A Legendary Retreat on the Garden Island
An exceptional slice of Hawaiian paradise has returned to the market: the 8.3-acre beachfront estate once owned by Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts. Nestled in the serene community of Hā‘ena on Kauai’s North Shore, this secluded property is now offered for just under $30 million and is represented by Neal Norman of Hawaii Life.
The estate combines a three-bedroom, three-bath main residence with a one-bedroom, one-bath guest cottage, providing a total of 3,150 square feet of interior living space. Originally built in 1970, the property underwent a sensitive renovation by acclaimed San Francisco firm Walker Warner Architects, blending rustic Hawaiian character with modern craftsmanship.
Hollywood Provenance and Sales History
Roberts and her husband, cinematographer Danny Moder, purchased the Limahuli Beach retreat in June 2009 for $10 million. They held the estate for over a decade before selling it in 2020 to a Miami-based LLC for approximately $20 million. With three contiguous parcels and 400 feet of pristine ocean frontage, its rarity and scale underpin today’s premium asking price.
Timeless Architecture and Design
Inside, the home reveals soaring exposed-beam ceilings braced by steel tie bars, wide-plank hardwood floors, and walls of glass framing sweeping ocean views. A spacious, open-concept great room flows seamlessly to a covered lanai, while the kitchen features a butcher-block island ideal for casual gatherings.
The primary suite includes a spa-inspired bath with a large soaking tub and a private outdoor shower, while one guest room has been adapted into a home gym. Every space is oriented to capture the island’s trade winds and natural light.
Outdoor Living in Harmony with Nature
The lush grounds embrace Kauai’s tropical beauty. A 490-square-foot infinity pool merges with a wooden sundeck overlooking the dramatic Makana Mountain. Rolling lawns, a meandering stream, and landscaped gardens invite alfresco lounging. The detached guest cottage ensures privacy for visitors and completes the tranquil setting.
Adjacent to Hā‘ena State Park and the National Tropical Botanical Garden, the property benefits from protected surroundings that preserve its seclusion and unspoiled vistas.
A Lifestyle Beyond Compare
Residents of Hā‘ena enjoy both privacy and convenience. The area offers quick access to Hanalei’s boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, and weekly farmers’ markets. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate world-class snorkeling, surfing, and hiking along the famed Kalalau Trail of the Nā Pali Coast State Park.
Despite its secluded feel, the estate lies within an hour’s drive of Lihue Airport, which provides direct flights to major U.S. cities and other Hawaiian islands.
A Star-Studded Legacy
Roberts’s love for Kauai is well documented. Beyond this Limahuli Beach retreat, she once owned a charming compound on nearby Hanalei Bay, purchased in 2011 for $13.3 million and sold in 2016 for $16.2 million to television producer Michael Fleiss.
With its Hollywood history, rare oceanfront acreage, and timeless design, this Kauai estate represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a truly iconic Hawaiian hideaway.