Unlike many luxury hotels, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, on Hawaii’s Kauai island, does not try to impress with a polished marble porte cochere. Instead, the feeling upon arrival is more like that of discovering a hideaway tucked into the rainforest.
Meandering water features, hanging vines, untamed wildflower gardens off the open-air lobby and lots of wood and stone let visitors know right away that the natural surroundings outside the property are just as important as the world of comfort inside the hotel.
In fact, the 1 Hotels brand considers sustainable hospitality to be a core pillar, and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay might be the best representation of that philosophy. A former St. Regis, the property was purchased in 2018 and reopened as the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in 2023 after a top-to-bottom, multimillion-dollar renovation.
The hotel’s open-air lobby features a wildflower garden and water features.
Credit: 2025 AVABLU
Built into a steep cliffside overlooking stunning Hanalei Bay, the property’s 252 guestrooms cascade down from the lobby on the ninth floor to the main swimming pool and private beach on the ground floor. The architecture provides amazing views from nearly every point in the hotel.
On-Site Restaurants
In particular, clients will want to know that dinner or cocktails at Welina Terrace is a must during their stay. The modern lounge features live music, some of the best sunset views on the island and Japanese-inspired shared plates — such as a local ahi crudo with basil, pineapple, pickled chilies, ponzu and lemon oil — alongside a highly curated selection of Hawaiian rums, agave spirits and Japanese whiskeys.
With its incredible views and creative menu, Welina Terrace is a must for guests.
Credit: 2025 Mikkel VangThe other main restaurant, 1 Kitchen, also has incredible views and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I enjoyed breakfast on the terrace while getting lost in the views of the bay, Kauai’s green mountains and multiple waterfalls in the distance (especially after a rainfall).
Also on property is Neighbors: a counter-service cafe serving breakfast and lunch — with barista-made coffee, smoothies, acai bowls and more — popular with Princeville locals. The Sandbox offers casual poolside food and bar service, including wood-fired pizza cooked in an outdoor oven. The Juice Bar features cold-pressed juices and smoothies, and Wai’oli offers cold treats, including somewhat addictive shave ice.
Bringing Nature In
Another aspect that makes 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay unique is the design of its guestrooms. From the moment I entered my Ocean View King room, I was taken with how the property’s emphasis on the outdoors is carried into the accommodations. With its rustic wood and lava-rock accents, basalt stone floors, rattan light fixtures, Berber rugs, bamboo seating and small fur throw rugs, everything exuded the warmth of natural textures and textiles. I especially appreciated the sunken bed and the day bed — both set up facing the large picture window with a view of the bay. Another nice touch: live plants throughout the room.
Guestrooms highlight natural textiles and textures.
Credit: 2025 Ryan ForbesOf course, guestrooms come with all the expected amenities, including a 55-inch HD smart television; a Nespresso machine; a minibar with local artisanal products; Bamford bath products; yoga mats; and more. While there is a state-of-the-art television, it was pushed off to the side to emphasize that the views come first.
The open bathroom sink is part of the main living space, and a large stone shower (no bathtub) has the option of opening shutters so as not to miss a moment of the view.
Travel advisors should be sure to tell clients that while the room is extremely comfortable, it is somewhat modest in size at 547 square feet. So, anyone looking for more space might want to book one of the 51 suites, which run from 820 to 2,400 square feet.
Activities Abound
There are two pools on property: an adults-only infinity pool on level eight and a large family pool on the ground level, which features in-water lounge chairs and several hot tubs. The lower pool is near a beach where guests can borrow snorkel gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Surfers should be sure to bring their boards — there are surfers catching waves off shore morning to night.
A full slate of activities are offered on property each day. Fitness sessions include yoga, spinning, guided hikes and a beachside cardio/weight class. The Anatomy gym is fully appointed with treadmills, rowing machines, ellipticals and weights.
There are also non-fitness related activities throughout the week, such as a Paint and Sip session, bracelet weaving and Hawaiian dance. Guests receive a full calendar of events and activities at check-in.
Bamford Wellness Spa offers a range of innovative treatments.
Credit: 2025 AVABLUThe property’s Bamford Wellness Spa offers a variety of sensory-stimulation therapies designed to “nurture balance, harmony and tranquility,” including massages and facials, as well as infrared sauna treatments and ocean float sensory meditation pods.
The resort also offers Seedlings Aloha Camp for kids ages 6 to 12, while an Ohana Activity Room provides games and activities — including ping-pong — for older kids.
The Princeville Makai Golf Club is next door to the resort. This world-class course — ranked No. 3 in Hawaii by Golfweek — offers several oceanfront holes, as well as tennis, pickleball and disc golf options.
In a time when so many hotel brands claim an eco-conscious mission, it’s encouraging to see a property truly combine luxury and sustainability. A stay at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay leaves guests feeling inspired and renewed — and there is no greater luxury than that.
