening. Having the pleasure of staying in this accommodation made our 20th anniversary extra special. We will definitely be returning to enjoy this awesome piece of paradise.

Owner response:Thank you Dear Lyla and Glen. It was such a wonderful pleasure to come to know you both. You are both awesome. I am so happy that you felt " Free" here and that your sensitivies were not a problem for you. We love having a non-toxic home. We understand that everyone is different with their own unique sensitivities and do not claim to be non toxic for all. We understand and have compassion for those that have to deal with the toxins of todays world and try very hard to make sure our home is free of toxins, but again, we cannot guarantee our home is "safe" for everyone. We are happy you felt pampered and that your time here was peaceful and relaxing. We look forward to seeing you again one day and am happy to stay in touch. Love, Holly and Rick

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

wonderful, relaxing cottage in the country

Guest: Aja (Talent, OR USA)
Date of Stay: 01/03/11 Review Submitted: 01/26/11

My family and I had such a wonderful time staying here! The kids loved the "bubble spa" on the back deck and the side entrance and outdoor shower were great for kids! The house is beautiful and so welcoming! It has wonderful ameneties and was a home away from home. Holly and Rick are wonderful hosts and we loved our time there! Cant wait to come again!

Owner response:Mahalo Aja and family ! What a super sweet family you have! So glad the kids liked the jetted tub, they call the "bubble spa" We use organic green soap that not only works as a great body wash, but makes the best bubbles ever ! We are always adding to our treasure trove of kid friendly items to make family stay as easy and effortless and possible. We look forward to your return one day. Please send a big hug to your wonderful family. Love, Holly & Rick

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

LOVED Hale Mala Pua!

Guest: RedHeadFamily (Bellevue, WA)
Date of Stay: 11/01/10 Review Submitted: 11/19/10

We are a family of four: mom, dad, and 2 young children. The Cottage Hale Mala Pua and our Hosts Holly & Rick were perfect. This place made our stay in Kauai even more magical than we could have dreamed. The pictures(while gorgeous) just do not do the place justice! It is dreamy. They really thought of everything when preparing this place for visitors. It is private and convenient. Exotic and romantic, yet perfectly homey. All four of us felt immediately at home the moment we arrived! The location is very good for traveling to any part of the island. Everything is clean and well maintained. Any minor inconveniences that we encountered our hosts immediately resolved. Our hosts were kind, friendly, and easy to be around, and yet allowed us plenty of privacy. We would return here in an instant if we could! In the meantime we will be telling all our friends to stay here! ONLY Downside is the mosquitoes. They really are horrible here, but our hosts did everything they could to warn and prepare us(bug spray and nets available). Thank you SO much Holly and Rick!!

Owner response:It was wonderful watching your eyes light up as you saw Hale Mala Pua for the first time. It made me really content that you were so happy to have found your home away from home and that it felt dreamy. It truly is a magical paradise. Yes, Kauai has mosquitoes. We recommend that one does not linger in closing the doors as this helps tremendously so they don't follow you inside. Although this rarely happens, if it does, we do have a mosquito net as well as wonderful, safe and organic repellent for your use. This wonderful organic repellent is recommended for time spent outdoors and hiking. We continue to work on our beloved property so that more families, honeymooners and friends will feel the exotic part of Hale Mala Pua, like you did, yet feel right at home. It was a delight to meet your wonderful family and look forward to your return one day. Hugs to all, Holly & Rick

Recommended for:Families with young children

IT REALLY ALL IS TRUE!

Guest: Mike & Debbie (Sherwood, OR)
Date of Stay: 10/11/10 Review Submitted: 11/04/10

Holly and Rick are officially part of our family. We may have forgotten to mention that so... SURPRISE!! Can't wait to spend holidays together. Let's do them at your place! We loved our stay with them. They have taken all of their love and care and put it into not only preparing a beautiful retreat to stay in but their continued hand and extra touches for each individual who has the privilege of coming to stay with them. I was even anticipating our possible invitation for the catamaran trip...so I answered YES!!! before Holly had even finished asking. We also had the privilege of Holly being with us! What a blast - but two tips: 1: If asked to participate hold on to the rope tightly or release all together (instant rope burn - OUCH) (healed nicely) and 2: Take an extra set of clothes - trampoline = wet! The fruit from their place was amazing!! They are very knowledgeable and are more than generous to share it with you. Rick's kalua pork and brussel sprouts were AMAZING. We even had little Bandit visit us each morning. Beautiful place and beautiful people. They really are all that has been previously mentioned and then some. I feel like being selfish and not writing anymore so that we won't have to share them with so many people and risk it getting so popular that we won't be able to find any time available to return. They have thought of everything when it pertains to the sports shack and with all the amenities and the beautiful dwelling - we did not miss a thing. Everything is close and the privacy and outside lanai with the tub and shower was wonderful. The stars and nature's song every evening was such a special part of our anniversary celebration. Thank you again for everything and mostly for your generous hearts and kind nature. Truly - one of the best things we got from this vacation was a new friendship!

Owner response:Dear Mike and Deb! Mahalo for your wonderful review of our property and hospitality. It was super having you both here and getting to know you both. We truly enjoyed every moment. Although, we pride ourselves on making our guests feel special and really love to put extra special touches on everything we do, we also are very respectful of everyones privacy. However, if a guest wants to socialize, we are flattered. Normally, I don't come along sailing due to health issues, but this one time I did and I was so happy to join in the fun. It truly was a blast . We are very touched with your very generous review and look forward to seeing you both again.Thank you so kindly for all your kind words of appreciation. We except them all with deep gratitude and friendship. Love to you both, Holly & Rick

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

Guest: D & M from Oregon
Date of Stay: 07/28/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

Excerpts from a thank you card received, Dear Holly & Rick, I wanted to thank you so much for your hospitality. Your home and property are amazing. We had such a wonderful time. Should we find ourselves fortunate enough to visit again, we will definitely want to stay with you. We thoroughly enjoyed the fresh fruit and all the equipment in the sports shack! We were able to experience so many beautiful places while we were there. After all we had been through before our arrival, it was such a blessing to find time to heal in such an amazing place. May God bless and keep you well. The world would be a better place with more wonderful people like you. In love, D & M

Recommended for:

Plenty of Aloha

Guest: Vern (N. Hollywood, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10 Review Submitted: 10/03/10

Centrally located on island, start feeling the aloha as soon as you arrive on this property. Holly and her four-legged friends will be there to greet you. If you love animals and nature, you can't beat this environment. Nice, cozy home on a big piece of property. Holly and Rick are full of info to share with you about their island. When we left we had made two new friends!!! One night we came back from dinner and were met with two huge pieces of just-homemade pineapple upside down cake. The best I've ever had; wanted more, ha ha... (Now you might not get that; it was a birthday celebration night, but just shows the generous nature of your hosts.) Have been to Kauai many, many times and there's only one house that we've made a return trip to. Now we have another one!!!!

