Vacation Rentals by Owner

Best of All!

Guest: Diana & Terry (Lebanon OR)
Date of Stay: 12/17/11 Review Submitted: 12/26/11

The Lanikai Studio was perfect for us! It was quiet, cozy, homey, convenient, accomodating. I loved all the reading choices provided in the room! The view is amazing....dawn is lovely. Walking on the beach is perfect. The breeze is embracing! Loved it!

Owner response:Mahalo Nui! Come back again.

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

AWESOME - Lanikai is amazing and this aprtment is in the perfect location

Guest: Christian (Santa Monica, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/01/11 Review Submitted: 12/09/11

I lived on Oahu for 5 years back in the 90's and Lanikai is one of my favorite places in the world. This apartment is strategically located right at the beginning of the loop as you enter Lanikai. It is not on the water but rather up a rather steep short hill that affords some pretty amazing views that are shown in the photos. I stayed here with my girlfriend for a long weekend from LA and we really enjoyed the studio apartment. It is small but really cute and we thought the prices were very affordable. Where else can you get a parking spot in a garage, use of a kayak, beach accessories, towels, etc. and feel like you are a local? Not in any hotel on Oahu no matter how much you pay. We also rented bikes and we could easily ride in to town or around the loop (you could also walk but we live dangerously). Getting back up the steep driveway was a challenge all it's own but we did it! As for amenities and layout, I feel bad for the other gentleman who had some bad luck with the apartment because we had no issues at all. Lanikai is known as one of the top kite surfing and windsurfing destinations in the world so if you are afraid or bothered by wind you should not stay in Lanikai (or Hawaii for that matter). As for the lanai/patio, yes you do share one of the patios with the main house but there is in fact a side lanai that is shown in the photos that is only for the studio. This is a great place to watch the sunset. We found Noni (the owner) to be very personable and open to every need or request. She is there if you need her but we really never needed her. We are an active couple so we were out of the apartment quite a bit going on hikes or to the beach. You can easily walk to both. I could go on and on about how great it is but if you are looking for a cute little studio in one of the most amazing locations in the world at a great price then this is the place for you. We will be back.

Owner response:Mahalo Mahalo Mahalo!!! I look forward to having you back at the studio and so glad that it served every purpose for you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Canidd feedback - won't recommend this place

Guest: Guest (New York)
Date of Stay: 11/20/11 Review Submitted: 12/05/11

We just spent a week in the studio and here is some honest and candid feedback: - misleading description regarding "quality" furnishing: (a) the place's blinds window was broken and was never repaired despite the owner's hint that "it'll get fixed tomorrow...". This made the place extremely windy at night so we had to cover the big hole with table cloth. (b) understandably we were not looking for luxury, however, the room is full of less than quality fixtures such as shaking table lamps one of which did not work (replaced by owner after a couple of days) - Tiny bathroom and kitchenette with utensils that make one think they are only put there to legitimize the description of a "kitchenette..." No real oven in the kitchen. - the unit is a room beneath the main part of the house, so you share the balcony with the family, which is perfectly fine however I wish the owner didn't advertize a corner of this balcony as "your private deck" - We can see the location being nice in summer, less windy times. If you are going in winter times, you may end up sleeping in the unit thinking you are in the center of a storm... All in all, the owner appears a very nice lady and we don't have complains with her hospitality. I felt bad having to leave candid comments as far as the studio goes, but I hope this will benefit other people other there.

Owner response:Thank you for your candid review and I so apologize for your being unhappy renters. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday (my renters had been invited to feast upstairs with our family), our maintenance man who was scheduled to replace the one blind (which happened to break in the cleaning before this couple arrived) did not show. The irony is that most renters love having the breeze through those blinds. Unfortunately we happened to have super winds for several days, and for this couple, it obviously was not something they enjoyed. The other side of the island (this is called the Windward Side) might be a better option for them next trip. We have old oak and teak furniture, which most renters love. I could easily have replaced the broken lamp immediately but the lady said they did not need it. That is also unfortunate. My kitchenette is as advertized, no oven, but a kitchenette. The private deck off of the room is indeed their private section of the deck, so I don't know how to address that. In my years of sharing our studio which is a part of our home, this is our first negative response. People love staying here. Blind is now fixed, new lamp, weather is wonderful!

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Great place, great location, great view!

