ZEN TROPICAL BEACHFRONT STUDIO

I'd like to modify my review from March 2012. Although I said great things about this place, I noted that the swimming opportunities were limited. My observation was affected by the fact that I had caught a cold and didn't really go looking for swimming spots. While it is true that there are some spots that are better left for experienced surfers, my return trip in good health allowed me to go swimming and there are some great spots. The Shark's Cove tidal pool and Kolima Cove at Turtle Bay Resort are calm and great for swimming and snorkeling. On most days, Waimea Bay and Shark's Cove itself are also good for swimming. Two recommendations for your stay. First, if you go snorkeling in Shark's Cove (or even Kolima Cove), stop by the North Shore Surf Shop right across the street from Shark's Cove and buy a $15 pair of reef shoes. It will help you walk around (there are lots of rocks) and even help you stand up on a rock if you accidentally swallow some water through your snorkel and panic a bit. It'll be the best $15 you spend in Hawaii. Second, if you're looking for yoga, massages, or surf lessons, try out Surf Into Yoga which is a short ride down Kamahamea Highway. I took a surf lesson with Aimee and she was super cool and patient. I also gained a great appreciation for the sport of surfing for a low price. I'm looking forward to visiting again.

I stayed 4 nights in this studio and it was perfect for what I needed. The location is perfect as you are right on the beat. It was clean and everything seemed fairly new. So new that it took me quite a bit to figure out how to turn on the shower haha. The use of the bikes was great as during the day it's an easy bike ride to Waimea Bay, Sharks Cove (and the use of the snorkel gear there was awesome), Ted's Bakery (highly recommended for breakfast and lunch), and the other nearby beaches. I had rented a car so it was a short drive to Turtle Bay at night as otherwise I'm not sure how else you would get around if looking for things to do at night.

Just returned from several nights at this property. It was exactly as described and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. The studio is clean and very comfortable for 2 people. It was handy to have access to bikes, snorkels, etc and be able to prepare simple breakfasts. The owners are very friendly, yet give you space to enjoy your time there. We loved being so close to Waimea Falls, Haleiwa, Turtle Bay and Shark's Cove, but had a hard time leaving the amazing views from the comfortable beach chairs.
The property is located close to the hwy, but the noise didn't bother us a bit. (As we drove around, we noticed most beachfront properties were close to the highway.) We absolutely would return here and recommed it to friends and family, and hope to return soon.