Kauai Kahuna’s Island Guide Vol. 1: The North Shore

When planning a vacation, especially to a new place, the most important part is choosing where to stay. In a city, your rental’s location decides what activities, food, and transportation you have easy access to. On an island, your rental’s location decides all of that, as well as what weather you can expect during your stay. Luckily, we’ve made handy guides discussing the 3 main visitor areas on Kaua’i! In this post we’re covering the North Shore: what weather you can expect, attractions you’ll be close to, and brief descriptions of each condo complex we manage properties in. Read on to discover if Kaua’i’s lush, rainy North Shore is the perfect spot for your next island getaway!

 

The Basics: What Counts as North Shore & Weather on the Windward Coast

 

Broadly speaking, the term “North Shore” captures everything from Kilauea to Ha’ena State Park. However, most visitors are going to be staying in either Princeville or Hanalei, with a few adventurous souls crossing the one-lane bridges to stay out in Ha’ena. Kaua’i’s North Shore is the windward side of the island, meaning the trade winds blow off of the water and onto land on this side. This means higher chances of rain year-round, slightly cooler temperatures, and amazingly lush landscapes. Don’t be scared by the mention of rain year-round, though! Especially during the summer, a few clouds will blow in during the afternoon and drop a few sprinkles for an hour or so, before blowing away again to reveal sunny skies. If you happen to visit during the island’s rainy season, which runs from roughly November to March, you’re more likely to experience full-on rainy days. But even the rainiest of days on the North Shore are still beautiful, with the mist rolling off the mountains and the greenery on full display. Pack a poncho and some sandals and you’ll be able to enjoy whatever weather the island throws at you!

 

The Details: How to Get Around, What to See & What to Do

 

Like anywhere on the island, we strongly recommend a rental car for your vacation. Travel from the Lihu’e Airport to Princeville or Hanalei takes about an hour, and while ride share services like Uber and Lyft are available on Kaua’i, it’s not as readily available, or as affordable, as on the mainland, and relying on public transportation will double your travel time. 

 

If you’re looking for a laidback, “less touristy” experience, and want to split your vacation time between charming island towns and outdoors activities, then you’ll be right at home on the North Shore. Hanalei is a picture perfect little town that looks straight out of a postcard, and has plenty of good eats and boutique shopping to keep everyone satisfied. Crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay is the best beach-day spot, and ocean sunsets against green mountains, followed by a giant shave ice for dessert is the easiest way to enjoy the island without needing to plan very much at all. Princeville is the other visitor hot spot on the North Shore, and what it lacks in small-town charm is made up for with gorgeous ocean views, dramatic cliffside settings, and hidden beaches. Plus, the Princeville Shopping Center has plenty of grocery, shopping, and eating options to make sure you don’t have to travel very far to make the most of your stay. 

 

For help planning your itinerary, check our previous blog posts on the best coffee shops on the island, popular summertime activities, and a breakdown of all the State Parks on Kaua’i!

 

The Accommodations: Where to Stay on the North Shore

 

If you’ve done your research, and you know that the North Shore is the place for you, you’re going to end up in one of three places: Princeville, Hanalei, or Ha’ena. Below you’ll find a list of all the complexes we manage condos at, and what each one brings to the table. From the luxurious houses and penthouses at Hanalei Bay Villas and Pu’u Poa, to the budget-friendly condos at Paniolo and Sandpiper, we have something for everyone!

 

Classic, Middle to Middle-High Tier Offerings

 

Sealodge Condominiums: The condos we manage at Sealodge are far and away the most popular option. Settled high on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific, every unit here is going to have an amazing ocean view, and the beautifully landscaped grounds are great for a relaxed stroll. We make sure to keep all of our condos clean and in good condition, however Sealodge is one of the older complexes on the island, and parts of the experience can feel dated. If you don’t mind a more homey feeling condo, Sealodge is an excellent middle-tier option. There are two complex pools, communal barbecues, and an on-site laundry room for any condos that aren’t equipped with a washer/dryer. There’s also a short but tricky hike down to Sealodge Beach, which is a tucked away little gem that’s perfect for snorkeling and beach picnics. We offer one-story, one-bedroom condos that are perfect for a couple’s getaway, as well as larger two-story, two-bedroom condos that can sleep 4-5 people. You’ll also find a range of prices that can fit into tighter budgets. If there’s a tried-and-true option, Sealodge is it. 

