rubies

My boyfriend and I are planning a romantic trip to Hawaii in early October. We'd love to rent a non-smoking condo or cottage with direct access to a beach. I found a lot of great looking places on vrbo.com, but honestly, I got very overwhelmed! We'd really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

gr8yt

On Kauai try these
http://www.vrbo.com/30434
http://www.halemakaicottages.com/

We've stayed at both and would love to go back. Harry

martym

We've stayed at this cottage on Kauai. Right on Hanalei Bay. http://www.beachandbluff.com/index2.html

BayouGal

Bill, imaq, has some fabulous recommendations here. Search his screen name. He's a great guy, so if he sees this this thread, I'm sure he'll try to help, too. Good luck with the planning!

Kal

I hope rubies isn't related to rubyroo when it comes to Kauai! [-o<

iamq

Me, a great guy? Wow, what a difference a year makes. Last year about this time I was being called inane, sophomoric, rude, sarcaustic and mean spirited. Thanks BG! You made my day.

rubies,

For Maui I've noticed quite a few rentals on VRBO that appeared to be truly beachfront/oceanfront in the Wailea and Makena areas. Be prepared to pay a premium for being on the water. Yikes! Prices sure ain't what they used to be.

Beachfront rentals in Kauai? Hmmmm...well...As far as condos go, I would give Kiahuna a good look see. For beachfront cottages, the locales I would look for would be Hanalei, Anini Beach and Haena. Check out NaPali Properties, Kauai Vacation Rentals,Bali Hai Real Estate and Anini Aloha.
I'm at work right now and don't access to specific urls. I'll try to post them when I get home.

-Bill

rubies

Thanks everyone! We've decided on Maui, partly due to price. This is our first trip to Hawaii, so we hope to hit Kauai next time.

Our budget is in the $100/night range, so it's cutting our condo options considerably. My first two "winners" fell through. I've been emailing potential slightly out-of-budget condo owners (from vrbo) and asking if there are any special deals, but so far, not much luck. I've found a nice studio condo in North Kihei (http://www.vrbo.com/65515), but I'm worried this may be too far to walk to the good snorkeling and beaches (although we will be renting a car). Any thoughts? And perhaps it's worth it to spend less on lodging and more on the "fun" things?

And as a side note, does anyone know if the tofu factories provide tours?

BayouGal

Bill, I dream of taking a trip with my husband like you post about taking with your SO, so I've been reading about your trips and reading your advice for years - unknown to anyone. All I've seen is helpful advice and sometimes some good-natured joking, but never all the things you listed.

CaliNurse

Rubies, i just checked Outrigger's Maui beachfront condos, which can sometimes be had for half price with Entertainment card, and they're sold out!! Aarghhh!! I "feel" your frustration. Has October become the new peak season??
How about Aloha condos, which serves as a listing company for condo owners. In your price range, there are some listed at $120/night in Napili in West Maui, near good beaches and snorkeling. GOOD LUCK!!
http://napili-bay.com/

p.s. don't know of any tofu factory tours.

CaliNurse

if you want to see photo of how close your chosen condo/resort is to beach/ocean, check www.wizardpub.com. When it says "enter" click on Maui, then "aerial photos and reviews" and it will ask for a code . The code is MR1101.

Suzie

You don't need the password to see the aerial views so it's not necessary to give it out. Simply click on the "aeriel views" and you can see the views but won't get the reviews until you've paid for the book. The book provides the password. Be fair.

CaliNurse

Thanks Suzie. I honestly didn't realize that you didn't need a password for "views" only. Had i known, i'd have not given out the password-- as i disagree with many of their reviews.
However, with all due respect for differences of opinion, your def of "fair"must be different from mine. Is it "fair" to share information? Is it ever "fair" to pass on secondhand books to others, or should we only be allowed to buy, and keep to ourselves, new copies? Any book's authors would love for all of us to go out and get brand new copies of each and every edition of their work. I have an old edition of "Maui" so should i not let anyone else see it?
Is it "fair" that the authors have made$$$$ in some questionable ways (see other threads on this board about that)?

Anyway, Rubie, good luck with your search.
I hope the aerial views will be helpful and this won't be a distraction from your question.

sylvia3

South Kihei would be better than north.

rubies

Thanks. I'll keep searching and see what I come up with! Napili Bay is sold out, too. May October in Maui is the new "thing."

rubies

and i meant "maybe" and not "may."

jamie99

Don't know when in October you are going but Halloween is BIG in Maui. You might want to rethink Kauai as I think you can get more choices for your $100.

iceeu2

rubies, my friend stayed in this condo last year and loved it. It may be over your budget, but still looks like a great price to me. It's at least worth a look. The owner may have others. Good luck in your search for the perfect place.

http://www.papakea-rentownerdirect.com/OneBedroom.htm

rubies

we found a place! it's not right on the beach, but all-in-all, we're happy with our choice, especially since we'll have a fantastic view. http://www.kahanareef317.com/

thanks, everyone for your help!

Brian_in_Charlotte

I really like that area - I think you'll be happy there. Be sure to take the drive north up past Kapalua - lots of great places to stop for views.

Suzie

Have a great trip!!! If you haven't done so yet pick up the Maui Revealed guidebook. There are some great suggestions and ideas in there. Don't take their advise about tresspassing though.