Owner response:Mahalo for your wonderful review. We so enjoyed getting to know you both as well ! We are so happy that you enjoyed your own private slice of paradise. The beauty & tranquility of nature surrounds you here. As you feel the hustle and bustle of city life leaving you, you begin to feel calm, allowing what matters most....love and peace. It is rewarding watching the stress literally melt away as people immerse themselves in the magic of Kauai. We are blessed to have gorgeous mountains, waterfalls, and nature as our backyard. Along with our wonderful animal family, we look forward to seeing you, our new friends, again very soon. Love & Aloha, Holly & Rick

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Great Honeymoon Spot

Guest: Jess (Sacramento, CA )
Date of Stay: 06/28/10 Review Submitted: 11/06/10

My husband and I stayed 5 nights at the Kapahi Cottage for our honeymoon. We had a fantastic time and the accommodations were great. Holly even offered to go grocery shopping for us before we arrived if there was anything we wanted. The convenience of having a kitchen was great. We made most of our meals there and packed lunches for afternoon adventures. The cottage is truly in a perfect place, we traveled to the north side of the island one day then to the west. It was close to beautiful waterfalls, and had a quiet tranquil feel. The shower is spectacular. The bug spray they sell is a MUST! We used the sport shack's supplies every day. Holly was so accommodating, anything we needed she was available.

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

The most amazing place to stay!

Guest: Gabrielle (Cookeville, TN)
Date of Stay: 06/01/10 Review Submitted: 02/28/11

My husband and I chose Kaua’i for our destination wedding and honeymoon. We searched for months trying to find the perfect place to stay. We are fairly laid back people and wanted to have a true island experience and not just the typical tourist experience. We finally found Hale Mala Pua and it was absolutely perfect! Rick and Holly helped make our stay in Kaua’i everything we could have wanted. Holly and Rick were available for questions or for help when we needed. The book that Holly put time into so that we may have plenty of information about the island, restaurants, and pertinent information was especially helpful. We loved having access to the sports shack and had a blast snorkeling with the gear provided in the shack. As for accommodations, Hale Mala Pua was perfect! There was plenty of space for my husband and I, room for cooking, dinning, and relaxing. We loved the lanai, and spent some nights sleeping out under the stars in the most comfy outdoor recliner! Holly and Rick were so amazing to us. Rick took us on a sailboat race, which we won! Holly brought us a massive bowl of lychees, they were great for breakfast and snacks. Holly was so thoughtful she even planned a special surprise for us on our wedding night! On our last night at Hale Mala Pua we had an amazing dinner prepared by Rick and enjoyed a wonderful meal with their family. Thank you so much Rick and Holly for opening up your home to so many people. You helped make our trip to Kaua’i a trip of a lifetime. You will never find two people with more warmth and openness. If you want the perfect island experience and then some, staying at Hale Mala Pua is a Must! We plan on visiting Hale Mala Pua again in the future!

Owner response:Holy Moly ! What a lovely, kind, and special review...and almost a year later too ! You too are truly awesome! We are so happy that you choose Hale Mala Pua for your wedding and honeymoon. We were honored to have been able to have you here as you celebrated your honeymoon. We couldn't have met a more lovable couple than the two of you. Your love was infectious and it was a joy to be around you both. . We whole heartedly accept your wonderful, kind and loving words of gratitude for your time spent here. We loved sharing it with you and look forward to your next visit here. We think of you often, with warm memories Mahalo, Mahalo. We wish you both JOY-FILLED and Loving days,always and forever. Love and Hugs, Holly & RIck

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

A wonderful Experience

Guest: Spencer Mountain (Corvallis, Montana USA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/10 Review Submitted: 06/11/10

We totally enjoyed our stay at Hale Mala Pua. Holly was such a wonderful hostess and so very compassionate to us when we had to cut our trip short. The cottage has everything you could ever want and worked great for the 3 of us. Our son especially loved getting to know Lucy, as did we. We will be coming back in 2011 and plan on staying longer with Holly and Rick. I am already counting the months until we get back!!!

Owner response:Aloha Dear Friends, Mahalo for your kind review. We are so glad you enjoyed staying here at Hale Mala Pua, even though your stay was cut short. We know you will be back and look forward to seeing you all again. We are happy that the cottage had all that you needed for your family of 3. Lucy sends a loving piggy kiss to all of you ! See you again soon! Love, Holly & Rick

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Getting Close to Nature in Paradise

Guest: Colles and Jaime (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 05/13/10 Review Submitted: 06/27/10

If your visit to Kauai is about drinking in Nature, then Hale Mala Pua is the perfect chalice. Holly and Rick's charming layout provides privacy and comfort nestled in a bucolic setting complete with plenty of livestock, including a not-so-wild boar named Lucy, four parrots and a bevy of traditional household pets. If you like waterfalls, there's one a few steps from the house. If you like hiking, there is a trail that snakes over a stream bed and through a wild bamboo forest just a few minutes from the house. Want some fresh produce? There are mango, papaya and avocado trees on site. Like to cook? The kitchen is well stationed to prep a good meal. Like to eat out? Kapa'a has a couple of great restaurants just a few minutes away. Holly and Rick love to be outdoors, and they share that enthusiasm with guests, providing the gear (snorkel, boogie board, surf boards, etc.) the directions and the enthusiasm to get you motivated to go out and explore. So thank you Holly and Rick for the sailing, the hiking suggestion, the bonfire, the interesting banter and the all around hospitality that made our honeymoon stay in Kapa'a a treasured memory! Aloha, Colles and Jaime

Owner response:Aloha Colles and Jamie, Mahalo for poetic description of our sweet slice of paradise in the up country of Kauai. I couldn't have said it better myself. We are so happy that you enjoyed all Hale Mala Pua and Kauai had to offer you. Thank God for getting close to nature in paradise! We are very grateful for your kind and thoughtful words of praise. We accept them all with much gratitude. Love and Aloha, Holly & Rick

