WOW! We loved staying in unit #225 at Kaha Lani.
The location truly can't be beat - you're right in the middle of Lydgate Park (the only accommodations inside the park as far as I know), steps from the ocean. The unit has an incredible view, and waves are always on full volume just outside your door. A short (under ten minute) walk North on the paved coastline path takes you to the protected swim area in Lydgate, where lifeguards are on duty and the water is deep enough for adults and kids to swim (6-7' at deepest).
The ocean just in front of the condos is too choppy and unsafe for swimming (at least in early Spring while we were there), but the beach is sandy and nice to stroll along. We didn't even get in the pool - why would we when the ocean is so warm? The grounds are beautifully landscaped and there was always parking available near our unit (make sure to get your parking pass). The parking spaces are tight, like everywhere on the island, so if you're renting a car (don't think we could do the island without one), go as compact as possible.
In terms of the general location on the island, you're in Lihue but it feels more like Kapa'a South. We typically stay in Kapa'a because it's halfway to everywhere (Poipu, Princeville) but being outside of downtown meant our stay was exceptionally quiet. We couldn't walk to a grocery store, but I'd trade that for peace any day. The only noises were waves and roosters - if the birds are going to bother you, be sure to pack some ear plugs. They live in the hedge in front of the complex. We didn't experience any large commercial air traffic noise, even though we were technically in the same town as the airport. Just helicopters and small planes, and that was only occasional.
The unit itself is so much better than the pictures (why does beach decor always look so dated in photos? it was straight up charming here). We didn't have any issues with appliances as some reviews have mentioned, and Castle (the company running the complex) told us the owners had recently made some upgrades.
Speaking of Castle, their emails are a little confusing. I recommend just stopping at the office when you arrive to check in. You'll pay the cleaning fee (it scales up with number of rooms and number of days), and for extra you can get a key to the room safe. The whole safe thing felt a little cheesy - it's a $2/day charge (or less?) in order to use the safe. We waived the $40 damage insurance charge as it was four low-key adults in our party, but be sure to read the agreements carefully. There will NOT be daily cleaning in your unit, which is typical for a condo in my experience, but we were told this was due to covid. So maybe daily cleaning will resume soon? That would be nice given the fee, which is paid outside AirBnB.
There is no air conditioning in the unit - it's a very traditional slatted-window setup, allowing for a strong cross breeze through the entire unit. All screens were in good condition - no bugs. There are ceiling fans in both bedrooms and the living room, and an extra fan or two just in case. We were averaging a high of 81 degrees during our stay and never felt too warm thanks to the ocean breeze coupled with fans. You will get morning sun on the lanai, but it's shaded in the afternoon. If it's 90 and the winds are dead, you're going to wish there was AC, I think (this is coming from a not-very-heat-or-humidity-tolerant Oregonian). We didn't have a problem with mosquitoes like we did on other parts of the island, and I think we can thank the never-still air for that (but pack your bug spray for excursions). There are no fans in the bathrooms and the doors are shutter-style to allow for that ocean breeze, so prepare to get close with your housemates.
In terms of the building itself, we chose the second floor for minimal steps but added security (we felt safe sleeping with the lanai doors open at night). The ground floor units are actually down a few steps in this particular building, so keep that in mind if someone in your group has mobility issues. Our neighbors above us weren't running but we definitely heard and felt their steps clomping around. So if you have kids, you may want to opt for a ground floor unit to avoid complaints about them running inside - just the slider above us sounded and felt like a car hitting the building when it closed. We tried to be mindful of our neighbors and walk lightly.
The unit is stocked with some great beach gear. There are noodles for the pool, a bin of sand toys (including a truck, for anyone else who has a nephew this is VERY important to), a few chairs, a sun shade, and some umbrellas. There are also a few sun hats if you don't want to carry on/protect your own on the plane.
There is no laundry in unit, but there are laundry facilities on property. We didn't use them, so I can't speak to their price or convenience. You can exchange your towels at the office once per day. This includes beach/pool towels (one less thing to pack!).
The kitchen is very well stocked. This was the first AirBnB I've stayed at that included things like tupperware, so we could pack lunches and take them with us. The blender is good enough for a rustic pina colada, but the fridge doesn't have an ice maker so be sure to grab a bag at the grocery store. The coffee pot, dishwasher, oven, and toaster all worked well for us (we didn't use much else including the