Looking for a sustainable luxury resort on Kauai that doesn’t compromise on comfort? 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opened in March 2023 as the brand’s flagship property on the North Shore, offering 252 rooms and suites with a mission-driven approach to eco-hospitality. This review covers its location, amenities, sustainability claims, and how it compares to other top-tier Hawaiian hotels — all sourced from the property’s official site, major travel publications, and guest reviews.
Last checked: 2026-08-17
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Location: Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii – on Hanalei Bay · Accommodations: 252 rooms and suites · Sustainability: Mission-driven luxury wellness resort with eco-friendly design · Dining: On-site restaurant, bar, and beach access
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-17.
Sources reviewed: official property website, neutral review platform (TripAdvisor), travel package aggregator, travel guide, social media (Instagram), local tourism board.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Snapshot: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
- Princeville, Kauai, on Hanalei Bay (1 Hotels)
- 252 rooms and suites, including 51 suites (Starwood Hotels press release)
- LEED Certified; aiming for 100% carbon neutral and TRUE zero-waste certification (1 Hotels FAQ)
- 6 dining outlets; Bamford Wellness Spa with 18 treatment rooms; Anatomy Gym (1 Hotels)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, HI 96722 – on Hanalei Bay |
| Accommodations | 252 rooms and suites |
| Sustainability | Mission-driven luxury wellness resort with eco-friendly design |
| Dining | On-site restaurant, bar, and beach access |
| Room count | 252 rooms and suites – among the largest on Kauai’s North Shore |
| Brand footprint | Only 1 Hotel property in the Hawaiian Islands |
| Opening date | March 2, 2023 |
| Pool count | 2 or 3 pools depending on counting method |
| Valet parking fee | USD 55.00 per night |
| Buffet breakfast fee | USD 59 for adults, USD 26 for children |
Where is one hotel in Hawaii?
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay sits at 5520 Ka Haku Road in Princeville, on the North Shore of Kauai, overlooking Hanalei Bay (1 Hotels). The property occupies land between the Wailua River and the Napali Coast, placing guests within walking distance of Hanalei Bay’s beach and a short drive from Anini Beach.
Address and directions
The full address is 5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, HI 96722. From Lihue Airport (LIH), guests head north on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) to reach the resort.
Nearest airport and transportation
Lihue Airport (LIH) is the closest commercial airport. Guests can rent a car, book a taxi or rideshare, or arrange private transfers. The resort offers valet parking at USD 55 per night with in/out privileges, according to its Expedia listing. Complimentary bike rentals are also available on-site for exploring the Princeville area.
The bottom line: The North Shore location provides stunning bay views and access to Hanalei Bay’s beach, but getting there requires a moderate drive from the airport and a vehicle for exploring beyond the resort.
Is 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay all-inclusive?
No, the resort operates on a room-only rate model. It does not offer all-inclusive packages. Dining is a la carte across its outlets, though some booking packages may include breakfast or resort credits.
Dining packages and meal plans
The property’s FAQ states there are six dining outlets and bars. A 2025 TravelAge West review described the food and beverage program as featuring fresh, hyper-local ingredients. Buffet breakfast is available daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 59 for adults and USD 26 for children, per the Expedia listing.
What is included in the room rate
Standard room rates include access to pools (adults-only infinity pool, main pool, and lagoon pool), the Anatomy Gym, complimentary bike rentals, and in-room filtered water faucets (1 Hotels). A resort fee of approximately USD 70 per night is charged separately, as reported by a 2025 independent review on Roomer Travel.
The trade-off: You pay per meal rather than upfront, which adds flexibility but means costs can add up quickly for full-board stays.
Does one hotel Kauai have a beach?
Yes, the hotel provides direct access to Hanalei Bay beach. Guests can walk from the main pool area onto the sand within minutes.
Direct beach access at the resort
The property’s pools page describes a main pool “near the sand” and a lagoon pool with natural rock outcroppings. The adults-only infinity pool and jacuzzi are for guests age 21+. The beach itself is swimmable in calm conditions, popular for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Nearby beaches and water activities
Anini Beach, known for its calm, protected waters and excellent snorkeling, is a short drive east. The resort offers complimentary reef-safe sunscreen and bike rentals to explore the coastline. According to the Expedia listing, the property also has a beach bar and poolside bars.
Why this matters: Direct beach access on the North Shore is a significant draw, especially during summer when Hanalei Bay is at its calmest for swimming.
What is the most expensive hotel in Hawaii?
While exact pricing for 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay varies by season, it positions itself as a premium luxury option on Kauai. Other top-tier contenders include The Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island.
