Kauai Hawaii Vacation Rental Condo

We started renting this condo in May 2005. We have included our guest comments received so far on this page.

Sept 20, 2007

Jack & Dorinda-

What a great place to stay. The beautiful ocean, turtles, and watching the surfers. Scuba diving, snorkling, golf, ziplining, kayaking, hiking, Napali coast. We did it all and hope to come back next year for more! We love this island and really enjoyed your condo. Thanks!

Jonathan & Chris
San Jose, CA
P.S. Oh ... and the sunsets! Way Beautiful

Aug 7-10

Aloha Jack & Dorinda!

This condo is beautiful! We loved waking up to the sounds of crashing waves, snorkeling with the fish, turtles and people and watching the beautiful sunset.
This condo is perfectly located, neat and we enjoyed this section of our honeymoon very much!
We saw and visited many beaches and sites (too much to write) so THANKS!

Scott & Alison, PA

Aug 6, 2007

A beautiful place to spend our 30th anniversary! Everything was more than we could have expected. Thank you for sharing this fantastic condo on the ocean.

Patty & Wayne Deaton

Thanks Jack & Dorinda,

This was an amazing start to our honeymoon! We loved having breakfast every morning right in front of the ocean. We also enjoyed snorkeling at Poipu Beach, hiking at Mahalepu beaches, Waimea Canyon, dinner at Tidepools, and Keoki's Paradise, and just relaxing! We definately want to come back again!

Thank You!
Matt & Emily Beckman
San Diego, CA

July 16th - 23rd

Aloha Jack & Dorinda!

What an amazing Honeymoon this has been. Your condo is wonderful and made us feel at home. This place is amazing. We will be coming back for sure!! We really enjoyed relaxing here and watching the Surfers and turtles. We also enjoyed snorkeling right next to the Beach House restaurant. There were 2 Monk Seals there most of the time. We also enjoyed Spouting Horn, the Tropical Botanical Gardens and a Luau at the Grand Hyatt. We really don't want to leave ...

Mahalo
Denise & Robert Wells
Toledo, Washington

July 9 - 16

Aloha Dorinda and Jack!!

I'll always remember this week at your condo as one of the best weeks of my life! The hominess of your home and the relaxed atmosphere of this area are amazingly wonderful. If anyone asked me what's my idea of heaven on earth, I'd have to say staying at your condo in Kauai comes pretty close. We had a great and relaxing time. Thanks so much for sharing your home with us.

Renee & Skip
P.S. We loved walking to the Beach House for dinner. I also loved climbing on the rocks late afternoon to get close to the sea turtles (drew picture of turtle). They are so amazing and right in front of your condo.
P.S.S. Puka Dog is Pai Pu Village is fabulous. A hot dog like you've never had before!!

June 30 - July 7 2007

Incredible Room!

Ditto on all that was said by previous tenants...
Don't miss the small Savage Shrimp truck just up the road for amazing garlic shrimp, local and fresh. And the Fish House in Kiluhea up toward North Shore has the best plate lunch I've ever had in Oahu, Maui or Kauai! The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook is the best guide for hidden gems, beaches, hikes ...
Oh and at the end of the road if you explore a few blocks from here, past baby beach, are steps down to a great turtle/Honu viewing area.

Enjoy!
Scott & Alice
Scotts Valley, CA

June 27 - June 30, 2007

What a wonderful vacation and what a magnificent condo you have!!
We spent hours relaxing and watched the surfers and the sea turtles! They seem to like to be in the surf at high tide. We went to Big Save in Koloa and bought breakfast items, drinks, and snacks so we could just enjoy the amazing views. We just want to savor every moment that we spent at your fabulous condo! We only wish that we had a few more days here but we feel fortunate that we got to stay here at all since it was short notice.
Last year we had an ocean view room at the Sheraton and thought your condo wouldn't be able to top that but it has!! Your condo surpassed all our expectations! We will definately be back when the opportunity arises!
We saved our sightseeing for the next few days when we're back at the Sheraton (since someone else is arriving here today). We're going to the Alerton Gardens and maybe on a Napali Sunset Cruise. I enjoyed reading suggestions from others. We had drinks and appetizers at the Beach House, went to Keoki's Paradise, and enjoyed the free Tahetian show (Friday at 7:30 at the Poipu Shopping Center in summer). We loved snorkeling right at Lawai Beach.
Thank you for making our stay so perfect and memorable!

Renee & Drew Perry
Sacramento, CA

Dear Jack & Dorinda,

We've had an absolutely marvelous time here on Kauai in large part thanks to you! We couldn't have been more comfortable - all our needs provided for - even the beach gear, coffee, snacks and Kauai books added to the hospitable comfort of your lovely condo. And the view ... breathtaking!
We've been entertained by surfing, sea turtles, and humans each day, while enjoying lovely sunsets each evening. And the stars! They sparkle overhead and all the way to the horizon - even shooting stars which we never see from the suburbs anymore.
Other than "chillin" on your patio, our favorite things included snorkeling at Poipu Beach, Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour and Blue Dolphin 5 1/2 hour snorkel cruise up the Napali Coast. Dinners at Roys and Keokis at Poipu Shopping Village were great but I'd avoid Poipu Tropical Burgers there. We're looking forward to our dinner at Beach House tonight, sadly, our last night here. Oh, Spouting Horn and National Botanical Grdens up the road were also superb ... took lots of pictures.
Thanks again for sharing this piece of paradise with us!

Blessings,
Lee and Nora Cordrey
Cincinnati, Ohio

Jene 12-15, 2007

Aloha Jack & Dorinda and All Future 115 visitors!

What a vacation. Where to start. From the moment we walked through your front door and saw the waves crashing, we knew we were in for a treat! This place is wonderful - especially the lanai and sea turtles. Everything we could have needed/wanted was here. And this place made our stay on the South Shore of Kauai excellent.
My husband and I are sad that our stay on Kauai is coming to an end. This island was our favorite (over Maui) during our !Honeymoon!
We especially loved:

• All the sights and sounds hiking to Hanakapiai Falls on the NaPali Coast and on the Canyon Trail in Waimea Canyon.
• Our beautiful tour of Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens in Kilauea (saw a cane spider - aahh! :)
• Marveling at all the glorious fish and a monk seal - at Tunnels and Lawai Beach (mountain biking in Wailua was crazy!)
• Dinner at the Beach House (Yum!), Roys and The Hanalei Dolphin.

