Aloha Princeville Vacation Rental Traveller-Ohana!
Here are (in our eyes) the five best places to eat on Kauai if you want to be ON the ocean.
1.Pats Taqueria
Taco’s ON, fabled Hanalei Bay. Two can eat and drink for under $20. Need I say more? This is a taco truck experience with a small seating area but given the fact that you have miles of Hanalei Bay to choose from as your private dining experience, it’s an unbeatable local oceanfront experience. How to get here? Head East on Weke road until you get to the parking lot at the end you’ll see the taco truck. Here’s the only downfall… The hours! We wish they were open 24/7 but if you want Pats ON the bay, you have to go 12-3pm. From your Princeville rental home or condo it will only take you ten minutes to get to Hanalei bay. Here’s a map of the parking lot where you will find this Kauai Culinary gem. If you are staying at Hale ‘Ilikea or Hanalei Nalu, it’s a totally different story ;). Just walk out to the sand, take a right and when you get to Blackpot Beach (the pier), follow the smell of the taco’s!
Hours
| Mon | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | |
|---|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | |
| Wed | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | |
| Thu | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | |
| Fri | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | |
| Sat | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | |
| Sun | Closed |
EXTRA CREDIT ALERT!! We suggest connecting with Namolokama Canoe Club (entrance is also here in the same parking lot) for a legit Hawaiian Outrigger paddle. They don’t just let anyone go down there and paddle but if you have some experience on the water, show up at 7:45am on Friday or 8:45 am on Sunday with a $20 donation to the club they may let you paddle. If you get in the canoe consider yourself lucky!
2. Mediterranean Gourmet | Haena
This spot is a little more formal that the tacos above but as far as a sit-down experience on the ocean, it’s unbeatable. Here you will find Lebanese food to die for at a fair price. Most dinners are served by candle light, so it’s also a very romantic spot to take your significant other for a special occasion . They also serve lunch. Wraps and flatbreads are found here as well as organic farm to table salads.
It’s located within the Hanalei Colony Resort. Sometimes (especially at night) it’s a little tricky to find so here’s a map;
Basically just head down the highway past Hanalei and keep cruising for a few miles. Lumahai Beach is on the way so if you haven’t seen that amazing spot yet it might be a good idea to stop there and check it out. Be very very careful here because you don’t want to jump in the water. It’s super dangerous and you don’t want to get lost at sea!
“EXTRA CREDIT ALERT” If you want to earn some extra credit, make sure to time your meal at the Mediterranean Gourmet right at sunset. You can park in the lot, walk around the right side of the building and on to the sand. Once you hit the sandy area make a left and walk around the point to see the most amaaaaaaaazing sunset you can possibly imagine! You’ll be standing at East end of Cannons or “Tunnels” Beach.
Send us a picture or post it to our Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PrincevilleVacationRentals/
3. St. Regis Nalu Kai Grill
If you are staying in Princeville and want to walk down to some oceanfront dining that will blow your mind, this is the place. It’s the kind of situation where you are paying resort fare prices, but it’s worth it. Watch the surfers charge massive waves at “the Bowl” around Hanalei Bay, enjoy Albatross floating around and cruising the sea breezes and enjoy the best elevated vantage point for a sunset on the North Shore. Definitely come early so you can get the whole sunset experience because after it’s gone, it’s…. DARK! So come 45 mins before sunset.
Here you can get fresh caught seafood of just about any kind as well as some amazing sushi plates. They also have some of the best seasonal veggies on the island and just about every ingredient is brought in from a local farm to your table.
Here’s the map if you don’t know where the St. Regis is. Just valet the car at the lobby because there isn’t much parking otherwise.
4. Oasis on the Beach
This spot isn’t on the North Shore, but it’s worth stopping at if you are traveling around the island or staying in Kapaa. It’s a classic spot for beers, burgers and music. They have nightly live bands, abut the sandy beach and the prices are very fair. It’s also a great place for a larger party because some of their tables out near the sand are large and have lots of space. It’s totally an open air situation. Park at Waipouli Beach Resort, walk through the front entrance and head straight out toward the water. When you find the little grass shack on the beach you’ve come to the right spot. This is also a great place if you are a fan of the tradewinds. Oasis on the Beach faces direct East and probably has the best breezes around due to the open air “grass shack” style building.
