A rare piece of Kauai’s North Shore is heading to the auction block this April: a breathtaking 27.46-acre oceanfront parcel in Princeville that offers direct access to the iconic Queen’s Bath. Set atop a dramatic bluff with panoramic views of the Pacific, the amazing property – known as 3 Kaui Road – includes the public trail to Queen’s Bath and the stream and waterfall adjacent to the trail. Zoned for vacation rental use, the acreage will allow for up to five residences to be built on the property.
The controversial Queen’s Bath is a popular – and sometimes deadly – tide pool carved into volcanic rock and fed by the waves of the Pacific. It’s a popular destination for adventurous visitors, though conditions can often be hazardous and access is prohibited during high surf, especially during the winter months when the area is closed. The location has seen more than a few deaths and numerous injuries over the years and is undeniably the most contentious attraction on the island. Some officials would like to see Queen’s Bath closed to the public altogether, while others see public access as a right. It’s unclear at this time what the sale will mean for continued public access to Queen’s Bath.
The buyer will no doubt want to have a plan in place for the various legal issues associated with the property. There are many elements to the situation, from overzealous tourists who will stop at nothing to visit the tidepool (even when the area is closed due to high surf and inclement weather), to area homeowners whose neighborhoods have been overrun with vehicles, illegal parking and trespassing. Then there’s the million-dollar question about who is liable when someone is injured on the property. The tidepool itself is inherently dangerous, but even the trail down sees its share of injuries, including sprained ankles, on the wet and slippery path.
Concierge Auctions will conduct the sale online from April 17 through April 30, 2025. The property, currently listed at $8.5 million, will open for bidding with expectations between $2.5 and $3.5 million. Interested buyers must register with the auction house to participate. A $100,000 bidder deposit is required.
For more details and to register for the auction, visit Concierge Auctions’ official listing at www.conciergeauctions.com/auctions/3-kaui-road-princeville-hawaii.
Please note: Property details have been provided by the seller and other sources; prospective buyers should verify all information independently.
PHOTO: Concierge Auctions
