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4- and 5-star hotels in Princeville

A shortlist of the 4- and 5-star hotels in Princeville on Kauai's north shore, from a full resort on Hanalei Bay to condo-style villas and apartments. It is for travellers deciding where to base themselves for the beach, golf and the Na Pali Coast.

15 hotels1 rated 4.5+2,551 guest reviews

Staying in Princeville

Princeville sits on a bluff above Hanalei Bay, a crescent-shaped beach known for swimming, surfing and sunsets, and works as a base for the north shore, the Na Pali Coast and the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. The Princeville Botanical Gardens and the Makai Golf Club are local attractions. The community has a small shopping center and a few restaurants, but most dining and entertainment is a short drive away in Hanalei or Kilauea.

These hotels are spread across the resort area and its residential loops. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and the Ka Haku Road properties (Puu Poa 107, Hanalei Bay Villas #17, Pali Ke Kua #118, #103 and #233) sit closest to the resort and the water, while the Wyllie Road, Pepelani Loop, Kamehameha Road and Edward Road addresses are inland, between 0.1 and 1.4 km from the centre. Couples gravitate to the full-service resort, families to the villas with kitchens and pools, and longer stays to the self-catering units.

The shortlist

Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.

  1. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

    ★★★★★4.61,283 reviews1.6 km from the centre

    5520 Ka Haku Road 11, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Kids pool
    • Parking
    • Breakfast

    Why stay hereA 5-star address on Ka Haku Road with a 4.6 guest rating from 1283 reviews, this is Princeville's most complete resort stay. Guests have a fitness centre and a garden, plus a beauty salon and bars for the evenings. It sits 1.6 km from the centre and the beach is nearby. Suits couples and travellers who want full service and a wide choice of things to do on site, from diving to horse riding.

    See 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
  2. The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

    ★★★★4.31,268 reviews1.3 km from the centre

    3838 Wyllie Rd, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Kids pool
    • Spa
    • Parking

    Why stay hereVillas rather than standard rooms: kitchens with dishwashers, microwaves and ovens, plus kitchenettes, so families and longer stays can self-cater. An outdoor pool with a kids pool and pool bar keeps the days easy, and there is a fitness centre, massage and jacuzzi. Rated 4.3 out of 5 across 1268 reviews, 1.3 km from the centre, with the beach nearby and a golf course.

    See The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
  3. Princeville Sealodge Unit D 4

    ★★★★0.9 km from the centre

    3700 Kamehameha Rd. Unit D 4, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Free car parking
    • Beach nearby

    Why stay hereA Sealodge unit with air conditioning, free wifi and free car parking, and the beach nearby. An outdoor pool and water sports including surfing give it an active bent. Non-smoking rooms and laundry service round it out, and it is 0.9 km from the centre, the closest of the Sealodge listings here. Best for guests who want a quiet base with a pool and plenty of time in the water.

    See Princeville Sealodge Unit D 4
  4. Puu Poa 107 by RedAwning

    ★★★★1.4 km from the centre

    5454 Ka Haku Rd., Princeville, United States

    Best for: Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereA one-bedroom-style unit on Ka Haku Road with a kitchen, microwave, oven and coffee, plus a bathroom with hairdryer. Television and an outdoor pool cover the downtime. The property is small, listed at 1 to 50 rooms, and sits 1.4 km from the centre. Suits a couple or small group who want to cook and keep things simple rather than use hotel services.

    See Puu Poa 107 by RedAwning
  5. Kamahana 24

    ★★★★1.0 km from the centre

    3800 Kamehameha Road 24, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen
    • Beach nearby

    Why stay hereKamahana 24 combines a full kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine and free wifi with a tennis court and golf course nearby, and the sea in the setting. Air conditioning and ceiling fans, a DVD and CD player, and free car parking make it a practical base 1.0 km from the centre. Non-smoking rooms throughout. Good for active families or friends who want sport and self-catering in one place.

    See Kamahana 24
  6. Puamana 13C by RedAwning

    ★★★★1.2 km from the centre

    3880 Wyllie Road, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereSet on Wyllie Road 1.2 km from the centre, this Puamana unit offers a kitchen with microwave and oven, a balcony, and an outdoor pool. Television and a hairdryer are provided, and the property runs 1 to 50 rooms. It suits travellers who want a compact, self-contained apartment with outdoor space and a pool, without the full-service resort set-up.

    See Puamana 13C by RedAwning
  7. Kamahana 23

    ★★★★1.0 km from the centre

    3800 Kamehameha Road 23, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen
    • Beach nearby

    Why stay hereThe second Kamahana listing here, with a kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine and free wifi, plus sea views and the beach nearby. A golf course and tennis court are on the list, and horse riding and fishing are available. Non-smoking rooms, free car parking, 1.0 km from the centre. Fits guests who want a homely unit with laundry and cooking and easy access to outdoor activities.

