This is my 4th stay at this beautiful property! As always, our stay was wonderful! This location is a true tropical paradise.
I would love to address the review that was left by a prior guest who stayed just before I did because I was shocked that they flat out lied about this property.
There was no issue with the door lock or knob. There is absolutely no mold anywhere. In all 4 of my stays, the towels, racks and ceilings have been clean and mold free. The cottage does not smell musty. The cottage has many windows so when they are open, the trade winds blow through and create great airflow. When the windows are closed (as are upon check in) it may feel hot and humid. Once the windows are opened, the breeze feels wonderful.
Clearly the ceiling is not constructed of 1 sheet of plywood. It is a 2 story cottage. It is to be expected that there would be a guest upstairs. The cottage actually has 4 units (2 downstairs, 2 upstairs). Yes, I could hear the neighbors upstairs walking around, just as one would in an apartment building. If this is worrisome for you, book the upstairs. The reason why my family chooses the downstairs is to enjoy the lanai (covered patio) which the upstairs does not have. As mentioned, this is a ground floor unit with many windows. Yes people walk by. I have never been stared at through the window by anyone. People usually just walk by to access the beach or sometimes you see people enjoying the lawn. We close the curtains when privacy is needed, otherwise keep them wide open to enjoy the beautiful views. Again, if this is worrisome for you, I would book an upstairs unit.
Hawaii is a tropical island, with many critters and crawlers. During my stays I have seen cockroaches, ants and lizards. This is a ground floor unit, steps from the beach and lush tropical foliage. If you are worried about bugs, I'd suggest a different climate. When we stay here, we keep the kitchen clean and keep all food in the refrigerator so that we don't attract unwanted critters. I have always found the unit to be very clean including the toilets and shower.
As far as the construction, each time we've stayed, we have seen them working to maintain the main property (an 8 story building next to the cottages). It's obvious the building does require frequent maintenance, it's old and is constantly battered by salt and wind. The noise was a minor nuisance. Closer to the water, you can't hear any construction noise, and that's where we spend most of our time anyways. If you're coming here to sleep all day, then I wouldn't recommend it. If your coming here to enjoy the gorgeous sunrise and beach, it will be fine I promise. By midday and into the evening, this place is quiet and serene, with the sounds of the waves crashing.

As far as the photos in the listing, they are accurate and current. The furniture, furnishings, decor, linen and everything pictured are all 100% the same. The furnishings are beachy, bright and inviting. The linen is always clean and fresh smelling.
The host DOES NOT ask you to replace the dish soap, paper towels etc. What is stated on her house rules is that these items are provided upon arrival and if you run out during your stay, you are responsible for buying more. I've never run out of dish soap, paper towels, or trash bags except for one time when I stayed for 2 weeks and I needed to pick up more paper towels at the grocery store. The kitchen is always well stocked with essentials needed for cooking and prior guests usually leave behind pantry staples like salt and pepper seasonings coffee and tea etc in the pantry and things like ketchup, mayo etc in the refrigerator. There is a laundry basket & laundry soap provided. There are beach toys, boogie boards and snorkels.
When you check out the host asks that you simply do the dishes and take our the trash. She does not ask that you replace any of the paper products. This is typical of any Airbnb. Again, this is a home, not a hotel. Airbnb does charge a service fee and none of that goes to the host.
Here's the rundown: Staying here, you are steps from the beach, the trade winds can be strong, the sun rises at 6 and is bright and beautiful. There are other guests/residents on the property. Hawaii does have cockroaches, deal with it. The air is salty. The sun is strong. There is occasionally noise from nearby construction or lawnmowers/gardeners. If you want the amenities of a hotel then stay in a hotel. If you want easy beach access and to sleep with the sounds of the ocean and feel the breeze through open windows, then this is for you. I'm sorry but you can't have it both ways. I will continue to stay here when I visit Hawaii because the beach is absolutely stunning and the overall value for the cost of this rental is absolutely worth it. Also, the host is extremely friendly and accommodating and is always available to address any needs or concerns quickly. This place is a gem.