Aloha
Unit 211 is on the far right side of the complex and faces almost due west, thus having the best Bali Hai view. You can enjoy Bali Hai sunsets while dining, reclining in the living room, seated in the atrium, lying in the master bed, or of course, while relaxing on the lanai. (Each year two or three honeymoon couples are referred to our unit, and the primary reason is the view.)
We were among the first owners to have enclosed the entry atrium that now has a solid roof that provides an additional 300 sq. ft. of living area protected from the sun. Our Mitsubishi air conditioning system keeps our unit cool and refreshed and allows our guests to fully enjoy the greatest asset of our condo, which is location.
Our remodels include a newly retiled lanai, new 16 foot wide windows and doors leading out to the lanai, new sun shades, new ceilings and paint throughout, four new mirrored doors for the master bedroom, fully appointed granite kitchen, newly designed master bath, and tile flooring throughout.
Our unit is on the second floor which is the easiest to access. The first and fourth floors require a second set of stairs. As you read this description and those of other condos, please remember that the “postcard” Bali Hai view is available from the interior of only a few of the units and this greatly adds to the beauty and charm you will experience on your island vacation.
The three couches in the living room and atrium allow the vacationer the ability to lie down and read a book, listen to their playlist through our Sonos speaker, watch sports in Hi-Def, or just gaze out at the ocean and Bali Hai. If it sprinkles, you can stare at a rainbow. If it’s sunny, you can enjoy the tropical breeze that flows through the jalousie windows, which are in each room. (There are three ceiling fans to aid with the flow.) If it’s too sunny, you can draw the special shades that filter the sun and yet don’t hide the view. For those who must stay connected, there is high speed WiFi.
The entry doors to this 2,000 sq.ft. condo were carved by James Hargraves, a nationally known Kauai glass artist. They lead into a sun room/atrium and a large living room. There is a 400 sq.ft. lanai with table, lounges and BBQ, which adjoins the living room. The master bedroom (with cal king bed) is open to the ocean view, but it can be separated from the atrium by moving a bank of shutters. The large second bedroom has a queen bed and its own separate bath. The washer and dryer are in this bathroom. The fully equipped kitchen with maple cabinets and granite countertops, sits behind the living room and large dining room. In July you can be seated at the dining room table or preparing a late dinner in the kitchen and watch the sun set directly in front of you.
Puu Poa is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It adjoins the five-star 1 Hotel at the northeast tip of Hanalei Bay. The complex overlooks Hideaway Beach, which is accessible by a path separating Puu Poa from the hotel property. (Hideaways is considered one of the two finest snorkeling beaches on the island.)
Because Puu Poa is oceanfront, our home has 180 degree view to the horizon. Use the telescope to watch surfers, ships and boats, schools of dolphins, many varieties of Hawaiian birds and the migration of whales from December through April. And every night there is a fantastic sunset. Each night since the Princeville/St Regis/1 Hotel opened, crowds gather in the ninth floor lounge to enjoy and photograph the scenes available in our living room.
The Puu Poa complex has a heated pool that overlooks the Pacific and a beautifully maintained tennis court, which has been modified to include two pickle ball courts. The #2 golf course in Hawaii, the Makai, is half a mile away. It has remarkable ocean vistas that offer spectacular photo ops on several holes. The hotel tennis center is located at the club house.
The north shore of Kauai is home to many of Hawaii’s best beaches including Ke’e (start of the Kalalau Trail), a scenic 20 minute ride to the west, and Kalihiwai is about ten minutes to the east. (Our condo has mats, coolers, six beach chairs and water sports equipment to make your day at the beach easier.) The other beaches lie in between as does Queen Emma’s Bath. This is an ocean adjoining lava swimming hole located in Princeville. A two minute drive followed by a ten minute hike will produce an unforgettable experience.
Many other sporting activities are available within five minutes. These include scuba diving, kayaking on the Hanalei River, canoeing on the ocean, surfing (lessons), horseback riding, and biking. For those who enjoy hiking, the path to the Napali Coast begins at Ke’e Beach. The Kalalau Trail may be taken for a day trip or longer. It is one of the most wonderful walks in the world (waterfalls, cliffs, streams, and deserted beaches). Joggers will enjoy the four mile run up to the top of Princeville and back.
One of the nation’s six tropical botanical gardens (Limahuli) is just fifteen minutes to the west at Makana Peak (Bali Hai). The private Na Aina Kai Garden has daily tours and is located just past Kilauea, about fifteen minutes east. Helicopter tours of the Garden Isle are available from several locations including the Princeville airport.
Boutique shopping and restaurants are available in Hanalei, Kilauea, the hotel, and the Princeville Shopping Center, which is just five minutes away. The Center also has a Foodland grocery market, Lappert’s ice cream shop, Chevron station, banks, post office, hardware store and several realtors.
I hope our description will convince you to give the north shore of Kauai a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Mahalo,
Ron and Gloria Burke
Keywords: Condominium