Ashley24:

The YMCA camp is for private gatherings -- with cottages, a cookhouse, shower/toilet facilities for up to about 80 people. It's used by the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, school groups and -- in the summer -- often used for family reunions, and local wedding receptions/weekend parties. Camping is only allowed _within_ the fenced campground.

Camp Naue is located between the old Charo's Restaurant, and Makua Beach.

For kids, Anini is the safest -- protected by the large reef, so there are no waves, lots of sand, lots of little fishies which will swim around the kids who are wading. While our grandkids enjoy the sand and warm water, the adults enjoy snorkeling and kayaking -- so there's something for everybody (and rarely any crowds). Great surf fishing there, too.

Ashley:

It looks like you have a lot of great choices in Haena. Unfortunately, I do not have any first hand experience with these places, but have spoken with the rental agents (kauai-vacation.com, kauai-vacation-com, napaliprop.com and aninialoha.com) and have gotten a lot of great feedback on Paradise Hale and Hale King (Billie Jean King's place). I also recall looking at Paradise Aloha Kauai. It looks like a beautiful place and I'd rent it in a heartbeat, but it was over our price range - I think I recall it was about $3000 per week (rent only).The rental agent should be able to give you more specifics about the properties. Would love to know which one you choose.

Ashley,
You may have already looked at this one:
http://www.napaliprop.com/halemakua
Good luck!
-Bill

I have looked at several houses (on the web) on Anini before looking into Haena.
Anini Beach House was a possibility but the owner wasn't too thrilled with us having children and upped the security deposit so I decided to look elsewhere.

I looked at Kai Malie but a rental agency told me that a large estate is being built right in that area and the construction noise would be a problem.

A less fancy house but closer to the water (20 ft) is Kai Hulali but I was told it's for sale.

I wish there were some fodorites out there who have rented on Anini and could give some glowing reports. The camping seems to be an issue and I haven't a clue which houses are near that area and which are not.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of Nakea House? It is 1750 a week and on Anini Beach.

Ashley24:

My visiting family spent a week at Kai Malie (`Anini) just this past June, and loved it. The house is before you get to Anini park area, and is set well back from the road -- with large grassy area and croquet/badminton sets, too.

The ground floor of the house is parking only; the upper floor has a full wrap-around lanai and gates at the top of the stairs to keep kids from tumbling down. Part of the lanai is covered, complete with hammock and large dining table and chairs.

The house is set up perfectly for a large gathering -- kitchen (with small table), living area and dining room table in the center -- with 2 bedrooms/one bath on each side of that "commmon" area. Loft upstairs is the media room, with second cable TV plus VCR, small sofa, comfy chairs, and books/table games.

The house is across the street from the beach, with a path to the beach just a few yards away (easy walk, even for toddlers). No facilities at the beach; no lifeguards either -- but none is really needed.

Yes, there is a house being built across the street -- but it's daytime/weekday noise only (and now that they're doing the interior, it should be even quieter).

Re: Nakea House -- it's further down the road, past the park, past the polo fields, closer to the river...and closer to the road.

Hope you're going to book something soon, before all your top choices have been reserved by others... 8-)

Ashley:

I booked directly through the owner. She went on vacation after I had talked to her, and after she had sent out the contract. It turned out that she had received two deposits while she was gone, the other check the day before my check, and her son, who she left in charge of her bookings never noticed the duplicate booking. So, at any rate, we didn't learn about the double booking for a month and a half!

You may have better luck going through an agency. I would certainly advise it after my experience!

auntiemaria,
When you say that the house is being built across the road, you don't mean in front of Kai Malie (as in blocking the ocean view)? Does it appear that the house would be finished before next June?

The house will always have partial ocean view...and the new house will definitely be completed by the end of this year.

Last night I finally booked our rental house...went with Hale Aloha Kauai. I used Na Pali Properties rental company. Do they have a good reputation? I am excited!
Thanks for all your help! (Mahalo)
Ann

Ann,
Glad to hear it worked out! Thanks for letting us know.
-Bill