June 7, 2007

Aloha,

Unfortunately, we are leaving tomorrow after spending a week at your great condo. The view and the adjacent beach are beautiful. We chose Kauai for our honeymoon and could not have made a better choice. We love the people, the beauty, the activities and the food. We are already planning, "when can we come back?". The laid-back atmospere here is great. Yday my husband caught a 365 lb. Blue Marlin while out with "Explore Kauai Sportfishing"! We have had a very memorable trip. Thank you for sharing your beautiful cond with us.

Mahalo!
Jenn & rich Sanders
Hamilton, NJ

14th - 20th April

- Kauai - one visit is not enough - the fauna, the landscape, the diving, snorkeling, the people, the food, the unique place - all means a first visit can only be a sampler.
The apartment could not be better placed, the view is stupendous.

Thank you
Frank & Kath Coles

April 17 to April 30, 2007

Aloha Jack & Dorinda!

Well, we are nearing the end of our 13 night stay and it has gone fast! We didn't kick back too much. I kept us active with sightseeing and activities. Up early most morns, to bed early most nights. We ate out some and cooked in some. We found the condo perfect for our stay! What a location! Asesome. We had mostly good experiences eating out. Our favorite - Waimea Brewing Co., The Pizetta in Koloa Town and Keoki's Paradise.
Kauai has had different affects on my husband and myself! It has relaxed Joe and he wants to crash and eat all the time and has energized and excited myself and I want to go all day sightseeing and do activities and then pass out in bed at night! We did a lot and it's hard to pick our favorites; it was all beyond our expectations. We toured the Alerton Gardens (had an amazing tour guide Al), toured the Hindu Monestary (very peaceful education. Beautifyl - they have limited tours each MTH). The Lighthouse and bird sanctuary in North Shore, Snorkeling next door at Lawai Beach (and the Monk seals beach), Waimea Canyon (the view and the quiet looking over the canyon), visiting the coffee plantation (just beautiful there), the Smith Luau was fun, walking the Hyatt grounds, and as a lot of folks say, the best things in Kauai are free. So true - just being here and soaking up the place. I'll miss the roosters, hens, and peeps and the friendly birds and Hawaiian Cardinals. The flowers and plants and trees. We took lots of pics and videos so we will remember with them!

Mahalo Jack & Dorinda
Have a great time future renters!
not signed

April 19 to 16th, 2007

Dorinda and Jack,

WOW!!! What a great place to get away from what seems to have been the longest winter with so much snow!!! We really enjoyed our first trip to Kauai and had fun each day exploring new beaches (Larsen's, Secret and Polihale) to hiking the nu'olola Trail in Waimea Canyon. We also really enjoyed the condo with the awesome sunsets and watching the surfers and turtles. It will be a trip we will always cherish.

Mahalo :)
Suzy & Chris Lewicki
Louisville, Colorado

3/31 - 4/8/07

Jack & Dorinda,

Thank you for sharing your little part of paradise! The condo is wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
This was our first trip to Kauai - we spent a lot of time outdoors, hiking, snorkeling, taking in the sun, etc. Your condo was a wonderful place to come back to at the end of the day. Many evenings we cooked supper here or picked something up and ate it here. Where on the island can you find a more beautiful view?!
Again, thanks for sharing your condo and making our 25th anniversary special!

Thanks,
Andrea & Terry
Greenielty, SC
P.S. The day we hung out here and rested we watched the surfers surfing, the whales frolicing, the dolphins spinning and the turtles ... well, whatever turtles do. The Beach House was wonderful! Red Hot Mamas had great burritos!

3-19 thru 3/23

What a wonderful escpe from Denver chaos and snow, snow, snow! My dedication to getting up early and watching the 7am surfers is only surpassed by their dedication to getting up early and performing for me! You were so right. This is the place to be and thoroughly enjoyed our 30th anniversary "alone". Met the sweet visiting turtle family. Hope we can return one day to your little hideaway!

Thanks again for everything!
The Flynns from Denver Colorado

18 Mar /07

June 21 /06 says it all for us. We took our Harter Heli ride in spite of 2 crashes last week, so great!
Notables -

• Green flash at sunset first night here.
• Pule okila lookout on clean day.
• Tight-To-Shore turtle convention this week.
• Politeness - both road and path.
• NTB garden tour.
• Only one stormy day in 10.
• Monchong.
• Fresh Pineapple sliced at Koloa Big Save!
• Always finding a parking space.
• Since we bought the umbrella, hardly a drop of rain on us, anyway donated to the condo.
• Kee beach at the very North end past Princeville .. to die for!
• Just sitting on the lanai any time of day to watch the action of Kauai world.
• Saw a surfer carrying a girl on his shoulders. She was posing like an acrobat. Another on a Long Board using a pole to paddle while standing up. Amazing human feats.

Need another memory book - this one tries one's patience and writing skills. Lovely to look at, hardly pragmatic.
John S.

The passing pods of whales were awesome!

This condo is furnished with stylish furniture and decor. There is no better place - condo or otherwise!

John S.

Feb 26 /07

Dear Jack & Dorinda,

Arrived 3 PM : Open Door; 1st impression "WOW" - more than we expected.
5 PM: Saw our 1st whales about 300 yards out. One "breached" - WOW.
6:20 PM, Best sunset we have ever seen. Will send you a picture when we go home.
7:30 PM. Dinner at Beach House. Very Good **** 4 Stars.
Feb 27, 9 AM Snorkeled at Beach House beach, saw more fish that I have ever seen. Lunch at Shrimp Station in Wamea - very good. 2pm until 7 pm, blue Dolphin Sunset Cruise. Saw a lot more whales and spinner dolphins. Excellent!
Feb 28, 9 AM to 11 AM - snorkeled again same place, same results, Great. Lunch at Brennecke's and the Ahi fish. Saw Monk Seal on beach. Afternoon - Shopping Hilo Hatties and WalMart.
5 PM til Sunset watched whales from Lanai and coctails. Dinner at Casa Blanca
3/1 Last morning - double rainbow - whales! Beauty everywhere. Thanks so much for this perfect place. Next time longer stay.

