Princeville, Kauai Travel Guide

Trip Profile

Budget Category LUXURY $400-700 per person

Perfect For

Luxury Romantic Golf Beach Family Outdoors

Traveler Scores

Family-Friendly

8.0/10

Romance

9.0/10

Adventure

7.0/10

Relaxation

10.0/10

Travel Planning

Current Weather at Airport

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Best Months to Visit

April-October

Hurricane Season

June-November

Peak: December-March | Shoulder: April-May, September-November

Airport

LIH - Lihue Airport

No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required

US Dollar

English

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When to visit Princeville

Best months

April-October

Peak season

December-March

Shoulder season

April-May, September-November

Off season

June-August

Hurricane season

June-November

Princeville quick facts

Main airport

LIH - Lihue Airport

Language

English

Currency

US Dollar

Typical daily cost

$400-700 per person

Budget category

Luxury

Getting around Princeville

Princeville is a compact resort area that's walkable within the community, but a rental car is essential for exploring Kauai's attractions and beaches. The resort area offers shuttle services between some hotels and golf courses.

Rental car

A rental car is highly recommended and considered necessary for making the most of your Kauai vacation, as public transportation is very limited and many of the island's best attractions are scattered around the island.

Public transit

Kauai has very limited public bus service that doesn't effectively serve the Princeville area or connect to major tourist attractions.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft operate on Kauai but with limited availability, especially in the Princeville/North Shore area. Traditional taxi services are available but should be arranged in advance.

Local tips for Princeville

Insider tips

Book restaurant reservations well in advance, especially at popular spots like Bar Acuda and Postcards Cafe in nearby Hanalei.
Visit Hanalei Bay early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds for photos.
The North Shore can get significant rainfall, so pack a light rain jacket even during dry season.
Stop at the Hanalei Valley Lookout on your way to Princeville for iconic taro field views.
Many North Shore beaches have strong currents - always check conditions and swim at lifeguarded beaches when possible.
Local farmers markets in Hanalei offer fresh tropical fruits and locally made products at better prices than resort shops.
The road to Princeville can be winding and narrow - drive slowly and pull over to let locals pass.
Sunset at Pu'u Poa Beach near the St. Regis is one of Kauai's most spectacular viewing spots.
Book spa treatments and golf tee times early, as Princeville's luxury amenities fill up quickly during peak season.

What to pack

Light rain jacket or poncho for North Shore showers
Golf attire if planning to play championship courses
Reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law)
Comfortable hiking shoes for nearby trails
Light layers for varying microclimates
Waterproof phone case for beach activities
Dressy resort wear for upscale dining
Snorkeling gear (though rentals available)
Insect repellent for tropical conditions
Camera with extra batteries for scenic views

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Princeville

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1: Arrival and Hanalei Bay

Morning: Arrive at Lihue Airport and drive to Princeville, stopping at Hanalei Valley Lookout for photos. Check into your resort and explore the property amenities.

Afternoon: Head to Hanalei Bay Beach for swimming and relaxation, then explore charming Hanalei town with its local shops and galleries.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Hanalei and watch the sunset over the bay from Pu'u Poa Beach.

Day 2: Golf and Luxury

Morning: Play a round of golf at the Makai Golf Club with stunning ocean views, or enjoy a spa treatment at your resort.

Afternoon: Relax by the pool or explore Anini Beach, known for its calm waters and excellent snorkeling conditions.

Evening: Experience fine dining at one of Princeville's upscale restaurants and enjoy cocktails with panoramic views.

Day 3: Na Pali Adventure

Morning: Take a boat tour or helicopter ride to see the dramatic Na Pali Coast, or hike the first portion of the Kalalau Trail.

Afternoon: Visit secret beaches like Hideaways Beach accessible from Princeville, perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing.

Evening: Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau or enjoy a sunset dinner cruise returning from your Na Pali adventure.

Day 4: Island Exploration

Morning: Drive to Ke'e Beach at the end of the road for snorkeling and hiking to Hanakapi'ai Falls if conditions allow.

Afternoon: Explore local farmers markets and artisan shops, then visit Limahuli Garden for botanical beauty and cultural learning.

Evening: Return to Princeville for a farewell dinner at a resort restaurant with live Hawaiian music and ocean views.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Princeville

The best time to visit Princeville is April-October. Peak season runs December-March, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (April-May, September-November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Princeville is $400-700 per person per person. Princeville is generally considered a luxury destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Princeville, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Princeville is LIH - Lihue Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Princeville include: Light rain jacket or poncho for North Shore showers, Golf attire if planning to play championship courses, Reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law), Comfortable hiking shoes for nearby trails, Light layers for varying microclimates, Waterproof phone case for beach activities, Dressy resort wear for upscale dining, Snorkeling gear (though rentals available). Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Princeville: Book restaurant reservations well in advance, especially at popular spots like Bar Acuda and Postcards Cafe in nearby Hanalei.. Visit Hanalei Bay early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds for photos.. The North Shore can get significant rainfall, so pack a light rain jacket even during dry season.. Stop at the Hanalei Valley Lookout on your way to Princeville for iconic taro field views.. Many North Shore beaches have strong currents - always check conditions and swim at lifeguarded beaches when possible..

Princeville, Kauai