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Private Family Oasis Centrally Located by the Beach & All the Local Activities

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Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, DVD player, books, music library
Property grounds
Aerial view

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6142 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Hanalei, HI
  • Hanalei Bay
  • Makua Beach
    ā€Ŗ9 min driveā€¬
  • Princeville Golf Club Prince Course
    ā€Ŗ21 min driveā€¬
  • Lihue, HI (LIH)
    ā€Ŗ73 min driveā€¬

Room options

About the area

Hanalei

Seaside stay .You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Wainiha Beach Park and 2 miles (3 km) of Lumahai Beach with a stay here. Kepuhi Point Beach and Makua Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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What's nearby

  • Makua Beach - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Hanalei Beach - 10 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Puupoa Beach - 17 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Princeville Golf Club Prince Course - 18 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Hideaways Beach - 18 min drive - 9.7 km

Getting around

  • Lihue Airport (LIH) - 73 min drive

Restaurants

  • ā€ŖWishing Well Shave Ice - ā€¬12 min drive
  • ā€ŖHappy Talk Bar & Restaurant - ā€¬21 min drive
  • ā€ŖTahiti Nui - ā€¬12 min drive
  • ā€ŖKalypso Island Bar & Grill - ā€¬11 min drive
  • ā€ŖJoJo's Shave Ice - ā€¬11 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Private Family Oasis Centrally Located by the Beach & All the Local Activities

*TVR Registration #TVNC 5132*
*State Tax ID 052-031-4880-01*
*This property is located in a Tsunami Evacuation Area*
*Evacuation procedures provided in the house with a map*

The video above is a complete tour of the entire River Estate property showing both the Guest House 2 bedroom (VRBO 249) and the Riverhouse 3 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 Riverhouse at River Estate is a private, spacious and luxurious three bedroom two bath home that is perfect for up to six guests. It accommodates families, mixed groups and even couples that are looking for luxurious comfort, privacy and a home that they will want to return to each day knowing it has all they need and more. Letā€™s put it this wayā€¦even the kitchen knives are sharpened whenever they need it!

The lush property is centrally located on the north shore of Kauai between Hanalei town and Ke'e Beach at the end of the road by Haena State Park which is easily accessible by bicycle which we can provide for you (rented and delivered to the house). The beach downstream can be accessed by a short walk or by paddling down the river and back by Kayak or Paddle Board (Rented and delivered to your house) All the activities and attractions on the north shore are within 3 miles of the property. Heading East is Hanalei and West is Haena and Keā€™e Beach and in between those two locations are most of the activities and attractions North Kauai is famous for.

Before you arrive I will have already communicated with you and offered my services as your private concierge and sent you a complete welcome package filled with helpful information. My 55 years here have provided me with many experiences which I will share with you to help you make the most of your time. I will remain at your service throughout your stay.

The first thing you'll notice is the pristine stream that flows adjacent to the property to the ocean which is a block away and the expansive botanical gardens which inhabit the grounds. The visual richness of the sight of the stream and the sound of the water flowing by will immediately relax you and it will set the stage for your entire stay on the estate. The smell of the flowers in the air will enchant your senses and depending on the time of year you stay there might be local fruit in the garden for you to harvest. This is a true sanctuary for you to relax and enjoy when you are not out exploring what North Kauai has to offer. I will make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need.

There is no other north Kauai rental property that offers access to a deserted beach via the river from and back to the property. Your home at River Estate will be your own private riverfront sanctuary that is completely unlike any other vacation property on the North Shore of Kauai. This is real Natural Hawaiian paradise where you will feel at home as soon as you enter the property and it will last until you leave every day on your explorations. This is the natural Hawaii you have heard about and it will be your home base for the duration of your stay.

Property manager

MARK BARBANELL

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Water dispenser

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Tennis
  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycles
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Electric car charging station
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Solar energy
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 1,525 square feet
  • Water dispenser
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:30 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Please read the house rules before arrival.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number 580060110002, W30347586-02

Private Family Oasis Centrally Located by the Beach & All the Local Activities Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 102 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 102 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 102 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 102 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 102 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Daniel N.