5. Lava Lava Beach Club
This place is like going back in time to the days of “Hawaii 50”. Totally old school Hawaiian funk vibe, where you can put your toes in the sand and get some great grub. They also have some beach games, frisbees and other fun stuff you can entertain yourself with if you are there for a drink. If you are on Big Island they also have a location over there too that you can check out! Lava Lava has killer Pizzas, fresh fish and super fish tacos. They also make a really mean cocktail (don’t miss the Mai-Tai). We like it for the all around experience. Food, atmosphere and location.
Here’s how to get to Lava Lava!
Ok, there you have it! These are what we feel are the 5 best places to eat on the beach while on Kauai. If you have any further questions about your vacation experience or just need some advice about where to book or what to do while on island, reach out! Our staff is totally stoked to help you learn more about Kauai.
ALOHA!
We wanted to share with you, this super fun and a short walk (guess it could be a hike for some) that just about anyone will enjoy. This experience is suitable for any age.
I mean, CMON! Does this even look REAL? It is!
Leaving Princeville Shopping Center, heading back East towards Kilauea (just like you were going to the airport) on the right-hand side is the Kilauea mini golf course. You should check that place out too because it’s a super unique spot. Part mini-golf and part botanical gardens ;). Instead of going right, head just a little bit further past to a large sign for “Common Ground”. Make a right on Kuawa road at the common ground sign. It’s just past the Shell gas station on the left. You can probably also Google the words “common ground kauai” and get to the start of this almost flat, 1 mile hike. Here’s a map to help you understand where to park. We recommend bringing water and sunscreen from your Princeville Rental Home or Condo. It can get hot out here.
When you see the sign below, take a picture of it with your cell phone so you know where you are at don’t get lost. If you decide to come back here we recommend talking with the guys at the bike hut next to the mini golf entrance, renting a bike from them and spending a few hours mountain biking this area. You’ll have a blast!
The best EASY hiking on the North Shore.
Once you park the car, head towards the Namahana mountain range. If you don’t know which mountain range that is, it’s the only one you can see from common ground parking lot in the directions above. So head Mauka (toward the mountains) on the dirt road that leads into the jungle. On the right-hand side you will see horse pasture and beautiful open acreage that has been given back to the community by the Porter family. Bill Porter made his fortune in the online stock trading business.
(Bill Porter) He found it a little company called E*TRADE. It later became the online traders choice platform for trading their stocks. Bill died in 2016, but his wife still lives in Princeville. They are definitely some of Kauai’s most generous philanthropists.
As you’re heading back into the jungle, check out all the signs along the way. There’s a little bit of education and information about the food in the area being grown for local fresh farmers to be sold at the neighboring health food stores and farmers markets. The Porter family had a dream for this to be a large chunk of land Groomed for sustainable farming. I think that dream has come true. It’s such a beautiful place to spend part of your day on Kauai. Pack a lunch!
About three quarters of a mile in you will see the road start to veer to the left and fork off to the right. Stay left to head down a short hill to the prize. The stone dam waterfall! Words can’t really describe the type of Shangri-La experience you’ll have here. There’s fresh water being brought down through the lush little valley by an aqueduct as well as some of the greenest grass you can ever imagine. There’s also cool little bridges to walk across and even up on the other side of The Dam, there’s a rope swing. There’s also a little spot to barbecue and sun your self in the tranquil setting this spot provides.
Please make sure if you are eating/snacking during this short walk that you pack your trash out with you. It would be a shame to litter or mess up the special place in any way.
It’s such a fun walk you may want to continue back around the rest of the loop which is another 3 miles to make it a complete circle. This is a common place for walkers or trail runners, or joggers that are looking to get a little bit of exercise on a dirt path as opposed to jogging along Princeville’s paved trails. Once you’ve conquered this trail, here are more places you may want to hike and adventure on Kauai. Be safe and HAVE FUN!
Aloha Pumehana from the Princeville Vacation Rentals Hui.