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

FANTASTIC VACATION

Guest: Andrea S. (West Grove, PA/ USA)
Date of Stay: 04/14/10 Review Submitted: 06/06/10

My husband and I stayed at Holly and Rick's cottage in mid-April 2009. We wanted to get the feel of Kauai minus the hotels and touristy scene. We found exactly that at Hale Mala Pua. The place is just perfect for those who want a relaxing quiet visit. The property is extremely well kept with gardens, fruit trees and an amazing water fall at the back of the property. The cottage is well stocked. I can't think of another thing that you would need at this cottage. We enjoyed an exciting catamaran ride with Rick and on our last night there RIck very nicely set a fire for us in the backyard where we sat and talked the night away. The only problem we had there was our length of stay. We only had four days in Kauai and then had to fly over to Oahu for a reunion with our dear friends from high school. We are hoping to return to Kauai to finish our exploring and when we do we will certainly stay at Holly and Rick's. Holly, please give Lucy a big hug and kiss for me. I truly fell in love with her and think she is such an amazing animal. What a treat!!! Thanks to you and Rick for all your help in making our trip to your little piece of heaven so inviting to us. We shall return.

Owner response:Aloha Bern & Andrea! It was truly wonderful to meet & get to know you both. We so enjoyed the last night at the bonfire where we were able to discuss some great subjects! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kind review. We love sharing our property with others. Our organic garden and fruit trees are here to share, from our garden to your table. It can't get any fresher than that! We are happy that you enjoyed your stay in the cottage and our private garden of eden. Having a gorgeous waterfall in our backyard is so peaceful.I am thankful everyday we are here and get to share this with so many wonderful people. I will give Lucy a big hug and kiss for you. It warms my heart when people fall in love with Lucy our piggy. She truly is the sweetest pig. Of course all pigs have a wonderful sweet sprit, are highly intelligent and even have a great sense of humor ! We hope that your next time out, you'll be able to stay longer.We look forward to seeing you again, soon. Until we meet again, take good care of each other. Love, Holly & Rick

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

30th Anniversary Trip

Guest: Lee and Natalie (Moscow, ID)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 05/17/10

We came to Kauai for our 30th Anniversary. It was our first trip & we really didn’t want to stay in a touristy location, like a condo complex. We have used vrbo.com for many of our vacations & have always been pleased with the homes where we have stayed, but our vacation rental in Kauai was by far our favorite. We found Rick & Holly’s house online & after looking at their listing & reading several of the reviews, we thought it would be the perfect place to spend our vacation. We had a fantastic time & we could not have found better hosts. We didn’t arrive to the house until 9:00pm, after a long day of travelling. When we arrived the house was immaculate & Holly had lit candles, so that the place had a very romantic & peaceful feeling when we walked in the door. Rick & Holly did some shopping for us before our arrival, since we had breakfast available, we could just sleep in & take it slow our first day. The house is in the country, a couple of miles from the beach & downtown Kappa, so it is very peaceful & quiet. It is also very centrally located on the island & you can get to the other areas of the island fairly quickly. The yard is beautiful & they let us pick whatever we wanted from the garden & the fruit trees. Rick & Holly are the perfect hosts, they are available if you need anything, yet you don’t even know they are around the rest of the time. We also had some great food on the island, which we found because of Rick & Holly’s recommendations. The property has a sport shack that has everything & you can use whatever you want. We didn’t have to rent any recreational gear during our stay. We have so many happy memories of our time on Kauai, but our favorite day was a result of Rick’s hospitality. Rick is a crew member on a 35 foot catamaran sailboat & the yacht club on Kauai has weekly races at the marina. Rick invited us along on the boat for the race & then up to the yacht club afterwards. We had so much fun & got to meet some really nice people. Everyone made us feel so comfortable & we really enjoyed talking to some lifelong sailors & hearing very entertaining stories about their past adventures. We hated to see our time in Kauai come to an end & if Rick & Holly didn’t have other people coming the day we left, we would have probably changed our tickets & stayed a few more days. If you are going to Kauai you won’t find a better place to stay, but be aware, you just may not want to leave.

Owner response:Aloha ~ Dear Natalie and Lee, Wow ! What a kind and thoughtful review you have given. We are so very grateful and humbled by your words of fond memories here in our little slice of paradise. Thank you for sharing with others that are looking for a place to rest and call home for awhile. We love to share our blessings with others who appreciate the love of the land and it's offerings. Our property sits above a beautiful waterfall that you can hear, while resting on the hammock or in the orchard, picking fruit, or the garden gathering veggies. It beckons to you to come closer to view its' beauty and play in it's water. Or lulls you to sleep under the shade of the mango tree. The natural fence of tall mock orange hedges and cerinum cherries give peace and privacy to those that love to just be surrounded by nature. We are here to share ideas for fun and adventurous times,whether it be hiking, biking,snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, swimming or much more. We have all the equipment you'll need to enjoy our beautiful island.. As hosts, we want your time here to be comfortable,peaceful,quiet, romantic and all that you dream it to be. Happy 30th Anniversary to you both. We So enjoyed getting to know you both and we hope to see you again next year...you might want to check our calendar now though...we're booking fast ! Love to you both, Fondly, Holly & Rick

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

Guest: Pam Kyle (Englewood, OH)
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 03/01/10

Holly and Rick--what a wonderful home away from home. I thoroughly enjoyed my week at your hideway in the highlands above Kapaa. Cody, and especially Nikki, (your golden retreivers) were great pals. The hike down and across the stream behind your place wouldn't have been the same without Nikki's patient attendance. The living space felt like a peaceful nest from which I was able to explore the island at my leisure and return to its comforting space at the end of the day. Your attention to detail--the flowers, fruit, candles, etc. added to the ambiance. I will always remember the ibis in your back yard and the fresh avocadoes from your tree with which I made the best ever guacamole. But, most of all your genuine hospitality made my stay especially enjoyable. I've already told my friends about your Garden Isle home. Many thanks. Pam

Owner response:Aloha Pam, We are so happy you enjoyed your stay on our beautiful acre overlooking the fabulous river and waterfall that you so enjoyed. Nikki just loves hiking and had such a special connection with you. We love to offer our sweet, pups, Cody and Nikky to accompany our guests on hikes and to the beach! I never thought of our cottage as a nest, but your right, it's just SO cozy! The ambience is very important to us. We truly want our guests to feel special and are glad that you did. Our garden is growing more each day, as are our fruit trees. Just one more yummy gift that we enjoy sharing. We love being of service and humbly accept your genuine appreciation. We look forward to seeing you back again soon. Love, Holly & Rick

