Perfect Stay

JandB123 (Eagle Mountain, UT, USA)
Review submitted: April 30, 2013   Date of arrival: April 12, 2013

Everything was exactly as described. The condo was great and the complex has amazing views of the incredible mountains that surround it. The pool area was clean and our kids loved playing in the kiddie pool.

Everything that you can think of was provided in the condo for a great day at the beach. The local Makaha beaches were great and rarely had many people on them. We also spent plenty of time at the lagoons in Ko' Olina which were about 20 minutes away since our two kids are small and it was better for them to swim there.

If you are looking for crowded beaches and the craziness of Waikiki, then look someplace else, but if you want a relaxing vacation away from crowds, this is the place. The only small drawback of being away from it all is that if you want to check out other more "touristy" parts of the island it was a bit of a drive, but it was never a problem for us as we tried to avoid those most of the time.

We had read some bad things about the "West Side" of Oahu, but everyone we met in that area was super friendly and we never had any problems at all.

Janie was easy to get a hold of when we needed and made sure everything went smoothly with check-in and getting to the condo.

I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone, we will surely be back sometime.

Mahalo for the perfect vacation!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Delightful!

Stan and Diana (Watersmeet, MI, US)
Review submitted: March 21, 2013   Date of arrival: January 28, 2013

The majestic Makaha Valley backdrop of this Makaha get-a-way is incredible. The description of this rental is perfect. It was clean and all cooking pans and utensils were provided. I appreciated the excellent communication with the owner. The welcome surprise was an extra treat that was above and beyond what we have experienced before. We were fortunate to stay for three weeks so we had time to experience the bus that goes right past the condo unit. We had a rental car for a week so we could see all we needed around the island. Then we managed by using the bus. I am a light sleeper, so I heard the peacocks squawking the first few nights. However, I got used to them fast. We had a wonderful stay and hated to leave.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Makaha Paradise - Izzy Would Be Proud!

Don (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)
Review submitted: February 26, 2013   Date of arrival: January 20, 2013

Makaha was so peaceful, so fun, so comfortable, so relaxing, so beautiful, so..... wish I was back right now. The home of Izzy, we played his music lots, it is a wonderful side of Oahu. Our hosts Janie and Sonny were perfect in every aspect of the rental experience! The condo had everything advertised and more. The staff was great, neighbors were nice, facilities perfect and the setting dramatic and beautiful. We truly enjoyed the beaches, roads end, Mt. Ka'ala, the organic farm/restaurant, L & L, the markets, the bakeries, Monky Pod at Ko Olina, the sunsets at every beach, the surf, the white sad.... OK, now I'm getting sad I'm not there. Long story short, Makaha and the Peaceful Hideaway are the best!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Oahu's Best

Stafman1985 (Killeen, Texas)
Review submitted: January 25, 2013   Date of arrival: January 15, 2013

If you are looking for peace and quite, security both at the gated entry and walking patrols. If you are looking for easy access the the best beaches, places to eat and shop, and shop some more. You have found it at this home. It had been 30 years ago since stationed here with the Army and I will give it to you straight. This property is the best stay on the island. First due diligence; Men start off things on the right foot with a Lei Greeting (Oahu Lei Greeters)at the airport. My wife and I were placed on a later flight due to weather and our greeter had checked and knew our correct flight. Those fresh flowers lasted our entire stay. Waikiki is crowded, over-rated, expensive, busy and traffic is a nightmare. Eats: Great prices and service, walk right into Niko's around 5 or 7pm for seafood at pier 38. Luau at the Hale Koa Hotel has been voted number 1 for years and lasts some 4 hours. Places: Dole Plantation and take the 1 hour horseback ride at Kualoa Ranch. Arizona Memorial is a must and it's free to all. Be at Hunauma Bay early. Shop for your island gifts at Wal-Mart or K-Mart first. If you can, try the military exchanges.
This 5 day vacation was a dream come true. The property made the largest impact. Having this home to relax in during the day or evenings with the pool, hot tub, trails and all the nice people living there, I just can't say enough. The staff and owners have our heart felt thank you. We will be back !!!!!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Lovely getaway

cannyjo (eugene, OR)
Review submitted: January 17, 2013   Date of arrival: December 29, 2012

Very comfortable nicely appointed condo in a gated community. All the amenities and great beaches close by. The leeward side of the island had by far the best weather the week we were there, rainy on most of the rest of the island. our hostess went out of her way to be sure we had anything we needed for a great vacation. Makaha and the west coast are not the typical tourist areas, but rather may provide a more authentc hawaaian experience, and all the tourist sites are an easy drive away. I can highly recommend this as an affordable alternative to the island resorts, and a comfy hideaway for the more self directed traveler.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Outstanding Vacation

