This was our first trip to Kauai. We chose Hale Maka based on the TripAdvisor reviews and we were not disappointed. The beach was a lovely ten-minute walk away. Most of the Po'ipu restaurants were also within walking distance, which made it nice when we wanted to go to happy hour and didn't want to worry about driving afterwards. A dip in the saltwater swimming pool and Jacuzzi was a great way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

The breakfasts were superb and were tailored to our likes, which I thought was really nice of Kathy. The orange pancakes and macadamia nut waffles were to die for. The room was comfortable and the refrigerator was stocked with waters and sodas - a nice touch. We loved the walk-in shower because it was big enough for both of us to shower at the same time.

We liked everything about our stay except for not having air conditioning. We found it a little warm at night, even with the ceiling fan on high. September is the hottest month of the year so this probably wouldn’t be an issue during most months.

Pros:
Close to beach and restaurants
Nice, private accommodations
Great breakfasts
Swimming pool and Jacuzzi

Cons:
No air conditioning

We just returned from a weeklong stay at the Hala Maka Guest Suites, and we completely agree with all the positive comments posted in the prior reviews. We thoroughly enjoyed being guests in this stylish, but very comfortable home within walking distance of sunny Poipu beach.

Everything was perfect--our lovely and spacious room, the superb breakfasts, the stocked refrigerator, the availability of beach towels and chairs, boogie boards, DVDs, games, etc. We loved to sit on the patio in the beautiful garden listening to the birds with the gentle tradewinds blowing--enjoying the delicious cookies and fresh fruit that were regularly provided. We even would forgo a trip to the ocean to picnic there or swim in the home's warm salt pool and dip in its jacuzzi.

Kathie and Lee Bedwell, the hosts, were perfect too. They were there to help when needed and allow your privacy when you wanted. Thank you, Kathie and Lee, for your warm welcome and hospitality. We arrived as strangers and felt we left as friends. Our stay at the Hale Maka made our trip memorable! We definitely hope we can return someday and know others would love the experience too.

We just came back from spending 7 nights in paradise. Kathie and Lee has a beautiful place, it's immaculate, the location is superb. And to top it off, they have 2 adorable mini-schnauzers! It was our first trip to Kauai and we loved every bit of the island, but we definitely lucked out picking Hale Maka Guest Suites! Kathie and Lee went way beyond our expectations. I am itching to plan my second trip already.

Imagine that your friends design and build their dream home on Kauai, just a short walk from one of the island's most desirable beaches. These friends LOVE to have houseguests, and go out of their way to make sure their guests have a wonderful time. THAT'S what it's like to stay at Hale Maka.

Over the past 20 years we have stayed at numerous B&B's all over the US and in Ireland (and we frequently stay at resorts and 4* & 5 * hotels, too) and Hale Maka was one of the most impressive and enjoyable experiences of them all.

This gorgeous home is located near the Grand Hyatt Resort, amongst immaculate lawns and lush, tropical flowers and vegetation.

Our large, bright room had a firm, comfortable mattress, large modern bathroom, plush fluffy towels, and high quality bed linens. The closets in our room held dozens of hangers, and an ample supply of additional bath towels and beach towels, and we were invited to use them freely. Not a single corner was cut in building this home and creating a comfortable oasis.

We were welcomed to our room with a plate of assorted fresh fruit and cookies -- replenished during our stay -- sitting on a table in a comfy nook. There was also a basket of granola bars and macadamia nuts, fresh coffee and teabags, and the fridge was stocked with sodas, water, beer and a bottle of wine. All the serving items were provided too: utensils, corkscrew, placemats, wine glasses, tumblers, plates, napkins. There was also a small microwave in our room. The bathroom was stocked with plenty of extra paper goods, as well as items such as bug spray (very handy for the nearby Botanical Garden!) and first aid supplies.

Spotlessly clean, the whole house is contemporary, airy and bright, with beautifully tiled floors, enormous windows, unique and elegant artwork, and stylish furniture. We were encouraged to use the large built-in pool & Jacuzzi, and to help ourselves to their assortment of beach mats, beach towels, and boogie boards to take to the beach. You can help yourself to their extensive dvd collection of recent movies that you can either watch in your room or in the comfortable common area on a larger screen tv. The yard is bursting with magnificent flowers, lovingly tended. Several beaches are within a short walk, and there is an extensive walkway system that connects the surrounding resort communities with the beaches, so you don't have to walk on the road. It also makes a convenient jogging path.

The B&B experience is different than a commercial hotel, and one has to match expectations accordingly. For example, we have *never* stayed in a B&B in which the beds were made up for us daily, so although another reviewer noted this as a negative, we found this to be completely normal. (and no big deal)

Everyone has a different travel style. If you want the "known-quantity" hotel experience, where you can come and go anonymously, and can expect the list of amenities spelled out by the chain's corporate office, then a B&B is probably not for you.

But if you want warmth and personal connection, where the hosts are the ultimate concierges, putting their personal touches into each amenity, suggesting their favorite restaurants and attractions, and treating you like honored guests in a beautiful private home, then a B&B might be your cup of tea. We found Hale Maka -- and its proprietors -- to be exemplary. We are already scheming to return with dear friends, and would not hesitate for a nanosecond to recommend it.