Popular Kauai neighborhoods
Princeville: Kauai’s Lush, Peaceful Paradise
A planned community on Kauai’s lovely north shore, Princeville represents the ultimate luxury destination with unparalleled natural beauty and a slow-paced island lifestyle. Gorgeous beaches and magnificent views of sea cliffs, mountains, and waterfalls characterize this area, once home to a coffee plantation, a sugar plantation, and a cattle ranch. Complete with walking paths, parks, golf courses, tennis courts, restaurants, and shops, Princeville offers a private oasis of tranquility amidst striking surroundings.
Pu’u Poa Beach, in front of the St. Regis Princeville Resort, delivers some of the most postcard-worthy scenery in the Hawaiian Islands. Swimmers and snorkelers of all levels can access the serene waters close to the hotel, while sunbathers can watch surfers catching waves in Hanalei Bay with majestic mountains as a backdrop. When the ocean is calm, swimmers may also enjoy a unique experience in the form of a nearby tidepool known as the Queen’s Bath. Hideaways Beach also provides excellent snorkeling for adventurous travelers who are able to make the steep hike to access it.
Just north of Princeville, visitors will find stunning, quiet beaches such as Bali Hai and Lumahai. A slightly longer drive to the north leads to Tunnels and Ke’e Beach, both renowned for their snorkeling. Less than 20 minutes to the south, Anini Beach has a long stretch of golden sand protected by a two-mile-long offshore reef, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and family gatherings.
The scenic Princeville Makai Golf Course offers not only an exceptional golf experience, but the option of filling a cooler with beverages and joining a daily sunset golf cart tour. Ziplining and horseback riding adventures are also available, through Princeville Ranch. Sunshine Helicopters provides an opportunity to see Kauai by air, while Capt Andy’s and Makana Charters provide boat tours of the breathtaking Na Pali Coast.
At Princeville Center, visitors will find conveniences such as a grocery store, gas station, post office, bank, beauty salon, and yoga studio. The shopping center also houses art galleries like Fish Eye Kauai, and shops like Island Soap & Candle Works, Magic Dragon Toy & Art Supply, and the Princeville Wine Market. Its dining options include restaurants such as Lei Petite Bakery & Coffee Shop, Federico’s Fresh Mex Cuisine, and Tiki Iniki Restaurant & Bar.
Speaking of Princeville’s restaurant possibilities, those seeking fine dining with an incredible view may wish to visit the Makana Terrace restaurant at the St. Regis Princeville Resort. The poolside Nalu Kai Grill and Bar at the resort also serves lunch and tropical cocktails. At nearby Hideaways Pizza Pub, diners can choose from a wide selection of salads, pizza, pasta, and surf & turf dishes.
Princeville and its neighboring north shore areas also host a number of notable events throughout the year. The Night Market festivals, which include live music, local food vendors, and work by a variety of local artists, take place in Princeville every second Sunday, and in the nearby town of Kilauea on the last Saturday of each month. Each March, the nearby town of Anahola holds a Prince Kuhio Day Celebration, which involves live music, hula performances, food, and craft booths. The annual Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge, named one of the top 100 open swims in the country, is held each July.