Haena Kai

Cottage #2 had a great ocean view, and Hale Makai is a beautiful beachfront property on the north shore. We had a wonderful week there. The cottage was missing a few things: no TV, microwave, or AC, though floor fans were provided. The living room’s sliding door to the deck wouldn’t work, and several outlets in that room had no power.

The north shore beaches were our favorite, quieter and less crowded, and Cottage #2 looked right out over the ocean. From the deck, the beach was only a few steps away. Tunnels Beach is under a 30 minute walk, handy since parking there is nonexistent and the nearest parking area is about a 20 minute walk away. The drive to Hale Makai is lovely too, with great scenery and little bridges. Hanalei Bay is a short drive, and Princeville is close enough for Foodland runs. There’s also a corner market less than five minutes away, with a restaurant and spa next door. Our kids had plenty to do, especially on the big lawn and tree swing. I loved having a full outdoor shower to rinse off the sand, probably my favorite feature. The beds were soft and comfortable, the bathroom clean and modern, and the kitchen had excellent appliances and everything we needed for breakfast and a few dinners. Inside felt tropical but current, and the kids had fun figuring out the vinyl record player. The property feels like an oasis beside the highway and right on the beach. Management replied quickly to our messages. We’d stay at Hale Makai again for the comfort, setting, and location.

We loved the snorkeling right off the beach in front of the cottages, and the beach was nearly private, right outside the door. The cottages are lovely, with high-end finishes and thoughtful details. We were comfortable the whole time without AC. The hosts had nice extras too, including a Polaroid camera already loaded with film. We enjoyed our stay so much that we added another night. Would happily come back.

Some of our best moments were just sitting quietly, reading, listening to the wind, and hearing the ocean in the distance. Limahuli Botanical Garden is just down the road, and it’s a stunning place with a lot of Hawaiian history. We booked all five cottages for our wedding party and spent five unforgettable days there with our family. The whole area of Kauai feels magical, and the property is a peaceful retreat. The cottages have each got their own character, but share a warm, inviting look. They’re beautifully renovated, comfortable, and carefully designed. The kitchens have everything for a stay in and nest kind of trip, and we especially liked the under-counter fridges. The gorgeous beaches are easy to reach. Hanalei town is a short drive if you want restaurants or a change of scene, but we mostly stayed in and cooked meals together. Everyone had a wonderful time. Highly recommend, and we can’t wait to return.