Stunning ocean views, comfy bed & some issues.
What I have learned from my travels is that a stunning view does not guarantee a 5 star experience.
The good stuff:
Karon the PM was very kind + helpful
The ocean view & large balcony
247 ocean sounds, star views and watching surfers
Bed was very comfy
Nice remodel with sliding cabana doors and remote control fans/lights
Wifi was solid for remote working
Easy access to beach
Karon so kind to let us come in 3 days early and stay in a different apartment
The not good stuff:
ANTS. They were everywhere. Many of them. We don't know how the previous renter and cleaning lady did not notice them. We had an exterminator come out immediately and it only got worse. Finally, against our desires we had to spray raid everywhere to remove them. There is a giant nest of them in the bathroom and bedroom. Still don't know how no one noticed this before.
The kitchen is very tiny. Good for probably 1 person. A challenge for 2 people. We could not fit in there at the same time. Whomever did the remodel in the kitchen did a terrible job. The drawers make loud sounds when closing everytime. The fan will hit some of the cupboards when opened which was scary. Plus again, ANTs all over the kitchen, on food & plates. Also the kitchen has an opening into the bedroom. This makes no sense and I wish it was designed better.
Parking was a nightmare. I understand that it may be out of the owners control what spot he has. And we could have been warned to get a compact car. It is very hard to park without hitting a car or a pole. It took us weeks to figure out how to do it.
Rule book. It is required by the Makaha Shores that we be provided with a rule book. When asked for one, even Karon our Property Manager did not have one. A few days before leaving I was taking our garage down to the dumpster and one of the board members saw me and asked why I was doing that when there is a garbage chute. Unfortunately I was never told this and for a month went to the dumpster instead. The man was very upset that the owner had not told me nor given me a rule book and will speak to the owner about this.
Cleaning. Every place we stay for a month or more we either are given a free mid stay cleaning or given the option to pay for one. However here it would cost $300 for a basic cleaning. That is crazy, a mid stay cleaning could easily be built into the price.
Waianae. This place is located where all the locals live not tourists. Very peaceful getaway from resorts for sure. If you want nice high quality food, this is NOT the place for you. It is mostly low quality food aside from a couple exceptions. Some locals are nice and it is clear some locals do not want tourists there. The lifeguards at Makaha are very rude and do their best to keep non locals out of the water.
Overall I am grateful for time at this place and also grateful to have left. It is a stunning view, with some issues, in a unique part of Oahu. FYI it will be 1+ hour drive to any good food or activities.
Hope many of these issues are fixed you all have a better experience than we did.
Bless you all.