We must have had the best room in the place because the view was nothing short of stunning. We had a panoramic view of the beach and ocean through the balcony, living room and bedroom windows...like being on ship. Truly unbelievable. I could sit anywhere in the condo and just enjoy the view. In fact, I woke up every morning and simply stared out the window at the sunrise, without moving a muscle. I loved listening to the sounds of the sea instead of someone else's air conditioner. We also went out every evening and looked at the stars....so many of them, I've never seen anything like it. If you are looking for privacy, relaxation and a view like none other, this is your place. If you want to spend some time in the Poipu area, pick a hotel there for a few days, then come to Hanalei.
The condo itself was very serviceable, though certainly not plush. It isn't meant to be. It's a comfortable, kick your shoes off kind of place. The kitchen is small but functional, and one bathrom shower was so tiny even I had a hard time in it (5'4", 110 lbs). It is a good distance away from the town of Priceville, and that was a tad tiresome if you wanted to go into town to eat dinner. The drive back on a winding, under-construction road was a bummer. We all liked eating at the Mediterranean Gourmet next door, and it was easy to get coffee and a bagel at the small gift/coffee shop in the morning, so you don't necessarily have to drive into Princeville that often anyway. The thing I probably liked the least was the soft sandy beach...impossible to walk on, although we tried many times. You sink in up to your ankles, which makes some very tough going.
Hanalei Colony Resort is casual, unpretentious, friendly (even the cats!) and totally in touch with the natural beauty that makes Kauai so special. I would not stay anywhere else.
- Hanalei Colony Hotel
- Hanalei Colony Resort Kauai