Guest: Peter (San Antonio, TX)
Date of Stay: 10/19/11 Review Submitted: 10/31/11

Jean and I stayed here from 10/19/ - 10/23/2011. We just loved it! Beautifully appointed with everything you need - amazing views of the sea and islands, literally a 10 min. walk (although the walk back is a bit steep for the last block and a half) from one of the top rated beaches on Oahu (I booked here after Yahoo ranked Lanikai as one of the top 10 beaches in the US), and a great manager who lives in the adjoining apartment, with her mother upstairs (Noni is just the best!). The studio is so homey and comfortable, and so handy to the great beach communities of Lanikai and Kailua. This is totally away from the hustle and bustle and traffic of Honolulu - and yet only a half hour away. Both the Kailua and Lanikai beaches are absolutely first rate and picture perfect. We snorkeled with a sea turtle at Lanikai the one time we went out. Its so much fun to watch the Kayakers head out to the islands every day. Fantastic place for a great price! -Peter and Jean, San Antonio, TX

Owner response:Thanks Peter and Jean for the review. I'm so happy to share a part of our Lanikai home with great people. Please come again!

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

(overdue review proves we're still thinking about this place!)

Guest: Jimmy (Oakland)
Date of Stay: 10/13/11 Review Submitted: 02/10/12

The pictures above, with the two small islands, really are what you wake up to each morning... it's a 5 minute walk to the best beach on Oahu, a walk into town or a drama-free half-hour drive to the restaurants in Honolulu, and most of all it's just easy.... just what us mainlanders need for a week vacation! Of particular note - the owner, Noni, sets the tone of your vacation by being completely accommodating and easy-going. Monica and I will be back. Probably soon. I hope enough people see this to keep the rental going strong - but not so many that you take our week!!!

Owner response:Mahalo for your review! It's so nice to hear great things about the studio, Lanikai, and your vacation. Come back again!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Home away from home.

Guest: alice (eugene, or. usa)
Date of Stay: 08/27/11 Review Submitted: 12/12/11

I recently stayed at this charming studio for the second time and plan to stay here each year that I return. I finally feel like I have found a place to call home when I visit. I love the tropical breeze at night and bbq on the deck with friends in the evening and watching the moon rise over the mokolulu's. I love the king sized bed , I sleep so sound. The host is so very nice and I feel I have made new friends for life. What a GREAT find.

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

Amazing view

Guest: Chuck (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 12/13/11

You won't find a view like this in Lanikai without spending a LOT more money. Noni was great to work with, and I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that having the windows open at night created such a soothing ocean breeze. Quality and cleanliness are an 8 out of 10. I go to Hawaii to visit family once or twice a year, and most of the places you find on vrbo are not all they are cracked up to be (unless you are willing to spend a LOT more money), but this place is very nice and great bang for your buck. If it is available for your dates, you will not regret staying here. Watching the sunrise over the water, from the balcony, is worth every penny. I enjoyed my stay and have already attempted to be a repeat customer, however she did not have availability for my dates. Some people are impossible to please, so ignore the naysayers.

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

The only bed I want to sleep in other than my own at home!

Guest: Kuulei (Albuquerque and Kahalu'u )
Date of Stay: 04/21/11 Review Submitted: 12/09/11

I stayed here several times this past spring and summer while traveling for work and it came to feel like a second home for me. The view that I saw first thing in the morning before even getting out of bed just took my breath away! The studio is comfortable, well furnished with everything you would want or need, very clean and cozy. And the bed topper and luxurious linens insured a good nights sleep every night! The kitchenette has all that you would need to prepare simple meals and the gas grill is right outside the back door so be sure to get tothe farmers market on Thursday nights in Kailua by Long's Drugs. The location is perfect for getting to either Kailua or Lanikai beach and an easy stroll to Buzz's. And after one mai tai you will be glad you walked.... The owner and her daughter were very gracious, warm and welcoming and made me feel like a member of the family. I have stayed in several VRBO locations in Kailua and Lanikai and this is the ONE I highly recommend....

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Great location, comfortable room, and unbelievable views

Guest: Frances (Los Altos, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

My husband and I stayed at this studio for four nights right before Christmas 2010. First, we had a very comfortable stay in a very clean and well maintained property. The bathroom and "kitchen" are behind the sleeping/living area and I appreciated that separation. We had a rental car and it was absolutely a breeze to go around the island as well as our daily trips to Honolulu. I am very sensitive to noise and even though I could sometimes hear what sounded like furniture movement directly above us, it didn't bother me at all. We saw Noni once and even though we didn't any help, I feel that she would be happy to help with any question or need. Of course, the absolute jackpot is the wonderful view that you get to enjoy from the minute you wake up to when it gets dark.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 10/12/09 Review Submitted: 10/11/09

Wow! What a cozy place; I do travel a bunch and for once I wish tht I did not have to go home to my own bed! Thanks for everything!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/20/09 Review Submitted: 05/19/09

The area of Lanikai is very quaint and beautiful. We have enjoyed exploring it and find it relatively easy to come and go. The view from the studio is gorgeous and I'll miss waking to it. Your hospitality has been appreciated and your art is wonderful!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/09/09 Review Submitted: 05/08/09

Thanks to you and your Mom for a wonderful vacation here. I will find the correct place to hang your painting in our home in Lake Stevens.

