Summary: Rest assured the description and photos are accurate, the place is spacious, clean, and in a great location. Though I think the room setup would also be good for a family or two couples, it was absolutely perfect for two friends traveling together!
Details: Keypad entry made check-in easy and nice not needing to carry a key throughout our stay. The many ceiling fans, windows, and sliding doors kept the place reasonably cool. I'm someone who can't sleep at night if it's too hot, but I had no problem. Being on the ground floor probably helps keep it cool. If you're there during the day or evening, you may hear people walking above, but the place was nice and quiet by 10pm. Similarly, the pool is conveniently located nearby and you might hear the kids there during the day, but never at night. The place itself was set up nicely with the two bedrooms spaced far apart (if you snore, you know why this is good). The kitchen has modern appliances with all needed kitchen supplies. The smart TV had all the major streaming apps. The host, Jason, was super responsive during our stay, and he even brought over brand new snorkeling gear for us! The location was amazing, just a short walk and trail to the reef-protected Wyllie's Beach (next to Anini) where you can swim and snorkel. There's a beautiful golf course 3 minutes drive away that rents clubs. The botanic garden with the three hour guided tour with fruit and chocolate tasting is nearby (reserve in advance). We walked to Queen's Bath, Foodland, Sandwich Isle, and there were other shops and restaurants within walking distance. Jason provided grocery store discount cards. The map shows an e-bike rental company a few blocks away, but she only delivers, so don't walk to her house haha oops. It's a short drive to Hanalei with all its restaurants and shops, and a short drive to the Waipa park n ride shuttle to Haena (Hanakapi'ai Falls and Kalalau trails, also requires advance reservations). Besides the Hanakapi'ai Falls trail, we hiked Nounou Mountain Sleeping Giant trail for an amazing panoramic view of Kauai at sunset (remember to bring a flashlight or headlamp for the hike back down), and we kayaked the Wailua River to the not-secret-at-all Uluwehi "Secret" Falls trail. The only thing we would have done differently is hang out a little longer in the Lihue area upon arrival at the airport and time our Costco run so that we could buy perishable items and arrive right at check-in time. Our flight landed at noon, so we decided to get perishable items at Foodland instead, only to discover a dozen eggs there cost over $10 compared to $6 for two dozen at Costco. You'd think with all the chickens running around Kauai the eggs would be free! :-)
Mahalo, Jason, for the great space and the spot-on restaurant tips, much appreciated!
-Sean