TravelRocks

Hi! We're going there in the fall--we are debating on two issues:

2 bedrooms or 1 bedroom unit? The second bedrooms unit is 1250 SQ feet and 1 bed.unit is 800 SQ. We have two small kids-5 1/2 and 1 year old. What has been your experience?

*whether to go for a ground level unit or second floor? ground level has great lawn for kids to play...

Any tips? Thanks!
*

wtm003

The 1 bedroom unit was fine for my family of 4. The kids slept on the sleeper sofa and I felt like there was plenty of space.

Answering your question also depends on sleeping arrangements for the 1 year old. Will you have a crib? Obviously, this will take up more space and you might prefer the 2 bedroom so you have a place for nap time.

I went with an upper floor because the units are not air-conditioned and I wanted to be able to leave the sliding glass doors open at night. I would not have felt comfortable letting the kids sleep in the living room with the doors wide open.

jcb

Hi - I've never stayed at these units, but in general, I would rent a 2 bedroom unit, so you will have plenty of space. If the kids go to bed early or take naps, it might be nice to have the extra bedroom. But I don't know your kids, so it is just my personal opinion.

FYI - don't know if you need to rent any baby stuff, but Ready Rentals rents things like cribs, bed rails, etc.

http://www.readyrentals.com/

Have a good trip.

glimmer2

We've stayed at Kiahuna many times and love it. A one bedroom has always been fine for us. I know families with young kids like the downstairs units. No stairs for them to climb and they can play on the lawn in front. There are screened windows on either side of the sliders that you can leave open at night. plus the whole unit is so open you are knid of in one big room anyway, although you can close things up for privacy.

The 2 bedrooms are so much more expensive that I'm not sure they are worth it.

If you do go for a downstairs make sure you get one that opens to the lawn. Some have railings or have lanscaping in front.

jtrandolph

Yes, be sure to get the building which fronts on the lawn. There is another building behind it separated by gardens.

TravelRocks

Thanks everyone!

I aprpeciate the feedback! I'm thinking I will go for a 2 bedroom unit since I will have extended family staying at another location and it would be nice to have the space to visit us...and to have kids sleep in another room as well.

I found 2 units---on ground level or a second floor...what do you recommend?

Thanks so much!

TravelRocks

I forgot to add...
the units I am debating are either building 4 or building 20 or 33.

Anyone experienced these buildings?

Mahalo!

jtrandolph

I no longer have my map of the buildings at Kiahuna Plantation. Just make sure you get a building facing the ocean with no other building(s) in front of you.

You might be happiest with a ground floor unit with the kids.

wtm003

I have my map in front of me -

Building 4 : The BBQs are in front of the porch/balconies - privacy may be an issue. The ocean is just steps away and you should have a great view from the room.

Building 20: Right in the center of the complex. Not sure about an ocean view for all units, but should open to a grassy area.

Building 33: Balconies overlook lagoon. Close to Plantation Restaurant and office. Again individuals units may or may not have an ocean view.

wtm003

It's me again - I just found a picture postcard in my file. Building 4 would be my first choice based on location...but...you need to find out if there is construction going on right behind your building. When we were there last fall the old Poipu Beach Hotel (right behind building 4) was under major renovation. The building was basically stripped down to the studs. I'm not sure what is going in at that location or if construction is complete.

dmlove

Two things:

1) When our kids were that age, we loved staying on the ground floor because it was so easy for them (and us, of course) to just go outside to play. It wasn't a production every time.

2) I happen to be at the Marriott Waiohai right now (next door to Kiahuna), so if you want me to check something out about construction or otherwise, just let me know. We'll be here through early Thursday.

