Disclosure:  We are the “Hollys”. We own the vacation rental, HollysKauaiCondo. Or, as we say, “the best condo in Kauai: HollysKauaiCondo”. So, you can imagine that we might be a smidgen biased, when we say the best condo in Kauai.  But let us share our thoughts (and those of guests) and let you make up your mind.

HollysKauaiCondo: History

A little history, first.   My initial visit to Hawaii was to celebrate a meaningful birthday.  Two nights in Oahu, followed by five nights in Kauai.  Oahu was nice but Kauai was the “Hawaii” I had imagined.  Luckily, the first two nights on Kauai were in the, historically famous, Coco Palms (think Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii).  Then 3 nights at the Princeville Resort, in an Alii Kai condominium unit. Coincidentally, this unit was directly below what is now, HollysKauaiCondo. 

I absolutely fell in love with Kauai. The Northshore and the Princeville community are incredibly beautiful.  I returned the next year to buy a property, as a vacation rental (couldn’t have afforded it, otherwise).

Best Condo in Kauai: Location

“Best” is a subjective term. So as is always the case, “best” is in the eye of the beholder.  For us, “best” starts with the Island that best reflects Hawaii.  The Garden Isle of Kauai epitomizes our vision of Hawaii.  The Princeville Resort community is in the center of this lush paradise.  HollysKauaiCondo is in the middle of Princeville. It also looks due North.  This is important because it enjoys incredible sunrises and sunsets. This also makes the unit much more comfortable, than a unit with an East / West view.

Being from Arizona, the first goal was that the property had to have an ocean view. And being lazy, it had to have NO stairs. In addition, it had to be “private”. This was so I could lay in bed with the curtains open, to watch the sunrise and the stars at night.

Remarkably, HollysKauaiCondo has ground level entry (no stairs) AND upper-level privacy and views since it is built on sloping ground.

Best Condo in Kauai: Views

The amazing thing about HollysKauaiCondo is that every room has the same panoramic ocean view. So does the lanai.  Few Kauai homes can boast up close and personal ocean views from EVERY room.  So, so fortunate. Take a tour of the condo.

We wanted to see the ocean from the minute the sun rose, until it set.  In addition, to seeing the ocean, the sounds of the waves are a relaxing bonus.  Of course, it’s not just the ocean but the clouds, sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, and sea life (humpback whales, turtles, dolphins, sea birds, boats, etc.).

Wrap-Around Lanai

Hawaii is all about the outdoors. So, the wrap-around lanai has a bar height table and chairs for your outdoor experience. Revel in the views while sipping your favorite beverage or snacking on pupus. Or enjoy a meal. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more ocean intimate spot to enjoy a meal, a drink or a conversation.

As an end unit, it has enhanced views. Also, the privacy and the trade winds passing through the condo is superior to interior units.  With the property built parallel to the ocean, the sea breezes blow in one side and out the other.  Not only does this keep the home comfortable, but it also reminds you that you are in a tropical paradise.  The open windows make available the ever-present island sounds.

Best Condo in Kauai: Meets Your Needs

Guests have described HollysKauaiCondo as their “home away from home”.  The home includes two bedrooms, 2 baths, along with a full kitchen, dining area, living room and laundry facilities.  The furnishings are all with a nod to a Hawaiian experience.  This isn’t your mid-west or west coast home.  This is your Hawaiian oceanfront retreat. Therefore, it’s an all-round best condo in Kauai: HollysKauaiCondo.

HollysKauaiCondo has most of the amenities that you would want. Why? Because, when we visit, we want to pack light and, upon arrival, hit the ground running. There are beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, ice chests, snorkels, masks, fins, boogie boards, binoculars, games, puzzles, DVDs, etc. There are two HD TVs, with HD programming. You’ll also enjoy free wifi and an Alexa for music and information. In addition, there are an abundance of charging stations. The desk, vanity, and closet space will come in handy. The kitchen has about any appliance, cookware dish, or utensil you would want.

HollysKauaiCondo: Web Camera in Princeville

The condo offers one of the few northshore web cams. Secured to the lanai, the camera shows an 84-degree oceanfront view. Of course, visitors will have a majestic panoramic view from the lanai. So, check out the web cam’s view prior to and following your visit.

HollysKauaiCondo Reviews

We have been blessed with great guests. They love Kauai and return, when able. Returning guests represent about 40% of the annual visitors. These return guests vouch for the value and enjoyment experienced at HollysKauaiCondo. Please visit Vrbo’s online reviews.

Interestingly, we have also received world-wide recognition. As Lonely Planet says HollysKauaiCondo is, “Perched cliff side with nothing but water between you and Alaska”.

USA Today Travel Tips also mentioned the views, when recommending HollysKauaiCondo: “…sweeping ocean views from every room”.

So, HollysKauaiCondo is PERFECT, right?  Wrong, nothing is perfect.  It is always a work in progress. There is normal on-going maintenance and replacement. We also upgrade the condo in some significant way, annually.  We try to replace appliances, plumbing, light fixtures, etc., before their end of life.  Kauai is an Island with harsh elements of sun, rain, salt water and wind. There are few goods and services, on the Island.  We try to be pro-active in replacing items, before they break. 

HollysKauaiCondo has been a vacation rental for a long time.  We’ve learned a lot.  We’ve seen a lot.  We appreciate our guests. We do all possible to exceed their expectations.

Best Condo in Kauai: Sum of its Parts

HollysKauaiCondo is the sum of its parts:

1. Kauai is the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands. Princeville is on the lushest side of the Island.
2. Ground level entry though upper-level privacy and views.
3. A panoramic oceanfront view from every room.
4. An end unit enjoying views and sea breezes superior to an interior unit.
5. Full kitchen, as well as a full laundry.
6. Includes snorkel gear, boogie boards, umbrellas, etc.
7. A gas BBQ is steps away from the front door.
8. The pool is a minute away.
9. Well maintained and a clean home.
10. The lanai’s web cam for enjoying the view before and after a visit.
11. An owner and property manager available to help as needed.

So, for us and for so many of our guests the Best Condo in Kauai is HollysKauaiCondo.

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Why Install a Web Cam in Princeville Kauai?

For the Hollys, installing a web cam on the lanai of HollysKauaiCondo’s oceanfront vacation rental satisfied a lot of needs. First, the lanai’s web cam in Princeville Kauai allows the real time viewing of the ocean we love so much. Secondly, “a picture is worth 1,000 words”. Instead of just telling potential guests that there is an unobstructed, up close and personal ocean view, the web cam does the talking. Thirdly, it allows guests the opportunity to share the view with family and friends. They can even get in the picture and wave (albeit from a distance), if they’d like. And, finally, it’s fun for guests and the Hollys, to watch the web cam, in order to relive the glorious views of past visits.

Doesn’t the Web Cam Just Show the Same View?

Same view? Yes and no. The same angle (84 degrees vs in-person panoramic) and same Pacific Ocean. But, the sky, ocean, watercraft, birds, sea creatures, sun, clouds, etc. can and will change throughout the day. In winter, the ocean can be quite turbulent, while the summer water is quite calm, with multiple shades of blue. This web cam in Princeville will spur your imagination.

Throughout the day, intermittent rains may dance along the ocean’s surface. Occasionally, a glorious rainbow is captured. Of course, nowhere near as awe-inspiring as in-person.

Birds Circling and Soaring

Nenes (the Hawaiian geese), albatross and other fine feathered friends can be observed circling the coast and the lanai. There is a ritual of three nenes landing on the ground in front of the lanai about 10 am, Hawaii time. And there seems to be frequent visits by cardinals. One never knows what will be seen from the lanai’s oceanfront web cam.

When visiting HollysKauaiCondo, you’ll find yourself “visiting the point”, in front of the condo, in order to take pictures and to simply absorb the grandeur of the view.

When you can’t visit HollysKauaiCondo, visit the oceanfront web cam, relax and “all’s good”. See condo pictures at Photo Gallery. If a trip to Kauai is in your plans and the view of the ocean stimulates the desire to enjoy a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) experience, contact Kayak Kauai.

As beautiful and mesmerizing as is the lanai’s web cam views, nothing matches the panoramic oceanfront in-person view from Holly’s Kauai Condo’s lanai or any of the condo’s rooms.

Visit Holly’s Kauai Condo for your Hawaiian vacation. This two (2) bedroom, two (2) bath condo has the same oceanfront view from every room. A fantastic Hawaiian experience awaits, at HollysKauaiCondo. We look forward to your visit. Reserve an incredible paradise vacation.

