makah or kailua for 2 months
Nov 13th, 2001, 08:44 AM
#1
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makah or kailua for 2 months
Aloha;
We are planning to spend a couple of months next summer on Oahu and are going back and forth between Makaha and Kailua. Makaha seems to have really reasonable monthly rental rates ie Makaha Surf, but Kailua has maybe more to do. We just want to chill out walk the beach and snorkle. Some of the earlier postings have scared us away from Makaha. Is it really that bad?
We are planning to spend a couple of months next summer on Oahu and are going back and forth between Makaha and Kailua. Makaha seems to have really reasonable monthly rental rates ie Makaha Surf, but Kailua has maybe more to do. We just want to chill out walk the beach and snorkle. Some of the earlier postings have scared us away from Makaha. Is it really that bad?
Nov 13th, 2001, 08:51 AM
#2
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Makaha is on the west side and probably the most crime ridden and poverty stricken area. I love nearby Makua beach but would not stay in area. On the few trips out to that part of the island while living on Oahu we had an old second hand car lock picked. I think this happened on every trip. We would go into a supermarket for second out we would come and the locks woul show signes of tampering. Lived in Honolulu for 2 1/2 years, Kailua is the better pick.
Nov 13th, 2001, 08:56 AM
#3
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I can't speak for Makah, but I can for Kailua. You are so lucky! Last night my daughter asked me what I'd wish for if I got the bigger end of the wishbone and I said to spend a few months in Hawaii, thinking specifically of Kailua/Lanikai! I love it there, there is plenty to do and Honolulu is not far away for shopping and more dining options. We have stayed in the same house four times on Lanikai beach and it's my idea of heaven. I've been there in May and August and since it's on the windward side the breezes keep it cooler than the leeward side or inland, a definite plus. Kayaking, windsurfing, sea turtles, ... and never a crowd on the beach.
Nov 13th, 2001, 10:03 AM
#4
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susan how about leaving us a web link for the house you stayed in. I had a bad experience with a house on Lanikai this past summer. I actually found the beach built up significantly since I lived on Oahu in 97. Curious for the realitor and web address if you have any. I used Pat's Kailua rentals and had a very poor experience. I also rented on Kauai with another company and had a positive experience. It could just have been my agent but it was not good.
We were charged a cleaning fee but entered and apartment that had not been swept, laundry in machines, old half eaten food in fridge. Bedroom facing ocean had no curtains (7am sun on the pillows every morning), linens insufficient when we called we were told we would get a call back with instructions on where to find linens etc but agency would not give blankets or linens if they were not available in apartment. No one ever called or gave us any kind of customer service. One guest slept with out a blanket on all nights and while it was Hawaii but the winds were enough to warrant a blanket at night. Know this is lengthy but this did impact the quality of our stay not to mention the balcony that faced down to a sky light were an elderly women rocked in a chair facing us, during every day light hour...just a lack of privacy.
I also rented at the ilikai and had good experience they are in Waikiki and that area is of course much different that the windward side again with another agency. I just think you need to be mindful of the agencies that think you are making a one and only trip to Hawaii. I like to think my experience was unusal and maybe it was.
We were charged a cleaning fee but entered and apartment that had not been swept, laundry in machines, old half eaten food in fridge. Bedroom facing ocean had no curtains (7am sun on the pillows every morning), linens insufficient when we called we were told we would get a call back with instructions on where to find linens etc but agency would not give blankets or linens if they were not available in apartment. No one ever called or gave us any kind of customer service. One guest slept with out a blanket on all nights and while it was Hawaii but the winds were enough to warrant a blanket at night. Know this is lengthy but this did impact the quality of our stay not to mention the balcony that faced down to a sky light were an elderly women rocked in a chair facing us, during every day light hour...just a lack of privacy.
I also rented at the ilikai and had good experience they are in Waikiki and that area is of course much different that the windward side again with another agency. I just think you need to be mindful of the agencies that think you are making a one and only trip to Hawaii. I like to think my experience was unusal and maybe it was.
