artwork graces the walls, koa wood furniture
and woven matt flooring accents add authentic
Hawaiian touches and a 4,000-piece, waterfall-inspired Murano glass chandelier hangs from
the lobby ceiling.
Such elements successfully merge St. regis
elegance with local style. Guestrooms—and
51 premium suites—also bespeak well-crafted
luxury, but it’s difficult to take your eyes off the
view, as from your bluff top perspective you gaze
out upon surfers in the bay, the town of Hanalei
and the craggy splendor of the na Pali Coast.
even in the marble-lined bathrooms, the view
is foremost. With the flick of a light switch a
unique “privacy window” turns from opaque to
clear. When clear, guests are able enjoy the full
visual impact of the magnificent setting while in-
dulging in the pleasures of a wide soaking tub. a
glass of champagne is suggested to accompany
your bath.
a 10,000-square-foot spa and a signature res-
taurant by Jean-Georges vongerichten are other
noteworthy additions to the resort.
Above: Hole 2 on the Princeville
Makai Course; Above Right: Green
church in Hanalei
ashort drive from Princeville leads to Hanalei, a laid back north Shore village that serves
as an adventure gateway for the na Pali Coast.
outfitters can be found here to usher you on
snorkeling trips, hikes, kayak expeditions, horse-
back rides and zipline thrill rides.
even if you’re not inclined to partake of a hike,
drive north to where the highway ends and the
Kalalau Trail begins. Several picturesque and
oft-deserted beaches are found along the way—
including lumahai, of South Pacific fame—and a
glimpse of Kauai’s rural lifestyle awaits discovery.
on the opposite side of the island, from the
south shore, a drive into Waimea Canyon—
which Mark Twain dubbed "The Grand Canyon
of the Pacific”—is rewarding, and there’s plenty
of water-oriented fun to be found at Poipu, which
often ranks as one of the best beaches in Hawaii.
Dining options are abundant in the Poipu
area, too, with both roy’s and a new Merriman’s
dishing exquisite Hawaii regional Cuisine, and
longtime beachfront favorites Brennecke’s Beach
Broiler and The Beach House restaurant providing perfect spots for a sunset and cocktails.
Kauai may be, as robert Trent Jones Jr. says,
a perfect island for golf. for everything else, it’s
just downright dreamy. d
