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Discover the Natural Charm of Old Hawaii. Completely Relax & Recharge Your Soul

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The vibe is awesome. Relax and rejuvenate your soul. Yes the swans are real...
The Guest House at River Estate offers a private sanctuary to rejuvenate you.
The master bedroom overlooks the stream. Sleep to the relaxing sounds of water.
Bedroom 2 also faces the stream offering the sound of water for a deep sleep.
The kitchen is fully stocked for any cooking need.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4127.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Hanalei, HI
  • Hanalei Bay
  • Makua Beach
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Princeville Golf Club Prince Course
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Princeville, HI (HPV)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower Ā· Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet Ā· Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Discover the Natural Charm of Old Hawaii. Completely Relax & Recharge Your Soul


*TVR Registration #TVNC 5132 *
*State Tax ID 052-031-4880-01*

The video above is a complete tour of the entire River Estate property showing both the Riverhouse 3 Bedroom (VRBO 957015) and the Guest House 2 bedroom (This Listing) homes and their proximity to each other on the property as well as the proximity of the property to the beach and valley. This video very aptly shows the magic of the property and where it is located from ground level as well as above with a drone at 100 feet up. I highly recommend you enjoy the music and visual experience...

The Guest House at River Estate is a beautifully designed retreat that offers a perfect blend of comfort and functionality. The living space is spacious and airy, featuring an open-concept layout that encourages relaxation and connection. Large windows bathe the interior in natural light and provide stunning views of the lush surroundings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Living Space
The living area is thoughtfully arranged with comfortable seating, making it an ideal spot for unwinding after a day of exploration. The decor reflects a harmonious blend of island-inspired elements and modern comforts, with soft colors and natural materials that evoke a sense of tranquility.

Amenities
The Guest House is equipped with modern amenities to enhance your stay. A well-stocked full kitchen includes new appliances for preparing meals and snacks with many cooking items not found in other vacation rentals. There is a cold filtered water dispenser in the refrigerator. The dining areas inside and on the lanai provide comfortable spaces for enjoying meals together. Additional features include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, media center and full laundry facilities for added convenience. Also included are beach chairs, beach towels, boogie boards, beach umbrella and cooler for cold drinks. You'll be supplied liquid body wash, shampoo, rinse and a small bag of Kona coffee. Free local concierge services, activity consultation and booking are also provided. Last minute reservations at Bar Acuda, the best restaurant in town can be arranged as well. After 55 years living here and 30 years accommodating guests I'm positive I can help you plan a fabulous vacation with minimal wasted time and maximum cost savings.

Decor and Comfort
The interior is designed to create a soothing ambiance, incorporating Balinese and Local artwork, comfortable furnishings, soft linens, and plush bedding making it feel like a home away from home.

Access to the Beach Via the River
Situated just steps from the river, the Guest House offers easy access to this tranquil waterway. What truly sets River Estate apart is its unique access to the nearby beach via the river. Guests can enjoy a leisurely kayak or paddleboard journey down the gentle waters, leading directly to the pristine shoreline. This picturesque route not only offers a fun and memorable way to reach the beach but also allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kauai along the way.

Our Convenient Location is also Extremely Private
The property is ideally located on the North Shore of Kauai, offering unparalleled convenience for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. Only a 10 minute drive East is the charming town of Hanalei which which provides easy access to local shops and dining while a 10 minute drive west is world famous Ke’e beach and the Kalalau trail. The entire area is rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences, ensuring that there is always something for you to discover. From this prime location you'll have the perfect base from which to explore all of Kauai’s enchanting North Shore easily. You'll be able to explore all the world famous beaches, experience exotic hiking trails, browse in charming shops, experience a wonderland of water activities, visit farmers markets for exotic fruit and organic vegetables, find local craft fairs and art galleries, savor gourmet local cuisine and experience local culture from an insiders perspective.

Privacy of the Grounds
The grounds surrounding the Guest House offer real privacy and seclusion in a wonderful tranquil setting. Inside the home you'll relax in luxurious comfort and and outside you'll enjoy a pristine oasis of tropical flowers, fruit and vegetation where you can unwind and connect with nature to the sound of the river gently soothing your soul.

Summary
In summary, the Guest House at River Estate combines a private and serene setting, comfortable living spaces, modern amenities, and thoughtful decor to create a welcoming retreat. With its proximity to the river, easy access to local beaches and a wealth of nearby activities, all within a short distance, it provides the perfect base for your Kauai adventure while offering a peaceful escape to relax and rejuvenate when you return from your adventures.


