Our own little paradise for a week

Guest: Tania (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 09/20/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

I stayed at this property with my three year old daughter, and my parents. It was the first time to Hawaii for my parents. I could not have picked a more perfect condo for us. To be able to open the sliding doors and step onto the uncrowded beach, is absolutely priceless. My parents spent EVERY SINGLE NIGHT out on the lanai watching the sunset. They were in heaven. My daughter and I slept on the futon (which I found very comfortable with the topper that is provided), and my parents took the bedroom. The unit was very clean and very well stocked. We enjoyed getting to know the neighbors, and more than enjoyed the secluded beach. Yes, it is far from Waikiki, but that is what we wanted. We had absolutely no problems checking in (even got to check in early after calling and confirming that the unit was ready), and no problems getting the parking pass. There is a very nice laundry area on site that is well maintained, and we never had any trouble getting a machine. Something to note though, is that the bedroom is not completely enclosed (it doesn't have a door). This was not an issue for our stay, but it may be an issue for others. There is a curtain separating the kitchen from the living room (the bedroom is then on the other side of the kitchen), so it can be blocked off, but it may put a kink in some people's plans to find out there is no real privacy in the bedroom). All in all, this was the perfect place for my family to stay. I'm already looking to book the place again next September.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

The best kept secret on the island

Guest: Sharon (Palmer, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 04/13/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

I have stayed here at 4 times now..... Once I stayed here I don't want to go anywhere else... Why bother this is the best place... Your own pretty much private beach. I bought a very nice lawn chair my second time there and I am pleased to say it is still there... I love the idea of just stepping off the lani and you are on the beach... I am from Alaska and this is my home away from home.... The owners of this unit are very nice and very informative. They own a penthouse in Waikiki that I stayed at too... very nice place

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

local charm, rural pleasure

Guest: Robin (Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 05/16/11 Review Submitted: 10/03/11

My daughter, girlfriend and I enjoyed our stay in May at this quiet, peaceful beach. We were looking for a place on the westside to relax and soak up some colorful local charm while accessing some nearby hiking areas. It was gorgeous walking along the coast to the Kaena Point Natural Reserve Area, where we saw turtles, monk seals with pups, and albatross nesting with fledglings. On our return to the condo local residents were setting up BBQs , drinking, and playing horseshoes after work. As we watched the sunset, they offered to cook some fish for us, which was so delicious! The next day we packed a lunch to hike up to Mt. Kaala, from nearby Waianae Valley. From the highest point on Oahu there were spectacular views as well as many beautiful native plants. The last day we visited a Hawaiian Heiau or stone temple in the Makaha Valley which was quite interesting and one of the few that wasn't destroyed when the missionaries brought in western religion. The condo was more than we could have asked for in location and quality. We far preferred staying here rather than waikiki, and hope to be back soon. Being able to wake up, step out to walk the quiet beach, or swim in clear waters at sunset was priceless for us, mahalo!

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

Disappointing in Some Aspects

Guest: Mark (Loveland, Co)
Date of Stay: 09/04/11 Review Submitted: 09/14/11

We were looking forward to our stay, but some issues came up that made the stay somewhat disappointing. First, the inside of the property is as shown in the pictures and the condition of the property was not an issue. On the first day we arrived we tried to use the key to open up the door lock and it took 15 minutes to get the door opened. In addition the coffee maker was non-functional. We called the next morning to explain the problems. The rental agency sent the housekeeper over with a new coffeee maker and she explained that the key to the property was new since the previous renter had lost the keys. She then informed us that she knew the key we had was poorly made and that it was "tricky" to get the door to open with that key. She gave us her key to use for the rest of the stay. I'm shocked that the housekeeper would knowingly leave guests with a key that may not be able to allow access ot the property. In addition, on the last day of our stay we found out their was no toilet paper in the condo and that only a partial roll was provided at the beginning of our stay. Again, very poor work by the housekeeper. In addition, just off the condo complex property line is a section of beach frequented by homeless people. Drunken yelling at us by them when we walked the beach one early evening didn't make for a good feeling of the safety of the neighborhood. I know the rental agency can't be faulted for this problem, however, I think guests need to be aware that the area by this complex is not a pleasant area. We wouldn't rent in this area again!

Owner response:We were surprised that this guest did not enjoy his stay at Makaha Beach Cabanas. The reason for staying out here on the West Side of Oahu as opposed to Waikiki, is that you are far away from over crowded beaches. You come to Makaha to enjoy the real Hawai'i. The "homeless" people he speaks of are actually working local people who come to the beach to fish. Other guests have found them very cordial and outgoing and show the Aloha Spirit. The beach is spectacular and teeming with sea turtles and monk seals. As stated in our rental agreement, we provide a start up kit of bathroom tissue and paper towels however we do not replenish them. Most of our guests read the contract and understand this. We spoke with our housekeeper regarding the incident about the keys. She was actually inside the condo still cleaning it when they arrived early to check in. When she heard them struggling with the key, she opened the door from the inside. She did comment that the key must have been poorly made and she did give them her set. She knew the key was new but did not know it didn't work well. She gave them a working set of keys, so we are not sure why the guest is taking issue with this. Makaha is a wonderful beach that is frequented by local people who live and work in the area. It is perfect those who want to enjoy and discover a Hawai'i that the tourists in Waikiki will never see. come on out to the West Side! It is No Ka O'i