Aloha & Mahalo -
Bill & Brenda Finley
South Carolina

February 24, 2007

This was our first trip to Hawaii and felt we were very fortunate to have chosen this island and this condo. We did a lot and it was all wonderful - Hindu Monastery, NaPali, Explorer II boat trip, Blue Hawaii helicopter tour, Botanical Gardens, Smith Family Luau.
We need another week so we can kick back and do nothing. Our favorite restaurant was the Beach House. Snorkeling at the Beach House beach was awesome. Everyone - just have fun.

Sharon & Marty Borrevik
Columbia City, OR

Feb 4, 2007

Aloha Jack & Dorinda,

It is 1 week into our vacation and I just want to thank you a million times for sharing this beautiful condo. We are having a blast. Right now I am laying out by the ocean and thinking I am in heaven.
This is our 3rd trip to Kauai with my big family. This time my husband and I wanted a place of our own. Everyone else is jealous.
So far we have hiked and enjoyed the Kalalau Trail. That was an adventure. Went horseback riding in Princeville. Golfing, snorkling, sight seeing, kayaking, etc. Whale watching tour is tomorrow.
My dad has been certified as a Monk Seal protector. He ropes them off when they beach on shore. Right now he is off to the left bay roping one off with his SPZ's (Seal Protective Zone).
We re definately coming back here again.

Thanks again,
Laura & Michael May
Inlet Grove, MN

2-14-07

Dear Jack & Dorinda -

You own a little piece of paradise!! We arrived here from Maui and after being here for a day wished we had spent less time there and more time here!
Your condo is lovely - tastefully furnished and decorated. We appreciated the well equipped kitchen and comfortable bed!
We really enjoyed snorkeling in the bay next door - next to the Beach House restaurant - so many fish. We also loved eating breakfast on the lanai and watching the whales and surfers put on a morning show.
Our time here was too short but we hope to return.

Mahalo -
Jan & Dick Berls
Sarakya Spring, NY

1/7.07

Dear Jack & Dorinda,

Thank you for another perfect week in paradise. The stars and sunsets were spectacular. We love your new pineapple lamp.
We hope to return again this year.

Mahalo,
Gini Gardner and Steve Johnson
Novato, CA

12/28/06

This is a special place and we hope to be back! Even losing my appendix at the Wilcox medical center on Christmas night went better than anyone could have hoped for. Fantastic hospital and a gracious, first class staff!
The Alerton Garden was a highlight and Wendy, our guide, was terrific. The surf was up at PK's and my husband surfed the North Shore as well. The kayaking was lovely. Simply walking to the blowhole each morning was a treat.
Thanks for the hospitality!

Kristy & Nick Newmeyer
Cardif by the Sea, CA

Nov 4, 2006

Jack & Dorinda,

We loved it! Your condo is wonderful and the view is breathtaking! The lord led us to the right place to vacation and the right place to stay. We very much appreciated the way your place felt like a home away from home.
To share some of our experiences. Beach House Restaurant - wonderful experience. Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau - great! great! Waimea Canyon - beautiful, well worth the drive. National Tropical Botanical Gardens - it has a great variety of tropical plants, but not all native of this area, depends on what you are looking for. If you go to S.T.P. Luau there are a lot of plants to see there also. My husband used Brenneckes Beach for boogie boarding.
We are hoping to have a return visit someday!

Mahalo,
Paul & Cindy Newton
Wisconsin

10/24/06

This place is paradise. Your condo is so well furnished with all the necessary items in the kitchen etc. etc. With Napali Explorer we did an unforgetable cruise! Snorkling on Poipu Beach is very good.
Thank you for sharing your condo! I have to come back with my husband.

Waltraud Lawaczeck

10/21/06

Jack & Dorinda!

This was a trip of many "firsts" for Bobby and I. Our first trip together, our first vacation to Kauai. A snapshot of the activities we've tried...

1. Hiked Kalalau, witnessed amazing views to Na Pali
2. 10 mile hike around to Grand Canyon (Waimea) our highlight
3. Hitchhiked for the first time
4. Zip lines at Princeville

10/21/06

Thank you Jack & Dorinda,

We had an amazing time staying at your place. Being right on the beach made this an unforgettable trip. It also made it difficult to get motivated to explore the island. It felt so comfortable to just on the lanai relax, watch the waves crash and forget about time. One of my favorite things to do was eat breakfast on the lanai. So peaceful and relaxing. Also will not forget the amazing views of Waimea Canyon. Sadly it was a short trip but we hope to be back.

Mahalo!
Bobby

10-8-06

Jack & Dorinda,

Where to Start? Mornings where moon is going down on our right and sun is coming up on our left. Great watching surfers and turtles every day.
We hit every inch of this island and honestly our favorite spot is right here! We snorkled all over and we saw the most incredible fish right next to the Beach House!
Food: Beach House & Roy's were incredible! Weimea Brewery good for lunch. Bubbas yummy and cheap.
Jewelry: Na Hoku at Poipu Village. Ask for Ann, sweetheart from Norway.
Music wonderful. Island so pretty. Nice people everywhere. Everyone happy and relaxed (except island drivers!).
North Shore nice and lots to see but we enjoyed the South Shore most. Watch for "rush hour" on North Shore during week. West Shore more relaxed. Shark sighting at Salt Pond.
Hyatt is incredible and close by. The beach there is nice along with Poipu Beach Park.
Thank you for this incredible condo! Warm, comfy, everything we need!

"not signed"

Jack & Dorinda,

We will be back! Your place is incredible!!

Sincerely,
The Alexanders
Seattle
P.S. Don't try to see everything and do it all. Relax, unwind, enjoy! There are BBQs in back corner of parking lot. Little store across street. Make all reservations as soon as you get here. Snorkel Bobs good deal.

10-4-06

J & D,

Best vacation ever. Tomas picked the perfect location and condo four us - we found everything BETTER than advertised.
Next time will have to stay at least a month. Each day was better than the day before and to top it off, we get to watch our son clean the windows!
We saw spinner dolphins and sea turtles for the first time right from your breakfast table.
Thanks again for being such gracious hosts!