*This property is located in a Tsunami Evacuation Area.
*Evacuation procedures provided in the house with a map.

Property manager

MARK BARBANELL
Premier Host

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking zone here...
The home is rented to the people who are listed on the booking. Entertaining non guests is prohibited. No overnight guests other than those listed.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number W30347586-02, 580060580000

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Hanalei

Located in Hanalei, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hanalei Bay and Na Pali Coast State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Limahuli Garden and Reserve and Island Sails. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hanalei, HI

What's nearby

  • Makua Beach - 18 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Princeville Makai Golf Club - 18 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Princeville Golf Club Prince Course - 21 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Ke'e Beach - 28 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Hideaways Beach - 38 min drive - 13.6 km

Getting around

  • Lihue, HI (LIH) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wishing Well Shave Ice - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Happy Talk Bar & Restaurant - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Tahiti Nui - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Kalypso Island Bar & Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪JoJo's Shave Ice - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Discover the Natural Charm of Old Hawaii. Completely Relax & Recharge Your Soul pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Discover the Natural Charm of Old Hawaii. Completely Relax & Recharge Your Soul?

Check-in begins at 4:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Discover the Natural Charm of Old Hawaii. Completely Relax & Recharge Your Soul?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Discover the Natural Charm of Old Hawaii. Completely Relax & Recharge Your Soul located?

