- Cumulative from group -
We were incredibly disappointed in the rental. We've traveled to Kauai over 10 times, different seasons. Using both time shares and Airbnb.
It was an average condo. The mattresses were hard. Windows have no handle or lip for easy opening and are lowend on the energy efficiency. The dryer did not work at all, so you have to hang dry. This is near impossible with the humidity, so you have to use a fan on them. There were no trade winds, so the house was so hot we had to pay for air conditioning to be able to sleep or even function.
Coming from the California desert, we were shocked at the lack of cooling resources. A whole house fan would at least create the draft needed to move air and pull in cold air when there aren't breezes. Even using all the good house cooling techniques, the house wouldn't get cooler than 78, sometimes above 80. There's no screen on the front door and the garage must be kept closed, so there is no way to create cross- ventilation downstairs.
The bathtub can only fill about 1/4 of the way full with hot water.
The showers have no pressure. They might be the "low flow" or water saver, but the small heads would provide better pressure, while still conserving.
If you travel with the intent of cooking 2 meals, washing clothes every few days, and being comfortable you will use more energy than 25. Especially with party of 5 adults and 2 kids.
It's really stressful going to the pool, due to the frequent signs stating all must be quiet. My children had fun, but I was so worried they'd get too excited and yell. Other renters were super friendly and fun, which made it a little easier. However, the people who live there are very rude.
Thank Goodness for Johnathan, their property management person. He was the bright star in the experience. So responsive, helpful, and patient.
The last bit that really bothers is that her cost for extra energy is more than 2x what the Utilities Company charges her. Per the government officials we spoke with, it would be a profit of close to 50 cents per kWh. We didn't mind covering the uncreased cost, because we thought that was the price of energy in HI. We were shocked that she stated she didn't add a surcharge and, upon further investigation, were informed that that's not accurate.
We were also too afraid to bring up the matter again and have our air conditioning cut off, which would require us to leave without refund.
Just want others to have better experience than we did.