The Princeville North Shore of the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is the home of some of the state's best resorts, golf courses and restaurants. It has three beaches: Kenomene Beach, Pu'u Poa Beach and Kaweonui Beach. They are somewhat rocky, like most beaches on Kauai, but they are beautiful to look at. There is good snorkeling thanks to a wide reef, but the high surf creates a rip current. Stay close to shore unless the sea is absolutely calm.
Because it is mountainous and wet, the North Shore has a rugged, lush landscape. What is now Princeville was once a coffee plantation. Now it is a place of luxury condominiums and posh resorts. Princeville Resort is the largest. The views from here are what people dream of when they think of Hawaii. The sunsets are unforgettable. There is a spectacular view of Makana, a landmark mountain peak that was featured in the film South Pacific. The golf courses in this area are excellent, and there is a shuttle service to them. The rooms in the Princeville Resort are decorated in bold colors to match those of Kauai's abundant flora. The two restaurants offer wonderful cuisine. There is also a lavish poolside luau. There is a swanky bar called The Living Room that features live entertainment every night. The bayside town of Hanalei, nestled in a broad valley, also has a few hotels and a number of vacation rentals, most of them within walking distance of the beach. Prices here tend to be high end. If you want a place with no phones, no TVs and no stereos, but a quiet Hawaiian atmosphere, try the Hanalei Colony Resort. It's small, but charming.
