River Estate Entrance - Your Own Private Retreat in a Tropical Wonderland
Location: Hanalei, North Shore, Kauai, Hawaii, USA (2 miles from Hanalei and Ke'e beach. Riverfront Wonderland..) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Detached Unit, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: Private riverfront estate vacation rentals peaceful quiet natural setting River Estate
There are two homes at River Estate (One 2 bedroom 2 bath called the Guest House and one 3 bedroom 2 bath called the Riverhouse) Both homes are on the estate grounds next to the river in the same proximity to the water yet far apart. Visit our official website (link at the bottom of the page) for links to our media reviews and to view both calendars .
On February, 10th, 2011 River Estate was named as one of 12 Romantic Getaways across the US in a LonleyPlanet website article published for Valentine's Day by one of their staff writers. River Estate was also named as one of the 10 most romantic properties in Hawaii by the well known and prestigious Gayot Travel Guide in 2009 ("The Guide to the Good Life") which was established in 1981 by Andre Gayot who invented the term Nouvelle Cuisine and has been directing travelers to the world's best restaurants, hotels, shops, sightseeing and cultural attractions since well before he published his first guidebook. River Estate has been featured in National Geographic Adventure Magazine in Feb. 2006 and the L.A. Times Online Travel Magazine Blog as well as Fodor's and Lonely Planet's Kauai travel guides. We have mostly 5 star reviews on Tripadvisor as well. We offer our guests the ultimate in comfort in our meticulously maintained accommodations, extreme privacy in the wonderful natural environment provided by our riverfront gardens and one of the best locations on Kauai. Bar none.
"A Dream Come True"
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 10/11/1
**More reviews listed on our website (See link below)**
For this Hawaii-raised girl, this place was a dream come true! For twenty-eight years I had wanted to show my husband Kauai, and I could not have asked for a better location, accommodation, or host. From the day I called Mark to make reservations, through the actual stay, the entire experience was a first-class treat! Mark's attention to comfort, style, and details was phenomenal. He has thought of and provided everything for a perfect and relaxing vacation. All you need are a swimming suit, a change of clothes and a few groceries. This is old Hawaii, plantation-style living at its finest and just exactly what I wanted my husband and boys to experience. You can't beat it for romance and setting. We were lulled to sleep by soft rain, and we awakened every morning to the soothing sounds of the river. The large property, extensive surrounding gardens and lush, tropical landscaping offer tranquility and complete privacy. The interior design is upscale, tropical, and comfortable. Mark hasn't missed any detail in decorating either! You can't help but relax and move naturally into "Hawaiian time" mode. The property is located on the north end of the island within ten minutes of the famous Napali Coast and its challenging and breathtaking hiking trail, as well as one of the calmest and best snorkeling locations on the island. (Get there early for a parking spot or miss out.) Within minutes the other direction, you have Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Valley and Princeville. Water sports (like stand-up paddling and kayaking) and other activities abound in this locale. There's also no shortage of local eateries and numerous historical buildings to visit. But every night we had the privilege of returning to the best vacation retreat house on the island, if not in the state! Honestly, it was difficult making a decision on whether to just "hang out" there or be busy tourists. The accommodations were only surpassed by Mark's graciousness as a host. He was responsive, attentive and patient to all of our needs and questions. Thank you, Mark, for extending perfect "aloha" to your guests! If you're looking for a unique and authentic "real Hawaii" experience, this is your place. For the price, it's a real bargain! If you're looking for just another predictable upscale hotel, and a vacation spent with hundreds of other travelers, go to Princeville or Poipu. But I highly recommend that you skip the ridiculously pricey St. Regis and stay at River Estate. You can go enjoy a delicious lunch or some Plantation Iced Tea on the St. Regis balcony to say you've been there. I could write volumes on River Estate. My husband fell in love with the island and now has a particular affection for this place. He's trying to figure out how he can get transferred there for his work! If we had to live in Lihue, we'd still rent Mark's Guest House on the weekends! My starving college student son thought he had died and gone to heaven. My sixteen-year old son (who has a very critical eye and strong opinions) now uses River Estate as a measuring rod by which all other accommodations are evaluated. To date, none have measured up! And we're already making plans for a return trip next year. (Hiking the Napali Coast is on our bucket list!) Again, thank you Mark, for helping an ex-patriot fulfill her dream. You really know how to spoil your guests and provide them much-needed rest and rejuvenation. You also know how to show them Hawaii living at its finest. Remembering your place and your hospitality gives us precious memories and something to look forward to. Mahalo!!"
