Instead of overpaying for airfare to meet at Christmas in San Francisco where my 2 kids (28 and 30) live , we decided to all go to Hawaii in January. We're on the east coast, so it's a longer flight. I have been to Kauai/Oahu/Maui and the Big Island in the past, several times, but this is the BEST vacation rental I have ever stayed in and the price was very reasonable. Nihi Kai 401 is perfectly located with a view of the ocean; yes, it's looking over some of the other condo roofs and some trees, but it's still good enough. The top floor has the kitchen, dinnig area with large round table and living room with flat screen TV. The furniture is very nice for a rental condo. The upstairs balcony/lanai has a breakfast table and chairs and is roomy enough to enjoy while looking at the nice view. Downstairs are 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Each bedroom has sliding glass doors to private lanais, the master with King bed faces the ocean and the 2nd bedroom has twin beds and a garden/sidewalk view. The beds were very confortable. The only thing I would update is the master bedspread (I didn't like the print). Each bedroom has a ceiling fan, which is nice since there's no A/C. There's always a nice breeze though. It's just a few steps away to the outdoor gas grills. The kitchen is fully equipped with nice pots and pans, etc. The stuff here is not cheap. They provide beach mats, towels and beach chairs too. The pool was well kept and not overrun with people all day. We enjoyed sitting there, reading and floating in the pool. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous, with lovely flowers and colorful plants everywhere, very nice landscaping. The office staff was very friendly and helpful. Everything was perfect here. It's just a short nice walk to the beaches, which are so beautiful here, Poipu and Brenneke's. Calm water to swim in, another alcove with good waves for boogie boarding and even a keiki (kids) swimming area. Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets around 6am and 6pm can be seen, especially from the road that fronts Nihi Kai or the beach. Monk seals come up on the beach on a regular basis, cool! Brenneke's is a good place to eat and just a short walk away. There is also a close-by restaurant called Casa di Amici on Nalo Rd, which runs up the side of Nihi Kai and is a real short walk away. It's Italian with very good food, including fresh fish entrees.

I love this place and this particular condo and plan to return as soon as possible. The owners provide a book with recommeded things to do in Kauai. It has a lot of good and detailed info that really helps you make decisions on what to do, what to eat and where to go. This is a relaxing place to stay while enjoying Kauai. It has free WiFi, a free safe for your laptop, etc. and washer dryer combo downstairs.