    See Kamahana 23
  8. Plantation 211 by RedAwning

    ★★★★0.4 km from the centre

    4771 Pepelani Loop, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Spa
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereOn Pepelani Loop just 0.4 km from the centre, this Plantation unit pairs a kitchen with microwave and oven with a garden, outdoor pool and spa. Air conditioning, a shower and a hairdryer, plus an iPod dock and DVD player for evenings in. The property is small at 1 to 50 rooms. Suits a couple who want to be close to the centre with spa and pool access.

    See Plantation 211 by RedAwning
  9. Pali Ke Kua #118

    ★★★★1.0 km from the centre

    5300 Kahaku Road #118, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Spa
    • Car parking

    Why stay herePali Ke Kua #118 brings a fitness centre, outdoor pool and spa, plus a library and lounge for quieter hours. A golf course and floodlit driving range are on the list, and there is a concierge, shops and shuttle service. Parking is free and the property is wheelchair accessible. At 1.0 km from the centre, it suits golfers and guests who want resort facilities with a calmer common area.

    See Pali Ke Kua #118
  10. Alii Kai 4103 by RedAwning

    ★★★★0.4 km from the centre

    3830 Edward Rd., Princeville, United States

    Best for: Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereAn Alii Kai unit on Edward Road, 0.4 km from the centre, with a kitchen, microwave, oven and coffee, a bathroom and hairdryer. Television and DVD cover the evenings and there is an outdoor pool. The property is small at 1 to 50 rooms. A sensible choice for a couple or small family who want to be within a short distance of the centre and cook their own meals.

    See Alii Kai 4103 by RedAwning
  11. Nihilani 22C

    ★★★★0.1 km from the centre

    4919 Pepelani Loop #22C, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Spa
    • Car parking

    Why stay hereThe closest of these listings to the centre at 0.1 km, Nihilani 22C adds a garage, garden and outdoor pool, plus a spa and concierge. A golf course and floodlit driving range are nearby, and shops and a supermarket are on the list. Free car parking and wheelchair access. Suits guests who want to walk to the centre and still have pool, spa and golf within reach.

    See Nihilani 22C
  12. Hanalei Bay Villas #17 by RedAwning

    ★★★★1.3 km from the centre

    5451 Ka Haku Rd Unit #17 Princeville, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Business trips

    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereA Hanalei Bay Villas unit on Ka Haku Road with a kitchen, dishwasher and microwave, a restaurant and conference hall on site, and barbeque facilities. Non-smoking rooms, lifts and laundry service, with a shower and television. It sits 1.3 km from the centre. Works for groups or extended family who want cooking, dining and space for a gathering, with the beach within easy reach.

    See Hanalei Bay Villas #17 by RedAwning
  13. Pali Ke Kua #103

    ★★★★1.1 km from the centre

    5300 Kahaku Road #103, Princeville, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Spa
    • Car parking

    Why stay herePali Ke Kua #103 pairs an outdoor pool and spa with a library, lounge and picnic area, and a concierge to help arrange the days. A golf course, floodlit driving range, shops and supermarket are on the list, and parking is free. Wheelchair accessible, 1.1 km from the centre. Best for guests who want a settled base with golf, swimming and quiet corners to read in.

    See Pali Ke Kua #103
  14. Pali Ke Kua #233

    ★★★★0.9 km from the centre

    Princeville, United States

    Best for: Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Spa
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereSea views, the beach nearby and an outdoor pool and spa make this Pali Ke Kua unit a strong pick for a coastal stay. Inside there is a full kitchen with dishwasher and oven, a jacuzzi and a washing machine, plus a restaurant on site. Non-smoking rooms and a golf course. At 0.9 km from the centre, it suits couples and families who want water, cooking and laundry.

    See Pali Ke Kua #233
  15. Plantations at Princeville #1312

    ★★★★0.3 km from the centre

    Princeville, United States

    Best for: Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Spa
    • Fitness Center

    Why stay hereAt 0.3 km from the centre, Plantations at Princeville #1312 has a fitness centre, outdoor pool, jacuzzi and spa, plus a patio and full kitchen with dishwasher and oven. A washing machine, DVD player and restaurant on site, non-smoking rooms, and a golf course with horse riding and fishing nearby. Good for guests who want resort-style facilities close to the centre with room to spread out.

    See Plantations at Princeville #1312

The shortlist side by side

HotelClassParkingPool or spaTo the centre
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay★★★★★YesYes1.6 km
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas★★★★YesYes1.3 km
Princeville Sealodge Unit D 4★★★★YesYes0.9 km
Puu Poa 107 by RedAwning★★★★–Yes1.4 km
Kamahana 24★★★★Yes–1.0 km
Puamana 13C by RedAwning★★★★–Yes1.2 km
Kamahana 23★★★★Yes–1.0 km
Plantation 211 by RedAwning★★★★–Yes0.4 km
Pali Ke Kua #118★★★★YesYes1.0 km
Alii Kai 4103 by RedAwning★★★★–Yes0.4 km
Nihilani 22C★★★★YesYes0.1 km
Hanalei Bay Villas #17 by RedAwning★★★★––1.3 km
Pali Ke Kua #103★★★★YesYes1.1 km
Pali Ke Kua #233★★★★–Yes0.9 km
Plantations at Princeville #1312★★★★–Yes0.3 km

From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.

How to choose

For full resort service

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the only 5-star here, with a fitness centre, spa-style facilities, dining, a garden and a golf course, rated 4.6 from 1283 reviews. The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is the larger 4-star alternative, with outdoor pool, kids pool, restaurant, bar, kitchen and fitness centre, rated 4.3 from 1268 reviews.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay · The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

For families and groups

These come with kitchens or kitchenettes and space to spread out. The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas adds a kids pool and restaurant; Kamahana 24 and Kamahana 23 have washing machines, dishwashers and beach access nearby; Nihilani 22C has a garden, garage and outdoor pool.

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas · Kamahana 24 · Kamahana 23 · Nihilani 22C

For self-catering stays

Apartments with their own kitchens and outdoor pools, for travellers who want to cook and keep their own schedule. Puu Poa 107, Puamana 13C and Alii Kai 4103 are on Ka Haku, Wyllie and Edward Roads; Plantation 211 has a spa and garden, while Plantations at Princeville #1312 and Pali Ke Kua #233 add fitness and laundry facilities.

Puu Poa 107 by RedAwning · Puamana 13C by RedAwning · Alii Kai 4103 by RedAwning · Plantation 211 by RedAwning · Plantations at Princeville #1312 · Pali Ke Kua #233

For golf and the outdoors

Pali Ke Kua #118 and #103 both list a golf course, floodlit driving range, spa and shuttle service, with Pali Ke Kua #103 also naming a picnic area. Princeville Sealodge Unit D 4 and Kamahana 24 are close to the centre at 0.9 and 1.0 km and list golf, beach and water sports or tennis.

Pali Ke Kua #118 · Pali Ke Kua #103 · Princeville Sealodge Unit D 4 · Kamahana 24

Plan your stay

Getting there and around

Lihue Airport (LIH) on the east side of Kauai is the nearest major airport. From there, Princeville is about a 45-minute drive north on Kuhio Highway (Route 56), passing through towns including Kapa'a and Kilauea. Rental cars are available at the airport. Once in Princeville, a car is useful for exploring the north shore, as public transportation is limited. Taxi or ride-sharing services are possible but may be less readily available, and biking is possible although the terrain is hilly.

When to go

The drier months from April to October are the best time to visit Princeville, when rainfall is less frequent and temperatures are warm. The north shore can be rainy year-round, so be prepared for occasional showers. Summer brings larger crowds and higher demand for accommodations. Winter months can be wetter but offer whale watching from December to April and surfing on larger waves. Spring and fall are less crowded.

Questions, answered

What is the closest airport to Princeville?

Lihu'e Airport (LIH) is the closest major airport, about a 45-minute drive south on Kuhio Highway. It offers flights to and from the major Hawaiian islands and the mainland, and rental cars are available there.

Do I need a car in Princeville?

Yes, a car is highly recommended. Public transportation is limited and many attractions are spread out; the drive from Lihu'e passes through Kapa'a and Kilauea. Taxis and ride-sharing exist but may be less readily available.

Which hotel is closest to the centre of Princeville?

Nihilani 22C is 0.1 km from the centre and Plantations at Princeville #1312 is 0.3 km. Plantation 211 and Alii Kai 4103 are both 0.4 km away, while the resort hotels are further out, at 1.6 km for 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and 1.3 km for The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas.

Which Princeville hotel has the best guest rating?

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1283 reviews, the highest on this shortlist and the only 5-star property. The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is next at 4.3 from 1268 reviews.

Are there restaurants and shops in Princeville?

Princeville has a small shopping center with a few restaurants and a grocery store. More dining and shopping options are available in nearby Hanalei and Kilauea, a short drive away.

Which hotels are good for families?

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas has a kids pool, restaurant and kitchen, and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay lists babysitting service and cots. Kamahana 23 and Kamahana 24 offer kitchens and washing machines, and Nihilani 22C has a garden and pool.

What is there to do around Princeville?

Key attractions include Hanalei Bay, the Princeville Botanical Gardens and the Makai Golf Club. The area also offers access to hiking and scenic drives along the north shore, including the Na Pali Coast and Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge.

More ways to stay in Princeville