John & Jackie
Encinitas, CA

Aug 26, 2006 - Aug 30, 2006

Jack & Dorinda,

Aloha & Mahalo! We loved our stay at Kuhio Shores 115. Our visit to Kauai was the second half of our honeymoon and staying here at your condo (as opposed to the hotel we stayed at on Maui) was a great way to end the trip! We loved the homey feel, the ocean right out front and being able to cook and eat like we were right at home.
A few things we did on the island:

Watched the sunset out front - of course! Beautiful, beautiful!

Had lunch at Taqueria Nortenos - twice! Great mexican food at a great price. To go only, so bring it back to the condo and chow down! Located just North on Poipu road in the plaza w/the yellow submarine.

Visited Spouting Horn and all the shops there. Great place for souvenirs and cute jewelry.

Walked around the Hyatt & Princeville grounds. The Hyatt is much more lush and beautiful!

Helicopter ride w/ Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Wonderful! Great way to see the island! Absolutely gorgeous!

Drove up to Opaekaa & Wailua Falls. Both of which are breathtaking.

Drinks at Stevenson's Library at the Hyatt - cool place but the service stunk!

Kayaked the Wailua River and then hiked to and swam in the secret falls! It was awesome! We rented a kayak for $50 and went on our own - lots of fun and beautiful scenery. Try Wailua Kayak Adventures at 822-5795 - best price.

Dinner at the Beach House and Keokis Paradise. Both were great - the Beach House was a bit more expensive - but you can't beat the wonderful view!

Aug 26, 2006

Jack & Dorinda,

Lovely stay. The ocean is beautiful and you have a lovely condo, understated and elegant.
We discovered the galleries in Hanapepe were much better than the guide book suggest.
Looking forward to another visit in the near future.

Thanks,
Gini Gardner
Steve Johnsen

August 10-19 2006

Aloha,

Our stay here at Kuhio Shores fulfilled a 10 year dream to visit the garden island of Kauai.
The experience we have had here on Kauai and in Jack & Dorinda's home has surpassed our high hopes and expectations.
We followed many of the suggestions outlined in The Ultimate Guide to Kauai and we were very pleased with the guidance this book offered us. So many of the great things to do have already been previously listed by others, but we would add a visit to Kipu Falls (you've got to jump!), the National Tropical Gardens (gardeners, take the Alerton Garden Tour - it's great!) and you must snorkel or swim with the many turtles directly behind the lanai (the surf is rough - but it's well worth it. Begin at Baby Beach and go with the tide to Lawai Beach). We never thought we'd see the day that we would say, "oh no, now we have to go to Maui."
Thanks for everything Jack & Dorinda.

Jim & Lydia Smith
Boston, MA

August 7-10

ALoha,

Our first time to the Hawaiian isles, celebrating our 20th anniversary. Kauai was a wonderful experience from the hustle bustle of Oahu. The condo is beautifully situated and very comfy.
Adventures:

1. Waipoo Falls Trails - incredible panorama of the Waimea Canyon and well worth the effort.
2. Napoli Riders - We did their 10:00 am raft ride. A moderately inexpensive way to explore the coast via water. We were mislead about the lunch (only chips and fruit provided) but stopped in a wonderful cove for great snorkeling.
3. Mahalepu Beach - beautiful desolate beach, calm waters, sandy stretches and all to ourselves, quite near the condo.

1. The Hyatt is a must for a sunset drive and pupus. It's majestic design is captivating. <.i> Shrimp Station had great, quick eats - we had shrimp tacos and garlic shrimp, yummy.
2. Beach House for drinks and pupus, lovely setting and if you sit in the bar (where there are beautifully appointed though limited tables), no reservations required.
3. Casablanca for Mediterranean - nice open air, off the beaten Poipu path. Charming and good.

July 30 - Aug 7th

Aloha!!

To all who visit unit #115. This was Daniel and I (our) first trip to Kauai ... and our first experience in Hawaii. We visited for one week and enjoyed everything about the island. We loved waking up to the sound of the oceans tide. The lovely greenery, the smell of fresh flowers (plumerias were my favorite) and rainbows created by wet skies. Our visit was great and such a blessing. It was filled with many firsts and memories we hope to never forget.
During one trip ... Honeymoon ... we ventured out experiences excursions. Once was an ATV ride and a boat trip on the Napali Coast ( we highly recommend). We also snorkeled, visited the Waimea Canyon and ziplined in the North. We enjoyed stepping out of our boxes and we would encourage you to do the same. It was well worth it. We ate at Brenneckes, Bubbas Burgers, the Beach House, Keokis Paradise, and Donderos at the Hyatt to name a few.
We loved every minute of our honeymoon. We were able to learn a lot about not only each other but the history and culture of Kauai so well. Daniel would like to add that we also enjoyed waking up each morning, having breakfast on the lanai while watching surfers and turtles go by ... "it was awesome" he says.
This being our first experience in Kauai our stay here at Kuhio Shores was wonderful. I especially loved the turtles in the condo and the beautiful view. Thank you Jack and Dorinda for providing such a great place. We loved the time spent for our honeymoon. We hope to come back again.

Blessings on You,
Daniel & Kharrena Moss

July 24, 2006

Aloha #115 Ohana!

