A clear cut case: Almost perfect. The design is fantastic, and I appreciate it so, so much, that there are owners like Mark with a sense for interior design. So rare. You feel much more like in a modern design hotel than in that what we usually know as apartments. Still, everything is new and fresh. I felt very lucky! Mark responds very fast and friendly if you need anything. On top, everything was provided: from different coffee types to a good assortment of spices, kitchen paper, Kleenex, q-tips and more. The kitchen has a big fridge with freezer and ice maker, dishwasher - both super silent - stove inclusive oven and a microwave. The balcony is bigger than the usual ones in that complex, which means you can sit on it with two chairs and also take a sunbath in the mornings (in month of March when I was there).
I was really happy there. Just one thing worth mentioning: Since I stayed alone there, it could happen that there is perhaps not enough storage for two people. But that depends on the persons and their habits. The studio is on the 6th floor which is rather low, since the towers have 16 floors. BUT: Due to the fact that the towers are built on a mountain, you have the full overview of the ocean from the 6th floor. The trees from the grounds come close but are definitely not too high. I liked that I had no one under me.
Some words regarding the setting, as I find it always helpful (but of course that has nothing to do with Mark and his sister Lynne’s great job on the apartment itself):
Beach: By car, 3 minutes to a wide beach which has on it’s right side a good spot for surfers. There were always some surfers, and maybe it is not north shore quality but pretty good. Fun to watch, or join. The rest of the beach is perfect for a beach day or swimming. The ocean is a bit wilder there than Waikiki, but I enjoyed it very much even though I am in general not an open water freak. You just have to observe the situation (the waves and current) a little and then you can enjoy your everyday swim. And the best: If you want to walk – which I liked to do - it just takes 20 to 25 minutes to the beach and 30 minutes back. A real good everyday walk plus swim. The street you walk on is very calm.
Car: It depends what type of person you are but - no kidding - you don’t need one. First there is a bus stop directly in front of the door. If you want to, you could go within 2 hours to Waikiki by bus. But of course grocery shopping nearby is much closer by bus (but too far to walk). To the closest Long Drugs it just about 8 minutes by bus. As mentioned, you can walk to the beach. Food places, dining, night life are sparse in that area. Some take away spots and few restaurants. But that is not why you go there. It is an area for silence and relaxation. (Also the wild peacocks on the grounds, although charming, can be pretty loud from time to time.) If you want to go hiking, you will need a car. (I recommend the trail to the tip of the island. Wonderful. Just 15 minutes drive and then you can walk between 1h and 1.15h to the tip which gives you a wonderful place to sit and watch the sea and birds and maybe whales and seals). I rented a car from Mark/s sister Lynne which worked flawlessly, too – ask Mark for Lynne’s contact information.
The 5 towers in this complex are a guarded community. The security really takes care of that place. That is nice on the one hand, but you have to know that you are observed, too. That is a individual matter, whether you feel protected due to it, or would prefer more feeling of freedom.