It is hard to describe the wonderful, relaxing experience my husband and I shared at the River House Estate. The house itself is beautifully decorated (including some antique furniture). It was very clean, and is located in a secluded garden of the most wonderful trees and flowering bushes. Some of the trees are fruit bearing ... that we enjoyed while there. The River House sits up on stilts and the large trees and the Wainiha River running aside the property make it amazing. The house is very comfortable and well-appointed with everything you could possibly need. I found the kitchen especially well-equipped and ergonomically-designed, with more than enough dinnerware, cutlery, pots/plans, small appliances, storage containers, etc. We appreciated that the refrigerator and cabinets were stocked with the basics (condiments, coffee filters, etc.) The master bed was comfortable and the master bedroom, nicely decorated, had a large sliding glass door to a lanai with a view of a huge Hala tree. We did not need to use the air conditioning as we kept the sliding doors open at night to enjoy the fresh air ... it was comfortable. In the morning we were awakened by the birds beautifully singing (OK, yes, also the ubiquitous Kaua'i roosters). The other two bedrooms were also beautifully decorated, with their own separate lanais and shared a private bath. The large screened lanai off the living room was my favorite place for breakfast and morning coffee before heading out to the day's pursuits, while my husband used the excellent connectivity to do a little work each morning. The sounds of the Wainiha River below the lanai made it even more relaxing. There were also beach toys, towels, chairs, a wonderful umbrella and boogie boards ... and ample parking space. The River House is convenient to the beaches on the North Shore, (our favorite Haena Beach Park, including Cannon and Tunnels Beaches ... where we spent time every day) and hiking including the Kalalau Trail, also an easy drive to shopping and restaurants in Hanalei and Princeville. Our host, Mark, was very congenial, thought of everything to make our stay outstanding; including helping with making reservations for several adventure tours (i.e., Mountain Tubing and boat ride to the Na Pali coast ... we recommend), and how to make reservations for the Shuttle Bus to Ke'e Beach. That was a great relief ... someone knowledgeable about who the best tour operators are ... and recommendations as to what time of the day is best to enjoy these activities. There is one other thing we believe important to note ... the integrity of our host/homeowner, Mark. My husband and I first planned our visit to the River House in 2019. However, a week before we were to leave (2019) ... to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary in Kauai, my husband broke his foot and we had to cancel our trip ... deep sigh :(. In 2020, we all know what happened (COVID). Throughout, Mark worked with us and was very honorable as we worked to reschedule. If you have the opportunity to enjoy the River House ... you will be fortunate to both find a very relaxing place to stay, and to work with someone who is ethical. Would we return, in a heartbeat! read more

The River Estate Guest Homes are second to none when it comes to comfort, location, and privacy! This was my second time staying at the River Estate (in February 2017 and my third time to Kauai), and my girlfriend and I couldn't have been happier with the return visit. Mark, the owner, quickly confirmed our online reservation via a follow-up email, and everything was set up perfectly once we got to the guest house in the back of the estate. The River that runs along the property is just below the wrap around porch, so we watched and listened to it's peaceful passing every morning over coffee and on most evenings before bed with tea or wine. The feel of the house is warm and modern, but also very private and secluded, even though it's 1 minute from the main road along the North Shore - living in the craziness of the Bay Area of San Francisco, the seclusion really appeals to my girlfriend and I. It's also very spacious and the kitchen area, which is stocked with every item you could need for preparing meals. Moreover, the kitchen flows very well into the living room / dining areas, as well as the outdoor porch area, which we used and enjoyed every single day of the trip. We also used the folding beach chairs that were below the house when we visited nearby Hanalei Bay and Ke'e Beach, both of which are great for swimming & snorkeling and world class sunsets (some of the best I've ever seen). We love the laid back feeling of the North Shore of Kauai (and the Bay), so the location of the River Estate in between the Kalalau Trail / Na Pali Coast, the cute village of Hanalei (which has awesome restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops) and the small town of Princeville (for groceries and more substantial needs) couldn't be better! Mark, the owner, also helped set us up with a snorkeling tour that appeared to be fully booked on the tour company's website. Since he's a local, he's friendly with a lot of the tour companies, which worked out very nicely for our schedule and was sincerely appreciated (and we even got 10% off the published rate!). As such, I can easily say that we felt well taken care of (and not like a number at all) in an extremely welcoming / natural environment. Aloha and Mahalo! read more