My (our) 2nd stay in 2 yrs here at Jack & Dorinda's. We were here last yr. July 8 for a wk and loved it - so good to be back! I see a new turtle theme in the condo which is such a nice touch - we are amateur sea turtle observers, swimming and reading about them - I even have one tattooed on my right shoulder!
I thought instead of the usual run down on top 10 things to do - since the previous yr. entries cover very efficiently all the wonderful things to do - readers might find interesting some insights I've had in my 12 yrs of visiting Kauai and other Hawaiian islands. Aloha spirit is not just a corny tourist phrase - it's a wonderful part of HI culture and I've never found it stronger than here. Aloha means letting traffic merge in front of you, stopping to say good morning, slowing waaayy down, chatting nicely with the locals, whether they're waiting tables on you or checking you out at the grocery store. Smile and throw the "shaka" sign and you will be infused with aloha wherever you go! Leave the mainland hustle and pushiness back on the mainland!
Respect the local culture and take time to understand why there is an uprising of "native lands for native people". There are some interesting local customs on the island - like not sitting on top of picnic tables. Try to read Jack London's "Koolau the Leper" if you want a good understanding of how Hawaiians lived in the area. I've also really enjoyed "Shark Dialogues" and Mark Twains "Rooshing it in the Sandwich Islands" all available at Borders in Lihue, which has an outstanding selection of Hawaiian books and music and makes a great hangout on rainy days. Two island music groups with very interesting HI political island life insight! Sudden Rush & Oshen. My 18 yr. old surfer son turned me on to both and although I'm 52 and a 3rd grade school teacher, I love CDs by both groups! Also, a good quality Ukulele can be a wonderful memento and a great hobby! Scotty's music in Kalaheo has a great selection!
To the Hawaiians, a miracle was making a thought into reality. I feel the experiences we have on the island are like miracles. Even staring at the sea in peaceful meditation and pop! there's a sea turtle head teaching us to stop and inhale, go with the flow, don't fight the tide!
Stay in the present here - forget the past, the airline hassles, the worry over the future. East some lau lai and make your own Hawaiian drink up to toast the sunset!
I think we come to islands to put distance between our busy lies so we can more clearly see our spiritual ones. The Hawaiians impress me with their culture of health, flourishing on their own for centuries along with forces of nature like volcanic eruptions, tidal waves and hurricanes. They require no imports.
I hope you all get into the ebb and flow of Kauaian life. Everyting here is a gift, to be received with aloha, which literally means "alo" - presence & "ha" - breath.

Aloha nui moa malihinis!
Jan Sprague

Jack & Dorinda,

Your condo just gets lovelier every time we visit! We love opening the door to be greeted by the amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and music of waves right out the sliding glass door! The Aloha touch of coffee, jam and macadamia nuts was really lovely!
We've stayed at the Hyatt before, supposed to be the "best" resort, but we way prefer your condo!

Thank you! Mahalo! Gracias! Merci!
Aloha! Jan

7/16 - 7/24 2006

Jack & Dorinda,

We had no idea we'd be this close to the beach! We spent half our days just watching people surf aout front, and trying to spot turtles in the tide. There is nothing more relaxing!
The condo is perfect for all our needs! We love to cook so it has been our pleasure to utilize your kitchen. However, we see we are one of many visitors who have stayed here, who have contributed to your ever growing collection of salt and pepper shakers! :-)
We are here for our second year anniversary. I can't think of a better way to celebrate it. Thank you so much!

Jon & Akiko
Hollywood, CA

7/11 - 7/16

Jack & Dorinda,

We are currently in our 2nd week of our honeymoon at your lovely condo in beautiful Kauai. Kauai is much more relaxed then Maui was and we loved it. We just came back from a helicopter tour today with Air Kauai and it was amazing, so many waterfalls! We also checked out the Guava Plantation on our way to Princeville, that we heard about from one of your previous guests in this book. We appreciate your wonderful supply of movies, books, beach stuff, etc.

Things we did in Kauai:

Historic Koloa Town

Guava Plantation (try the guava smoothie)

Wilua Falls (and countless other falls)

Hindu Monastery (beautiful location)

Air Kauai Helicopter Tour (excellent)

Snorkeling (first time, a lot of fun)

Visited Princeville & Hanalei (beautiful surroundings)

Sunset cocktail at Sheraton (the point)

Poipu Beach, Hideaway Beach, Shipwreck Beach and many others

Dinner at Beach House & Tide Pools (Hyatt) ... etc...

7/3 - 7/10

Jack & Dorinda,

Gil and I had such a wonderful time. Your condo is amazing; the furnishings and extra are wonderful.
We felt like we did a lot here on Kauai. We took a helicopter ride, kayaked, saw the NaPali Coast, hiked, surfed and saw Waimea Canyon. Although this seems like a lot, we just scratched the surface of all the great things to do on this island.
Our activities were fun but we must admit that our favorite thing was eating dinner on the patio as we watched the turtles, waves, and the sunset.
Gil and I are planning on returning next year!

Beth & Gil
Santa Barbara, CA
P.S. Your guide books were so helpful.

6/25/06

Jack & Dorinda,

We're on our way back home tomorrow :-( We will miss the turtles.
We stayed one week on Maui and three days here. We were told there wasn't much to do on Kauai. Boy were we misinformed! Three days is definitely not enough.
Jack Harter's helicopter tour without doors was exciting ... but really cold if you sit in back. Spectacular views of Waimea Canyon.
We loved the Spouting Horn and the sunsets right in front of our patio.
The condo is lovely - very homey and relaxing. Thank you for renting it to us. I was a little leery renting online but you were great!

Mahalo,
Linda & Ev Pearson
Sharon, MA

June 21, 2006

Jack & Dorinda,

Vacations can be many things, but for us it means rest. We rested, we got up when we wanted, had coffee, breakfast, read a little, watched turtles, sunbathed, ate, snorkeled, read a little, ate, watched the surfers, watched the turtles, looked at the stars, watched and listened to the waves, and finally went to bed (comfortable). Got up and did it again. Loved the view, the waves and the rest (relaxation). Very nice and clean and decorated nicely. Enjoyed movie selection too! We will be back.

P.S. Thanks for clearing up our reservation!

Steve & Jolynda
Mopnterey, CA

June 12th /06

Thanks Jack & Dorinda!

This was our first time renting a condo in Kauai, it definitely wins our vote over the "Hotel". We liked the convenience of a kitchen.
We never grew tired of the view from the patio. We could sit for hours just watching the waves and surfers.
Roy's was excellent. The Beach House view was spectacular. The Botanical Gardens was a neat experience too!
We loved it all! And we will be back!

Andrew & Brandy
Seattle, WA

April 20, 2006

Hi Jack & Dorinda,

We've had a wonderful time here in Kauai and just want to say thanks for allowing us to stay at your wonderful condo. Watching the beautiful sunsets and just listening to the crashing waves was so enjoyable. We wish we could have stayed a little longer...

We played a lot of golf, did a little snorkeling, and visited Waimea Canyon and the Botanical Gardens. Kauai is definitely our favorite island and we hope to return soon.
Mahalo,

Steven & Mae Gotanda
Novato, CA

April 5, 2006

Jack and Dorinda,

Aloha! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful place with us! The waves and ocean are amazing! The best place to see the sunset is right outside!

