We are senior citizens who like to splurge a little on lodgings in Hawaii but didn’t want to pay the price increase to $1,149 a night at the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort. I was attracted to Airbnb Jeanette & Andrew because it was in the same Mauna Lani Auberge Resort area. It exceeded our expectations. Instead of a hotel room, we had an entire main floor of their beautiful townhome including a lanai.
As seniors, we appreciated the comfortable king bed with large pillows and three-way reading lamps on each side of the bed. There was plenty of room to store our travel items and clothes and a private bath/shower. They offer air-conditioning plus an overhead fan and Andrew adjusted both to our maximum comfort level.
I am a breakfast person. We were there 6 mornings and I still was not able to sample all of the continental-style offerings. What I did sample was the fresh pineapple, mango, papaya, and orange juice. Also, eggs, yogurt, granola, muffin, Danish, Belgium waffle with maple syrup, and grain bread toast and local honey, and a bagel with cream cheese. All included in the price and we ate on the lanai, surrounded by tropical plants and the sights and sounds of island birds. There was even birdseed provided, so we and the birds ate at the same time, enjoying each other’s company.
I like to snorkel and, on the first & second mornings, we enjoyed a free cabana at the private beach. It was 7:45 am and we got the last cabana. The next day was at 7:30 and we got the last cabana. But Andrew provides free beach chairs, a cooler, and an umbrella, so really you can go anytime and set up on the beach. For snorkelers, there was a seal swimming one morning and a turtle another morning. We are early risers, so before the heat of another day, we parked at the private beach and walked along the boardwalk, trails, and grounds of the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort. Nice walk.
As to the local shops, we bought snacks and drinks at the Foodland Farms market and kept them in our townhouse refrigerator. Also, we got a chocolate smoothie at Juice 101, ½ price fish tacos at the Tommy Bahama Happy Hour, and pizza to go at the Knead & Bread. For upscale local restaurants, we recommend you make dinner reservations BEFORE you arrive in Hawaii; Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club, Roys Waikoloa Bar & Grill, and Pueo’s Osteria (Italian).
*Within the Kulalani property, we visited the beautiful pool areas but ran out of time to swim. Also, Jeanette was on the mainland, so we missed meeting her after reading so many wonderful things about her in reviews. So, we have many reasons to return- and return we will. Besides, what hotel greets you with a free deliciously icy mango daiquiri upon arrival.