Aloha! This review is way overdue and is about our lovely experience staying at the Hale Makai in the Ginger cottage #4 back in May 2019. If you are looking for the perfect getaway, in need of peace, quiet, a place to detach from the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature, the Hale Makai cottages can provide all aspects of relaxation. Nestled in the depths of a tropical paradise you can find this exquisite beach front property with panoramic views of the ocean and as you walk out onto the sand you can witness a magnificent sunrise (am) and sunset (pm). We originally booked our stay in May 2018 however, due to the unforeseen flooding the Hanalei/Haena Area experienced in April 2018 which caused a lot of damage resulting in the closure of many businesses, the Kauai government imposed a strict ban for tourist to not be allowed to rent in areas that were hit hard, this was due to the safety of the tourist. So, Hale Makai cottages offered to re-book our stay the following year once the Kauai government felt it was safe again for tourist to rent and dwell in the Haena area. Susan play such an integral part in rebooking our stay in May 2019. She exhibited superb customer service and was always on point in answering all our questions promptly. We loved our cottage and it was equipped with everything we needed, comfy bed, linens, dishes, oven, stove, utensils, refrigerator, sink, living room, outdoor patio (we used to eat out every morning and night), soak tub, and beautifully smelling soaps and lotions locally made by Aunty Ina. The breeze felt so nice coming through into the cottage and it smelled like plumeria. It's about a 5-minute drive into the hip town of Hanalei and your surrounded by so many beautiful beaches that are not heavily impacted with tourists. When we were there it felt like we had our own private beach. We really enjoyed our stay here, the cottages are immaculate and the grounds are impeccably well maintained, just absolute paradise! Mahalo! read more

See all

We have been staying at Hale Makai Cottages since 2006. We absolutely LOVE this place.Stayed here in July 2023 & the new ownership does not disappoint! Matt & Chris were so helpful with our stay. The grounds are amazing & cottages located on the best beach. We will be back and look forward to our next trip. read more

Though expensive, the cottages are well maintained and tastefully appointed. The grounds are nicely groomed and the beach front location is exceptional. There is excellent snorkeling right from the beach. There are only two small negatives. For $500 per night, it is very strange that they have a mandatory house keeping charge of $80 if you stay past 7 nights AND a $160 house keeping charge on check out. Then, they also charge $5 per load of self-wash laundry. All of those fees need to be removed for a place of this expense. read more

See all

According to Susan from Hale Makai Cottages regarding the road closure " we do believe there is a strong chance the ordinance will be extended through December 2018". The road has been damaged since early April. This was not disclosed when we asked about any damages from the flooding when we booked in late April. The road damage was a pre-existing condition at the time we booked. read more

Hale Makai Cottages - THE ROAD TO HAENA - Guest Houses Near Me - Haena, Hawaii

If you pay this much per night for a place, it's reasonable to have certain expectations. Such as shampoo. No little bottles of shampoo. No store close by either. So be sure to bring some or you will be washing your hair with bar soap. We lost power the first night we stayed. Since there is no a/c, you have to rely on fans. The room was very warm with no fans blowing so it was fairly miserable. It was also very windy and there is a palm frond that scraped the roof all night. This was not a broken frond, but had been there for a very long time. I have a hard time believing we are the only ones who noticed. When I asked if someone could come and fix the problem I was told that everything in Hawaii is slow and no promises. It was never addressed during our stay. The screen door was off when we got there and we asked to have someone put it on. We were told that it was easy, we could do it ourselves. We also had another screen that continued to come off several times each day. We paid the $5 for laundry soap (per load) and then we got the instructions on how/where/when and as directed, we attempted to wash our clothes the evening before we left (you can only do lau dru between 4 and 9 pm). But apparently they had a 24 hour soak. We couldn't do laundry. We went home without clean clothes. There is a restaurant close by but it is mediocre and expensive. We won't be back and we can't recommend this place. We were very happy elsewhere on the island. read more