Mich Fam (Michigan)
Review submitted: January 1, 2013   Date of arrival: December 14, 2012

Cannot say enough how this exceeded our expectations. Janie was pleasant in working out the initial arrangements and helpful with questions. The place was great for a family of four. Clean and well-equipped. Didn't need anything additional which was great! We chose to stay away from the hustle of the tourist area and it was an excellent decision. A beach was very close and not packed. The drive to our chosen activities was fine and as expected. The traffic is what it is. Always felt safe. It was nice to be able to view more of the island. We had an unimproved trail close that we ventured on and it was a highlight. No problems shopping for supplies. We definitely would recommend this rental and will use again. Our whole vacation was relaxing and enjoyed by all :))

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

A Very Well Managed Unit

Makahamary (Olympia, Wa)
Review submitted: November 30, 2012   Date of arrival: November 14, 2012

Since we lived on the property at one time, there were no surprises for us about location, property amenities, and distance to the rest of the island. We love the property and the area. The fact that Makaha is more "real" Hawaiian attracts us back time and again. We love playing tennis with the "locals" at the Waianae courts.

The owners, Janie and Sonny, are exceptionally great hosts and know how to provide for every possible need for their guests. The unit is sparkling clean, well decorated and also well-provisioned with all the basic supplies and then some. The furniture is not only attractive but comfy, too. The information provided about things to do and places to see is helpful - and the owner's specific suggestions about restaurants and entertainment were spot on!

Recommended for people who want to get away from Waikiki and other more touristy spots and who enjoy excellent beaches, hiking trails and a more laid-back life style. A car is an absolute necessity even though the buses do run frequently. A

We will definitely come back!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Much Better Deal Than Hotel

hbcjesusfreaks (marquette, mi, USA)
Review submitted: November 13, 2012   Date of arrival: October 30, 2012

What a really fantastic place to rent. The Makaha Valley Plantation (MVP) has so much to offer. Gated-secured parking, multiple pools/hot tubs, tennis courts, bbq grilling areas, kidde pool areas, ect are some of the best features this condo offers.
I have rented houses/homes, condos, townhouses, ect ALL OVER the country, and this was truly the most furnished place we have stayed at. It had literally everything you could ever want or need from a rental. ALL beach stuff, ALL linens/towels, ALL kitchen utensils, and a whole bunch of stuff you would never think you would need (like Superglue, which we needed and found in a junk drawer...thanks Janie!!)
Janie was real easy to deal with, real nice to communicate with, and was available if we needed her. The price is SO much better than a one bedroom hotel room for a week. Here you have a whole house to stretch out in and a whole kitchen to prepare family meals in. (we had a fish feast, from our charter, and felt like we were dining in a fancy restaurant), plus a full-sized living room to relax and watch Netflixs/DVD/Pandora ect.
Overall, you really can't ask for a better deal on the unit itself. The only real downside is the physical location--Makaha. It is West Side of Oahu, and travelling anywhere else pretty much takes you an hour by car. We went to the North Shore 5 times, and it took us an hour each way, each time. Honolulu/Waikiki also took an hour or more (traffic on the H1 can be truly nightmarish), so temper your travelling expectations, and leave at least 30 minutes earlier than you normally would. (we almost missed our shark dive in Haliewa)
I would rent this unit again, in a heartbeat. Period.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Great place to Stay!!!!

patrice (San Diego, CA)
Review submitted: September 27, 2012   Date of arrival: August 18, 2012

This condo is FOR REAL!!! The owners were wonderful, accomodating and helpful. This Makaha Gettaway is HUGE for a condo in Hawaii and it has air-conditioning. The furniture is very cute and "Hawaiian". This is NOT a time share, it is SOOO much better! This charming condo has everything one would need from coffee pot to toaster to scissors, saran wrap and spices! The scenery is gorgeous and nature abounds – peacocks galore! The area is very secluded and the pristine beaches nearby are not crowded. There are some really cool parks and Dolphin Excursions within a few miles. If you want to stay in the Makaha/Waianae Coast Area, this is a great choice; you will not be disappointed. Don’t stay too long, I will be back someday!

