The following executive summary is based on a comprehensive and impartial AI analysis of guest reviews. Keep in mind that all units are individually owned, and review scores among units can vary considerably.
The Cliffs at Princeville delivers a classic North Shore Kauai experience: dramatic cliffside ocean views, sunrise and sunset watching from Adirondack chairs on the lawn, and the soothing sound of waves and birds. Guests love the spacious, breezy condos with multiple lanais and well‑kept grounds, plus the quiet, relaxed vibe a short drive from Hanalei Bay, Anini, Hideaways, and Queen’s Bath. Many units are well stocked for easy beach days and home cooking, and hosts are frequently praised for clear, friendly communication.
Resort amenities stand out for families and couples alike: a beautiful pool complex (family area with waterfalls plus an adults‑only hot tub), pickleball/tennis/basketball courts, a putting green, bike rentals, clean gas grills, and frequent activities (lei‑making, yoga, happy hour), pop‑up markets, and food trucks. In season, guests regularly spot whales, dolphins, albatross, and nēnē geese; the location and on‑site offerings make it an easy base to explore the North Shore or stay put and unwind.
Set expectations for island norms and property nuances. Most units do not have central AC; many guests are comfortable with trade winds and fans, but some find lofts or afternoons warm—earplugs and white‑noise fans also help with early‑rising roosters. Parking typically carries a nightly fee and the lot can fill late; some buildings have stairs only, and a few units feel dated or have minor maintenance/cleanliness issues (quality varies by individually owned condo). There’s no easy, walkable beach from the property, and a few reviews noted key/card check‑in quirks. If these matter to you, look for a unit with bedroom AC, clarify parking and key details in advance, and choose floor level based on whether you prefer views (upper floors) or easy access (ground). Overall, the setting, amenities, and value earn strong repeat‑stay sentiment.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 reviews
This was a perfect stay in the Princeville area! The view and sounds of the ocean from the balcony were amazing and soothing. There was some whale activity but not that much in the first week of January. I did a whale watching boat trip from the west side of the island that saw many whales. The weather was rainy and colder than what I was used to on previous trips to Kauai so it was really nice to have two hot tubs and a heated pool section. There were many times when it was pouring as I sat and chatted with other visitors in the hot tub. There were so many rainbows to watch from the balcony! The condo has a great layout, plenty of space, is clean and is fully stocked even with tuber ware, oil, spices, coffee and plenty of nice toiletries. The only thing missing was a water kettle to heat up hot water for those who drink tea like me. The condo is a second level unit and has good airflow with both doors open on the two balconies. You can hear your neighbors. The bed is comfortable. The Cliffs resort offers such great amenities like lei making, a farmer’s market stand, food trucks, a happy hour so you can get all you need there. It’s also walking distance (30min) from one of the best sunset watching spots in the area. The owner Mr Simpson is very attentive and helpful. Overall I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend!
Miriam K.
January 2026
Everything was fabulous. The location and quick responsiveness of the host when we had a question was excellent
Steve W.
January 2026
Wonderful stay (part 1 of 2) - perfect unit for our family, and the property was very pretty, well-maintained, and green! We look forward to part 2 of our stay in January!
Tracy C.
January 2026
This was a perfect unit for our stay! It had all we needed for our visit, along with beautiful views. We have already booked for next year!
Tracy C.
January 2026
Host was amazing. Excellent & prompt communication and friendly. Her place is beautiful with extra amenities and she is willing to go above and beyond. 10/10 can’t wait to come back
Brian Joseph F.
January 2026
Host very responsive, condo filled with amenities.
KATHLEEN C.
January 2026
great grill area - nice close parking - great overall location
Lynnette F.
December 2025
Everything was perfect. Thank you!
N W.
December 2025
We loved everything about this place, the location was perfect and beautiful. We would love to return here to this unit.
Valynne U.
December 2025
Our family of 6 had a wonderful stay in this beautiful condo. Can’t beat the location and the views. Host was responsive and helpful. We hope to visit again soon!
Lauren H.
December 2025
Kitchen had everything we needed, great location with Whales visible nearly every day. Beautiful location and located close to many island attractions We loved our stay and would highly recommend this VRBO for others
Jeff H.
December 2025
The hosts had a beautiful floral arrangement and Kauai treats waiting for us. They were very thoughtful in their messages about their favorites on the island. Honestly, we have stayed at many different resorts in Kauai, but the view from the land of the ocean at The Cliffs is just breathtaking. The whales started breaching. I spent most of all my time when we were at the condo sitting there and taking in the view. They had many kitchen staples in fridge and cabinets-seasonings, sauces, salad dressing. The Cliffs pool is nicely segmented for families with young kids and adults with waterfalls and foliage so kids can play on one side while you float your worries away in peace on the other. A new plus for us on this stay at The Cliffs was food trucks! They had rotating food trucks that made eating out so easy and delicious. We truly loved our stay. Mahalo.
Jody D.
December 2025
Views great. Wonderful place to stay.
Stephanie S.
December 2025
Host was wonderful and unit very well furnished with pots & pans, soaps, and welcome box of candies - and wine.Also a very good washer & dryer.Thank you!
Lucy M.
December 2025
Loved it!
Abigail R.
December 2025
Loved this property! In a great neighborhood with stunning ocean views. Loved hearing the waves all during the day; some of us slept outside too. A beautiful space. We thoroughly enjoyed it!
