Romantic, restful and peaceful

This was our first trip to Hawaii, we spent 4 nights on Maui before staying here 4 nights. Although our stay in Maui was magical at the Olinda Hidden Cottage, our stay here in our cottage wins hands down. We loved Kauai and our little house overlooking the beach. The reef outside made swimming safe when all the other beaches were closed. The interior renovation is lovely, very zen and the shower and soaking tub, the ultimate! All very romantic, restful, and peaceful. Can’t wait to come back.

Alixe & Jeffrey - Whidbey Island, WA 2/24/2008

Our beautiful Hale Makai retreat

We came to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary never knowing we would celebrate so much more. The island truly is a paradise and no where is it more evident than the North Shore. Hale Makai allowed us to experience the beauty, serenity and peace that are so much Kauai. We could have seen it from other accommodations but not have experienced it. Our bare feet could not have taken only a dozen steps across lush grass to our own secluded section of the North Shore only at Hale Makai!! The view even from inside is indescribable with pen & paper. Sights and sounds we will never forget! We love it here. We loved the 8 mile trek to the falls on the Kalalau Trail. Hanakapiai beach, valley and falls are breathtaking, So-o-o worth each rugged step, and at the end of a tiring walk, we got to go a short distance to our beautiful Hale Makai Retreat-ahh. The trip to Waimea Canyon was beautiful and our Blue Dolphin Catamaran tour of the Napali Coast was thrilling – humpbacks everywhere! We so enjoyed meeting “Ms. Hale Makai” since we didn’t get the first name of the owner (sorry)! You are so kind and meticulous. Thank you for taking such great care of this sweet place. Also thank you for the great recommendation of Bar Acuda – Yum!
Mahalo, Mahalo for everything!

Kim & Randy Gooch - Monticello, KY 2/17/2008

6th stay at Hale Makai

Jan. 3-10, 2008

Our 6th stay at Hale Makai but first in Cottage 3. Beautiful as ever! All the improvements are wonderful and we certainly enjoy them. Weather this year was phenomenal! It’s so peaceful and restful here. We love it! Thanks!

PS. Nice to meet Rike Burmeister today (Jan. 10th)…you have done an amazing job with Hale Makai! Keeps us coming back year after year.

Margie & Ken Newtington - Squamish, BC 1/10/2008

The stay was awesome. We enjoyed eating on the lanai and watching the waves crash in. The kitchen & shower were great touches. Candles in the dining room were nice. Short walk to Tunnels, but the scenery was beautiful right where we are.

Peng Shao - Boulder, CO 1/10/2008

Looking forward to a return trip someday soon

This was our first visit to Hawaii. We stopped in Oahu and the Big Island before coming to Kauai. After making our way to the North Shore we arrived at Hale Makai. The Cottage was very clean and we loved the simple living. Being our first time, I had to satisfy my curiousity to see the whole island. We spent a day driving around and seeing the sites. The sites were great but nothing beats the North Shore. Tunnels Beach is so beautiful. We enjoyed the 2 mile hike to Hanakapiai Beach, thursday nights at Tahiti Nui hanging with the locals and listening to great Hawaiian music was a treat. We will be looking forward to a return trip someday soon!

Ann & Mark Johnson - Hopkinton, MA 10/27/2007

Perfect place to begin our lives together

What a perfect place to begin our lives together! We were married on Maui on September 20, 2007 and came to Kauai for our honeymoon. The North Shore is so beautiful and Hale Makai provided a perfect secluded retreat for us. The updated interior of the cottage was both beautiful and comfortable.
Our experiences: Snorkeling at Tunnels Beach was nice but we found the snorkeling off of our own private beach to be much better, less crowded and a large variety of fish and corals. Hiking the Kalalau Trail was breathtaking. It can become challenging due to the steep muddy trails, although if you were looking for a free mud bath this is for you. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear shoes you don’t mind being caked in mud. We only did the first two miles to the beach and that was perfect for our first time out. We highly recommend the Zip n’ Dip tour through the Princeville Ranch Adventures. It was a blast. The guides were very knowledgeable and fun. We started our tour at 9am and it didn’t end until 2pm so you definitely get your monies worth. There are eight zip line crossings and a stop at a swimming hole with a small waterfall. Perfect place for lunch and a dip. The food was the best I had on any of our tours. Overall our dining experience was wonderful. Our favorite dinners were at Sushi Blues and La Cascata. Also for a treat grab some Lapperts Ice Cream, so good. Kauai pie was my favorite. Sad to be going home to Denver, Colorado but we plan to return for another great adventure. Thank you and keep up the great work!