We just returned from a 5 night stay at the River House. River Estates is a terrific find and there is no point in my repeating all the good things said by others. The most valuable thing I can do is to provide my perspective on the one or two negatives others have posted. Yes, you can hear roosters crow and dogs bark. Yes, they start early in the AM. But you can also hear birds sing and the trees sway and you don't hear cars, or other people. That's the sound of nature. If the sounds of nature disturb you, go stay somewhere else. If you find them restful, this is a wonderful environment. The decor should meet anyone's reasonable expectations, plus more. It is evident that a lot of thought and care went into the outfitting of these units. It is not kitted out like a suite at the Ritz Carlton, but then if you are looking seriously at River Estates you probably don't want that. I am fairly nit picky (and my wife even more so) and we had absolutely no issues with anything, plus I appreciated the lawn chairs, the coffee grinder, the bug spray, the door stops, and the simple fact that all the windows, screens and blinds were intact and functional. Little things make a difference. You can see a lot of pride of ownership. River Estate is the real deal. read more

We just returned from a 5 night stay at the River House. River Estates is a terrific find and there is no point in my repeating all the good things said by others. The most valuable thing I can do is to provide my perspective on the one or two negatives others have posted. Yes, you can hear roosters crow and dogs bark. Yes, they start early in the AM. But you can also hear birds sing and the trees sway and you don't hear cars, or other people. That's the sound of nature. If the sounds of nature disturb you, go stay somewhere else. If you find them restful, this is a wonderful environment. The decor should meet anyone's reasonable expectations, plus more. It is evident that a lot of thought and care went into the outfitting of these units. It is not kitted out like a suite at the Ritz Carlton, but then if you are looking seriously at River Estates you probably don't want that. I am fairly nit picky (and my wife even more so) and we had absolutely no issues with anything, plus I appreciated the lawn chairs, the coffee grinder, the bug spray, the door stops, and the simple fact that all the windows, screens and blinds were intact and functional. Little things make a difference. You can see a lot of pride of ownership. River Estate is the real deal. read more

My wife and I travel very frequently and have stayed at dozens of Vacation Rentals over the years. We know Hawaii well, we love Kauai as the Garden Isle it is, but now with the River Estate, we won't ever need another rental in Kauai. This is the only home we will stay in from now on! Its a beautiful location with perfectly manicured lush landscaping. The house itself is meticulous in every detail and Mark and Kris have the property spotless at all times. The location is perfectly tucked away for privacy, yet close to Hanalei (Beautiful drive that we will miss) for dinners and activities. We have busy schedules, so we were looking for a retreat last minute and ended up getting to Kauai earlier than we expected. Mark went OUT OF HIS WAY and THE EXTRA MILE to make sure the house was turned around quickly for us. Not only do you have access to this beautiful property, but you also have access to a great guy Mark who can help suggest hiking, kayaking, and local knowledge. THANK YOU to Mark and the River Estate! We are extremely satisfied and can guarantee a return visit sooner than later. It made our retreat to Kauai everything we wanted it to be and more. Mahalo for everything Mark! read more

Well they say you can never go back as it is never the same or as good. That is not the case with River Estate (guest house) When we walked in the front door it was exactly like it was the first time. Clean and quiet and the running river making it even more peaceful even in the middle of the night. The "local" beach was the same with great people and the option to be in the ocean or the river. Personal choice is the river and this time mainly because I was recovering from shoulder surgery. It you just want a very comfortable home away from home and lots of peace and quiet, this is the home for you and it is literally minutes from beach and town. As everyone else has commented, the bed in the master is amazing. We got lots and lots of sleep. We look forward to trying to make this an annual visit especially since we know exactly what we are walking into. Our friendly gecko wads there to greet us as were the roosters, hens and their adorable babies. Mark does everything he can to meet all of your requests and I mean all of them. you only have to ask once. Treat yourself, you won't regret it. read more

