Property Description
It’s still here. The old Hawai‘i you’ve always dreamed of still exists. The Riverhouse sits on nearly two acres of pristine riverfront botanical gardens, in one of the last areas on Kauai where time has basically stood still. It still feels like you're stepping back into old Hawai‘i when things were uncomplicated, undeveloped, authentic, and unhurried. At River Estate I have been welcoming guests for over 30 years, consistently earning 5-star reviews. Many guests have shared how the river’s gentle current and morning bird songs became the rhythm of their days, transporting them back to a time when Kaua‘i’s beauty was raw and untouched. Evenings bring the scent of tropical blossoms on warm breezes, while the flowing water becomes a natural lullaby—peaceful and soul-restoring. Guests often speak of the rare blend of privacy and the convenience of it's central location. The spacious grounds feel completely secluded and private but outside the property the busy world awaits you. The central location is just 10 minutes east lies the town of Hanalei, and 10 minutes west brings you to Ke‘e Beach and the Nā Pali Coast trail in Hā‘ena State Park. Many guests describe how coming “home” each afternoon felt like a daily ritual—restorative, grounding, and essential to the experience. Fresh tropical flower scents, botanical garden whispers , and unfiltered natural beauty come together here. The Riverhouse isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a living reminder of a Kaua‘i that time has left untouched. Yes, it's still right here for you to experience yourself.
The Property:
-Convenient central North Shore location
-Quick and easy access to everything
-Two riverfront acres 2 blocks from the beach
-Mature botanical gardens and fruit trees
-Seclusion and privacy
Paddle to the Beach:
-One of the most frequently praised and unique features of River Estate
-Guests can launch a kayak or paddleboard right from their backyard
-Paddle by yourselves two blocks to reach a pristine deserted beach
-Enjoy a unique Kauai adventure right from your doorstep anytime
-Rented kayaks and paddleboards conveniently delivered to the house
Accommodations:
-Spacious, single-level layout with quality construction and thoughtful design
-Three air-conditioned bedrooms offering privacy and comfort
-Cherry wood floors; Chinese tile in kitchen and bathrooms
-Synthetic granite countertops throughout
-Furnished with classic hardwood antiques and a Tommy Bahama oversized living room set
-Decorated with 1930s Hawaiiana and antique Chinese artwork
-Master suite includes a California King bed and direct lanai access
-Two additional bedrooms feature queen beds,
-High-thread-count linens, and Persian carpets, fans, Roman shades, and ample closet space in each room
-Both bathrooms include a glass-enclosed tub/shower and quality porcelain sinks
-Full laundry room with washer/dryer and generous storage sp
Kitchen and Dining:
-Overstocked kitchen ideal for gourmet chefs
-Large refrigerator with filtered water dispenser
-Full sized stove with microwave oven above
-Quality knives always kept sharp replaced as needed
-Synthetic granite countertops and deep cast-iron sink
-Many kitchen appliances not found in other rentals
-Indoor dining area comfortably seats six guests
-Screened lanai with BBQ grill with outdoor dining table
Amenities:
-Split system A/C in each bedroom
-White noise machines and ceiling fans
-Boogie boards, beach chairs, umbrella, cooler, and beach towels included
-Roku-enabled TVs, DVD library, books, and board games for indoor entertainment
-High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the house
-Complimentary essentials: liquid body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and a small bag of Kona coffee or Kauai cookies.
-Full laundry facilities for added convenience during extended stays.
-Paddleboards and kayaks available for rent and can be delivered to the house
Value Added Personalized Hospitality:
-Attentive and responsive host praised by many guests
-Provides tailored recommendations and insider local insights
-Adds thoughtful touches that enhance the guest experience
-Elevates the stay beyond typical rental service
-Known for making guests feel welcomed and cared for
In Summary:
-A trusted and beloved retreat with over 30 years of guest satisfaction.
-A Spacious, open-concept design with natural light and stunning garden views.
-Island-inspired décor featuring Balinese and Hawaiian artwork for a soothing - ambiance.
-A fully equipped kitchen, modern amenities (Wi-Fi, AC, media center), and full laundry facilities.
-Beach gear provided: chairs, towels, boogie boards, umbrella, cooler.
-Complimentary essentials including Kona coffee and quality toiletries provided.
-Personalized concierge service by your host with decades of local knowledge.
-24/7 access to your host's insider knowledge and tips for time management
-A unique paddle/kayak access from the river directly to a nearby beach.