This family-friendly Hanalei holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Wainiha Beach Park, Lumahai Beach and Kepuhi Point Beach. Limahuli Garden and Reserve and Makua Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 112 out of 118 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 118 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 118 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 118 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 118 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matthew R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible Experience
This was, without a doubt, one of the most amazing vacations we’ve ever had. From the very beginning, our host Mark went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. He was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and always available to answer questions or offer helpful tips—while still giving us the space to fully relax and enjoy the experience. It was clear he truly cares about creating a peaceful and memorable stay for his guests.Every morning, we woke up to the soft sounds of birds singing and the rustle of the breeze through the trees. The house felt like a private sanctuary—surrounded by lush greenery, filled with natural light, and radiating calm. Although we were only minutes from the beach, it felt like we were in our own little world. That beautiful contrast—secluded yet close to everything—made the location absolutely perfect.We spent our days soaking up the sun, wandering the shoreline, and savoring slow mornings with coffee on the patio. Every moment here invited us to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and appreciate the simple joys of being present. It was exactly what we needed.We left feeling completely recharged and already planning our return. Mark, thank you for sharing this incredible place with us. You’ve created something truly special, and we’re so grateful to have experienced it.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Felt like I lived on Kauai and not a tourist
Easy drive access to beaches and Hanalei but tucked away in garden river oasis. A great value and perfect for two, though another bedroom is available but house might not have been as comfortable asInterior seating better for two. We cooked many dinners at the house and once I got used to older stove, there was everything I needed. Nice to have a laundry too and Mark the host was attentive and very helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juliana K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Jungle Treehouse
Great stay in a jungle treehouse. A well-kept house that was very well stocked. Dog barking was the only challenge. Earplugs and sound machines did help some.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tropical Paradise near Hanalei
We had the pleasure of spending one week at the River House. The property is a beautiful little tucked away slice of heaven. The property was very clean, the kitchen well equipped for cooking, nice pots and pans and everything was super clean. The Lanai over looks the River and you could see a wide variety of birds. It was very peaceful and beautiful and we enjoyed our breakfasts there every day. The beds were comfortable and good towels and even some beach towels and beach chairs and a cooler for us to use. The owner was a super great host and very helpful with everything from helping to arrange a kayak to be dropped off at the property and helping to make dinner reservations our first night for a special occasion that we were celebrating. This place is very unique and we would definitely recommend it and would love to stay again when we come back 11/10 !Mahalo
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Graham P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful jungle tree house
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā We loved our stay here, and would definitely return! The home feels like a large comfortable treehouse in the jungle, beside a pretty babbling brook. We loved sitting on the veranda, listening to the birds and flowing water. The Tangerine tree beside the house provided delicious fruits too. The house is well appointed and the owner Mark, is both thoughtful and proactive. Eg. during the late January storm power outage we had he reached out to us to see how the Tesla Powerwall was helping - yes, there’s a Powerwall!Ā Ā Very handy and welcome.Something to note: Someone in the vicinity has some dogs that bark off and on at times. At first we thought that could be an issue for sleeping, but fortunately it turned out not to be. The dogs are evidently a recent development and Mark is still adapting to them. He thoughtfully dropped off a white noise machine (thanks Mark!) but it turned out we didn’t need it.The first night we closed the glass louvered windows - these are in place throughout the house and we really liked them - and turned on the quiet mini split AC in the bedroom, and that worked like a charm. With the AC in mind as a fallback, we opened the shutter windows the next night, and our babbling brook provided all the white noise cover we needed: idyllic!Ā Ā Such wonderful fresh air too.Ā Ā As
Stayed 16 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jake V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First time to Hawaii
Great place to stay - will definitely try to visit again
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tova L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing getaway!
This is a very special property! The house was extremely comfortable for all of us. We loved listening to the bird noises and watching the activity in the river every morning. We also enjoyed walking to the coffee shop just down the road, and the beach just over the bridge. It was a very peaceful.and restful retreat. And Mark was the consummate host! Definitely booking again!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Viktoria A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nature's retreat
The property is located right by the small river and is surrounded by lush plants and flowers. In the evenings, the smell of flowers wafts through the windows. The house is charming and well-made, beautifully appointed and maintained. I will miss the quiet life during our vacation in Kauai and wish we did not have to leave.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
You need more stars for this place…
If I could give this place 100 stars I would. Our stay was absolutely perfect. We travel to Kauai often and the only downside to this place is that now I will never be able to return and stay anywhere else :) Our trip to the island usually consists of many excursions and being out and about. But for the first time I was most excited to come home and spend time at the river house. So peaceful! The river, the birds, the lush landscape, and the tucked away, cozy and plush abode were next level. This was definitely a trip of a lifetime and I can’t recommend it enough. Mark was great and so easy to work with. You won’t regret coming here!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Huette M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rest and Relax
Perfect stay. Stunning garden views and quiet.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dorinda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
40th Anniversary Getaway
The River Estate Guest House was nothing short of fabulous! The lush surroundings, the clean and comfy interior, and the sounds of the stream made for a peaceful and romantic getaway. Although we had no needs, as the house has everything one needs, Mark was responsive and pleasant throughout our stay. Having kayaks rented and delivered to the house for a trip down the stream to a secluded beach was a bonus, and I highly recommend doing this. Also, the estate, the area, and the island are a birders paradise! Thank you, Mark, for everything! I would love to return someday.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Colleen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great escape
The Guest House was perfect for our family. My boys loved playing around the river and bridge jumping. So close to Hanalei and Haena State Park. House was clean, comfortable and well equipped. Neighboring dogs were noisy but a/c and fans helped. Will stay again. Mahalo!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect relaxing get away
The house was in a beautiful location. It had every amenity we needed and was quite comfortable. We will definitely want to come back to this one!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location and home!
The setting for this property is truly spectacular -- it's back in the rainforest next to a small river/stream. We rented kayaks and took them down to the ocean and back. Unforgettable experience with the family. The house itself is also in great shape, well stocked, and Mark was always responsive to any questions. We would definitely stay at this home again.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheila O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Guest House at River Estate May 18-23
The Guest House at the River Estate was the ideal spot for our family time on the North Shore. We happened to visit during an historic Kona low and there was a threat of flooding preventing access to the property, but Mark stayed in communication and all worked out perfectly. We enjoyed breakfasts on the lanai overlooking the raging river. The location between Hanalei and Haena is such an advantage. We were able to secure parking two mornings at Tunnels Beach, and it was only a 10-15" drive to Ke'e Beach. (We did have 2 reservations thanks to the quick finger of our daughter and her husband on the booking website) The property itself was gorgeous. The kitchen was well equipped. In fact I don't think I've ever stayed at a VRBO with a Cuisinart food processor which I used to make a macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi with mango papaya salsa-yum. Other highlights included Hideaways Beach, Secret Beach and Na 'Aina Kai Sculpture garden. Everything was just magical. Can't wait to return. Sheila
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home next to river
We really enjoyed the peaceful and private surroundings of this home. The home is beautiful and well appointed. Very clean and comfortable. Sleeping with the windows open and hearing the sounds of the water rambling down the river was a bonus.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, peaceful and beautiful!
This was such a unique property in a cool location. Just minutes from Hanalei, this secluded property was super clean, stocked with everything we needed, and Mark was very helpful! I wish we could have stayed longer! We will definitely return.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Robin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely home by the river
Very beautiful setting, all the amenities you need! The Guest House is very comfortable and pretty. We had a little trouble getting in, as the key lockbox code had been changed, but Mark answered the phone right away and we got it sorted out. The only real problem was that some unknown (to us) person in the neighborhood has a number of dogs who bark, all together, at any time of the day or night, for long stretches of time. We took a video that Mark sent to the mayor, but nothing was done. It seems enforcement of noise abatement is lax. When the dogs weren't barking, it was as described online, a peaceful setting, with birds and river sounds. Mark was an excellent host and tried to help. But it seems a lot of people around there hunt wild boar and keep hunting dogs, who like to express themselves! So bring your earplugs.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kauai warm week
The whole day was very nice. Our only complaint really was that some neighbors down the way had what seemed like 1000 dogs that would periodically bark in the wee hours of the night. But otherwise it was perfect for our small family.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