Nov 13th, 2001, 10:11 AM
#5
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Aloha;
Susan; can you post or e-mail me info on the house you stayed at in Lanikai. Also can you walk to Kailua or is there a bus. We really don't want to rent a car for two months.
Sarah: Same question, can you post or describe the place you stayed at in Lanikai I have been looking at Pats rentals and really want to avoid a bad experience.
Mahalo
Susan; can you post or e-mail me info on the house you stayed at in Lanikai. Also can you walk to Kailua or is there a bus. We really don't want to rent a car for two months.
Sarah: Same question, can you post or describe the place you stayed at in Lanikai I have been looking at Pats rentals and really want to avoid a bad experience.
Mahalo
Nov 13th, 2001, 10:28 AM
#6
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will email later this evening. I strongly advise against Pat's Kailua for reasons mentioned. When I went into office to complain I was told by another agent not be too hard on agent she had a number of serious problems with rental units that week. So it was not just me to tell the truth this women was difficult from the moment she got our security deposit. Will email later.
Nov 13th, 2001, 12:24 PM
#7
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Here's the link to our "home away from home" in Lanikai:
http://bestofhawaii.com/villas/walkers.htm
I'll warn you it's not cheap but it is a big house and we usually split it with another family. Also, it doesn't have lots of beach right in front of the house but walk two houses down and there's lots of sandy beach. It was built in the 1920s, one of the first houses in Lanikai, and comes with lots of charming history. We've had good luck with this agency, good sevice, very clean house and quick return on the deposit.
Check out the link for more info. And don't be booking it up solid for the next five years!
http://bestofhawaii.com/villas/walkers.htm
I'll warn you it's not cheap but it is a big house and we usually split it with another family. Also, it doesn't have lots of beach right in front of the house but walk two houses down and there's lots of sandy beach. It was built in the 1920s, one of the first houses in Lanikai, and comes with lots of charming history. We've had good luck with this agency, good sevice, very clean house and quick return on the deposit.
Check out the link for more info. And don't be booking it up solid for the next five years!
Nov 13th, 2001, 12:32 PM
#8
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Sorry I forgot to answer your other question, dejahma. Yes, you can walk from the John Walker house to Kailua, but it is about a mile or so. There's a few grocery stores you can reach on foot, as well as some restaurants. But no car will limit your exploration of the rest of the island. There are busses you can catch to take you to Honolulu/Waikiki/North Shore but I'd personally prefer the freedom of a car when staying in the suburbs of Oahu.
Nov 13th, 2001, 01:08 PM
#9
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susan when you are missing hawaii go to www.surfinglive.com Some days you see really high surf on North shore. This is the best webcam I have ever seen for Hawaii. It really helps if you have high bandwidth though worth a look.
Nov 13th, 2001, 01:26 PM
#10
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Susan;
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately that's way out of our price range for a two month stay. Also it will only be the two of us most of the time. I expect my grown kids (20,22) to visit for a week or two but we really don't need any thing that big. Looks great though.
We will probably bus around the island. We like to meet people and have found in travels thru-out the rest of the world that bussing it is a good method. We'll probably rent a car when the kids visit or go to Maui with them. Again thanks for your input.
Mahalo ;^)
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately that's way out of our price range for a two month stay. Also it will only be the two of us most of the time. I expect my grown kids (20,22) to visit for a week or two but we really don't need any thing that big. Looks great though.
We will probably bus around the island. We like to meet people and have found in travels thru-out the rest of the world that bussing it is a good method. We'll probably rent a car when the kids visit or go to Maui with them. Again thanks for your input.
Mahalo ;^)
Nov 13th, 2001, 01:33 PM
#11
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oh dejahma I think you will be missing so much if you bus it. The buses are long and not always on time. No way you can rent a car? I just think for early morning hikes (makaha light house a fav and too hot in noon sun)late night zips out and just running in and out of places like Byodo temple you want a car....I am volunteering for the red cross tonight will get back to you on Pat's Kailua later in the week. Cheap tickets for car rental, also we were advised to sign up with aa or is it aaa and then get discounted car rentals on the islands.