Recommended for:

Guest: Deb & Tim Manning (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 02/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/10

This was the best visit I have had to Hawaii so far. Staying with Holly and Rick was a real pleasure. I totally loved the private outdoor shower and jacuzzi. The stars at night from the jacuzzi were awesome. The attention to detail in the cottage made it the most comfortable stay. Very clean - beautifully arranged and furnished. We were really able to relax and get a real sense of Kauai. If you want to avoid the condo/hotel scene and really feel like you are living in the heart of Kauai this is the place. Very close by was this beautiful bamboo forest with waterfalls and hiking trail that we will never forget and probably wouldn't have known about if we hadn't been staying there. Holly and Rick were so helpful but totally gave us our space. Their fruit trees and garden were great to stroll through in the mornings. We will definitely be returning. Deb & Tim Manning from Fairbanks, Alaska. Jan. 2010.

Owner response:Aloha Deb & Tim! We are so very happy that our sweet cottage in the country, met with all your expectations. Your so right, it really is the best way to experience true Hawaiian living. We're happy you found our charming cottage, only minutes to the beach as well as some great hiking trails! I love that bamboo forest, just up the road with it's own pool & waterfall, it's one of my favorite hikes to take Cody & Nikky on. They love it as much as we do, maybe more...as golden retreivers love water! Mahalo for your very kind thoughts. We humbly accept them and really look forward to seeing you both again. Keep warm ! Love, Holly & Rick P.S. Rick says Skookum Chuck

Recommended for:

Guest: Christena and Michael (La Canada, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/28/09 Review Submitted: 12/28/09

Just returned home from memorable two weeks in Kauai, one of which was spent at Holly and Rick's beautiful homestay which is perfectly located for exploring the island. Holly and Rick are gracious and lovely; very responsive to any want or need. The homestay has everything....hot tub, comfy bed, wifi, candles, beach towels/chairs, guide books, games, a well equiped kitchen. We loved gazing at the stars from the back yard while petting the dogs. This place is a gem! If you are lucky you might get one of Rick's lime pies: YUMMY!

Owner response:Aloha Christena & Michael, Thank you so very much for your thoughful and very kind comments. We are so happy you enjoyed yourselves. It is indeed a gem and we are grateful that we can share it with our guests so that they too can bring back the gift and sprit of aloha. We love being of service and providing all the creature comforts and then some. This truly is a gift to us as the gift is in the giving & sharing. We hope to see you again one day. We graciously accept your loving comments. Mahalo Nui Loa. Holly & Rick

Recommended for:

Wonderful Place Place To Stay

Guest: Ken & Harriet (Grangeville, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 12/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

Holly & Rick Thank you for your warm and gracious hospitality. My husband and I along with our son and his girlfriend stayed here in Dec. The cottage perfectly suited our needs, with plenty of room for the four of us. Stocked with everything we could possibly need, from a fully stocked kitchen and bathroom to guide books and maps. Holly shopped and stocked the fridge with breakfast for our first morning. The availability of beach equipment in the sport shack, was an added bonus. We also enjoyed the fresh fruit and avacados picked from the trees on the property. The cottage is situated within easy driving to both the north and south sides of the island. The local beach is just a short drive down the road, with great boogie boarding. Our morning walks up the road with great views of the mountains in the distance started out the day just right. We had a fantastic two weeks made all the more enjoyable being able to stay in this charming cottage. I know we will be back to vacation on Kauai again and will most definately stay with Holly and Rick. Thank you again Holly and Rick, give a pat and love to Lucy, Cody, Nicki, and the kitties. Ken, Harriet, Kyle and Jenn

Owner response:Aloha Harriet,Ken, Kyle and Jen ! It's so nice to hear from you all and are touched by your kind words of appreciation. You are Very welcome. We really do love to be of service, thinking ahead to what your needs are and having everything you could need from a well stocked kitchen to yummy freshly picked fruit and plenty of sports equipment to enjoy. I think you really said it all, though, Hale Mala Pua is truly the perfect location, for everything! We are happy you will be returning and will welcome you back with even more to offer, as we are always adding to our hospitality and offerings. Our special animal family are happy and content.I will tell them you send your love. We send our love right back to all of you. Love, Holly & Rick

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

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/09 Review Submitted: 12/01/09

What a lovely seven days we had in Kapaa at Rick and Holly's homestay!! My husband and I were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and had the perfect time. We both loved the ‘hominess’ and the many added details like the fresh flowers, candles, and well equipped kitchen. The property was beautiful! We especially loved picking and eating the fresh tangerines, and exploring the creek and waterfall! Holly and Rick the perfect hosts with the perfect place! On a practical note Rick and Holly’s homestay is the perfect location to explore the island! Everyday we had an adventure and loved coming back to our comfortable home in the evening to cook a nice meal, relax, and soak in the outdoor tub under the stars!

Owner response:We are very happy that Hale Mala Pua was the perfect place to celebrate your 25th anniversary. We are blessed to have had you both here. We love to put those extra touches together, like lit candles and flowers. Just one of the many things we do to set an romantic ambiance for our honeymooners or those celebrating anniversaries, as well as other ideas for those coming with kids. We love people and really are happy and touched when our guests whole heartedly love their experience. It's comments like yours that let us know we are doing it right. When we can help your stay be a memorable experience. I'm so happy you enjoyed yourselves and do hope that one day we will see you again.... Love, Holly and Rick

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Guest: Christa Murphy (Portland, Or)
Date of Stay: 10/30/09 Review Submitted: 10/30/09

I cannot say enough great things about our stay with Holly and Rick! We stayed for 10 days for our honeymoon in the most perfect location. When we arrived, there were candles lit and fresh fruit! So romantic! They could not have done more to make our honeymoon memoriable and magical. The location is amazing and they have a tons of friendly animals! The accomidations were comfortable and felt more like home than a guesthouse. They are incredibly generous with their hospitality and friendship. We were cared for and pampered the whole time and miss Holly and Rick and all of their animals! We miss you guys!!! We will come back and visit soon! Mahalo!

