Hawaiian Beach Escape: Choose Between Two Resorts on Kauai's North Shore

With this Groupon, you can choose to stay at one of two resorts on the north coast of the island of Kauai. Both are a short walk from the ocean, and you can easily explore the surrounding towns, beaches, and jungles on your own or through guided excursions.

The Cliffs at Princeville

The Cliffs at Princeville sits atop a secluded bluff on 22 verdant acres. It's just a short walk from rocky Pu'u Poa Beach and 3 miles from Hanalei Bay, where you'll find a 2-mile stretch of soft, golden sand and four beachfront parks. But you don't have to leave the property to go for a swim—the resort has a pool and two hot tubs surrounded by rocky waterfalls and native foliage.

• One-bedroom suites contain full kitchens, two full bathrooms, and two private verandas as well as hardwood floors, granite countertops, and handmade Polynesian furniture.
• Visit the activities desk to arrange offsite excursions, such as a zipline tour through the forest or kayaking trip.
Tropical tranquility: To help guests have a restful vacation, the resort observes quiet time from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. nightly.

Hanalei Colony Resort

Guests at Hanalei Colony Resort are just steps away from a secluded golden-sand beach. Sandwiched between emerald mountain peaks and turquoise waters, the beach stretches along the coast for more than 2 miles. It's a great place for a swim or relaxing stroll on the sand. You can also unwind at Hanalei Day Spa with a detoxifying algae wrap or Hawaiian sea-salt body polish.

• Welcome gifts: Upon arrival, guests will find fresh tropical flowers and a welcome gift in their suite.
• A free shuttle service to popular destinations along Kauai's North Shore runs from morning until sunset. (There's a $10 per suite charge to reserve the shuttle after hours.)
Garden-view suites include full kitchens, 1.5 to 2 bathrooms, and a private veranda overlooking the tropical landscape.

Kauai Island, Hawaii: Garden Isle with Waterfalls, Green Valleys, and the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”

Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain—and arguably one of the greenest, thanks to its lush tropical forests. From waterfalls spilling over jagged cliffs to the misty mountains framing the beaches, the peaceful landscape here inspired Travel + Leisure to rank Kauai as 1 of the top 10 islands in the world. It’s where you’ll find the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific”—the 14-mile-long, 1-mile-wide Waimea Canyon. More colorful than the comparable Arizona site, the gaping gulch mystifies visitors with red lava beds, green overgrowth, and brown walls that change hue with the light.

Along the shore, Kauai’s reef-protected waters make it popular for surfing, boogie boarding, and snorkeling. Several adventure-tour companies rent out sea kayaks for exploring shoreline caves or the rivers cutting through the island’s interior rainforests. Oceanfront golf courses offer a more laid-back alternative for outdoorsy types.

The Na Pali Coast, "one of Hawaii's most spectacular natural attractions" according to Frommer's, is a 16-mile stretch of sea cliffs that tower above the Pacific. It's possible to take a helicopter or boat tour of this landmark, but one of the best ways to experience it is by foot on one of the hiking trails. Kalalau Trail, one of the most popular, starts at a sea-level beach and then climbs steadily uphill along the coastline with sweeping views along the way (albeit with sometimes treacherously narrow pathways).

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