Peace, privacy and comfort is what you'll find here at River Estate. Staying here just might be one of the finest vacation experiences you'll ever have. The idyllic riverfront gardens are perfectly complimented by the two charming homes. Our onsite staff as well as the owner will provide you with impeccable service before and during your stay. We offer our guests an experience so special a lot of our guests comment that they don't want to leave!
River Estate offers quality accommodations that are meticulously maintained and fairly priced. The homes are eclectic, comfortable and above all extremely peaceful and private. River Estate's prime location is central to all the great North Kauai attractions and activities and it offers a truly incomparable experience to those to make the journey here. Paradise..
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Both homes have a split system with remote controls throughout the houses.
- Linens Provided : Hotel grade towels, 400 count sheets, pillow cases and bedding. Beach towels.
- Washer : Full sized washer with laundry soap provided in each house.
- Dryer : Full sized dryers in each house
- Garage : Both homes have covered parking and covered entries
- Covered Parking : Both homes have covered parking with covered access to the home
- Beds
- King Bed (2) : King bed in each Master Suite
- Queen Bed (3) : Both house total
- Crib : We will arrange for a full line of baby needs to be delivered to the house before arrival (at guest expense) that are reasonably priced.
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub
- Cable/Satellite TV (2) : Cable TV in living and master bedrooms of each house.
- DVD
- Video Library (2) : Large selection of movies filmed on Kauai, old classics, newer releases and Hawaii themed videos and documentaries.
- CD Player
- Music Library (2) : Large CD selection of all types of music. We take requests for specific music styles and albums before arrival. Ask us about that amenity.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen (2) : Fully equipped gourmet kitchens with many amenities and attention to detail.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Completely equipped with every kitchen utensil, cookware and serving ware in each home.
- Refrigerator (2) : Full sized with ice maker and filtered water dispenser.
- Dishwasher (2) : Standard size electric dishwasher.
- Microwave (2) : Counter top full sized model
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available : Just let us know what you have in mind we'll arrange it for you.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill (2) : Gas Grills kept neat and clean.
- Lanai (5) : One l shaped main lanai at the Guest House. One screened in lanai with hot tub and 3 separate lanais for each bedroom in the Riverhouse.
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : This is a riverfront property within walking distance of the beach. The lanai looks over a pristine stream and botanical gardens with mountains above. Float down the river and back from the house!
- Water View : The river is viewable from all bedrooms and living area. It's just steps away so you'll hear the sound of the water flowing over the stones in the river.
- Communications
- Telephone (6) : Wireless phones in every room.
- Free Long Distance (2) : Local, inter-island and mainland calls are free in each home.
- Broadband Internet : Cable modems provided in each home.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Wireless internet provided throughout each house.
- Other Amenities
- *Helpful onsite staff Available 24/7 to assist you*24 Hr concierge service*In house travel agency*Air Conditioning in each room*Granite Counter tops*State of the art Lighting* Balinese art and furniture*400 count bedding*Hotel grade towels*Cherry hardwood floors*Chinese slate floors in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : We like children here.
- Smoking Not Allowed : no smoking zone here...
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Other Activities
- Float to beach and back from house, surfing and surf lessons, Kite Boarding, Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, zip line, waterfall hikes, Napali Coast trail, farmers markets, health food store, fine dining, grocery and fish markets, shopping, nightlife, bars, luaus, golf, tennis, health club, spa, national parks, river and boat cruises, coffee shop, library, internet cafe, shave ice stand, greasy burger joint, local craft fair, Hawaiian music performances, shell hunting, beach walks, body surfing, world famous beaches, natural wonders, verdant landscapes, art galleries, motorcycle and bike rentals, helicopter tours, Hawaiian cultural sites, hula lessons, yoga studio, juice and fruit stands and especially meeting and interacting with really friendly people.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Guest House - $295 Per Night(2)$330 Holidays - $15 Per Night Each Additional Guest
Guest House - Weekly: $1950(2) $2100(3or4) Holidays $2100(2), $2250(3or4)
Riverhouse - $335 Per Night(2) $15 Per Night Each Additional Guest
Riverhouse - Weekly: $2150(2) $2275(3-4) $2400(5-6) Holidays $2275 $2400, $2525
Hawaii State Tax of 13.42%. $100 Service fee for all bookings. Cleaning Fees Vary.