Owner response:Aloha my jumping bean,happy dance, goof balls! So nice to hear back from you ! Thank you So much for your very gracious & kind comments. We so loved having you here and are so pleased that you chose Hale Mala Pua as your honeymoon destination. It was such a treat to get to know you both. We look back with fond memories with our numerous notes, back and forth.. I've kept them all for my scrapbook ;) We love to share this special hale and especially love to pamper..a gift of Aloha! We are happy that you will be coming back soon! Check the calendar... we book fast! Rick & I and all the animals send our best to you both. Thank you again for all your kind praises. Mahalo & Aloha, Love, Holly & Rick

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Great eco-friendly, affordable way to see Kauai

Guest: Jeneke (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/10/09 Review Submitted: 10/31/09

The hosts of this cabin were great! Lots of perks: access to organic veggie garden, fruit trees, beautiful river and hikes right in the back yard! It is very clean and cute. Hosts take recycling and compost. They also have a shed with boogie boards, surfboards, snorkeling gear, a kayak, coolers and much more that you can use for free. It is close to Kapa'a which makes it a short drive to the beach and central location so you can easily day trip to the north, south and west side of the island. We highly recommend this place.

Owner response: Thank you for your kind review. We consider it our responsibility to be good stewards for our earth. Recycling and composting is a great way to help as well as to be more self sufficient. Our location is perfect for hiking & biking and just 3 miles to the best beaches & well as historic downtown Kapaa ! We are very happy you enjoyed yourselves. Thank you so much for your recommendation to others. We hope to see you again soon ! Mahalo, Holly & Rick

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Howard & Laura
Date of Stay: 09/21/09 Review Submitted: 09/20/09

We received this very kind review in an e-mail sent to us, shortly after departure. I have copied and pasted relevant paragraphs with their permission here. Dear Holly and Rick , I call you all Dear because of the time spent there. It was a delight and have already had occasion to formally recommend you guys to local friends here. Perhaps others of our friends will take our example and come to call you guys Dear. It seems so long ago to be wondering if the comments made about staying at your place were all made up. It is clear that they were as genuinely as you guys are. It was a delight to have selected your place to stay at. Your hospitality and care made all the fancy resorts sterile in comparison. (Not to mention the price! Infinitely worthwhile.) All of the accoutrements you offer (snorkeling gear, kayak, bonfire & chocolate dessert [Thanks again, Rick!], etc.) Plus, the conversations and advice on places to visit (and, I suppose, a few NOT to visit.) How many hosts would even invited guest to church? Not many I suppose but it, too, was a treat. Access to a washer and dryer made a big difference as well. I hope to have need for your services again in the future: it was definitely a "repeatable" adventure! Laura has turned down a bunch of places due to her very high standards: she was well satisfied at your place, however. Thanks! Howard

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/21/09 Review Submitted: 09/20/09

This is my response to the e-mail I received from Howard and Laura. Dear Howard and Laura, Ohhhhhhh, your so sweet.....Dear back at you ! You are both so wonderful. We so enjoyed getting to know both of you so very much. You are both so very special.. We are so thankful that you have already recommended us to some friends. How wonderful. I'm sure if they are friends of yours, we will come to care for them as we do for you both. Thank you for all the very sweet comments you made about our homestay and hospitality. It means so much to us, especially coming from people who are so picky, and I mean that with the greatest of respect. We truly hope to see you again one day. In the meantime, take good care of each other. We also wish that your ventures come to fruition. I know how dedicated you are and know that anything you do will be a great success! O wau i hou no "Yours Truly", Holly & Rick

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A beautiful gem

Guest: Kalona (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/30/09 Review Submitted: 09/14/09

My four girlfriends and I made our first trip to Kaua'i recently and we stayed at Hale Mala Pua. Three of us stayed in the cottage while our other two friends stayed in the Grass Shack aka the "Bungalow in the Jungalow" (very cute!). The cottage had everything we needed in our home away from home - soaps, shampoo and conditioner, all the cooking essentials right down to organic olive oil and sea salt, guidebooks and maps, coupons to restaurants, mosquito spray, and everything we could possibly need for a fun day at the beach in the sports shack! The location of our homestay is perfect! Even though the property is upcountry towards the mountains, we were very close to the beach, shops and restaurants. We went zip lining during our visit and Hale Mala Pua was about a 30 minute drive to Princeville. (Thanks so much Holly for helping us with directions! The landmarks helped tremendously!) So, this place is perfect if you'll be visiting the northern and southern parts of Kaua'i because of it's central location. We wished we had time to explore the western part of the island but I'm sure it's easy to get to and not too far. I also loved the fact that I felt like I blended in with the "locals" because we weren't staying in a hotel with all the other tourists. This place was so quiet and definitely "away from it all". My other favorite moments while staying here were sleeping on the comfortable sofabed and waking up to the sounds of the birds, eating out on the lanai, taking a nap on the hammock, hiking down to the waterfall at the end of the property, taking Cody out for a walk, going out for a morning run and enjoying the scenery (and running in the rain!), Rick's chocolate raspberry lava cakes (delicious!), sitting around the bonfire and getting to know our wonderful and kind-hearted hosts, Holly and Rick. I don't know how to thank you both for your hospitality and for going out of your way to make us feel comfortable. I'd definitely stay at Hale Mala Pua when I return to the island and will recommend your place to everyone I know. Mahalo and lots of aloha to you both, Cody, Nicky, Piggy and all your animals!

Owner response:Aloha, Thank you so much for ALL the very kind and thoughtful words you used to describe our charming cottage and the property surrounding it. I'm so happy that you took advantage of everything we have to offer,from all the free sports equipment to sleeping in the peaceful hammock that hangs beneth 2 mango trees and listening to the sound of the waterfall below. We love to be of service, from Rick serving a lava cake to all of you and me, just talking about the great places to seek while on Kauai. We have magical places we know about after living here for 18 years now that we love to share. All the animals loved you guys. Thank you for spending so much of your time with them. I know they loved it. We are indeed half way between the North Shore and South shore and only 3 miles to the beach. This way, you don't have to travel very far to go anywhere. Living in the country does have special meaning as we are close to nature, beautiful mountains,rivers, waterfalls and animals, yet we are only 3 miles to the sweetest Mom and Pop boutiques! You all definately blended in as if you were a local. I'm glad you all had a blast! We enjoyed getting to know all of you and hope to see you again, sooner than later, I hope! Lots of love , Holly & Rick, Nikki, Cody, Lucy and all of our critters we send right back to you!

