Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [99]
Hale O Kuawa Tucked away in the town of Kilauea, looking out on a tropical landscape is this 650-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment in the lower level of a family home. A private entrance looks out on the bamboo and exotic plants and view of the Kilauea River Valley. The large living room, with rattan furniture, has huge windows that bring the outdoor inside, and the comfy bedroom and kitchenette (fridge, two-burner stove, microwave, and everything else you need to cook a meal) make this a very complete accommodation for your stay. Host Conrad Schmidt is a contractor and has made the unit soundproof, so you feel like you have your own private oasis. Barbecue and laundry facilities make the price of this retreat a fabulous deal.
4327 Kuke St. Reservation: P.O. Box 48, Kilauea, HI 96754. 86 6/864-3788 or 80 8/828-2092. www.Vacation.KauaiStyle.com. 1 unit. $110 double. 3-night minimum. No credit cards. Amenities: Barbecue; use of beach gear. In room: TV/DVD, CD, hair dryer, kitchenette.
Hanalei Inn The Hanalei Inn offers compact, frugal accommodations in this very “high-end” neighborhood. Located on the sometimes noisy main highway, the “inn” is a series of very basic rooms (which were recently upgraded with air-conditioning, new paint, tiny new decks, and flatscreen HD TVs). If the rooms were under $100, we would highly recommend them, but the $149 price tag is high for the very plain and utilitarian accommodations you get: small studios with a bed, small kitchens, tiny bathroom, small table with a couple of chairs, and TV—period. You can do better for this rate. The rooms are clean, and generally serve backpackers who want clean, affordable accommodations for a couple of nights. For those on a shoestring budget looking for stripped down lodging, the Hanalei Inn has a few rooms that offer bed and bathroom only (no cooking facilities); they are even tinier than the already small units and at $139 a night, not exactly a bargain. No maid service. It’s within walking distance to shops and restaurants, 2 miles to Hanalei Beach.
5-5468 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei 96714. 80 8/826-9333. www.hanaleiinn.com. 5 units. $149 studio with kitchen; $139 bed and bathroom only. MC, V. Amenities: Barbecue; pay phone. In room: A/C, TV, kitchenette, no phone.
Mana Yoga Vacation Rental About a 10-minute drive to the beach in the rolling hills of the Princeville Ranch agricultural area, this thriving yoga studio and accommodations hosted by Michaelle Edwards is for those looking to study yoga and stay in a peaceful country environment. Located downstairs from her family home, the units include an 800-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment and a separate smaller studio. Both have private entrances, their own kitchens, bathrooms, and outside lanais. The views are of the verdant hills surrounding the farm. The amenities range from pillow-top mattresses to complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests are welcome to pick the fruit and vegetables in season on the 5-acre farm. Most guests stay here to study with Michaelle, who has developed the unique YogAlign method, a pain-free way of stretching.
3212 Ahonui Place. Reservations: P.O. Box 681, Hanalei, HI 96714. 80 8/826-9230. http://www.kauainorthshorevacationrentals.com. 2 units. $100 double studio; $135 double 2-bedroom; plus $35 and $65 cleaning fee, respectively. Extra person $15. 3-night minimum. No credit cards. Amenities: Barbecue area; complimentary use of bicycles and beach toys. In room: TV/DVD/CD, kitchen, Wi-Fi.
North Country Farms In the rolling green hills outside of Kilauea, on a 4-acre organic vegetable, fruit, and flower farm, Lee Roversi and her family have two private, handcrafted redwood cottages for rent. This restful spot is an excellent choice, both in terms of comfort and value, especially for a family. Each cottage has hardwood floors, a large lanai with garden or orchard views, a compact kitchenette for cooking (Lee stocks fruit, juice, muffins, croissants, fresh eggs, coffee, and tea for breakfast), and