Kauai has long limited large-scale development - including its four-story height cap - helping preserve the island’s small-town character.
Most condominium development began after 1969, with Poipu and Princeville now holding the largest number of communities due to their strong tourism appeal.
Below is an overview of the four towns where most Kauai condos are located.
Poipu Poipu’s first condominiums,
Sunset Kahili and
Prince Kuhio, were completed in 1969. Today the area has about 29 condo communities, including seven within the Poipu Kai resort development.
High-end properties include
Koloa Landing,
Kainani Villas,
Pili Mai at Poipu and
Whalers Cove.
Mid-range options include
Kalaheo Pali Kai,
Lawai Beach Resort and
Kahala At Poipu Kai.
More affordable choices include
Koloa Garden Apartments and
Kiahuna Plantation.
Poipu is known for calm, sunny weather, excellent beaches and golf at Poipu Bay and Kiahuna, with private course access available at Kukuiula. Tennis and pickleball facilities are available at Poipu Kai Tennis Center and Poipu Beach Athletic Club.
Princeville Princeville’s first condominium,
Hale Honu, was completed in 1971. As a master-planned oceanfront resort community on Kauai’s North Shore, most Princeville condos fall into the higher end of the market.
Top-tier properties include
Kaiulani of Princeville,
Puu Poa,
Pali Ke Kua and
Hanalei Bay Resort.
Mid-range options include
Princeville Sealodge,
Sandpiper Village,
Hanalei Colony Resort and
Puamana.
Princeville offers dramatic coastline views, access to beaches such as Kauapea (Secret Beach), and two highly regarded Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf courses — Makai Golf Course and the historic Prince Course. Makai Golf Course and Hanalei Bay Resort also provide multiple tennis and pickleball facilities.
Lihue Lihue added its first condominium,
Lihue Townhouse, in 1974. Historically centered around a major sugar mill (1849–1996), Lihue is now Kauai’s main commercial hub.
High-end condos include
Timbers Kauai and
Kalapaki Bay Condominiums.
Mid-level choices include
Kaha Lani,
Regency Huleia,
Banyan Harbor and
Hookena at Puhi.
Affordable options include
Sun Village,
Halelani Village and
Lihue Townhouse.
Lihue offers convenient shopping at Kukui Grove Center, sheltered beaches at Kalapaki and Hanamaulu, multiple tennis courts, and golf at the Puakea Golf Course.
Kapaa Kapaa’s first condo,
Kapaa Sands, was built in 1973. Despite being the island’s largest town, Kapaa has fewer than 15 condo communities, giving it a more intimate residential feel.
High-end condos include
Waipouli Beach Resort and
Lae Nani.
Mid-level choices include
Pono Kai,
Wailua Bay View and
Kauai Kailani.
Affordable options include
Islander on the Beach,
Kawaihau Sports Villa and
Plantation Hale.
Kapaa is known for its coastline, walking paths, central location and access to Wailua Golf Course, one of the most highly rated public courses in Hawaii.
Kauai History Kauai was the only island not conquered by Kamehameha I, joining the Hawaiian Kingdom peacefully through agreement.
Sugar dominated Kauai’s economy from 1835 until the last mill closed in 2008. Tourism is now the island’s primary industry, but development remains intentionally limited compared to the other islands.
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