Hanalei Colony Resort

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what struck me first about Hanalei Colony Resort? It’s actually the last place you can stay before the road basically gives up on the north shore of Kauai. I mean, you’re literally at the end of civilization here – in the best possible way. The resort sits right on this gorgeous stretch of beach where the mountains just plunge into the Pacific, and honestly, the setting is so dramatic it almost feels fake.

The property itself is pretty low-key, which I loved. We’re talking two-story buildings scattered around tropical gardens, nothing flashy or resort-y in that manufactured way. The condos are spacious – ours had this huge lanai where we basically lived for a week, watching the sunset every single night (and trust me, they’re spectacular from this angle). The kitchens are actually functional too, which matters because you’re about 20 minutes from any real grocery shopping in Princeville. There’s a little market in Hanalei town, but it’s pricey and picked over by afternoon. The units feel a bit dated – think early 2000s Hawaiian decor – but everything works and it’s clean. Plus, you’re not here to hang out inside anyway.

What really makes this place special is the location and the vibe. You’re walking distance to some incredible stuff that most tourists never see because they don’t make it this far north. There’s this amazing reef right in front of the resort that’s perfect for snorkeling when the water’s calm – usually mornings are best. The Kalalau Trail starts just a few miles down the road, and honestly, getting to hike that trail and then come back to your own kitchen and a cold beer on your lanai? That’s pretty much paradise. The beach can get a little crowded with day-trippers, especially on weekends, but early morning and late afternoon it’s mostly just resort guests. Oh, and fair warning – the roosters here are no joke. They start up around 4 AM and they’re loud. Like, really loud. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

The staff was genuinely helpful without being overly polished – they actually know the area and gave us great recommendations for hiking and beaches. Parking was never an issue, which is more than I can say for most places in Hanalei. Check-in was smooth, though they do charge a resort fee (I think it was around $25/night) which feels a bit unnecessary for a place this casual. The property has a pool, but honestly, with that ocean right there, we never used it. There’s also a little spa, but again – ocean, mountains, hiking trails. You get the picture.

Look, this isn’t a luxury resort, and if you need daily housekeeping and room service, go somewhere else. But if you want to experience the real north shore of Kauai – the part that feels wild and untouched – and you want a comfortable base with an unbeatable location, this place delivers. Just stock up on groceries in Lihue before you drive up, because once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.