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig & Julie M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

Great location. Close to things in Hanalei Bay. Right on the river.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roisin M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Feel Like a Local!

The River House was a perfect oasis for me and my family. Having visited Hanalei many times over the past decade, we were already very familiar with the area and choice of accommodations. While some condos have fantastic ocean views (which we prioritized when we first came to this area), we wanted more space (kids no longer little), air conditioning in the evenings, privacy, quiet, beauty and a convenient location to everything we love about Hanalei. We didn't miss the ocean view one bit - it was just a paddle up the river from the property. We had total privacy in the middle of a gorgeous tropical garden, beautiful scents after the rainfall, birdsong and peace. The house was spotless, the beds were extremely comfortable, and we had lots of room to spread out. We cooked some lovely meals and felt "at home". We were just a few minutes walk to the local shop for the basics - such friendly folks there, where you can also hop onto the Haena State Park shuttle. We were a few minutes' drive from our favorite beach (Lumaha'i) where the fresh water from the river meets a gorgeous surf, and less than 10 min drive from Hanalei town center. Mark arranged delivery of the paddleboards as well as the gear to attach to our rental car. Wi-Fi worked great. We wouldn't hesitate to return to pretend we were locals for just a few days!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian M., Davis

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing River Retreat

I would like to tell you that this is a horrible place to stay... but it is not horrible. It is quite wonderful. Mark has arguably one of the best VRBO's my family and I have stayed at. Well appointed in every aspect. We prepared almost every meal during our stay and the kitchen has everything we needed.The bedrooms are spacious and the beds comfortable. Whatever amenity we needed was provided. This was the perfect place for us. Off the beaten path right down the river from the beach. From the sounds of birds in the morning, to the lush jungle smells of the evening, this is truly an oasis.Communication with Mark was great, and is what you would expect from a top notch VRBO host. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your River Estate, Mark. We will be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbi B., San Jose, CA

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful home in a beautiful location

River Estate is a beautiful home about 15 minutes (driving) from Hanalei. I chose this home because we wanted a quiet place to relax after a difficult year, and River Estate hit the mark. The house is beautiful and clearly loved. The kitchen is very well equipped (more so than most I've seen) with an air fryer, toaster, blender, microwave, food processor (most of which we didn't have a chance to use) and very complete set of dishes and glassware. Furniture is comfy, and we ate all of our meals on the screened lanai overlooking the river and the trees. Very relaxing! Bathrooms are well stocked with towels, and there are beach towels as well. We never had a chance to float down the river to the private beach but we could catch a glimpse of it from the road, and it would have been a great place to check out. Alas, when traveling with a little one walking on the road isn't a good option. There are only 3 houses on the property and we didn't actually ever see the people, it's very private. When arriving (especially the first day), be sure to use Mark's instructions, they were perfect. It really is JUST before the two bridges and you will miss it if you aren't watching. Mark was very helpful in solving any problem that came up for us. We were traveling with our 13 month old grandson (for the first time) and Mark was able to rent a crib and high chair for us, which was great, as we had enough stuff to bring for the baby without trying to bring those!We really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful property

This is a beautiful property, well stocked for all your needs. The owner Mark is amazing. He has great recommendations & was so helpful to book excursions for us. He has tons of information to help your stay be the best. He is a wonderful host. We look forward to staying again.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Amy F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Gorgeous location, excellent host, beautiful home

The North Shore is our favorite spot on the planet and weā€™ve been fortunate to visit many times. Mark was hands down the best host of any property weā€™ve stayed at and he has a beautiful, comfortable home with all the amenities you could hope for. We had a marvelous time and would gladly book again.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kyle D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing Property, Amazing Location!

