Dunbar Beachfront Cottages, Kaunakakai

After some big resort experiences on Maui and Oahu, our family wanted a more relaxed Hawaii experience. Moloka'i and the Dunbars have easily delivered for two visits (and hopefully more). Both cottages have the same floor plan but the Pauwalu is better for kids because the beach is more easily accessible. The cottages are clean, although you do have to be careful about wiping down countertops and sweeping the floor because the bugs can find their way in. The kitchen was very well equiped and all of the furnishings were more than adequate. Having the washer/dryer is nice. The BBQ also got a lot of use. Although the drive back into town (for a full service grocery store, package store, and other shopping) is a good 30-40 minutes, there is a nice "mini-mart" just a few miles away (which also has free wi-fi access). The private beaches for each cottage are very nice (especially the Pauwalu beach, which has an ancient Hawaiian fish pond). But there are much better snorkeling beaches just a couple of miles away. The Dunbars have been very good to work with and have offered many suggestions on ways to get the most out of our time on Moloka'i. Responses to questions sometimes aren't quick in coming so don't wait until the day before your stay to ask critical questions ("Hawaii Time" definitely is in effect all over Moloka'i). If you are looking for a relaxed, low-cost Hawaii vacation, these cottages cannot be beat. You won't get pools, fancy restaurant meals, or employees pandering to your every need. But you will get good accommodations, a very private beachfront, and a more authentic Hawaiian experience at a cost that can't be beat.