Aloha from beautiful Princeville! So….. There are people who think that there’s no nightlife on the garden island of Kauai but this post will prove otherwise. Located in and around the Princeville shopping center, the second Sunday of every month there’s an event worthy of bringing you out of the Princeville rental condo or house you rented for your stay on Kauai.
Welcome to the North Shore’s best event located at the Princeville shopping center.
Here’s a map so you don’t get lost!
At the night market you can find the some of the islands best, local coffee, photography, art, clothing, skincare, jewelry, pottery, artists, local artisans, food, learn about fitness in Princeville, listen to live music and do some dancing! There are places to get adult beverages too.. This is a pretty rockin’ evening so don’t worry you won’t get bored.
If you want to pick up some souvenirs or treats for your family you left back home on the mainland, this is the ultimate spot. Local pottery guru Courtney Puig had the vision to start this and it’s taking off like wildfire with more artisans signing up monthly!! You’ll be able to meander with in the brick and mortar businesses and get the local flavor of pop-up-shop style farmers market vibes.
Remember, this is ONLY held on the second Sunday of every month at dusk. Mark the calendar and don’t miss it!!
You’ll definitely see the local community setting up their tents and funky streetlights well before dark. Bring some cash, barter and negotiate, have some fun and dance like nobody is watching! No need to dress up to come to this event, feel free to come sandy and “local style” (straight from the beach). After all, you are on a little rock in the middle of the Pacific ocean, you’re likely to never see any of these people ever again :-). It’s a great time to get out of your Princeville rental house and let loose.
If you’ve been to this market and missed something you can’t live without, here is a list of some of the local rockstar artists that you may want to connect with to conduct some business.
Artisan
Artisan
Artisan
Artisan
Artisan
Artisan
Artisan
Artisan
Artisan
Food
Food
Artisan
Artisan
Artisan
Artisan
Photography
Painted Wood
Painting
Clothing
Wood Laser Art
Tie Dye Clothing
The Ocean Paper
Coffee
Jewelry
Haole Girl Sweets
Poppies Popcorn
photography
Wood Worker
Skincare
Jewelry
Abe’s Kauai Photo
Alexandra Gutierrez
Diana Avina
Lauren Adelman
David Schoder
Jes Drake
Josh Meneley
Tina Ferrato
Veronica Groepler
Judith Capertina
Mike Romelfanger
Tom Green
Bruce Orth
Jean Mason
Julia
abekowitz@gmail.com
alexandra240_@hotmail.com
avina.diana@gmail.com
humanrevolutionclothing@gmail.com
islandlaserarts@gmail.com
jeseyedesigns@gmail.com
joshkauai@gmail.com
tinaferrato@hotmail.com
veronicajewelry@me.com
haolegirlsweets@gmail.com
mike@mychiefinspector.com
fisheyekauai@gmail.com
borthracing@gmail.com
jmasonskincare@gmail.com
julia@oceantuffjewelry.com
Last but not least you can even stop in to say hello to the Princeville Vacation Rentals Hui! We are located up above Le Petit Bakery at C207. Come up and say hey! We are happy to answer any questions about Vacation Rental Management on Kauai. We can even give you a Rental Performance Analysis on your condo, investment home or something you have your eye on that’s currently listed ;).
5-4280 Kuhio Hwy – C207
Princeville, HI 96722
808-755-5866
info@princevillevacationrentals.com
One of the things that people may not realize when looking at a google map of Princeville vacation rentals is that Princeville is 100 feet above the ocean. So your Princeville rental house with a pool may be in the heart of the north shore but ultimately might not have its own beach. The amazing thing about staying up on the bluff is the perspective you get overlooking the rolling waves and reefs below. It’s magic!
There are a few cool Princeville beaches. You can walk to St. Regis beach which is public, just don’t expect to be able to use their chairs or pool. Many travelers go down to the St. Regis for the day and buy drinks and food from the beachside bar and hang out on the white sand just out front. In Hawaii there are no private beaches so if you want to hang out there you are absolutely welcome. Here’s a pro tip: when passing the entrance guard shack to the St. Regis look left. There’s a path and stairs that run around the back side of the hotel and down to the beach.
PRINCEVILLE HOTELS
There’s also Sealodge beach. This is probably one of the coolest beaches on the island and absolutely my favorite spot to “get away from it all”. You can find detailed information as to how to get to this spot via our page on Sealodge which is located just below the popular ocean view Princeville rental condos appropriately named… Sea Lodge :). Here’s the page.