cathleen b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Title
Great
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

TIMOTHY M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tropical Paradise at the Guest House!
Wowed by Mark's River Estate Guest House!! The home is well-appointed with a great kitchen, very comfortable beds, and cold a/c when one needs that after a day on the Kalalau trail or big day at Lumahai Beach. Our favorite part of the estate is the stream that runs alongside the house! We rented kayaks and spent many mornings and evenings paddling downstream to Wainiha Bay to watch sunsets. We also enjoyed walking to the Wainiha General Store for smoothies, ice cream and a great selection of beverages! Mark was very responsive to all the questions we had before and during our stay. I can definitely say we're planning to stay at the River Estate Guest House the next time we vacation on the North Shore of Kauai!
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location, beautiful home, great host!
Mark’s guest house is a beautiful, well cared for home in an amazing location off the beaten path. We had a wonderful stay and would highly recommend it!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Live like a local
Wonderful experience. Mark’s guest house is so unique and private. It is the quintessential north shore abode. Clean, nicely appointed, comfortable beds and EVERYTHING works! Which is huge considering we have paid twice as much to stay in ā€œluxuryā€ homes where there is always something broken. Mark is a great host, always available and helpful. He arranged to have paddle boards dropped off at the house for us so that when we arrived we were ready to go. There are also beach chairs, an umbrella, boogie boards and a cooler. We will be back! Thanks again for everything Mark!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
great stay
My wife, 10 year old son, and I had a wonderful week-long stay at the Guest House. The stream it sits on is great and we enjoyed paddle boarding down the stream to Wainiha beach. One thing I very much appreciated is that unlike many rentals, the house includes some basic food items, such as salt and pepper, coffee, rice, condiments in the fridge, etc. We made several meals, including grilling, and had all the utensils or appliances we needed. There were also several beach chairs, umbrella, cooler, and a couple boogie boards. We enjoyed sitting on the deck and reading. We tried to unplug as much as we could, and there was no cell service (a lot of hand made signs in the area in opposition to putting in a cell tower), but solid wifi that was easily good enough to stream movies at night. It isn't really within walking distance of any swimmable beaches, but is a short drive (less than 10-5 minutes) to several swimmable beaches and Hanalei. If you have a small group and want somewhere that isn't a resort and is fairly quiet, I highly recommend it.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Honeymoon heaven
Our stay here on the north shore was amazing!! Mark is a wonderful host and was super helpful and even had kayaks delivered before we arrived. The place was super clean and the views make you feel like you are in a remote jungle. The sound of the river flowing is so tranquil. Kayaking to the private island is super easy and we enjoyed watching kids jump from the one lane bridge. Marks place is secluded and remote yet is so close to town - quick drive to restaurants and stores. Kitchen is well equipped for cooking and had plenty of essential items. The bed was comfortable and the water is super hot so be careful and rest before jumping in. It was easy to leave too off our Jeep as parking is under the house. We loved sitting on the porch listening to the sounds and watching the day start with misty rain. We will definitely stay with Mark again! Thanks for sharing your beautiful place with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by MARK BARBANELL

