What it is
The North Shore Preserve is a private, members-only, 1,000-acre residential club community on Kauai's North Shore developed by Discovery Land Company. It is not a public park or attraction. The community's centerpiece recreational facility is The Prince Course, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course, formerly a highly-ranked public facility, was extensively renovated and reopened as a private club after the property was acquired by the developers. The Preserve is a low-density development focused on luxury homesites, outdoor activities, and family-oriented amenities for its members.
Visitor experience
Access to the North Shore Preserve and The Prince Course is restricted to property owners, club members, and their invited guests. There is no access for the general public, including for golf. The experience is tailored to a high-net-worth clientele. For members, the Preserve offers a range of activities beyond golf, including access to hiking and biking trails, equestrian facilities, a wellness center, and private beach access.
The golf experience on The Prince Course is the primary draw for many. It is renowned for its dramatic setting, with fairways that run through dense jungle, along ocean cliffs, and past waterfalls. It is considered exceptionally challenging, designed for low-handicap golfers. The service is high-touch, with on-course "comfort stations" providing complimentary food and beverages.
Logistics
Access: Strictly private and invitation-only. The entrance is a guarded gate off Kuhio Highway, and credentials are required for entry. There are no public tee times or general visitor passes available. Access is typically contingent on being a property owner, a guest of a member, or a prospective real estate buyer on a scheduled tour.
Reservations: All activities, including golf, must be arranged in advance through club membership.
Location: The entrance is located at 5-3900 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722.
Timing and Duration: For golf, a full round on the demanding Prince Course can take approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. The best weather is typically from May through September.
Cost: This is a luxury real estate development where membership is tied to property ownership. Costs for real estate are in the millions, with significant associated club dues. This is not a fee-per-use destination for travelers.
Safety and cautions
Golf: The Prince Course is considered one of the most difficult in Hawaii. High-handicap golfers will likely find it punishing. The dense jungle lining the fairways means errant golf balls are almost always lost.
Weather: Kauai's North Shore receives significant rainfall (averaging 78 inches annually at the nearby Makai course), which can make conditions wet and slick. The course may operate under "cart-path-only" rules or close on short notice due to weather.
Land Management and Community: The development's exclusivity and control over a large parcel of coastal land have been a point of local debate concerning historic shoreline access. Visitors should be aware that this is a private, managed property with its own set of rules and is not public land.
Editorial take
Who it's for: This destination is exclusively for affluent individuals who are property owners, club members, or legitimate prospective real estate buyers. For this specific audience, particularly serious, low-handicap golfers, The Prince Course offers a bucket-list level of scenery, challenge, and luxury service.
Who should skip it: All regular tourists and vacationers. It is not possible to simply book a tee time or visit for the day. Travelers looking for a high-end North Shore golf experience should book at the public-access Princeville Makai Golf Club instead.
Not to be confused with: Princeville Makai Golf Club. The Makai course is also a renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr. design in Princeville with spectacular ocean views, but it is a resort course open to the public. Visitors looking to golf in Princeville should direct their inquiries to the Makai Golf Club, not the North Shore Preserve.
Source notes
- Official Website: Describes the property as a private club community by Discovery Land Company.
- The Resort Group (Developer): Provides an overview of the development's vision and amenities.
- Discovery Land Company (Developer): Features the North Shore Preserve in its portfolio of private club communities.
- Hawaii Life (Real Estate): A real estate listing that details the nature of the community, amenities, and the private club structure.
- GolfPass (2013 article): While dated, this article clearly explains the historical difference in character and difficulty between the Prince Course and the Makai Course.