Visit our website for complete details. Guest House and Riverhouse (Link Below)
Holidays Nov.20-30 and Dec.20-Jan.5 For Discounts Visit Our Website (Link Below)
Kauai Vacation Rental PERMIT Numbers - TV-1169 - TVNC 1279 Member HVCB
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
-
-
-
Map & Owner's Profile
River Estate-Rated 1of12 Romantic Us Properties-Lonely Planet.
Year Purchased: 1972
Why the Owner Chose Hanalei
Where my property is on North Kauai is in arguably one of the nicest areas of the whole state and quite possibly the world. Because there had always been interest in short term renting here I decided to turn both homes into a vacation rentals. There are certain places on the island and in Hawaii that are so special that people from all over the world have heard about them and have a desire to visit them. Not only is Kauai so very special, I believe Hanalei and the surrounding area is the very best Kauai has to offer. Although I have lived here for 40 years I have not forgotten the feelings I first felt when I arrived here. These are the experiences that lock this place in peoples hearts and minds and keeps bringing them back. It isn't the things you do here but the actual island itself, it's charm and it's local people that bring visitors back time and time again.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Utmost is the seclusion and romance of the botanical gardens of the property and it's convenient 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. The fact you can use the river to access the beach from the house and ocean is not offered any where else on Kauai as far as I know. 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 in our price range are kept in the condition that the Guest House is kept in and our guests reflect that in their comments in our guest book. We're proud of that. It's our stock in trade so to speak.
World famous beach where the film South Pacific was filmed. Pristine river flows into the sea at the west end and the frequently photographed lagoon at the east end.
Excellent Spanish take out food and general store within walking distance of the Guest House.
Just 2 miles to the end of the road where you'll find great snorkeling and fantastic sunsets as well as the beginning of the famous Napali Coast Trail.Hanakapai beach is 1 mile in.
World famous for it's beauty and it's backdrop of "Bali Hai"The best shore snorkeling on the north shore.
You'll find this low key gem of a town has everything you'll need and much more.
Find your own private area to relax and look for shells. From the Guest House to Ke'e beach is one big beach with numerous access points.
There is world class surfing on the whole north shore including many spots here in Hanalei Bay.
Princeville has 2 great courses designed by Robert Trent Jones as well as shopping.
Feeling adventurous? Hike just a portion of the famous Napali Coast Trail to see one of the finest wonders of nature on earth.
Owner's Map of Hanalei
I visited Kauai in 1970 and stayed on and basically never left. The charming people of Kauai and the exquisite beauty enticed me from my very first days on the island and I'm grateful every day to be blessed to live in such a wonderful healthy environment amongst such wonderful people and such a vibrant culture. I enjoy helping people and I'm available to my guests on a 24/7 basis. It's an honor and a privilege to be able to serve my guests by providing my home to so many of them and helping them to discover the wonders of this magical place. Fortunately I'm able to say that this place is still the paradise I found so many years ago. Mahalo and Aloha.
Property Photos
-
- River Estate Entrance - Your Own Private Retreat in a Tropical Wonderland - Hanalei, Kauai, Hi - Hawaii Vacation Rental - Private Estate for Rent
-
- Lush botanical gardens surround you in paradise. Ultra private peaceful grounds. - Hanalei, Kauai, Hi - Hawaii Vacation Rental - Private Estate for Rent
-
- Riverhouse - Master Suite is filled with authentic 30's furnishings Chinese art - Hanalei, Kauai, Hi - Hawaii Vacation Rental - Private Estate for Rent
-
- Guest House-Clean and Comfortable. Flat panel TV, CD and DVD players, IPod Dock.
-
- Guest House - Cook gourmet meals in the well appointed kitchen if you dine in.
-
- Guest House - The sounds of the river lull you to sleep at night.
-
- Riverhouse -The relaxing 2 person hot tub. Tommy Bahama quality living room set.
-
- Guest House - Casual and eclectic decor. View out to the large covered lanai.