Host profile image
Gratitude changes everything. From taking life's circumstance for granted to appreciating every precious heart beat is a blessing. Every day becomes a time to savor and embrace. These are the thoughts I have immediately when I see an image of my home turf. I arrived on Kauai shortly after my April 2nd birthday in 1970 on a surf trip and basically never left. Serendipity has followed me my entire life. Without it who knows where I'd be or what I'd be doing now. Living here has taught me many things that can only be learned here in a small community populated by many Hawaiians. Work hard, be humble and helping others are some of them. Respect for the land is paramount here. We are stewards of these lands when you understand the meaning the land has to the Hawaiians. The state motto is "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness" A very apt motto which speaks to the value the Hawaiians place on the "aina". That has always come naturally to me and was very helpful in fitting into my community here. I believe it is why I'm still here. Hawaii and Kauai in particular is a very sacred and spiritual place in the world. I have heard many of my guests tell me that they felt the spiritual energy strongly here. A rejuvenating feeling is palpable as well. My job is to share my Kuleana ( A uniquely Hawaiian value and practice which is loosely translated to mean "responsibility." The word kuleana refers to a reciprocal relationship between the person who is responsible, and the thing which they are responsible for.) with my guests and allow them to experience the true natural Hawaiian environment which is still the same in my neighborhood as it was 52 years ago. My life has been filled with many serendipitous moments. The trick is to recognize them in the moment and make the correct decision. I'm one luck buggah who knows that and values every heartbeat I'm blessed with now and am grateful for my world and the friends I make along the way doing the jobs I love. Aloha...

Why they chose this property

I think you might say that the River Estate property chose me. I did not choose it. When I first came to Kauai in 1970 with two of my friends on the surf trip, the island in general was much different. We had shipped a car over and spent the first two or three months camping around the island. There were no laws about camping and there were hardly any tourists here. When I first saw the valley where River Estate is located I immediately was drawn to it. A friend of mine told me about a piece of property he was not going to purchase that was in the area, I liked so much. He was going to buy it for $2000 but he told me that the person that was gonna sell it to him was told by the man who had sold the other part of the property that was divided by the stream to that that property for $2000 was the same piece of property just divided by the stream. My friend told me that the person that was selling it was Larry Ching a notorious mafioso type who was basically renting the town of Hanalei and had the only market and gas station in town. He had a bad reputation.So I went to Larry Ching had told him I was interested in buying that piece of property that incidentally had no legal easement to and yes, I had heard bad things about him, but I was not going to base my opinion of him by what other people said. I also had lived in a house on the east side of the island and my landlord there was the most influential attorney on the whole island and Larry Ching's business partner. I had come into contact with two of the most powerful men on the island. Larry Ching told me he'd sell me the property for $7500, $2500 down and $1000 per year for five years no interest. I took a chance and bought it. I went to the tax office and got the names of the people who owned the lots that I could get through to my lot and wrote letters. One woman who was living in Tahiti offered me easement through her property for free. This serendipitous moment changed my life forever with many more to come.

What makes this property unique

River Estate offers a rare combination of luxury, privacy, and an immersive natural setting that creates an unforgettable experience. Tucked away along a tranquil river, this secluded retreat is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, allowing guests to fully embrace the beauty of Kauai’s North Shore. Unlike large resorts, River Estate provides an intimate, home-like atmosphere with elegant, well-appointed accommodations that blend seamlessly with nature. Guests can float from the property to the beach and back, listen to the soothing sounds of the river, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the riverfront gardens that surround you . The personalized hospitality, serene ambiance, and central prime location on Kauai's North Shore make River Estate a one-of-a-kind sanctuary for relaxation and adventure.

The primary benefits of River Estate are the seclusion and privacy of the expansive botanical gardens and its special location in the scheme of things here on the north shore of Kauai. It's very close to all the world famous beaches north Kauai is noted for and central between Hanalei and the end of the road at Ke'e Beach yet its very private and secluded. You'll relax and rejuvenate your spirit here. The fact you can use the river to access the beach from the house and ocean is not offered by any other vacation rental on Kauai. The privacy and natural setting allow our guests to experience a truly relaxing and rewarding time away from their normal lives and leaves a lasting impression of what some consider to be true paradise. Not many rental homes are kept in the condition that the Guest House is kept in and our guests reflect that in their reviews. We're proud of that. It's our stock in trade so to speak. The property proximity to the spectacular natural attractions of North Kauai and its quiet natural setting help it to stand out among the other rental properties in the area. Come see for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests