An outstanding beach-front property

Guest: Dick (Danville CA (SF Bay area))
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

My family rents homes once or twice per year, typically on the water in places such as Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, Chesapeake Bay, the Carolinas, and the Puerto Vallarta area of Mexico. We also own condos in Maui and Puerto Vallarta. So, it takes a lot to impress us. Kaimalino Kai is beautiful inside and out, and has a to-die-for location on a rocky beach in Kailua -- a much more laid back part of Oahu, very near where President Obama and his family sometimes vacation. Our vacation habits typically revolve around reading, entertaining, long walks, and sampling new restaurants. If you like the sound of the ocean waves, and demand a comfortable, impeccabily furnished and maintained home, this is for you. It is suitable for up to 6 adults in our opinion, with three bedrooms and three baths. The bedroooms are all on the first floor, along with a living room, as well as extensive outdoor decks facing the ocean. One of the bedrooms opens onto the living room area, but it can be closed off for total privacy (there is a separate entry door into it from the main hallway). One of the baths is upstairs. But it is the upstairs great room that will bring us back. The pictures do not begin to do it justice. This, combined with an additional outdoor lanai area overlooking the very private front (yes, front) yard pool and BBQ area, are to die for. The pool area is wonderful in its own right. We entertained three other couples one afternoon/evening, and they all were very impressed. One of the men brought his kayak, which he was able to alunch on a sandy beach area nearby -- the entry to which is about 200 yards from the home. We BBQd in the front yard while the ladies waded in the warm pool, then retired to the great room for a wonderful meal surrounded by the sounds of the waves on the beach and with a view of a beautiful sunset. Due to the high quality of this home and its furnishings we do not think it is suitable for young children. All rentals we have visited are lovely, but there is often a drawback or two, such as a cramped master bath or furniture that is showing its age. Nothing of that sort will greet you here. We will be back.

Owner response:Thank you for the wonderful review. Nothing pleases us more than hearing that guests staying at our house really enjoyed our home and all that it has to offer. We put a lot of time, effort and money into maintaining an oceanside home which is constantly battered by the elements of the sea, so hearing that any guest appreciates all of this work really warms our heart. We're so glad that you came to stay with us, and you are certainly welcome to come back soon.

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

The Best Holiday!!!

Guest: Fiona and Danny (Wiltshire, ENGLAND, UK)
Date of Stay: 03/30/11 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

this home is the best place to stay on holiday! starting from the cup of coffee on the front deck waiting for the sunrise, listening to the sound of the waves pounding the rocks , to walking the beach and seeing the turtles in the bay. Move on to walking the beach on the fine white sand lined with tall palm trees with the cooling breeze and warm water lapping. Great place to stay at home or have a base to explore the island: very peaceful and homely. Return home to that gorgeous view of the ocean! You don't get over that Wow factor! Take a trip to Waikiki beach and paddle out on an outrigger to catch the waves or go bodysurfing on the North Shore! Cool off back at home doing a few laps of the pool and sit with a glass of wine in the garden with the scent of gardenias amid the lush vegetation. then sit out on the lei in the evening with the stunning views of the mountains which seem to rise up from the end of the garden. we will definitely return! indoors when you want a change from eating out the kitchen is the sociable hub of the house, or barbeque out by the pool. just amazing!

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

Hey Swimmers! Swim from Moka Lua to Lanikai Beach!

Guest: Al (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 07/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

This place is great for families. The living room has three walls of glass with panoramic ocean views. To the right you can see the talcum power sand of Kailua Beach and beyond that you can see the Moka lua islands. The louvered windows let the ocean breezes in and the entire kitchen/living/dining area takes on the feeling of a huge lanai. We didn’t even need the A/C, the ocean breeze kept us so refreshed. The pool was bathtub warm, the kids didn’t want to leave. Don’t worry about mosquitoes; there wasn’t a single one the entire week. Be sure to walk down the beach access path about 6 houses over. The water is shallow and calm. You are sure to see some turtles in the water. Bring snorkel gear. Families will appreciate Safeway, which is about 2 mins away. After taking my family to Oahu, after visiting Maui and Kauai. We think Oahu is superior for a family vacation. Why? Dining options and variety. We like to sample the local cuisine; you can’t find places like Ono’s, Rainbow, Side Street Inn, and Leonard’s in the other islands. And both my 5-year-old boy and 10-year-old girls loved Pearl Harbor and the attractions there. Side note: Ever since I first saw the Moka Lua Islands 25 years ago I have wanted to swim there. This time I did it. It is a perfect island to beach swim. You can see the bottom the whole way, the on-shore currents gently nudge you along and you can hire someone from Kailua Sailboards to follow you back. The island itself is worth the trip, it is a bird sanctuary and you can see the indigenous birds up close as they nest on the ground right off the beach. Takes only 15-20 minutes in a two man kayak out, then put on a pair of swim goggles and have someone follow you back. The staff at Kailua Sailboards is very supportive and for a tip they will do it with you, just ask them. Plus you get bragging rights for the rest of the day! Claudia from Trinity made the swim too as I understand so you can ask her about it.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children.

