We stayed 14 days in Cottage #4. The cottage was very modern, clean and perfect for a couple who are looking for a relaxing vacation away from the crowds. If you want to be close to shopping, people watching and have a night life then this is not the place for you to stay. This is the place to read books, play games, snorkle, look at the millions of stars in the evening, swim, hike and enjoy the ambiance of the Hale Makai.

Hale Makai Cottages is located in a very windy part of the Northern shore. We would walk on the sand to Tunnels Beach almost everyday. As soon as we rounded the bend to Tunnels Beach, the wind would die down immediately. Also, the current in front of Hale Makai was very strong. I consider myself a strong swimmer but I barely moved when I tried to swim against the current. Maybe these conditions are common only for this time of year (October).

We ate several time at the Mediterrean Gourmet. It was great to be able to walk to the restaurant and the food was delicious. We also bought fresh fish from the Fish Market in Hanelei and we cooked the fish in the well-appointed kitchen. The fish was expensive but very fresh and good.

We will definitely be back.

We've never been much for resort hotels or condo developments, preferring instead to put ourselves close to the culture of the places we visit, while still having many of the creature comforts we older folks have become accustomed to. For us, Hale Makai Cottages proved to be the perfect blend of comfort and culture; simple, yet furnished to anticipate almost every need. And separate from Hanalei by five miles and seven one-lane bridges gives it the feeling of remoteness that we've come to love in other S. Pacific island visits.

We were in #5, the 2-bedroom plantation styled cottage set farthest back from the sand (50 yards?). The photos on Hale Makai's website accurately represent Cottage 5, so I won't go into descriptive details. But in response to another reviewer's comments, I will say that the bedrooms, while small, had ample closet/storage space. The beautifully remodeled bathrooms made us forget how old the cottages probably are (though the quirky hot-water heater will remind you). And the large wrap-around lanai/veranda really is as nice as it looks in the photos. It became our living and dining room for the 10-day stay. When the afternoon heat/humidity became uncomfortable, we just brought out the fan from inside. In our weaker moments, we might have wished for A/C, but overhead fans in bedrooms made night-time temps comfortable, sometimes downright cool.

Loving snorkeling, I thought Hale Makai's proximity to Tunnels Beach would be a bonus. It's about a 20-minute walk along the road; because the sand is so deep, 35-40 along the beach. Have to say I was disappointed the few times we went snorkeling at Tunnels though, and wished I'd heard before our last day that the snorkeling just off Hale Makai's beach is as good or better. Next year, I'll find out for myself.

As regards the helicopters, yes there was a non-stop parade of them flying by most days, some of them breaking the 1-mile-from-the-beach no-fly zone they're supposed to adhere to. So yes, we could hear them. But we certainly didn't let that spoil our time in paradise.

My wife and I recently spent our honeymoon at Cottage #1 in early September. The weather was perfect and the location was amazing - so private that it feels remote but just a short ride from Hanalei and Princeville. While we mostly never left the property, we did take a few day trips to Tunnels Beach and the Kilauea Lighthouse. We absolutely loved our hike on the Na Pali coast!

Very surprised to hear about the Helicopter issue mentioned below as we didn't notice even one. However, it could get quite windy..perhaps the noise of the palms was mistaken for helicopters?

In any case, I would strongly recommend to honeymooners and families alike. Will certainly be coming back...as often as possible!!!

We've just spent a small fortune to stay in #3 Orchid for two weeks, and I'd love to give Hale Makai 5 stars for all that's right about it. The cottage is so beautiful! Abundant screen doors and windows bring the breezes in -- it's like living in a luxurious porch right on the beach. Views everywhere are spectacular, and the compound is lushly landscaped and private, mere steps from the sand. Nicely appointed with everything we need, just perfect for relaxing. . .

We love the North Shore for its wild beauty and have visited many times. This was to be a resting vacation, more about being than doing, and I'd so hoped for tranquility. But the truth is this: the proximity to the Na Pali coast -- the Number One Must See attraction for the dozen or so helicopter tour companies means there is rarely a nano-second of quiet here any longer. Helicopters rule and ruin the experience. I realize I may be overly noise-sensitive, but I have not enjoyed living at an airport-- not what I was seeking. A cruel heartbreak for sure. Looking forward to returning to the mainland on Tuesday for some semblance of sanity.