KAUAI | Princeville’s Pocket Beaches

Princeville at Hanalei, the North Shore of Kauai’s resort community, may be best known for its iconic bluff top ocean vistas overlooking Hanalei Bay, lush green Makai Golf Course, and for being a quick drive to nearby Hanalei Town and world-famous Hanalei Bay.

However, Princeville offers quiet, hidden beach gems that reward those unfettered by a short trail hike. For those adventurous lovers of “off-the-beaten-path” spots, here’s a brief rundown of Princeville’s pocket beaches, nearby real estate highlights, and local tips.

1. Pu’u Poa Beach

This long, continuous sandy beach stretches along the bases of the ultra-luxury 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and Hanalei Bay Resort to the former Club Med site. It offers excellent reef snorkeling on calm days, plus ample shade provided by the umbrella-esque canopy of the sandy soil-loving Kamani trees. 

You can either access Pu’u Poa Beach via: 1) the Pu’u Poa Public Access Trail (locals often run “The Stairs” for a workout) located just after the Hanalei Bay Villas condos and before the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’s entrance, or 2) via the Old Club Med Trail that starts at the end of Hanalei Plantation Road and leads down through the ruins of the former Club Med Resort.

Hanalei Bay Resort, spanning 22 acres with 154 units (studios to 3-bedroom condos), offers iconic views of Hanalei Bay and instagram-worthy sunsets over Mt. Makana (“Bali Hai”), a lagoon-style pool with lava rock waterfalls, tennis/pickleball courts, and on-site dining. Happy Talk Lounge is a great spot for sunset libations, casual bar bites, and nightly live music. Wiki Wiki Pizza is a local favorite for North Shore pizza. Here are the available Hanalei Bay Resort listings.

2. Hideaways Beach (West Section of Pali Ke Kua Beach)

This sandy cove is accessible via the short, but steep Kaumumene Trail (has rope handrails), located off of Ka Haku Road tucked between the 1 Hotel parking lot and the Pu’u Poa tennis courts. It features excellent snorkeling during calm conditions, turquoise waters, and a secluded vibe. Public parking is very limited (10 spots), so walk or bike. The path can be slippery when wet – wear appropriate shoes. Nearby condo complexes include:

Pu’u Poa is one of Princeville’s premier bluff-top properties with 56 luxury ocean view 2-bedroom units. This location is highly coveted with no offerings for sale since 2024. (None actively listed as of February 2026).

Hanalei Bay Villas: With two beachbound trailheads immediately nearby (Kaumumene Trail to Hideaways Beach and Pu’u Poa Trail to Pu’u Poa Beach) and located next to the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Villas offers excellent proximity. This 7.1-acre community features 37 free-standing, two-story villas (2- and 3-bedroom) offering a private-home feel with no shared walls. Depending upon the unit, the views range from ocean, mountain, waterfall, and golf course. Click here to view available Hanalei Bay Villas condos. See available Hanalei Bay Villas.

3. Pali Ke Kua Beach (East Section)

This small, less-traveled beach is a favorite surfer launch spot, with sandy privacy and good snorkeling on calm days. Access is via a paved, but steep path from the Pali Ke Kua complex (no public parking); the uphill return is a workout! 

Pali Ke Kua is a 22-acre blufftop complex with 13 buildings offering 1- and 2-bedroom condos and views of ocean bluffs and rugged mountains. Buildings 1–3 (west-facing) boast premier Hanalei Bay and Mt. Makana sunset views. Check out available Pali Ke Kua listings.

4. Sealodge Beach

Sealodge Beach is a sheltered, sandy cove awaiting you after a 15–20 minute hike through Princeville’s greenbelt “jungle” and along the rocky coast, ending with a little rock-hopping (travel light and hands-free). A small reef channel offers snorkeling, but seclusion is the main draw.

Local Tip: Never walk on the reef – protects the fragile ecosystem AND your feet from painful sea urchin spines.

Sealodge covers 18 acres with 9 buildings and 86 condos (1- and 2-bedroom) all with ocean views. Depending upon the unit’s location, some offer Mt. Makana and Hanalei Bay views to the west, and Anini Beach and the Kilauea Lighthouse to the east. Take a look at available Sealodge listings.

5. Wyllie’s Beach

Wyllie’s Beach is small, golden-sand stretch at the far western end of larger Anini Beach, separated by Anini Stream and nestled beneath Princeville cliffs. It offers calm, shallow waters ideal for wading and swimming due to its gentle slope. Access is via Wyllie’s Trail, a steep, sometimes slippery 8–10 minute trail near the entrance of the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Waters are protected, but can turn cloudy after rain from stream outflow. Named after Robert Crichton Wyllie (Hawaiian Kingdom Minister of Foreign Affairs), who acquired approximately 11,000 acres in the mid-1800’s for coffee and later sugarcane cultivation, forming the basis for modern Princeville. 

Puamana, adjacent to the Wyllie Beach trailhead and bordering both the the Makai Golf Course and Westin Princeville Ocean Villas Resort, this 26-building complex has 97 units offered in one- and two-story layouts, featuring garden, mountain, and some ocean views. See available Puamana listings.

Princeville’s pocket beaches reward off-the-beaten-path explorers. Bring water, reef-safe sunscreen, and respect for the environment. Exercise caution on steep trails and always access ocean conditions as none of these beaches have lifeguards – “when in doubt, don’t go out.” Parking is scarce, so bike or walk from your Princeville stay. Enjoy your adventure!

While this article mentions a handful of condo complexes, it only breaks the surface of what Princeville real estate has to offer. For more information on these Princeville condos (and other properties), please reach out. I look forward to talking story with you soon.

Aloha,
Lauren

Lauren Pingree
(808) 212.8058
LaurenPingree@HawaiiLife.com
IG: @Lauren.Pingree
Bio: Lauren Pingree
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