Queens Bath: A must for people to see and swim in!
Keoke's Paradise is wonderful for good food and service.
The beach down by the Sheraton is the best for lying out and swimming!
Snorkeling was fantastic and exciting to see turtles right out front of the Beach House restaurant.
Thanks again and we hope to come back soon.

Peter and Danielle

March 27, 2006

Jack & Dorinda,

My 40 hours of internet searching for the most wonderful oceanfront condo paid off. I found it in Kuhio Shores 115! What a lovely home you have that you share with others. After 4 weeks of rains, we were fortunate to only have cloudy days with little rain!

Our favorite day:

• Breakfast on the lanai.
• Hike the rim trail at Waimea Canyon. The views are awesome!
• Packed lunch at the top of the waterfall overlooking the canyon.
• Long walk along 17 mile beach after sight seeing coming out of the canyon.
• Shaved ice at JoJos.
• Dinner on the lanai. You can't get a better view.

2/18/06

Mahalo Jack & Dorinda!

For Sharing your beautiful condo with us!

We are here celebrating our oldest son's 30th birthday! Our two sons and our oldest girl friend have never been to Hawaii before. We have had a precious, wonderful time showing them one of the islands we love. We have been very lucky to see turtles - swim with them too! - See the graceful spinner dolphins, the magnificent whales as their babies breached and mother glided close by and a curious shark swimming in the reefs outside your door.

A few things worth mentioning:

• Barefoot Burgers in Waimea, really nice after a drive or hike up the canyon. Great burgers.
• The stall shops at Spouting Horn. Low prices, lower than any other we found on the island.
• The National Tropical Botanical Gardens. If you want to see "the" tree from Jurassic Park, hit up the guided tour, otherwise, the self guided one is a relaxing walk through some gorgeous foliage.
• Tom Kats in Koloa is a great local spot for happy hour drinks and a fun atmosphere.
• Right out front (off to the left or right) for snorkeling. No need to roam far, it's an excellent spot for a variety of fish and turtles!
• And what do you know, the best sunsets are right out there too!
• During good weather the North Shore, Hanalei Bay specifically, is absolutely beautiful, even in bad weather its worth seeing. Ke'e was nice, the caves interesting and the view from the Princeville Hotel well worth the stop; breathtaking. Bring a camera.
• Catching a Lu'au at the Smith's Tropical Paradise was fun. The food was great and the show entertaining. With no basis of comparison though, we'll just say it was a good time all around.

2/10/06

Thank you, Jack & Dorinda!

We had an amazing first trip to Kauai. The condo was a great base for exploring the island. We loved returning to our condo by the ocean after our island excursions - we hiked the first part of the Kalalau Trail, hiked the bottom of the Wailua Falls, explored the Waimea Canyon area and took a helicopter tour with Inter-island Helicopters with no doors! We also enjoyed the ferocious surf on the North Shore and the surfers there.

We had some great meals - we especially liked Bubba's in Kapaa, Hanalei Dolphin and the Beach House. Our favorite was the Shrimp Station - delicious coconut shrimp and garlic shrimp. Not to be missed! It was a great stop after hiking in the Waimea Canyon area and we topped it off with some JoJo's Shaved Ice (with mac nut ice cream at the bottom).

Thanks so much for the beautiful location with the best snorkeling on the island. We could not have found a better place to stay than #115! Sunsets A+++!

Coles & Vador
Charlottesville, VA

1-21-06

Your condo has been great!

We have been to all the islands but have never had the ocean right outside our door! It's wonderful! We have really enjoyed the surfers, the turtles and a few whales. What a treat. And your bed is great too!

We drove up North and wow! The Waimea Canyon is spectacular. Go! We think the Beach House is a real treasure at sunset. Also enjoyed Poipu Tropical Burgers, the Plantation Gardens, the Brick Oven Pizza, Keoki's and Joe's on the Green.

We have had a very relaxing week and enjoyed Kauai and all it has to offer.

Jan & Lynn Market
Rogers, Arkansas

1/14/06

One week isn't long enough...

We want to keep swimming with the turtles out front!
We want to watch the young surfers ride the waves.
The "lava flows" next door at the Beach House are great.
We want to watch the sunsets from the porch, just a few more days.
We could horseback ride the inland jungles and ridgetops and experience the beautiful views.
We would listen to Hawaiian slack key guitar forever - compliments of Doug and Sandy McMaster Fridays and Sundays at the Hanalei Community Center - a must!

Kevin and Deborah Kalkowski
Groveland, CA

Jan 7, 2006

Between the warm breezes, sounds of the ocean and cozy condo, this has been a very relaxing week - and a great honeymoon! The frantic motion of the end-of-year rush (back in Los Angeles), and the coordination of family activities during our wedding last week led to an exhausted couple!
We got married on Maui December 30. Both of our families had made the trip across the U.S. and we had a great week with them before the wedding. After they went back to the frozen tundra, we took a week here in Kauai.
Here we have taken it easy: we rented snorkels and spent time in the water every day. The cove by the Beach House restaurant is so filled with life! We also took a couple of beautiful drives. We drove up to Kee Beach and enjoyed the scenery along the north coast of the island. We also drove west along the Waimea Canyon. It is surprisingly cold up there - near Kokee Lodge - but there were some amazing views. We regret not being able to see the Na Pali cost by boat but the conditions were not amenable. There were also some great meals (including the Beach House), some shopping, and a lot of lounging around.
Thanks for the memorable stay. We hope to be back soon!

Jeff and Elizabeth Borlik
Los Angeles, CA

1/1/06

Wow! What a great place to relax and unwind. This was Bob and my first time to Hawaii and we loved every minute here!
My sister Linda and brother-in-law John treated Bob and I to this wonderful vacation and we love them dearly for it.
We are all from Redding California and we will be back!

Linda Albight
John Albright
Bob Sluder
Margie Sluder

Nov 2-25, 2005

Great relaxing time in your nice condo! We loved your bed (terrific as advertised), your coffee pot, your internet hookup, the waves crashing right outside the door, and our daily walks to Spouting Horn. The Grand Slam of Golf is always a highlight - worth missing Thanksgiving at home for!

