Hanalei Colony Resort

We recently visited Hawaii for the first time (Big Island, Kauai & Oahu) & by far our favourite island & place to stay was Hanalei Colony Resort Kauai. Beautiful & thoughtfully appointed rooms, fell asleep listening to the sound of the waves. The resort is secluded in a tropical paradise. Courtesy bus was an easy option, the drive into town also easy once we got the hang of the single lane bridges. We didn't want to leave!

Part of me doesn't want to leave a review as I'd prefer this gem to remain relatively hidden - but that would be unfair to our wonderful hosts! The location is fantastic for enjoying the real beauty of Kauai and avoiding the tourist crowds. Right on the ocean, walking distance to Tunnels Beach, a 12-minute drive to Hanalei town (plus there is a shuttle that can take you there and back). Listening to the ocean / and or rain at night felt magical.

I recommend this to anyone who wants to enjoy Kauai. I would hands down choose to stay here again, I heard there wasn't a TV but I didn't notice because I was busy walking on the beach or enjoying the sights. There is WiFi for those who must remain connected. This place was so peaceful and relaxing and I fell asleep listening to the ocean waves through the screened windows every night. There was a wonderful secluded feeling that was different than the big resorts.

All in all it’s a 5-star experience, but take the negative reviews seriously if you’re expecting a 5-star luxury resort - this is not the accommodation for you. Sierra was fun and fantastic at helping us check in the morning after of our late arrival. We had fun with surf and stay package and spent an afternoon in Hanalei at the Aloha Surfing School. The front desk stayed in touch all week to help us feel at home and enjoy our anniversary celebration. Rooms are wonderfully mid-century and are clearly updated “as necessary”. They have shutters and not glass windows which maybe different for folks, but you want that breeze. Go open the shutters. No housekeeping, which, to be honest, I was always the kind of person pre-covid to put up my sleeping beauty door tag and ask for fresh towels in the evening. But as it’s almost now the norm in a post-covid world, better starting expecting it more and more. My biggest gripe? The beds and pillows. They are just not my jam. My back is dying for some mattress toppers and some thicker more supportive pillows.

Quite possibly the nicest place I've ever stayed. If you're planning a trip and can get yourself into G2, I would highly recommend it. The room is right on the corner of the property blanketed on the entire back half by sand and the sea. The sound of the ocean and waves crashing will gently put you to sleep every night after relaxing on the lanai with a glass of wine. The staff are amazing and willing to help with anything you need. We wound up sharing a drink with them at the onsite restaurant Opakapaka (also highly recommend) after conversing earlier in the afternoon. Everything about this place is a dream come true if you're lucky enough to find yourself here.

Kauai is wonderful and Hanalei is a beautiful piece of old Hawai’i. But the Hanalei Colony Resort (HCR) is also old and tired. Our bed and bedding was very poor. The bathrooms are old but still function. Some stairs are closed due to rot and most everything including the staff work but just. There is no daily room cleaning but towels can be refreshed by bringing them to the reception desk - when it’s open. Generally speaking HCR is run to accomodate the condo owners but not the guests. And yet the room rates are top tier. HCR is no value - but the beach is very nice.

We recently visited Hawaii for the first time (Big Island, Kauai & Oahu) & by far our favourite island & place to stay was Hanalei Colony Resort Kauai. Beautiful & thoughtfully appointed rooms, fell asleep listening to the sound of the waves. The resort is secluded in a tropical paradise. Courtesy bus was an easy option, the drive into town also easy once we got the hang of the single lane bridges. We didn't want to leave!