1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the kind of secluded escape that makes Kauai feel almost otherworldly. Perched above the water with views that don’t seem real, the property embraces the slow island rhythm that’s meant to be savored. The location isn’t walkable to restaurants or attractions but with scenery like this, you won’t feel the need to go anywhere. A car is helpful for exploring, yet once you arrive, the hotel quickly becomes its own world. Upon pulling up, the Bell Staff were full of smiles & consistently helpful throughout the trip. For the actual check-in, we were welcomed into a lounge of couches where a team member appears with a cocktail, setting an immediate tone of relaxed luxury. The brand’s signature greenery and indoor/outdoor design is everywhere, with both restaurants open to sweeping mountain and ocean views that make the entire property feel connected to the landscape. Our room was calm, comfortable, and framed by stunning scenery. A standout touch was the filtered water tap in the bathroom, perfect for filling the reusable bottles. Housekeeping was also excellent throughout the stay. Dining was consistently strong. The breakfast buffet at 1 Kitchen was exceptional, and Welina Terrace delivered great sushi and unforgettable sunset views. The adults only infinity pool was another highlight, peaceful and beautifully positioned. Service across the property was genuinely warm, with bartender Ryan at 1 Kitchen standing out for his friendly, attentive energy. The views deserve a final mention. They’re the kind you try to keep capturing, before realizing they’re better experienced than photographed (a realization made after many attempts).

Wonderful stay at this property. Literally a million dollar view of the mountains and bay from every angle. Rooms were spacious and well kept. Gyn was truly state of the art. A few staff shoutout: Harry for the speedy check-in, Michael for the warm welcoming with the lei and valet, Darrin at 1 Kitchen for the birthday surprise, Aiden for the quick and attentive service at 1 Kitchen, Bruno for the amazing stretch classes including 1 Stretch but especially myofascial release class that felt really good (highly recommend this one), and Derek at concierge for getting everything we needed during our stay. Everyone on staff was so nice, always greeting us aloha. Felt like family. Thank you all!

Kyle, Jonah and Hi’ilani were incredible in not only their services, but in their kindness! What a wonderful team they were together. We had great conversations, drinks and food (poke nachos were phenomenal). 10/10 would recommend getting a chance to converse with them along with getting a tasty beverage. Will be back again!

Kyle, Jonah, and Hi’ilani were amazing at the bar and pool! Had an incredible time!!

The property is on Hanalei bay and has an absolutely stunning view, particularly the 1 Kitchen restaurant. That’s about where the fun ends. The rooms are nice and well appointed but the TV had problems, and the rooms don’t have a balcony - they just give you a window lookout. The shower pressure was but a trickle and very variable depending on the time of the day for much of our stay and the team said they’d “send an engineer” but never got it sorted—beware if you’re on higher floors. There were small roaches in the bathroom. There is really only one restaurant on the property - the others have very odd hours depending on the day you’re there. Valet is mandatory, there’s a $59 resort fee, and every activity is insanely expensive. If you’re planning to splurge to have a nice vacation - there are other properties around the island you should consider. Come for lunch or breakfast and enjoy the view - but stay somewhere else.