 

Ali’i Kai Condominiums: Our Ali’i Kai condos are similar in offering to Sealodge. This complex also overlooks the cliffs dropping down into the ocean, and most units will have beautiful ocean views. It’s also an older construction complex, but feels a touch more modern thanks to thoughtful updates and open, airy floorplans in each condo. Every Ali’i Kai property we manage is a two-bedroom, two-bath with a private lanai, and all are equipped with a washer/dryer. There are also two complex pools and communal grills. These condos are great for couples travelling together or families with kids, and can sleep 4-6 people. Much like the Sealodge condos, our Ali’i Kai properties offer a range of reasonable prices.

 

Puamana Townhomes: Puamana is a garden-style complex with charming, low-rise townhomes that border the nationally-acclaimed Makai Golf Course. With the exception of Puamana 25A, every condo is two stories, and has airy vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Smaller condos will sleep up to 4 people, while the larger homes will have space for up to 8, making these a great option for large groups. Every condo has a washer/dryer, and several private lanai spaces, and the complex has a shared pool and clubhouse. Anini Beach, a North Shore favorite, is just 10 minutes away on foot down a shady path, and the Westin Resort is 5 minutes on foot, and features a Starbucks and onsite dining at the Nanea Restaurant. Prices at Puamana can vary widely, depending on the size of the home and how recently it’s been updated, but typically trend towards affordability. 

 

Kamahana Condos: Our Kamahana properties are like the little siblings of Puamana! Situated in a similar garden-style, low-rise complex, we offer both one and two-bedroom condos with private lanais and washer/dryer access. The complex has a lovely communal pool, and is close enough to the Sealodge condos to be able to walk to the Sealodge Beach trailhead and hike down. Kamahana is a great option for couples and families with one or two children, and are priced with affordability in mind. 

 

 

Middle-High to High Tier/Luxury Offerings

 

Mauna Kai Condos: Our two condos in the Mauna Kai complex are both spacious, air-conditioned, and beautifully updated! Tucked away in a lushly landscaped community, you’ll have access to the complex pool, communal grills, and shaded cabana seating. You’ll also be 10 minutes away from Anini Beach down a shady path, and 5 minutes from the Westin Resort and its Starbucks and onsite restaurant. Both condos are equipped with a washer/dryer, and are great options for groups and families looking to travel in style and have a more luxurious experience. 

 

Villas of Kamali’i Townhomes: Villas of Kamali’i is a gated, upscale townhouse community in the heart of Princeville. Set along the beautiful Makai Golf Course, both homes we manage in the VOK community have mountain and garden views, attached garages, multiple private lanais, in-unit washer/dryer, and at least partial air conditioning. These are large townhomes with either 2 or 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a generous amount of living space, and the complex offers access to a pool, hot tub, and communal BBQ area. Our Villas of Kamali’i properties are great for families and groups looking for a spacious, comfortable home base for their island adventures, however the bigger spaces typically come with a higher price tag. 

 

Hanalei Bay Villas: If Villas of Kamali’i had a stylish older sibling, it would be the Hanalei Bay Villas. We manage HBV 26, which is a beautifully updated 2 bedroom home with 2 private lanais, in-home laundry, and plenty of comfortable living space. HBV 26 is perfect for families and groups looking for a more up-scale experience, and offers convenient access to Hideaways Beach, Hideaways Pizza Pub, and elegant drinking and dining options at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay just across the street. Although there is no access to a communal pool, you’ll be so close to the beach you won’t even notice! Hanalei Bay Villa 26 is one of our most in-demand properties, and is not suitable for budget travelers. 

 

Plantation at Princeville: Plantation at Princeville 1322 is our other popular, upscale condo with plenty of space for large groups and families. This second-story, 3 bedroom, 3 bath condo has in-unit laundry, an attached garage, a large covered lanai, and partial air-conditioning. The complex amenities are excellent as well; you’ll find a shared swimming pool, hot tub, conference room, and mail center all in the central hub of the community. Plantation 1322 can sleep up to 6 people, and has space for 2 cars, making this an excellent option for large traveling groups looking for a spacious home base. While priced more affordably than Hanalei Bay Villas or the Villas of Kamali’i, Plantation at Princeville is typically not a suitable budget option. 

