Princeville hotel for 1-2 nights
Hello everyone,
My husband and I will be staying in Poipu area for 2 weeks in October, and thinking where we could spend a night or 2 if we wanted to come to the northern part of the island to explore. 1 Hotel looks attractive but quite expensive, are there any other options that are pleasant but less pricey near Hanaley Bay?
I have never been to Princeville before, only to Poipu, would appreciate any recommendations and tips. I am curious about Princeville botanical garden, good restaurants, pleasant sights and hiking trails.
Princeville is a beautiful area on Kauai’s north shore and a great place for a short stay to explore Hanalei Bay, nearby beaches, and the lush scenery. While 1 Hotel is very attractive, there are several other lodging options that can be more budget-friendly but still comfortable and scenic.
Hotel / Accommodation Options near Hanalei Bay / Princeville:
- Princeville Resort Condos / Vacation Rentals: There are numerous vacation rentals, condos, and small inns in Princeville that are often less expensive than full-service resorts. Many offer kitchenettes which are handy for a short stay.
- Hanalei Bay Resort: Located near the bay, often a bit more affordable than 1 Hotel, with easy access to beaches and local dining.
- Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy: Small boutique property with good reviews, located in Hanalei, close to shops and beaches.
- Vacation rentals via Airbnb / VRBO: You can find charming cottages, condos, and homes in the Princeville/Hanalei area, often at a fraction of resort prices and with great views.
Things to Do in Princeville / Hanalei Bay:
- Princeville Botanical Gardens: A guided tour of the gardens is enjoyable, offering tropical plants, fruit trees, and beautiful views. Great for a 1–2 hour visit.
- Beaches: Hanalei Bay Beach is excellent for swimming and sunbathing. Nearby, Lumahai Beach and Tunnels Beach are picturesque (Tunnels is better for snorkeling).
- Hiking: Several trails are accessible from Princeville or nearby Hanalei:
- Okolehao Trail – moderate, about 2–3 hours round trip, offers amazing views of Hanalei Valley and Bay.
- Queen’s Bath – short but can be slippery; check tide conditions, very scenic tide pool.
- Kalihiwai Trail – more secluded, great for forest hiking and waterfall views.
- Local Dining: Hanalei has several great casual spots:
- Bar Acuda – upscale farm-to-table, reservations recommended.
- Hanalei Bread Company – great for breakfast or lunch sandwiches and pastries.
- Kalypso Island Bar & Grill – casual, good for kids and families if you’re traveling with them.
Tips:
- Book accommodations early, especially for October, which is still popular but slightly less crowded than peak summer.
- North Shore roads are winding; plan extra travel time if coming from Poipu (approx. 1.5–2 hours drive each way).
- If you’re only staying 1–2 nights, pick accommodations near Hanalei Bay for the best access to beaches, dining, and scenic trails.
- Pack water shoes and reef-safe sunscreen for beaches and hiking.
Overall, a 1–2 night stay in Princeville can be a delightful contrast to Poipu, offering lush scenery, charming beaches, and a relaxing pace without needing the high-end resort. Vacation rentals and smaller boutique resorts are excellent alternatives to 1 Hotel if you want comfort without the highest price tag.
