Princeville

Princeville is a planned North Shore community above Hanalei Bay, known for cliffside views, golf, vacation rentals, shopping and nearby beaches.

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Princeville, Kauai

Princeville is a master-planned luxury resort community overlooking Hanalei Bay on Kauai's north shore. It is set among a large golf course with breathtaking views to the blue ocean, green mountains with cascading waterfalls, pine trees and palm trees. There are many accommodation options in Princeville, from vacation condos and villas to large resorts, such as the 5-star St. Regis Princeville Resort.

At the entrance of the community is the Princeville Shopping Center with a grocery store, gas station, post office, gift shops and a bank. There aren't many restaurants in Princeville. Princeville is also a home of several popular Kauai beaches: Pu'u Poa Beach, Hideaways Beach, SeaLodge Beach and Queen's Bath.  

Public parking in Princeville is very limited, so if you don't stay in this resort community one of the few places where you can park is at the Princeville Shopping Center. There is also a small public parking area near Queen's Bath and Hideaways Beach.

Key Features

Planned North Shore community on an ocean bluff
Located east of Hanalei and west of Kilauea
Known for Hanalei Bay views, golf areas and vacation rentals
Princeville Shopping Center has groceries, shops and casual dining
Nearby beaches include Hideaways Beach, Pu'u Poa Beach and Sealodge Beach
Queen's Bath access can be dangerous during high surf or rain
Anini Beach, Kalihiwai Beach and Hanalei Bay are short drives away
Public parking for some beach access points is limited
Popular North Shore home base for longer Kauai visits
Population: 2,157 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96722

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Princeville named for?

Princeville was named for Prince Albert Kamehameha, the son of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, after a royal visit to the area in the 1860s.

How is Princeville different from Hanalei?

Princeville is an elevated planned community with vacation rentals, golf areas, shopping and bluff views. Hanalei is a lower bayfront town with a beach, river, pier, taro fields and a walkable main street.

Why are Princeville views so wide?

Much of Princeville is set on a bluff above the ocean and Hanalei Bay. That higher position creates broad views toward mountains, surf, reef lines and the North Shore sunset sky.

What should visitors know about Queen's Bath?

Queen's Bath is a lava rock tide pool reached by a steep trail. Conditions can be deadly when waves wash over the rocks, so many visitors choose to skip it during high surf, rain or uncertain conditions.

What nearby beaches are associated with Princeville?

Hideaways Beach, Pu'u Poa Beach, Sealodge Beach, Anini Beach, Kalihiwai Beach and Hanalei Bay are all close to Princeville, though access and ocean conditions vary by location.