Nov 13th, 2001, 05:17 PM
#12
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Hi Dejahma it was unit 13A and I can't remember agent's last name and I am reluctant to pull names out of the air without a document in front of me. I remember remarking what a great Irish name.
If you look at photos our unit was one of the nicest. I would not risk your holiday Dejahma but if you are the type that will not be bothered by the things I have mentioned perhaps you will be ok. The man I spoke to as we were leaving was very nice and professional although I do think a refund of our cleaning deposit was in order. It took us some time to clean that place before we left, all of these instructions on how to leave the apartment yet we did not walk into the apartment they were asking us to present. If you did not follow instructions sweeping, laundry of linens and a number of other things you incurred added charges on your security deposit (they need a credit card upon arrival). I thought the cleaning deposit meant you could leave the place as you would a hotel room, we would of course do towels and dishes but not much else beyond this otherwise why pay a cleaning fee? Ok here I go again. I was just annoyed because we had such a wonderful experience in Hanalei on the North Shore of Kauai. So stupid of Pat's because I go back every year. I also tell friend's where to rent but we certainly felt like they were treating us like we would never make our way back there. Good Luck....You can also call the Hawaiian better business bureau and see if any complaints have been registered against an agent.
If you look at photos our unit was one of the nicest. I would not risk your holiday Dejahma but if you are the type that will not be bothered by the things I have mentioned perhaps you will be ok. The man I spoke to as we were leaving was very nice and professional although I do think a refund of our cleaning deposit was in order. It took us some time to clean that place before we left, all of these instructions on how to leave the apartment yet we did not walk into the apartment they were asking us to present. If you did not follow instructions sweeping, laundry of linens and a number of other things you incurred added charges on your security deposit (they need a credit card upon arrival). I thought the cleaning deposit meant you could leave the place as you would a hotel room, we would of course do towels and dishes but not much else beyond this otherwise why pay a cleaning fee? Ok here I go again. I was just annoyed because we had such a wonderful experience in Hanalei on the North Shore of Kauai. So stupid of Pat's because I go back every year. I also tell friend's where to rent but we certainly felt like they were treating us like we would never make our way back there. Good Luck....You can also call the Hawaiian better business bureau and see if any complaints have been registered against an agent.
Nov 14th, 2001, 05:21 AM
#13
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sss:
So let me get this straight: You had to clean the place and wash linens on arrival, you had to clean the place and wash linens on departure, you had no curtains or blankets in one bedroom, and for this you paid $275/night plus a cleaning fee? I don't even do all that at home much less on vacation, lol. What's with these $75 and up cleaning fees anyway? I have my whole house cleaned (3200 sq ft) for $75 a week. This is really making me re-think Kailua as a vacation spot.
I read another bad review of a Kailua owner rental on a dif site too. Maybe we should just rent a condo.
So let me get this straight: You had to clean the place and wash linens on arrival, you had to clean the place and wash linens on departure, you had no curtains or blankets in one bedroom, and for this you paid $275/night plus a cleaning fee? I don't even do all that at home much less on vacation, lol. What's with these $75 and up cleaning fees anyway? I have my whole house cleaned (3200 sq ft) for $75 a week. This is really making me re-think Kailua as a vacation spot.
I read another bad review of a Kailua owner rental on a dif site too. Maybe we should just rent a condo.
Nov 14th, 2001, 06:33 AM
#14
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I think we paid $250 a night, the cleaning fee was $100 and we only stayed 4 nights. So while it was not a lot of laundering upon arrival just some things left in dryer and washer, they did offer to send a maid for sweeping/fridge but we found this to be inconvenient to our four day stay. We did not have a blanket for a hide away bed in alcove that we were assured would accommodate us before they received our security deposit. I also wanted to add that my bed linens were polyester and balled up from wear, blankets that I would throw out if I had at home if I ever would even buy polyester. This place was only in its first season of renting so it is not like this was just overlooked by owners.