SEA LODGE BEACH
Then there’s Anini. Miles and miles of white sand dotted with beachfront vacation rentals and other villas. It’s gentle, shallow waters make for one of the best beaches in the world if you as(k) us. It’s been dubbed the mini ‘Great Barrier Reef’ thanks to the putter reef that takes the brunt of the wave action and allows the inside waters to be swimmable and pretty safe for families year round. It’s a must see while on Kauai and even walkable from your Princeville rental condo or home if you walk down the back path from the Westin. To find the path drive down Wylie road until you get to the end of the road and instead of bearing left to enter the Westin property, head right by the tall poplar trees and down the super steep grade. It’s a bit of a hike on the way back up but it’s well worth it. When you get down to the beach hang a right and walk all the way down to the boat ramp and the pavilions. Keep your eyes peeled for shells on Anini. It’s one of the places you can find Hawaiian shells and other treasures.
ANINI BEACH
Here are some of the luxury rentals we have on Anini 🙂
If this doesn’t sound like enough like your dream vacation and you HAVE to have some sand without a walk… Searching for Hanalei vacation rentals will likely be best. Luckily we have those here on the Princeville Vacation Rentals website so fear not seeker of the aloha :). We have your back!
As always please just pick up the phone if you need anything or have questions. Our reservation staff is eager to help you find the perfect Princeville rental.
1-844-44-Kauai
With Aloha,
Billy O’Sullivan
CEO | Kauai Real Estate Group
808.755.5866
www.PrincevilleVacationRentals.com
Realtor® Lic # RS-76085
Aloha Ohana!
Thanks for visiting our page about the amazing Kauai Kailani 112! This is really three Kaua’i beachfront vacation rentals in one!
Here is the link to book the 2br side which is the most traditional space:
https://princevillevacationrentals.com/208934/
Walk through a nearly identical floorplan in full 3D:
Here is the link to book the cozy but affordable studio side:
https://princevillevacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/112-S-Oceanfront-Studio-Pool/
Here is a link to both sides combined to make a 3br:
https://princevillevacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/112-3-Oceanfront-3br/
Full 3D Model of the 3br layout (almost identical condo, ours is better because it’s a first floor walkout with no stairs. Plus you walk right out on to the grass and just 30 steps to the sand)
Here is the location. Doesn’t get much better than this ;).
Sunrise on your own private beach. Just a few steps until your feet are in the sand. Gentle tides of the saltwater lagoons greet you. If you rent the combined condos in Kaua’i you’ll enjoy a completely renovated three bedroom with no stairs. Granite counters, 2.5 bath with washer / dryer featuring stylish modern furnishings. two lanai, pool, parking. Walk to dining and shopping. Old Hawaii charm with modern style and the perfect Coconut Coast setting for yourself and your family to call home base while here on Kauai.
Also available as a 2br and studio. Rent the 2br side, the studio, or both!
Full concierge available for your stay!
Aloha!
As an avid rider originally from the Western Washington area turned Princeville property manager, I feel it’s my duty to share some of the tips I’ve leaned here on Kauai. If you rent a Princeville Vacation rental from us here on the North shore and expect to get in a large block of miles it may be difficult due to the location and all the vegetation. Here we regularly have plants and grasses that grow so fast that the county can’t keep… The roads are sometimes unrideable. This is about all you are gonna get for space.
I would recommend going to North Shore Bike Doktor Hanalei and renting some MTN bikes. Let’s face it, if you are interested in getting in some serious road miles, you may want to head over to Maui or Big Island after your stay here on Kauai. The roads just have so much moss and such little shoulder I can’t honestly say that road riding on the North Shore is a good idea.
Once you get those full suspension machines, dawn your least favorite gear (it’s gonna be red and muddy soon) and head to the trails. Here are some tips for trails: Powerline, Anahola, Moalepe, Coconut Coast Path.