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Two Weeks of Rest and Relaxation in Paradise

Vegas Traveler (Las Vegas, NV/SW, USA)
Review submitted: September 21, 2012   Date of arrival: September 5, 2012

What a great condo to spend relaxing time away from home. We arrived late afternoon stopped by Costco on the way for some supplies. We were happy to see the comfortable surroundings and met several of the neighbors who were warm and welcoming. We stayed 14 days, enjoyed the complexes hot tub and pool just a few steps from the condo. There was everything we needed at the unit and more. I was able to connect my laptop with ease, we watched netflix and even rented a few movies from REDBOX. Janie was very helpful when I had any questions and answered immediately. There is exceptional bus service to the area. I was pleasantly suprized. However we rented a car because we wanted to see every area of the island and circled it twice, putting approx. 1000 miles on the car. We went to Ko Olina to 2 differnt lagoons several times, North Shore several times for Shave Ice at Matsumotos and swimming, Polynesian Cultrual Center, Sea Life Park, Ali'i Catamaran Cruise and Dinner (Fridays there are Fireworks in Honolulu),Visited Scholfield Barracks for tickets(if you are military) take advantage of all the discounts offered. We spent time driving the Waianae Coast and seeing all that the area had to offer. We shopped the local Sack and Save too as well as Wal Mart and Longs Drugs. We had lunch at the Pho Thai Restrurant in Maili, pretty good food, Chili's and Josh's Grill( you get a lot of food for the money here)in Kapolei, They were both busy and the food great! The price was right for this unit and the owners are really nice people. We found gas prices to be cheaper in Waianae, but if you are a member of Costco it is even a better price. The Peacocks at Makaha Plantation are beautiful, the flowering plants along the Makaha Valley Road are breathtaking and the view from the Balcony is wonderful...We are very please d with our experience. We will surely return on our next visit to Oahu. It is worth the drive and the distance to have peace and quiet amongst the residents of Oahu. Thanks Janie Jo for everything.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Peaceful Makaha Guestbook

Review submitted: April 22, 2012   Date of arrival: March 26, 2012

First visit was in 2007
Thank you so Much!

Second visit was March 2012
~Janie, Thank you. Thank you for letting us stay on such short notice!
Heart Hugs Ivy!

~ Ivy from Utah

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Helpful votes: 5 / 5

Peaceful Makaha Guestbook

Review submitted: April 22, 2012   Date of arrival: March 31, 2008

Really enjoyed condo, -weather, pool-, jacuzzi. Can't say what really was our favorite activity. We did it all in the time our daughters were here - submarine
-Luau, water world fishing trip 5 hrs - Pearl Harbor - climbed Diamond Head.
I only got past level 6 - 74 steps + tunnel. Saw lots whales; enjoyed Pokai Beach.
Bus is really great leaving here but returning is ? Ha Ha. Girls drove us around while they were here. Made good use of Bus Pass + Phone Card. Girls really glad they were able to keep in touch by phone.
Thanks again Janie + daughter Casey? for picking us up at the airport + getting us settled in. Who knows maybe we will meet again.
All the very best to you all. Mahalo

Dale and Tony from Ontario, CANADA

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Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Peaceful Makaha Guestbook

Review submitted: April 22, 2012   Date of arrival: June 1, 2007

We had a wonderful time. We enjoyed snorkeling, surfing at Waikiki, the Arizona Memorial, Hanauma Bay, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Your condo provided a clean and convenient venue to allow us to enjoy Oahu.
We would do it again if the opportunity allows, of course.
~ Norene from Yucaipa, CA

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Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Peaceful Makaha Guestbook

Review submitted: April 22, 2012   Date of arrival: July 28, 2006

Hey Janie - we really enjoyed our stay at your condo-
It was very nice to meet you and your daughter and in case we
ever get a chance to travel and stop on Oahu, we will let you
know some weeks before... kisses from me, viola and little kris
~ Kris from Spain

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Peaceful Makaha Guestbook

Review submitted: April 22, 2012   Date of arrival: July 15, 2006

We have really enjoyed staying in your apartment, it is very comfortable & spacious. The location was beautiful, the beaches were stunning and we had
a great time staying here. Thank-you for your gifts on arrival :)
Carey from New Zealand

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Peaceful Makaha Guestbook

Review submitted: April 22, 2012   Date of arrival: July 7, 2006

Beautiful Condo. Beautiful location. People are very friendly.
We had a wonderful time in Paradise, and we don't want to go back
home. We hope to visit again! Mahalo!!!
Susan from San Antonio, TX

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Peaceful Makaha Guestbook

Review submitted: April 22, 2012   Date of arrival: January 12, 2006

We found the condo to be very comfortable & cozy. We definitely needed a car over here since it was so far from Waikiki. We put 1000 miles on the rental car for 7 days! We ha a great time.
Thanks again for a wonderful stay! ~ Anita from Thousand Oaks, CA

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Getaway

justin (Portland)
Review submitted: April 22, 2012   Date of arrival: April 5, 2012

For the price that was offered.....we could not have gotten a better vacation....No crowds no drama !.....paradise to be taken !....A Breath of fresh air....A sigh of relaxation.....Thank You !!....Thank you !

Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 3 / 3