Short Version
Nice place. Amazing view. Wish the communication from the host was friendlier when we had a question.
Longer Version
Nice place with an amazing view. We had stayed at the same complex (Pu'u Po'a) in the summer prior (a couple of floors higher) and really loved the location. We were very excited to book something in the same complex for our small wedding reception dinner and 6 guests and then for our honeymoon suite for a couple of nights.
Soon after check-in, we noticed that if you are in the entryway or living room you could be easily seen from people that are walking along the cliff view close by because of the floor to ceiling glass windows. Since we like to walk around nude, or partially clothed we did not think this would be possible from those areas. This was not an issue from the kitchen or bedroom.
As sunset was approaching on that first night, we noticed a small but steady stream of people enjoying the cliff view just beyond our balcony. I reached out to the hosts to ask if anything could be done about the privacy because we hadn’t noticed and curtains.
Us:
“Aloha. We are checked in and had a question about privacy. The living room and entry windows don’t seem to have blinds. Is there a way to make it more private. People walking out front can easily see inside and we don’t always like to be fully clothed.”
Host Response:
“Aloha George,
We have hosted hundreds of guests with no issues to the privacy of the accommodation. We hope you can relax and enjoy the space.
Thank you,
Shana
After that response I was stunned. We are very laid back and we just had a question about privacy. We weren’t mad with them or the place but just were curious because we didn’t realize people could see inside.
We responded
Aloha Shana,
I’m surprised the hundreds of guests never mentioned this.
We literally had several people this evening looking at the sunset view in the front lawn and turn around and look directly inside at our place. We understand it’s a popular place to look at the view but thought we would at least have the ability to close the blinds if we wanted more privacy. As it is we cannot.
Mahalo
George
Host Response:
“The master bedroom has privacy blinds. The bedroom has a door.”
I was surprised that a host would respond like this Especially a SUPERHOST. It seemed like they were annoyed with us when we just had a question. It wasn’t an attack on them or their place.
Us:
“Oh sure. No problem with the master bedroom.
And I’m honestly a bit surprised that you mentioned the bedroom has a door. I was just asking a question because we don’t always walk around fully clothed and didn’t know if there was something we were missing or something we could do. We rarely walk around fully clothed in our house and didn’t realize people could see in. We are getting ready for a wedding tomorrow and will manage of course. It just didn’t feel very welcoming and felt like we were being an annoyance. Didn’t expect that kind of response.”
Host Response:
“We appreciate your reaching out to us and wanted to be transparent and forthright in our reply. We hope you enjoy our condo and make good memories during your stay.
Shana & Jeff”
At this point I didn’t think there was any reason to continue a dialogue and just focused on our wedding and reception the next day. It’s a shame because I would have considered staying here again if the communication was better.
Additional Details
Master Bedroom
Bed was just ok. Not that comfortable and it squeaked a lot when you moved around on it.
Master Bathroom
Toto Toilet and bidet were excellent.
Walk in Shower was great! Dual Ceiling Shower Heads and separate hand held. Always enough hot water.
Guest Bedroom
Didn’t use this room. Bunk Bed and Twin Bed. Could be nice if travelling with kids or if you needed beds for three people.
Kitchen
Nice selection of plates, silverware and cooking utensils. You shouldn’t have to worry about bringing any additional kitchen equipment.