This condo resort was completed in 2008, and half of the rooms are timeshares, but many rooms are always available for rentals. The grounds here are lovely with a very pretty multi-level pool and keiki pool complete with waterslide and spouting honu (turtles). Thatched umbrellas around the pool are free for the taking. Poolside cabanas rent for $145 per day and include fruit and water. There are even two waterfall-edge plunge pools (about 4 feet deep) tucked on the side of buildings 2 and 3, and 6 and 7 with their own spas. (The one between 6 and 7 is best because it sits on the cliffs overlooking the ocean.)
The rooms are clean, spacious and modern, complete with Westin’s “Heavenly Beds,” deep whirlpool tubs, full kitchens and washer/dryers (even in the studios). The 2/2s are actually a studio and 1/1s joined at the hip.
They offer an on-site Kids’ Club for $85 per day for 5- to 12-year-olds ($55 for a half day). They also have an extensive activity list daily. Some are free, most have a charge of around $5–$30 (remember there is no resort fee here)—everything from intro SCUBA to lei making to yoga to free movie nights and airbrush tattoos. You can even enjoy a massage in an outdoor hale looking at the ocean.
The friendly staff here will cater to your needs, from having food delivered to your room before your arrival and stocked in your fridge to driving you around Princeville or down to the beach in front of the Princeville Resort to poolside drink service to 24-hour room service. You can buy meats to grill at one of the many BBQ areas in their small market (with prices similar to Foodland in Princeville). They offer a private four-course romantic dinner by the pool for $500 per couple—tax, wine and tip included.
Buildings 3, 6 and 7 are closest to the ocean, but there is no beach here (you’re on a bluff), and beach access is actually from the property next door. Many of the buildings are oriented away from the ocean with garden views. Building 4 has some great views of Bali Hai, but backs up to a parking lot, so opt for a higher floor in that building.
They have a “Go Green” program where you receive a buffet breakfast voucher (for one person) each day you defer housekeeping services. They charge $1.50 for local calls.
Overall, this resort has grown on us and prices have come down enough to warrant a Real Gem for this review. Studios (512 sq. ft.) start around $700, 1/1s (799 sq. ft.) start around $850, 2/2s (1,311 sq. ft.) start around $1,400. Most people don’t pay the rack rate here (except at busy seasons), and we doubt you will either.