PRICE:
Frommer's Recommended

Mahina Kai (\"moon over the water\") is a traditional Japanese villa (complete with teahouse next door) on 2 landscaped acres just across the road from one of the most picturesque white-sand beaches on Kauai. The property is unique, but in the past few years the rates have continued to creep up to the point that I think it is way, way, way too expensive. Three rooms in the main house come complete with shoji screen doors, private bathrooms and lanais, use of the gorgeous living room (with fishpond, vintage Hawaiian furniture, and views of Japanese gardens and Aliomanu Beach), and shared kitchenette. Although this place is undeniably unique, the rooms are tiny and sparsely furnished (no TVs or phones), and the walls are paper-thin. Also available are a large one-bedroom suite with private entrance, and a separate cottage (with kitchenette) next to the saltwater pool. Landscaped into the gardens are a lagoon-style pool and a hot tub. Sitting in the hot tub, listening to the surf across the street, and watching the stars move slowly across the sky, you're pretty darn close to heaven on earth. When Mahina Kai opened in 1985, it was exclusively a gay B&B; although still gay-owned, everyone with the aloha spirit is welcome.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Hawaii 2008, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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