[Expanded review/suggestions]
Owner communicated very well!
Everything was EXACTLY what was mentioned on instructions and descriptions from other guests; from the time I booked, to weeks leading up to reservation date.
Finding the location was easy and well written on the instructions (I drove to resort).
Entrance (faces mountain/east side) into the unit was easy, the VIEW of the ocean is EXACTLY what was described! First reaction, “WOW!”. Came here for my birthday and all I wanted was an ocean view. It literally feels like you walked into a crew ship with a panoramic view of the ocean, just without the boat rocking!
Everything was provided in the unit: snorkeling gear, boogie board, beach chair, beach umbrella, washer & dryer: with 1-2 soap pods for washing, towels, beach towels (there is pool, jacuzzi and beach option, you can also use the towel from the pool area as long as you return after each use, too!), coffee travel cups was so handy esp since I was traveling there, dishes and cookware avail if you wanted to cook inside, dishwasher avail, lots of dish towels as option. There is an ice maker in the fridge and is working!
The unit even had binocular to see whales pass or turtles up on the reefs. Linen was fresh and clean (I work in the hospital and I inspect these things, sniff test!).
The patio faces the west, beautiful sunsets but the unit can be warm- the shades were a big help during the day to keep unit from being toasty.
I have observed and rescued birds that accidentally flew into the glass door and get knocked out, if you witness this, not to worry, they’ll eventually get back up from being shocked and manage to fly back out.
With that said, if you’re trying to dry your bathing suits out in the patio, keep in mind you might find bird droppings on it.
Bed comfort: for me it was comfortable but my husband said it was too soft, but maybe it’s because I only weigh a little over 100 pounds). Plenty of pillows and bath towels in the unit.
Furniture is pristine white and no carpet, it makes sense to keep shoes/slippers at the front door area and avoid sweaty sunblock sprayed skin- off the couch, are just some common sense rules that apply to the unit.
Just a heads up about the entrance, there is a glass double door you have to go through after you enter the unit. I’m not sure if that glass door is to trap heat or dirt out, but it’s like walking into a negative pressure room with an anteroom in the hospital. It does make it a bit of a struggle to bring big luggage in (I had a travel golf bag). Other that, staying here was more of a pleasant surprise than it was about the double glass door.
There were still some constructions going on in the building which the owner did compensate for, but if you’re active during the day, you’ll most likely miss the crew members. This unit is in a resort. Others guest in units were respectful and quiet.
The owner was pleasant to work with and so was his unit assistant, Jordan!
I had a panic experience of forgetting the unit code to get it in and had to contact the unit assistant. She replied minutes later. I entered wrong code too many times and it locked me out for a few mins! Just give it a couple of mins before you attempt again.
On a note: when you leave, be sure to shut the entrance door (faces East) on your way out, because the wind pushes against the door and it can sometimes result in the door not being completely shut. Thankfully, the location was safe. There is no safe box in the unit, so best to lock up.
This place exceeded my expectation and is my #1 BEST AIR BNB EXPERIENCE!
This is the first vacation I left crying as I locked the door behind me for departure.
I like to think that the experience has a lot to do with it, but snorkeling with the turtles and the fish were more than what a birthday girl could ask for.
One last tip: wear water shoes!!! If you plan on dipping at the beach, you’ll be at risk of getting a laceration on your feet from the reef/coral.
Early morning walks/running is great at this location as you can head down south towards Dukes as there is a long stretch sidewalk path along the beach. Not sure why, too, but there were lots of feral cats (even in the resort just chilling like it lives there! Lol!!!).
Anyway, hope this helps for those in search of a perfect place!
We had a wonderful birthday dinner at Mama’s Fish House. It’s hard to find a famous restaurant that holds up to its reputation- THIS PLACE was the first (we’re foodie people). Worth the drive and $ but book 3 months+ ahead.
We also ate at Honu seafood and pizza and enjoyed their meal there. Their kale salad was the best, perfectly dressed!
Recommend shopping at Safeway which is on your way to resort if you decide to cook. Safeway also had the best poke!!! No joke!
Road to Hana was great, you don’t need an SUV or jeep to get around (like you do in Big Island). But keep in mind, the road is long, narrow and winding. You might want to drive it yourself if you’re prone to being car sick. There are hardly anyplace to eat on your way there so, pack something or bring cash for food truck meals and go early to avoid traffic! We arrived at twin falls by 7am in time for entrance to open with $10 cash fee.
Black sand beach needs advance reservation tickets as do the Haleakala Sunrise!
Also, the Banyan courtyard was worth visiting in Lahaina.
Hope this helps those