The positive experience started about two weeks before we arrived when Linda emailed to “check-in”. At this point, we were underprepared for our trip and swamped in work; Linda provided her phone number (to text) and message (via airbnb app) that made the whole confirmation process seamless. When we first arrived at Linda’s home, our toddler literally screamed, “Wow!” I have to say this was my same reaction (albeit muted). The place is simply undersold by the pictures. The unit is clean, modern, comfortable, and view is stunning: all sunset, golf course, and ocean (way more than we expected). The lanai (balcony) in the back is twice as wide as other units which offers a dining area (we ate almost every meal here) and a relaxing area (for adult wine after kids in bed). There is also a small front balcony off the master which has two rocking chairs our children enjoyed very much.
Without being overly effusive, the highlights:
-Well stocked: the unit had ALL of the things we could imagine wanting or needing, this took so many hassles out of the trip, we literally only went to the store once, kitchen is like a Costco catalog (in the very best way)
-Clean: spotless on arrival, and easy to keep clean (even with kids), wonderful house keeper who lives in the development we met on our last day, easy to use laundry stocked with detergent, drying rack, and dryer.
-Comfortable: beds, places to sit, and air-conditioning (often not needed, but so nice to have on a hot day!), TVs everywhere (we didn’t use much but nice to have)
-Kid-ready: pack-n-play, kid cups in the kitchen, beach toys, chairs, beach towels
-The development pool is beautiful, was never crowded, has a large pool + kids pool + hot tub. It’s not super warm (this is the standard in Hawaii) but warm enough that our 18mo did fine!
We looked at several units in Pili Mai and settled on this unit (despite a small price premium) in one of those “we deserve it” moments. I can say it was worth more than we paid. This the best unit in the best building; I am so glad we settled on this one, it really made our vacation. Not only was the place incredible, but Linda was so wonderful from check-in, to responsiveness, to advice on what to do on our way to the airport when it was time to leave. We hope to come back!!