We couldn't have asked for a better beach day. Cotton-puff clouds floated across a flawless blue sky. Jade waters ran effortlessly up the shore, then slid silently back. I easily understood why Hawaiians chose the name Lanikai, or "Heavenly Water." Even on weekends, Lanikai offered plenty of space to call our own, coupled with views of Kailua Bay broken only by Hobie Cats slicing through the water and yellow and red kayaks bobbing toward the nearby Mokulua Islands. Windsurfers consider this coast Hawaii's best; our primary exercise, though, consisted of applying sunscreen on hard-to-reach places.

We made all of our arrangements on the Internet and only hoped - luck was surely with us this time. Our fist visit to Hawaii and how perfect it was. The garden studio has everything, so well equipped, we wanted for nothing. Our favorite thing was our own garden and table and chairs to eat our breakfast and have our wine. Waking up to the birds singing; Nini and Rick had all of the little details, live plants, dishes by the bed for jewelry, etc., all of the suggestions in the big white book, etc., etc., and so clean. Thank you - we loved it! Thanks also for the muffins, juice, coffee and pineapple.