The ISO

This property used to be called the Mokihana, and it was fairly run down, but in 2018, after $5 million worth of renovations to rooms, lobby and pool, it was reborn as a boutique-type hotel. You can tell they are trying to appeal to the young budget traveler and do a pretty good job of it with a relaxed lobby with a spot to plug in your laptop, free continental breakfast and morning yoga on the lawn (yoga mats are provided in your room). They give you a reusable water bottle and offer a filling station in the lobby. The breakfast room has a microwave that you may use at any time during your stay. Bicycles and helmets are available, too. There’s a fire pit on the lawn that draws an evening crowd and is a good place to share your day’s adventures with new friends.

The rooms have sort of a shabby, beach-chic decor that works for us. No a/c (but you have a ceiling fan, and the ocean breeze provides the rest). No phone in your room, but the 24-hour front desk has one you may use. The bathrooms are small but include a tub/shower combo. We only wish they had a desk in the room.

Leaving the resort during peak traffic times can be a pain because you can only turn right, but you can turn around at the next traffic light, which is very close. All in all, an easy Solid Gold Value. Hotel-type rooms (290 sq. ft) are $139–$369, 1/1s (580 sq. ft.) are $249–669, but there is only one of the larger rooms. Few pay these rates. 3-night minimum at Christmas.