This is so much more than your typical Airbnb experience. Though most places are going towards sterile “contactless” everything, Hap was bringing some real aloha vibes - he even called me the week before our visit, just to say hi! We traveled to the cottage with our two year old, who was endlessly fascinated by the array of tractors and vehicles that are being restored by Hap. He is full of stories and it felt like we had gone to visit a long lost uncle.
Kapaau is a tiny spot on the map, and Hawi is not much bigger. There is a pretty decent grocery store a bit down the road (Takata store), and a good coffee spot and a great taqueria in Hawi, but be prepared to cook a lot and drive to everything. We were a bit farther than we realized to the sandy, toddler friendly beaches, but if snorkeling is your thing there are some really nice spots within 15 min. And the gear is on the back porch for you already.
It’s a funky house, beautifully restored, fairly open to the elements, equipped with the basics. We loved watching the geckos hunt in the living room in the evenings. It rained a lot while we were there and we loved hearing the nearby jungle come to life at dusk and dawn. There are tenants on the property so cars occasionally drive by, and Hap and his assistant are working in the nearby wood shop most days. We liked that it felt like a tiny village, very private but not too isolated.
The hike down to the ocean was the highlight of the trip. Parts of the trail are overgrown right now but I think it’s a seasonal thing. Or borrow a machete from Hap, it’s that kind of place.
What a memorable, interesting, sweet week we had. Hap is a friend for life and the most generous of hosts. If you’re looking for something different, something really special, and you’re not into the generic resort thing, you’ve found it. We’ll be back!