Kauai: Princeville or Hanalei Bay?
Mar 21st, 2003, 01:30 PM
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Kauai: Princeville or Hanalei Bay?
I'm reposting this message so it comes up in both "Kauai" and "Kaua'i" searches. Thanks!
Hello, I'm going to Kauai in Oct. and I'm trying to decide where to stay. It seems that the cliff-top condos/homes in Princeville (I'm looking mostly at Pu'u Po'a and Hale Maluhia per Maggi's recommendation) have tremendous views, but are not too convenient to a beach or town. On Hanalei Bay, however, you're right on the beach (correct?) and w/in walking distance of Hanalei (stores, restaurants, etc.), but it's a drive to the Princeville Hotel, which seems to be a popular spot. Any advice? P.S. Also, which locale on the North Shore is most popular with younger (30's) people? Thanks!
Hello, I'm going to Kauai in Oct. and I'm trying to decide where to stay. It seems that the cliff-top condos/homes in Princeville (I'm looking mostly at Pu'u Po'a and Hale Maluhia per Maggi's recommendation) have tremendous views, but are not too convenient to a beach or town. On Hanalei Bay, however, you're right on the beach (correct?) and w/in walking distance of Hanalei (stores, restaurants, etc.), but it's a drive to the Princeville Hotel, which seems to be a popular spot. Any advice? P.S. Also, which locale on the North Shore is most popular with younger (30's) people? Thanks!
Mar 21st, 2003, 01:42 PM
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Personally, I'd go for staying in Hanalei rather than in Princeville - my preference is being close to the beach, and in 'town' (such that it is) rather than in a development. The Princeville Hotel itself isn't much destination-wise (fine place to stay - but can't imagine why one would visit it as a destination).
Mar 22nd, 2003, 06:20 AM
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There is a big difference in atmosphere between Hanalei and Princeville. In my opinion, Hanalei is a small beach town with a surfer feel, and Princeville is a planned development with a country club/golf course feel. I agree with scigirl about the Princeville hotel--you might go there for a meal but is it a destination otherwise? I think if you start searching for rentals in Hanalei you'll find things on the beach. An alternative if you want to be right on the beach, but not in town, is Hanalei Colony Resort. It is just a few miles from Hanalei and even closer to the "end of the road" where Na Pali trail starts, and the gorgeous beaches of Tunnels and Ha'ena. HCR units have full kitchens and sleep 4. Have stayed there twice and loved it.
Mar 22nd, 2003, 04:02 PM
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I would go back to the Princeville Resort and nearby condos in a minute. They are perched on a cliff overlooking Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai. Don't miss the sunset from Princeville - it is fabulous.
Hanalei has its own charm and appeal (Puff, The Magic Dragon fame) but I wouldn't want to stay down there.
Hanalei has its own charm and appeal (Puff, The Magic Dragon fame) but I wouldn't want to stay down there.
Mar 22nd, 2003, 04:32 PM
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Aloha said it perfectly: Hanalei has a great surfer ambience, definitely the cooler and younger of the two. Princeville (and Maggi's condo!) has a luxury all-the-comforts-of-home feel to it, with views to match. On Hanalei, there are a few beachfront places (call and ask on the phone before you book) but perhaps you'll be within a block of the beach - that beautiful curving beach. We rented a beachfront house on nearby Anini, which we adored, but come to think of it, found ourselves on Hanalei 3 days that week!
Mar 23rd, 2003, 08:37 AM
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Everyone, thanks so much for all your advice. I'm definitely tempted by the younger, cooler vibe in Hanalei, and its convenience. But I think I'm more tempted by the views of the ocean from Princeville. So... On another note, I'm hoping to go in late Oct. -- it's still nice on the North Shore then, right? Waves not too high or anything, beaches still swimmable? Not too much rain?
