I'll start with the positives. The location was perfect for my wife and I. It was close to the activities we wanted to do. We especially loved the ocean right outside our lanai doors with the crashing waves to lull us to sleep and the beautiful views of Lana'i and Moloka'i. Just a short walk down from our room was a nice beach to swim and snorkel in with lots of fish and honus (sea turtles) to view. The food trucks nearby were a nice alternative to an overcrowded restaurant with lots of choices. The pool and jacuzzi were small, but very clean along with the community center with board games, ping pong table, and foosball table and a full kitchen and BBQ to use. The room was spacious and we appreciated having a full kitchen, although did not use it due to our short stay. Having said that, we did encounter some negatives.
First, there was a dirty towel hanging in the closet upon arrival. There was also no bath mat to use when existing the shower. When trying to access the WiFi we were not able to connect to it. We called the first number provided which was the internet company. They were very nice and tried to trouble shoot the issue. Unfortunately they needed to send a tech out to our unit and because we were not the owner could not schedule it. We would have to get in touch with the owner to do this. We then reached out to the next number provided in our manual only to learn she was the previous owner and sold the unit 4 years ago! We finally contacted Airbnb and explained the situation. We were told they would contact the owner and get back to us. Neither Airbnb nor the owner or manager ever did. Luckily we were there for only 3 days so it wasn't the end of the world. But definitely an inconvenience, especially for the amount of money we paid to stay here! The air conditioning was also an issue. No matter how low we had it, the entire room would not stay cool. Only in certain parts of the room could we feel it. We tried to leave the lanai doors open the first night, but there wasn't any trade winds to help cool the room down.
Our biggest complaints though were the check in/check out and COMPLETE LACK OF COMMUNICATION from our hosts. The main reason we choose an Airbnb over a hotel is for the flexibility of check in and check out times and the ability to talk to our hosts if there is a problem or for recommendations for nearby things to do or see. We as Airbnb Superhosts would never tell a guest through a manual I might add, "Absolutely no early check in or check out available at any time." I understand there are times when there will be back to back reservations, however you should find a way to accommodate guests that arrive early or have a late flight with their luggage. Instead of forcing them to drive around with a car full of items fearing they will get broken into if they stop anywhere. If you're going to call yourself an Airbnb, then have Airbnb accommodations. Be accessible to your guests when they contact you. We sent a message to our hosts at 10:43 am on our final day and never had any response. And if you're going to call yourself an Airbnb and act like a hotel, then give hotel accommodations (such as early check in or late check outs when available, and holding luggage until the room is available, as well as letting your guests use the facilities until they have to depart for the airport.) You shouldn't pick and choose what best suits you and neglect the needs of your paying guests.