Aloha Friends,

A few months back a guest staying at the condo sent us photos of a construction fence going up across the street from our condo. I remember feeling grateful to her for informing us of what was happening but, also feeling nervous about not knowing what was going to be built. I was worried. When we got over to Kauai in April I was pleasantly surprised to see that we could still see the ocean from the condo!

When we purchased the condo we knew that the large lot that separates us from the ocean wouldn't stay empty forever. All beaches in Hawaii are public, we never worried about our beach access being lost. But, our peek-a-boo ocean view could disappear or it may not. It's hard to say until they get a start on the vertical construction. That won't be until March or April 2017. 

What we know so far is that plans have been approved for a 326 unit time-share resort with 3 pools. The resort will have several buildings, all between two and four stories high. Coconut trees can grow up to 100 feet in height...the resort will be within the "no buildings higher than a coconut palm on Kauai".  :)

I remember when we first learned of the Longs store construction project. I wasn't happy about it and I felt that it wouldn't be good for the area.. that it would create noise and traffic. Well, now that the Longs is in I LOVE IT! It's a really nice store built in classic Hawaiian style, they planted a lot of coconut palms (one for each tree they had to remove) and it's super convenient for us and our guests. I haven't noticed any increase in traffic and we never once have received a noise complaint. I don't know what I was so worried about! Change, I guess.

Change can be a good thing :)

I'll keep you all posted on the construction. If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them. Thanks for reading my diary!

Aloha All!

It was a short visit to Kauai...just four nights but, we so enjoyed our little honeymoon!

We took a long walk along the Kauai Path. The wide concrete path stretches about 9 miles from Lydgate park through Kapaa and up past Kealia beach. The scenery is beautiful...

Breakfast with friends at the Olympic Café in old town Kapaa. Good food and good friends...perfect!

We went to dinner one night at the Bull Shed in Kapaa. The prime rib is absolutely delicious! Dinner includes a trip to their salad bar. Their portions are generous so let your tummy beware :) The leftover steak makes wonderful picnic fixings!

Foodland is a great place to pick up locally grown fruits and veggies. We did most of our grocery shopping there and at Longs Drugs.

Every day we spent time at the beach in front of the condo. It's nice to pack a picnic and relax a few hours away...

Wailua is one of our favorite beers made by the Kona Brewing Company. Unfortunately the Wailua is only sold in the state of Hawaii. Another excuse to go back Friends!

Cheers!

Thanks for reading my diary!

Aloha Friends!

As Valentine's day approaches, love is in the air...and plants! On our last visit to Kauai I took a few photos of hearts I saw growing near the condo...

Thanks for reading my diary!

Aloha Everybody!

Before 2015 comes to an end I thought I would share with you some of the updates we've made this year to the condo...

New bedding, pillows, sheets, quilt and throw pillows in a bright tropical pattern. The bedding gets replaced often. Since it is washed so frequently, it tends to show wear fast. It's important that the condo always looks fresh and clean...they get replaced at least once per year. I have already purchased a new Waverly comforter set to replace this one. It has a beautiful hibiscus flower print on a dark background...should be pretty!

Hide-A-Bed Ottoman. It's a twin sized bed disguised as an ottoman! Isn't that cool? The bed has a nice firm mattress and is quite comfortable. You'll find clean sheets and a comfy blanket in the bedroom closet.

New air conditioner. The "old" only lasted 3 years! Not my favorite new purchase for the condo. It was crazy expensive, but I know our guests really appreciate it. This past summer on Kauai was extra humid for several weeks when the hot Kona winds were blowing. Most condos on Kauai do not have A/C... stay at the Coconut Coast Condo if you want to stay cool!  :)

A ginormous new television! The TV just barely fits in the armoire! Like the A/C, this thing is nearly a necessity...gotta keep up on the UH football! Go Rainbow Warriors!

Well, that's all the big updates I could think of. There were lots of smaller things that get done to keep the condo looking it's best. We painted in February and September...every time we visit, the paint brushes come out :) The bathroom light fixture got replaced and several window blinds, lots of boring stuff but, I really believe it all adds up to a better guest experience. Our hope is that you love the condo as much as we do!

