Lisa Niver, M.A. Education, is a passionate writer, educator, social media ninja, speaker and global citizen who has traveled to over one hundred countries and six continents. She is the co-author of Traveling in Sin and co-founder of We Said Go Travel. You might find her underwater, traveling to an exotic location, teaching in the classroom or in print about social media, science education, lifelong learning, books, and travel.
Recently on National Television as a science teacher on the show Career Day, she was also a 2012 nominee for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Niver writes for many online and offline publications including National Geographic, the Huffington Post, the Guardian and the Jewish Journal. She and her husband, George, are starting their third sabbatical year! Follow them on Facebook or @WeSaidGoTravel on twitter!
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Should you visit the Hawaiian island of Oahu, don’t miss meeting Carol, the wonderful owner at Mani Mele Bed and Breakfast, a tropical oasis steps from the beach on Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii. You may remember hearing about this beach as this was the Presidential respite and winter break in December 2011 for the First Family.
The locals love when President Obama is in town, as the road is shut down and the area, often populated with tourists, becomes quieter. Also nearby is the Marine Corps Base of Hawaii with 10,000 residents, directly connected to Pearl Harbor by Highway 3. We found the nearby white-sand beach to be perfectly presidential with its sand so perfect it seems that the secret service carefully selected each grain.
Lonely Planet says about Carol’s hideaway: “A little out of the way but still just steps from the beach, these simple guest rooms in the contemporary home of English born host Carol Issacs appeal. Each has private entrance, heavenly seven-layer bed with a Hawaiian quilt, cable TV, refrigerator, mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker.” I loved it and so did my husband, George. We often stay at more budget spots but this quaint quiet bed and breakfast was perfect for us.
It is less than two blocks from the bus stop (fares are $2.50 per person – we traveled from Waikiki to Kailua and you can buy your ticket on the bus but you do need exact change), and very close to a supermarket should you need to pick up any snacks, water, or toiletries. We walked one mile to Kailua town for dinner and enjoyed Mexican food at Los Garcias and walked back the second night to town to eat awesome Thai food at Champa Thai.
Carol has a pool on her property and plenty of beach umbrellas, boogie boards and local information. She is a great resource for local information and planning activitiesand we would love to go back for longer. I felt like I was staying at a friend’s house in the ‘burbs.
Mani Mele Bed and Breakfast by Lisa Niver Rajna
It is less than two blocks from the bus stop (fares are $2.50 per person), and very close to a supermarket. We walked one mile to Kailua town for dinner and enjoyed Mexican food. Carol has a pool on her property and plenty of beach umbrellas, boogie boards and local information. She is a great resource and we would love to go back for longer. I felt like I was staying at a friend’s house in the ‘burbs.
Kailua means “two seas” in the Hawaiian language. Turquoise bays, white sand beaches, and laid back surf-style vibes make for a relaxing destination. You can swim, kayak, windsurf, or just sit on the beach and take it all in! The area was home to many Hawaiian chiefs, including Kamehameha the Great, and in modern days President Obama and his family.
Kailua Beach by George Rajna
If you want to visit, email Carol at Carol@manumelo.net as there are no hotels on Kailua Beach and the smaller accommodations book up well in advance! Remember they are mainly cash-only businesses, do not allow smoking, and require an advance deposit on multiple-night stays. Local regulations require that they do not have exterior signs or offer hot breakfasts. It’s all part of the charm.
Hi Mr. JonneyJet nice post. I think I might have to take the wife over for a staycation. It sound great. I have to say Champa Thai is one of my favorite Thai resturant on island. If you ever come back I would recomend Boots and Kimos for breakfast. They have a great Mac Nut Pancake. In any case I enjoyed your post and have a great day. Squire
Hi Mr. JonneyJet nice post. I think I might have to take the wife over for a staycation. It sound great. I have to say Champa Thai is one of my favorite Thai resturant on island. If you ever come back I would recomend Boots and Kimos for breakfast. They have a great Mac Nut Pancake. In any case I enjoyed your post and have a great day. Squire