Extraordinary host and accommodations

We arrived on Kauai late on a Thursday night, got to the property later than expected, and found our host (Tony) waiting up for us with a warm welcome and to make sure we had everything we needed. The condo was crisp, comfortable and clean- everything is basically brand new- and decorated tastefully with local flavor. On a clear morning, you can see the ocean on the horizon from the balcony and if you turn around you can see the lush green mountains poking through between the roofs. All the amenities included with the kitchen, laundry, swimming pool and a nearby park/playground and walkable grocery store, made this a perfect place to stay for a small family with a toddler. There is a fold out couch in the living room, though we found with a little one… A makeshift nest in our closet with curtains to make it dark was just the ticket! High ceilings, loads of light and really a beautiful space, with everything you need to enjoy the beaches and pool included to borrow- towels, chairs, mats, snorkeling gear, boogie boards and goggles. And Tony, the host, is such a delightful and interesting character- and very accessible, he lives downstairs and is always only a knock or a phone call away. He has an array of interests and hobbies including astronomy with an impressive array of telescopes and will gladly share a star gazing experience extraordinaire if the evening clouds and your schedule cooperate. Finally, the location was fantastic. The North shore is lush and beautiful with some fantastic beaches to enjoy and an easy shuttle ride to hike the Napali coast (just book ahead). Princeville itself was a little ritzy for our taste, but for a more bohemian experience, just continue down the road to nearby Hanalei with a variety of shops, restaurants, a farmer’s market and evening entertainment. The South side spectacles including Waimea are just a car trip away. Hoku Lanai was a perfect home base for a family vacation that was wonderful beyond all expectations.