River Estate, Hanalei

Mark's property is unbelievably romantic. My hubby and I celebrated our ten year anniversary here last week in the guest house and couldn't get over the beauty of the place. The rushing river beside the house lulled us to sleep at night. We couldn't have been happier!

This visit marked my 8th year returning to River Estate (sometimes multiple times a year), and it just keeps getting better! Mark is a wonderful host and he thinks of everything you could need - if you don't see it, give him a call and he'll make it happen! Guest House was recently remodeled and it is worthy of a magazine spread - this is not a funky beach hut, but a sophisticated bungalow up in the trees that invites you to take off your slippahs Hawaiian style and make yourself at home. The setting is a secluded botanical garden alongside a bubbling stream with whispering bamboo a stones throw from some of the islands most beautiful beaches. This is truly island style living! Take advantage of the lovely kitchen and barbeque on the lanai to prepare a meal or two! Super private without feeling isolated, minutes from fabulous snorkeling beaches K'ee and Tunnels in one direction and the lovely Hanalei Town in the other direction. I have done a bit of traveling in my time and I have not stayed in a five star resort that can hold a candle to River Estate - this is experiencing Kauai the way it was meant to be experienced. If you have only stayed in hotels up to this point, you have a treat in store! River Estate is a gem and the value for the price can't be beat.

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. And I mean everything! Games, music, movies, sunscreen, bug spray, books, maps, island info and Hawaii history, laundry soap, boogie boards, snorkeling gear, coolers, etc. 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. There are also 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!!

Words can't describe what the property and Guest House at River Estate were like for us. We had heard it was a wonderful spot and that the owner was helpful and attentive. We were absolutely blown away by the entire experience. I definitely recommend this to anyone who hasn't experienced the true natural environment that Kauai has to offer. You don't want to go to a hotel or condo if you want to get the ambiance of nature in all it's glory on Kauai. The home lived up to it's reputation as a gem and the property left us in awe. It was well worth every penny we spent. What more can be said....It's awesome. Thanks to Mark for providing such a wonderful home and allowing us to experience one of Kauai's treasures.