dmlove

Well, I took a walk. I would not do Bldg. 33, which is on the lagoon, and I mean "on" -- jump over some greenery and you're in the water. No direct access to a grassy play area. Bldg. 20 is very nice - on a huge grassy area (I think it's where we stayed 18 years ago), but it's a lot farther from the beach than Bldg. 4. Bldg. 4 is in an outstanding location - near the beach, on the main grassy area, all the units have views of the ocean. The driveway in back of Bldg. 4 does separate it from the construction of the Poipu Beach Hotel. However, we were at the Kiahuna beach for hours today (our daughter was taking a surfing lesson) and the construction was going on but was not noticeable except when we were walking on the path between Kiahuna and the Marriott. One thing about the grassy areas - at this hour (it's 6 p.m. now), the grass in front of Bldg. 20 was empty, while the grass in front of Bldg. 4 was still pretty busy (but in a nice way, not over-active or annoying). If it were me, I'd choose Bldg. 4, ground floor.

welch

Can't get better advice than someone who's there, but we spent many summers with our kids at Kiahuna in the two bedroom units. Building 4 is great because the two bedroom units are end units and are 2 storey with the living area on the top floor and the bedrooms downstairs. Kiahuna isn't a property you go to expecting a great deal of privacy, to be honest and this is the place to be!
Have a wonderful time!!

wtm003

dmlove, I'm so jealous! We took the path from Kiahuna to the Marriott Waiohai for our coffee and pastries every morning and then enjoyed the view of the ocean from that gorgeous beach.

Is the construction for a new hotel or condos?

glimmer2

Building 33 could be noisy due to construction and the luau at the Sheraton. I enjoyed hearing the luau from building 27 but from 33 it could be a bit annoying.
If you are getting a 2 bedroom go with a lower unit. Most of the good buildings are only 2 story anyway.

glimmer2

The construction is to rehab a hotel that was destroyed during Iniki. We were there for a week and half in June and never heard construction. We walked the path between Kiahuna and Waiohai everyday and we was never a problem. Although who knows what stage they can be at at any given time.

welch

It occured to me this morning that there are no 2 bedroom units in building 4, only buiding 5!
Perhaps you're looking at Unit 20 in building 5. If so, that's a room I've stayed in many times...
I have more info, if that's the case.

TravelRocks

Wow, you guys rock!! You are awesome! You are soooo helpful! Wow...it means so much to me--and you have great tips and one of you are there now! I can't believe it. Thank you!!!!

Bldg #4 has one bedroom, but second level. Remodeled unit. Looks great. But concerned about second floor as it'd be nice to have kids play outside anytime outside our door...

Bldg # 20....one bedroom unit is available.

Bldg# 33 has 2 bedrooms but overlooks lagoon and it's quite pricey...I dont think it's worth it.

Question...does 2 bedrooms always have 2 floors or are always on second floor? I was just curious...and it's not easy to find availability for October, so that's why I have to make up my mind asap!

I know for this time, we want to spend a lot of down time at the condo, spend time at the beach, having my youngest nap in her playpen while husband and other child at the pool/beach...do lots of walking, swimming, surfing, and hanging out in Lawai visiting my family and Koloa Town for ice cream treats and pizza! We want more down time this time around, instead of hopping all over the island and just spend time together as a family...hence, would it be worth it to get a 2 bedroom or 1 bedroom?

Again, million thanks!

welch

I think the 2 bedroom units are worth it!
But I only like the 2 story, 2 bedroom units NOT the ones overlooking the lagoon. Those have no easy exterior access.
I'd opt for a "garden paradise" or "garden deluxe" if necessary to insure you have one of the end unit, 2 bedroom, 2 story units at a reasonable price. These units are in buildings that have only 5 rooms; 1, 2 bedroom unit on each end and 2, 1 bedroom units in the middle. There are tons of windows and light and a high cathedral ceiling in the living area. Many of the units have their own washer and dryer.
You can see what they look like at Kiahuna.com, with units 20 and 23. They will guarantee you these units if they have them available, so take a look!

glimmer2

i agree with welch. I love love love staying in the main lawn area of Kiahuna. Over by the lagoon just doesn't look as nice. We always get a 1 bedroom upstairs, but I have one teenage daughter so the days of scrurying across the grass are over. Our most recent stays we were in building 27 and 23. Both were great but 27 had an ocean view. 2 bedrooms are always 2 stories. Some have the bedrooms on the ground level and they open up to the lawn. i don't know about the 3 story buildings, but i don't like the 3 story buildings much. Buildings 21, 12 and 14 have nice 2 bedroom units.