- Princeville is a 9,000 acre master-planned resort community on the oceanfront of Kauai’s North Shore. It is located on a bluff above the Pacific, with direct access to the beaches below this elevated site. The entire community is 2 square miles in size, so walking or bike riding to the beach or anywhere else inside Princeville is easy to do.
- The lands were once used for sugar plantations as well as cattle ranching before being purchased in 1968 for development, starting the resort community that is there today.
- This is a rainier part of Kauai, producing the deep green environment for which it is famous.
- Princeville is a designated Visitor Designated Area, which allows most residences to be let as vacation rentals.
- With the exception of Queen Emma Bluffs, Princeville doesn’t have separate subdivisions for its homes. All are listed under the overall community name.
Princeville Homes- Lots of 6K Sq Ft to 6 acres with 2 – 5BR, 1 & 2-story homes. Interior spaces range from 1K – 8K Sq Ft.
- The larger lots tend to be further inland. Many of these are Agricultural zoned properties, allowing owners to grow produce and crops as well as keep certain animals, including horses.
- Lots nearer the ocean do have larger homes, but you’ll also find smaller cottage-style bungalows there.
- All Princeville Single Family Homes are custom builds, so there are a variety of styles and sizes.
- There are oceanfront & golf course fronting residences. Generally, Princeville homes have views of the golf course, mountains and/or the ocean.
- The homes inside the Queen Emma’s Bluff area differ due to being inside a gated community and having a minimum 30 day rental policy.
Things to Do in Princeville- Princeville’s weekly & monthly events are great for mingling and enjoying local culture. Hanalei Farmers Market happens every Saturday, 9:30AM – 12PM, with produce, food choices and local craft vendors to browse.
- The Makai Golf Course facility has a full fitness center, pool and other facilities for its members, while the spas at the local hotels provide all the massage, yoga, skin care and wellness services that you might require.
- 2 community parks are also here for all Princeville residents’ use. One, Emmalani Park, is a large open area with a basketball court as well. The other, Prince Albert Park, has a playground and outdoor fitness circuit equipment. It also holds the community center where fitness, hula and other classes are available along with many local events.
Hiking- Okolehao Trail – 2.4 miles round trip that has 2 plateaus with sweeping views of the ocean, Hanalei and beyond on the land side(s). Wear boots or hardy shoes. Difficulty comes from elevation rise of up to 1,250 ft as well as slippery conditions if it has rained recently.
- Princeville Center to 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Path – 4.2 miles round trip. Beautiful walking/jogging path that runs along Makai Golf Course. Many use it for morning exercise, so you get to know the ‘regulars’ quickly.
- Powerline Trail – 26 miles round trip. For serious hikers. Trail begins near Princeville Ranch Stables, ending on the northeastern side of the Island. Some incredible views of Kauai’s interior along the way. Trail is not maintained, so some suggest bringing a clearing tool.
- Queen’s Bath Trail - 0.8 miles round trip. Not a long or difficult trek, but ends at the natural wonder of the Queen’s Bath tidal pool. Enjoy an unforgettable dip in its waters, but only if the conditions are safe. NOTE: Injuries are not uncommon and there have been a few deaths. Safety first.
Golf- Makai Golf Course – Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Has been recognized as one of the ‘Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America’ (Golf Digest), ‘Top 5 Great Golf Settings’ (National Geographic Traveler) and ‘Top 3 Best Courses You Can Play in Hawaii’ (GolfWeek).
- Prince Golf Course – Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., who has called it his masterpiece. Very challenging course with notorious slopes to play. Golf Digest has ranked it the #1 Course in Hawaii.
Beaches- Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach) - Not easy to get to, but it’s ½ mile of perfect sands with tidal pools down its length as well as a small waterfall. Good surfing waves, but waters can be rough, so sometimes best to stay out. Rarely is there a crowd here.
- Puu Poa Beach – Snorkeling is a main activity here due to the reef that lines the shore. Some areas are good for swimming, but you’ll need to look for them. Views of the bay and the sea turtles that come ashore sometimes are well worth seeing.
- Wyllie Beach – Smaller beach, but shaded and the waters are usually very calm, even during high surf, because of a protective reef. A good choice for kids and less skillful swimmers. The path down to it, by the Westin, can be steep.
- Pali Ke Kua Beach – Another place to not only enjoy some quiet, but also enjoy snorkeling in the middle of tropical fish and possibly some turtles. Path down is steep, so watch your step.
Tennis- Makai Golf Course – Members have 6 pickleball and 3 tennis courts. Lessons available from club Pro.
- Hanalei Bay Resort – Memberships are available to the public. The resort has 4 artificial turf and 4 hard courts, as well as a Peter Burwash International (PBI) tennis facility. Private and junior lessons, clinics, tournaments and other programs are offered year-round.
Dining- Happy Talk Lounge – American cuisine. Opened in 1976, it’s a local mainstay known for its views of Hanalei Bay. The Mahi-Mahi and Smash Burger items are the most popular. Live music nightly.
- Ama – Asian cuisine. Many come for the variety of ramen dishes they have as well as an impressive wine list. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy the views of the green mountains nearby. Finer dining, but family friendly. Reservations recommended.
- The Spot North Shore – American/Cafe cuisine. Breakfast/Lunch/Brunch place that is the place to go for acai bowls. Only a few tables, so expect to do takeaway and to wait in line. Very popular.
- Hideaways Pizza Pub – Italian cuisine. High-quality pizza that wins accolades even from pizza snobs. Both the expected and more eclectic topping choices. The salads get good reviews as well.
- Saenz Ohana – Street Food. Strictly Breakfast/Lunch/Brunch food truck. The Eggs Benedict and the Breakfast Burrito are the top choices. Large portions. Be ready to stand in line, even in the rain.
History of Princeville The first significant use of Princeville’s site was by
Richard Charlton, the British Consul to Hawaii. In 1831 he leased these lands for the first cattle ranch of Kauai. The focus shifted to sugarcane after Robert Crichton Wyllie, Kamehameha IV’s Minister of Foreign Affairs purchased the property in 1850 and built a plantation. Sugar would dominate until the 1890’s when a new owner turned most of the lands back to cattle ranching, along with farming different crops.
Many Chinese came to Kauai’s North Shore at this time and leased farmlands. It is said that most of Hanalei’s coastlands were covered with rice fields in the early 1900s. By the Mid-Century, agriculture’s profitability had fallen, leading AMFAC, the then current owner, to sell the 11,000 acres of what is now Princeville to developer Doug Hoyt in 1968. His intention to build Kauai’s first master-planned community started with a donation of 2,000 acres of the lands for a state wetlands park.
Over the years Princeville has taken shape, with work continuing to the present as new projects have periodically been announced as well as major renovations of amenities & resort properties.
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