I never got to meet James, but he replied promptly and in a friendly way to all texts with all the information I needed. The room is small, but pleasant, contemporary, and very clean; for one person who was out most of the day, it was just right. The bathroom is great—really big and modern. And the bath towels are almost hotel-grade.

There are thoughtful touches, like beach chairs, pretty dishes, and a charging station. The house itself is in a superb location for the north shore, easy to find, a minute by car from the Princeville center, and two minutes from Hanalei Lookout.