If you are not deterred by these warnings and have no fear of the roads, here’s a great route to ride. Princeville to Kapaa and back gives you hills, views, an option to to to Moloaa beach to take a break from busy Kuhio Hwy etc. Pardon my candid comments on the Strava activity screenshot below but it’s true. This particular day I was busy dodging lumber and all sorts of sharp objects. It was gnarly!
Kapaa has an amazing path that you can ride for hours but it’s not too long. If you want to add miles I’d suggest heading up Kuamo’o or down through Lydgate to Nawiliwili harbor.
Ke Ala Hele Makalae is the name of the path but you can just call it the “Kauai Path”. It’s a tongue twister! There’s a great shop (Kauai Cycle) located along the path for renting a trusty steed.
Here are a couple more places to read about Kauai cycling:
https://princevillevacationrentals.com/activities/bike-tours-rentals/
If you have specific questions about roads or wanna invite me on a ride with you (haahahaa) my number is 808-755-5866. I’m always interested in meeting new people and enjoying some time in the saddle!
Mahalo Nui,
Billy O’
Today on the very first day of 2017 I felt rock fever for the very first time.
It took almost three years. But for me, a thirty something male who’s called Kauai home for the last three years, I’m experiencing it in reverse. I’m missing my Hawaiian home only 72 hours after I left.
My holiday gift(s) to my Mom came in the form of a jaunt to see some Football on the ‘mainland’. It started with a red-eye to SFO then connecting to Atlanta where we saw my Alma-mater Washington play the Alabama juggernaut that looked more like an NFL team than a college team, but that’s another story all together.
After landing in Atlanta it took only minutes in the chilly January evening air to yearn for the sand between my toes and the warm trade winds. I guess sometimes it’s good for those of us who are extremely lucky to live in Hawaii to experience the struggles of what a real winter feels like.
If you are reading this you may have been to Hawaii in the winter for the holiday season, you can attest to the fact that even on the worst days it’s still wonderful and comfortable beyond anything the frigid mainland can offer. If you haven’t been to Hawaii for the winter months, do yourself a favor and give it a shot. It’s the best weather on the planet and will surely recharge your vitamin D batteries enough to avoid any seasonal depression that you may be experiencing during the cold, dark and short winter days.
It’s funny, even though the trip was action packed full of traveling and Uber rides plus high adrenaline sports I’ve constantly wondered about what I’ve missed on the garden island in just the few days I’ve been away. What are the waves like? Any of our vacation rental guests interested in going out for a canoe ride? What are the Albatross up to? Meanwhile my wife is sending my picture upon picture of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets just to rub it in a little too ;). Go figure. Here I am on a vacation but yearning to get back to Kauai to live my normal life.
After 24 hours in Atlanta I started missing the ocean. The sounds of the birds and waves are replaced with sirens, screeching tires and sadly the occasional yelp from someone calling into the night in distress. It made my heart melt to hear all these sounds that I haven’t experienced in nearly a year. I’d been fortunate enough to travel a few times in the last 12 months but we always got away from one peaceful spot to another (Moab, Grand Canyon, etc). I try to plan a trip away every few months to avoid getting the normal rock fever but this time I got shocked with the dreaded 180. The island was calling me back and it felt super good to hear and feel her call.
After Atlanta, aka Hotlanta (not hot at all this trip) we headed back to San Francisco to catch another football game, this time it was the NFL and our Seahawks were going up against the local 49ers.
So far we were 0-1 because Alabama’s Crimson Tide “rolled” on the UW Huskies so we were eager to see a victory. Mom is a massive Seahawks fan. Not sure how that came about because I don’t remember her being excited about football when I was a kid but maybe that was because our team didn’t have much excitement surrounding it. For about the last ten years the hawks have been a solid team so I think Mom jumped on the bandwagon. Mom and I don’t have too many other things in common, and seeing as football is one thing we both enjoy I go with it and try to watch games with her and take her to a couple each year. Our most memorable game was super bowl 49 between the Patriots and the Hawks. We lost on the final play but it was a memory I’ll never forget. Ya see, I get stoked when riding swells on my one-man outrigger and Mom’s fire never rages hotter that in the heat of a last-minute scoring drive in the 4th quarter. Enough about football! Hawks won and during the walk out of Levi’s stadium as we were herded through the tunnels and over the bridges to break free of the masses I felt like I caged animal. The howls of drunken fans and smell of cigarettes needed to be replaced again with the crashing of the waves and the smell of sweet plumeria.
