Thanks, pijeta - getting excited!

Princeville and Hanalei could not be more different from each other - Hanalei is, as someone said, the quintessential beach town. Princeville is a PUD - private homes, hotels, golf courses and condo developments within a development. I know a lot of people on this board love Princeville but I'm not one of them, it's much too "manicured" for my taste (and I like Kaanapali on Maui, go figure - I think Princeville is even more "planned" than Kaanapali). Add to that that it's above the beach on a cliff, and it just doesn't work for us.

WHAT
SF7307 and I agree on something? Someone call Ripley's!

She nailed P'ville, IMHO.
We like to not only see the ocean but hear it.

You may want to look into this app, too:
http://www.khon2.com/news/kauai-woma...ach-safety-app

Hey, Kal, we agree on everything San Francisco! (BTW, we also love Skool, but think it's VERY noisy).

Kal, you better watch out. auntiemaria is going to come after you! She calls Princeville home.

My favorite thing about Princeville is the very understated and tasteful Neptune's fountain that graces the entrance.

Who luvs yah, sf?

weke.....I think I posted earlier that people who actually live in P'ville like Auntie M and our good friends Gloria and Steven are real people and neck deep involved into the Kauaian culture.

They have even been to Kekaha, Polihale, Waimeatown, The Homesteads and have rubbed elbows with the hoi polloi on a daily basis.

No argument that there are great views from P'ville tho but Hanalei is more red dirt under the fingernails Kauai feel IMOSHO.

The times I've been to Kauai we've stayed in Princeville and I have to agree with sf and Kal. You are far removed from the reasons you want to vacation in Hawaii.

I've also stayed in Hanalei at my brother's house and it was amazing to wake up in the morning and pick fruit off the trees and walk a short distance to the beach.

Plus Hanalei is knock down beautiful.

"Plus Hanalei is knock down beautiful."

Is that the same as drop dead gorgeous?

I wish my brother lived in Hanalei...actually, I wish I lived in Hanalei.

Hanalei it is. Thank you for helping me decide!

I wish I lived in Hanalei and has a Winter home in
Kekaha.

No!

The winter home is in Wailea on the dreaded island of Maui that's "just like California." Oh brother.

Greetings from that horrible hell hole: Princeville--where I am sitting on my lanai, overlooking breathtaking ocean views, and listening to the waves crashing loudly. I see you've decided on Hanalei. I stay in P'ville and walk on the beach at Hanalei every day. I love Hanalei, but prefer to drive less than 10 minutes, enjoy that gorgeous beach--then return "home" to spectacular views from atop the cliff in Princeville.

I don't think it matters much whether you sleep in P'ville or Hanalei. You're still going to do the same things on this magical island. Just find a place that appeals to you. There are rentals with amazing ocean views in both places--and ones that are a block or more from the beach.

I have a feeling that if the Princeville H8ters could see the view I'm looking at right now, they might have 2nd thoughts. And ... FYI, the pretentious Bernini-wannabee fountain is not representative of all of Princeville. Yes, you've got the very expensive St. Regis, and some incredible upscale condos, but there are also lots of inexpensive places, too.

Hope you have a great trip. When I get more time I'll continue my current trip report about the fantastic time I'm having in what is truly paradise.

Looks like BuffGirl made the right decision.

BuffaloGirl,

In Hanalei we've rented from NaPali Properties and from owners on vrbo.com.

If the vrbo property doesn't list the location on a map, ask the owner for an address. I would never rent on the mountain side of the highway. We try to rent on Weke Road if possible. There are few guest cottages of the larger beachfront estates that make nice places to stay.

NaPali has good properties and their prices are as reasonable.

Thanks wekewoody (and Kal and Songdoc, too, for your insights)!