I met the owner of Gaylords while I was teaching a class for the Kauai quilt guild, so we decided to have our Thanksgiving dinner there. Her daughter, also a quilter, is owner-manager of the Hukilau Lauai in Kapaa - also good eats! They lived in Juneau and Fairbanks before coming here, so we had much in common.

We got a non-resident (short-timers) card at the Koloa Library and enjoyed their excellent section of books the whole time we were here. It's nice when you don't have to carry 3 weeks worth of reading material!

Aloha -

Judy & Bill Hopkins
Juneau, Alaska
P.S. We bought you a plug strip for the "media wall" - hope you don't mind!

Aloha Jack and Dorinda,

Thank you so much for sharing your condo with us. It has been such a wonderful time. This was our first trip to Kauai. What a wonderful place. A few places we recommend are JoJo's shaved ice #3. The North Shore hike at the end of the road (eating fruit off the trees). The water falls we flew into off of a rope. Best place we ate was Coconuts (on the east side by Coconut Market). We are coming back every year. Bought a time share!!!! Thank you. No words could say enough!

More:
Also saw the best sunset ever one night we have ever seen in our lives. Helicopter was worth it. We hiked a lot so we were not sure if we should do it. We did! Flew Kauai Air, we were so lucky - we got the owner flying with us. We flew down part of the canyon. Down there you got a feeling too hard to explain. Flew through rainbows. Do it! It is great!! Thank you so much!!

Tina Lowry & Sean Lowry
Bathell, Wa

October 8, 2005

Aloha Dorinda & Jack!

What a lovely bit of paradise you have here in Kauai! We've had a wonderful week here on the garden isle. We've visited other Hawaiian Islands, however, this was our first trip to Kauai (and it won't be our last)!

Having explored the North, West and East sides of the island, we were pleased to discover that Poipu holds some of the prettiest beaches. My husband rented a surf board and took advantage of the waves at PK's and Poipu Beach. The amazing view from the lanai kept us content when we weren't in the water ourselves!

Dinners at the Beach House, Tomkats, Pizzeta and Papaya were great, as were the pupu's at Keoki's Paradise. We also toured the grounds at the Hyatt Resort, which are lovely, particularly in the evening. Our guidebook suggested Jo-Jo's for the best Hawaiian Shave Ice (in Waimea) and although the outside is a bit questionable, the shave ice was excellent. It makes for a great stop if you visit the stunning Waimea Canyon.

As we are expecting our first child early next year, this trip was a particularly special one for us. Thank you for creating and sharing such a wonderful home with us on this breathtaking island. We hope to return soon!

Aloha & Mahalo,

Michelle & Craig
Redondo Beach, CA

9/30/05

Aloha!

I'm not sure where to start, or really how or if it's possible to sum up our vacation. this was our first trip to Hawaii and we fell in love with this island and its spirit. Mahalo for sharing it all with us!

A few of our favorite things:

• watching the sunset out front, where - one night - we got engaged!
• snorkeling here, at Poipu Beach and at Kee Beach up north.
• kayaking the wailua river & hiking to secret falls
• seeing waimea canyon & hiking canyon trail
• hiking to the bottom of wailua falls

Sept 21, 2005

Aloha Jack and Dorinda

Thank you for the use of your condo. It's all you said it would be.

Friends all visited here as it has so much to offer. We visited Kauai 25 years ago and should have realized the potential - it's still the best. (We have also visited other islands in the past).

Mahalo

Dick and Joyce, Doug and Marilyn
Coarsegold, CA

Sept 12, 2005

Wow! Thank you so much for this wonderful condo. We really enjoyed the view. It was great to wake up to see the ocean and have some coffee!

So many wonderful things to do here. We ran out of time! We are already trying to figure out when to come back. So here are some things we recommend:

1. Boat tour of NaPali Coast - awesome, we went into caves and saw dolphins.
2. Helicopter tour - amazing! So many waterfalls. Truly a beautiful island.
3. The Kalalou Trail - hard word but well worth it!
4. Maha'ulepu Beach - hiked around there - great cliffs to ocean.
5. Sunsets at this condo - we will really mis it.

September 6, 2005

Aloha ~

What can we say?? We came to Kauai 2 years ago and stayed at Kuhio Shores. We've been dreaming about coming back ever since!

This condo is the best one you will find on the island. Thank you Jack & Dorinda for sharing it with us. :-)

A few highlights... Wailua Falls is beautiful. One of our favorite spots. If you park and walk beyond the fence there are ropes that help you get down to the waterfall. Seeing it from above is beautiful ~ swimming under it is amazing! the signs say danger and it is a bit trecherous but only takes about 10-15 minutes to get down.

We sailed on Captain Andys Katamaran out of Port Allen. We also took Captain Zodiac out at 5:45 AM. Again, both were excellent! We saw dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, caves and drove under the waterfalls. We don't want to go home!

Thanks Jack & Dorinda!

Jim, Vickie, Justin (8 yrs old), Ryan (6 yrs old) Bishop
Laguna Hills, CA

August 12, 2005

Aloha Jack and Dorinda

We stayed in unit #115 during the second half of our Hawaiian honeymoon. After 1 week on Maui, Kauai was a welcome change! We immediately fell in love with the lush green beauty everywhere. Kauai is more relaxed with hidden treasures everywhere - if you look. Your condo was a peaceful place for Svet and I to share breakfast (plenty of fruit salad from the mangos and apple-bananas we bought on the side of the road) and relax at the end of our adventure-filled days. Our favorites...

• Svet loved Shipwreck Beach near the Hyatt for boogy boarding great waves! Good shade for me too. Public parking is just past the Hyatt, off of Auika Rd.
• Spouting Horn at sunset. Read page 89 of Hidden Kauai for an interesting folk story about this site.
• Waimea Canyon - What a fun drive! The air is so clean and fresh. We took 512 and returned on 510 - good views.
• Short hike up (20 minutes) at Ke'ee Beach for a nice view.
• Hanalei was so sweet! We took a fun detour off the main road to see some Taro fields. Beautiful drive!
• Napoli Coast Tour w/Napoli Catamaran. Our boat went into some sea caves and excellent snorkeling w/clear water and a family of sea turtles.
• Guava Plantation - Neat places to visit. Kauai Coffee, on the way to Waimea - too many samples!
• Dining...
  Hanara's Saivan in Lihue. The best ramen noodle soup! Ate here twice. Also delicious shave ice. Try the "Halo Halo Extra".
  Kountry Kitchen for brunch.
  Hahama'lu Tea House & Sushi Bar. Ignore the outside of the place. It's a different world inside. Call ahead for tea house dining. Excellent Tempura and sushi.
  If you see a sign for "mangos for sale" between Koloa and Poipu, stop and buy some! Yum!
  
