1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: the best view on the island

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In a nutshell: A high-end, multi-level resort offering jaw-dropping views and direct beach access — a rare find in Princeville. But expect premium pricing and a few service hiccups.

Overview

Ever since it opened, I was looking for a reason to book the very expensive (and very luxurious) 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. It just looked…stunning. Located on the site of the former St. Regis, the views are even better in person than they are online.

I had very high expectations for our stay and they were mostly met. The pool area is lovely, the design of the hotel is excellent, and the access to the beach is unique for the area.

While there were some service hiccups that made it feel like they have some things to work out for such a high price, I would absolutely stay there again. Every time we’re planning a trip to Kauai I check the prices there first.

Oh! And I should also mention that it was 100% kid friendly. There is an adult pool that is nowhere near the regular pool so people there for an adult vibe will still get that. But we had no issues with our two young kids there and there was plenty of things that made it a good family stay (like the smoothie bar for morning breakfast).

The One Hotel Hanalei Key Facts

Beach Access
Direct access to a beach on Hanalei Bay, which is one of the few resorts the offer this feature (the other is Hanalei Bay Resort). The pool is at beach level and this area was truly the biggest draw for us.

Resort Design
The multi-tiered architecture isn’t just visually striking, it enhances the guest experience, offering elevated vistas, thoughtful shade, and intimate terraces.

Ambiance
A harmonious blend of tropical elegance and understated grandeur. This isn’t flashy; it’s refined. Think muted tones, rich textures, and strategic lighting that pairs beautifully with the island’s natural glow.

Restaurants
There are plenty of on-site restaurants to choose from, which is unique for Princeville. There’s Neighbor’s Cafe, which we visited every morning for a quick breakfast, The Sandbox and Wai’oli at the pool, for poolside food and shave ice, Wellina Terrace Lounge, which has the most amazing views, and 1 Kitchen that is their more formal restaurant that we visited for dinner once.

Pools
There are two great pools at the hotel. The main pool is located beach level, so you can switch between pool and beach easily. The adult pool is located on the 8th level, near the 1 Kitchen restaurant, so you’re away from kids that might be at the main pool. No waterslides or anything flashy here, but our kids loved it.

Gym
I would like to take myself on a DIY wellness retreat here. The gym facilities are fantastic. It’s beautiful, has amazing views like the rest of the hotel, and they offer a variety of classes. I did a yoga class and it was actually a great way to start my day on vacation.

Why We Loved It

• Unparalleled luxury
  From the moment you arrive, One Hotel Hanalei exudes beach chic elegance, from the appointed rooms, lush tropical landscaping, and thoughtful design details that whisper “luxury” at every turn.
• Jaw-dropping views
  Every vantage point is framed by dramatic mountain views, swaying palms, and sweeping ocean panoramas. It’s the kind of view that stops you in your tracks. Waking up to it in the morning was such a treat.
• Easy beach access
  Finding good beach access in Princeville isn’t easy, but this resort delivers. Make your way through the resort levels and you reach the pool, which is just steps away from the beach, where you can rent kayaks, SUPs, snorkel gear, or just lounge on a chair.
• Beautiful multi-level resort layout
  Rather than sprawling on one flat plane, the resort is artfully built into the hillside, creating cozy terraced zones. It can be a little confusing to navigate at first, but it’s part of the fun.

Things to Know Before Booking

• Very high-end pricing
  This isn’t a place for budget stays. It’s perched firmly on the top tier for cost in the area. Expect the full luxury-resort price tag for what you’re getting.
• Service didn’t always match expectations
  For such a lavish resort, some service areas felt underwhelming. For instance, securing poolside chairs was unexpectedly challenging. It seemed like there were a lot of abandoned pool chairs where the towels just hadn’t been cleaned off. We asked the pool staff for help, but they just responded with “yeah, it gets busy down here.” We eventually found chairs, cleaned them off, and enjoyed our day.
• Check-in can be a slow process
  Your arrival may not start with the swift precision you expect from a high-end stay. Check-in took noticeably long, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re arriving after travel and just want to settle in.

Want to see this hotel in action? We review it (and it’s next door neighbor, the Hanalei Bay Resort) in our video:

Verdict

If what you’re after is the pinnacle of luxury, with unforgettable views and prime beachfront access, One Hotel Hanalei doesn’t disappoint. The environment alone is worth the investment.

Just weigh that investment carefully: while the setting is spectacular, a few service inconsistencies—like chair hunting by the pool and sluggish check-in—can make you pause and wonder if the extras are worth it for the price.

If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, but still with great beach access, you’ll want to check out the Hanalei Bay Resort, which is right next door.

The Best Kauai Itinerary

Ready to plan the rest of your vacation? We have you covered with our Kauai itinerary. This download and go itinerary takes you on a planned out route around the island seeing the best sights and eating at the best restaurants.

Your vacation guide was absolutely amazing. Traveling to Hawaii required 100s of decisions from where to stay, what to eat and what to do, and you made it a TON easier. All of your restaurant suggestions were fantastic.

Rebecca S.