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Hanalei Bay

You haven’t seen Kauai, if you haven’t visited Hanalei and Hanalei Bay.

Hanalei Bay was selected as the Best Beach in America for 2009. Hanalei Bay has awesome views, in all directions and offers a great experience for all ages and a multitude of activities. One of the most peaceful, awe-inspiring locations on the face of the Earth.

This #1 Beach in America is quite large and offers a variety of beaches and views. We particularly like the area near the Hanalei pier. In the late afternoon, it offers incredible sunset views over Bali Hai. There can be waves that are good for body surfing, boogie boarding and surfing. Out beyond the reef you will see big wave surfers. This is the beach and pier used as the backdrop for the Rodgers & Hammerstein movie musical “South Pacific”. This is where Bloody Mary burst on to the scene and the Navy nurses ran on the beach.

Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park, which is about in the middle of Hanalei Bay, offers a life guarded area and rest rooms. The waters can be calm enough to “swim laps”.

Anini Beach

Anini is one of the easiest beaches to walk on to and is typically so well protected, by the reef, and is shallow, which makes it an ideal beach for keikes. Snorkeling has improved over the years. You may also see wind surfers.

Hideaways Beach

Hideaway requires some effort to negotiate the stairs and path, but it is within a mile of our condo and offers a beautiful beach upon which to lie and contemplate the world. The snorkeling can be good, in the summer, and occasionally, a group of kayakers will pull up on the beach for a rest (as well as monk seals, which are protected by law).

1 Hotel Beach

The 1 Hotel sits on the eastern edge of Hanalei Bay. We like this beach for multiple reasons. The views are magnificent. The water is typically calm and relatively shallow. Snorkeling is good as is beachcombing.

Tunnels Beach

Tunnels is excellent for snorkeling and laying on the beach and soaking in the awesome views. Finding it and parking can be a chore, so be sure to have your Guidebook. Or take the shuttle from Hanalei.

Ha’ena Beach Park

Ha’ena Beach Park has limited beach parking without a reservation requirement. There is a lifeguard and restrooms. It is across from the Manini-holo Dry Caves.

Ke’e Beach

This beach is where the main road ends going west, and the magnificent Na Pali coast begins. This beach has excellent snorkeling, views and beachcombing. It is also near the trail head of the Na Pali Coast hike (Kalalau Trail), which we strongly recommend, and which is discussed in the “Activities” section. Don’t miss this beach. Reservations are required, and you can reserve here.

Lumahai Beach

If you are old enough to remember Mitzi Gaynor singing “I’m going to wash that man right out of my hair”, in the musical South Pacific, then this is a must-see beach. This is a beautiful beach, BUT don’t swim here. The waters are treacherous most of the time.

Below is a group of beaches which we do not often frequent but which are in the area and may be of interest.

Secret Beach

The Guidebook and a significant walk are required to visit this beach. It offers a very long sandy beach, which is great for walking, with a view of the Kilauea lighthouse, at the eastern end of the beach. The waters can be rough and not safe for swimming. Nude bathing is illegal, in Kauai, but you may run into law breakers on this beach.

Hanakapi’ai Beach

Hanakapi’ai Beach is located 2 miles into the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach. This beach, with its sea cave are worth the hike, but crossing the Hanakapi’ai River can be treacherous and swimming is typically out of the question. Don’t swim here! A reservation is required to visit Ke’e Beach and take this hike.

This beach can be found after walking two (2) miles, on the Kalalau Trail, along the Na Pali coast, from Kee Beach (see “Activities). It is a cool and welcomed respite from your hike. BUT don’t swim at this extremely treacherous beach. If you follow the river, up the canyon, for another two (2) miles, you will find the Hanakapi’ai falls. This is a strenuous hike, but, if you are up to it, you will find it rewarding. You can swim in the pool, at the base of the falls, but be careful, because rocks and branches will be washed over the falls. If you take this hike, prepare for it with the proper clothing, water/food, camera (in a plastic bag), and time to make and enjoy the sights.

