KAUAI, HAWAII – Hanalei is a sleepy, laid-back town on the lush, north shore of Kaua’i. Hanalei Colony Resort is 10-15 minutes down the road, reachable by a curving road with several one-way bridges, surrounded by breathtaking beaches and luscious mountain scenery with hills so green they’d make the Irish weep with envy.
If you’re looking for an ultra-quiet, almost throwback-style place where you can experience the tranquility of what may be Hawaii’s most beautiful island, this is your kind of place.
There are 13 two-storey buildings on the five-acre property, which is fronted by beaches on two sides and features wide-open lawns, towering palm trees that sway in the breeze and flowering trees and shrubs in a riot of tropical colors.
Beachfront units at Hanalei Colony Resort, Kauai, Hawaii. Photo courtesy Hanalei Colony Resort.
THE ROOMS
All suites have two-bedrooms and two baths, so you don’t need to go hunting around for the right unit. Our suite, A-3, was a second-floor affair overlooking the beach. There was a large bedroom plus a second, smaller one with an L-shaped unit with two beds. We had a full kitchen and a large living room and dining space with a sofa and comfy chairs and ocean views, plus a patio/lanai big enough for the starting lineup of the Los Angeles Rams. They weren’t fancy, but they struck just the right relaxed/tropical tones for me. Some suites have garden and mountain views, while others face the ocean, so be sure to ask before you book. There are no TV’s and no phones, so this is definitely a place to unplug.
A suite at the Hanalei Colony Resort on Kauai, Hawaii. Jim Byers Photo
THE BEACH
The reef comes in right to the shore in some areas, but I found a nice swimming pocket with a sandy bottom on a section of the beach that’s behind the coffee shop and restaurant on the west side of the property, where there also are some trees that offer welcome shade on a hot day. The water was clear and a decidedly perfect temperature.
A view of the beach at Hanalei Colony Resort on Kauai, Hawaii. Jim Byers Photo
THE POOL
The swimming pool is very nice and is surrounded by lush landscaping, including palm trees, colorful croton, and other tropical plants. The pool deck has comfy loungers, and there’s a covered area with tables and chairs so you can get out of the sun.
The swimming pool at Hanalei Colony Resort on Kauai, Hawaii. Jim Byers Photo
EXTRAS
There’s free parking and free Wi-Fi. They also have free shuttles to beaches and other attractions. There are coin-operated washers and dryers in the swimming pool area. There’s a pretty gallery and coffee shop on the property, as well as a restaurant (Opakapaka Grill and Bar) that the resort doesn’t operate. Maybe it was a bad night, but I can’t say I would recommend it based on our dinner experience. We didn’t get a chance to try, but their Hanalei Day Spa offers a variety of therapeutic massage, spa services, and Ayurvedic treatments. The cozy spa facility features private treatment rooms and an outdoor hut for beachside massages. The on-site concierge can help with activities and restaurant reservations, and there’s also a lending library if you left your books at home.
Beachfront units at Hanalei Colony Resort, Kauai, Hawaii. Photo courtesy Hanalei Colony Resort.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Ha’ena State Park, a fabulous area of Kaua’i that includes lovely Ke’e Beach and the famous Kalalau Trail along the towering Na Pali cliffs, is just a couple minutes away. Also just down the road (less than two miles) is Limahuli Garden and Preserve, where you’ll find spectacular flower displays and up-close views of spiky, jungle-clad mountains. Spectacular Tunnels Beach is just a few feet from Limahuli. It’s maybe 15 minutes from the resort to the town of Hanalei, where you’ll find great shopping, fine and casual restaurants and food trucks. You can rent kayaks in town and take a spin on the Hanalei River, swim at Hanalei Beach, or even try an inner-tube ride down a former irrigation ditch. The top-rated Princeville golf course is just a few minutes past Hanalei, as is the stately Kilauea Lighthouse.
A sunset at Hanalei Colony Resort on Kauai, Hawaii. Jim Byers Photo
THE VERDICT
This isn’t a luxury villa, but if you’re looking for quiet and maybe some romance in a place that’s just seconds from some of Kauai’s most stunning scenery, and close to several amazing beaches and attractions, this might be the perfect spot for you.
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