Note: The St. Regis Princeville in Kaua’i was closed in 2018. It has been replaced by 1 Hotel’s Hanalei Bay Hotel.
Learn about luxury stays on the big island of Hawaii. Learn about the Kapa’a community in Hawaii.
The Kaua’i Area
Often referred to as Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” Kaua‛i is a lush tropical paradise of towering cloud-crested green summits. The island has 50 miles of sandy beaches perpetually polished by translucent waves.
Behold the Majestic North Shore
The resort is surrounded by five verdant mountains overlooking the beautiful Hanalei Valley and the breathtaking Napali Coast.
No wonder Hollywood picked nearby Lumaha‛i Beach to film scenes for Rogers and Hammerstein’s immortal South Pacific.
Kaua‛i’s north shore is also home to Makana Mountain, better known as the mystical Bali Hai in the movie. In this case, the real thing is more alluring than the illusion.
Kaua‛i is everyone’s dream scene of a protected rain forest Pacific Island paradise.
A royal beginning
The location was named after the “Prince of Hawaii,” the official title of Prince Albert Edward, born in 1858 to King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, and godchild to Queen Victoria of England. Kamehameha IV and his family vacationed in the area in 1862. The young prince tragically died that same year, but out of respect, the area has retained the legacy name.
If you go
You will probably fly into Lihu‛e Airport on the east shore of Kaua‛i. If you do, expect a 32-mile drive to the picturesque north shore and the resort. There are several transportation options at the airport. A standard taxi will cost just over $100 with tip – and it’s up from there. We reserved a rental car, and were glad we did because there is so much to see on Kaua‛i.
As a preview, there are watery caves to explore, and the famous Waimea Canyon to photograph. We will also take you along on a fabulously romantic dinner for two under the stars in the Papa‛i Kilauea Hut at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas.
© Travels with Wayne and Judy Bayliff
Photos © Judy Bayliff
We flew to Honolulu and inter-island on Hawaiian Airlines.
Last updated December 23, 2023