May 2019 was our fourth visit to Hale Makai. We were the first guests in our cottage since the April 2018 flooding, and among the first non-residents allowed past the check points into Haena. Hale Makai does have issues with its cancellation policy, especially when compared with Hawaii-themed resorts like Marriott or Disney. But as a small operation in a location we adore, we simply booked and re-booked and re-booked until both the road and Hale Makai were open again. To us, it is worth the wait. I would simply be repeating the other four or five star reviews on the location, the reef, the gardens, the cottages, the peace and quiet. But I haven't seen anyone else praise the bird song symphony from the back gardens in the morning. I didn't take photos during our stay, but I did make a sound recording of the multi-species bird song. They may have been prepping for the rain showers later that day. We were privileged to arrive before the Kuhio Highway was opened to general traffic. We could ride our bikes safely (we rented from Pedal N Paddle in Hanalei) and walk in peace along the normally jammed road. I easily understand the locals desire to have some remedy to the over use that often plagues this part of the North Shore. What that remedy might be will be watched by places like Big Sur in California, which is also over-loved. Mahalo Hale Makai for hanging it there as an operation during and after the flooding disaster. We had another magical realism visit! read more

We were blessed to enjoy an extended stay here, and we relished every minute. The grounds are designed to provide spaciousness around each cottage and yet also provide privacy. The immediate proximity to the beach gave way to watching each and every sunrise and sunset. The distance from artificial lights allowed such a stunning display of stars as we would normally expect only from a mountain top. The coral reef is exceptional (better than Tunnels, in our opinion). The caliber of other guests made for a peaceful, private atmosphere, the opposite of some resort-style mania. Yes, the cottage had a well supplied kitchen, simple and yet elegant furnishings and construction, plenty of interior space; every cottage has its own deck, porch or outdoor dining area. We came to sink in to the deep peace and stunning beauty of the north shore, and we received everything we could have hoped for. Now, it is off the beaten track, and Kaua'i's road maintenance problems have not been fully resolved. You cannot just run to town for that forgotten razor and another bottle of wine at will. If you want modern convenience or a nearby Tiki bar to hang out, better rent a condo in Princeville; that is not what this is. Hale Makai is a retreat, is simple and restorative, is beautiful and rare. read more

We stayed in cottage #1 for a week and enjoyed every second! The sound of the ocean and palm trees is all you'll hear. It's so incredibly beautiful and relaxing. You're steps from the beach (which we had to ourselves most of the time) and just a couple miles from both Tunnels and Ke'e beach. The cottage itself was well appointed with everything we needed (even an ice maker and a water filter pitcher!) and the finishes are all high end. We were here with our 2 year old daughter and there was plenty of grassy space for her to run around. We enjoyed dinner on the lanai most nights - watching the ocean. Each cottage has it's own BBQ. Other things that are worth mentioning: -This cottage had a ton - A TON - of towels. Beach towels, bath towels, hand towels... There were an abundance and we never ran out like we usually do after a few days at a hotel -There is no need to rent a snorkel or buy beach chairs because there's a stash behind one of the cottages for all to use. I used the same snorkel and fins all week, there was a ball for my 2 year old to play with, and we left behind a bucket and sand toys for the next lucky kiddo. -If staying over a weekend, I recommend heading to Hanalei on Saturday morning for the farmer's market. -Sushigirl, which is a tiny door next to the 'last chance to stop market' Wainiha General Store, is fab. -Susan, the agent for Hale Makai, was incredibly helpful. I'm super type A and was nervous about traveling for the first time with my little one. I probably asked her 200 questions and was very (VERY!) patient with me. Enjoy your stay!! read more

My Happy Place Absolute paradise! This was one of the most relaxing and peaceful places I have every stayed. Steps from the beach. Amazing views. We stayed in the Hibiscus cottage which was very roomy and well appointed. We even had a private chef come in and cook us dinner on our last night. Despite incredible humidity (rainy day) on one of the days, it was still quite enjoyable. Susan was very helpful with all of the arrangements. If you don't want to leave, shop for food before you arrive. Date of stay: 10/16-19/15 read more