Recommended for:

Better luck next time

Guest: Kona4me (Calgary)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/11/11

I have stayed at the both the beach cabanas and the Hawaiian Princess in the past. I chose the cabanas again because the bedrooms are on the ocean...not in this unit. I do not know how other reviewers could hear the ocean from the bedroom with all the traffic noise, constant hum of the building transformer, and people loading/ unloading vehicles at all hours of the day and night. Maintenance workers park right outside the unit early in the morning and open/ close vehicle doors while shouting to each other. I tried to sleep on the futon...but it is by far the most uncomfortable piece of furniture I have encountered. There was no iPod dock in evidence during our stay. The redeeming quality is the view and the sunsets. We also had fun figuring out what all the electrical switches were for...very creative wiring!

Owner response:After so many positive reviews we were very surprised to see this negative review. We pride ourselves in outfitting our units so that our guests have everything at their disposal in order to insure that their vacation is memorable and that they come back to visit us again and again. The ipod dock is something that walks away frequently and needs to be replaced several times a year - that would easily have been rectified. The futon couch is exactly that - a futon couch and is really provided for children to sleep at night or for lounging during the day - however we do have a plush featherbed that goes on top of the futon if you choose to sleep there. We do not store it in the condo since space is limited but it is available upon request. I spoke with the resident manager regarding the noise complaint from this guest and he stated that maintenance workers for the property do not park outside the unit as those spaces are reserved for guests. More then likely it was individuals renovating one of the condos and therefore not something that occurs on a daily basis. Most of guests really appreciate the livingroom being closest to the ocean - especially those with children. This makes going in and out of the condo really easy and you don't need to walk around a huge bed to access the patio. You can keep an eye on your children while sitting in the livingroom. It is a personal preference but none of our other guests have complained about the switch. We regret that this guest did not contact us until writing this review. I know we could have responded in such a way that they would have been satisfied. I hope this does not deter any other guests from inquiring about this awesome condo. It does sound like they did enjoy the amazing ambiance, sunset and views that our condo provides.

Recommended for:Sightseeing.

The Perfect Vacation!

Guest: Amy (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 03/17/11 Review Submitted: 04/06/11

We recently stayed at your condo and had an incredible time. Waking up in the morning to the sound of the waves on the beach - there is nothing like it. The beach is absolutely gorgeous and so few people are actually on it - it's like having your own private beach while you are there. Having the beach chairs and towels provided was a great bonus, too. We were so happy there that we spent a lot of time on the beach right there - why search for perfection when you have already found it? Owner was very helpful and responsive in answering any questions - also provided info on good places to shop, which we found very helpful. All in all this experience was terrific, and we would definitely stay here again. We are already talking about when we can go back!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

Makaha Beach

Guest: Mark (Alberta)
Date of Stay: 02/12/11 Review Submitted: 02/20/11

This was a nice condo...The beachfront was awesome...It was a treat to wake up every morning to the sound of the crashing surf on the beach out front of this ground floor condo...The sunsets at dinner time were an added bonus as well...I know my little guy enjoyed the few kids toys left on the balcony/lanai...I would not hesitate to stay here again...

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

True Paradise!!

Guest: Redbird Alum X 3 (West Frankfort, Il)
Date of Stay: 06/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/24/10

My family visited Makaha Beach Cabanas in June 2010. This was the most beautiful and tranquil beach. The condo was very nice! I had a little accident on the beach the 1st day we were there and broke my toe. We didn't get to spend as much time on the beach as we had planned because it is very hard to walk in sand with a severly broken toe (still not healed). The trip was not a total loss, the views were magnificent. We plan to visit again and hope to be able to come back to this same condo!! Mahalo for sharing your little piece of paradise!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, families with teenagers.

Beautiful beachfront!

Guest: Tracy and Darrell (Palmer, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 06/04/10 Review Submitted: 06/13/10

We loved the condo! It had everything we needed for our stay. The best part was the beach though, we even swam with sea turtles. Would stay again. THANKS!

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

Our family had an awesome time here

Guest: coolmod (McCall, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 04/10/10 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

My family (hubby, me, teen, middle schooler and crumb cruncher just got back from 3 days at this condo and 3 days at the same owner's Punaluu condo. Gated with security guard parking area, gated entry. We loved this place. The decor was so adorable and perfectly comfortable for us. Loved all the surfboards and the turtle tile bathroom. Very beachy! Everything we needed and more was provided, including sand toys, chairs and boogie boards were left there. A big hit! We spent so much time in the water, which is right there. Very relaxing and not too many people around the beach. We loved being on the bottom floor with the sand right there. Our friends stayed at the Hawaiian Village Hilton and after visiting them, which was nice, we all agreed we had the better place and a way better deal! Incredible sunsets! Highly recommend and we would definately go back again in a heartbeat. Thank you! Owner was a delight to deal with. Highly recommend.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.