-A prime North Shore location: 10 minutes to Hanalei and Ke’e Beach/Kalalau Trail.
-Easy access to beaches, hiking, shops, farmers markets, art galleries, and island cuisine.
-Total natural immersion in spacious grounds with tropical vegetation, fruit trees, and tranquil river sounds.
-A perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and serene natural beauty for a memorable stay.
*TVR Registration #TVNC 1279*
*State Tax ID 052-031-4880-01*
*This property is located in a Tsunami Evacuation Area*
*Evacuation procedures provided in the house with a map*
Registration Number: 580060110002, W30347586-02
User Reviews
Brian M.
Apr 03, 2025
I would like to tell you that this is a horrible place to stay... but it is not horrible. It is quite wonderful. Mark has arguably one of the best VRBO's my family and I have stayed at. Well appointed in every aspect. We prepared almost every meal during our stay and the kitchen has everything we needed.The bedrooms are spacious and the beds comfortable. Whatever amenity we needed was provided. This was the perfect place for us. Off the beaten path right down the river from the beach. From the sounds of birds in the morning, to the lush jungle smells of the evening, this is truly an oasis.Communication with Mark was great, and is what you would expect from a top notch VRBO host. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your River Estate, Mark. We will be back.
Debbi B.
Mar 10, 2025
River Estate is a beautiful home about 15 minutes (driving) from Hanalei. I chose this home because we wanted a quiet place to relax after a difficult year, and River Estate hit the mark. The house is beautiful and clearly loved. The kitchen is very well equipped (more so than most I've seen) with an air fryer, toaster, blender, microwave, food processor (most of which we didn't have a chance to use) and very complete set of dishes and glassware. Furniture is comfy, and we ate all of our meals on the screened lanai overlooking the river and the trees. Very relaxing! Bathrooms are well stocked with towels, and there are beach towels as well. We never had a chance to float down the river to the private beach but we could catch a glimpse of it from the road, and it would have been a great place to check out. Alas, when traveling with a little one walking on the road isn't a good option. There are only 3 houses on the property and we didn't actually ever see the people, it's very private. When arriving (especially the first day), be sure to use Mark's instructions, they were perfect. It really is JUST before the two bridges and you will miss it if you aren't watching. Mark was very helpful in solving any problem that came up for us. We were traveling with our 13 month old grandson (for the first time) and Mark was able to rent a crib and high chair for us, which was great, as we had enough stuff to bring for the baby without trying to bring those!We really enjoyed our stay!
Michelle L.
Feb 24, 2025
This is a beautiful property, well stocked for all your needs. The owner Mark is amazing. He has great recommendations & was so helpful to book excursions for us. He has tons of information to help your stay be the best. He is a wonderful host. We look forward to staying again.
Amy F.
Jan 08, 2025
The North Shore is our favorite spot on the planet and we’ve been fortunate to visit many times. Mark was hands down the best host of any property we’ve stayed at and he has a beautiful, comfortable home with all the amenities you could hope for. We had a marvelous time and would gladly book again.
Kyle D.
Dec 12, 2024
The River Estate Riverhouse was absolutely perfect for our small group trip to Kauai. Mark was extremely communicative and responsive before and during our trip. Check-in was super easy, the house was clean and fully stocked and a short drive to Hanalei Bay and Tunnels Beach which was awesome.
I couldn't recommend this property more. Our group had a great time.
Thank you Mark for the hospitality! We will definitely be back.
Jopha C.
Nov 20, 2024
River House was a great place to stay with my family. The house was clean and inviting to stay in. Outside area is beautiful and private. Mark was a wonderful host and very helpful. Easy to communicate with. If we ever get the chance to come back, River House will be our first pick.
cari b.
Nov 04, 2024
Our family of 4 stayed at River Estates mid to late October and enjoyed everything about it. This was our first family vacation and our first time on Kauai. We opted for the North Shore after reading about different areas and we are so glad we did. We travelled all over the island during our stay and found the North Shore to be the most beautiful. The house itself had everything we needed. The kitchen was fully stocked, Mark (the owner) was very responsive and helpful (the coffee maker stopped working our second day and he kindly brought a new one to the house within an hour), everything was in working order, it was spotless, there are tangerine and orange trees in the yard that we picked fruit from every morning, and most importantly the yard and location were breathtakingly beautiful. I can't begin to describe it and the pictures don't really do it justice. My children and I walked the driveway and neighborhood in the morning surrounded by beautiful plants and trees, a river running behind the property, and mountains in the background. The house feels isolated in a good way, being surrounded by nature, but is only a short drive from the center of Hanalei where we did a lot of our shopping and dining. We hiked Ha-ena State Park, which was close to the house and WORTH VISTING. We were close to several of the beaches we wanted to visit. In summary, this was a perfect location for us and the house was clean, comfortable and beautiful. We hope to be back!!!
