Lanikai Bloom

Four minutes from the powdery white sand of Lanikai Beach, this home is built around the kind of indoor-outdoor living Hawaii demands. Vaulted ceilings and wide sliding doors open onto a lanai with views of the Koʻolau Mountains, making it easy to drift between alfresco meals and the lush tropical yard beyond – complete with a private herb garden and outdoor shower. Beach gear is ready to go when you are, and the Lanikai Pillbox Trail is walkable from the door, with the Mokulua Islands reachable by kayak just off the coast.

Home truths:
* You're right on the edge of Lanikai, a quiet residential neighbourhood – Kailua town's cafes, shops, and restaurants are a short drive rather than a walk, so you'll want a car for day-to-day errands.
* Free parking is available here if you'll be hiring a car.
* The king bed in one of the bedrooms can be converted into two extra-long twin beds, and the two twin daybeds in the fourth bedroom can also be reconfigured as standard twin beds – let your host know your preference before you arrive.
* We think the daybeds here are better suited for children.
* Your host can provide a travel cot for little ones upon request – just bring your own cot linen.