Ellen is a great host in the fullest sense of the term. Staying at either of the Oceanfront properties gets you more than just a place to lay your head.
After a few questions about what types of activities we were interested in on Kauai, Ellen sent a (very long and comprehensive!) packet of tips and recommendations—including key reservations to make and other time-sensitive things to watch out for. It had suggestions for every part of the island, and after I mentioned that my wife and I are vegetarian, even included specific guidelines about which restaurants were vegetarian-friendly (not the easiest in Hawaii, so that was greatly appreciated!) We were also welcomed by a lovely gift basket of local products.
This is all above-and-beyond what's already a great place to stay. Kapa'a is a perfect staging ground for a Kauai vacation—it's easy to get to either the North shore/Na Pali coast area or to the south or west, depending on what you're looking for. And the Oceanfront properties are in a great location in Kapa'a: literal steps from the beach, and right on a walking/biking trail that runs up the coast through the town itself.
It's TOUGH to find a place to stay on Kauai that's not part of a resort. My wife and I wanted something a little more low-key and this was perfect. If you want to experience Kauai like a local (or... more like a local, at any rate!) then this is the place to do it.
I genuinely can't say enough nice things about our experience. If you're reading this review, book it now—before someone else snatches this gem out from under you.