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Hawaii Rental with large pool--seeking advice..

Hawaii Rental with large pool--seeking advice..

Old Jul 19th, 2012, 10:02 PM
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That is the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel pool. I have seen people lap swimming in it, but it's not very easy as one of the edges has the stairs and you can't easily do turns or even push off from that end very easily. It's a nice big pool, but not really set up to be useful as a lap pool. it's really better set up for water exercises or water jogging (walking).

Both Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach pools are going to be too far to walk to from those units.
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Old Jul 19th, 2012, 10:04 PM
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I frequently see people doing fitness swimming along Hapuna Beach. It's a very long beach and is generally flat in the mornings. I often see people doing Ironman training there.
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Old Jul 19th, 2012, 10:06 PM
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Here's some nice beach pictures to give you the idea:

http://www.hawaiigaga.com/big-island...una-beach.aspx
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Old Jul 19th, 2012, 10:12 PM
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Sorry to overpost, but if you look at the hotel website, they have good shot of the end of the Hapuna Beach Prince pool, where you can see the stairs run the width of one end, and you can't do turns there.
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 03:08 AM
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Not over posting! Giving me lots of great information and I thank you. Are you actually lucky enough to live in that area?

If the sea is flat like in those photos, I could certainly swim there in the morning.

Next question; do I need to ask about jellyfish in May?
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 05:47 AM
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I don't know anything about Kauai at all. I looked at your vrbo listing and what struck me, other than how gorgeous it is, was the nightly rate of $275.00 a night!!! That is Very reasonable!

Is $275.00 a night a typical rate for vacation rentals on Kauai? If so, I'm going to start planning our second trip to Hawaii right now!
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 06:21 AM
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Oahu has the jellyfish problem and it is cyclic and predictable. You can google to find out when it occurs (2 weeks after full moon, I believe)

I've never noted jellyfish on Kauai or Hawaii.

However, I always swim with a rashguard on for sun protection.

Bowsprit- $275 will get you a nice place on Kauai. But it won't be on the beach and you will have to drive to get anywhere. There may also be additional fees for air conditioning. Most people want to be on a beach or within easy walking distance from one, so a more isolated place, as above is slightly less desireable. Also, you have to add in 14% tax and a cleaning fee, usually about $100 for a week.

We often feel like in Hawaii you get more for your money than a similar trip in Europe.
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 06:22 AM
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Thanks for the information!
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 06:30 AM
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you might look at the condos at Hale Kona Kai on the Big Island. This is in Kona, and they have a very nice pool. It is not on a swimmable beach but is oceanfront with awesome views. And the pool was really nice, would be fine for lap swimming and was generally unused when we were there. Its so close to the ocean, you can lie on a chair by the pool, and feel the ocean spray, and see turtles out your window.

http://www.konanow.com/

And while not ON the beach, it is not far from several beaches.
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 08:09 AM
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Ummm. That is not going to be a good pool for lap swimming. Too short and the ends are not parallel
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 08:12 AM
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Box jellfish arrive 7-11 days after full moon on Oahu. There are multiple "box jellyfish calenders" on-line to co-ordinate with your visit.
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 08:14 AM
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Thanks for that, China.

Marginal: Great to read about the lack of jellyfish on Kauai and Hawaii. I wear a rash guard for sun, too, since I spend so many hours in the water, but even with that... (The jellyfish have not yet arrived en masse in my area this summer (although they have been making reconnaissance forays!) but when they do, it will be only the pool for me!)

Prices on the islands are looking quite high to me but of course I'm only looking at the ones in the desirable areas near beaches, with pools, etc etc. It also looks like costs will add up substantially once rental cars and gas (very high), and the prices for some of the excursions and tours, are added in. Not a budget vacation, that's for sure! But I look forward to shopping the farmers markets and cooking "at home" on most nights.
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 08:34 AM
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RE: Jellyfish:


http://www.to-hawaii.com/jellyfishcalendar.html
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 09:11 AM
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You certainly don't need to buy excursions and tours to have a wonderful time in Hawaii. There are very few things that I would pay money for.

