My sister and I stayed here in May of 2006. We stayed at two b&b's and this one was disappointing to us. There is no breakfast served. There is no coffee served. Their website says fresh coffee and fresh bread but that wasn't the case. Our first morning, we waited for our coffee and then I finally called the hostess, Charlotte and she came down with a little baggie of ground coffee, (there was a coffee maker in our room). But cream and sugar were not supplied. Charlotte stayed right out of our way, which some people may like, but there was not a feeling of friendliness and helpfulness with her. If she happened to be outside when we drove up, she quickly disappeared. The cost was actually more than the other b&b we stayed at (The Strawberry Guava), which supplied us with delicious breakfasts each morning and did not charge us with the cleaning costs, as did Charlotte, at the Makaleha Mountain Retreat. On a positive note, the little garden studio we stayed at had little kitchenette with fridge and small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, etc...) So, we made our own breakfasts. And the bed was comfortable enough.
Altogether, this place felt a tad unfriendly. We were pretty much ignored for the four days spent there. And I figure if you advertise breakfast, then that's what the guests should get! So, stay at the Strawberry Guava instead!!

We stayed 10 days in the garden studio underneath the owner's house. It is a lovely little place up the valley to hide away from the tourist energy of the beach front. The river roars just 15 feet across the road. There is one queen bed (mattress slightly lumpy) & screened outside kitchen w/mini fridge, burner.
Fruit trees, a few outdoor cats, and a very hands off owner make this a very positive, happy vibe budget traveler's home away from home. Yes, the rooster's wake you up at 4,5am, the mossies bite, and the neighborhood has become residental, with a few local cars going by ~ but it still remains very serene.
We divided our trip by staying the last 7 nights (Wailua Bayview - lotsa traffic. wont' do again) a beach front condo & which made us realize how great Charlotte's quiet hideway really was.. we actually got depressed after leaving.....
The valley energy is very special. This place is for the person who does not mind looking out the side window to Cane spider webs (with beautiful residents). The drive is about 10 minutes inland, and the temperature drops, becomes more humid... rains come through and beat on the tin roof & is very romantic.
This is definetly for the adventure, nature, cat, and Spirit loving folk !!!!

The house is spacious, and has some very nice views - but there were also some significant problems:
1) There are now a number of other houses in the immediate area, including three within 50 yards - we could hear their voices and music the whole time. So it's not actually that secluded.
2) The hot tub is under the house, where it's inconvenient and totally unappealing.
3) There are roosters that live in and around the yard, which woke us up at 4:30 every morning. (Note that they're all over Kauai - but some areas are certainly worse than others.)
4) When we were there, the indoor shower *still* needed to be repaired! It leaked all over the bathroom every time we used it. The outdoor shower has also been moved under the house with the hot tub, so it's basically useless (and you can't use soap!).

There are *lots* of vacation rentals all over the island - this one just isn't worth it!

Just read the other single review ("how green...) and had to comment. Everything was totally accurate and we apparently stayed there only a few weeks later. We freaked out the first few nights due to the indoor geckos, but after talking to locals learned they are a good thing to have around. The wonderful cat (Manard) that goes with the property presented a mouse and rat down by the carport and we saw spiders outdoors that were huge. However, this is an island after all, and so long as they are outside, we don't care. Nothing of the sort indoors! Awakening to the sound of banana leaves blowing in the breeze, hearing the stream at night and the geckos chirp is wonderful. Expect frequent downpours as mountain showers are common (and short during the day). They come from the Mt's. and move through Kapaa frequently. It rained over night almost the entire week, but that's what make it green and beautiful! Neighbors are friendly and the co-owner (?) is only a shout away and very available. The previous reviewer nailed it when he characterized this as living like an islander. We felt exactly that way, and in fact a good number of folks assumed we did live on the island! Because it is someone's private home 6 months of the year, it really "feels like" home, not a vacation. If you want total peace and serenity, you'll find it here! Only real critique is that some screens need repair to keep the outside...OUT, and indoor shower needs some repair. That is only pertinent if you want to shower at night, however. Can't shower outdoors at night or in the very early a.m. due to mosquitoes. They'll eat you alive outdoors at night, but again, you're on a tropical island; what do you expect? There is little so wonderful as showering outdoors and feeling completely comfortable with your privacy, while seeing mountains and waterfalls over the top of the stall door! Many months later I still imagine this when I shower each day at home. If you can deal with one lane roads and don't mind a little navigation, this is a PERFECT location. Kapaa is central to the north or the south island, and the retreat is far enough away from town to be residential vs. commerical, yet a short drive down to civilization! House has everything. Don't need to bring many clothes as there's a washer and dryer and all of the usual household things one needs. Besides, everything is "aloha wear," anyway! Makaleha Mt. Retreat is a well-kept secret!