North Shore Kauaʻi Condos
Princeville & Hanalei: Dramatic Beauty and Seclusion
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerThe Lush North Shore (Princeville & Hanalei): Dramatic Beauty and Seclusion
Venturing to Kauaʻi's North Shore is like stepping into a postcard of "old Hawaiʻi." This is the island of epic, dramatic landscapes. The emerald, accordion-like cliffs of the Nāpali Coast. Mountains streaked with cascading waterfalls after a rain shower. The impossibly turquoise waters of Hanalei Bay. The vibe here is one of romance, seclusion, and luxury. You feel deeply immersed in the raw, untamed beauty of nature. It's a place that feels preserved in time. It offers a more tranquil and awe-inspiring experience than the sunnier, more bustling South Shore.
Top Condo Complexes in Princeville
Hanalei Bay Resort
The Feel:
This expansive 22-acre resort is legendary for its world-class views. From its perch on a bluff, it offers breathtaking panoramas of Hanalei Bay and the iconic Makana Mountain, famously known as Bali Hai. The property itself is a tropical paradise, with lush landscaping and a grand, welcoming atmosphere.
Amenities:
The resort boasts one of the best pools on the island. It's a stunning lagoon-style creation with waterfalls and a swim-up bar. It also features multiple tennis courts managed by Peter Burwash International. There's a paved path down to Puʻu Poa Beach (shared with the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay), and the popular on-site Happy Talk Lounge for food, drinks, and live music.
Best For:
Travelers seeking a full-service resort experience with top-tier amenities, combined with some of the most spectacular views in all of Hawaiʻi. It's ideal for couples, honeymooners, and families who don't mind navigating a large, hilly property.
Guest Reviews:
The "jaw-dropping," "spectacular," and "unbeatable" views are the number one highlight in nearly every guest review. The lagoon pool complex is also a major draw. The most common piece of negative feedback concerns the resort's mandatory daily resort fee and parking fee (around $22/day and $25/day respectively, subject to change). These are paid upon check-in and came as a "surprise extra" cost to some guests. The property is quite hilly, but complimentary golf cart shuttles are readily available to transport guests and luggage.
Nihilani at Princeville
The Feel:
Completed in 2006, Nihilani is one of the newer and more modern condo developments in the Princeville resort area. It features elegant, plantation-style townhomes with beautifully maintained tropical grounds. It offers a more contemporary and residential feel.
Amenities:
A key feature is that many units come with a private garage and central air conditioning. The complex has a lovely free-form swimming pool with a waterfall feature, a hot tub, and a communal BBQ area for grilling.
Best For:
Families and groups looking for spacious, modern accommodations with home-like conveniences (like a garage and A/C) in a quiet, peaceful setting.
Guest Reviews:
Nihilani is consistently praised for being new, clean, and very spacious. Guests appreciate the quieter, more serene atmosphere compared to the larger resorts. The main trade-off is that it's not situated on the ocean bluff. So it lacks the dramatic, direct ocean views found at places like Hanalei Bay Resort or Sealodge.
Sealodge at Princeville
The Feel:
Perched on a dramatic ocean bluff, Sealodge is renowned for offering some of the best value for ocean views on the North Shore. It provides a quiet, secluded experience. Perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and simply soak in the stunning coastal scenery.
Amenities:
The amenities are more modest, featuring a small swimming pool and a BBQ area. Its most unique feature is a private, but very steep, hiking path that leads down to the secluded Sealodge Beach. It's a fantastic spot for snorkeling when the ocean is calm.
Best For:
Budget-conscious travelers, couples, and nature enthusiasts who prioritize incredible ocean views and tranquility over extensive resort facilities.
Guest Reviews:
The "stunning" ocean views are the primary selling point and are mentioned in almost every positive review. The private path to the beach is seen as a unique and adventurous perk. Though many reviews caution that it is steep and can be slippery, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues. As an older complex, the condition of the condos can be inconsistent and depends heavily on individual owner renovations.
🌄 Best Views
Hanalei Bay Resort - World-class panoramas of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai mountain.
🏠 Most Modern
Nihilani - Newer plantation-style townhomes with garages and central A/C.
💰 Best Value
Sealodge - Incredible ocean views at a more budget-friendly price point.
Kalani's Tip: "This is where I go to truly unplug and be in awe of nature. The views of Bali Hai are pure magic, especially after a rain shower. It feels like the Hawaiʻi you dream about. Pack layers and a light rain jacket - the occasional showers are part of what makes this place so lush and alive!"
🌿 North Shore
- Weather: Lush/Rainy
- Best For: Romantics
- Views: Spectacular
- Vibe: Secluded
🏘️ Featured Properties
- Hanalei Bay Resort
- Nihilani at Princeville
- Sealodge at Princeville