Lily Pad Cottage

I stayed here in December 2008 with a friend — we had intended to trek the Kalalau Trail but were rained out and the trail was closed! Lily Pad cottage was intended to be our «treat» after the hike — and we were nonetheless happy to be there after a week of rain and fighting off the sniffles from a crowded flight.
The cottage was just gorgeous — well outfitted, elegant and very comfortable. We enjoyed the chatter of gekko lizards fighting each other on the ceiling at night and the shy curiosity of a stray kitten on the deck. I look forward to staying here again and cannot recommend it highly enough — lovely setting, fantastic cottage and darling hosts.

This is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. A lovely cottage 40 ft away from one of the safest beaches on the Garden Island Kaua’i (the famous Anini Beach, protected by a coral reef) in a neighborhood full of incredible multi million dollar properties, some of which owned by the rich and famous of today (like Sylvester Stallone, Pierce Brosnan, etc), located next to a small river that flows into the ocean, and a pond with lilies and goldfish… surrounded by coconut trees and blooming flowers…
Yes, this is one of the last pristine pieces of paradise. Unspoiled (as of yet) by us, humans (As Agent Smith from the Matrix said, we are a disease or parasite that eats and destroys everything around us, wherever we go) Anyway…
I have the distinct pleasure to share this info with you today. If you ever decided to visit Kaua’i, don’t book a large hotel. These hotels look like apartment buildings, they are always the same. And they are so expensive. Rent a cottage like this one– the most relaxing and romantic way to enjoy fully your stay here.
The owners, Steve and Caren Farrell, who live not too far from there, have provided a full set of amenities. An orthopedic firm queen size bed with great linens, a full kitchen with plates and utensils for 2 (plus up to 2 guests), a large gas stove/​oven inside + gas/​coal BBQ grill outside on the huge wood patio (with comfortable seating available for 4 persons); large refrigerator; dinning area with table & 4 chairs; living room area with Hawaiian style comfortable sofa & armchair, CD player with huge speakers for optimal hi-​fi sound; TV with DVD player; patio seating for 4; a fully equipped comfortable bathroom with all the necessary towels, shampoo, body lotion etc.; wardrobe area with iron & board; beach towels, mats, sunbrella; washer & dryer on back of the house… I can continue listing more– but you get the picture. So much better value than the nasty stinky hotel rooms. In addition, a wireless internet is available for free, but you may need to request the modem/​router from Steve.
One thing you should know: book the cottage months in advance. It is very popular, and may be very hard to get a reservation. Also, you will save a lot of money if you book the airline tickets many months ahead of the vacation. AVOID UNITED BY ALL MEANS– they were SO HORRIBLE during our recent trip. I just returned from Kauai 2 days ago, and I must tell you: I will never travel with United anymore. Please check out my United Airlines review on Unilocal (from the beginning of May 2007).