Princeville looking towards Hanalei — Your complete guide to the best places to stay, what to expect, and how to plan the perfect North Shore vacation.

Princeville sits atop some of the most dramatic sea cliffs in Hawaii, offering a peaceful, upscale atmosphere with unbeatable access to Kauai’s most beautiful natural attractions. Unlike resort-heavy areas on the South Shore, Princeville feels more intimate and quiet, ideal for travelers who want space to relax between adventures.

The community has meticulously landscaped walking paths, ocean overlooks, and sunset viewpoints dotted throughout the neighborhood. You’re also minutes from grocery stores, boutique shops, restaurants, beaches, and hiking. It’s the perfect blend of scenic seclusion and convenience, making it a favorite for couples, families, honeymooners, and repeat visitors who return year after year.

Whether you want to snorkel, hike, relax, or explore local culture, Princeville is a picture-perfect base for any North Shore Kauai vacation.

Aerial view of Princeville with Bali Hai mountains in the background. — **Why Stay in Princeville?**

Princeville offers a peaceful, scenic escape with incredible access to nature. Perfect for travelers who want:
Access to some of the best beaches on the island
Scenic walking paths and ocean cliffs
North Shore hiking (Kalalau, Hanakapi‘ai, Okolehao)
A quieter, more relaxed experience
Close proximity to Hanalei Bay and Hā‘ena State Park
Vacation rentals with more space and views than hotels

Princeville is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Hawaii — and one of the most convenient spots for exploring Kauai’s North Shore.

Best Beaches Near Princeville

Princeville has quick access to a mix of hidden gems and world-famous beaches.

Hanalei Bay looking to the Bali Hai mountains and crystal clear ocean — **Hanalei Bay**

Hanalei Bay is the crown jewel of the North Shore—a massive crescent-shaped beach surrounded by lush mountains, often dusted in waterfalls after a passing rain. Its wide, sandy shoreline and varying surf conditions make it perfect for all ages.
Summer brings calm, glassy water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Winter brings larger surf, drawing experienced surfers and creating some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Hawaii.
The pier area is ideal for families, while Black Pot Beach offers beautiful views and easy access to the heart of Hanalei.
**Best for:** families, paddle boarding, surfing, boogie boarding, long beach walks, sunset views
**Drive from Princeville:** 8 minutes

Hideaways Beach (also called Pali Ke Kua Beach)

Hideaways is a hidden gem tucked beneath the cliffs of Princeville. Known for its turquoise water and vibrant reef system, it’s a favorite for snorkeling when the ocean is calm. Expect shades of blue straight out of a postcard.

Getting down requires navigating a steep, narrow trail with ropes to assist in muddy spots—but most visitors agree it’s worth every step. At the bottom, you’re rewarded with a quiet, intimate beach framed by palm trees and towering cliffs.

Best for: snorkeling, couples, photos
Access note: Via a steep trail — or Private access via paved path at the Pali Ke Kua complex (home to The Roost)

Anini Beach

Anini is one of the safest and most reliable beaches on Kauai thanks to its protective outer reef, the longest continuous reef in Hawaii. The water stays calm, shallow, and clear, making it an amazing place for families, picnics, paddleboarding, or simply floating in warm, gentle waves.

You’ll often find snorkelers searching for sea turtles along the reef’s edge during calm months. The beach stretches for miles, so even on busier days, it’s easy to find your own quiet corner.

Best for: beginners, families, relaxed swimming
Drive from Princeville: 10 minutes

Queen’s Bath (scenic overlook)

Queen’s Bath has become a popular photo location due to its dramatic lava-rock coastline and tide pools. However, it’s extremely important to treat this area with caution, high surf and unexpected waves make it dangerous during fall, winter, and early spring.

That said, during the safest summer windows, the short hike down offers beautiful mountain views and a rugged coastline backdrop perfect for photography. Even if you don’t enter the water, the scenery alone makes it worth the visit on calm days.

Important: conditions can be extremely dangerous. Go only when safe.

Hanalei Bay

Hideaway's Beach

Anini Beach

Queen's Bath

North Shore Adventure: Hā‘ena State Park, Kalalau, Ke’e Beach & Tunnels

This entire section is why travelers from around the world flock to the North Shore — and why Princeville is the ideal home base.

Kalalau Trail looking towards the Nāpali Coast. — **Kalalau Trail (World-Famous Nāpali Coast Hike)**

The Kalalau Trail is one of Hawaii’s most iconic natural experiences. The trail clings to the cliffs of the Nāpali Coast, weaving through lush valleys, ocean viewpoints, and dense jungle. Even hiking just the first two miles to Hanakapi‘ai Beach offers a taste of the Nāpali’s dramatic landscape.
Visitors looking for more adventure can continue up the valley to **Hanakapi‘ai Falls**, a towering waterfall surrounded by jungle walls. The full trail to Kalalau Beach is a bucket-list backpacking experience, requiring permits and strong fitness.
Because access requires reservations, staying in Princeville makes it easy to plan around your entry time and beat the crowds.

