Fantastic Airbnb experience staying at Stephen’s condo. It was a super easy check in process, got the door key code several days before arrival and just showed up, parking pass and pool key was waiting inside for us so no in person check in to deal with. The condo complex is beautifully manicured and well maintained, pool guy was thoroughly scrubbing the pool and hot tub every morning bright and early so they were spotless. Nice propane grill area and gazebo to prepare/eat. Quick walk to the property next door gives you access to a trail along the ledges down to shipwreck beach where we saw many sea turtles hanging out in the shallow waves. Poipu beach is a mile give or take, 2 minute car ride, free large beach great for snorkeling and boogie boarding, and plenty of free parking at it. The condo was well equipped with beach gear such as umbrella/chairs/snorkeling stuff, and the kitchen had every utensil we could think of needing. The condo itself is bright/airy/clean, and has a nice view of the ocean and pool from the deck, as well as a great sea breeze.
It was our first time in Kuaui, things we learned and did to make it a fantastic trip:
1. Rent a car, we got a jeep, 4wd not a necessity but is nicer to get into some deeper trails.
2. Waimea Canyon is a must see. There’s a road up it with various short walk view spots if your not a hiker, and plenty of trails if you are a hiker.
3. Poipu beach was fantastic snorkeling spot, lots of diff color fish, giant sea turtles on the beach, and seals as well.
4. Haena state park on the north side of the island. A trip to the north side is a great scenic drive into the jungle. The park you need to reserve shuttle for, if your a hiker, do the shuttle and do the waterfall hike, was about 10.5 miles and high difficulty but amazing reward at the end. Took 7 hours total for us so plan a day around it, we got the shuttle at 7am. If your not a hiker just drive to the north side of the island and explore the area before you get to the park via car, no need to shuttle in.
5. Jack Harter doors off helicopter tour, by far the highlight of our trip. A must do.
6. Makauwahi Cave Reserve is close to the condo, good filler activity for 2-3 hours. The caves were cool, but there’s also a farm past the caves attached to the property that has giant tortoises and let’s you go into their fences and see them up close, was pretty cool!
We loved Poiupu Rock n roll sushi / Thai for a delicious restaurant close to the condo no reservations needed for parties less then 6. Beach house was great for our “fancy” reservation dinner as well close by. Make reservations for anything you want to do before coming, things book up quick.
Capt Andys raft tour of the na pali coast line was beautiful, strenuous boat ride on the zodiac though this time of year (November) the waves are rough, not for unfit/motion sickness people. Also couldn’t see anything where they took us to snorkel for that portion of the excursion, so if your looking to just do a snorkel tour this time of year, just do poipu beach instead for free. The na Pali coastline was beautiful though by boat and our captain had a ton of local knowledge and history about ancient Hawaiians inhabiting the coast line which was great.
Overall best vaca ever, we will be back!