Bedroom facing ocean and morning sun had one narrow flyaway curtain strip visible in picture. You can see it barely covered one side window. What really upset me about this is that I was very thorough with Owners & Agency and was told (forget by whom)(so I can’t target agency here) that all windows had sufficient curtains. So to top off bad service there was dishonesty.
Most rentals on any of the islands charge a cleaning fee and do expect some cleaning we just never walked into a dirty apartment without necessary linens etc. I should note that we did find linens on the last day but they were in a cleverly designed shelf that folded in looking like part of the wall. Pat's Kailua had no idea where they would be and could not provide any linins for "this property" as they put it. I think you have to complain about the fee, a place on the North Shore was charging $275 (week stay cleaning fee) for each of their properties we told them we would not rent under those conditions.
KAILUA IS NICE This kind of service is not representative of the area rather this agency and owner.
I have to tell dejahma we loved North Shore Kauai and the rentals are cheaper than Oahu. The only problem is unless you can appreciate rain and high waves, winter is not a good time. Ilikai in Waikiki also does not have this clean the place and pay us for doing it policy and you would be very comfortable. I know Waikiki is not Kailua but if you want mass transportation I think you will be better suited in Waikiki anyway. I liked our time at the Ilikai. We were not there last summer but I did check rates $700 a week for city view $1100 for ocean view, I was checking August rates. They are fully equipped condos, air-conditioned with balcony and can usually sleep 4. I was there summer 95-96 very reasonably monthy rates. I would also look into condo rentals at the former colony surf there the balconies open up on to the water it looks like your entire wall is on the water. I have only visited friends here never stayed. I think it is now the W hotel. There are great options if Waikiki, Diamond Head monthly rentals if you stick with complex condo type places. Good Luck Aloha
Bedroom facing ocean and morning sun had one narrow flyaway curtain strip visible in picture. You can see it barely covered one side window. What really upset me about this is that I was very thorough with Owners & Agency and was told (forget by whom)(so I can’t target agency here) that all windows had sufficient curtains. So to top off bad service there was dishonesty.
Most rentals on any of the islands charge a cleaning fee and do expect some cleaning we just never walked into a dirty apartment without necessary linens etc. I should note that we did find linens on the last day but they were in a cleverly designed shelf that folded in looking like part of the wall. Pat's Kailua had no idea where they would be and could not provide any linins for "this property" as they put it. I think you have to complain about the fee, a place on the North Shore was charging $275 (week stay cleaning fee) for each of their properties we told them we would not rent under those conditions.
KAILUA IS NICE This kind of service is not representative of the area rather this agency and owner.
I have to tell dejahma we loved North Shore Kauai and the rentals are cheaper than Oahu. The only problem is unless you can appreciate rain and high waves, winter is not a good time. Ilikai in Waikiki also does not have this clean the place and pay us for doing it policy and you would be very comfortable. I know Waikiki is not Kailua but if you want mass transportation I think you will be better suited in Waikiki anyway. I liked our time at the Ilikai. We were not there last summer but I did check rates $700 a week for city view $1100 for ocean view, I was checking August rates. They are fully equipped condos, air-conditioned with balcony and can usually sleep 4. I was there summer 95-96 very reasonably monthy rates. I would also look into condo rentals at the former colony surf there the balconies open up on to the water it looks like your entire wall is on the water. I have only visited friends here never stayed. I think it is now the W hotel. There are great options if Waikiki, Diamond Head monthly rentals if you stick with complex condo type places. Good Luck Aloha
Nov 14th, 2001, 07:50 AM
#15
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Kailua and Lanikai are very nice. It sounds like this is just a bad agency to rent from. Unique Hawaiian Experiences, from whom we rented the above listed house, doesn't expect you to "clean" the house when you leave, just don't break or steal anything. However, on Lanikai there is a limited number of permits for vacation rentals. This keeps the area from being overrun by tourists, which is the appeal, but also limits your choices. Since you are just a couple you don't need a big house and there really aren't any condos there and certainly no hotels. I'd suggest you give a call to a few real estate agencies who specialize in that area and inquire about short-term rental of a home since you are talking about staying for two months. I remember seeing some short term rentals and sublets listed in the local paper while we were there. You can have a look at the classifieds in the Honolulu Star Bulletin, www.star-bulletin.com.
