Bali Cottage

Read the reviews and book it! We have been coming to Hawaii for years and have stayed in perhaps 30 different condos/rentals on several of the islands. For the most part these vacations have been fabulous, yet the accommodations have rarely been as memorable as the Bali Cottage. Much has been said about Bali Cottage and Ron and Karen, less about location. Manini Beach is special. While snorkeling books will send you to Two Steps, they will provide less encouragement to go to Manini Beach. Lucky for you! No crowds, this grassy park is maintained by the Bill Healy Foundation. There is aloha at Manini Beach, not so much at Two Steps. One should experience Two Steps, but Manini Beach is where we chose to swim and snorkel. The snorkel boats to the Captain Cook monument, advertised as great snorkeling (which it is), cost more than a day at the Bali Cottage which provides access to the same bay and the same great snorkeling. The surrounding community provides plenty of interest for morning walks and evening sunsets. And all the buzz about the insect world at Bali Cottage was overblown, not a problem, not a distraction, and certainly not an impediment to one of the most unique and enjoyable vacations you will ever have.

My wife has arthritic ankles which make walking on uneven surfaces difficult. Lava flows and, in particular, soft sandy beaches are quite challenging for her, so ease of access to the water is very important. Manini Beach was an easier in and out than most snorkeling access points.