Wade L.
Oct 19, 2024
Very nice place overall. Clean, great communication, just as advertised.
One thing not so much owners fault, there is a neighbor close by with dogs that bark a lot!
We just turned on the a/c in the bedroom at night and closed the windows.
Karen C.
Oct 03, 2024
The house is clean, comfortable, and decorated nicely. The beds are really comfortable and the kitchen had everything I needed. The house is off the beaten path and it was nice to get away from the traffic and crowds. Would definitely stay here again.
TREVOR P.
Sep 11, 2024
The property is absolutely stunning. If you’re looking to get away from people, this is the spot. You are secluded but close enough to Hanalei if you need anything. The floors are beautiful wood and the owner is very responsive and will take care of you.
Michael B.
Aug 18, 2024
The property and home are exactly as advertised. Beautiful and meticulously cared for. We didn't experience any concerns/issues, The owner (Mark) was readily avaialabe and quick to reply whem we communicated. Our family wanted to focus on exploring the north shore and found this to be a very convenient location for that. Although we were not comfortable walking the roads (except to the nearby coffee shop, which is great), everything we wanted to access was just a quick and easy drive. And when we weren't out and about, the lanai and porches were perfect for relaxing and reading.
John H.
Aug 02, 2024
Our stay at the River House was nothing short of extraordinary, earning a resounding five-star rating. From the moment we booked the reservations, Mark, our exceptional host at the River Estate, demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism and warmth. His communication was impeccable, ensuring that all our needs were met and that the property exceeded our expectations.
The River House itself was a masterpiece of comfort and convenience. We were delighted to find that the kayaks and paddle boards we rented were delivered right to the house ahead of our arrival, showcasing the seamless and thoughtful service provided. The location was ideal for our family vacation, perfectly situated to explore the stunning beauty of Kauai.
The kitchen was equipped with every amenity one would need, including a air fryer that proved to be incredibly useful. Every detail was meticulously attended to, making our stay not only enjoyable but also exceptionally convenient. For an unforgettable experience and a stay that truly feels like a home away from home, the River House and its remarkable host, Mark, set an unparalleled standard.
Juli M.
Jul 22, 2024
The pictures don't do it enough justice. The home and surrounding yard/driveway is unreal how beautiful it all is. You could stay at the house and never leave if you wanted to. The house had all amenities that you could ask for. There's a little country market store, coffee shop about a 5 minute walk down the road that is the essence of "true" Hawaii. If we ever make it back to Kauai, would definitely stay here again.
Jeff B.
Jul 01, 2024
We stayed 12 nights at the River Estate and enjoyed every minute. The house is clean, the grounds were well kept and, in my opinion, the property’s greatest feature is the location. This property is perfect for families who want to disconnect from their hectic lives. The location just up the Wainiha river is quiet and peaceful. We found ourselves enjoying time relaxing by the river watching birds and the occasional group of fish swim by. The property was part of our vacation, not just a bed for the night. We planned many of our days with a ‘reset’ back at the house after a morning at the Beach.
An additional benefit to staying here, is the small market within walking distance. There is a place to grab a coffee, a shave ice, lunch or even groceries.
This was our 5th time to the north shore of Kauai and we have not stayed at the same property twice...next time we come, will be staying at the River Estate again.
Janet M.
Jun 27, 2024
An absolutely amazing property and location. The home was beyond clean, very well appointed, roomy and comfortable. Mark is very attentive and easy to get a hold of. He was very gracious with his time and help with all our questions. He set up having kayaks delivered to the house for our stay which was a huge deal with having a rental car as that would have been a challenge to go get and bring back. We so enjoyed kayaking to and from the private beach just fantastic. Will definitely pass info on the VRBO to friends and family. One of the most memorable vacations we have had. We have done many VRBOs and this one is tops on the list. Don’t pass this one up! Truly an amazing find. Thank you Mark for your time and attention to make our stay what it was.
