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Paddle to the Beach from a Secluded Riverfront Eden-A/C-Central to Hanalei&Ke'e

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The vibe is awesome. Relax and rejuvenate your soul. Yes the swans are real...
Property video
The Guest House at River Estate offers a private sanctuary to rejuvenate you.
The master bedroom overlooks the stream. Sleep to the relaxing sounds of water.
Bedroom 2 also faces the stream offering the sound of water for a deep sleep.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4127.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Hanalei, HI
  • Hanalei Bay
  • Makua Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Hideaways Beach
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Lihue, HI (LIH)
    ‪70 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Paddle to the Beach from a Secluded Riverfront Eden-A/C-Central to Hanalei&Ke'e

Staying at the Guest House at River Estate feels like stepping into your own private piece of old Hawaii—peaceful, lush, and untouched. The moment you arrive, you're embraced by the surrounding gardens, the gentle sound of the river just outside, and the unmistakable feeling of being far away from the world.

Inside, the home feels curated for deep rest and ease: soft lighting, rich wood finishes, and high-end yet unpretentious furnishings that feel more like a welcoming home than a rental. Guests often say it’s the details that make it special—the plush linens, the cool slate floors after a warm beach day, the flicker of candlelight on the lanai, the scent of plumeria floating through the screens. The air conditioning is quiet and effective, but many prefer to open the windows and let the tradewinds drift through. Whether you're enjoying a glass of wine by the river at dusk or waking to birdsong with coffee in hand, every moment feels designed to help you slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect—with nature, loved ones, or yourself.

This prime part of the island remains completely untouched, where life still moves at the unhurried pace of Hawaii as it used to be. You will be staying in a pristine natural environment in complete privacy and seclusion. It will be like your own private paradise where you are surrounded by exceptional beauty and peace.

The house feels very secluded and private yet when you leave on your daily adventures you’ll have quick and easy access to everything from the town of Hanalei to Ke’e beach which is the prime area that Kauai is world famous for.

When you return you'll enter your own private world where everything else will disappear and you can disconnect to reconnect with what is truly important to you in a natural healing environment. The spiritual energy is palpable.

There is also a secluded beach 2 blocks downriver that's empty most of the time that you can easily paddle to from the property. It's a wonderful adventure to enjoy during your stay.

Check out the video of paddling to the beach and back from the property here - https://youtu.be/xJjcMznMNSI

You will be provided with lots of local information when you book to help you save time and money and then be provided with complimentary concierge services until you check out.

Your Accommodations:
Split System Air Conditioning Throughout
Two Bedrooms and Two Well Appointed Bathrooms 

Large Master Suite with a Roku TV and Full Bathroom
Bathroom 2 has a Porcelain Sink and Custom Tile Shower
Fully Equipped Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Countertops
Washer and Dryer with Laundry Soap
Ceiling Fans in the Bedrooms and Living Room
Roku TV, High Speed Internet, Books and Games and Wifi Speaker
Liquid Soaps, Shampoo, Rinse, Kauai Coffee, Kauai Cookies or Anahola Granola
Custom Balinese Teak Furniture and Local and Balinese Art
Quality Mattresses, Bedding and Towels

Solid Cherry Hardwood Floors in Living Areas
Chinese Slate Floors in Kitchen and Bathrooms
Dimmable Under and Over Kitchen Cabinet Lighting
Riverside dining on the Main Lanai with BBQ
Beach Chairs and Towels, Boogie Boards, Beach Umbrella, Cooler
Covered Parking

Keywords: Hanalei, Kauai, North Shore, Guesthouse, House, 2 bedroom, Sleeps 4, Riverfront, Waterfront, Secluded, Private, Romantic, Family, Beach, Paddle, Garden, Nature, Retreat, Cottage, Peaceful, Cozy, Air-conditioned, Full Kitchen, Washer, Dryer, WiFi, Parking, Quiet, Instant Booking.