Georgette W.
December 2025
Condo management did not know we were arriving.
richard W.
December 2025
Very quick responses. Reception desk was always helpful. Spacious home.
gretchen d.
December 2025
We really enjoyed our stay here. Nice unit. Would consider it again. No toiletries though, such as shampoo/conditioner etc.
Doris G.
December 2025
Beautiful location.
Tammy C.
December 2025
Great place to stay
Daniel B.
December 2025
This rental was in a convenient and beautiful spot on the north coast. We used the lanai with its ocean view for morning coffee everyday before starting our day. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The cross breeze through the unit kept everything airy and cool. The kitchen was well stocked.
Joanna K.
December 2025
Great experience. As described on app. Would book again.
Rick P.
November 2025
Nice roomy place. Beautiful setting with some cliffs over the sea and chairs for viewing not far away. No privacy on either outdoor deck. Did not realize, when we booked that this is a timeshare property. FYI: Parking is 15/day extra. we had no qualms with any of the staff or the property but we will stay elsewhere next time.
Fred B.
November 2025
We loved the comfy big bed, the kitchen and living room views, the pool, the lush landscape, the beautiful bluff right out of our patio. Most importantly, the condo hosts' quick response and kind communication.
Tracey N.
November 2025
All was great. Had an electrical outage for several buildings when we arrived. Taken care in a few hours. GM was on site and made sure all was well. Very comfortable and GREAT VIEW.
November 2025
Spacious, great amenities and laid back vibes! My family loved the pool and jacuzzi and rec area. It was nice to have board games for the kids to play. We will definitely be back
Christie S.
November 2025
Excellent location, very clean unit and great views
Steve M.
November 2025
Everything was great
james s.
November 2025
The proximity to the water was nice.
James S.
November 2025
The condo was beautiful, spacious and so comfortable. It was great to sit on a comfy couch and enjoy the view. The covered lanai was a beautiful place to eat and hang out with the chickens. Our host checked in on us and was quick to communicate. We would definitely stay again.
Melody K.
November 2025
Great location. Simple condo- no frills. Bed was cozy and extra queen bed a huge plus for traveling with two older kids.
Cara K.
November 2025
The host was very accommodating answering multiple questions throughout the trip. Lots of room and well equipped with everything needed for a fun beach vacation.
Timothy H.
November 2025
Very well equipped. The unit was clean and the resort staff very friendly.
Vivian L.
October 2025
We had a really enjoyable stay overall! The property is in a great location and the pool area is absolutely fantastic for kids — plenty of space, multiple pool options, and lots of fun features to keep them busy for hours. The unit itself was bright, comfortable, and well-equipped for a family stay.A couple of things to note: there was some construction work happening on the building during the week, which did mean a bit of daytime noise and wear and tear outside the unit. Also, the master bedroom has both beds in the same room. The unit while clean and well maintained, is showing its age and does have air conditioning, so it could get warm during the hotter part of the day.Despite those minor inconveniences, we really enjoyed our time here. The friendly management team and great family amenities made it a memorable and pleasant stay overall.
Tom C.
October 2025
Beautiful complex, stunning views, knowledgeable staff.
Tricia V.
October 2025
Clean and kept up well
Jamie W.
October 2025
Great end unit with partial ocean view, we loved being on the end. Great breeze from the patio to the bedroom. The unit itself is really large, 2 very nice bathrooms, kitchen was adequate. Gas BBQ's right outside. We were there in early October and it was pretty warm. There is no A/C, and we didn't need it, although if you stayed in a warmer month, I could see it being too hot without it. The grounds were beautiful and well kept. The mattress has seen a few better days, we did let the property management know and I feel confident they will replace it. We most definitely would stay there again (as long as the mattress was replace) and look forward to returning again.
Susie G.
October 2025
Very clean, lovely view, great host
Rina W.
October 2025
Highly recommend!
Patrick R.
October 2025
Beautiful, clean condo in the lush trees. Amazing tropical pool and cliffs with gorgeous ocean views less than a 5 min walk away. All the amenities and beach supplies were handy. Fully stocked kitchen. Only 15 min to Hanalei, perfect for our surf trip! Would stay here again!
Gwenyth R.
October 2025
Peaceful neighborhood. Comfortable
Jackie N.
October 2025
Everything was GREAT!!! We really enjoyed our stay, will definitely come back! Mahalo!
Michelle M.
October 2025
Perfect stay!
Elisabeth D.
October 2025
Place was nice. No air conditioning. I would not recommend for hot months. We were not able to wash clothes the washing machines leaked water all over the floor.
Cecily M.
October 2025
Beautiful property with nice amenities.
Mary Ann S.
October 2025
We had so much fun. Plastic cups would’ve have been handy.
Nancy M.
October 2025
Great location, walkable to beaches, shopping and other activities Suite was clean and comfortable but could use some casual seating in the room, only one occasional chair and a small bar height table with two chairs but a nice unit overall.
Kane R.
September 2025
Hands down the only place we'll book in Kauaii again. Gorgeous, spotless,turnkey, home away from home. Peaceful and restful. Thank you!
Beau B.
September 2025
The property was very good with beautiful ocean views and a great location. The property is listed as having air conditioning but it only has air conditioning in one out of 4 bedrooms. There is no air conditioning in any other rooms. This seems misleading and it was warmer and more humid inside than I expected and I am used to.
Timothy C.
September 2025