We were on honeymoon on Kauai for 8 nights. We spend first 4 nights at one inn and the last 4 nights at Hale Ikena Nui. We stayed at the downstairs apartment. The apartment was very big and can easily accomdate up to 4 people. My wife and I ate in couple nights, so the fully furnished kitchen was a plus. The apartment has many windows, which to some may be a plus, but we wanted some privacy, and this proved to be not the best choice for us. But if you have a family coming then this would be a perfect place. Bathroom if fairly spacious, but it only has shower that can accomodate one person (just FYI). Garden is beautiful and in general well taken care of. There were some land mines left by the owner's pet, but we just walked around them. Owner provides beach chairs, and coolers which are located in the garage. I did not inquire about snorkling gear or boogie boards, but I did not see them in the garage.

I personally would not mind staying there again, but the other place I stayed at was better, but more expensive.

Few minuses: I know that I might sound picky, but here are the things that somewhat bothered me that I could not see from the pictures. Place is dated back to the 1980s. It probably could use new paneling on the ceiling or sheetrock. Definately good cleaning would be a plus. Since there is no A/C, a ceiling fan in the bedroom area would be good too. There is a "tower" fan next to the bed, but it's noisy. Owner did not seem to be as friendly as I expected, and didn't really want to talk to us.

We've just completed two weeks at Hale Ikena Nui, separated by a three-day excursion to another island. We enjoyed our first week in a huge main-floor room with an unobstructed ocean view, a spacious tiled shower and private restroom, plus scrumptious Island breakfasts (with unlimited bananas from our host's own tree) in good company at our host's dining table -- and the spirited company of a wonderful little dog.

Our second week has passed, dogless, in the immaculate downstairs suite: a fully separate 1000 sq. ft. apartment with a large, fully-equipped kitchen (you could cook Thanksgiving dinner here if you wanted to!); a great room with sofa and loveseat, plus a table for four and a small library; a bedroom and bath, including a stacking washer/dryer with a box of laundry detergent in the cabinet nearby.

We found the social atmosphere of the upstairs rooms enjoyable and the privacy of the downstairs suite valuable, too. We would recommend the upstairs accommodations to people-oriented travelers who enjoy the company of other interesting folks. Honeymooners would probably be happier downstairs.

We can't say enough good things about our host, about the way she's outfitted this place, and about the warmth and hospitality with which she welcomes her guests. She was especially accommodating in terms of our unique needs (special parking, etc.). We would be delighted to return any time.