awesome vacation home

Guest: Jeff (Northern California)
Date of Stay: 05/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/08/11

Niki, your home was an excellent choice for our large family and friends. the kitchen facilities were great to accomodate a BBQ for a large crowd. the beach was close enough to walk to and enjoy the morning sunrise and swimming was fantastic. the location in waimanalo affored the peace and quiet we wanted and it was not far from honolulu and other sights. we have recommended your home to friends and co-workers. we would definitely use your home again without reservations. having your caretakers on sight was also wonderful. they were very friendly and helpful. mahalo nui loa

Owner response:Dear Jeff, we are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and for recommending our place to your friends! we too enjoyed having you as guests and hope to see you again on your next vacation. Aloha and Mahalo Niki

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

Great simple cozy House from Lovely Waimanalo

Guest: Ruben A. (UTAH)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/21/11

My wife and I loved being here in May 2011 (We are in our 30s). We were in town for a family reunion/getaway and didn't want to do the whole Waikiki thing. So we were looking for a place near Waimanalo but still close to the main attractions and family. We found this home to be just right. The room we stayed in was on the bottom floor and had a separate keyed, entrance, separate bath, sizeable closet, two twin beds in a separate room and a full-size in another room. It also had a small loveseat and a flatscreen TV in the room with the queen size bed. It had a chest of drawers and large mirrors too. The queen bed had two side-tables, small reading lights. The room had a sliding glass door that led to a semi-private lanai. The kitchen was recently updated, and is shared by all guests and the caretakers. But there is also a small refrigerator in the room that we used. We didn't really use the kitchen as we ate with family or ate out but it was stocked with all the necessary utensils and wares. The hot tub was right outside our window and was clean and warm and lovely to relax in after a long day at the beach. The bed was comfortable and the sheets and comforter were clean as were the towels. It had a small space A/C that we used when it got too hot and it cooled down the rooms fairly quickly and effectively. The main caretaker was a college-age, single guy from Austria or Germany, and was there with friends who are all apparently working on finishing remodeling the home. They were so quiet and polite and made us feel welcome. We had no issues with them. The owner was easy to work with and very polite and friendly as we made reservations over the phone. Minor repairs needed were an electric plug in the bathroom that didn't function, a missing/broken toilet paper holder and a faucet that needed updating and was showing its age, but those things were minor. They have a coin-operated washer and dryer for $1 each load. The place is literally feet from the beach and near several small stores. Safe parking is free on the street. Also, this home seemed to be a work in progress, and renovations are still being made. But there was no construction noise or anything going on regularly, and certainly not at night or early morning. We loved it. If you are looking for the Waikiki hotel scene, this place—as with many other vacation homes, will not likely suit you. But we were pleasantly surprised and plan to be back with our children next time.

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

Guest: Great alternative to Waikiki (-)
Date of Stay: 01/10/11 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

For travelers to Oahu who want to enjoy the beauties of the island while avoiding the tourist traps of Waikiki, this guesthouse has much to offer, like location and value for money. A friend who lives in Kailua recommended the place to us, otherwise we would never even know about Waimanalo. It is conveniently located near many hiking trails from Koko Crater to Makapu'u to Olomana to the Pali trails (and it's certainly closer to the surfing beaches). In our travel party were hikers and non-hikers, so this one bedroom suite was perfect for both, as the non-hikers could stay in the suite and still enjoy the open, yet covered porch (huge), with beautiful views of the Ko'olau Mountains. The wide Waimanalo beaches are beautiful and not crowded, and it's just a block away. There is an outdoor bbq, and a fully equipped kitchen in the house so cooking something quick is never a problem. But if you like Mexican food, Serg's down the street has the best Mexican food we've tasted in quite awhile.

Recommended for:

Great alternative to Waikiki

Guest: From Singapore (-)
Date of Stay: 01/10/11 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

For travelers to Oahu who want to enjoy the beauties of the island while avoiding the tourist traps of Waikiki, this guesthouse has much to offer, like location and value for money. A friend who lives in Kailua recommended the place to us, otherwise we would never even know about Waimanalo. It is conveniently located near many hiking trails from Koko Crater to Makapu'u to Olomana to the Pali trails (and it's certainly closer to the surfing beaches). In our travel party were hikers and non-hikers, so this one bedroom suite was perfect for both, as the non-hikers could stay in the suite and still enjoy the open, yet covered porch (huge), with beautiful views of the Ko'olau Mountains. The wide Waimanalo beaches are beautiful and not crowded, and it's just a block away. There is an outdoor bbq, and a fully equipped kitchen in the house so cooking something quick is never a problem. But if you like Mexican food, Serg's down the street has the best Mexican food we've tasted in quite awhile.

Recommended for:

Guest: Ken and Cherri (-)
Date of Stay: 05/31/10 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

Dear Nick and Kari, We hope that these few words will express to you how much we enjoyed our stay in your house in Waimanola. It was the perfect place for our large group. The beach access was an A-1 situation with everyone. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, well-kept and home-like. The grandsons particularly enjoyed JJ's company and his willingness to share his things with them. Chad and Carrie are good property managers and were very pleasant and eager to answer our questions and join in our conversations. They certainly treated us with great care. Should we need such accommodations again we will certainly contact you. In fact, we brought a few brochures home with us to spread the news about your property. Thank you for accommodating us and trusting us with your property. We are grateful to you. Ken and Cherri

Recommended for:

Thank you for accommodating us!