I remember my first trip to Hawaii, in Maui, "on the road to Hana.". It felt like a NASCAR race in slow motion. For the first twenty miles the scenery was more about tour buses and lines of traffic crawling at 10 mph. I felt desperate, first for a glimpse of special beauty, then to commit suicide. Now, Maui as well as it's road to Hana, is singularly unbelievable, at least once you get by the tourists. It's sister island, Kauai, is smaller. The island is more remote, chosen by the Hollywood set for just such a reason no doubt. It's the road to Hana if you will without the NASCAR part: a wild, engulfing, and remote land-of-the-lost/ from here to eternity exhibition of pristine nature. (The famous kissing scene in "From Here to Eternity" was in fact filmed on a beach very close to this property). Kaui, at times, can make you feel like the horizon is yours. If you stay in the right places, even the most die-hard oil man from Texas will come away as a member of the Sierra Club. Hale Makai "cottages" is one such place, secretly protecting an exotic underworld of fish and vibrant reef system a just few feet from its beach, manicured lawn, and five cottages. Bring your snorkel gear. Bring a book to read in one of the hammocks! Listen to the wind talking to the palms: find a sunrise. This is what I liked, not to mention a few private dinners prepared at home in our little private cottage. read more

Hale Makai Cottages - early morning from our cottage - Guest Houses Near Me - Haena, Hawaii

See all

This place is the perfect combination of resort and private home! The grounds were so private and well maintained, you won't have random people walking through to get to the beach! No detail was left undone in the interiors. We stayed in #2 for our honeymoon the first week of November and we couldn't have been happier, 8 days just wasn't enough and it was hard to leave! The location couldn't have been better; you are walking distance to Tunnels, a short drive into town for the farmers market and dining, and you have excellent snorkeling right outside your doorstep. If you are looking for a private, resort like experience that doesn't include hundreds of tourists, this is the place! read more

See all

AMAZING, is all i have to say,,we were in Orchid Beach Cottage! Cottage #3 and it was perfect. The place is truly in parade and the pics do not do it justice its closer to the beach than it looks. Also some of the very best snorkeling we did on Kauai is right in your front yard! We did a few nights on South shore then 4 nights here and it was just what we had hoped for. The kitchen is good enough we did dinner in with the help of the Local Fish Co. Laying in bed and looking out seeing the water is the best. We will be booking same time next year! read more

I was one of the guests that was affected by the storm in April 2018. The storm happened just a few days before my arrival; my reservation was of course cancelled. However, I did not have the same experience as some of these other reviewers. I read the Terms and Conditions before booking, so I knew the risk of not having trip insurance and since I did not have it, I rescheduled my reservation (had to reschedule a couple times due to the completion date of the road being pushed back several times). I was informed of the situation on a regular basis from Susan at HMC and never felt like they were hiding anything or being dishonest. The terms are spelled out in the contract and they followed their policy in my opinion. Those complaining agreed to the same terms I did, so I don't understand their anger. Also, because I rescheduled a few times, I got several emails from HMC with my new reservation attached and every email clearly explained that there was a chance the road opening date could change and guests should have insurance in case their reservation was cancelled. It seems to me that people are blaming HMC for following the agreement in place. I wasn't able to make it to HMC until the end of May 2019, but it was well worth the wait! I was actually one of the very first guests on property when it was reopened and it was exactly what I was expecting. I stayed in Orchid #3, a one bedroom. It had everything I needed, was very clean, and the ocean view was amazing. Every morning I woke up to a beautiful sunrise on the beach and didn't have much need to leave the property during my stay. The weather was perfect and there was excellent snorkeling conditions. There is a coral reef not too far out and it is well worth exploring. HMC provided beach chairs and towels and there's a shed on the side of #3 that guests have left some gear, but I would recommend bringing your own snorkel gear. If I didn't already know the storm had happened, I would not have known! The only sign of the storm is the road work. When I was there the road was open to residents and TVR renters, but there was a schedule in place to drive on it. It was not a big deal for me and I hear it will be over mid June. Either way, HMC was a wonderful location, perfect for a relaxing Hawaiian vacation and I will definitely be returning!! I would take the other reviews with a grain of salt as they shouldn't be upset about a policy they agreed to or blame HMC for the road opening date being changed by the HDOT. Mahalo, Hale Makai Cottages! read more