*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*

Property manager

MARK BARBANELL
Premier Host

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking zone here...
The home is rented to the people who are listed on the booking. Entertaining non guests is prohibited. No overnight guests other than those listed.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number W30347586-02, 580060580000

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Hanalei

Located in Hanalei, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hanalei Bay and Na Pali Coast State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Limahuli Garden and Reserve and Island Sails. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hanalei, HI

What's nearby

  • Makua Beach - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Ke'e Beach - 9 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Princeville Makai Golf Club - 18 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Hideaways Beach - 18 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Princeville Golf Club Prince Course - 18 min drive - 9.7 km

Getting around

  • Lihue, HI (LIH) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wishing Well Shave Ice - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Happy Talk Bar & Restaurant - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Tahiti Nui - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Kalypso Island Bar & Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪JoJo's Shave Ice - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Paddle to the Beach from a Secluded Riverfront Eden-A/C-Central to Hanalei&Ke'e pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Paddle to the Beach from a Secluded Riverfront Eden-A/C-Central to Hanalei&Ke'e?

Check-in begins at 4:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Paddle to the Beach from a Secluded Riverfront Eden-A/C-Central to Hanalei&Ke'e?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Paddle to the Beach from a Secluded Riverfront Eden-A/C-Central to Hanalei&Ke'e located?

This family-friendly Hanalei holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Wainiha Beach Park, Lumahai Beach and Kepuhi Point Beach. Limahuli Garden and Reserve and Makua Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 122 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 122 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 122 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 122 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 122 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at this property. It is in a rural area and we enjoyed all the tropical sounds of birds, rain, chickens (yes, dogs but that didn't bother us) and of course the lovely little river behind the house. The property was very clean, well stocked with soft linens and comfortable beds. The owner Mark was just terrific, very responsive and helpful! Looking forward to a return visit :-).
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bob Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is in a beautiful location, and it is a very peaceful and serene location. The sound of the River right next to the house was very soothing. House is beautifully maintained, deck is great, kitchen is well set up with utensils for cooking in. Absolutely loved our stay there. The only drawback was the steep stairs to navigate to haul our luggage up to and down from the house. But, as it is a house on poles (as clearly shown in the photos) it was expected. Owner was great to deal with.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jake V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First time to Hawaii

Great place to stay - will definitely try to visit again
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Felt like I lived on Kauai and not a tourist

Easy drive access to beaches and Hanalei but tucked away in garden river oasis. A great value and perfect for two, though another bedroom is available but house might not have been as comfortable asInterior seating better for two. We cooked many dinners at the house and once I got used to older stove, there was everything I needed. Nice to have a laundry too and Mark the host was attentive and very helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Duncan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect peaceful stay

We thoroughly enjoyed our peaceful private stay at the River Estate. We (two couples) all loved the real non-tourist Hawaii feel of the house which included everything we needed – 2 nice bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen, and tasteful décor. It feels remote, up a private drive, but very near the great beaches, shops and food. We loved falling asleep to the sound of the river, waking up to the birds and walking into Wainiha for coffee and food. We had wonderful weather, but the house porch was a great place to spend one rainy day doing laundry. Also, having the beach chairs, boards, snorkels & towels to use was great, thanks!Mark shared great detailed information about directions, restaurants, activities, car and equipment rentals, helpful Noth Shore driving tips, instructions for access to Haena State Park and the Kalalau Trail and updated us about a heavy rain warning (which happily never happened).
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juliana K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Jungle Treehouse

Great stay in a jungle treehouse. A well-kept house that was very well stocked. Dog barking was the only challenge. Earplugs and sound machines did help some.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Huette M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rest and Relax

Perfect stay. Stunning garden views and quiet.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Viktoria A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nature's retreat

The property is located right by the small river and is surrounded by lush plants and flowers. In the evenings, the smell of flowers wafts through the windows. The house is charming and well-made, beautifully appointed and maintained. I will miss the quiet life during our vacation in Kauai and wish we did not have to leave.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect relaxing get away

The house was in a beautiful location. It had every amenity we needed and was quite comfortable. We will definitely want to come back to this one!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tova L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing getaway!

