Kauai, Hawaii: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

Our first two nights spent in Hawaii were spent located 200 feet above the Pacific Ocean on the lush North Shore of Kauai.  Following our 5 hour flight we were shuttled to The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas where we had a few hours to relax, revitalize, and take in the gorgeous surroundings that the island provides so effortlessly.   My daughter and I enjoyed the resort so much, the luxurious accommodations, stunning landscape, and fun family-friendly activities were those we could enjoy daily and we could have moved in immediately.

POOLS
What’s a 7 year old’s first request?  Go swimming! The property has 4 pools (including a Keiki (child) pool and two quiet pools) and 3 whirlpools.

The quiet pools are located amid the villas and the Na Pali pool provides a backdrop as if you’re looking off into an infinite ocean.

We chose the main multi-level pool.  The waterfalls provide a lovely sound along with the palms in the breeze, birds, and occasion rooster calls.  After I enjoyed the refreshing water, I pulled up a lounge chair and ordered some pupus (appetizers) and drinks. My daughter splashed around just a few steps in front of me and together we enjoyed delicious potstickers, a Mai Tai, and a kid-approved chocolate milkshake! I love pool side service during Pau Hana happy hour so you don’t leave the kids!Throughout our stay we alternated between the main pool and the Keiki pool.  My daughter went down the slide about 4 dozen times and the smile on her face never disappeared!

VILLAS
We love the space and the comfort of the villas.  Full kitchen, dining area with table and chairs, living room (sofa sleeper) and flat screen TV opens up to to gorgeous vegetation and a patio area.Two doors open to the patio that leads you just steps to one of the quiet plunge pools. You’ll find the chicken and rooster viewing is best here, especially at about 4am!  Pretty, sweet with their babies, and they try to be elusive once you pull your camera out.Our backyard…

The bed is Heavenly, literally they are trademarked and the name is fitting. I convinced my ever-independent daughter to join me in this King as it would be so much better than the sofa sleeper.  Because she’s her father’s daughter she put it to the test and the Heavenly bed won, of course!

I have to giggle when I tell the story.  Flash forward to the last night of our trip, we met up once again with the media rep. for the resort at dinner and when asking my daughter the favorite part of the entire Kauai trip, my sweetheart answered, “the jacuzzi tub at the Westin!”

Luckily we were with the right person, and take a look at the location and the size of that tub!  Perfect as the whirlpools on property are for ages 16 and over and are usually very hot.  This mom-regulated “hot” tub is a perfect addition to the villa.  Oh did I mention there’s a washer and dryer in there too?  Also mom-approved!

KEIKI FUN
The Westin Kids Club is offered for children ages 5 to 12 with programs designed to introduce children to Hawaiian culture and traditions. Counselors interact with the kids on activities like lei-making, Hawaiian Word of the Day, swimming, board games, video games, and watching movies at the day camp, offered for a fee with full or half-day hours, reservations are required.  Something else that we got to experience during our stay was the Keiki Cooking Class, a chance for kids to create their own meal by way of preparation and see it through the complete process.  What is more perfect than making your own pizza, add your sauce, cheese, and the toppings of your choice and OUILA! the meal comes delivered about 15 minutes later in it’s own box for dining!  This was so fun for my daughter, again, that smile was never off her face.  Included was the chef’s toque and an apron, plus the delicious creations, do you see that cookie?!  Oh and the lovely lei she’s wearing is the eye-lash yarn leis that they are able to make in the Kid’s Club, they are soooo soft!

One other thing that my daughter saw as a theme through our trip was all the koi.  She was able to feed them on property, a daily ritual and it’s just so soothing to watch them and it’s a memory she is still talking about!

DINING
I mentioned happy hour earlier and that happens at Wailele Bar, located near the Keiki and Main pools.  Lunch and pupus are served as well as the happy hour that offers great deals late afternoon.

Nanea Restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and dessert plus specialty dining nights during the week and a Sunday brunch.  Dine inside or out, children three and under eat free when a registered adult guest purchases an entrée, also take 50% off regular menu items for kids ages 4-11!

We enjoyed a few morning meals from The Princeville Market on site.  Here you can buy groceries for your villa (fresh meats are available to use at one of the poolside grills) or order a quick meal of baked goods, deli sandwiches, salads and side dishes.  Homemade pizzas and paninis are a specialty and available for carry-out or villa delivery. I loved their egg breakfast sandwich with chorizo while my daughter was happy enough with bananas and cold cereal!

The market also sells souvenirs, newspapers, books, games, and pool toys.

Overall, we could not get enough of The Westin Princeville, a spot that embodies the culture and aloha spirit of the island.Our stay was hosted as part of our media trip, all opinions and gratuities our own.