This was honestly one of the most magical places I've ever stayed. It was quiet, off the beaten path a bit. It was serene and so peaceful, with a river running through the back yard, lush yard and birds everywhere. We took advantage of a paddleboard rental, offered by Mark. We could paddle to the beach downstream from us and be on the shore of the ocean. The lanai was the perfect place for meals, reading books, and playing card games in the evenings and mornings. Every bedroom had a glorious view, private porch and comfy bed. River Estate was the best place to retreat to after a day of enjoying Hanalei's nearby destinations. The shuttle parking lot was close to us, giving us access to the state park. We hiked some of the Na Pali Coastline (make reservations!) and found TONS of beaches nearby (that we basically had to ourselves). Hanalei was our homebase for groceries and some dining experiences, but we ate a lot of our meals right on the lanai at River Estate. We loved staying at this beautiful place and hope to again someday! read more

Arrived in Kauai looking for a soul retreat, a nature oasis close to the most beautiful coast on the island. This guest house/river house is a paradise home away from home! The house is OUTSTANDING, open concept windows open to vast gardens where morning sunshine pours in the sounds of the native birds. It is gorgeously equipped with anything you can possibly need, immaculately kept, and with extremely comfortable beds providing comfy nights of sleep. The little river on the property is home to frogs, turtles, and an amazing array of birds. It was a treat to kayak/paddleboard the few minutes to the isolated beach, or "my beach", as it was soon known. Around the corner an organic store, and a coffee/lunch shop, and the world renowned trails of Na Pali coast. Mark, the owner, makes the whole experience truly carefree, with immediate responses to emails and a personal friendly touch to ensure your whole visit is stress-free and a grand experience. Honestly, cannot wait to return. read more

I've lost count now of how many times I've stayed in the Guest House...Maybe 14 or 15?I just don't know why Id want to go anywhere else! Mark is a fabulous host who has everything covered and who is is now a friend. This trip I've barely budged from my spot on the lanai listening to the music of old Mr. Bamboo across the river. This is an image and my favorite Mai-Tais that gets me through lot's of tough spots. It's just so tempting to cook here and chill. Over the years this special spot has just gotten more and more beautiful and tranquil. The house is perfect. There's isn't one extra thing I could wish for. The "Big Hotel" lovers just don't know what they are missing. We're so lucky Mark shares this paradise with us. River Estate No Ka Oi....Again I'm so thankful for another chance to recharge my batteries in this peaceful setting and to sleep like a log to the sound of wind and the river. Take my word there's nothing like River Estate on Kauai. read more

A Really Special Place We just returned from our second trip to the Guest House on River Estate. Each time we stayed a week, and we loved it. We knew it was special from the minute we pulled through the gate into the driveway. The landscaping is gorgeous! The house is clean and comfortable, and a lot of thought went into furnishings, including tour books and beach gear. We loved listening to the stream, as others mentioned. We felt like we were in our own private world. Hanalei is a wonderful town to have nearby, and we loved sunsets at Ke'e beach. We liked Anini beach for swimming, wonderful when winter makes the surf high. One of our favorite things was driving over the one lane bridges....nothing like needing to be considerate to other drivers to calm you down into island mode! We found Mark to be very responsive and easy to work with, we definitely would recommend this property to our friends. Mahalo, Mark! read more

The "Guest House" tucked away at the back of River Estate was the perfect spot for our honeymoon. It was an immaculate, 2-bedroom, 2 bath house with a great open kitchen/dining/living area and a fabulous wrap around deck. This GEM is nestled in a lush setting, next to a river which delivers you into vacation mode instantly. The owner has thought of everything as far as amenities are concerned. The grounds and the house are very well kept - pride of ownership is evident and was greatly appreciated. The owner is willing to help with local suggestions. We never had to leave the north shore. This house is remote, past downtown Hanalei, proximate to great beaches and hiking trails. Coming "home" to relax on the deck and reflect on the day was vacation perfection. We loved waking up to the sounds of the river and the birds! I highly recommend staying here and we plan to return. read more