This is a very special property! The house was extremely comfortable for all of us. We loved listening to the bird noises and watching the activity in the river every morning. We also enjoyed walking to the coffee shop just down the road, and the beach just over the bridge. It was a very peaceful.and restful retreat. And Mark was the consummate host! Definitely booking again!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location, beautiful home, great host!

Mark’s guest house is a beautiful, well cared for home in an amazing location off the beaten path. We had a wonderful stay and would highly recommend it!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rolf M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great vacation

Perfect place to relax
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lori B., Alameda, ca

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great to place

A very special place in a very special location.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tropical Paradise near Hanalei

We had the pleasure of spending one week at the River House. The property is a beautiful little tucked away slice of heaven. The property was very clean, the kitchen well equipped for cooking, nice pots and pans and everything was super clean. The Lanai over looks the River and you could see a wide variety of birds. It was very peaceful and beautiful and we enjoyed our breakfasts there every day. The beds were comfortable and good towels and even some beach towels and beach chairs and a cooler for us to use. The owner was a super great host and very helpful with everything from helping to arrange a kayak to be dropped off at the property and helping to make dinner reservations our first night for a special occasion that we were celebrating. This place is very unique and we would definitely recommend it and would love to stay again when we come back 11/10 !Mahalo
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jared N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful and Private!

We really enjoyed our stay at this property! Mark was an excellent host arranging kayaks and setting up a reservation for us for dinner. Highly recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean, peaceful and beautiful!

This was such a unique property in a cool location. Just minutes from Hanalei, this secluded property was super clean, stocked with everything we needed, and Mark was very helpful! I wish we could have stayed longer! We will definitely return.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Colleen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great escape

The Guest House was perfect for our family. My boys loved playing around the river and bridge jumping. So close to Hanalei and Haena State Park. House was clean, comfortable and well equipped. Neighboring dogs were noisy but a/c and fans helped. Will stay again. Mahalo!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Graham P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Being next to the river provided great sound and view. Enjoyed the fruit from trees that Mark gave u

Great experience
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location and home!

The setting for this property is truly spectacular -- it's back in the rainforest next to a small river/stream. We rented kayaks and took them down to the ocean and back. Unforgettable experience with the family. The house itself is also in great shape, well stocked, and Mark was always responsive to any questions. We would definitely stay at this home again.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Complete magic

The River Estate couldn’t have been a more wonderful Experience. It was a beautiful comfortable gracious place to stay while in Hanalei.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ellen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Blissful

We had a blissful stay here - a lovely house in a beautiful setting, sparkling clean and well-appointed. Very quiet - we loved listening to the river and the birds. Comfortable beds, great bathrooms. Short drive to great beaches and wonderful food and shopping. We'd love to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Julie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An extraordinary stay in the most beautiful place

Our family had an all-time great experience staying in Mark’s house. The property is gorgeous, the house is perfect, and you couldn’t ask for a better location. Mark is the consummate host, making wonderful suggestions and arranging bike rentals and boat tours. We had an amazing time.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emily E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay

My husband and I stayed with two friends for a week at the property. The place was immaculate! Nicely appointed, comfy beds, huge lanai, everything we needed. The location was exactly what we were looking for - a little off the beaten track (but easy to get to Hanalei), very close to a sparsely populated beach, and next to a creek for some nice birdwatching.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dorinda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

40th Anniversary Getaway

The River Estate Guest House was nothing short of fabulous! The lush surroundings, the clean and comfy interior, and the sounds of the stream made for a peaceful and romantic getaway. Although we had no needs, as the house has everything one needs, Mark was responsive and pleasant throughout our stay. Having kayaks rented and delivered to the house for a trip down the stream to a secluded beach was a bonus, and I highly recommend doing this. Also, the estate, the area, and the island are a birders paradise! Thank you, Mark, for everything! I would love to return someday.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing river house

The house had everything we needed for our vacation. The area is quite and so peaceful. All you can hear is nature on the porch. The area around the house is beautiful and not crowded.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by MARK BARBANELL