 

Pu’u Poa: If pricing is of no concern to you for your Kaua’i vacation, and you want to experience true North Shore luxury, then look no further than Pu’u Poa 405! This 2-bedroom, top-floor condo feels like a luxurious island penthouse thanks to a complete interior remodel and expansive ocean views. The large private lanai looks out over the bluffs to the Pacific Ocean, and is the perfect spot to sit and watch whales and dolphins playing just off shore while catching some sun or firing up the barbecue. The Pu’u Poa complex also features a cliff-side pool with incredible views, as well as both tennis and pickleball courts. You’ll also have access to Hideaways Beach via a downhill path, however this hike can often be muddy and slippery. We recommend walking right next door to the beach in front of the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, which is much more accessible. While you’re there you can stop for a bite at their on-site restaurant, or grab a drink at one of their oceanfront bars. Pu’u Poa 405 sleeps up to 6 guests, and has in-unit laundry for added convenience, however this is our most luxurious property and is priced accordingly.

 

Budget Friendly Offerings

 

Emmalani Court: If you’ve read through the previous options, and are wondering about spacious houses for larger groups at a more affordable price point, then Emmalani Court 411 is the place for you! This air conditioned, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home can sleep up to 4, and has in-unit laundry, and a large private lanai looking straight out onto the 8th hole of the renowned Makai Golf Course. As a bonus, this rental includes golf clubs that guests are free to make use of! The complex also provides access to a swimming pool, hot tub, and gas grills, and is situated right along the Princeville greenbelt walking path, which you can follow a mile down the road to the Princeville Shopping Center for easy access to a grocery store, boutique shops, and plenty of restaurants and treateries. Hideaways Beach is also just 10 minutes walking down the road, as well as Hideaways Pizza Pub and the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay for more upscale dining and drinking options. While Emmalani Court is normally suitable for tighter budgets, we’re currently offering even more affordable pricing through April 2027, as property-wide roofing and exterior construction occurs! 

 

Paniolo Condos: On the opposite end of the spectrum from Pu’u Poa, we have two adorable studio apartments in the Paniolo complex. Set up ideally for families traveling with up to 2 children, 210A features a lofted bedroom, full kitchen, private balcony lanai, and in-unit laundry. 210B is the perfect budget rental for a couple’s retreat, with its large king bed, kitchenette, in-unit laundry, and private lanai. The Paniolo complex also offers access to a shared pool, and gas barbecues. Not only are these condos suitable for tight budgets, they’re also perfectly situated to have easy access to everything in Princeville; Anini Beach is just a 15 minute hike away, and takes you right by the Westin if you want to stop for Starbucks or a bite to eat. The Princeville Shopping Center is similarly just 20 minutes away on foot, and can be reached by strolling along the lovely green belt that runs next to the Makai Golf Course. If you’re looking for the best location at an unbeatable price, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Paniolo.

 

Sandpiper Village: Set up very similarly to our Paniolo condos, and priced with the same affordability in mind, our Sandpiper condos are great for budget travelers, or for travelers interested in “living like a local”. 120A is a bright and spacious 1 bedroom condo with a sizeable patio that looks right out onto the complex pool and hot tub. With a queen size pullout couch, full kitchen, and in-unit laundry, small families and couples will feel right at home. A studio-style condo with a kitchenette and private lanai, 120B is best suited for travelers who prefer to spend all day exploring before coming home to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventures. 120B is one of our few units that does NOT have in-unit laundry, but the extremely affordable price tag will certainly make up for it. The Sandpiper Village, in addition to having a complex pool and shared gas grills, is located right in the heart of Princeville, with easy walking access to many attractions. The Sealodge Beach Path is just 15 minutes down the road on foot, as is Anini Beach, and the Westin Resort with its on site dining and drinking options. You’ll also be just a mile away from the Princeville Shopping Center, which can be reached by following the lush walking path alongside the Makai Golf Course. Sandpiper offers the best combination of location and affordability, which means you’ll have plenty of spending money left over for your island treats and souvenirs!