Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [429]
Liwai’s Mauka Hale (822-4500; 4343A ′Anini Rd; 2br house per week $1600; ) First, the perks: a 400 sq ft deck overlooking the ocean, a mere 160ft away. This polished home has a queen bed in its master bedroom with half bathroom, a second bedroom with two twin beds and another full bathroom with washer and dryer. For more than two people, there’s a $125 fee for additional person (and a four-person max). Security deposit is $500 and between December 15 and January 5 it costs $2400 per week, with a two-week minimum stay. There’s also a $150 cleaning fee.
Plumeria Cottage (828-0811; www.surfsideprop.com; 3585 ′Anini Rd; 2½br house per week $1525; ) A charming and unique spot that’s both comfortable and chic, and worth the splurge for the location (it’s a short walk to the beach), with sumptuous embellishments, sweeping views and amicable caretakers.
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PRINCEVILLE
pop 1700
Kilauea’s rich cousin, Princeville is as close as Kaua′i will get to having its own Vegas, with its penchant for resorts, large sculpture and golf courses. Lavish has found its resting place at the St Regis Princeville, formerly the Princeville Resort.
Often the most referred-to spot on the North Shore by tourists (perhaps because it doesn’t carry the risk of mispronunciation) it grew in population and popularity as a result of its first flagship resort in 1985.
Though it might appear the name ‘Princeville’ came around the same time as the resort community, the name goes back to the young Prince Albert, son of Queen Emma and Kamehameha IV when he was given the area to manage as training to take the throne.
Orientation & Information
The North Shore’s only airport is in Princeville, as is the Chevron Gas Station (Kuhio Hwy; 6am-10pm Mon-Sat, to 9pm Sun), the last option before the end of the road. The post office (800-275-8777; Princeville Center; 10:30am-3:30pm Mon-Fri, to 12:30pm Sat) is located in the shopping center.
Sights
PALI KE KUA (HIDEAWAYS) & PU′U POA BEACHES
Princeville is mostly cliffs overlooking the ocean, with rocky and dangerous coast at the base. There are, however, two worthwhile beaches, both of which, unfortunately, are difficult to access and require parking at the parking lot after the St Regis gatehouse. A path between two fences leads you to Pali Ke Kua Beach (also called Hideaways) and a path to the left of the gatehouse leads you to Pu′u Poa Beach.
QUEEN’s BATH
This beautiful but deadly spot – formed by a lava-rock shelf – has natural pools that provide a natural swimming and snorkeling hole. Often hit by powerful waves, it’s notorious for pulling visitors out to sea. Though the surf at times splashes in softly, any description not stating that it’s the most deadly swimming hole on the island would be amiss. If you decide to go, please be smart about it. Four tourists died there in 2008, two of whom were walking along the ledge used to access it when a large wave swept them out to sea. For tips on being water-savvy, go to www.kauaiexplorer.com.
ST REGIS PRINCEVILLE
The work that’s gone into this high-end resort is reason enough to get a peek. The sunset is without a doubt among the most beautiful the island has to offer at this locale, where a deck overlooks glorious views of Makana Mountain and the wall of the Wainiha Valley.
HANALEI VALLEY LOOKOUT
Take in views of farmland that’s been cultivated for more than 1000 years, the broad brushstroke of valley, river and taro, plus a smattering of rare wildlife. Park across from the Princeville Center (Map) so you don