What Most Visitors Do:

2-mile hike to Hanakapi‘ai Beach
Or continue 2 more miles to Hanakapi‘ai Falls (challenging but worth it!)

What Experienced Hikers Do:

Tackle the full 11-mile trail to Kalalau Beach (requires permit)

Important Tips:

Reservations are REQUIRED through Hā‘ena State Park
Go early to avoid heat & crowds
Wear footwear with grip (mud is almost guaranteed)
Bring water + reef-safe sunscreen

View of Ke'e Beach from the Kalalau Trail. — Ke’e Beach

Ke‘e Beach marks the end of the road on the North Shore and the beginning of the Nāpali Coast. With towering cliffs behind you and calm water on most summer days, this beach is perfect for sunset photography and post-hike relaxation.
On clear days, the water is incredibly calm thanks to a protective reef, making it great for swimming and snorkeling. Arrive early if you want a peaceful spot before the day’s hikers return.
**Best for:** calm summer swimming, sunsets, post-hike relaxation
**Access:** inside Hā‘ena State Park reservation area

Tunnels Beach looking towards the mountains. — Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach)

Tunnels Beach is a snorkeler’s paradise, famous for its massive coral formations, underwater caverns, and vibrant marine life. The mountains rise dramatically behind the beach, creating one of the most iconic backdrops on the entire island.
The inner reef is ideal for beginners, while the outer reef—known as “Tunnels”—attracts more experienced snorkelers and divers. On calm summer days, visibility can be excellent, and it’s possible to see turtles, colorful reef fish, and pristine coral gardens.
**Why People Love It:**
Excellent snorkeling in summer
Scenic mountains as the backdrop
Sea turtles are common
Wide sandy beach for relaxing
**Tip:** Park in one of the outer lots and walk in.

What to Do in and Around Princeville

Princeville walking path looking onto the Makai golf course. — Walk, run, or bike the Princeville Path

This paved coastal path winds through Princeville’s resort community, offering breathtaking ocean views, lush landscaping, and peaceful stretches ideal for morning walks or sunset strolls. It’s a favorite among runners, dog-walkers, and visitors looking for low-effort sightseeing.
Along the way, you’ll find benches, scenic lookouts, and access points to some of Princeville’s hidden beaches.

Ariel view of the Makai golf course. — Golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Princeville Makai is consistently ranked among the most beautiful golf courses in the world. With oceanfront holes, mountain views, and immaculately maintained greens, it’s a bucket list experience for golfers.
Even if you’re not a golfer, the club offers sunset golf-cart tours where you can ride the course, take photos, and learn about the history and wildlife of the area.

View of the Hanalei shopping center. — Explore Hanalei Town

Hanalei is the heart of the North Shore—a charming, laid-back surf town full of character. Spend an afternoon browsing boutiques, sipping local coffee, exploring food trucks, and enjoying slow-paced island life.
Its mix of surf culture, local business, and natural beauty makes it one of the most beloved towns in Hawaii. It’s the cultural heart of the North Shore.

Short Trips from Princeville

Princeville’s strategic location makes it easy to take short day trips:

Kilauea Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge for scenic cliff views
Hanalei Town for coffee shops, shopping, shave ice, and incredible food
Okolehao Trail for sweeping valley panoramas
Queen’s Bath for dramatic lava-rock coastline

Princeville sits in the perfect spot for short, scenic adventures.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Hanalei Town

Okolehao Trail

Queen's Bath

Where to Eat in and around Princeville and Hanalei

Princeville is host to a variety of fine dining options and family-friendly spots that will satisfy any craving you may have. With vast ocean views and fun themed-style restaurants, Princeville has something for everyone.

1 Kitchen - Locally sourced American cuisine
Hideaway’s Pizza Pub - Award-winning Neapolitan style pizza, wings, local craft beer (conveniently located in Pali Ke Kua and by The Roost!)
Nanea Restaurant & Bar - Hawaiian-inspired dishes, seafood and cocktails
Tiki Iniki Restaurant & Bar - Hawaiian pupu’s burgers and daily house made soup
Foodland Supermarket - For all grocery needs, special deli, seafood, and bakery
The Bistro - European, pacific rim fusion menu (located in Kilauea)
Bar Acuda - Upscale taps
Hanalei Bread Co. - Breakfast + artisan coffee
Wishing Well - Shave ice + artisan coffee
The Hanalei Dolphin - Sushi + seafood
Hanalei Food Trucks - rotating lineup of local favorites

Where to Stay in Princeville

Princeville is known for its vacation rentals, which often offer more space, privacy, and amenities than traditional resort hotels. Many rentals provide ocean views, lanais, and full kitchens, which is ideal for families, couples, and long-term stays.

The community is designed for relaxation, with quiet streets, lush landscaping, easy access to beaches, and breathtaking viewpoints throughout the neighborhood.