First, just let me say that Barbara and James are really nice and friendly people as well as their children. Barbara seems to be a little on the shy side while James is quite out going, a lot like me. Carol and I were there for thirteen days and Barbara had to leave for Germany on our 4th/5th day to help enroll her son in school there. She still has a very lovely German accent. Therefore, we weren’t able to get to know Barbara as well as we did James having had many conversations with him. James has been in Hawaii since he was eight years of age due to his Marine Corps father being assigned there from NC. So, we had that in common, his having spent time in NC. Carol and I are from Raleigh.
The “cottage” is just what it looks like in the photos. It’s not a cottage in the true sense in that it is an extension to their home. I think James said maybe a 1 ½ years old or so and is in very nice condition. We loved it…plenty of space, very high ceilings, large family room/kitchen space and a shower I truly miss. No a/c so if you go any time not in winter it will be warm…never bothered me much as I like warm weather. Lots of spaciously sized windows so there is a nice breeze most of the time. We were usually out during the daytime anyway. All in all the unit is well equipped. Might want to bring along a gfci adapter for the bathroom. We had to buy one at Target for Carol’s hair curler.
You will wake up early due to the early sunrise (no daylight saving time) and the large windows. If you’re looking for a really secluded, quiet, private location then this might not be for you. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong the “Hula Girl Cottage.” We would definitely stay there again.
The beach is an easy 10 minute walk away. I was there every day but one either by walking or driving if I had lots of stuff to carry. The parking is not an issue most of the time except maybe on weekends. There is a Target, Safeway and Whole Foods with lots of restaurants in town ½ mile or so away in Kailua. Easy drive. We drove down to Honolulu several times on the Pali Hwy. One of the most scenic drives you will ever experience.
We loved it and are still missing it several days later.
Harold and Carol Keyser
Raleigh NC