Susan states the cottages are open for business as of now August 2018. Untrue or they are in violation of the Mayor of Kauai's ban on renting to visitors through November 2018 or a later date. Do a search on the internet or call or visit the tourism bureau in Kauai for accurate information. Also Susan stated if they refunded people for reservations Hale Makai had to cancel especially accepting reservations when the Mayor said not to, Susan stated that would force them into bankruptcy . She and Hale Makai are aware of FEMA's disaster relief, business insurance the cottages have and SBA loans. Unfortunate about the disaster as I was affected by a natural disaster in Ventura and lost my home to fire so I understand but withholding peoples money and scamming in people in the state of a disaster is morally and ethically wrong ! read more

Do not book at these cottages!! We booked a room for seven nights and paid in full. Unfortunately, floods hit Kauai and washed out the road that leads to this area. The mayor issued an emergency rule that all rental properties cancel bookings in the month of May. Susan sent an email refusing to give us a refund; she claims that since it's a family owned business, cancelling bookings could threaten her ability to stay open. Her business decision is to keep all the money her guests have already paid yet do not have to provide accommodations - quite a scam! When the floods hit Kauai on April 14th, Susan did not reply to repeated messages, emails, or update guests on the status of the resorts. Finally, on May 7th, she sent an email letting us know that we do not have a place to stay and that she is keeping the $4,114.42 - I suppose this is a much better tactic than a GoFundMe account to keep her business running. If you are looking at staying here, DO NOT!!! Definitely look at Hanalei Colony Resort! They not only updated their website and Facebook page notifying their guests they would have to cancel all bookings until the end of June, they also refunded all their guests. Susan's response to me about HCR refunding their guests is that they could refund guests because they are now a relief effort site. Susan is selfish, and I can only imagine the service - or lack of service - she would have given us if we had stayed on her property. There may be several reviews of how nice the cottages are but look at her poor reviews - they are for poor customer service and her lack of cooperation to help guests. Her refusal to refund guests who can't reach the property due to the mayor's order is not poor customer service but a reflection of her selfishness. read more

We had a great experience -- very nice alternative to the condos and big hotels. Excellent snorkeling right out your front door. I do agree with Jamie that the nickel and dime charges for laundry and cleaning are a bit much given the nightly rate ... read more

I stayed at Cottage #5 with my husband, daughter and mother last week (August). The cottage is located at the back of the property, but the beach is easily accessible. It's outfitted with everything you need in the kitchen and has plenty of towels, nice linens, and some water stuff left from other people (and we left a mask!). My only negative would be that we were there during an unusually hot week for the island and the second smaller bedroom did not have a little portable air conditioning unit like the living room and the larger bedroom did. My 78-year-old mother was staying in that room and was quite uncomfortable -- there was no breeze to cool it down. You could see that the other units (Cottages 1-4) might have better breeze, but this Cottage got really hot. The porch was unusable for most of the day. I recognize that the weather was extreme, but for comfortable sleeping, that second bedroom needs more than a fan. It was like a sweatbox! Otherwise we really enjoyed our time there. read more

We decided not to stay here based on our poor experience with management and a bad first and last stay. I honestly believe that any good review you'll find is most likely fabricated by management. The place is expensive for what you get. You must pay a large sum at the end of your stay to pay the housecleaner instead of the cost being included in the package. You also must pay to do your laundry. The laundry requires only the soap management provides and leaves clothes needing another good wash once you get back home. Our bed was not comfortable. The sitting chairs are white and dirty. The bath towels provides were not so fresh. This place definitely cuts corners to save money and bleed the guest with outrageous prices. I suggest looking elsewhere no doubt. Also, really take a look at managements cancellation policy. If you cancel well in advance, you'll be stuck having to pay 7.5% credit card charge on top of 10% of the total cost of stay. Totally unheard of! Don't feel pressured to book your stay after reading that you have 24 hours to secure payment. Oh and you do have the option to come back and stay within a year timeframe if you don't want these charges. Bottom line, this is a poorly run business with extremely poor customer service. There are much better places to stay that offer way more privacy and cleanliness. Don't let the other 5 star reviews fool you! Don't let the photos fool you! Run! read more