Our rental, Tessie’s Place in the Sandpiper Village complex in Princeville, was a comfortable, cozy, and large studio. Starting at only $75 per night, it's a great option for those on a budget who don’t need an ocean view and the high price tag that goes along with it.
On check-in, we were greeted by our helpful and friendly host Tessie, who actually lives next door to the studio. She immediately took time to give us an overview of the area and recommendations for dining and shopping. Later in our stay, she even took time to give us a quick tour to a few of the popular Princeville trails, like Queens Bath and Turtle Cove, all only minutes away. It was like having our own personal concierge.
The studio had many thoughtful touches, including plenty of Hawaiian tourism, cultural, and history books and tropical decor. The king-size bed was more comfortable than many hotels we’ve stayed at, and the pool, Jacuzzi, and barbeque were just across the walkway. The studio didn't have a kitchen, but it was equipped with a mini fridge, microwave, and toaster. We also had everything we needed to pack up and head for the beach, including beach mats and towels, an igloo, a snorkel mask, and more.
The Area
The surrounding Princeville area has a shopping center with a grocery store, gift shops, and a few dining options, which are less than 5 minutes away from most of the condo rentals. The two major hotels in Princeville, the Hanalei Bay Resort and the Princeville Resort, were just a short drive down the road from our complex. On Tessie's suggestion, we enjoyed a memorable sunset dinner our first night at the Bali Hai Restaurant at the Hanalei Bay Resort.
More dining and shopping can be found in nearby Hanalei, most notably the fish market at Hanalei Dolphin. There we bought fresh ahi, teriyaki steak kabobs, potato salad, and a sushi roll for only $20 and took it back to our condo to barbeque. This turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip!
**Princeville is a very popular tourist area, especially in the summertime. You don't have to spend a fortune to stay there, though, as a simple search on the Internet will bring up hundreds of condo and home rentals to fit just about any budget.