-
- Riverhouse - The Master Suite, main lanai and third bedroom all face the river.
-
- Riverhouse - Fully equipped gourmet kitchen and new appliances and tile floor.
-
- River Estate homes are circled. Very close to beaches, Ke'e and Hanalei. Best!
-
- Riverhouse - The living area lighting is varied and easy to dim for romance.
-
- Riverhouse - Dining and living room areas. Comfort, style and quality furnishing
-
- Guest House - Ultra private and romantic the guest house offers quiet seclusion.
-
- Riverhouse - The hot tub is ultra romantic after dark. Image shot at dusk.
-
- Guest House - The botanical gardens are on par with the best Kauai has to offer.
Traveler Reviews (8)
Our favorite place on Kauai, great for cooks, very well maintained.
Guest: pantalonesgigantesca
(Portola Valley, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/25/10
Review Submitted: 12/05/10
I regret posting this because it will probably mean the schedule will fill up even more now :) River Estate is our favorite place to stay on Kauai, and its owner, Mark, is one of the most helpful, nicest guys you could ever meet. I will try to describe our style and that will indicate if it's right for you: - We went to the Kapa'a and Hanalei Sunshine (Farmers) markets, Hoku foods, and bought all our groceries for the week. We did all our cooking ourselves, except for the last night. The appliances are modern, the kitchen is clean and well-maintained, and the utensils are diverse and well-organized. - We spent most of our time vegging on the beaches, taking day-trips out around the island, and going for hikes. - On the rainier days, we were happy to sit out on the porch or inside in the living room and just read for a while. River Estate is a great place for this. Very comfortable environment. - The stereo has an iPod dock. NICE. - The house has A/C, even though you probably won't want to use it The master bedroom is all windows, but the location and privacy from trees mean you don't have to worry about neighbors looking in. I think what makes River Estate different from a lot of places is the amount of detail and care put into its presentation. We've stayed other places where everything just felt cheap and temporary, the owners knowing that the customers were going to trash it. River Estate is not this way. You treat it like your own home because it's kept clean and maintained so well. Just so I can provide some comments about who this isn't right for: I would say this is not the right location for someone who can't buy their own groceries or cook. Not the river estate in particular, but Haena/Eastern Hanalei. You're 15 minutes from food at all times by car (there's a little shop nearby but it's a convenience store). It's also not the right spot for someone who can't take a little rain here and there. The north shore is beautiful because of the rainfall. We didn't mind at all, and had no problem hanging out on the beach while rain clouds passed by, knowing they'd be followed with sunshine. Overall, A++, our favorite place on the island so far, and Mark is super helpful.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.
WONDERFUL HONEYMOON! We're coming back!
Guest: Eric & Liz
(Monrovia, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/03/10
Review Submitted: 10/27/10
I had been looking at different housing options for our honeymoon and was really hoping to find someplace that was private and secluded but was also close enough to the things that we wanted to do/see. I also was looking for a house that was in beautiful surrounding... I found that and more with the River Estate! The place was immaculate and had everything we could want... full kitchen, hot tub, A/C in all the rooms! We spent almost every morning eating breakfast on the lanai watching the river flow by... I wish we were back there right now! I've been to Kauai as well as Maui, Oahu and the Big Island before and this was the best place I've stayed by far and was exactly what we needed to relax and feel at home.\ The owner was wonderful to talk to and was very helpful over the phone! We had a wonderful time exploring the island and always looked forward to coming back to the house at the end of the day. We also spent a few days sleeping in, walking to the beach or around Hanalei town and watching a DVD while eating dinner. The north shore of Kauai is probably my favorite area in the world and the River Estate is now my favorite place. Thanks to Mark for making our time in Kauai such a dream honeymoon and for offering such a wonderful place for travelers to experience the majestic island of Kauai!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Amalia and Mike
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10
Review Submitted: 07/09/10
We were able to book four wonderful nights at River Estate and could not have asked for a better place to stay while on Kauai. This is our first trip to Hawaii and we decided to spend the first part of our honeymoon on the north shore. River Estate is perfect! Romantic, private, comfortable and luxurious all in one place. So wonderfully secluded we felt like we were the only people on the island surrounded by jungle. Kauai is just gorgeous and the views from every part of the island will never get old. Cook your meals here. There is nothing more relaxing than being out on the lanai drinking local beers to the sound of the river. Thanks Mark for such an amazing start to our honeymoon. We can't wait to see what else Hawaii has to offer but we're also very sad to leave! We will never forget our time at River Estate and will definitely be bac
