21 Reviews of Property 196472 in Sunset Beach, Hawaii

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.

We had a great time the studio was great the pictures of it and the beach is just like is shows and just right for us. We loved the location right on the beach the weather was a little rainy for a few days, but so what, YOU ARE IN HAWAII it is so amazingly beautiful and so relaxing. You are on the North shore close to all the best food, beaches and the most friendliest people you will ever meet. So we have decided starting now we are making our trips to Hawaii yearly. We recommend Zen Tropical Studio great place to stay.

I stayed at this North Shore Oahu location mid-March 2012 because I wanted a Hawaii experience that was a little less touristy than Honolulu and a beach experience that involved bigger waves and more of a surfing vibe than Waikiki Beach. Despite some personal setbacks like catching a cold my second day in Hawaii, my stay at this location was one of the best vacations I've ever had. First of all, the room is a small studio with bath but is more spacious than a hotel room. The host family is very friendly and hospitable when you see them, but for the most part you do your thing and they do theirs. They also offer a number of items that you can use during your stay like mask and snorkel, bikes, cooler, etc. Then it all has to do with location, location, location. It was only about a 45 minute drive from Honolulu to this location and it was very easy to find with Mapquest. It was right on the beach. You cross the backyard then there you are on the beach. Making it even more amazing was the fact that there is a small reef right on the shoreline so when the waves break on the shore there is a big white splash, perfect for listening to and watching while you watch the sunset. You are within a long walking distance, a short bike ride, or very short drive to some amazing beaches like Ehukai Beach aka the Banzai Pipeline where you can see some awesome waves and watch some amazing surfers, Sunset Beach to watch more waves and surfers, Shark's Cove Beach where you can snorkel, Three Tables Beach where you can also snorkel, and Waimea Bay which is a little calmer beach. A short drive one way is Haleiwa where you can find stores, bars, and restaurants and the other way is Turtle Bay Resort where you can find a couple of bars and restaurants and even use their beach. For necessities, a Foodland and Starbucks is a couple minute drive away. So as to keep this review honest, I will say that if your looking to do a lot of swimming maybe Honolulu is a better spot because the ocean is a little rougher up on the North Shore. All in all, a great place exactly as advertised.

Sweet people, sweet place, sweet location! ...on the beach! and the bike path! mid-way between Sunset and Waimea, just around the corner from Shark's Cove in one direction and just down the beach from Pipeline in the other! (..garlic shrimp at Ted's Bakery, etc..) Small, but clean, comfortable and private, a charming place with lovely hosts and perfect for us. We'll be back for a much longer stay!

This was our second stay with Tina. The unit has everything you need and Tina is very accommodating. Yes, the studio is small but with the beautiful island awaiting you how much time are you going to spend in the studio? You can hear the traffic on the road, but generally by bedtime traffic dies down and we do not find it distracting. We spend more time listening to the crashing waves! Tina has made some furniture changes, which were nice and made the space a little more user friendly. The location cannot be beat and most of the time we enjoyed Ke Iki beach all to ourselves. Great value, location and host. Now, we start counting the days until next year!

I just purchased a new refrigerator so I hope the noise issue is mute. I appreciate it when my guests tell me verbally or by note if something is unsatisfactory.
Mahalo to all my guests for their recommendations.