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Hanalei Bay Resort

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  • 5380 Honoiki Road
     Kauai, Hawaii
    (808) 827-4427
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kelley j.
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
9
Reviews
17
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Editor Pick

Resort Update

  • December 28, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Idler from Poolesville, Maryland
Resort Update

I last reviewed this resort in 2003, and since six years have passed and the resort has changed ownership, perhaps an update is in order.

Happily, most of the things I originally liked about Hanalei Bay Resort are just the same. The grounds are still meticulously maintained by a crew of diligent groundskeepers, and no new structures encroach upon the stunning views of Hanalei Bay and Makana Peak. The two-bedroom unit we're staying in is located in the "Bamboo" building, a little closer to the center of the resort than where we've stayed previously. Buildings down the hill have a slightly more central view of the bay, but the trade-off is the walk down and up the hill. It's my understanding that many of the condos are being renovated, but this particular unit's furniture and appliances looked much the same. One nice difference is the earth-toned wall paint in the kitchen and bedrooms - considerably less sterile than the white walls remembered from our last three stays.

With tourism down some 40% on the island, there seem to be fewer people staying at the resort, and those that are seem to all have children. Frankly, I'd be all for a few buildings being designated child-free, as even with decent soundproofing the pitter-patter of little feet overhead is an irritant, but then I'm notoriously cranky when it comes to ambient noise. I've made a curmudgeonly mental note to myself: "Stay during school year, not Christmas holidays, next time."

On the positive side, the lovely central lagoon pool area now has a new filtration system based on mineral salts rather than chlorine. This is our fourth stay here, but it's the very first time I've actually used the pool. Before, the overwhelming smell of chlorine always put me off, and with the ocean just a few minutes' walk down the hill, I never much saw the point. The new system, though, is fantastic, leaving hair and skin nice and soft and no itchy "chlorine skin" feel. I've taken to having an early morning swim before we head out for the day. (I'd take a later swim, but, well, you know, the aforementioned pitter-patter is augmented by high-pitched shrieks later on in the day. We curmudgeons will go to great lengths to avoid high-pitched anything.)

We were also told that the tennis courts had been resurfaced. As I'm among the slow-twitch-muscle-fiber set, I really can't give you the full scoop on the tennis scene at the resort, but it does seem that there are more tennis players out there on the various courts this year, and they do look happy.

Before leaving home, we were called not once but twice by a resort representative to inform us that both the on-site Bali Hai Restaurant and the Happy Talk Lounge were closed for renovation. Apparently, there had been some complaints about this, but it affected us not one whit as neither place was ever a favorite haunt. However, one thing we did like was to strolling over to have an evening cocktail at the swank Princeville Hotel adjacent to the resort, but that entire place is being renovated. Alas, we rather miss that amazing sunset view from the balcony bar, not to mention the piano or slack-key accompaniment. (Never mind... the same view can be had by walking down to the beach.)

Golfers take note: it seems that about half the Princeville course is also being worked on, which, again, hasn't affected us, as if there's any activity I find less appealing than tennis, well, it's golf. However, I feel duty bound to report that the golf course is currently being resurfaced or reconfigured or whatever it is that they do to golf courses.

Finally, I should mention that the reason I'm writing this right now is that there is cable internet in all the units... for a fee. There are a couple of free computers up in the business center, but if you want to use a laptop in your condo, it's around $10 a day or $40 a week. We're paying $56 for two weeks... don't ask me how that works, exactly, or why use of internet can't come FREE given the maintenance fees we pay, but what the heck. We're happy to have access to our IgoUgo and Facebook accounts.

From journal No Place Like Hanalei

Hanalei Bay Resort

  • March 2, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by jjtakemoto from Elmwood, Nebraska
The Beachboy is our home Shell resort, but we have two weeks each year at Hanalei Bay. We try to get a room with a view of the Hanalei Bay and sunsets.
This is old Hawaii laid back and just peaceful. Basicly sold out.
A great view of sunsets from the restaurant, the food is very good. I do like the Beachboy as well, but no sunset on Bali Hai.

Always pick the 1 bedroom and not the hotel offerings. This is a distance from most of the activities and shopping, but that is sort of the advantage. It is easy to start the Kalalau trail eary before the crowds.

For those who have stayed in Honolulu at the Ilikai, this is a totally different mood. The Bar is small and has local talent almost every day. Aloha Friday is fantastic. This bar welcomes locals and gives real meaning to why Kauai is special.

From journal Peaceful Kauai

Hanalei Bay Resort

  • January 20, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by kauailuvr from Walnut Creek, California
Hanalei Bay Resort was a wonderful place for our family to stay. The lovely grounds that surround the resort can only be outmatched by the spectacular views you will experience. We rented a privately owned condominium and we couldn't have been happier. When we walked in for the first time and saw Bali Hai in front of us, we couldn't believe the beauty. The staff was friendly, the massages by the pool the best we've ever had, and every day was a new adventure on this glorious island. You cannot get bored with all the things to do, but at night it is quiet and peaceful and just what we wanted out of a vacation. Not crazy like Maui at all. I highly recommend staying at Hanalei Bay Resort.

From journal Hanalei Bay Resort is Paradise

Hanalei Bay Resort

  • January 23, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by mrsmcbucky from Littlerock, California
It was a great place to stay. They're located on the north shore. About 5 miles down the road is Hanalei Bay, and they have a lot of great restaurants (a little pricey but good). We stayed for 10 days. Rooms were nice and clean. It had a great view of the mountains. There are ocean-view rooms. They share a great beach with the Princeville Hotel. It's a great area to go snorkeling or surfing if you're good at it. It's also a timeshare resort, so if you get a room with a kitchen, it's really half of a condo. I felt it was a great place to stay for your money's worth. I would definitely go there again.

From journal Relaxing Getaway in Kauai

Hanalei Bay Resort

  • March 12, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by lawngnome from Medford, Oregon
Best Things Nearby:


Best Things About the Resort:
The views and the decor and architecture incorporating Kauai's natural beauty

Resort Experience:
Although I don't clearly remember the details (it's been over 8 years since visiting and staying at the resort), I do remember very vividly how much I enjoyed Hanalei Bay. Quite simply, it is the most beautiful place I've ever visited, and the Bay Resort is only second to the luxury of the nearby Princeville resort - although, even then, I'm willing to bet HBR is, if not as luxurious, much more beautiful.

Resource: http://hanaleibayresort.com/main.html

  • Unit Type: 3 Bedroom
  • Activities: Not Available
  • Amenities: Excellent
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Not Available

From journal Garden State, Garden Island

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