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Below is a list of some activities, which you may want to consider:

• Humpback Whale Migration 
  • Stay in HollysKauaiCondo and enjoy some of the best humpback whale viewing, all day, every day, from the comfort of every room and the lanai, for FREE (November – April).
  • Donald, a frequent guest says, “we were entertained by a pod of whales frolicking not far from shore! They were thwacking the water audibly with their huge tails. Here was this free show that was more entertaining than whale-watching we have paid for in the past! What a way to enjoy breakfast!” Noel, another guest, wrote: “There must have been two dozen… we think we counted fifteen, then it’s difficult to count beyond that.”
• Napali Coast Boat Tour (Depart From Hanalei) 
  • Na Pali Catamaran
• Horseback Riding 
  • Princeville Ranch Stables
• Kayaking (Rivers and Ocean) 
  • Kayak Kauai 
• Golf:     The Makai course in Princeville
• Surfing: Learn To Surf Or Perfect Your Skill!
• Hiking 
  • There are numerous hiking opportunities in Kauai. There is a small amount of walking/hiking involved with visiting Lumahai, Hideaway, Sea Lodge and Secret Beach, as well as Queen’s Bath. But, if you want a real hike, there are several which you might want to consider. The Na Pali coast from Kee Beach to Polihale State Park has no roads, with access only accessible by foot, boat or helicopter fly over. This 11-mile Kalalau Trail hike is the ultimate most famous hike in Kauai..  You can hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach.  If you are more energetic, 2 more miles to Hanakapiai Falls.  Any portion of this hike and visit to Ke’e Bach requires a permit, which you can acquire here. Take your camera, for incredible photo opportunities. Also, carry plenty of water. Consult the Guidebooks for more information about these hikes and many more.
• Tennis (Courts, free, are at Makai Club and require a reservation)
• Luaus
• Swimming / Snorkeling / SCUBA, surfing, boogie boarding
• Beach combing
• Fishing
• Helicopter Tour / Movie Set Tour (Bus)
• Museum and Botanical Garden Visit
• Shopping / Farmers Market
• Bicycling / Running / Walking
• Spa / Massage

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Kauai Travel Guidebook

These Kauai Travel Tips may be the difference between an incredible visit or an INCREDIBLE visit. Whether a seasoned Kauai visitor or a first timer, the guidebook can be invaluable. Enhance your enjoyment by reading the Lonely Planet: Discover Kauai guidebook. The book can be found at any major bookstore, as well as within our property’s bookshelf. The guidebook will make you aware of a multitude of fun options (beaches, dining, activities, etc.), along with contact information and directions.

Vacation Plan Travel Tips

Fun Kauai Travel Tips: You don’t have to plan your entire vacation, but you don’t want to miss something of importance. If your party has particular interests be sure to plan them. For example, if you want to hike a portion of the Kalalau Trail or visit Ke’e and Tunnels Beaches, a reservation is required. Luaus are fun, as well as a dining and entertainment bargain. Decide which one you want to attend and make the reservation in advance.

Rain or Shine

Rain or shine, Kauai offers mesmerizing beauty, as well as incredible activities. Kauai is known as the Garden Island and is the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands. The reason for the lushness is the rain. Without the rain, it would be just another volcanic desert island, which you would never visit. The rain is usually intermittent, warm and seldom interferes significantly with activities. Just know that it is likely to rain. Be prepared to enjoy the most incredible rainbows and waterfalls.

Care for Kauai

Help keep Kauai a national treasure. Be mindful of your impact, while you enjoy the Island. Use only reef safe sunscreen. Don’t inadvertently touch the ocean’s coral, because it’s a living organism. The reefs are dying due to climate change, pollutants and abuse. Stay your distance from the monk seal, albatross, nenes and other of the Islands animals. Monk seals are protected by law, as well as sharp teeth. Use reusable water containers, rather than plastic water bottles. Take your trash with you and dispose of it properly.

Tips for Northshore Beaches

Northshore beaches are gorgeous. You will likely want to visit as many as possible but pay attention to this Kauai Travel Tip: Not all beaches are safe to swim and those that are typically safe, are not always safe. Kauai is an island with potentially strong currents and under tows. So, be aware of the ocean and weather conditions. If in doubt, then don’t enter the water. Flash flooding can occur. Don’t cross streams during heavy rains. Be sure that you are on the “right side” of any stream or river, when heavy rain seems imminent. The one-lane Hanalei Bridge can be closed for hours, should the Hanalei River rise significantly.

Safest Beaches

Typically, the year-round safest beaches, are Hanalei Bay, Anini, Tunnels and Kee Beaches. These beaches are reef protected. Hanalei Bay offers a variety of opportunities for fun. Because virtually every type of water sport is available. Just sitting or lying on the beach, admiring the view is a joy. Anini is particularly good for keikis and cautious swimmers. The ocean is typically calm and shallow for quite some distance. Tunnels and Kee have fantastic snorkeling. All are drop dead gorgeous!