Host profile image
Gratitude changes everything. From taking life's circumstance for granted to appreciating every precious heart beat is a blessing. Every day becomes a time to savor and embrace. These are the thoughts I have immediately when I see an image of my home turf. I arrived on Kauai shortly after my April 2nd birthday in 1970 on a surf trip and basically never left. Serendipity has followed me my entire life. Without it who knows where I'd be or what I'd be doing now. Living here has taught me many things that can only be learned here in a small community populated by many Hawaiians. Work hard, be humble and helping others are some of them. Respect for the land is paramount here. We are stewards of these lands when you understand the meaning the land has to the Hawaiians. The state motto is "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness" A very apt motto which speaks to the value the Hawaiians place on the "aina". That has always come naturally to me and was very helpful in fitting into my community here. I believe it is why I'm still here. Hawaii and Kauai in particular is a very sacred and spiritual place in the world. I have heard many of my guests tell me that they felt the spiritual energy strongly here. A rejuvenating feeling is palpable as well. My job is to share my Kuleana ( A uniquely Hawaiian value and practice which is loosely translated to mean "responsibility." The word kuleana refers to a reciprocal relationship between the person who is responsible, and the thing which they are responsible for.) with my guests and allow them to experience the true natural Hawaiian environment which is still the same in my neighborhood as it was 52 years ago. My life has been filled with many serendipitous moments. The trick is to recognize them in the moment and make the correct decision. I'm one luck buggah who knows that and values every heartbeat I'm blessed with now and am grateful for my world and the friends I make along the way doing the jobs I love. Aloha...

Why they chose this property

I think you might say that the River Estate property chose me. I did not choose it. When I first came to Kauai in 1970 with two of my friends on the surf trip, the island in general was much different. We had shipped a car over and spent the first two or three months camping around the island. There were no laws about camping and there were hardly any tourists here. When I first saw the valley where River Estate is located I immediately was drawn to it. A friend of mine told me about a piece of property he was not going to purchase that was in the area, I liked so much. He was going to buy it for $2000 but he told me that the person that was gonna sell it to him was told by the man who had sold the other part of the property that was divided by the stream to that that property for $2000 was the same piece of property just divided by the stream. My friend told me that the person that was selling it was Larry Ching a notorious mafioso type who was basically renting the town of Hanalei and had the only market and gas station in town. He had a bad reputation.So I went to Larry Ching had told him I was interested in buying that piece of property that incidentally had no legal easement to and yes, I had heard bad things about him, but I was not going to base my opinion of him by what other people said. I also had lived in a house on the east side of the island and my landlord there was the most influential attorney on the whole island and Larry Ching's business partner. I had come into contact with two of the most powerful men on the island. Larry Ching told me he'd sell me the property for $7500, $2500 down and $1000 per year for five years no interest. I took a chance and bought it. I went to the tax office and got the names of the people who owned the lots that I could get through to my lot and wrote letters. One woman who was living in Tahiti offered me easement through her property for free. This serendipitous moment changed my life forever with many more to come.

What makes this property unique

River Estate offers a rare combination of luxury, privacy, and an immersive natural setting that creates an unforgettable experience. Tucked away along a tranquil river, this secluded retreat is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, allowing guests to fully embrace the beauty of Kauai’s North Shore. Unlike large resorts, River Estate provides an intimate, home-like atmosphere with elegant, well-appointed accommodations that blend seamlessly with nature. Guests can float from the property to the beach and back, listen to the soothing sounds of the river, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the riverfront gardens that surround you . The personalized hospitality, serene ambiance, and central prime location on Kauai's North Shore make River Estate a one-of-a-kind sanctuary for relaxation and adventure.

The primary benefits of River Estate are the seclusion and privacy of the expansive botanical gardens and its special 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 yet its very private and secluded. You'll relax and rejuvenate your spirit here. The fact you can use the river to access the beach from the house and ocean is not offered by any other vacation rental on Kauai. 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 are kept in the condition that the Guest House is kept in and our guests reflect that in their reviews. We're proud of that. It's our stock in trade so to speak. The property proximity to the spectacular natural attractions of North Kauai and its quiet natural setting help it to stand out among the other rental properties in the area. Come see for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests