Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [86]
Inexpensive
Hale Ikena Nui One of the best deals in this area. Patti Pantone opened this 1,000-square-foot, self-contained guest suite on the first floor of her home in 1995, had instant success, and still is charging only $95 a night. It has a private entrance, a full-size kitchen (with dishwasher), and large dining room and living room areas (and recently the entire place was re-tiled). With a queen-size bed and a queen-size sofa bed, the unit easily sleeps four. Outside on the private lanai are a gas barbecue and all the beach and picnic equipment you could possibly need. Throw in a full-size washer/dryer, and you can see why this place is so popular. In 1996 Patti also opened a room upstairs in her house for people looking for less space and a smaller bite out of their budget. The room has a huge walk-in closet, plus gives you run of the house, including the gourmet kitchen, all for just $75. Guests are greeted by “Bear,” her tiny Pomeranian/poodle who is happy to act as your dog-away-from-home.
3957 Ulualii St. (P.O. Box 171), Kalaheo, HI 96741. 80 0/550-0778 or 80 8/332-9005. Fax 80 8/332-0911. www.kauaivacationhome.com. 2 units. $75 double (includes continental breakfast); $95 double apt. Extra person $15. 3-night minimum for apt. only. MC, V. At the 11-mile marker on Hwy. 50, turn down Papalina Rd. toward the ocean; continue for 11⁄4 miles; turn right on Waha Rd., then left on Ulualii St. In room: TV, kitchen.
Hale Kua This is for people who love the beach—at a distance—and who want to sleep in the quiet and cool climate of the hills of Lawai Valley, away from the madding crowds. If you want to stay in a forest, wake up to the sound of birds singing, and see incredible sunsets each night, one of these five units in three different houses may be for you. Hale Kua features a two-story house with a complete three-bedroom home unit with a big kitchen, wraparound dining bar, walk-in closets, washer/dryer, and a view of the bucolic rolling hills. Downstairs are two separate one-bedroom units with a full kitchen, wraparound lanai, washer/dryer, and birds serenading you all day long. Next door, on hosts Bill and Cathy Cowern’s 8-acre tree farm, are a one-bedroom separate cottage and a studio apartment in their large home. The beach is just a 10-minute drive down the hill. If you are looking for privacy and all the comforts of a honeymoon or family accommodations, you won’t find anything better at this price.
4896-E Kua Rd., Lawai, HI 96765. 80 0/440-4353 or 80 8/332-8570. www.halekua.com. 5 units. $120 1-bedroom apt. for 2; $130 1-bedroom cottage for 2; $145 3-bedroom unit for 4. No credit cards. Amenities: Barbecue areas. In room: TV/VCR/DVD, kitchen, Wi-Fi.
Kalaheo Inn What a deal! Located in the town of Kalaheo, a 12-minute drive from Poipu Beach, a 5-minute drive from the Kukuiolono Golf Course, and within walking distance of shops and restaurants, the inn is a comfortable 1940s motel totally remodeled in 1999 and converted into apartment units with kitchens. In 2005, owners Chet and Tish Hunt replaced the beds with Simmons “Heavenly” mattresses, put hair dryers in the bathrooms and new refrigerators in all the rooms, and gave the place a polishing. The Hunts couldn’t be friendlier, handing out complimentary beach towels, beach toys, games for the kids, and even golf clubs to guests (links are nearby). They love families and have a storeroom full of games to keep the kids entertained. This is a must-stay for vacationers on a budget.
4444 Papalina Rd. (just behind the Kalaheo Steakhouse), Koloa, HI 96756. 88 8/332-6023 or 80 8/332-6023. Fax 80 8/332-5242. www.kalaheoinn.com. 15 units. $83 double studio; $93–$103 1-bedroom; $133 2-bedroom; $183 3-bedroom with full kitchen. MC, V. Amenities: Complimentary Internet access, watersports equipment. In room: TV, hair dryer, kitchen or kitchenette, no phone.
Super-Cheap Sleeps
Aloha Estates at Kalaheo Plantation This is a love story. Part one: A Japanese visitor, LeeAnn, meets stained-glass artist James