Recommended for:
Guest: Marla and Joe
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10
Review Submitted: 07/09/10
Nine years of visits and the romance goes on!!! Wow looking back to my comments from 2008 what can I add... The house is still the best and the view from the lanai is still my all time favorite. I can never get enough of the river and the sway of the bamboo. We're not much on sightseeing now because we love it here in paradise too much. Ya know between here and Hanalei is enough for us. Quiet evenings on the lanai with the whisper of the wind and a light rain...it's priceless. Mark is a treasure to share this paradise with us. Mahalo nui loa Mark! Thanks again for taking us out to Baracuda for the great dinner. We had a great time and next time we're there I propose cooking for us at the house. Speaking of next time we're thinking of a 3 or 4 week stay. I hope you'll be able to fit us in and we promise to leave! I can now face another few months of the grind! So sorry to go. xoxo
Recommended for:
Guest: Shannon and Alex
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10
Review Submitted: 07/09/10
Aloha! We just spent the most amazing honeymoon at River Estate. What a great place to start the next chapter of our lives together. The house has the perfect setting, everything we needed and much more. We loved falling asleep and waking up the the sound of the river. Thank you so much Mark for sharing one of your homes with us. We are so lucky to have gotten to stay in such a wonderful place. We are both very sad to be leaving tomorrow but we know we'll be back
Recommended for:
A little piece of heaven on earth
Guest: Mary and Dave
(Boulder, CO)
Date of Stay: 03/22/10
Review Submitted: 03/29/10
The River Estate is, in my opinion, the absolute best place to stay in Kauai. These pictures are beautiful and true but do not capture this peaceful and private property with a lush tropical landscaping and a river running next to it. The house is raised in Hawaiian style giving one a feeling of living in a tree house. The interior is modern, convenient and tastefully decorated. If you decide to venture out, gorgeous beaches are close, as are rivers for kayaking and the Na Pali coast for hiking or snorkeling. The best part of venturing away, as we did for scuba diving in Poipu, is that you know you'll soon leave the crowds behind to return to your oasis of peace and tranquility. My husband and I, along with my teen son, celebrated our 25th anniversary here. We had a blast zip lining over lush valleys in the morning, and then shopping in the afternoon at the Farmer's Market for luscious tropical mangoes, pineapples, bananas and salad makings, and at the Hanalei fish market for some of the freshest fish ever. That evening we put together and enjoyed quite a feast with a champagne toast and a tropical arrangement that would be a king's ransom state side. Forget the shi shi restaurant...this was far superior! Our last day here came up too quickly and we awoke early knowing we needed to pack up for heading back home. One of my very favorite memories is of feeling a little chilly that morning, jumping back into bed with my cup of coffee with my husband of 25 years by my side, and watching the sun rise as we listened to the exotic birds call and the river rushing by. Now that's something to dream about until we can make our way back... Mark is a tremendous host. He was very gracious in sharing this very special place with us, and we felt blessed to be there.
Owner response:Kauai is truly a magical place to experience. Reading all the positive comments that are written by my guests is just as rewarding for me as the experience of being on Kauai is for them. Mahalo Nui Loa
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Amy & Wayne Watkinson
(Wilmington, NC)
Date of Stay: 07/09/09
Review Submitted: 07/09/09
The River Estate is pure heaven. Every morning the birds woke us up to yet another beautiful day. Only a short drive to Haena, which we thoroughly enjoyed!! Mark, you have a little bit of paradise on one of the world's most spectacular islands. Thank You!!
Recommended for:
Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09
Review Submitted: 03/19/09
This is a truly wonderful place to stay! Tucked into the forest next to a stream, the only sounds you hear are birds, the bubbling water, and the occasional dog. First-class and beautiful accommodations, tastefully furnished, high-speed internet, one of the best-equipped kitchens we've seen, and an incredibly helpful owner complete the package. First-class beaches are nearby, though not in walking distance.
Recommended for:
First (8) of (8). Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #249
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 1996.
Date last modified - Thursday, February 02, 2012