Hawaii’s luxury hotel price spectrum
Hawaii’s luxury tier includes properties like the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Kailua-Kona) and The Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay sits in this competitive bracket, with premium rates that reflect its luxury and sustainability positioning.
Where 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay fits in
Based on its Michelin One-Key designation and Forbes review coverage, the resort competes directly with other high-end North Shore Kauai properties. Its unique selling point is the marriage of luxury amenities with verified sustainability practices — a combination few Hawaiian resorts can match.
The pattern: Luxury travelers willing to pay premium rates find a property that delivers on both comfort and eco-credibility, but budget-conscious visitors should look at alternative lodging options in Princeville or Kapaa.
Room specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total rooms | 252 |
| Suites | 51 |
| Wellness rooms | 23 |
| Room amenities | Filtered water taps, luxury sustainable mattress, 55-inch HDTV, Nespresso machine, minibar with local products, yoga mats, Bamford bath products |
| View types | Ocean, mountain, or mixed |
| Pet policy | Pet-friendly rooms available |
Pros and cons
- Pros: Direct Hanalei Bay beach access; LEED Certified and targeting carbon neutral operations; 18-treatment-room Bamford Wellness Spa; multiple pools including adults-only infinity pool; complimentary reef-safe sunscreen and bike rentals; Michelin One-Key recognition.
- Cons: Not all-inclusive (a la carte dining only); valet parking USD 55/night plus USD 70 resort fee; premium pricing may exceed some budgets; North Shore location requires a rental car for most excursions; pool count varies by source (2 or 3 pools reported).
Alternatives to consider
For travelers seeking a similar sustainable luxury experience on the islands, the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, BC offers carbon-neutral operations in a different coastal setting. On Kauai itself, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa provides a larger pool complex and golf course but lacks the same depth of sustainability certifications. The St. Regis Princeville Resort is a nearby luxury alternative with similar bay views and butler service.
“1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is possibly the best representation of the 1 Hotels sustainable hospitality philosophy.”
— TravelAge West, 2025 review
Our pick: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay for sustainable luxury
After analyzing the property’s verified sustainability data, room features, and editorial coverage across multiple sources, we recommend this resort for luxury travelers who want their stay to align with environmental values. The combination of LEED Certification, the 144.6 tons of materials diverted from landfill during renovation, and the 73.8 tons of greenhouse gas emissions saved puts real numbers behind the eco-claims. For travelers who prioritize wellness, the Bamford spa and dedicated wellness rooms add genuine value. The trade-off is cost: between valet parking, resort fees, and a la carte dining, the all-in cost exceeds many comparably-priced hotels that bundle more services.
Additional context: The resort uses an Audi Q6 e-tron as its official electric vehicle for guest use, and all on-site restaurants are certified Ocean Friendly by the Surfrider Foundation, according to a Forbes review cited by Princeville.com.
Related reading: Inn at Laurel Point: Victoria’s Carbon Neutral Hotel Review · Oak Bay Beach Hotel Review: Oceanfront Luxury in BC
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Frequently asked questions
Who owns 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay?
The property is owned and operated by 1 Hotels, a brand under the Starwood Capital Group umbrella. It opened as the brand’s flagship property in March 2023.
What is the nicest hotel in all of Hawaii?
That depends on your priorities. For sustainability-focused luxury, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a top contender. Other strong candidates include Four Seasons Hualalai (Big Island) for classic luxury, The Royal Hawaiian (Oahu) for historic elegance, and the Grand Hyatt Kauai for family-friendly amenities with extensive pool complexes.
Where is the prettiest place to stay in Hawaii?
Kauai’s North Shore is widely considered one of the most scenic regions in the islands, and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’s setting on Hanalei Bay — framed by the Napali Coast to the west and mountains to the east — places guests in one of the most photogenic locations in Hawaii.
How many rooms does 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay have?
The resort has 252 rooms, including 51 suites and 23 rooms specifically designed for wellness travel, according to the Princeville.com property page and the official opening press release.
What is the sustainability focus of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay?
The resort is LEED Certified and aims for 100% Certified Carbon Neutral and TRUE zero-waste certification. During renovation, nearly 150 tons of materials were salvaged with local partner RE-use Hawaii, saving 144.6 tons from landfill and 73.8 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. All rooms have water-efficient fixtures and filtered water taps.
Does 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay have a golf course?
The resort itself does not have an on-site golf course, but Forbes review coverage of the property highlights a golf course in the surrounding Princeville area.