Life in San Diego is what most people invest their vacation days and money to come experience, and we are forever grateful that we get to call her home. But every once in a while, we do have the itch for an escape. We recently felt the need to hit the reset button, and in this case it was a Kauai hotel with a reputation for natural beauty and luxury that was calling to us.

We craved someplace with nature, tranquility, luxury, and a break from screens and schedules. So we booked a trip to a place we’d had our eye on for a while—1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore—and it did not disappoint.

If you’re dreaming of a vacation that’s as rejuvenating as it is stunning — any time of year — this might just be your new favorite spot. It easily gets our vote for the nicest hotel in Kauai.

Getting There

Nestled above the dazzling waters of Hanalei Bay in the town of Princeville, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay feels like a hidden sanctuary—but getting there is part of the adventure.

Fly into Lihue Airport (LIH), about a 50-minute drive away from the resort. You can get various types of cars for hire to take you to 1 Hotel, but we rented a car, which we recommend if you want a little more flexibility—it gave us the freedom to explore nearby beaches and towns at our own pace.

The drive itself is scenic, winding past lush green hills, waterfalls, and glimpses of the coastline that will have you pulling over for photos.

A Storied Transformation

The resort sits on the site that has been a longtime favorite of hotels that served as a big draw to visitors making their way to Kauai for a Hawaii vacation: the Princeville Resort (1985), then the Sheraton Mirage Princeville (1986), and the St. Regis Princeville (2009).

After a jaw-dropping $300 million renovation, it reopened as the crown jewel of the 1 Hotels brand. Every corner has been reimagined with sustainability and natural beauty in mind—and it shows.

Embracing Sustainability

What struck us immediately was how intentionally the resort was designed to be kind to the planet without sacrificing comfort. Think reclaimed wood, native landscaping, refillable water stations, and even hangers made from recycled paper.

It’s all done in a way that feels warm and inviting—not preachy. You genuinely feel good about staying here.

The Rooms

Our room was the kind of place you walk into and instantly feel your shoulders drop. The earthy tones, natural textures, and a view of the ocean that made me gasp—it was like stepping into a private retreat.

Floor-to-ceiling windows brought the outside in, and thoughtful touches like organic linens, filtered water taps, and local artwork made the space feel soulful. We slept like babies in the very comfortable king-sized bed.

Our room opened up to a patio with natural privacy walls on either side and direct access to the pool and the Bay. It couldn’t get any more relaxing.

Poolside Bliss & Wellness Activities

Let’s just say we were in our element. There’s a gorgeous adults-only infinity pool on the 8th floor where you can sip a cocktail and watch the sunset melt into the bay.

Down by the beach, there’s a larger pool area perfect for families, complete with waterfalls, hot tubs, and even a shallow kids’ pool.

“Families? Kids? I thought you said this was relaxing?!” Trust us, it is. Although families and children are certainly welcome here, the resort draws guests that understand that people are coming here to relax and get away.

Feeling extra? Rent a cabana—it comes with everything from fruit platters to reef-safe sunscreen. It’s a vibe.

The resort’s wellness program is no joke either. There’s a massive gym with everything from Pelotons to boxing bags, and a daily schedule of fitness classes that made me want to try something new every day. Yoga on the beach, HIIT, barre-style workouts—you name it.

We even pumped some iron at the outdoor gym that’s right on the beach, featuring wood weights – Tarzan Mode engaged!

A Wellness Haven

Bamford Wellness Spa

We couldn’t resist booking a massage at the Bamford Wellness Spa, and it was one of the best we’ve had. In fact, we ended up doing a few of them. The treatments use Hawaiian botanicals and traditional healing techniques, and we walked out floating a few inches above the ground. If you’re looking to fully unplug and reset, this is your move.

Culinary Delights

Food-wise, you’re covered. The resort has seven restaurants and bars, all focused on fresh, local ingredients.

Our favorite was 1 Kitchen, where we had farm-to-table meals that were as delicious as they were beautiful. Think grilled catch of the day, just-picked greens, and cocktails with housemade infusions.

Also worth mentioning is the little market and coffee and breakfast bar, Neighbors Cafe, tucked just off of the hotel lobby. It became our go-to every morning—a quick, easy, and high-quality way to start the day before heading out for a hike or hitting the beach.

They serve great espresso drinks, fresh juices, and a tasty selection of breakfast bites, from overnight oats to warm pastries. If you’re the type who wants to fuel up and get moving without a long sit-down meal, this spot is a gem.

And, of course, don’t forget room service. We had bottles of champagne and late-night desserts while we stared out at the Hanalei Bay views from our patio. Not a bad way to end the day.

Nature’s Embrace

One of the best parts of staying here is how immersed you are in nature. Hanalei Bay is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever see, with misty mountains in the distance and waves rolling into a perfect crescent beach.

You can access all of it directly from the hotel, which literally backs up onto the Bay. The sense of seclusion, peace and privacy is exactly what we were looking for.

We loved walking the shore in the early mornings and watching the light change over the mountains—pure magic.

Outdoor Adventures

When we weren’t lounging, we were exploring. Kauai is an adventurer’s dream, and the North Shore doesn’t disappoint.

Hiking

Some of the hikes nearby are truly unforgettable:

• Kalalau Trail: A rugged trail with cliffside ocean views
• Hanakāpīʻai Falls Trail: Leads to a 300-foot waterfall. It’s a challenging six hour hike, but if you want a real adventure into the native landscape, it’s absolutely worth it
• Okolehao Trail: A shorter hike with sweeping views of Hanalei Bay

Biking

Renting a bike is a fun way to explore the coastline or cruise through local neighborhoods. A few local shops in Hanalei make rentals easy.

Jeep and ATV Tours

If you’re more into thrill-seeking, hop on a Jeep or ATV tour through Kauai’s wild terrain. We bounced through jungles, crossed streams, and got muddy—and it was a blast.

Exploring Hanalei Town

Just down the road from the hotel is Hanalei, one of the most charming beach towns you’ll ever visit. It’s laid-back, artsy, and full of personality.

We grabbed a perfect latte at Hanalei Bread Co., browsed local boutiques, and had a memorable dinner at Bar Acuda, a local favorite with a seriously good wine list. Don’t miss the poke bowls at Hanalei Poke either.

The whole town feels like a throwback to a simpler time—in the best way. No stress, no rush. Just beach days, good eats, and friendly faces.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming about planning a trip to Hawaii, let this be your sign. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a splurge, but it’s very special. It’s the kind of place that fills your cup and leaves you feeling more connected—to nature, to yourself, and to the people you travel with.

We came back from this trip feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected. If you’re looking for your next escape, this is one we can’t recommend enough. Go—you won’t regret it.

More info on 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay can be found here. For updates, follow along Instagram and Facebook.