Review: Striking scenery takes centre stage at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Location: Nestled on Kaua’i’s laid-back North Shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay looks out over mountain scenery and the golden crescent of Hanalei Bay from a cliffside spot near Princeville. The island’s diminutive size means getting here from Lihue Airport on the main ring road takes less than an hour.
First impressions: Breathtaking. It may sound clichéd, but from the moment we pulled up to the hotel’s porte cochère – a wooden entrance draped in greenery, with warm wooden lamps and a gently trickling waterfall – I knew I’d love it here. The view of the mountains, ocean and beach takes centre stage in every space, which I soak in from the property’s signature restaurant, 1 Kitchen by chef Chris Crary, where high ceilings, open doorways and trailing vines bring the outdoors inside. Looking up at the hotel from its secluded beach, the light wood blends with the trees, the windows reflect the ocean and the jungle enveloping the property place it in perfect harmony with its surroundings. The same is true in my Mountain View Two Queen Room, which is furnished with rattan, reclaimed wood and macramé wall hangings. Beyond the room’s sliding windows, foliage cascades down the walls, and from the chaise longue, I enjoy a slice of the hotel’s homemade banana bread, made with locally sourced fruit and vanilla beans from nearby Lydgate Farms, and admire the stunning coastline.
The facts: Nearly all of the 252 rooms boast panoramic mountain or ocean views. Larger suites have spacious living areas and kitchenettes, with terraces or private lanais (patios) on the ground floor. It’s sustainable throughout – the property was repurposed rather than purpose-built, so furniture in the hotel is made using reclaimed fixtures and materials, and it serves locally sourced, zero-waste cuisine in 1 Kitchen. Other dining venues include Welina Terrace, another indoor-outdoor space with a Japanese-inspired menu; coffee and light bites at Neighbors Café; and three poolside restaurants and bars, including a smoothie cafe, shaved ice bar and The Sandbox, for pizza, tacos and cocktails throughout the day. The hotel’s spacious Bamford Wellness Spa offers treatments ranging from standard massages to sensory deprivation and oxygen therapies. Guests can also enjoy three swimming pools, one of which is the adult-only sky pool, surrounded by cabanas, and direct access to Puu Poa Beach. A variety of experiences are on offer, from golf, pickleball and tennis to riding the waves with a local surf legend, snorkelling and paddleboarding. Daily classes including lei-making and painting are led by local artisans, while guests can book the most popular island excursions such as hikes and helicopter trips to the Nā Pali Coast. Little extras, such as chilled drinking water and sunscreen stations by every pool, as well as ever-friendly staff, made the stay truly exceptional.
Ideal for: Those looking for a unique slice of Kaua’i, away from the larger resorts. The wild scenery affords the property a sense of exclusivity, but the wide range of activities (including for little ones) and close proximity to the surf town of Hanalei mean couples and families alike can find something special.
Explore: The property is separated from Hanalei by a river, but complimentary electric Audis are available for test drives in the local area on a first-come, first-served basis, along with a free house car service, which transports guests within a three-mile radius. The nearby golf course and select restaurants in Princeville are within walking distance, and a wider array of boutiques and restaurants can be found in Hanalei town.
Wow: The fresh ingredients served at 1 Kitchen are the jewel in 1 Hotel’s crown, with a seasonal menu entirely sourced from local Hawaiian farms. Standout dishes included buttery soft sourdough made with ‘uala (purple sweet potato), beef tenderloin and sprouts dressed in palm sugar.
Book it: Low season rates start from $1,200.
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