Probably the best way to write about this is through a Pros/Cons list:
PROS:
- close to Waikiki, literally turn the corner and you're at Queens/Kuhio beach.
- kitchen!! (long term stay here)
- free scuba/beach mats/boogie boards to borrow on the lower level
- washing spout for sand before going back in.
- great price
- easy access to some KEY Oahu eats: Leonard's, Rainbow Drive-Inn
CONS:
- Never ever being able to get ahold of Mark ---- My digital key never loaded when I got to the apartment, and after a 11hrs of travel, I REALLY had to use the bathroom. It took AN HOUR to get the key and it was because the call center Mark's number routes to kept calling and calling and calling on my behalf. To this day, I NEVER once talked to him.
- Worse check-in process ever: Call center cannot do anything except route calls. My digital key EXPIRED on day 2 because the length of stay was incorrectly entered. I almost got my car towed bc I had left the car keys in the apt and couldn't get back in so that I could move it.
- next to hostels (loud on Fri/Sat nights but not bad)
- no parking --- street parking available, good luck during this tourist boom now. Ubers also in low supply FYI.
- STARTER supplies -- bring your own toilet paper/shampoo/conditioner if it's more than a 3day stay. They don't tell you this on the airbnb listing.
Would I stay here again? Yes. Just not during peak season. Having stayed here before, I can anticipate the issues. The location and kitchen can't be beat. The digital key/check-in was the biggest pain though esp if you're going surfing/snorkeling off Waikiki and if you had the issues I had above. It would have been nice if the call center (the loveliest people who now know me by name and voice) had more administration rights to fix issues versus route calls. Other than that, it was a pretty nice stay!