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Even better than the pictures!!

Guest: Mickey&Atsuko (Japan)
Date of Stay: 04/25/09 Review Submitted: 04/02/10

We had a wonderful stay at your place. Easy access to beautiful Lanikai beach and great view from the lanai. The fantastic view guaranteed! Even better than the posted pictures!! King size bed is very comfortable. Kitchen is a bit small but not a big problem if you are fixing light meal. If you are looking for a place with a great view, this is the right place to stay.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 04/09/09 Review Submitted: 04/08/09

I've had a photo of the view from the deck as my computer desktop image since our last visit 2 years ago. Came back for my 50th birthday and can't think of a more wonderful place to celebrate it! thanks again for the warm hospitality!

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Guest: Laura and Joshua
Date of Stay: 04/09/07 Review Submitted: 04/08/07

Thank you for your hospitality and sharing your lovely studio with us. We especially enjoyed our breakfasts on the deck watching the sunrise over the Mokes. What a fabulous view. I can't imagine staying anywhere else on Oahu but Lanikai! The beach is one of the most beautiful we've seen. Thanks and I'm sure we'll be back sooner rather than later.

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Guest: Paula and Marlan
Date of Stay: 10/08/06 Review Submitted: 10/07/06

Talk about a room with a view! This is the best! Thanks for sharing your little piece of paradise with us. Thank goodness for the internet - - it allowed me to find you! We rented a kayak and paddled ourselves to "flat island" and the Mokuluas. We spent lots of time on Lanikai beach - - there's no other like it! The powdery white sand and turquoise water are so beautiful. We hiked to the "pillbox" and the Makapuu lighthouse. The tradewinds have been wonderful and we will miss them. Hope to return again soon. p.s. Loved your attention to decor and your beautiful art.

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Guest: Michelle and Scott1 (New York)
Date of Stay: 06/28/06 Review Submitted: 06/28/06

Talk about a room with a view! From the deck of this well-appointed studio is the most amazing (and relaxing) view of the Mokumanu and Mokulua islands -- Lanikai's landmarks. One day -- after we had too much sun -- we simply sat on the deck and read, stopping to take regular peeks at the fabulous landscape. Though we've been to Lanikai before, this is the first time we stayed there and we really couldn't ask for a better place. The studio is a short (but steep!) walk to a pristine beach and has a very comfortable king bed. The owner is very knowledgable about the area and was happy to provide tips on hiking and restaurants, but unlike other owner-occupied places we've stayed in before, was also very respectful of our privacy. Bottom line: if you're looking for the other Oahu -- the one that is as far removed as you can get from Waikiki while still being on the same island -- Lanikai is the place and it would be harder to find a better place to stay -- and host -- at any price.

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Guest: John Thompson
Date of Stay: 04/28/06 Review Submitted: 04/27/06

I've been visiting Kailua / Lanikai at least once or twice a year for the last three years. There are many good and affordable places to stay, but your guest apartment in Lanikai is by far the best place I've stayed. Not only is the beautiful Lanikai beach a five minute walk down the hill, but even when you're back in the house fixing breakfast or sipping on an afternoon margarita, you have the entire ocean and offshore islands to take in. The view is amazing. Even in between going to the beach, kayaking, hiking, etc., we were constantly enjoying the amazing view, the cool breeze, and even when our eyes were closed, the comfy king-sized bed. Thanks!

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Guest: Garry Daily
Date of Stay: 04/21/06 Review Submitted: 04/20/06

What a fabulous alternative to crowded hotels! Sitting on my private deck with the unsurpassed view of the water, islands, and gently swaying palms made waking-up a total joy. And it was a short walk down to beautiful Lanikai beach, which was NOT crowded with tourists. The huge bed was a miracle for my bad, achy back. It was even more comfortable than the special one I have at home! I've stayed all over Oahu and I would highly recommend this Lanikai experience. If you want the hustle of Honolulu, it's close enough to get to easily; but if you want to surround yourself in true Hawaiian-style comfort and beauty, this is the only way to go! - Garrison Daily, Southern California

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Guest: Ed and Mary
Date of Stay: 05/09/05 Review Submitted: 05/08/05

We've spent our days here nestled like cliffdwellers in this little, cozy studio. We've discovered that life on the "windward" side is different than on the other side of the pali. If Stevenson or Gauguin were to return sprung out of time, they would certainly find a familiarity in Lanikai with the Hawaii they visited a couple of centuries back. If Twain returned, he'd be contrary and remain in a rattan chair on Waikiki smoking a stoggie, impatient for the perfect sunset. Meanwhile, we've enjoyed the tumultuous sunrises he would have missed, lighting up the Mokuluas. Mahalo for your hospitality.

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