Hanalei Colony Resort C4

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about Hanalei Colony Resort C4? It’s one of those places where you actually feel like you’ve escaped to the real Kauai, not some sanitized resort bubble. I mean, you’re literally on the North Shore here – we’re talking about the stretch of coastline that locals will tell you is the most beautiful on the island, and honestly, they’re not wrong.

The thing about this spot is that it sits right where the dramatic Na Pali coastline begins to unfold, so when you wake up in the morning, you’re looking out at these impossibly green cliffs that just drop straight into the Pacific. It’s the kind of view that makes you stand there with your coffee getting cold because you can’t stop staring. The resort itself has this laid-back, almost residential feel – think more like staying in someone’s really nice beach house than a typical hotel. The units are spacious (which you’ll appreciate after a day of hiking the Kalalau Trail), and there’s actually a full kitchen, which is clutch because groceries on the North Shore can be… well, let’s just say you’ll want to stock up in Lihue before you head over.

What I love about the location is that you’re genuinely in Hanalei – not some resort compound pretending to be Hawaiian. You can walk to those food trucks everyone raves about, and the Hanalei Pier is right there when you want that classic Hawaii sunset shot. Fair warning though: this is the North Shore, so winter swells can be pretty intense, and sometimes the road from Princeville gets sketchy when it rains hard. But that’s also part of what keeps this area special – it’s not overrun because it’s not always the easiest place to get to. The resort clearly gets this; they’ve kept things low-key and authentic rather than trying to compete with those massive properties down south. Parking’s never an issue (thank god, because finding a spot in Hanalei town can be a nightmare during peak season), and the staff actually knows the area – like, they’ll tell you which beach to hit based on the surf conditions that day, not just hand you a generic activities list. The 8.4 rating makes total sense to me because this place delivers on what really matters: an incredible location, comfortable accommodations, and that genuine Hawaii vibe that’s getting harder to find. If you’re the type who wants to experience Kauai rather than just vacation at it, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 1 single bed for 3 adults

Reviews

• Melody from Israel (9/10)

  Quiet location, beautiful view. Helpful property management staff. Sea view. Beautiful balcony. Spacious apartment.

• Rainer from United States (7/10)

  Great location & views.

• Katarina from Sweden (9/10)

  Hanalei Colony Resort is the most wonderful place. Situated on the north shore of Kauai it is just a walking distance away from the Nepali coast which is just one of the most beautiful places in the world. This is where we were heading for a hike so I warmly recommend this resort for anyone who loves adventure and wants to experience the true beauty of Kauai (just remember to reserve your entrance to the hiking trail area well in advance). However, even though you are not looking for adventure, you can still just decide to take a spontaneous stroll westward along several beautiful and famous beaches, which are just minutes or at the most an hour walking distance away. Or, you can decide to take a drive east and access some of the beaches that might be a bit less easily accessible, including some short but sometimes difficult trails, but believe me it’s worth the trouble.
  Even if you are not planning to hike, I’d say this resort is still one of the best options for a stay in Kauai. Hanalei, in my opinion really cosy and the most picturesque town on the island, is just a short drive away, actually you could spend a whole week just enjoying being here (Haena and Hanalei) without exploring the rest of the island. However, since there is so much more to see on Kauai, the north shore and in particular Hanalei Colony Resort, requires a bit long drive to the canyon area for instance which is only accessible from the south.
  So, concluding, I highly recommend this particular resort independent of your primary purpose. I visited 13 years ago, I have stayed both on the north and the south shore, and I simply fell in love with this particular place, its simplicity yet the immense sense of luxury of staying so close to this dramatic and beautiful nature with the ocean, beaches and the mountains. I hope to return some day despite the very long journey across half the globe. Already looking forward to my third stay in Hanalei Colony Resort!

• Tatiana from Russia (7/10)

  Есть пляжный инвентарь. Есть парковка.

• Mikael from Australia (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities