Information on all four shores of the island 

Through proper zoning and planning, Kauai maintains an enchanting old Hawaii feel.  Few stoplights, no freeways, and a four story height moratorium on all commercial buildings give a window into the island's uniqueness. While tourism is the island's primary industry, strong agricultural roots bring forth a commitment to the local farmer and agricultural industry at large.

Though considerably smaller in size and population than Oahu, life on Kauai is not lacking. Outdoor pursuits abound; commerce and culture are alive, and the island community remains actively involved in the governmental process. Despite the resident's self reliance, island life provides for regular inter-island travel.  Indeed, residents opt for regular half hour interval flights to all islands, with Oahu's vibrant world class entertainment, shopping, and business concerns capturing the greatest share.

Kauai's weather remains comfortable and inviting year-round. As a tropical destination, temperatures across all island communities range from the mid-60's in the evening to the high 80's during the day. The map below shows annual rainfall for the island.

NORTH SHORE

The NORTH SHORE is defined as the area between the Na Pali Coast on the west and the outskirts of the former plantation town of Kilauea on the east.  Its lushness and dramatic views account for more postcard shots than any other island location. Vast open space, piercing cliffs, one lane bridges, streaming waterfalls, Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, and the white sand crescent beach of Hanalei Bay all bring delight to residents and visitors alike.  Consequently, over the past two decades prices here have consistently been strong with the high end defined by beachfront at Hanalei and Haena coupled with the ranches and cliffs of Kilauea.  Homes along these locations frame glorious one-of-a-kind views with many taking in Bali Hai as a backdrop. Use the property search feature on our home page to search for Hanalei properties.

In the midst of the North Shore lies Princeville and the well regarded golf experiences that this resort community offers.  A mix of single family homes, condominiums and the newly rebranded St Regis Hotel bring a mix of opportunity. Views, neighborhoods, the Princeville Shopping Center, tennis, and an extensive pathway system bring this mature community to life. In addition, Princeville's amenities really anchor life on the North Shore.

Just below Princeville lies Anini. This tranquil stretch of coast provides an ocean playground for babies and adults alike. Protected waters and a vast park setting are the backdrop for numerous beachfront residential lots. Pricing here is appreciable yet usually somewhat less than Hanalei.

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The East side spans from the Kawaihau District beginning at Moloa'a on the North continuing on to Wailua River State Park, and on to Lihue and Puhi on the south. It is within this section where the island's primary voting populace reside, where air and sea access to the island occurs (Lihue), where educational options abound, and where commerce and the county seat dominate the scene.  It is also where one of the best municipal golf courses in the country, Wailua Golf Course, stakes its claim as the "Poor Man's Pebble Beach" .

Old Kapa'a Town and Lihue are both quaint and functionally compact. The combination of both offers the gateway into "west coast shopping" on Kauai's East Side. While Safeway, WalMart, KMart, and Costco are main stops for all, most make a point to stop at any number of island boutiques, natural food stores, movie theatres, playhouses, concert halls, museums, and multiple island restaurants.

Kauai properties within this area span from smaller residences on tree lined lanes - to those with golf course frontage - to large coastal or inland estates and ranchettes.  Luxury properties are focused on the coastal locations of Aliomanu, Anahola and Kealia with others preferring the dominant island interior views of Wailua or neighborhood options offered in Lihue.

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Kauai's South Shore commences beyond Lihue in the town of Koloa and includes Poipu Beach, Kukuiula, Omao, Lawai, and Kalaheo. An island favorite, Old Koloa Town, anchors the island's commitment to its sugar plantation heritage. Every summer, the town celebrates its cultural and historical past in "Koloa Plantation Days", where a week's worth of activities open up to the community at large.  Due to its optimum weather, sunset views, and amenities, the South Shore, and most particularly Poipu Beach, not only offer ample property selection but also afford some of the newest resort community choices in the state. Premium pricing per square foot is concentrated in Poipu where multiple premier condominium and resort homes are offered. An island favorite, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is known to many as the Hyatt chain's ultimate resort property.

Just beyond Poipu, Kukuiula, and Koloa lies the rural knoll tops of Omao, Lawai and Kalaheo, where larger lots prevail and where Hawaiian royalty, in days of old, resided. Today, these neighborhoods are a mix of vegetable gardens, horses, streams, and tree lined roads.  Extraordinary scenery and views abound, producing better home and vacant land selections of a ½ acre or larger at impressive pricing.

The local Koloa Community Association and Poipu Beach Resort Association recently focused on balancing developmental pressure with the needs of the South Shore community. The largest, Kukuiula, a 1,010 acre coastal high end luxury development, is the most significant luxury development of its kind currently under construction in the state. Yet, other smaller properties are equally intriguing ranging from Kiahuna Golf Village to Poipu Kai to the newest, Poipu Beach Estates. Use the search feature on our home page to search for Poipu properties.

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The West Side starts at Eleele and quickly moves to Hanapepe, "Kauai's Biggest Little Town", and concludes at the end of the road in Kekaha with Makaweli, Pakala, Kaumakani and Waimea stretched in-between.  Older architecture prevails on the West Side and is embraced as much today as it was 100 years ago. In fact, the drive west rolls back the clock by 40 to 50 years.  Art thrives in Hanapepe with local artists sharing their talents every Friday evening. Of particular interest on the west side are Salt Pond County Beach Park, Gay & Robinson Sugar Company, and Waimea Canyon State Park. Each capture the history and depth of resources on the West Side. Real estate purchases are most often sought from Pakala through Kekaha where rainfall averages just less than 10 inches per year and access to miles of continuous beach frontage begins. Vacation accommodations are within private homes or at the well regarded Waimea Plantation Cottages

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