K.M. L.
Yelp
If you are the kind of tourist who avoids disneyland-plastic, not really into cruise ships, and know enough to know "The Four Seasons" 5 star rating is way too "been there done that," you will love The Inn Wiamea (we rented their historic Faye property two bedroom cottage across the lane).
.
Patrick, Daphne and Carol are very kind and welcoming and this rustic little beach house is perfect for the world weary seeking peace. Just a couple hundred feet from the water and dark sands of Waimea Beach, you will live among locals and away from the "touristy" canned experience of the condo feel. Two Tommy Bahama (rolls royce) beach chairs next to the washer and dryer and a picnic cooler in the kitchen. Swim at Poi'pu or where the locals go at Salt Pond Beach just east of Waimea and west of Poi'pu on the highway.
.
We are from Seattle and found the breezes of the trade winds just right in the evenings. The days are sun filled as you would imagine. The cottage has two comfortable bedrooms with air conditioners for the lightweights like me. A lovely, well thought out decor, clawfoot tub and an old stainless steel trough sink in the fully-equipped kitchen, cozy pleasant living room. It's charming.
.
I will post some pics later but you'll find the Inn, cottage, several great cabins and other properties listed on their website at:
http://www.westkauailodging.com
Photos they provide are accurate. One time cleaning fee and self catering you just let them know if you need towel or to reup their great coffee. If you prefer to take care of yourself, like privacy, peace and prefer a real connection with local folks .... this is your spot.
(addendum 1): this place just gets better the longer we are here. Our 10 day stay is at day five. We will never stay anywhere else, but west Kauai deserty but waaaay quieter and just visit the north and east. Poi'pu (rated the world's best swimming beach is just a short drive away with luxury stuff) with lagoons for safe kid swimming and many great snorkling spots was great fun.
(addendum 2): the restauant adjacent was one of those "don't judge a book by it's cover" experience. Great atmosphere, locally owned and all the genuine warmth of the Inn Waimea. The give guests here a discount). Will review the restauarnt nextdoor thoroughly under "Kauai restauants Waimea." Here's a clue though ... absolutely packed with and recommended by locals. Loved it.
(addendum 3): see this same local (at WestKauaiLodging.com) family - owned company for rustic mountain cabin rentals in the spectacular Waimea Canyon. Real cabin retreats, no wifi etc... staying there some days next visit to check it out ... but sounds amazing for the complete escape from all.
.
(addendum 4): last day... the beaches.... really glad we stayed here.
Best suntan beach is McArthur Park a couple miles west and there are lots of places to surf around here. No swimming (shore break and rip), but picnic pagodas, barbeques (bring your own grill rack and charcoal), bathrooms and not crowded at all.
Best locals surf beaches: If you take the highway east you will see local surfers getting out of their cars at a spot (?) Between here and Poi'pu. Coming back as often as we can. Also check out Salt Pond and Poi'pu.
Best kids beach: Poi'pu lagoons and reefs make the water here calm for play and snokeling. You can easily keep an eye on your littles while relaxing. Fancier beach area with attendant luxuries, etc.
.
Best Walking and Fishing Beach: Waimea Beach (1000) feet away. Darker sand that for some reason doesn't cling like the lighter variety. A great pier for watching the sunset and fishing. We walked down to this beach at night (take a flashlight) and star gazed the brilliant, sparkling sky. Really quiet beach ... mainly locals
Feel free to contact me through yelp (I live in Seattle) if you have any questions (but not till vacations over June 3, 2017).
808-652-6852
4469 Halepule Rd.
Waimea, Hi 96796