Jay & Maegen Tracy - Denver, CO 9/24/2007

Relaxing and magical

We had a wonderful time on our brief trip to Kauai. We loved Cottage # 5, completely relaxing and magical. The energy and ambience of this setting is healing, relaxing and energizing! We had wonderful memories here, that we will remember forever. We wish all guests a memorable stay filled with lots of love, laughter and beauty.

Bill & Shauna - Huntington Beach, CA 9/24/2007

This place is truly a tropical oasis. There is nothing like waking up to a warm breeze and gorgeous gardens outside your windows. The facilities are stellar (Viking ovens and stovetops!) I would recommend just flopping out on the beach, soaking up the sun and the view. Also, grab a seat at the Sushi Bar at Sushi Blues and have Jeff whip you up some of the freshest Sushi you’ll ever have. Overall, a very relaxing and wonderful stay, only wish it could have been longer! Thanks so much for having us.

Laura & Andrew - San Francisco, CA 9/1/2007

Loved our stay

We absolutely LOVED our stay at Hale Makai Cottages!

The breeze and views were incredible. I loved the simple, elegant, beachy décor of the cottages and the location could not have been more perfect.

Loved the quiet and privacy and beauty of the property.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Jane Blizzard - Coppell TX 8/16/2007

Without a doubt it was the best place

We had a marvelous time at your property. My son-in-law said, "I never thought I would be sitting by a campfire on a beach in Hawaii." Without a doubt it was the best place we have stayed . It was a great place to wrap up our stay in Hawaii. I’ve told friends about your property and how relaxing that area of the island is.

Gayle & Ken Kocab - Rontonda FL 7/24/2007

We loved it here! Our 10 day honeymoon was wonderful but we wished we had spent more of it here. I don’t think either of us has been this fully relaxed for this long in years. With the frequent, but short rain storms it makes for a very calming and cozy night sleep. Did a little of both eating in and going out. Postcards was good but so was the Mediterranean Gourmet next door surprisingly. Sunsets are a must every night; they begin to be the way to tell what time it is. Also we loved hiking the NaPali coast up to the waterfall, amazing! Surfing lessons were a blast, not as hard as I thought it would be. Thanks for this wonderful experience, we will be back.

Michael & Kathryn McGuirk - Boulder, CO 7/16/2007

There is no better place to honeymoon

Mahalo! We are so grateful to have found your beautiful cottage. There is no better place to honeymoon. Thank you for providing such a place, words cannot describe the beauty surrounding this area and island. We have enjoyed every second of it. We will never stay anywhere but here when we visit Kauai! My favorite part has been falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and awaking to the most incredible sun rises each and every morning! Mahalo

Scott & Emmy Hewitt -Washington DC 6/9/2007

Ideal spot for our honeymoon

Matthias and I cannot thank you and Hale Makai enough for a perfect stay in your sublime location. We are sure we chose the ideal spot for our honeymoon, not just Ha'ena but Hale Makai. You have the service down to an art, from the elegant details to the privacy to the ease and friendliness to the nice balance of simplicity and elegant comfort. Words cannot express how much we loved it.

I'll also add that you are very reasonably priced for all that you offer, like being right on a beautiful, secluded, reef protected beach, luxury details et al.

Coming across some of the other places we had considered while we were roaming the north shore, I saw that they were twice the price merely because they were in more posh neighborhoods. But where you are is sweeter, closer to the ocean and to pure nature, and much more our style. We made the right choice! By the way, we didn't end up snorkeling at Tunnels because an avid snorkeler we met out in front of H.M. there on Kepuhi said that the coral was much healthier right where we were!