Loved it!

Guest: Barbara N from Coeur D'Alene, ID (-)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 06/17/10

Kaimalino Kai was the perfect home for our family vacation. The views were magnificent, the home was beautiful, and provided everything we could possibly need. We also enjoyed meeting Claudia who was most helpful. The maps were great, all our questions were answered, and the basket of Hawaiian treats was a wonderful addition. We couldn't have been more pleased, and everyone is ready to come back again. Mahalo!

Recommended for:

Wow, a week in paradise.

Guest: Stan d'Man (Piedmont, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/04/09 Review Submitted: 06/13/10

My wife & I had the pleasure of staying in this Kailua oceanfront house for one week in December. We shared it with two other couples.The weather was idyllic; warm and sunny. The house is sited directly on the Kailua coast with absolutely stunning sunrises and coastal views. I'm an architect, so of particular interest to me was the magazine article describing the major addition and total renovation of the house. True to form, the addition/renovation took maximum advantage of views and siting, while successfully integrating the other necessary living functions. Further, the salty coastal exposure, while soothing to the human soul, begets a high maintenance condition. Rapid corrosion of metal parts and building materials creates an unending need to replace, repair and repaint; a headache of ownership. From my observation, his house has been successfully maintained. I recommend this lovely home if you are looking for a truly rejuvenating, relaxing, and memorable vacation in Hawaii.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+.

Luxurious and well-appointed

Guest: Raney (Palo Alto CA)
Date of Stay: 04/30/10 Review Submitted: 05/31/10

The house is exceptionally well-appointed and conveniently located: beach front (rocky, fun for kids to explore sea life and tide pools), close to Kailua dining/shopping. But you won't want to go out because the house is so spectacular and comfortable! Spacious enough for a family of 4-6 to enjoy each other but also get "privacy." Satellite TV, wi-fi, kitchen is suitable for gourmet home chef. Lap pool set amidst a lush, well-tended tropical garden. Enjoy the sunrise from the great room, a cocktail in the evening on the breezy lanai facing the mountains, order take out from a local restaurant to enjoy by the pool, fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. We had a wonderful time, first with extended family and then just our immediate family on a return trip. We'll definitely be back!

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

We would come back in a heart beat!!!

Guest: TWinder (Indian Land, SC)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 05/24/10

The pictures on the website are beautiful but when you are here in person it is absolutely amazing. The feeling you get just by being in the home is so wonderful! I felt like I just spent a week in heaven! :) My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our time here. The beds are so comfortable!! You can't swim out back but beaches where you can swim are just a short walk away! We loved hearing the ocean so close and at night we even heard whales. Anything you can think of they have there! Beach towels, pool floaties, boogie boards, they even had tons of spices and various kitchen appliances! The house was meticulously maintained and very clean. I wanted to cry when we had to leave. :( Until next time....

Owner response:Thank you for the very kind review. It always pleases us greatly to learn that other families appreciate our hospitality and enjoy our home as much as we do. We love the house and hope to welcome you back someday soon.

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

Hope to have a chance to return

Guest: Braden (-)
Date of Stay: 01/01/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

Original submitted in house guest book The "B" Family from New York City said : "We so loved staying in your beautiful house. The views are breathtaking and the house, garden and furnishings are so tasteful, elegant and comfortable. We hope we will have a chance to return! The "B" Family

Recommended for:

Whale sighting

Guest: Rendell (-)
Date of Stay: 02/01/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

Original posted in house guest book The "R" Family from Michigan says : "What can we say? Thank you for sharing your slice of paradise with us! We have loved every moment and will long remember the incredible views from your lovely home. To anyone else who stays here during the winter months, keep an eye on the ocean. We saw a few whales in the distance. Mahalo! The "R" Family

Recommended for:

Mahalo

Guest: Nielsen (-)
Date of Stay: 04/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

Original review in house guest book The "N" familyt from Salt Lake City says : "We just want to thank you so much for a wonderful stay. Your home is beautiful. Our family loved every minute of it. The scenery is breath-taking. We appreciate you sharing your lovely home with us. We did not want to leave. If we ever get back we certainly would stay here again. Mahalo, The "N" Family

Recommended for: