The 251-room Princeville Resort is considered by many to be the premier luxury option in Hawaii, and given the stunning setting overlooking Hanalei Bay, it's hard to disagree. Guests can expect warm, sophisticated decor, suites with personal butler service, world-class golf, and a memorable breakfast buffet on a terrace with gorgeous ocean views. The discerning clientele this resort attracts will find little to fault, though if one had to nitpick, the formal dress code might not appeal to everyone, and food prices -- as one might expect at this caliber of property -- are steep. The location on Kauai's lush, ruggedly beautiful northern coast makes for natural beauty that's unparalleled, but rain is more frequent here and the beach, though lovely, doesn't have the finest sand.
The 251-room Princeville Resort is considered by many to be the premier luxury option in Hawaii, and given the stunning setting overlooking Hanalei Bay, it's hard to disagree. Guests can expect warm, sophisticated decor, suites with personal butler service, world-class golf, and a memorable breakfast buffet on a terrace with gorgeous ocean views. The discerning clientele this resort attracts will find little to fault, though if one had to nitpick, the formal dress code might not appeal to everyone, and food prices -- as one might expect at this caliber of property -- are steep. The location on Kauai's lush, ruggedly beautiful northern coast makes for natural beauty that's unparalleled, but rain is more frequent here and the beach, though lovely, doesn't have the finest sand.
The 346-room Westin Princeville's condo-style time-share units, four beautiful pools, expansive cliffside grounds, and excellent service (for a condo property) make it a solid, quiet option for families and couples. However, there's no on-site beach, better rooms can be found elsewhere, and restaurant options are limited.
The 346-room Westin Princeville's condo-style time-share units, four beautiful pools, expansive cliffside grounds, and excellent service (for a condo property) make it a solid, quiet option for families and couples. However, there's no on-site beach, better rooms can be found elsewhere, and restaurant options are limited.
Hanalei Bay Resort is a 134-room time-share property that offers mid-range nightly rates in one of Kauai’s ritziest resort communities. As its name implies, Hanalei Bay Resort is perched above the famed north shore outpost, and offers stunning views of the nearby mountains. Simple Hawaiian decor can be found throughout the property, and while the stone and koa wood finishes in the lobby make for a stunning space, decor falls short in the bland guest rooms. There are multiple tennis courts, two outdoor pools, and a barbecue area, but the hotel’s time-share nature means hands-off service. From the guest rooms, it’s a long walk down a steep path to the beach, and the hotel doesn’t provide beach chairs, so you’ll need to bring your own. Still, it's a good value for the stunning setting; prices at the more luxurious St. Regis Princeville right next door are nearly triple.
Hanalei Bay Resort is a 134-room time-share property that offers mid-range nightly rates in one of Kauai’s ritziest resort communities. As its name implies, Hanalei Bay Resort is perched above the famed north shore outpost, and offers stunning views of the nearby mountains. Simple Hawaiian decor can be found throughout the property, and while the stone and koa wood finishes in the lobby make for a stunning space, decor falls short in the bland guest rooms. There are multiple tennis courts, two outdoor pools, and a barbecue area, but the hotel’s time-share nature means hands-off service. From the guest rooms, it’s a long walk down a steep path to the beach, and the hotel doesn’t provide beach chairs, so you’ll need to bring your own. Still, it's a good value for the stunning setting; prices at the more luxurious St. Regis Princeville right next door are nearly triple.
The three-pearl, 18-room Ali’i Kai is a quiet condo resort surrounded by tropical gardens in Princeville. The spacious two-bedroom apartments have full kitchens, plus mountain and ocean views from private lanais, but lack air-conditioning. There's also no direct beach access, and the nearest beach is Hideaways Beach, which is a six-minute drive west of the resort (and requires a hike down a steep, rocky trail). There's also a shopping center with restaurants and a grocery store nearby. Features at the property are slim, and limited to a large pool, barbecue grills, a hot tub, and smaller children's pool. Travelers looking for a more lively place with a restaurant might want to consider the nearby Hanalei Bay Resort, where rates are comparable.
The three-pearl, 18-room Ali’i Kai is a quiet condo resort surrounded by tropical gardens in Princeville. The spacious two-bedroom apartments have full kitchens, plus mountain and ocean views from private lanais, but lack air-conditioning. There's also no direct beach access, and the nearest beach is Hideaways Beach, which is a six-minute drive west of the resort (and requires a hike down a steep, rocky trail). There's also a shopping center with restaurants and a grocery store nearby. Features at the property are slim, and limited to a large pool, barbecue grills, a hot tub, and smaller children's pool. Travelers looking for a more lively place with a restaurant might want to consider the nearby Hanalei Bay Resort, where rates are comparable.
Each of the 106 one- and two-bedroom condos at the three-pearl Pali Ke Kua is privately owned, so the quality can vary. That fact aside, the property sits right next to the path to Hideaways Beach, which is the only beach in Princeville, and its spacious condos make it a popular choice. Pali Ke Kua is the only condo development in Princeville with its own restaurant -- Hideaways Pizza -- which is open for dinner. Next to the restaurant is a simple pool area with a hot tub. The complex is best for self-caterers, and is also a fine spot for whale watching in the winter. Travelers looking for a more lively resort setting should consider the larger Hanalei Bay Resort, which has more features, but is slightly cheaper.
Each of the 106 one- and two-bedroom condos at the three-pearl Pali Ke Kua is privately owned, so the quality can vary. That fact aside, the property sits right next to the path to Hideaways Beach, which is the only beach in Princeville, and its spacious condos make it a popular choice. Pali Ke Kua is the only condo development in Princeville with its own restaurant -- Hideaways Pizza -- which is open for dinner. Next to the restaurant is a simple pool area with a hot tub. The complex is best for self-caterers, and is also a fine spot for whale watching in the winter. Travelers looking for a more lively resort setting should consider the larger Hanalei Bay Resort, which has more features, but is slightly cheaper.