For we who are deeply involved in environmental concerns, who find ourselves living in a place (L.A.) where the issues are how to bring the "patient" out of critical condition as it were, it was a true pleasure to be in a place where the issues are more "preventive medicine." Thank you for being part of that "preventive" care that can keep the beautiful place protected from the darker tendencies of human behavior!!

We have and will continue to give Hale Makai our highest recommendation and look forward to our return to your outstanding place.

Best wishes, Mahalo.

Matthias & Diane Moss - Santa Monica, CA 6/8/2007

Book another several day...

We had a WONDERFUL stay at your cottage! Our only regret was that we didn't book another several days!

We hope to visit Kauai and Hale Makai again soon.

Aloha and Mahalo!

Joy & Rick Bowles - Dripping Springs, TX 6/3/2007

Far exceeded our expectations

Nope, TV and Movies can never capture the beauty of this place. We are so glad we choose Kauai! We have snorkeled in many areas in the Caribbean, but never seen as many varieties as well as concentration of Marine life. It was truly like looking into an aquarium, it was right outside our door of Cottage # 2. Far exceeded our expectations, in fact it was a combination of all of the things we loved about other places we have stayed. I.e. The incredible view from inside and out, our wonderful porch and being so close to the water. Thank you Hale Makai for a truly perfect beach vacation. We will definitely try to come back again!

Joy & Rick Bowles - Austin, TX 6/3/2007

Perfect Hawaiian Honeymoon Location

Mahalo for the perfect Hawaiian honeymoon location. We loved the house, property and beach!

We felt so welcome and at home here. The house was a perfect spot to explore all the North side of the island has to offer.

We will miss waking up to hear the ocean and sitting up in bed to see the waves crashing just past the sliding glass door.

Many Thanks,

Sarah & Jeff Hogan - Sugarland, Texas 4/30/2007

Perfectly appointed cottage

Our 3rd visit to the North Shore and our 1st visit to Hale Makai, we'll be back!

Perfectly appointed cottage with all the modern and stylish amenities in the most beautiful location.

We loved everything about our visit especially this lovely cottage. Every detail has been tastefully considered.

For future guest, we highly recommend the Farmers Market at Waipa 2pm every Tuesday, fresh ingredients to use in the gourmet kitchen.

Thanks for everything, can't wait for our next visit!

Elizabeth & Brendan Takasaki - Toronto Canada 4/24/2007

Thank you for your hospitality

We have enjoyed our time at Hale Makai, the lull or of the ocean, great beach for shell collecting and snorkeling and the nice cottage that has a homey feel. The North Shore is truly paradise and we haven't found this in any other setting. We'll be back, thank you for your hospitality!!!

The Duignan's - San Diego, CA 4/9/2007

Unforgetable Vacation

Our stay was truly beautiful. The ocean, plants, the food, every morning was spectacular. We had a blast every day. I really don't want to leave. The cottage is very romantic. Thank you so much for an unforgetable vacation.

Bart Riggs - Tampa Florida 3/30/2007

Perfect Valentine Gift

This week was a Valentine Gift from my husband and I don't think he can ever "Out Do" himself after this one! Kauai is always our favorite spot and this cottage is a true gem! We have hit all our favorite places to eat, shop and play. Weather has been awesome and we hate to go back to 12" of snow at home. We will be back and hopefully for longer next time.

Do the Inter-island Helicopter Tour, ask for Ian to be your pilot. He landed us at our own private waterfall and we swam in the pool and ate lunch, very fun!

Steve & Cindy Paschall - Avon, Indiana 2/14/2007

Your beautiful accommodations

My wife and I shared the most wonderful week of our lives at Hale Makai.

We plan to request reservations to return regularly because of the personal significance of your beautiful accommodations to us, the peace and unspoiled tranquility of your portion of paradise, and your gracious hospitality.

Your cottages are extremely clean, open and lighted, friendly, modern and comfortable and allowed us to enjoy peaceful nights watching the moon, sea and stars; wonderful mornings outside enjoying breakfast overlooking the ocean and your garden setting and walking one of the most beautiful beaches on the Islands.

