Puu Poa 405

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Puu Poa 405 – honestly, the name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, and without a street address listed anywhere, I was pretty much driving around Princeville looking for clues. But once I actually found this place (it’s tucked into the Puu Poa complex right on the bluff), I got why people rave about it with that solid 9.0 rating.

The thing about this condo – and yeah, it’s technically a vacation rental, not a traditional hotel – is the location is absolutely killer. You’re literally perched on these dramatic cliffs overlooking Hanalei Bay, and I mean, the view from the lanai just hits different than those generic resort shots you see online. In the mornings, you can watch the surfers catching waves at Pine Trees (that’s what locals call the break right below), and if you’re lucky enough to be there during whale season, well… let’s just say you won’t need to book any whale watching tours. The sound of the waves is constant but not overwhelming – actually pretty soothing once you get used to it.

What really sold me on this place, though, is how it feels like you’re staying in someone’s actual home rather than some sterile hotel room. The kitchen is fully stocked (thank god, because groceries in Hanalei aren’t cheap), and there’s this lived-in comfort that you just don’t get at the big resorts down in Poipu. The trade-off is that you’re dealing with older Hawaiian architecture – so the walls are a bit thin, and you’ll definitely hear your neighbors if they’re early risers. But honestly? Most people staying here are pretty respectful, probably because the rates filter out the party crowd. Parking can be tight during peak season (definitely avoid February and March if you hate crowds), but there’s usually a spot if you’re not picky about walking a few extra steps. The check-in process is refreshingly simple – none of that resort desk nonsense – though you’ll want to stop by Foodland in Princeville before settling in since you’re about a 10-minute drive from any real restaurants. I actually loved having that little ritual of morning coffee on the deck, watching the light change over the Na Pali coast. It’s one of those places where you remember why you came to Kauai in the first place.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 sofa beds for 6 adults

Reviews

• David from United States (8/10)

  Large, older unit. Exceptional at one time, some years ago. Beautiful older telescope. Huge ensuite bathroom, very nice. Netflix available. Great place for walking. Beautiful in all directions.

• Susan from United States (9/10)

  Excellent location

• Castro from United States (8/10)

  Views are amazing. Sunsets. Sunrise. In awwww!
  And the condo has tons of living area. Perfect for a big family. Kitchen is large. Bedrooms are big and spacious. Lots of closets.

• Todd from United States (9/10)

  The view from the lanai was superb. The condo was stocked with everything we needed except food. Plenty of towels and everything you would need for pool, snorkeling and beach. The king bed was super comfortable.

• Deanae from United States (7/10)

  The property was very clean and was very spacious with a beautiful view. There were all the amenities we expected like sheets for the twin beds which are futons, and enough bath and beach towels for everyone. The kitchen had all of the utensils and cookware available, and the grill worked wonderfully. The pool was wonderful and clean with a beautiful view, and you are a short walk to Hideway beach which is breath taking. The drive to Princeville shopping center was only about 5 minutes away and has everything you need! The location is perfect!

• Wendy from United States (9/10)

• Birnsy from United States (9/10)

• Charles from United States (9/10)

• Wang from United States (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities