1 Hotel Hanalei BayKauai

What You Need to Know Before You Go on Your Hawaii Luxury Vacation

 On this particular trip we flew from the island of Oahu, Hawaii and landed on the Garden Isle of Kaua’i.  The Garden Isle of Kauai is a lush and tropical paradise located in the Hawaiian archipelago. Its breathtaking natural beauty is characterized by verdant rainforests, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, and soaring cliffs. Visitors can hike the Napali Coast, explore the Waimea Canyon, or simply relax on the white sand beaches. The island is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species like the Hawaiian monk seal and the nene goose. Overall, Kauai’s serene and idyllic atmosphere makes it a must-see destination for nature lovers and travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.

After a short drive (long for Hawaii-natives but short for most), we arrived at the luxurious 1 Hotel Hanalei.   1 Hotel Hanalei is a luxurious and eco-friendly resort located on the shores of Hanalei Bay. The resort features stunning ocean views, spacious rooms and suites, and a variety of amenities such as a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options. The resort also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability, utilizing renewable energy sources and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout the property. Guests are invited to a peaceful and relaxing stay while also being surrounded by the natural beauty of Kauai.

1 Hotel Hanalei Valet

We pulled up to the valet area, a large loop with large swinging chairs.  After dropping our car off with the valet, we were greeted by a hostess who placed a lei on each of us.  Valet service is offered for all vehicles of overnight registered guests. Day guests joining for restaurant and spa visits receive parking validation with a minimum purchase.

We walked past another beautiful garden with a waterfall amidst a wall of greenery and were shown to the check in area which consisted of large couches and tables.  At first, I didn’t really know what was going on.  I’m so used to standing in front of a large counter or in a line. After being seated with our check in aid, we were given chilled towels, a locally-sourced signature green drinks and shots of rum.  I appreciated just how beautiful the presentation was.  The towels were served in little trays that seemed to have come straight out of the surrounding landscape.  I also loved the fact that they used reusable containers.

When we had completed our check in, our hostess, a lovely local girl, continued to walk us to our room.  Along the way she pointed out things of interest while showing us where different things were located.  She also took our picture on one of the decks.  It was a beautiful, overcast day and the view of the mountains was spectacular.  I appreciated that she offered to take our picture, as we all want pictures of our vacations and we usually have to ask someone for help. 

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Rooms

As we were traveling as a family, we were given adjoining rooms.  Our room was lovely.  One of my favorite things was the natural wood benches at the foot of each bed.  They kept the curve of the wood in the design.  Another thing I loved was the giant windows.  The glass panes and screens could be opened letting in the sea air and leaving a clear view of the waterfall-covered mountains and Hanalei Bay.  One of the rooms had couches and a coffee table in front of the window.  This became one of our favorite places to sit, relax and hangout.  

One of my favorite things in the room were the green glasses made from recycled bottles.  I appreciated the fact that they reused those wine or beer bottles.  Every room comes equipped with a rapid filling water dispenser.  I loved this.  There were no plastic water bottles!  It felt like a victory for the planet everytime I refilled my glass or reusable water bottle.  

1 Hotel Hanalei Review

Overall, I had a wonderful time.  The views are absolutely breathtaking and they are everywhere.  Nature-lovers will appreciate all of the spectacular sights and environmentalists will appreciate the hotel’s efforts to preserve this beauty. However, it is important to keep in mind that the hotel and staff are all relatively green (pun intended) and there were a few tiny mishaps along the way.  It took a long time to get our food at 1 Kitchen and service was generally slow around the hotel.  Would I go back again? Absolutely. The staff were friendly and helpful, the views majestic and the ambience was so chill, I found myself unable to be mad about anything.   

Pros and Cons of 1 Hotel Hanalei

Pros

The Check-in Process at 1 Hotel Hanalei 

Where do I begin?  From cool towels, locally-sourced signature drinks in eco-friendly cups to the large seated check-in.  The whole thing felt very welcoming.  A far cry from the usual sterility and utility of the average check-in.      

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Restaurant

Welina Terrace had the most delicious dishes.  Welina Terrace is a beautiful and serene outdoor space. This terrace offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains, surrounded by lush greenery and natural landscape. It’s designed for relaxation and tranquility, with comfortable seating areas, fire pits, and a bar. Guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks while taking in the picturesque scenery. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The sushi was melt-in-your-mouth amazing.  My two favorite dishes were the O-toro and the brussels sprouts.  Seriously, do not skip the brussels sprouts.  We ordered seconds.  It was that good.  As for the sushi, the white tiger roll did not disappoint.  

Welina Terrace was a highlight for me.  We loved it so much that we wished we had made reservations there for both nights.  We ate at 1 Kitchen 3 times.  Once for brunch and twice for dinner.  While the food was excellent, the service was slow.  I think this was due in part to the fact that they were still working out all the kinks–having just opened weeks prior to our visit.

Swings 

The swings proved to be irresistible to the young among us and became a lifesaver later as we waited for our cars to arrive.  There’s nothing worse than making little ones wait.  

Cons 

Slow service

Unfortunately, I think they still had a few kinks to work out. Two weeks after opening, service in the restaurants was a bit slow and they definitely seemed short staffed.

Menu was not kid friendly at Welina Terrace

The Welina Terrace had a more of a grown-people, drinks-after-work kind of vibe.  There were more than a few people eye-balling our group with everything from toddlers and teenagers to grandma.  We were seated on one of those tall tables with barstools and the few highchairs they had were already in use.  The food was amazing and sophisticated and there really wasn’t anything on that menu for children.  

Questions and Answers for 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Is 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay a Virtuoso preview property?

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a Virtuoso preview property meaning guests of the hotel who book with Virtuoso will also enjoy all the benefits that Virtuoso has to offer.  Currently Virtuoso is offering the following:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD Hotel Credit, applicable towards our food & beverage outlets or towards Spa Services, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Who owns 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay?

The property formerly known as the St. Regis Princeville Resort was acquired by the Starwood Capital Group for approximately $225 million back in 2018 before investing an additional $100 million in renovations on what is now known as 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

Starwood Capital Group is a private investment firm that specializes in real estate. Founded in 1991, the company has a global presence and invests in a variety of asset classes, including hotels, residential properties, and office buildings. The firm has a reputation for innovative and opportunistic investing strategies, and has completed over $60 billion in transactions since its inception.

Is it safe to swim in Hanalei Bay?

Like all beaches in Hawaii, the waters of Hanalei Bay are affected by the seasons.  Swimming in Hanalei Bay is only considered safe between the months of June and August.  Outside of these months, the conditions are considered to be too rough for swimming making summer the best time to visit.  Note: If you choose to come during the Fall or Spring, you can still swim near the pier and guests of 1 Hanalei Bay have several pools and hot tubs to choose from.  

Is 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the Beach?

Yes, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is on the beach.  The resort itself sits on a hillside a little higher than the ocean with its pools located next to the bay  itself.