We love the North Shore and Laie in particular and have visited this street many times renting other homes. Of the neighborhoods in town, Naupaka st on Laie Point is absolutely lovely and this home faces an incredible view that can’t be beat. There are stunning beaches close by and a wonderful one in the neighborhood, 5 min walking. The Point is also 5 min away at the end of the peninsula and a great spot to watch sun rises. The elevation of the homes on the sea cliff provides for wave sounds 24/7. This neighborhood is very unique place on the N. shore and a real gem that many travelers don’t know about because it isn’t as famous as nearby big surf beaches.
Locals do know it and love it, and the neighbors like the quiet non tourist vibe…who could blame them! It is quiet, serene and friendly, with a walking distance grocery store, the Polynesian Cultural Center with the Hukilau shopping plaza and other necessities all nearby. Try Ken’s Fresh Fish if you are cooking dinner, fab fresh seafood.
Regarding this particular home, Our hosts are a lovely family who live in the home behind this one. They went out of there way to answer question, invite us to be part of a food coop to save funds on the grocery store and were attentive when we had issues to resolve. They are not the homes owner.
As you read in previous reviews, this particular home needs a lot of work. It can easily accommodate larger multi families which is hard to find in rentals (we were 8 people) but know you are going to make compromises that you wouldn’t make with other rental homes on the same street that are much newer, fresher, with owners who care deeply about the appearance of their homes and their guests experience (and are super hosts with a lot of experience renting). I highly recommend sea cliff house which is 3 min walking away and can be rented as a single or double duplex….
Back to this home…
1) 3 of 4 the bathrooms are older, grout not clean with dark mold in the crevices. The shower doors in one of the bedrooms were about to fall off. Several plumbing issues and toilet issue throughout our trip.
2) the kitchen is also older, ancient painted cabinets that are hard to open and close, tube lighting from the 1970’s, garbage disposal stopped working and needed attending while we were there, oven and stove top aren’t functioning well. Smoker burners work, some don’t. Cooking utensils and small appliances also need replacing.
3) you cannot lock the back sliders doors and the front door lock is also ancient. If this home were on a different road with different neighbors there would be personal safety issues.
4)Several doors in the back are very hard to open and close. Sea water certainly gets in the house but lack of maintenance has really affected the experience and appearance.
5) several windows are missing screen with screens that fell off their housing repeatedly while we were there.
6) there are no smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in the home…you can see they have been removed and not replaced.
7) though very breezy outside, no breeze comes in the house based on how it’s positioned on the land. Lots of fans but you should know the home is VERY very warm in the summer. Sleeping can be difficult.
8) furniture has aged past its life span and need replacing. couches and mattresses are not comfortable and need replacing. There has not been an investment in decor or appearance in a very long time.
9) there are several electrical issues with outlets not working that are safety concerns. . The outlet on the back porch sent a shock to myself after touching it post a storm trying to remove blown towels.
10) I worked there for the better part of 4 weeks on EST so very early hours at a make shift desk in the bedroom. Wi-Fi was spotty at several points of the day, early morning, mid morning and mid afternoon. Doable but I wouldn’t call it reliable or fast.
11) the owner, who is not our host, has been trying to sell this home for over a year. We had several phone calls and door knocks asking to show the house while we were renting it. We obliged when we could but there was no prior notice we should expect this, no offer to compensate us for the inconvenience…of which there were many inconveniences on this trip given the house issues.
Overall assessment…this house needs an over haul and is not fit for purpose as a short or long term rental particularly at the rental price…you can get better value elsewhere on the same street. IF upgraded however, it would be a great family spot with a truly majestic view.