Thanks for reading the Coconut Diaries!

Aloha Friends!

2 blissful weeks on Kauai...

We felt so blessed to be there and made great memories of fun times with family and friends, relaxing sunsets on the beach, delicious island food, adventures and the incredible beauty that is Kauai.

I have so much to tell. I'll enjoy sharing our experience with you over the next few diary entries. Here's a few photos...

Our family walked often along the ocean-front path behind the condo in the evenings. On this occasion the girls discovered  a hammock. The perfect sunset hang out! :)

This is one of our favorite beaches on Kauai. Just a mile from the condo Lydgate beach boasts clear sheltered water-- perfect for swimming! The experience is like walking into an aquarium...there are so many fish and sea creatures to see! Puffer fish, striped Convict Tang, bright Wrases, BIG blue fish that swim in schools...too many fish to try to name!

Please keep the people of the Puna district on Big Island in your thoughts. Lava is flowing dangerously close to the town of Pahoa,and the highway, possibly cutting off thousands of residents from their homes. Hugs and positive thoughts to our friends on Big Island!

Aloha!

Kauai's calling me...time for a vacation!

We're excited for this next trip over to Kauai, it's been almost two years!

It'll be a bit of a working vacation as we have a few ideas to spruce up the condo...all the better for our future guest to enjoy! I'll post a note soon about some of the upgrades...

We're fortunate that the condo has been booked steady with visitors. It makes me feel good that others have got a chance to enjoy Kauai and trusted us to provide them with a great place to stay! And, it's an awesome value...can't beat $95 a night for a one bedroom condo with a peek a boo ocean view!

Thanks for reading my diary!

Aloha!

Aloha Readers!

People have been talking about us and saying the nicest things!  Here's a few reviews we've received on TripAdvisor...

"Plantation Hale J-8 is a very nice place to stay."

"Everything you could need is there and the condo is spacious. I enjoyed the ability to feel at home while on vacation. The condo is located near to all conveniences - markets, drug stores, restaurants, fun shopping with easy access to all other parts of the island and is just a short walk to a small quiet beach. I will definitely stay here again!"

Read Advanced Review -Fran on 12/18/2013

"Great value for a lovely property"

"lovely and large unit; well furnished and stocked; grounds are spacious and nicely landscaped; ocean view with a short walk to the beach. Convenient location at a great value."

Read Advanced Review -Eve & Charlie on 06/06/2013

It's always nice when guests take the time to leave comments. Thanks guys!

Happy aloha Friday!

Sending some aloha to all the moms out there!

Two of my daughters and myself. We just watched the sunrise from the beach in front of the condo. What a beautiful morning it was. Times like these are to be treasured.

Enjoy your day!

I'm so happy to share with you that Plantation Hale Suites was voted the best budget hotel on Kauai! And rated number two in the entire state of Hawaii! Isn't that just awesome?!

Every year the readers of Hawaii magazine vote on what is the best of the best in Hawaii. Thousands of votes were tallied in this year's poll. I'm so proud of Plantation Hale!

We love Plantation Hale, that's why we bought the condo there. It really is a wonderful resort and a great value! A stay at the Coconut Coast Condo at Plantation Hale starts at just $95 per night! What a deal!

One of our favorite restaurants also made the list this year...Hukilau Lanai! It placed in the best moderately priced restaurant ($25-50 per person) category! The Hukilau Lanai is a wonderful place to enjoy an excellent meal and it's within walking distance of the condo.

Check out Hawaii Magazine's April 2014 issue for all of the Best of the Best in Hawaii!

It's Aloha Friday! Have a great weekend all!

Aloha Readers!

Don't wait to book your 2014 Kauai vacation...the condo's calendar is filling up!

Anytime is a great time to visit Kauai! But, if you prefer one season over another, it may be best to book soon. Here's an image of our most recent calendar...

Spring Break is still available. As well as a few days at the end of May and all of June. Wouldn't it be fun to spend July 4th on Kauai? August and September are still available. Middle November through December is up for grabs!

Best wishes for a fabulous weekend!
Happy Friday and thanks for reading my diary!