Hale Ho’o Maha Bed & Breakfast

The Hale Ho’o Maha Bed & Breakfast sits on a quiet residential street off of a winding road that hugs the Kauai coast. This away-from-it-all setting carries over to the hotel's atmosphere, which has a low-key social vibe. While the rooms are private, the living area is shared, meaning that guests are likely to interact with one another more than they would at the larger hotels or resorts nearby. The owners, Kirby and Toby, are friendly hosts who have been hosting guests for over a decade. Kirby was born in the Year of the Dragon and some repeat guests have gifted her with dragon stuffed animals, which are displayed in the living room. They also have a pet parrot who will greet you as you approach the entrance and a few cats on the premises, which helps to amplify the domestic atmosphere. (Travelers with severe allergies or those uncomfortable with animals should stay elsewhere.) As the property has an intimate style, and children under 8 aren't allowed, expect to see mostly couples here. 

Hale Ho’o Maha is located in Wainiha, on a quiet residential street that's an easy drive from some of the top north shore attractions. This is one of the most naturally beautiful areas of Kauai, though there isn't too much within an easy walk. The closest beach is just two minutes away on foot, and a coffee shop and restaurant are a five-minute walk away (at the Hanalei Colony Resort) -- but that's about it. A small general store and sushi restaurant are less than a five-minute drive toward Hanalei. All other shopping is located directly in Hanalei, a 15-minute drive away. Though buses are available from the airport to Hanalei, car rentals are recommended if you plan on exploring the area. 

It's only a five-minute drive or a 20-minute walk to the popular snorkeling spot at Tunnels Beach. A 10-minute drive leads to Ke’e Beach, the Kalalau Trail trailhead, and the gateway to the Napali Coast. Popular Lumahi Beach, featured in "South Pacific," is also 10 minutes away by car. Queens Bath and the Makai Golf Course, in Princeville, will take 25 minutes to reach by car, while the calmer waters of Anini Beach -- popular with families -- is a 30-minute drive from the property. Expect a one-hour drive to Lihue Airport. 

The rooms here are clean, simple, and tastefully decorated to match their individual tropical-fruit theme: Pineapple, Mango, Guava, and Papaya. Each room has simple island decor, Indonesian furniture, a small table with chairs, and a flat-screen TV and DVD player. While the craft-heavy style is mostly charming -- think: handmade quilts on beds and softly hued landscape art on the walls -- it can feel a little dated in spots. The Mango Suite is the only room with air-conditioning, but ocean breezes and fans keep the rooms cool at night. Small furnished lanais in each room are a lovely extra, and offer both breezes and garden views. Private bathrooms have showers and a good amount of counter space, but toiletries are limited to pump soap, body wash, and soap bars. Daily housekeeping isn't provided, but an extra set of sheets -- as well as robes and towels -- are stocked in each room. In-room Wi-Fi is free. 

As this is a simple bed-and-breakfast, features are predictably limited. The common area is equipped with a TV and DVD player, as well as a comfy couch, multiple books, and a shared lanai. A breakfast buffet is served daily and includes items such as fresh fruit, pancakes, French toast, and eggs, as well as tea and coffee. Most previous guests are pleased with the offerings. There's also a shared kitchen and a washer/dryer for guests' use. While there is no pool, the hotel does have an ozonated hot tub that's a nice perk. Coolers, beach chairs, and snorkeling gear are all free to borrow. Wi-Fi and parking are both free as well.