We stayed at the River Estate Guest House with another couple and found it to be a phenomenal experience. It was immaculately clean, the grounds offered relaxing atmosphere with the river on site. We launched our kayaks from the grounds and explored the rivers and headed to the beach which was quite secluded! We requested certain extracurricular activities and the owner, personally took care of the reservations, especially our Luau. Beds were comfortable, providing a restful sleep. kitchen was fully stocked and eating our meals on the Lanai as with delightful singing of the various birds among the sounds of the babbling river. River Estate Guest House is great place to relax all day as well as before or after a day of exploring the beautiful island of Kauai. read more

The place was amazing, right next to the river with crystal Clearwater, close to Hanalei town and amazing beaches. Mark was so nice and helpful, Mark made sure we had everything we needed on our vacation great communication before and after our vacatio. The property is magical, at night you can hear bull frogs from the river when you open the Windows and if you don't like the sound of nature you can just close the windows and it's nice and quiet. My family members loved looking at the night sky with all the stars at night, and the landscape is amazing. We were able to get fresh tangerines for breakfast and lunch from the amazing fruit trees right next to the house, this Vacation home and property made staying in hawaii feel extra special. read more

River estate has been by far the best vacation home I have stayed in. The home is immaculate, with a fully stocked kitchen. The surrounding gardens are absolutely beautiful. Our group of 4 pretty much spent our time at the house sitting on the lanai staring at the gardens and river. My husband paddle boarded the river down to the beach every morning. The home is close to tunnels beach and other popular sights, however secluded enough to feel all alone. We rented bikes from Mark which I highly recommend, you can ride to a few places that have no or little parking available and have a beach almost to yourself. We will definitely stay here again. read more

We booked into River Estates in February 2017. Mark double booked the River House and when he called to tell us we were really upset and so was he. I realize being in business, for as many years as he has been, there are bound to be errors. Our experience turned out to be really positive though! Mark found us another house up the road at great expense to him. He sincerely felt bad and said he will give us a free week next time we come to Kauai.The way he handled this error was beyond our expectations. Mark is a gentle, kind soul who will bend over backwards to take care of his guests. I look forward to staying at River Estates next time. read more

We loved our stay at the river house. The house was perfectly clean and very comfortable. The air conditioner worked well and was a life saver. The location is incredible. We were a little disappointed that we weren't in walking distance from a nice beach however it was only a short drive to multiple amazing beaches. It was fun having access to the river which we used many times with kayaks and paddle boards. The mosquitos were a bit annoying being so close to the river but the screened in lanai kept them away. Would recommend this property and hope to visit again. read more

What an incredible riverside home located on North Shore of Kauai HI! Stayed for 10 days September 2023. Home is impeccably clean, very well taken care of beautiful grounds situated along river. All the amenities anyone would need from kitchen items to beach chairs, umbrella, cooler's and boogie boards. The Host is always available and responds quickly to any questions or with great advice for things to do and places to see on Kauai. A great value too! Thanks to Mark our host for making our Kauai vacation one of the best we've ever experienced! Michael & Cynthia read more

We enjoyed the serenity of River Estate. Were excited to check it out after all of the amazing reviews. It is a tropical hideaway, very comfortable for the 4 of us. The kitchen was well equipped and we enjoyed cooking there. The view of the river from the house is lovely as well. Mark took great care of us and was very attentive. It was also great to have a washer and dryer. We enjoyed being so close to the end of the road which made our NaPali hike even better. Being that close we could easily drive to Ke'e to check out the sunset, a must see! read more

This is our second time staying at River Estates, and we hope to return soon. We absolutely love this little hidden treasure. The nearby river is beautiful, and lulls you to sleep at night. There is plenty to do in the immediate area, especially with Hanalei only minutes away. We always enjoy visiting the Wainiha country market, and talking with the locals. We cannot recommend this place more highly. Mark is a fantastic host, and always more than happy to help with recommendations, reservations, or anything else you may need. read more