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

Guest: Laura-Anne and Jonah Minkoff-Zern (Berkeley, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/30/09 Review Submitted: 08/30/09

We would highly recommend staying at Holly and Rick's. We went for our honeymoon, and could not have been happier. The homestay was beautiful and spacious, with a wonderful kitchen for romantic dinners. Holly and Rick have thought of everything- the details of the homes, the sports shack, and even a basket to collect our own fruit and flowers from the property. They were amazing hosts, making us feel welcome and always helpful with any questions about what to do. Plus, everything is very ecologically designed, which we found very unique ad special. They are in a great location for exploring the island and it was an amazing deal for everything they offer. Thank you Rick and Holly for a perfect honeymoon.

Owner response:Aloha Laura-Anne & Jonah, We are so very happy that you choose Hale Mala Pua for your honeymoon. It truly is a perfect honeymoon spot, lush with a private acre overlooking the river and waterfall. We just put up a big hammock under 2 mango trees nearby so you can snuggle up with your sweetie while listening to the song of the waterfall. We're happy you loved all the special details we thought of . We humbly accept your kind recommendation and loved getting to know you both. We hope to see you both again. Mahalo Nui Loa, Love Holly & Rick

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Guest: Duncan & Karen (Calgary, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 08/07/09 Review Submitted: 08/07/09

The last week of July 2009 was when we had the pleasure of staying at Hale Mala Pua in Kapaa, Kauai. My fiancé, Karen, had researched accommodations on the island via the internet and had come across this unique property. We were both pleased with the excellent value that Hale Mala Pua offered, but were absolutely awestruck by both the beauty of the area and the friendliness of our hosts, Holly and Rick Schunk. The guesthouse that we stayed in is well laid out and has a very comfortable feel. The finishing work (bamboo countertops and slate shower) is excellent and the décor is done in a relaxing island style. There is an outside patio area called a “Lanai”, which has a nice jetted tub, some comfortable lounge furniture, and a fantastic outdoor shower. The Lanai is totally private, so we had no reservations with using the outdoor shower for all of out bathing needs. If you’ve never had an outdoor shower, then you’re in for a real treat! The kitchen has everything that you need for cooking all of your meals, but there is also a guide to the local restaurants that Holly has compiled – this was very helpful to us as newbies to the area. From the fresh fruit that Holly has ready for your arrival, to the beach picnic basket and coolers, Hale Mala Pua has all of the amenities that you will need to have a wonderful trip. Karen and I are both very active people and the island provided plenty of opportunities for adventure. Holly and Rick provided us with all of the tools (boogie boards, surf boards, 2 person kayak, etc) and their local knowledge to make the most of our Hawaiian experience. Definitely take Rick’s advice regarding the kayak trip to the waterfalls – it is an amazing experience that you won’t find on any ‘guided’ tours. I am sure that there are many things that I have forgotten to mention in this short letter, but suffice it to say that I have no hesitation to recommend Hale Mala Pua as the place that you should stay in Kauai. Karen and I loved it and would love to make the trip back one day. Regards, Duncan Anderson & Karen JensenCalgary, Alberta, Canada

Owner response:Aloha Duncan & Karen, We are very humbled by your wonderful review of Hale Mala Pua. You sure wrote a beautiful and long review. We are SO very happy that you enjoyed all that we offer to you, from the down home hospitality and ideas for adventures, to all the sports equipment we offer to our guests to save you money on rental fees. We loved having you here and enjoyed getting to know you. You are a very special couple. We are so excited about your proposal here in Kauai. It's so romantic, couples in love have lovely surroundings to ask for a hand in marriage. We wish you all the very best and look forward to seeing you again. We humbly accept your sweet comments and review. Mahalo to you both. Take good care of each other. Love,Holly & Rick

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Guest: Jeramy Boik & Jason Gruhl (-)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/09

We spent 8 days on Kauai and returning home to Holly and Rick's place each evening was always one of the highlights of our day. As we turned into their driveway off of the country road, we felt like we were coming home. We were met by Nikki and Cody (their beautiful golden retrievers) each time - and often Rick or Holly were tending to some aspect of their amazing property. We couldn't have asked for anything more in terms of amenities and were surprised to find a plethora of sporting equipment free to use at our disposal. Holly and Rick made us feel like close friends from the moment we met, and their knowledge of the off-the-beaten-path areas of the island made our trip so much more enjoyable. Thank you Holly and Rick for an amazing stay at Hale Mala Pua - we're certain to be back again!

Owner response:Aloha Jeramy and Jason, It's great to hear from you. I miss you!!! Thank you so much for you kind review. We are grateful that you loved our property and it felt like home to you. That is just what we wanted for everyone to feel like home, not a hotel,but really homey, complete with Nikki & Cody our beloved golden retrievers, who are always welcoming themselves! We hope to see you again soon. Lots of love, Holly & Rick

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Guest: Kenny & Deborah Jones (Santa Barbara)
Date of Stay: 07/13/09 Review Submitted: 07/13/09

Deborah & I truly had an AMAZING time at Hale Mala Pua! Words cannot express the warmth, hospitality and care we felt from our hosts, Rick and Holly! Not only is their rental one of the most affordable on the island, it is by far the most beautiful! The amenities are numerous and cannot be found at any typical condo or resort! We have found a piece of heaven in Kapa'a, Kauai and will continue to visit as much as possible! To our new friends: Rick, Holly, Nikki, Cody & Lucy...blessings until we meet again in your little slice of paradise!

Owner response:Aloha Kenny & Deborah, We are SO happy that you had such a wonderful time! We so loved getting to know you & your kind hearts. We graciously accept your kind words for the hospitality & warmth we love to show our guests.. We really do love to be there for our guests that often become dear friends. It is our pleasure to share our knowledge and love of Kauai with down home hospitality. We send our love and hugs to you both and hope we see you again soon. All the animals send their unconditional love and comfort back to you. Blessings to you and your family. Love Holly & Rick.

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Guest: Les and Tammy Harris (Newberg, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

Les and I would highly recommend this wonderful retreat located on the east side of the island in Kapaa. It is centrally located so a trip to either end of the island takes little time. The cottage is very homey and beautifully decorated with island touches, a beautiful stone shower,fully equiped kitchen and a sweet lanai with a B-B-Q and a soaking tub. The sports shack had lots of toys to play with and saved us in rental fees...thanks so much! Holly and Rick were awesome hosts, very sweet and dear, taking very good care of us and especially making sure we had everything we needed and answering questions we had about resturants and places to go. Rick took us on a Catamaran one evening while he honed his skills at racing and it was thrilling! Thanks Rick :) This was a great place to come home to each night, very peaceful and cooler as it is nearer the mountain. You will love this smoke free, cozy nest and the Aloha spirit that Rick and Holly have waiting for you. Mahalo nui loa Rick and Holly. Love Les and Tammy

Owner response:Aloha Les and Tammy, Wow~What a wonderful review! Thank you so much. We are so happy that you loved our sweet green home away from home. It is indeed a beautiful, sweet and special retreat. We are very thank ful that you enjoyed yourselves and the savings on all the great sports equipment. We've added a surf rider kayak as well as a professional kayak I know they will also be enjoyed. I'm thrilled you loved the race:) Rick just loves to share his love of sailing with our guests. The greatest compliment we can ever have is your recommondation which is so very kind. Thank you so much. We hope to see you again one day soon. Mahalo nui loa Les and Tammy. Love Rick and Holly

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Guest: Meredith and Dustin (Alexandria, VA)
Date of Stay: 06/29/09 Review Submitted: 06/29/09

Holly and Rick, We had the most wonderful honeymoon experience staying at your lovely guest house. Everything was just as we imagined it to be! We loved picking the fruit from your orchard for breakfast and walking down to the gorgeous waterfall and river. Your place was so peaceful and relaxing after our adventurous days! We were so impressed with the assortment of amenities, both with the house and with the equipment you had available to us! You really made our stay so comfortable and memorable! We will definitely be booking again in the years to come.

Owner response:Aloha Meredith and Dustin, We loved having you here and are happy that you had such a wonderful time. We love to give of ourselves to our guests so your stay is effortless and you can enjoy all that we have, including the sweet cottage and beautiful property. We're glad you were happy and comfortable. We also look forward to you coming back again! Mahalo Meridith and Dustin for your kind comments. The best complitment we can have is to tell others of your special experience. Thank you so much. We look forward to seeing you again, maybe with a baby or to celebrate your 1st yr anniversary. Love to you both, Rick and Holly Mahalo Nui loa

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Guest: Mapleaf (WA)
Date of Stay: 06/09/09 Review Submitted: 06/09/09

Our stay - week of 4-20-09 Dearest Holly & Rick: Your Home-away is truly a Garden of Eden and such a true delight to be fortunate enough to be guest to! The pictures and description in your HomeAway ad don't do justice to the warm comfort your place provides - not to mention your hospitality! You both went out of your way to make sure we had every amenity and information about local events, places, etc. My sincerest thanks to Rick for introducing me to Gateway - such a warm, welcome place to feel the true spirit of the Island. We were so blessed to be able to befriend Nikky, Cody, Lucy and the birds. I'm so happy they enjoyed the dog cookies and I'll be baking more to send very soon! Thanks for sharing your warm, personable hospitality, your property, gardens, ambiance at bomb-fire, and your lovingly friendly pets. We will be back very soon - and may never want to leave! Blessings to you both for the opportunity to experience your genuine friendship and caring Mahalo - Lesley and Loren

Owner response:Aloha Lesley & Loren, Mahalo for your wonderful comments. We love to share our sweet homestay and beautiful property. It is such a blessing to have had you both. I'm so glad you will be coming back. We really look forward to seeing you again! We will likely have even more to offer you, stay tuned for more exciting adventures here. Thank you so much for your homemade doggie bisquits. You definatly would do well spreading the love to more animals. I know our pups loved them. It's wonderful making friends with you both and thank you for letting everyone know how special Hale mala Pua truly is. Aloha ke Akua, a hui hou, with love, Holly and Rick

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Beautiful Place to Stay

Guest: Lynnette (Weymouth, MA)
Date of Stay: 05/17/09 Review Submitted: 06/03/09

Aloha Holly & Rick, Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality. The cottage was perfect for us-it had everything we could have asked for and then some. The outdoor tub, beach gear, guidebooks, and countless other goodies on top of your own advice and recommendations made your place stand out from anywhere else we've ever stayed. It was very comfortable and "homey" and we will recommend you to anyone we know who will be going to Kauai. We especially loved how friendly your animal family was-it made it more bearable to be away from our own. We hope you are all doing well-especially Fluffy, who we were worried about. Hopefully we'll see you again someday! -Lynnette & Andrew

Owner response:Aloha Lynette & Andrew, Thank you so much for your kind words. We are so happy you enjoyed yourselves and felt like it was homey and had everything you needed in terms of all the sports equipment, the wonderful tub that is always so romantic at night, especially by candlelight. We love that everyone always gets attached to our animals. I know what you mean when you say it makes it more bearable to be away from your own. They are so loving and always there to give purrs and licks. Fluffy is doing really well. After the fight she was in, we took her straight to the vets and have been giving her all sorts of medication. Her eye looks like it did before. She is going to have cosmetic surgery too. We'll send you an updated picture for you and we'll tell her you were thoughtfully concerned. We do hope to see you again, perhaps on your 1st anniversary! Congratulations by the way on your wedding! Love, Holly & Rick

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Guest: Karl & Patti (Highland, New York)
Date of Stay: 05/15/09 Review Submitted: 05/15/09

Our one week stay at Hale Mala Pua was awesome. Holly and Rick go above and beyond to take care of their guests. They even helped us with our wedding on their beautiful property. The cottage is very comfortable and clean, and everything is provided, such as beach towels, travel guides and cooking condiments. It truly is a home away from home. Holly and Rick, you and your family of pets will be a part of our lives forever. Whenever we think of Kauai, we will think of you and our stay at Hale Mala Pua.

Owner response:Aloha Karl & Patti, Thank you so much for your kind words of appreciation. The wedding was so sweet and we both feel blessed to have been part of this special occasion. We're so happy that you felt comfortable in our home away from home. Mahalo for staying with us and being part of our family. All our animals make our guests stay that much sweeter since they give of themselves so unconditionally. We all send our thanks to you and look forward to seeing you again one day. Love, Holly & Rick

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Guest: Patty & Karl
Date of Stay: 05/12/09 Review Submitted: 05/11/09

This is a card given to us after our first wedding here on our property. We felt honored that we were part of their wedding, it was very special. Dear Holly & Rick, We want to thank you for taking the extra time and effort to make our wedding day so special. The beautiful gazebo, the lovely setting, the gift of lei's and most of all your interest and caring what made it a truly memorable moment for us. It was a perfect wedding! Mahalo Patty & Karl

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/27/09 Review Submitted: 04/27/09