I have lived on the Islands when I was in the active Navy and this is the place that represents the best of Hawaii to us and where we enjoyed our honeymoon.

Thank you

Dr. and Mrs. Potampa -Woodinville, WA 2/12/2007

Whales in the distance puffing

Our 25th anniversary has been great here! There were two sea turtles right outside the beach, snorkeling I saw some kind of horn fish. The botanical garden was just wonderful. Today I saw some whales in the distance puffing. The privacy and access to the beach is so nice. Up to today I ran so far three different days 14 miles, in my preparation for the LA Marathon in March 2007. I love this house. Thank you very much for everything. I forgot to mention in the morning the birds come to song, someone told me the red birds were cardinals, I don’t know so you’ll have to find out.

Delilah & Pedro - Diamond Bar California 12/31/2006

Peaceful & Enjoyable

We absolutely loved being here. It’s so peaceful and enjoyable. We loved being able to just walk out of the cottage and be at the beach. We can’t wait to have another chance to come back and enjoy this wonderful cottage again.

Thank you for making our stay at Hale Makai so wonderful!

Mo,Paul, Isabel & Halle - Berkeley, CA 12/21/2006

Perfect Place to Stay

Thanks so much for such a fantastic week. Now that we’ve looked around the north shore quite a bit, we are very pleased to have found the perfect place to stay here. We wish we could come back every month, but unfortunately it will likely be another year!

Jeff and Bella - NYC 10/22/2006

The North Shore is the Best!

We did come back! This was our second time at Hale Makai and once again we love it here. The North Shore is the Best! Nothing comes close to Kauai’s charm, ruggedness and beauty. We hit some great snorkeling about a mile up the coast line…best yet. By the way, we really enjoyed seeing the remodel of this cottage! We were pleasantly surprised when we walked in! The furniture is beautiful and comfortable. We loved the stainless steel appliances and stove. Every improvement you have made is fantastic. So, great job you guys! We will miss Hale Makai, but hope to once again return in the future.

Tracey and Dave - Denver Co. 10/10/2006

Beautiful Grounds

We had a lovely vacation here at Hale Makai. Our 1 year old daughter loved climbing on the outdoor furniture and running around the beautiful grounds. The best snorkeling we had all week was out here at this very beach. We saw a turtle and an Octopus. I enjoyed Yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Hanalei Day Spa next door. We enjoyed bird watching at The Kilauea Lighthouse and took local hikes. The one off of the road by Hanalei Bridge had great views out to Hanalei Bay. We had some of our best meals cooked right here at home! Foodland Groceries in Princeville was surprisingly good for fish.

Chris, Allison and Eliza - San Rafael, CA 9/30/2006

Definitely coming back

We absolutely love our cottage and we’ll be definitely coming back as soon as possible. We will recommend this place to all our friends. You couldn’t find a more relaxing and beautiful place anywhere else. We are very sad to be leaving. Thank you for making our stay in Kauai so enjoyable.

Maurizio and Roma - London UK 9/29/2006

Loved it all

We had an absolutely wonderful time staying here. Loved the cottage, the property, the beach in front, the surrounding area and the graciousness of Bettie. Thanks for all your efforts in making this such a relaxing and peaceful place to stay. We hope to return someday…soon!

Joe and Sheryl - Stanwood, WA 9/25/2006

Views were just exquisite

This was an awesome place to spend our honeymoon. Everything was so peaceful, the views were just exquisite. The only beach we were able to enjoy without other people near by was just outside our cottage. We were able to enjoy some nearby hikes and got a massage at the Hanalei Day spa. I definitely recommend starting your vacation off doing that, it was a great way to get the relaxation started. We are definitely planning to be back and will definitely recommend Hale Makai Cottages and the north shore to anyone wanting to visit Kauai.
Mahalo

David and Coral - Denver, CO 9/22/2006

Our little cottage in paradise

We had a peaceful lovely time. Helicopter tour is the most beautiful, snorkeling at Tunnels was great as was our little cottage in paradise. Many thanks to Kristin and Bettie

Pat and Steve - Carlsbad, CA 9/16/2006

Wish we could stay longer

We could not have chosen a better place to wind down and relax from the Los Angeles hustle and bustle. Wish we could stay longer, this is the perfect place to get away from it all. Mahalo for a wonderful time, we love it here.