Thankfully today, I get to travel back to the garden island, see my beautiful wife, continue working on my business, surfing and canoeing skills and live the splendid island life.
It didn’t start this way but this has turned into a bit of a love letter to Hawaii. A letter thanking the islands for embracing me and letting me in to see and feel their beauty, to meet the people and get to know them just a little bit. No question these have been the best three years of my life. In just over a thousand days Hawaii has completely changed my outlook on life and I’m thankful for the reverse rock fever. If you have questions about rock fever or anything Kauai feel free to email or call. My cell and email is below.
Mahalo Hawaii!
Billy O’
808-755-5866
Poke, is Hawaii’s unique and favorite pupus (appetizers). If you go to a Luau, you might see that fresh chopped ahi (tuna) fish in a bowl served with seaweed, kukui nut, and Hawaiian sea salt and sesame oil. If you had sashimi before, this is just a hint different and a fusion of what Hawaii is about. Hawaii is a culture of mix cultures from all over Asia blended with native Hawaiians. As time passed, the local people got creative and added crabs, lobsters, etc. Poke has become so popular; you can find it at most Kaua’i restaurants and even Costco. But if you want to know where the locals go to get their favorite poke, keep reading.
- Fish Express, in Lihue across of Walmart, is the #1 Princeville restaurant to go in town for poke. They have many different types of poke to choose from and the price is reasonable. Here you can get ahi, crab, shrimp and many more different types of poke.
- Konohiki, in Hanamaulu across of 7-11 and is similar to Fish Express. But it has more of a gourmet feel in there. Their Habachi Sashimi and lobster poke is fresh and irresistible; you just can’t have one bite. They also have that famous ginger chicken and shrimp to go with your poke bowl. A poke bowl is their dessert sections display a hotel feel for sweetness and presentation. Try their sweet potatoes haupia (coconut) pie.
- Foodland, in Kapaa town is one of the more popular Kaua’i restaurants, because they add fresh avocados to their poke. And they have soybeans with chopped garlic that is recommended to pick up next, as it adds to the flavors.
- Times Supermarket , at Kukui Grove Center has many options to choose from. If you want a poke bowl (Ahi over rice) that you can add tobacco sauce too, try their Kukui Nut Poke. Something about the kukui nut changes the flavor of the original tuna poke.
- Ishihara Market, on the westside in the heart of Waimea town, has its top selling spicy ahi poke. This has a creamy texture and yet so spicy. Great over hot rice or just to snack on at a sporting event. Try their tako (Octopus) poke with onions; it has a clean savory taste.
Now that you got your poke guide, grab some poke and hit the beach. Don’t forget to get some chopsticks, tobasco sauce for the spicy lovers, and your choice of beer. It really is a great way to enjoy the sunset and say a toast for a successful adventure day. A beach day without poke is a wasted one 🙂
Princeville is a great place to go for a jog, bike ride or long walk. Here we will talk a little about jogging, running or places you can use when training for an event. First you should find the main path located next to Ka Haku road there are tons of miles you can rack up with many roads you can turn off on and cruise the neighborhoods.
Cycling?
Anything bike related we always just say to go and see the Doktor. The Hanalei Bike Doktor! At his charming and super rad shop you can rent bikes and ask the Dok to point you in the right direction for riding on the North shore trails. If you are looking for beach cruising we suggest heading down to Kauai Cycle and rolling up and down the epic Coconut Coast bike path.
Ok… Back to RUNNING
Roots and golf carts are the major danger if any when training in Princeville. Also as a courtesy to the amazing Doug Sutter (golf Pro and managing guru of the Makai course) please stay running, jogging, walking on the asphalt path and not on his golf paths which are cement. It’s sometimes easy to confuse the two. Running the blacktop is better on the knees anyways, right? Plus less danger of getting trampled by the landscaping guys.
Cars? There isn’t much traffic in this sleepy little community and the cars you will encounter will be going pretty slow because there’s a good network of speed bumps. The Princeville community residents are also usually not in any hurry to rush around, so it’s a very safe place to stretch your legs and lungs. Here’s a map with the main road marked. Easiest route around is starting the Princeville center to the St. Regis and back it’s about 4 miles.
