From the moment the valet opened my car door and I walked into the gorgeous open air lobby with its waterfalls and gardens I knew this was going to be a special experience. The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay stuns with its beautiful architecture. Formally a St. Regis Hotel with lots of marble and gold trim, I found the new look luxurious without being stuffy.
The writer was hosted on a press trip.
My flight arrived late in the evening and the long, dark drive from the airport just built up the anticipation to see 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. A security guard checked off my name and I proceeded to drive up a landscaped and decoratively lit entranceway to the hotel. My wellness experience began with check-in. Instead of waiting at a front desk in a brightly lit lobby, I was escorted through a low-light open-air area with a garden, rushing waterfalls, and fire pits to a comfortable couch to begin the check-in process. The Welcome Refresh Service included an oshibori which is a cold, rolled towel, a delicious fresh juice blend, and a shot of rum. I was truly relaxed by the time I was escorted to my room. This is truly a luxury hotel.
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Overall Impressions of the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
I experienced 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on a trip with my husband. The resort offers so many romantic amenities such as couples massages, waterfalls throughout the property, and an intimate restaurant. Romantic sunset walks on the beach never get old. So worth the splurge and the resort has something for everyone.
Couples
- Private lanais
- Spa treatments
- Romantic farm to table dining
- Eco-Luxury design blends with nature and provides romantic nooks throughout the property
- Infinity pool – adult only
Families
- Large family friendly pool
- Pu’u Poa Beach tide pools
- Seedlings program – look for the logo on the weekly calendar for family friendly activities
- Daily Aloha Camp
- Large rooms and suites
- Kid-friendly dining options
Solo Travelers
- Infinity pool
- Luxury Spa
- Wellness retreats
- Large fitness center with personal training
- Daily activities
SheBuysTravel Tip: Make sure to check out the activity schedule. We took an offsite guided hike with a horticulturist and explored an area of the island we didn’t know about.
Accommodations at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
The hotel offers luxurious accommodations with mountain or ocean views. All rooms have air conditioning, free wifi, room service, and many room amenities including Bamford Bath Products with the hotel’s signature scent. I loved sipping water from a station with clean, filtered water from a special tap.
- Basic rooms offer nearly 550 square feet. Connecting rooms available for more space for families or a girlfriend getaway
- Over the top suites range from 820 to 2400 square feet. Each suite type offers different amazing perks.
- Wellness Sanctuaries also known as the Retreat Collection
- We stayed in a Sanctuary Ocean View Terrace Studio with floor to ceiling doors that opened to fresh ocean breezes.
Dining at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Dining at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay delights with its focus on fresh, local ingredients. Nearly 90 percent of the menu comes from nearby farms and the on-site garden, featuring plant-forward dishes crafted by talented chefs. The wait staff impressed me with their deep knowledge of the menu and its inspirations, enhancing the entire experience.
1 Kitchen
I loved this restaurant and its gorgeous views.
- Locally sourced fresh ingredients including from the hotel’s rooftop garden
- Fabulous breakfast buffet with made-to-order eggs, hot and cold offerings, a huge pastry table with at least 10 different choices, fresh juices, and bottomless coffee
- Sunset Dining
- House-made 1 Kitchen Milk bread served hot from the oven with Maui butter and black lava salt
- Great service
Welina Terrace
If you want to eat at the Welina Terrace known as the best spot on Kauai to watch the sunset you better have a reservation. Plan your arrival about an hour before sunset so you can catch the nightly Napo’o Ana O Ka La Sunset Ritual. This local tradition gives gratitude to the setting sun. Listen to the blowing of the pū kani nui (conch shell) followed by a traditional hula dance. Take the time to reflect and appreciate your day. This is just one of the ways the resort shares traditional Hawaiian culture with its guests.
- Don’t miss the Flaming Table Hibachi to cook Japanese A5 Wagyu beef
- Servers can design a chef’s tasting menu for you based on your preferences.
- Try the Chili Hamachi (shown in above photo)
The Sandbox
The Sandbox elevates the whole pool and beachside dining experience. Sustainability shines with meals served in reusable boxes with lids that protect your food from seagulls and the local wild chickens. Enjoy poke bowls, fish tacos, wagyu beef blend burgers, wood-fired flatbread pizzas, and a variety of craft cocktails.
Other Options
- Neighbors, a coffee shop with light bites for breakfast and lunch
- Kai Maika’i By 1 Kitchen for lunch and cocktails by the adult pool
- Wai’oli for shave ice
- Anatomy has a juice bar for post-workout refreshments.
Other Amenities at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
The resort has an overwhelming variety of amenities and things to do.
- Three pools
- Pu’u Poa Beach
- Three hot tubs
- Poolside service at all pools
- Golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club
- Water activity rentals including paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear
- Pickle ball and tennis
- Seedlings Program for children
- Concierge and activities desk
- Audi excursions
- Daily activities and happenings
What is near the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Visit the tiny town of Hanalei a short drive from the hotel with its cute Mom and Pop shops. Jo Jo’s Shave Ice was amazingly good. I felt this little hamlet gave me a more authentic Hawaiian experience than the resort town of Princeville. Take a drive to Ha’ena State Park, for a beautiful scenic drive. Make a reservation for parking. Check out the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay neighborhood guide for great suggestions of things to do in the area.
How to get to the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
The resort is located at 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, HI 96722. It is a 40-50 mile drive from the Lihue Airport. Certain categories of rooms include roundtrip airport transfers.
We booked a rental car so we could explore Kauai.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Join a rental car program. I am a member of the Budget Rental Car Fastbreak program. When I arrived at the Lihue rental car desk there was a separate counter for Fastbreak and I quickly picked up my rental car and was on my way.
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