BIG FAMILY HOME/BEACH ACCESS

We stayed for 1 week at this property in mid April 2013. It was a huge place for our small family of four, but we very much enjoyed the ample space.

The other reviews are apt in their descriptions: the outside is non-descript and a bit deceiving: the inside is much bigger than it would seem from the exterior, and though nothing is fancy, it's definitely warm.

We arrived famished and late at night and were delighted with the welcome bag of local popcorn, a fresh pineapple, some nuts and some coffee beans. The book shelves were stacked with (current) Oahu guide books, restaurant reviews, maps, and all kinds of fiction and movies -- hugely fantastic to have. The pantry had everything from olive oil to pancake mix and all kinds of spices, and the fridge was stocked with lemon juice and sauces -- a benefit to owning a very popular rental house. We mentioned we had a baby when we booked and asked if they had a crib. They did- and it was not only accessible but totally set up with blankets and sheets when we arrived -- wonderful.

You don't think much about snorkel gear and stocked beach towels when booking a family vacation - at least we didn't - but the availability of all these things made a huge difference. There was even an extra new swim diaper in the bathroom, and a new bag of elastics. There was detergent in the washing machine area so we could wash our sandy bathing suits. We didn't have think about little details on anything, and it made a huge difference to us, giving us time just to enjoy each other.

The only cons: not too much within driving distance except for the beach. The nearest 7 11 is not within walking distance and there's not any real town nearby. A rental car is a requirement. This home is not in a touristy area, which we liked but some might not.

But we weren't there for the slurpees, and the beach is surprisingly quiet and very beautiful immediately across the street, and stretches for quite a ways. Chinaman's Hat and the North Shore are all beautifully accessible little jaunts.

We'd come again for sure. Thanks, Willow and Jim.

My husband and I recently stayed here for a week with 3 other couples. Some of the pros and cons:
Pros - main area of the house is very spacious, clean and updated. Kitchen is well equipped and has a dishwasher. We only saw one lizard and a few spiders inside the house. We loved having air conditioning and flat screen tvs in every room. Wireless was very handy. Welcome basket with coffee and treats very nice. Met with Willow the day after arrival to review alarm, garbage/recycling, ask questions, etc. Access to beach chairs, kayak, boogie boards, snorkel gear, etc. No cleaning/laundering required when departing. Close to Polynesian Cultuaral Centre and the best shrimp trucks.
Cons – bedrooms dated and not very clean – spider webs in corners, dirty under beds and dressers, stained carpet. Laundry in carport and only motion light for lighting. Noisy peacock and roosters next door. Tenant above carport. No ocean view. 45 minutes to Haleiwa and about an hour to Honolulu so be prepared for a lot of driving.

Jim's home has everything you need to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation. If you need information or anything , Jim either has it or will find it. The location is ideal. The house is spacious, well equipped and very functional. Jim has thought of almost everything to enhance your stay. We enjoyed a trip of a lifetime in Jim's house. It was an absolute pleasure for all of us.