The River Estate Riverhouse was absolutely perfect for our small group trip to Kauai. Mark was extremely communicative and responsive before and during our trip. Check-in was super easy, the house was clean and fully stocked and a short drive to Hanalei Bay and Tunnels Beach which was awesome. I couldn't recommend this property more. Our group had a great time. Thank you Mark for the hospitality! We will definitely be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jopha C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Home away from home

River House was a great place to stay with my family. The house was clean and inviting to stay in. Outside area is beautiful and private. Mark was a wonderful host and very helpful. Easy to communicate with. If we ever get the chance to come back, River House will be our first pick.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

cari b.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Property, Stunning Location

Our family of 4 stayed at River Estates mid to late October and enjoyed everything about it. This was our first family vacation and our first time on Kauai. We opted for the North Shore after reading about different areas and we are so glad we did. We travelled all over the island during our stay and found the North Shore to be the most beautiful. The house itself had everything we needed. The kitchen was fully stocked, Mark (the owner) was very responsive and helpful (the coffee maker stopped working our second day and he kindly brought a new one to the house within an hour), everything was in working order, it was spotless, there are tangerine and orange trees in the yard that we picked fruit from every morning, and most importantly the yard and location were breathtakingly beautiful. I can't begin to describe it and the pictures don't really do it justice. My children and I walked the driveway and neighborhood in the morning surrounded by beautiful plants and trees, a river running behind the property, and mountains in the background. The house feels isolated in a good way, being surrounded by nature, but is only a short drive from the center of Hanalei where we did a lot of our shopping and dining. We hiked Ha-ena State Park, which was close to the house and WORTH VISTING. We were close to several of the beaches we wanted to visit. In summary, this was a perfect location for us and the house was clean, comfortable and beautiful. We hope to be back!!!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wade L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice place

Very nice place overall. Clean, great communication, just as advertised. One thing not so much owners fault, there is a neighbor close by with dogs that bark a lot! We just turned on the a/c in the bedroom at night and closed the windows.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Stay

The house is clean, comfortable, and decorated nicely. The beds are really comfortable and the kitchen had everything I needed. The house is off the beaten path and it was nice to get away from the traffic and crowds. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

TREVOR P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Piece of paradise

The property is absolutely stunning. If youā€™re looking to get away from people, this is the spot. You are secluded but close enough to Hanalei if you need anything. The floors are beautiful wood and the owner is very responsive and will take care of you.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B., Burlington

Liked: Cleanliness

Great North Shore Retreat

The property and home are exactly as advertised. Beautiful and meticulously cared for. We didn't experience any concerns/issues, The owner (Mark) was readily avaialabe and quick to reply whem we communicated. Our family wanted to focus on exploring the north shore and found this to be a very convenient location for that. Although we were not comfortable walking the roads (except to the nearby coffee shop, which is great), everything we wanted to access was just a quick and easy drive. And when we weren't out and about, the lanai and porches were perfect for relaxing and reading.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unforgettable and Impeccable Service: A 5-Star Experience at the River House

Our stay at the River House was nothing short of extraordinary, earning a resounding five-star rating. From the moment we booked the reservations, Mark, our exceptional host at the River Estate, demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism and warmth. His communication was impeccable, ensuring that all our needs were met and that the property exceeded our expectations. The River House itself was a masterpiece of comfort and convenience. We were delighted to find that the kayaks and paddle boards we rented were delivered right to the house ahead of our arrival, showcasing the seamless and thoughtful service provided. The location was ideal for our family vacation, perfectly situated to explore the stunning beauty of Kauai. The kitchen was equipped with every amenity one would need, including a air fryer that proved to be incredibly useful. Every detail was meticulously attended to, making our stay not only enjoyable but also exceptionally convenient. For an unforgettable experience and a stay that truly feels like a home away from home, the River House and its remarkable host, Mark, set an unparalleled standard.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juli M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Paradise