Guest: Ken and Cherri (-)
Date of Stay: 05/31/10 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

Dear Nick and Kari, We hope that these few words will express to you how much we enjoyed our stay in your house in Waimanola. It was the perfect place for our large group. The beach access was an A-1 situation with everyone. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, well-kept and home-like. The grandsons particularly enjoyed JJ's company and his willingness to share his things with them. Chad and Carrie are good property managers and were very pleasant and eager to answer our questions and join in our conversations. They certainly treated us with great care. Should we need such accommodations again we will certainly contact you. In fact, we brought a few brochures home with us to spread the news about your property. Thank you for accommodating us and trusting us with your property. We are grateful to you. Ken and Cherri

Recommended for:

the discovery of paradise

Guest: alohaHARRY (Salzburg)
Date of Stay: 11/16/09 Review Submitted: 06/24/10

the property is embedded in a village where you can feel the real hawaiian spirit - far away from the touristic (mostly overcrowded) areas. It is well maintained and owners as well as housekeepers are helpful and kindly. I could recommend this property to everybody who is looking for relaxation - the Waimanalo beach ressort is a perfect location to slow down. there are cool hikes nearby and Makapuù is a perfect spot to start your surf career. And in Kailua in the North or Hawaiikai in the south there are a lot of nice restaurants with delicious food. in the last 4 years I spent 7 months in this property in Waimanalo - so let me say - I´ve discovered my own paradise :)) check it out. alohaHARRY

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

Guest: Jen the RN Tucson, AZ, USA (-)
Date of Stay: 05/20/10 Review Submitted: 06/22/10

When wanting to experience true Hawaii and not the Waikiki version, this has it all!! Great location and family neighborhood, very quiet!! Complete opposite from Waikiki, not to mention when leaving for the day or to do shopping. A short 20-25 min drive to Honolulu.This area close to Kailua has major fast food, local fast food, grocery and of course coffee places. Waimanlo itself has just about everything needed. Check out Ken's Bakery just down the road, within walking distance, great for morning pasteries, doughnuts and the best made from scratch cupcakes and cakes ever! The beach is a short 3-4 min walk and can been seen from the driveway.The property has everything you could need right at hand. The suites were all very clean, as well as the common kitchen, and all appliances, cookware, dishware also available. Due to family schedules rented the master suite one week and jr suite next. Having laundry so close and only $1.00 a load to wash and dry, best bargain on the island. Rented for two full weeks in May 2010.The master suite is the largest with kitchenette and full length lanai (patio for mainlanders)bathroom and kitchen area could use some refreshing. Yet having the lanai made it so worth it! Sitting out on the lanai and being able to hear the birds and the surf was so fantastic. Again nothing like Waikiki with traffic noise, urban noise and a mass of people everywhere you turn. Also the views of the mountain range were amazing! The beach is almost like a private beach, even on weekends just the neighborhood folks and less then 20 people in a mile stretch. Hosts were so accommodating and helpful. Just like visiting family who have to work during your stay. Grounds and landscaping very lush, well kept and having a hot tub to relax after long day of sight seeing was great!! Will most definitely stay again for next time. And have begun to spread the word that this is the Hawaii to enjoy and truly relax and remember!! Chad, Kari and crew, know how to create a truly relaxing and wonderful experience, true Aloha Spirit!!! Mohalo many times over and Looking forward to seeing you all again!!

Recommended for:

Best of everything!

Guest: Jen the RN (Tucson, AZ USA)
Date of Stay: 05/11/10 Review Submitted: 06/06/10

When wanting to experience true Hawaii and not the Waikiki version, this has it all!! Great location and family neighborhood, very quiet!! Complete opposite from Waikiki, not to mention when leaving for the day or to do shopping. A short 20-25 min drive to Honolulu.This area close to Kailua has major fast food, local fast food, grocery and of course coffee places. Waimanlo itself has just about everything needed. Check out Ken's Bakery just down the road, within walking distance, great for morning pasteries, doughnuts and the best made from scratch cupcakes and cakes ever! The beach is a short 3-4 min walk and can been seen from the driveway.The property has everything you could need right at hand. The suites were all very clean, as well as the common kitchen, and all appliances, cookware, dishware also available. Due to family schedules rented the master suite one week and jr suite next. Having laundry so close and only $1.00 a load to wash and dry, best bargain on the island. Rented for two full weeks in May 2010.The master suite is the largest with kitchenette and full length lanai (patio for mainlanders)bathroom and kitchen area could use some refreshing. Yet having the lanai made it so worth it! Sitting out on the lanai and being able to hear the birds and the surf was so fantastic. Again nothing like Waikiki with traffic noise, urban noise and a mass of people everywhere you turn. Also the views of the mountain range were amazing! The beach is almost like a private beach, even on weekends just the neighborhood folks and less then 20 people in a mile stretch. Hosts were so accommodating and helpful. Just like visiting family who have to work during your stay. Grounds and landscaping very lush, well kept and having a hot tub to relax after long day of sight seeing was great!! Will most definitely stay again for next time. And have begun to spread the word that this is the Hawaii to enjoy and truly relax and remember!! Chad, Kari and crew, know how to create a truly relaxing and wonderful experience, true Aloha Spirit!!! Mohalo many times over and Looking forward to seeing you all again!!

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

Family Reunion Perfection

Guest: jrea (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 05/15/09 Review Submitted: 04/26/10

We stayed here in May of 2009 for a week. My rented out all the suites for the reunion. Each suite is two bedrooms/full bath/with refidgerator and microwave or personal kitchen. There is a fully functional community kitchen for guests use. The beach is 100 yards from the house. Perfect for all ages! Clean and quiet! Plus, you can use body boards, fins, and other beach items from the house! The owners are non intrusive. The grounds are clean. There is no maid service, and you do your own laundry. It was perfect for our large group! We definitely have plans to return here.

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