Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How close are you to the beach?

Brennecke's Beach is a 2.5-minute walk from the front door of our condo. You can literally hear the waves from inside. Poipu Beach, one of Kauai's best snorkeling spots, is just another 2 minutes down the sand.

Q2: Which beaches are closest?

Brennecke's Beach is right in front of our condo and is the go-to spot for boogie boarding, where you can watch the honu literally surfing in the waves alongside you. Just 2 minutes further down the sand is Poipu Beach, one of Kauai's best snorkeling spots and a consistently top-rated beach in the U.S. Both are part of Poipu Beach Park.

Q3: Do you have air conditioning?

Yes! The condo has mini-split AC in every room, so you can stay perfectly cool no matter how warm it gets outside.

Q4: How many guests can you accommodate?

The condo comfortably sleeps 4 guests in the two king bedrooms. For a 5th guest, the living room sofa (not a pull-out sofa bed) is a comfortable option with bedding provided, or we can set up an inflatable mattress; just let us know in advance. A 6th guest will need the inflatable mattress, which we will have ready for your arrival as long as you give us a heads-up before your stay.

Q5: What beach gear do you provide?

We include beach chairs and two beach umbrellas. We typically have boogie boards available as well, though we cannot always guarantee it. Guests frequently leave behind additional items too, including inflatables and beach toys, so you may find those available as well.

Q6: Is parking available?

Yes, there is plenty of free parking available, including right in front of our condo, making it easy to load and unload your gear.

Q7: Can we see sea turtles and monk seals?

Absolutely, it is one of the most magical parts of staying here. On Poipu Beach, just a few minutes' walk from the condo, honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) regularly swim ashore to sleep for the night, and monk seals can frequently be spotted snoozing on the sand during the day. Poipu Beach is one of the best places in Hawaii to see both species in their natural habitat. Please remember to keep a minimum 50-foot distance; it is the law and helps protect these endangered animals.

Q8: What toiletries and supplies do you provide?

We stock the condo the way we would want it stocked for ourselves. You will find shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap in every bathroom, along with a well-stocked kitchen with cooking oil, spices, condiments, coffee, and more. We provide a generous supply of paper towels, toilet paper, and dish soap, and we include beach towels so you do not have to pack your own. Our goal is for you to feel like this is your home away from home, not like you are making do with the bare minimum.

Q9: Is the condo accessible for guests with mobility limitations?

The Manualoha complex does have some stairs, so the condo may not be ideal for guests with significant mobility limitations. If accessibility is a concern, please reach out before booking and we will give you the full details so you can make the best decision for your group.

Q10: Can I request an early check-in?

We are always happy to try to accommodate early check-in requests, but we can only offer early access if there is no checkout on the same day. Thoroughly cleaning our home between guests takes time, and our cleaners need sufficient time to make everything absolutely spotless and ready before the next guests arrive. If you would like to request an early check-in, just reach out before your stay and we will let you know as soon as we can confirm whether it is available.

Q11: What is your late checkout policy?

Standard checkout is at 10:00 AM. We can occasionally accommodate a late checkout of up to 2 hours depending on whether we have an incoming guest that day, but we are unable to guarantee it. If you have a late departing flight and want access to the property for the full day, the only way we can guarantee that is by booking an additional night. We do frequently receive last-minute and same-day bookings, so keeping the property available all day is not something we are able to hold open for late checkouts.

Q12: What is your cancellation policy?

Our standard cancellation policy allows for a full refund if you cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date. Cancellations made between 14 and 30 days before check-in receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days of check-in are not eligible for a refund. We strongly encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance, as we are not able to offer refunds for last-minute cancellations due to illness, injury, weather events, airline cancellations, or other unforeseen circumstances. When booking direct, you have the option to purchase trip insurance through Travel Guard for exactly this reason.

Q13: What is the weather like in Poipu?

Poipu is located on the sunny south shore of Kauai and is consistently the driest, sunniest part of the island. You can expect warm, sunny weather with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s (F) year-round. Brief passing showers are possible but rarely last long. It is as close to perfect beach weather as you will find in Hawaii.

Q14: Is boogie boarding at Brennecke's Beach safe for kids?

Brennecke's Beach is a fantastic spot for boogie boarding and a favorite for families. However, when waves are larger, conditions can be dangerous and we do not recommend kids being out on boogie boards. Always heed posted warning signs and flags at the beach, and remember: when in doubt, do not go out. On higher-surf days, there are other beaches just a few minutes' walk away that are better suited for kids and still offer great boogie boarding waves.

Q15: Why does this condo cost more than other units nearby?

Location and amenities. Our condo is updated, including with high-end furnishings and artwork, while most units in the area remain dated. We have the absolute best location in all of Poipu Kai, situated oceanfront across a grassy lawn and a quiet, narrow road from the beach, with arguably the best ocean and mountain views in the entire Poipu area. Right out our front door is the Manualoha pool, the only oceanfront pool in Poipu Kai, reserved for Manualoha owners and guests (units in other buildings in the resort have a much longer walk to reach it). Add in all the included beach gear, AC in every room, and our track record across every major platform: an Airbnb Superhost and Guest Favorite, rated 10/10 Exceptional on VRBO, and a 10/10 Traveller Review Award winner on Booking.com. Guests consistently tell us it is one of the best places they have ever stayed.

Q16: Why should I book direct instead of through Airbnb or VRBO?

Our best rates are always available when you book direct at surfingturtlepoipu.com. There are no OTA platform fees; you pay only the nightly rate, the cleaning fee, and the required state and county taxes. You also have the option to purchase trip insurance through Travel Guard when booking direct, giving you the same peace of mind you would have when booking through an OTA.

Q17: What activities do you recommend for families and visitors?

There is so much to do in and around Poipu. From surfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding to ocean kayak tours, deep-sea fishing, hiking along the ocean cliffs, tubing, and zip lining, Kauai has something for everyone. We have put together a digital guest recommendations guide with our favorite local restaurants, beaches, activities, and hidden gems built up over years of family trips. Check it out here: hostful.ly/recs/surfingturtle.