Mark and Tina - Torrance, CA 9/15/2006

Recommend Hale Makai Strongly

My husband and I traveled all the way from Germany to experience Kauai. We wanted to spend our vacation week in one of the Hale Makai cottages. We have heard about them from relatives and friends who already stayed there one year ago.
Indeed, we had a wonderful peaceful (beaches, snorkeling, relaxing at the Hale Makai ground...) but also a very exciting week (Luau, helicopter ride, hiking, sightseeing...). We also witnessed the renovation of the cottages and how the owners Rike and Klaus took all their efforts in letting the cottages become very special for every guest. In one word: we recommend Hale Makai strongly - even a long flight around the world is worth the memory of being a part of paradise.

Axel and Renate - Germany 9/15/2006

Truly Wonderful

We truly had a wonderful time there at Hale Makai...and hope to return in the future to spend even more time there! I kept calling it home when we were out and about.

Thank you for everything...it was truly wonderful.

Kevin - Texas 9/8/2006

Hale Makai Heaven!

Hale Makai Heaven! This is a wonderful peaceful and romantic location. Few people and incredible snorkeling to the left of the house. Saw a green Sea Turtle. We have spent 10 really nice days here and an extra bonus was Bettie the onsite caretaker. She really made our stay the best.

Lu and Karen - Watsonville, CA 8/29/2006

Jewel of peace and tranquility...

Oh Cottage # 4 how do we love you…let us count the ways!
Hale Makai is truly a jewel of peace and tranquility away from the frantic pace of daily life. We are so lucky to have found such a lovely retreat. Thanks to the Burmeister’s and Bettie for providing such a great experience. We will most definitely return!

Kevin and Amy - Austin TX 8/29/2006

Thanks!

We don’t want to go!!!
Thanks for a beautiful and relaxing time away.

The Gilchrist Family - Rancho Santa Fe, CA 8/19/2006

Gorgeous Setting and modern updates

This cottage was absolutely beautiful and wonderful in everyway. The gorgeous setting and modern updates makes this cottage and perfect place in paradise. We stayed here for the second part of our two week honeymoon and definitely loved this week the most. The north shore is so unbelievably beautiful and green. We had 5 perfect sunny days here at Hale Makai. The sound of the ocean and the constant breeze makes us feel like were in the best place in paradise… which we are! We can’t wait to return here for future vacations. Mahalo!

Eva and Angelo - Greenwich, CT 8/17/2006

Perfect Vacation Experience

Almost 30 years ago we "discovered" Kauai and we have been returning almost every 5 years or so ever since. This past July, 2006, marked out 6th time in Kauai and our fourth time staying on the North Shore. The last three visits have been spent at Hale Makai. The North Shore is not for everyone; if you want hot night life and lots of shopping, you need to visit the South Shore. Our family, however, loves the peaceful slow pace of the "wet side." And Hale Makai capitalizes on all of the wonderful aspects of this area. Rike and Klaus, you are lovingly renovating the gardens and the cottages, yet keeping the low-key, natural feeling. It is such a gift to have beachfront access, views of splendid sunsets, terrific snorkeling and velvety-smooth trade winds all without the crowds of people that characterize most Hawaii resorts. And the cottages afford the privacy that a typical resort complex cannot.

We will be recommending your cottages to all of our friends. The natural beauty of the area, coupled with the wonderfully upgraded, renovated cottages, along with your responsive and helpful management style add up to the perfect vacation experience!

Leanne, Gary and Andrew Domnitz - Los Angeles CA 8/2/2006

Honeymoon in Kauai

We are so happy that we spent part of our honeymoon in Kauai and at Hale Makai. This island is beautiful, especially the view from our cottage’s front porch. Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise with us!