  Thank you! We had an incredible time!
  
  Jessica & Svet
  St Louis, MO
  
  

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  July 28, 2005
  
  Aloha
  
  #115 Kuhio Shores (aka Jack & Dorinda's place) has been our families personal paradise for this past week. There is something for everyone here ~

  • boogie boarding, wave riding
  • snorkeling, turtles, comeleons
  • new friends, musicians, song
  • geckos, abundant blossoms
  • bird calls, tide-pooling
  The best things is Kauai are free! But is sure helps to have a great condo like this to extend the pleasures. :-)
  
  The wedding of our daughter, Sierna to Stuart Grey was the most extraordinary event of our stay here ~ and our two families met at our place every day and night learning to love one another as our first-born children inspired us in their newlywed bliss.
  
  Mahalo, Jack & Dorinda
  
  Ed, Trice & Zach Roberts
  
  

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  July 19, 05
  
  Dear Jack and Dorinda
  
  What a fantastic vacation we have had! Your condo is the perfect location and we have enjoyed so much watching the surfers, the turtles and the amazing sunsets.
  
  Speaking of turtles, we have snorkeled at quite a few places (Poipu, Tunnels, Ke'e Beach) and I think the snorkeling right of the lanai is the best! Can't count how many turtles we swam with.
  
  One treasure we found was Polihale Beach on the west side. At the end of Hwy 50, a 5 minute dirt road drive, left at the "Monkeypod Tree" and we found ourselves at the most gorgeous turquoise, sandy, secluded beach ever! Queens Pond I think. Went back twice - it was awesome!
  
  Thanks for sharing your condo - hope to be back soon.
  
  The Carter Family
  Gary, Sue, Luke, Nick & Stephanie
  P.S.
  We celebrated my daughters 7th birthday with dinner at the Beach House. It was a little pricey but well worth it!
  
  

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  July 8, 2005
  
  Aloha from San Luis Obispo, California
  
  Thank you, Jack and Dorinda for renting out your lovely condo! We have stayed at Kuhio Shores 3 yrs in a row now - a different condo each time. This one is by far the roomiest and best location. My son literally trots out the door and paddles out to "PK's" to surf each morning.
  
  By the way, the audio on DVD doesn't appear to be working, or light and fan in master bedroom. We finally found the spare keys in the basket and not on the counter as told. :-)
  
  Kauai is by far our favorite HI isle and each year we find a new "hidden" delight. We explored the Hindu Monastery, the "wet" cave, the stunning hike to Waipo'o Falls in Waimea and swam with a lot of sea turtles and ate laulau at the Oki Dinner! Now we are off to camp on the Big Isle - a different exp. from the comfy condo here at #115! If anyone wants to exchange "Kauai Talks" email us at seadanze (at) charter (dot) net.
  
  Great having internet hookup here!!
  
  Aloha
  
  The Seadanze Ohana
  
  (drawing of a sea turtle in water) with note: "Nothing should be prized more highly than the value of each day." with comment: So True, especially here in Kauai.
  
  Further comment in postscript: Here's a tip we've enjoyed on the islands - buy blank cassette tapes and tape local radio stations like island radio 98.9 to listen to back home - keep the aloha spirit going! (drawing of flower)
  
  

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  July 1, 2005
  
  We just finished a wonderful week at Jack & Dorinda's place. It has a homey feel and is very comfortable.
  
  The swell was up when we got here so the surf was great (much to our son's delight). So a lot of time was spent in the water. We loved snorkeling and swimming with the turtles and a nice luau at the Hyatt Regency.
  
  We look forward to returning to Kuhio Shores 115 as soon as possible!
  
  The Kings
  Carlsbad, Ca
  
  

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  June 23, 2005
  
  We have enjoyed our first trip to Kauai tremendously, and your delightful condo has helped to make our stay comfortable, relaxing, and extra special.
  
  We have enjoyed the wonderful view - especially the surfers tackling the challenging waves! Our favorites on the island have been boogie boarding Brenneke Beach, Scuba diving off Koloa Landing and snorkeling right next door!
  
  We take wonderful memories home to Indiana with us. Thanks for your hospitality!
  
  The DeKrygers...
  Malcolm & Donna, Megan, Nick & Jenna
  
  

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  June 1 / 05
  
  Dear Jack & Dorinda
  
  What a lovely condo you have. From the moment we walked in we really felt the "aloha" spirit.
  
  Thank you for making us so comfortable. Kauai is such a lovely place. We were married here in Poipu 11 years ago. So it has a special place in our heart.
  
  Thank you until we return again.
  
  Debra & Randy Berg
  Richmond, BC Canada
  
  

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  May 2, 2005 It has been an honor and quite the pleasure to be the first "guests" of Jack and Dorinda's new condo. We enjoyed every moment spent here. Our favorite beach was a very secluded cove out on the dirt road past the Hyatt. 4-wheel drive vehicle is required therefore, on a Saturday morning - afternoon, we were the only people there! We fell in love with Toi Thai restaurant in Ele'ele. The atmosphere is nothing to write about but the food was great and it is a "mom and pop" type of place.
  
  Thank you for sharing your condo and we look forward to returning!
  
  David and Sharon
  
  

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  April 22, 2005
  
  To our Guests,
  
  Aloha!!
  
  Welcome to our condo. We hope you enjoy your stay on the island as much as we do. It has been 20 years now that we have been coming to Kauai and in particular, the South Shore. We finally got the condo this year and came out in April to fix it up for vacation rental. It will be home for us at least once a year!
  
  Please let us know what you enjoyed most about Kauai and how we can make your stay more enjoyable the next time.
  
  Mahalo
  
  Jack & Dorinda
  
  
  
  

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