Nov 14th, 2001, 02:32 PM
#16
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Thanks for your input sss and Susan. We are completely up in the air right now as to what to do. We will probably check out both Kailua and Makaha this January then make a decision. Maybe we'll just go back to Maui.
We have been on all of the islands, most several times and like different things about them all. We probably liked Molokai the best for the people but are afraid we will get bored if we stay a month or two. Also the snorkeling is not the best.
We loved Lanai, stayed at the Lanai Hotel the year that the big fancy beach front hotel opened, but have the same fears of getting bored. Also no walk to beach affordable properties although the snorkeling is awesome.
I personally like Maui a lot, but it seems that everyone is from So. California (not that there's anything wrong with that).
I am sort of thinking about Waikiki as you suggested but we're not really city people. We live on a bluff overlooking the Mississipi river valley where everyone has from 3 to 10 acres of land. It is really quiet and eagles fly over all winter. If you remember the big flood of 1995 and saw the levee breaking and the house being swept away, we live right above where that house used to be.
I probably sound like the biggest whiner in the world here. My husband thinks we should just get plane tickets fly over and see what's available. I am on the verge of agreeing. In the past I have been the one to pre-plan everything and then drag the family along whether they liked it or not. When we took our kids to hawaii the first time 12 years ago they (kids and husband) went on strike after 7 days saying no more site-seeing we're going to the beach. Guess I'll just chill and see what comes up.
Aloha and mahalo
We have been on all of the islands, most several times and like different things about them all. We probably liked Molokai the best for the people but are afraid we will get bored if we stay a month or two. Also the snorkeling is not the best.
We loved Lanai, stayed at the Lanai Hotel the year that the big fancy beach front hotel opened, but have the same fears of getting bored. Also no walk to beach affordable properties although the snorkeling is awesome.
I personally like Maui a lot, but it seems that everyone is from So. California (not that there's anything wrong with that).
I am sort of thinking about Waikiki as you suggested but we're not really city people. We live on a bluff overlooking the Mississipi river valley where everyone has from 3 to 10 acres of land. It is really quiet and eagles fly over all winter. If you remember the big flood of 1995 and saw the levee breaking and the house being swept away, we live right above where that house used to be.
I probably sound like the biggest whiner in the world here. My husband thinks we should just get plane tickets fly over and see what's available. I am on the verge of agreeing. In the past I have been the one to pre-plan everything and then drag the family along whether they liked it or not. When we took our kids to hawaii the first time 12 years ago they (kids and husband) went on strike after 7 days saying no more site-seeing we're going to the beach. Guess I'll just chill and see what comes up.
Aloha and mahalo
Nov 15th, 2001, 04:46 AM
#17
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check out vacationspot.com. There are other realtors in Kailua/Lanikai. Lanikai seems more expensive but that does not mean you need to exclude it. My sister is a country person and hated Waikiki. I live in NYC and Waikiki does not bother me and I don't know I still think that view of the marina is prettier than anything I live around. I guess my point is that you should listen to what you know you like. Have you done a search on the internet there is another agency "Vacation Hosts" that it's it. I found our Kauai rental by asking people who did not have availability if they knew of someone they could recommend. If you still are concerned I would call and in town competitor and check out reference, if you are going to an individual that is. The islands are small and I think people are reluctant to bad mouth people or businesses unnecessarily but look out if you are dishonest. This is what I observed when I lived there. Don't give up keep looking but do steer clear of Makaha that is almost inviting trouble.