Starting from the Princeville Community center you can head around Prince Albert Park (the large lawn in front of the community center) and grab a quick .5 mile warmup. If you like to stay close to home and not adventure out you can do half mile laps around this large lawn to get some uphill and downhill sections as well as shaded and non-shaded stretches. Make sure to take a look around to see some of the flora and fauna.
If you really want to do some hill work, head down the line of Poplar trees on the edge of the park toward the ocean. If you aren’t sure which way that is, head downhill. When the path hits the road, look across and see it start again on the other side between the same line of trees. At this point it turns into a nice little dirt and fallen leaf trail. Super nice on the knees. If you head all the way down to the bottom of this trail and turn around before the steep hill and back up to the bathrooms near the community center (great place for water at the bathrooms) it’s about 1 mile. Most of this is shaded so if you are headed out mid day and don’t wanna burn, this is a nice little stretch to count off the miles.
Hill down to Anini: At the bottom of the dirt path you can drop all the way down to Anini on a steep cement hill. Shaded and killer for sprints. But it’s STEEP. No joking around. Give it a try. When you are all done with the workout run down to the bottom and cruise into the ocean and soak up the salt. It’s the best healing water on earth ;).
Fire station loop: If you are at the community center you can head up to the highway, hang a right and head down toward Hanalei. About .5 mile down the road you’ll see the fire station. Make sure to run in the grass so you don’t get hit by a car, this isn’t the safest route but like most things on Kauai that have to deal with the road, the shoulders are non-existent and the best thing to do is just take to the grass and blaze a little trail. Remember we don’t have snakes or ticks or anything poisonous here so don’t worry about getting bit by anything too horrible. Make a right after the fire station and if you happen to see the men out there working on the vehicles, give them a big smile + shaka + aloha. They are the guys who’ll save your bacon if you twist an ankle on the trail or get swept out to sea. They are heros. Give em a little love as you kick on by. Take Hanalei Plantation road down about another half a mile and when you see a street that heads right and down hill, take that right. That’s the back gate to Princeville (they close it nightly about 8pm). Another super nice spot for some hill sprints. Cruise down and then back up the other side to find yourself bisecting the Makai course. Keep running and you’ll see the clubhouse on the left and the main road ahead (KaHaku Road is the main road heading from the fountain all the way down to St. Regis). When you get to KaHaku, hang another right and about a mile up the road you’ll be back to the park. This loop is about 3 miles long.
There’s not much dead flat land here in Princeville so if you are looking for a track to do your track workout, this isn’t really the spot. I’d suggest going to Vidinha stadium in Lihue . That’s a great track with bathrooms and is open 99% of the time.
If you have questions about running call our founder Billy O’. He and his wife are avid joggers and cyclists and may even be stoked to take you out for some miles. 808-755-5866 is Billy’s cell. You can also email billyo@billyo.com
One of our favorite places to book for people is Alii Kai in Princeville. It’s affordable and the views are absolutely stunning. Check out this sunset video we shot just a couple weeks back! These vacation condos in kaua’i aren’t brand new (built in the 70’s) but they are getting updated and remodeled rapidly due to the quiet bluff front location. Located on the edge of the Pacific it’s a perfect spot to vacation on Kauai. Lots of parking, solid amounts of living space and mellow atmosphere make it one of the North Shore’s top rated rentals. Hanalei bay, Anini beach, St. Regis, Hanalei Bay Resort and tons of other shopping and dining is nearby.
We have several Kaua’i rental condos available to be booked at Alii Kai I and soon hope to have Alii Kai II available for booking as well. Here is the building layout of Alii Kai I.
The buildings on the bluff are 3,4,5,6,7. In the video above 3 is the first one on the end (left side) and then 4,5,6,7 are behind it in succession. All of these Kaua’i rental condos have great views for watching the whales and the big surf in the winter. All Alii Kai condos are 2 bedroom 2 bathroom save a few. There are a couple of owners who are knocking out the guest bedroom to enlarge the living space.
If you have questions you can call or just book online 24/7. Here’s the Alii Kai Page to check availability and book instantly.