We read a previous guest's review of Jeanette's bnb at Mauna Lani, and we are not sure we stayed at the same place! Our experience was wonderful! First, the criticism of breakfast. The guest said all that was available was some froze waffles...not true! We had three different yogurts, fresh orange juice, fresh fruit (pineapple and mangoes during the stay), a bowl full of eggs, granola, and waffles, three Danish, croissants, English muffins, and two types of bagels (all were frozen), coffee and milk. Jeanette provides detailed instructions on how to heat each of these frozen items to best effect. It may be that the guest thought Jeanette was going to cook breakfast for them, but I never had that impression. We enjoyed having the variety to choose from to make our own breakfast when we wanted and not be tied to a schedule that bnb hosts give when they have to make breakfast (eg, "food on the table at 8:00am" type of rule). Add to that, a breakfast buffet at the local resorts in $45/person, and substantial savings were made just in making our own breakfast with items provided by the Jeanette.
A fully stocked grocery store sits less than a minute's drive from the bnb to purchase snacks and/or additional meals rather than eating out at a resort--again a substantial savings. Full use of the kitchen is available at all times.
Distance to a beach? A beach at Manua Lani resort was a two-minute drive. The private beach to which the hosts generously provide access is about ten minutes. The private beach has a beautiful view, swimming, an excellent restaurant, and snorkeling. Our hosts provided all the needs for snorkeling--masks, snorkels, fins, beach towels, floating noodles...again, all included in the price of the bnb rental.
Hard sell on a vacation presentation? Not so. One of the things we listed for an experience was a chance to take a sunset sail. Our host was able to offer that for free as compensation for attending a two hour presentation...but the offer was made just once and we could take it or leave it. it was our choice with no badgering whatsoever. Had we not indicated a desire for the sunset cruise, we doubt the subject would have even come up.
Finally, the accusation that Jeanette and/or Andrew rifled through their belongings when they were gone? That just does not fit with the character that Jeanette and her husband, Andrew, demonstrated to us throughout our five night stay. And, had there been any of these accusations in their history of guest reviews, no doubt Airbnb would have removed them from their "Superhost" list. This is a cheap accusation that is difficult to disprove, but it can do unjust damage to reputations, and in this case. Please take our promise that this accusation is absolutely false. Stay with Jeanette and Andrew with full confidence that all is secure.
Their hospitality and warmth are evident from the first moment; and their home and location are ideal. Stay with them and you will not regret it.