Holly and Rick have created a wonderful place at Hale Male Pue. Very comfortable, great ameneties and warm hosts on beautiful property. My partner John and I stayed at three different locations on our trip to Kauai and this was by for the most pleasant. Our only dissapointment was that we didn't stay long enough! Thank You! Jeff

Owner response:Aloha Jeff & John, Thank you so much for your comments. I'm so glad you enjoyed our home away from home. You were great tenets. What a great compliment that out of 3 places you stayed, this was by far the best for you. We hope you can come back again, it would be great to see you. Mahalo and A hui Ho! Love Holly & Rick

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Truly a home away from home

Guest: RebeccaP (Ottawa, ON, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/14/09

My husband and I stayed here in the spring of this year and couldn't have been more pleased with Holly and Rick's place! It has everything you could possibly want in a vacation rental - comfort, beauty and scenery, not to mention great hosts! Some of our favorite aspects of this place were the lanai with the jacuzzi tub and outdoor shower, the excellent property (which had fruit trees and a garden - fruit and veggies that Holly and Rick were kind enough to share with us!), the wide array of sport equipment available for our use, the guidebooks and menus available to help us decide what to do and where to go, and definitely the company of the many furry creatures that also live there. The kitty Whisper was our constant companion out on the lanai. The area itself was also the best location on the island - near the beach, but up in the "country" so you also get a feel for the mountains. It is centrally located so we could hit the south shore for the great beaches one day, then the north shore for hiking and caves the next, then west to the Waimea canyon. We also found that some of the best places to eat were just a short drive from Holly and Rick's - including the Hukilau Lanai. If you're a chocolate lover, this place is also really close to the Steelgrass Farm - go for a tour and a chocolate tasting! There are so many great things about this place, I can't possibly list them all here! Rent this place for your trip to Kauai and you will not regret it!

Owner response:Aloha to our Canadian friends, We humbly accept your very kind and thoughtful words. We are so happy you loved being here. You are right, it truly is comfortable, beautiful and has gorgeous scenery. Ok, Ok, we do love to host and help any way we can. Thank you for saying that. One of our favorite things to do for our guests is to set them up at night with the fire pit and music of your choice. Hmmmm, your favorite music, the stars, the song of the waterfall below, while listening to the crackle of the fire, all while loving the one your with. Perfect....Oh...and two wonderful golden retreviers to keep you company while giving them 2 or 3 head pats..or was that 20 or 30 ! I love the hot outdoor shower the best after the beach. Nothing beats looking up at the stars while bathing on your private lanai. We love to share what ever we have growing, whether it be from the garden or the fruit trees. I love to go out and pick whatever we need fresh. It always tastes better and the smell is always amazing, from the herbs to the fruit & it certainly tastes better! We're glad you loved the sports equipment too. It saves you lots of money and we're happy to help you put the kayaks and surf boards on your car for you or anything else you need. To me, the best is our wonderful animals. I'm so glad you came to love Whisper. Thank you ever so much for giving her your love and companionship. We're happy you had such a great time. We enjoyed having you here and hope to see you again. Blessings to you both. Love, Holly, Rick and all our animal companions

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

Guest: Alan & Heather
Date of Stay: 04/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

This is a e mail we received from one of our favorite guests. We meant to take a picture of them, but I slept in late and missed the opportunity. They sent us a picture of themselves so we wouldn't forget them and gave us a beautiful Hibiscus flower that is still blooming and reminds us of their sweet nature. We will never forget our new sweetest friends, Alan and Heather and hope to see them again soon. Here is a letter they sent to us. We miss you and are so blessed to have you as new friends. Love, Holly & Rick Aloha Rick and Holly, We miss you and the ISLAND. Reentry has been difficult. When you see the piece of my spirit that I must have left behind...please send it home. Went snowboarding today. It helped. "Surfing" the mountain can bring great peace to the soul. Hope all is well with all of you!!!!!! Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful "home" to come home to after each day of exploring the island. You are thoughtful and thorough in preparing the cottage and the toy shed for us the guests. Your home and the property it sits on is just fabulous and you are beautiful people. It is easy and natural to be peacefully joyous there. We look forward to our next time together. Hoping it comes soon! Here's a picture for you. We only had 2 of us together and this was the best of the two. You'll have to get a better one next time. I'll wake you up earlier Holly :) Please take care of yourselves, our new friends. Until we meet again. Mahalo! Aloha, Alan & Heather

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/09/09

We stayed here the first week of March 2009.We found the homestay to be a charming place to stay while on Kauai.This was our third trip to the island but our first stay at a place like this(wonderful hospitality).It as if your in a quaint cottage away from it all.Your place was so comfortable it felt like home.The locationis just right,away from it all,but close enough to go to it all.After touristing a full dayit is really nice to come "home"to the country.Everything that we needed was there.Bikes,beachstuff,and a great time with the kayak.Rick and Holly were so nice to meet(an the family of pets).Thanks folks.Anything you needed to know about Kauai could be answered by these personal people.Try a warm beverage on a quiet morning listening to "all"the birds while sitting in the spacious backyard.Hope to meet again if we get back to Kauai. Mahalo,Brian&Maureen

Owner response:Aloha Brian and Maureen, Thank you so much for your kind comments. We're happy that you found our home away from home to be so comfortable. I'm glad you liked our animal family as well. By the way, we just got a cozy. After living on Kauai for 18 years we have a wealth of knowledge to pass on to our guests. Guess what? Our parrots just laid 2 eggs! In about 3 weeks, we'll have babies!! We hope to see you again soon. Love Holly & Rick

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: New York regular (Oklahoma)
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/21/09

Holly and Rick, Many thanks for your warm hospitality and gracious spirits. Mary and I had a wonderful time and your home is welcoming, peaceful, and beautiful. For folks looking for a great first location to scout out the island, this is ideal. You are halfway from the north and south/west shores as well as central to great beaches and bike trails right on the eastern shore. Thanks for the toy box! Everything we needed was available to us for the asking. The waterfall right in your backyard--glorious. We fell in love with Kauai even with all the rainfall. We'll be back to your island in paradise. Thank you both. We feel like we have great new friends. Lyn Cramer and Mary Aldridge, OKC

Owner response:Aloha Lyn & Mary, I wanted to tell you how thankful we are for your gracious comments on our home away from home.The sport shack is a great addition so you don't have to rent kayaks, surfboards,etc. I love the picture we took.You are both so sweet and have an infectious smile, we feel like we have great new friends too. Hope to see you soon. We have more delights added since you were here.\ Love, Holly and Rick

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