Robyn and Jeremy - Chicago, IL 7/25/2006

Terrific little vacation rental

What a terrific little vacation rental. Loved the quietness of the cottage, yard and beach out front, even on July 4th. The cottage is the perfect size and so quiet at night that we slept wonderfully! Loved the front deck and our little stand of palm trees. We cooked almost every night, highly recommend Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market (behind the restaurant) for fresh fish and Sushi rolls.
Hope to be back soon!

Tanya and Jeff - Redwood City, CA 7/5/2006

Home Away from Home

Travis and I had a wonderful time at the Cottages in Paradise. The location, just north of the jungle, was perfect. You guys thought of everything to make our stay comfortable. It was like being at home away from home. We built many memories here and can’t wait to come back and make more.

Travis and Brenda - Las Vegas 6/25/2006

Hale Makai Cottages

The wind rustles the palm tree leaves so that there is a gentle whisper in your ear.

When it rains the soft pitter-patter soothes you to sleep.

And when you go to the beach the soft smooth sand is there to comfort you.

And best of all when you go into the water it blankets you gracefully.

Julia (10 Years Old) - Berkeley,CA 6/24/2006

Built many memories here!

Travis and I had a wonderful time at the cottage in paradise. The location, just north of the jungle, was perfect and you guys thought of everything to make our stay comfortable. It was like being at a home away from home. We built many memories here and can’t wait to come back and make more

Travis and Brenda - Las Vegas, NV 6/24/2006

Serenity at Hale Makai Cottages

I was almost afraid to visit Kauai in person because the island represented my dream of paradise. But when I reached Hale Makai Cottages, the reality - brilliantly landscaped grounds that open up to a breathtaking ocean vista - surpassed my fantasy.

One day, we had a picnic in the shade of a coconut tree. My daughter played in her sundress on the hammock, while my husband and I gazed at each other, the turquoise ocean and the hibiscus flowers that surrounded us. I couldn't imagine a more romantic moment, even in a Merchant Ivory film.

Another time, as I stood on the beach in front of the cottages, I craned my neck up to see the tops of magnificent green cliffs that jut high in the air and drop down to the ocean. In the other direction I saw a lush, gentle coastline that stretched for miles, with few visible homes, and I felt as if I had discovered the island myself.

I thought that a vacation could not possibly get any better, but then it did: Thomas Kelleher of Healing Hands Massage, who lives locally, gave me a massage in our cottage that not only relaxed my body but released my spirit into a state of lightness. I smiled for days afterward.

Now, long after my visit, I still carry with me the serenity that I found at Hale Makai.

Erika Casriel 6/23/2006

We are so happy that we spent part of our honeymoon in Kauai and at Hale Makai. This island is beautiful, especially the view from our cottage’s front porch. Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise with us.

xoxo,

Robyn and Jeremy - Chicago, IL 6/11/2006

Best snorkeling

This was our first trip to Kauai and we have discovered paradise! Beautiful weather, and the best snorkeling a few steps off the back porch. We are now planning our next trip.

Shari and John - Sunnyvale, CA 5/26/2006

Traveling with a group of friends, Hale Makai Cottages allowed us to barbecue, chat under the sun, and lounge around on the beach catching up on each others lives. It truly worked out to be the best vacation. We each had our own cottage, which was perfect for privacy, but during the day and for dinner we could all come together on the property and enjoy each others company.

Jason Willis - Walnut Creek, CA 5/17/2006

Shooting stars at night, Rainbows by day, sleeping to the sound of the surf hitting the shore; Perfect.

Don’t miss eating at BarAcuda in Hanalei. Enjoy the snorkeling at Tunnels. Great location! We’ll be back

Jacque & Nita - San Jose, CA 5/11/2006

This is our 8 th visit to Kauai and first visit to Hale Makai. We are blown away! Hale Makai is the perfect vacation getaway on the North Shore and all of Kauai. The garden setting is awesome, lush, tropical and inviting. I love all the different sitting areas in the garden, the hammock, where I manage to fall asleep twice and the privacy of the whole estat

Testimonials

Magical!