Least Safe Beaches

On the Northshore, the ocean is calmest in the summer months while it is the most turbulent and dangerous in the winter. Lumahai, while one of the most beautiful and well-known Kauai beaches, is one of the most dangerous Northshore beaches. Hanakapi’ai beach is, as well. Visit and enjoy the splendor, but don’t swim at these beaches. Hideaways and Secret Beach can also be dangerous. Critical Kauai Travel Tip: Be aware of the water conditions.

Don’t Forget the Kids

Parents and kids sometimes see “fun” differently. So, make it easy on yourself. If kids join you, let them help plan a few things that they may like. Choose a few activities that you and the keiki(s) will enjoy while making memories for life. There are a lot of options:

• Hanalei Bay pier jumping
• Miniature golf
• Boogie boarding
• Kayaking
• Playground equipment
• Playing in the sand
• Surf lessons
• Lappert’s ice cream
• Shave ice
• Snorkeling
• Walks in the “jungle”
• Inner tubing
• A luau
• Bike ride
• Age-appropriate DVDs
• Board games
• Looking for rainbows
• Watching whales (in season)
• Swim in the pool
• BBQ hot dogs & eat on lanai

I guess we’re all kids at heart. Because there is nothing on this list that I wouldn’t want to do! How about you?

Travel Tips for Departing

HollysKauaiCondo’s check out time is 10 am. If you have a late flight home, you may want to take advantage of our personal strategy in order to enjoy your last hours in paradise.  Kauai Travel Tip: Our favorite breakfast spot is Kountry Kitchen in Kapaa (https://www.kountrystylekitchen.com/).  So, we leave before 10 am, in order to satisfy our breakfast favorites. Kountry Kitchen’s banana pancakes along with coconut syrup is special. The Island version of Eggs Benedict is fantastic, if not also fit for a Suma wrestler.  We then opt for a variety of activities like shopping for last minute gifts for family, friends and ourselves.  Also, one can visit Wailua Falls, Lydgate State Park, Spouting Horn, Waimea Canyon, etc.  Sometimes we enjoy the Koloa Rum tasting shop, or take the Kilohana Plantation train tour (https://www.kilohanakauai.com/plantation-train).

While there are a lot of choices, we always have our last meal at Cafe Portofino, Duke’s or JJ’s Broiler, near the airport.  All in all, it makes for an enjoyable and leisurely day.  It creates memories and takes our minds off the fact that we have to leave.

Best Kauai Travel Tip

Reserve HollysKauaiCondo for your visit to The Garden Island! Why? Because this two-bedrooms, two bath has no stairs and yet is located on the 2nd level. But the best part is the same oceanfront view from every room! Enjoy ground level convenience, as well as upper-level privacy and views. Oh, and the wrap-around lanai offers phenomenal views, while dining on pupus and your favorite beverage.

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We have favorite restaurants which we always visit, but we usually try several new ones, each trip. We recommend that you explore the tastes of the island. You can’t go wrong. Our favorite places to eat include:

• Wishing Well Shave Ice
  • Best Shave Ice
• Lappert’s Ice Cream
  • It is Rich, Rich, Rich
  • In Princeville Center & Other Location
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
  • Local Hawaiian Food
• Hanalei Gourmet
  • Café Bar & Deli
  • Lunch – Dinner
• Kalypso
  • Centrally Located in Hanalei, With Inside & Outside Dining
  • Wide Variety of Good Food & Drinks
• The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant & Fish Market
  • Fresh Fish
  • Located in Hanalei
• The Lighthouse Bistro (The Bistro)
• Bar Acuda
  • Dinner
• Tahiti Nui
  • Locals’ Favorite
  • George Clooney’s hangout in “The Descendants”
• 1 Hotel
  • Incredible Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai views

The easiest, least expensive and quickest meal, when you are tired, is to visit Foodland grocery store in Princeville Center, buy a rotisserie huli huli chicken and side dishes at the deli along with any type of desert and take it home to your condo, to eat and crash.

HollysKauaiCondo’s lanai offers one of the most intimate oceanfront site for beverages, pupus and dining (If we do say so, ourselves).

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