DesertBeachLover

My wife and I will be in Kauai next June for two weeks. We've booked one week at the Orchid Cottage near Anini Beach (http://www.vrbo.com/22597) and one week at Kimo's Yurt near Kepuhi Beach (http://www.kimosvacationrentals.com/index.html). Based on the websites, they look like exactly what we're looking for - inexpensive, near the beach, secluded and simple. But I sure wouldn't mind getting some feedback from anyone who has stayed at either place. We still have plenty of time to book somewhere else if we need to.
Thanks!

redpots

We spent the first four nights of our trip at Kimo's Yurt last month. I don't think you can beat the location in quiet Haena. It is about a two minute walk from your door to Kepuhi. My wife and I have taken to calling it 'Our Beach' as more often than not we were the only people in sight. (I'd be interested in knowing if there is a different story in June)
Kepuhi is a beautiful stretch of course golden sand with good swimming and amazing snorkeling. (I had better snorkels here than at Tunnels).
Hanelei Colony Resort is just around the corner and I can highly reccomend their restaurant- Medditeranean Gourmet. We had a magical beachfront sunset dinner there. I splurged on their Surf n' Turf (OG Lamb and Spiny Lobster Tail) and would do so again. They also went out of their way to delight my wife who eats Vegan. The 'Arabic Coffee' tasted like Folders though
The Yurt itself is just as advertised- a big tent in a great spot. The owners of the house on the property were not around for the time we were there so we had the run of the place... which was nice.
FYI: the mosquito netting is NOT decor. The little bugga's mean business.
There is a tub but no shower inside- though the outdoor shower is just fine.
The kitchen is supplied quite well for light cooking. The bed is comfortable and clean.
My single complaint regards the lighting. We rolled in at 9pm after a long travel day and had to stumble our way inside by moonlight. Once in- it was an adventure to find a switch that worked. I finally found the TV for help. (once i got a light on i found that there are flaslights in a basket just inside the door) It turned out that only half of the lights were in working order.
I'd put in a request w/ Christine ahead of time to make sure you won't run into these hassles. I'm sure she'll be happy to please.
Overall I Loved it for the money and will return.
Happy to answer any other specifics I can.
Much Aloha.
-Steven

DesertBeachLover

Steven,

Thanks for the information. It sounds like exactly what we're looking for. We don't need luxury since we don't plan to spend a whole lot of time inside anyway. Also, thanks for the heads up on the lighting. I'll make sure we talk to Christins about it before our trip.

One other question: Can you walk to Tunnels Beach from there?

Thanks again!

redpots

Yes. No problem.

We hit the beach and trudged west- though i'm sure walking the road would be fine too.

I wasn't carrying a time piece but if i had to guess... 15-25 minute beach walk to the heart of Tunnels.

The sand is very coarse and you sink down a good deal each step. Also there are lots of spots where you are walking on top of washed up coral. I preferred bare feet though my wife liked her Chaco's. Either way start thinking of your feet like snowshoes and you'll be fine.

Like I said the snorkeling at Kepuhi was DIVINE. Tunnels was very beautiful but the current was too intense to hang out. I would find a nice community of fishes and reef and then get swept along on a freeway riptide.
Could have been the day, the season or my inexperience or D. all of the above.
Tunnels was far more crowded than Kepuhi but with great views of the emerald coastline. Also you can walk from Tunnels to Haena Beach Park (10 min.) where there are facilities and a lunch/shave ice wagon.

The one day at Tunnels was plenty for us. We liked Kepuhi far better in every way.

Do enjoy.

-Steven