Eleven days back in CA, and I still miss my island studio!
I stayed at Milena’s lovely place for the entire month of May, and it was amazing. The location alone is well-worth staying here if you’re coming to Waikiki - literally two blocks from the beach in front of Duke’s statue.
As a lot of people mentioned, it’s not the glamorous #InstaIslandLife look, but it’s fairly close to perfect ...
It’s got a spacious shower (the water pressure could be stronger and hotter - personal preference), a remote-controlled window AC that gets nice and cold, big comfortable bed, the futon wasn’t bad either!, it’s right around the corner from the elevator, key fob to get in and out (safe!), lots of lighting (lamps brighten up the place since the two windows are small and frosted/etched), a full-sized fridge (store your leis, hakus, drinks, leftovers, drinking water), a kitchenette that can maybe get a bit cramped and yet I was able to make full-on meals!, and a huge closet to hang your clothes and store luggage.
Milena even provided floaties, boogie boards, and left a Corona in the fridge for me at check-in ;)
Cheap board rentals/lessons at Moku one block away.
If you want to buy groceries, Safeway is a 13-min bus ride away. If you want to rent a car, 808 Smart Car Rentals is right next door, and has an awesome 3-day deal. In the same building is a laundromat.
Parking will be rough, but it’s Waikiki. Manifest that spot, and the Universe will bless you a couple of times like she did me.
My only complaints: I like things clean, and it could have been a little cleaner, smelled a little better when I first arrived, but I felt better after I cleaned it especially because it was my first post-pandemic outing. (I was here a month, so “cleaning on vacation” wasn’t an issue for me, haha).
And one of the windows doesn’t close all the way, and cigarette/pot smoke would sometimes get in. Something to consider if you have sensitive lungs/nose/etc. I just blasted the AC.
All in all, this place is awesome, and I don’t hesitate recommending it all! Milena does a wonderful job at responding to your messages and providing helpful tips/recommendations.
Thanks again, Milena! Until next time 🌺🏝