Question about specific vrbo unit on north shore of Oahu

This is just a bit north of Punaluu, where my sister and I rented a condo last year.
We did our grocery shopping in Hauula at Tamura's market, and ate a few times at Papa Ole's Kitchen in the same little strip mall. I think it is a convenient location for exploring both the North Shore and the Windward side. The views all along that stretch of the coastline are magnificent. How important is swimming to you, since there is no pool? Would you be disappointed...just in case the ocean is rough, and/or there is coral and rock instead of sand? One nice thing is that you would be close to the Polynesian Cultural Center and therefore able to take advantage of their deal where you can return for free within 5 days. We also enjoyed the tour at Kualoa Ranch, a bit south of this location. Be aware that the actual town is just a modest residential area. We like that "local" style, but it's not for everyone. Do the owners live on the property, or nearby? If it was me, I'd find that more comfortable.

It sounds nice, but the fact that there are no wide shots of the beach, the chairs are on the lanai sprotected by a rock wall, and that the waves splash the house makes me believe that there will be little or no beach there. No where on the site does it say there is swimming in front of the house. I would ask them outright.

I might be wrong, but definitely I wouldn't want to be in this location in the winter when the sea is rough out there.

I'm no expert on rentals in Hawaii but have been watching your threads with interest, Samsaf, because I love Oahu and am wanting to learn about things outside Waikiki as well.

The cottage looks nice enough on the website, but from your earlier posts I thought you wanted something a bit more luxurious? This looks like a remodeled studio garage apartment (no bedroom even) plus has another rental main house nearby on the property mentioned.

Samsef: If you want to send me an email I'll forward some of the photos we took in the Punaluu and Hauula area, including shots of the beach and ocean taken from our lanai. I think you're on the right track with the area, but not sure about the cottage.
Have you ruled out the condos at Pat's at Punaluu? It is very quiet and private there; usually just a couple of people in the water or on the lawn. The ocean is quite swimmable most of the year, and there is a pool for back-up. Same price range. My email is Island5353@aol.com.

I don't like the look of it myself. The patio seems heemed in by another building that is awfully close. The listing also mentions that a 2 bedroom cottage is available for larger groups. I would find out the orientation of the studio to the larger house. How close is it? Are they rented at the same time? How does one access the beach from the house? The price is good, but with rentals in Hawaii you generally get what you pay for.

iamq makes good points. I was concerned about how the photos are all shot really close up and not showing the relationship of the cottage to the other house or the beach. For someone who started out wanting a lux oceanfront home with pool... I don't think this is it!

The interior looks nice to me, appears to be well-kept. the bed looks like it is sandwiched between two walls. The way the photos show the beach, it looks like at high tide there isn't actually any beach. I'd want to know exactly how you get to the water---climb over the wall, or are there steps?

If you go to google maps and search Hauula, you can zoom in on the satellite map and get a feel for what the beach is like there.

Really depends on what you want to do, this place looks nice for gazing at the water, but maybe not so good for walking on the beach.

Thanks so much for all your opinions, everybody! I know I originally said I wanted something more luxurious, but what I think I mean by that is clean and modern. We usually don't like B&B-type places.

I also have some concerns about this place, and exactly for the reasons you all have described. The inside looks fine to me, even though it's small, because it will just be the two of us. But I can't get a feel for how the beach actually looks. We've looked on Google maps to get an idea of the area, but still can't see for sure. Also, the owner never returned my e-mail, so we're definitely going to look in another direction.

Again, Fodorites are the best -- thanks for the help!

Be careful with that "open" window. There is an increase in crime on North Shore. Locals seem to be fed up with tourists and prey on them and their possessions - especially now, in bad economy. Google "crime on North Shore". Call Kahuku Police or request Crime Report from HPD's website. Do not take it lightly. Be careful of opinions in this Forum bcs it includes Resorts and Hotels "PR" people who pretend to be tourists and they will tell you what you wanna hear - only to lure you in.

Oh, my! its Jorge Gotooahu again........

And he caught us! Now you all know that Iamq, Suze and I are all paid North Shore Flacks. Tell us what you want to hear.. and we'll say it. But you must come to Hawaii and deposit $50 in our web, I mean mail box, first.

And you know how samsaf got his money for this trip? He went into this room at TB and stole this, like, awesome, surfer-dude camera. Some idiot left his door unlocked, but of course the tourist dude blamed it on the maid, so Samsaf was able to sell it at the swap meet.

Sorry for those who weren't there for the great camera robbery tale earlier.This is all fantasy. Especially the surfer dude camera theft part...

"Locals seem to be fed up with tourists and prey on them and their possessions - especially now,"

No way, we LOVE tourists! Hauula is pretty but not much to do there, imho. I hope you find your dream vacation rental and have a great time in our beautiful island.

.. but there is no getting away from the fact that theft can be a problem, so it is wise to keep valuables locked away (and not in the trunks of cars).

We sat on Sunset Beach. We could hear an alarm in the distance. 'That'll be our car,' said my hub - 'I've left my bag in the boot (trunk)' (his bag contains all the important documents). There's one who heeds warnings ... (it wasn't our car, fortunately - and I think he learnt his lesson).

The signs are everywhere and there are warnings in all guide books. I certainly would never leave a rental property window open. Anywhere.

hmmmm... well, first of all, Samsaf is a girl . . .

and I sold it on the street, not the swap meet ---- just kidding.

lcuy, my check from the Tourist Board was a little late in coming this month. Did you get yours?

"I'm only a shill..."

Oh brother...

lcuy, I'm dying of laughter

Sorry Samsaf, but your coconut hat covers your face in the Hawaii Resorts Directory of PR shills.

( as lcuy is also "gender neutral", I should know better than to assume. sorry,,,)