One of those would be some sort of boat trip that gets you out on the water. NaPili coast trip on Kauai. Lanai ferry or Molokini snorkel on Maui.

I'm not big on helicopters so you won't find me on those pricey tours.

You can have a great trip with a rental car, a guidebook, and some footwear suitable for hiking. No ATV's, guided trips, parasailing, jetskiing, ziplines, etc for me.
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 09:17 AM
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Water temps in May will be fine without a heated pool. There are a few public pools on Oahu that are heated, but I think it's only during the winter months. I swim laps most of the year and it starts to become noticeably warmer about mid-March (I had to give up swimming in the winter because I get hives when the water temp is too cold).

Open water wise, there are a lot of swimmers at Ala Moana Beach Park, as the outer reef keeps the inside portion pretty much flat year round. See this blog for pictures and more info: http://tinyurl.com/6h5kbg3

However, if you swim there you need to be careful about watching out for the paddle boarders. I used to paddle board a lot out there and ideally both swimmers and paddlers are looking out for each other - (a bright swim cap would help) - but sometimes you get those people that think everyone should be watching out for them, not vice versa.

I've done small amounts of open water swimming and I don't really like it, but Ala Moana is probably the most convenient area for visitors.
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 12:11 PM
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Chepar: So good to "meet' another swimmer! And great to know that I do not "need" a heated pool in May. Ala Moana looks super, but I'm not sure if I will get out that way on this trip...unless I decide to forego the Big Island and visit Oahu instead, in addition to Kauai.
There seem to be a few people here that would advise doing that, I think. So difficult to narrow down when there appears to be so much to experience!

Marginal: Not for me, either!

Thoughts on Kealakekua Bay for swimming? There are a few rentals there but I'm not sure how easy the access is from the houses to the water.... Is that bay too clogged with boat tours and snorkelers?
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 12:41 PM
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Kealakekua isn't really that calm that I would consider it good for lap swimming. It's also really quite isolated, as compared to the south Kohala locations you are looking at in the Mauna Kea condo.

From the vrbo photos: The only one of those three vrbo's upthread that really have a lap pool is the first one. The second is a very small pool if you look at all the photos, the third has rounded edges and doesn't look very long.

There was a complaint some time ago on Trip Advisor about an owner in Kealakekua Bay who was absolutley obnoxious to deal with - claimed there was lots of damage, actually came to the unit to check out the guests unannounced, etc. I would want to peruse all reports on TripAdvisor before committing. I'm not saying it's that one, but there's something familiar about that ad. I would also want to check that the unit is EXACTLY as portrayed and all appliances and fixtures are in perfect condition, as there was tsunami damage to waterfront units and you could end up in a mold pit or with non-functional appliances, etc.
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 12:44 PM
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Forgot to mention: I notice they say the pool is heated. There may be an additional fee to heat the pool, despite the ad implying it't included in the price. Ask about that if you rent.
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 01:10 PM
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Agree on the pools of those VRBO links. The first one might be long enough, not the others.
I wish owners would list the pool dimensions in their ads! I will go through the TA reviews and see what turns up..that sounds gruesome! But if the Bay is not great for swimming, I might be better off with a rental further north, like this one (waiting to hear the dimensions of a third available pool (Kumulani) accessible to renters of that property)


http://www.vrbo.com/208482




I was thinking that some of the pools would be solar heated, but maybe that is not common in Hawaii...(?)
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Old Jul 20th, 2012, 02:12 PM
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Having the benefit of accessing the facilities the Mauna Kea is a is a big perk of that unit. I hope the pool thing works out. Mauna Kea beach should be pretty flat by May (you never know though), and you could swim there for sure. It is one of the great beaches in all the islands.

btw...I am using your trip report on Naples and the Amalfi Coast to help in the planning of our trip. I got so excited reading about your food excursions in Naples!
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