The Hanalei Colony Resort is the only beachfront resort on the north shore of Kauai. This all-suite resort is situated near Ha’ena State Park and the famous Kalalau Trail, and it offers a complimentary area shuttle, so you can truly relax and let someone else do the work for you. We stayed here for three nights on our recent trip to beautiful Kauai, and we already can’t wait to return!

Note: This is not a sponsored post, and we did not receive a discount or other benefits in exchange for writing about our stay. This review is 100% honest and reflects our personal experience.

About the Resort

Even paradise is not without its challenges. Hanalei Colony Resort has bounced back from challenge after challenge for over three years now. Here is some information from the Hanalei Colony Resort Welcome Packet to give you an idea.

April 2018 Flooding

“In April 2018, hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed on Kauai as historic flooding swept through the islands. Here at Hanalei Colony Resort, we were at the center of it, both personally and professionally. As much of the national focus had turned to the Island of Hawaii’s volcanic activity, Kauai’s remote North Shore remained deep in the midst of recovery. And for several months, we chose to quickly pivot and transition our remote boutique resort into a multi-faceted emergency community center while nearby residents grappled with the most basic day-to-day needs under an extended disaster proclamation.”

Guests had to be evacuated by boat or helicopter; emergency medical operations were set up at the heavily damaged resort; the property based National Guard, first responders, and rescue services here to help residents rebuild and recover; the resort hosted Samaritan’s Purse volunteer operations for four months; and the resort also operated as a city hall of sorts to help residents recover. “The resort was closed off from regular vehicular traffic for more than a year.”

Electrical Fire

Also from the Hanalei Colony Resort Welcome Packet:

“Just a few months after the flooding, an electrical fire broke out in the pool gazebo, maintenance shed, housekeeping department, and laundry. All were destroyed.”

The Pandemic

After more than a year of renovations (topping $1 Million) and generously providing community assistance, the resort reopened in December 2019. As we all know the world shut down in March 2020. The resort re-opened again in October 2020, and my husband and I can personally recommend that you stay here on your trip to Kaua’i.

2021 Flooding

In April of this year, yet more flooding cause a landslide that once again cut off access to Hanalei. The landslide happened between Princeville and Hanalei, and the road is still closed to traffic for repairs on a very strict schedule. They have found a way to allow people to travel to Hanalei safely, but it requires some planning.

Hanalei Colony Resort was extremely pro-active in letting us know about the roadwork and the schedule, and they let us know of changes as they happened so we could be prepared. They also graciously answered our questions via e-mail and phone in the weeks before our stay. Work was still underway during our visit in August 2021.

For more about updated road work schedules, visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation Website.

Hanalei Colony Resort and its employees’ resilience, ability to pivot in troubling times, and positivity with the spirit of aloha are inspiring. We will be happy to return in the future, and we hope you will consider staying with them as well.

The Location

This resort is on Kauai’s North Shore, just north of the town of Hanalei. It’s perfectly situated for travelers planning to visit Tunnels Beach, Hanalei Bay, and the famous Kalalau Trail at Ha’ena State Park. It is an oceanfront property, so if your goal is to soak up the sun and never leave the resort, you can do that, too.

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The Grounds

The resort is adjacent to Kepuhi Beach and boasts view of dramatic coastline, ocean-side mountains, and palm trees. The grounds are meticulously kept, with plenty of open space to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in a long walk on the beach, a snorkel session, or simply reading a book on the soft grassy areas, Hanalei Colony Resort is a place you’ll want to call your “home away from home!”

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The Beach

Situated on a secluded stretch of Kepuhi Beach, it’s a perfect place for a sandy stroll, or just to admire the beauty. Your suite will come with beach chairs, an umbrella, and beach towels to use at your leisure. We wish we had stayed a few more days to fully enjoy this truly beach-front property!

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The Shuttle

The resort offers a complimentary shuttle to North Shore destinations such as Ha’ena State Park, Tunnels Beach, Hanalei, and more. The shuttle does not pick up or drop off at the airport (about an hour and a half away), but it does help to alleviate traffic on the North Shore road system, which is currently undergoing contruction due to recent record rainfall. For more about the shuttle service, click here.

Keep reading: How to Sign Up for Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program

Our Suite

All suites have two bedrooms and boast ocean views. We loved how well ours was laid-out, and how open and bright it could be. Because there is no air conditioning on the property, we benefitted from crosswinds and the sounds of the ocean outside.

The Living Area

We spent more time in this area than we expected. It can be closed off from both bedrooms, and the views from here looked straight onto the grassy common area, ocean, and mountains. The seating was very comfortable, and it truly felt like a home while we were there.

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Master Bedroom

The master bedroom was cozy, comfortable, and came with an excellent night’s sleep! I liked that we had a closet as well as drawer storage, and I nearly swooned when I put on one of the bathrobes from the closet. I love a good bathrobe.

Also read: Legendary Hotels of the World

Second Bedroom

The second bedroom could also be a secondary living area, which is how we used it. There was a large dresser, desk and chair, and half bathroom attached. The couch becomes a bed, and the sliding Venetian doors close for privacy.

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The Bathrooms

The bathrooms were immaculate and came with Bath and Body Works toiletries. Only the master bathroom had a shower and tub combination, but both had a toilet, sink, under-sink storage, medicine cabinet, and large cabinet-shelf combination. One thing I like about a bathroom is sink apace and storage. Hanalei Colony Resort provides both in each bathroom!

Read next: The Most Legendary Hotels in the World

The Kitchen

Each suite comes with a full-size kitchen. These have full-size appliances, including oven, stove, microwave, and refrigerator-freezer. They also have included cutlery, dishes, a tea kettle, and a coffee maker that comes with Kaua’i Coffee, our absolute favorite! I love when accommodations include local items whenever possible. Note, there is no dishwasher, but the resort does include dish soap and a scrubbing sponge.

Be prepared: What to Pack for a Week on Kaua’i

Lanai

I couldn’t get over our spacious, well-situated lanai. I worked out there, I read there, I enjoyed coffee there, I looked at and listened to the ocean there. Lanai is the Hawaiian word for “porch,” and it just sounds beautiful, doesn’t it? I love that they’ve included comfortable chairs and a table here for full enjoyment of the space.

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What’s Not Included

While there are outlets and wi-fi in every suite, there are no TVs or phones. It was wonderful! I value peace and quiet, especially when we visit Hawaii. The last year and half has been so full of noise and negativity, it was beautiful to be able to get away from everything else and feel like we had each other to ourselves.

More here: The Ultimate Kaua’i Bucket List

The Restaurants

The Hanalei Colony Resort boasts two restaurants: a coffee shop and a sit-down restaurant with ocean views.

Na’Pali Art Gallery and Cafe

This art gallery on the property showcases local artisans and… coffee! You can purchase beautiful, authentic jewelry or artwork here to remember your trip. And if you’re like me, you’ll want a Hawaiian-inspired coffee to help you through the jet lag. I chose a coconut latte made with macadamia milk.

Also good: A Traveler’s Guide to Coffee of the World

Opakapaka Bar and Grill

I’ll be totally honest, this was the only disappointment of our stay. But given what they’ve been through in the last three and a half years, we were happy to support this restaurant with our business. When things settle down and get back to a normal version of business as usual, I’m sure this restaurant will return to its better days.

Coming soon: The Best Places to Eat in Kaua’i

Want more? Check out my Hawaiian Islands Page for everything you need!

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