The pictures don't do it enough justice. The home and surrounding yard/driveway is unreal how beautiful it all is. You could stay at the house and never leave if you wanted to. The house had all amenities that you could ask for. There's a little country market store, coffee shop about a 5 minute walk down the road that is the essence of "true" Hawaii. If we ever make it back to Kauai, would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Highly recommend

We stayed 12 nights at the River Estate and enjoyed every minute. The house is clean, the grounds were well kept and, in my opinion, the propertyā€™s greatest feature is the location. This property is perfect for families who want to disconnect from their hectic lives. The location just up the Wainiha river is quiet and peaceful. We found ourselves enjoying time relaxing by the river watching birds and the occasional group of fish swim by. The property was part of our vacation, not just a bed for the night. We planned many of our days with a ā€˜resetā€™ back at the house after a morning at the Beach. An additional benefit to staying here, is the small market within walking distance. There is a place to grab a coffee, a shave ice, lunch or even groceries. This was our 5th time to the north shore of Kauai and we have not stayed at the same property twice...next time we come, will be staying at the River Estate again.
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best VRBO ever!

An absolutely amazing property and location. The home was beyond clean, very well appointed, roomy and comfortable. Mark is very attentive and easy to get a hold of. He was very gracious with his time and help with all our questions. He set up having kayaks delivered to the house for our stay which was a huge deal with having a rental car as that would have been a challenge to go get and bring back. We so enjoyed kayaking to and from the private beach just fantastic. Will definitely pass info on the VRBO to friends and family. One of the most memorable vacations we have had. We have done many VRBOs and this one is tops on the list. Donā€™t pass this one up! Truly an amazing find. Thank you Mark for your time and attention to make our stay what it was.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberley C.

Liked: Cleanliness

North Shore Kauai Paradise

Kauai is an extremely beautiful island, and the North Shore is the prettiest part. The home is in an area that is close to everything you could want. Princeville and Hanalei Bay are near; however, you have the seclusion of being near beaches and shops that are local's favorites. The house is extremely clean, and the beds are very comfortable. Kitchen is well stocked, and you are supplied with beach chairs, towels and supplies that are very thoughtful.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

Awesome property, easy check in and a great spot to stay
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marc K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent Place to Stay!

If you want a great place to stay that isn't "touristy" and very secluded, this place is it. We stayed for 2 weeks and it was great. There are several local beaches for relaxing days, and it is an easy drive down to Lihue and other locations for more planned adventures. Although not on the ocean, this is located next to a river that goes straight to the ocean which is an easy kayak ride. The host is very responsive and helpful. We had a bad stone come through and he was helpful to make sure we were prepared for it. Another great perk is this house is on solar, so when we did lose power, we actually didn't since we had battery and solar back up. Excellent place to stay.
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josh S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome location

Close enough to town and yet felt like we were out in the country! Being next to the creek was a bonus. Incrediblyt well stocked kitchen.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

denise s.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Vacation

We stayed at the River House for 7 nights in February of 2024. Our stay was just wonderful. The house is just as depicted, if not better. The river is just outside, the property is nicely landscaped and the neighborhood is quiet. We were close to Hanalei, which we loved! We went to beaches close by and used the provided beach towels, chairs and umbrella. The Kitchen is well stocked and comfortable. Temperature was very comfortable. We did not use the AC since the weather was in the low 70's. Fans and lots of windows were great. We did not have much interaction with the Owner but he was always responsive and welcoming. At our request, he provided a crib and high chair to rent. If you want to rent kayaks, etc. he can supply as well. He had great suggestions on restaurants. Overall, the house provided us with a 'no worries' base for a lovely stay in Kauai. I highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue Y., Santa Paula, CA

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful place

We really loved this place and Mark is an amazing host!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon M.

Liked: Cleanliness

December stay

Lovely place in a secluded setting with easy access to all things north shore. Easy 6 minute walk to small store, coffee house and eatery. Responsive and helpful host.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023