Princeville, Kauai County, Hawaii
For most of people, nothing is more superbly pleasant and soothing than a trip to the beach and anywhere that doesn't require much fuss. When it comes to splendid, unadulterated seas, and total tropical getaway experience, Hawaii is yet to find its rival. The Aloha state wins hands down as a sunshiny sanctuary that lifts troubled souls and radiates an effervescent atmosphere. Full of felicity and joie de vivre, Hawaii is an eden in an otherwise bleak world. One will never run out of things to do and visit in Hawaii, this pleasurable parcel of paradise is indeed the place to be.
Kauai Island's northern shores embrace the interesting little town of Princeville. What this lovely town lacks in size, with a land area of mere 6.2 square kilometers or 2.4 square miles, more than makes up for its enthralling facade and culture. Based on the 2000 data of the United States, 1,698 people resides in the place. With a population density of 312.2 per square kilometer of 806.7 per square mile, the entire population is composed of mostly native Hawaiians, Americans, and Asians. There are also residents who have more than two races. Princeville population has 752 households and a median family size of 2.70. A little more than fifty percent of the total households are married couples who are living in the same abode while 32.7% are households with dwellers who are not related by blood. Of the 53.5% of the total families living together, 23.4% of it are couples who have a son or daughter below eighteen years old. Only mere 6.6% of the total households are individuals living alone without any family member or friend.
Princeville's History
Coffee plays an indispensable role in the shaping of the delicate history of the sylvan town of Princeville. Just like the adjacent towns and villages in the Kauai Island, also referred to as "The Garden Island," Princeville owes most of its rich past in this all-important agricultural staple. Coffee industry, very much similar to sugar cane industry, not only provided a form of living for the residents but also triggered the development of a town or island. As early as the 1880s, coffee industry started in Kauai including the towns and cities of Princeville, Lihue, and Waimea. The coffee tycoons chose some of these towns and cities as the location of their respective coffee companies.
Aside from coffee industry in Princeville, historical accounts of this town is interrelated to that of the island where this town can be found. Kauai is among the most ancient islands in Hawaii. Historians believe that this island used to be occupied by unidentified tribes said to originate from Central Polynesia. Hundreds of years before the arrival of the European explorers and nomads from Polynesia, native Hawaiians were already dwelling in the place. These people, who would become the ancestors of the natives living in Princeville today, believe in the supernatural elements, including several gods and goddesses. Their reverence to these mythical entities, sacred ceremonies, and rituals were regularly held. The way of living of the native inhabitants of Princeville, along with nearby towns and villages like Lihue, were greatly altered when the troop of explorer Captain James Cook and the succeeding European immigrants resided in the different areas in the island.
Princeville's Attractions
For the tourists, the town of Princeville is synonymous to picturesque, shimmering blue seas, and exciting wildlife adventure. Not only one but three splendid beaches await tourists in this part of Kauai. With a spacious reef, all three beaches are perfect for tourists' preferred fun-filled water activities such as windsurfing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Aptly named Kaweonui Beach, which literally means "Beautiful to behold," this intimate and scenic spot comfortably lies along the quaint town of Princeville. Though slightly rocky, just like most of the beaches in Kauai, tourists will definitely have a grand time exploring the wonders of marine life in Princeville. Kaweonui's equally alluring sister, Kenomene Beach, boasts of breathtaking view of clear skies and soothing tepid waters. Not to be outdone, the charming Puu Poa Beach exudes an overwhelming aura of relaxation and ease, as if inviting the tourists to take things easy and indulge in the marine basked in the warm glow of sunshine. For more memorable and hassle-free trip, tourists can even arrange special water and jungle adventure packages.
Aside from to-die-for clear beaches, Princeville also proudly houses terrific tourist land attractions. Explore the goodness of nature with a trip to the Guava Farm where vast plantations of this tropical fruit can be found. Meanwhile, only a few kilometers away, tourists can say hello to an extensive variety of fauna at the National Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. Who says fun and knowledge don't mix? In Princeville, one is guaranteed to experience the best of both worlds. Right outside this town, in Highway 56, tourists will have a magnificent view of the exquisite Hanalei Valley.
Princeville's Economy
Since Princeville is nestled in the northern shores of Kauai island, with world-renowned coffee plantations, this town also has coffee beans to be thankful for a healthy economy in previous decades. Long before the flourishing tourism industry, most of Princeville residents earned a living working in coffee companies either as field workers or as office employees. At present, due to inevitable changing times, such is not anymore the case in this town. Based on 2000 employment data, only mere 2.7% of the total employee population are working in farms (including coffee plantations), fisheries, and forestries. This figure relatively pales in comparison with the percentage of employees with management-inclined occupations, which is 38.8%. Apart from jobs that have something to do with agriculture and management, Princeville natives and expatriates make a living as employees in industries related to personal care and services. A whopping 36.8% of the working residents have a job inclined to sales industry.
The dawn of the blossoming tourism industry brought in changes in the Princeville economy since more and more big and small-time entrepreneurs are targeting businesses that mostly cater to tourists. Before, investment opportunities are only limited to coffee and agricultural industries but nowadays, business-minded residents venture in real estate (including hotels, resorts, and beach-front properties) or lucrative businesses such as restaurant, arts and crafts boutique, and the like.
Despite the industry shift, economy in this part of Kauai remains stable. According to the 2005 data, household income in Princeville is relatively good at $68,617 while the per capita income is $40,817. With a booming tourism industry, job growth in this town is 3.76% and this rate is expected to soar to 16.40% in the future.
Princeville's Statistics:
Population: 1,698Households: 752
Median resident age: 45.9 years
Median household income: $63,833
Median house value: $369,600
Land area: 2.1 square miles
Elevation:
Latitude: 22°13'N
Longitude: 159°29'W
Zip code: 96722
County: Kauai
