1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Review: Beachfront Luxury in Kauai

Perched above Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has quickly become one of Hawaii’s most talked-about luxury resorts since reopening under its current brand in 2023. This review examines whether the property—a former St. Regis transformed through a multi-million-dollar renovation—truly operates as an all-inclusive escape or as a wellness-focused destination where dining, activities, and spa treatments are billed separately, helping you decide if it fits your travel style. We’ve analyzed editorial reviews from outlets like TravelAge West, guest feedback on platforms like Tripadvisor, and official property details to give you a clear, fact-grounded picture before you book.

Last checked: 2026-08-17

Hotel Name: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay · Location: Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii · Type: Sustainable luxury resort · Setting: On Hanalei Bay with views of Na Pali coast

Where is one hotel in Hawaii?

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is located at 5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, 96722, according to the property’s Tripadvisor listing. The resort sits between the green mountains of the North Shore and the Pacific Ocean, with direct views over Hanalei Bay and the Na Pali coast.

Getting there requires planning. The property is roughly a 40–50 mile drive from Kauai’s Lihue Airport (LIH), a fact that matters for budgeting airport transfers and understanding the resort’s remote feel, as noted by SheBuysTravel. Some premium room categories include roundtrip airport transfers from Lihue, which can create a quasi-inclusive feel for transportation but not for food or activities.

Reviewers consistently emphasize the dramatic setting. A guest review titled “The best hotel on the north shore – beautiful views, exceptional service” calls the property the best on Kauai’s north shore, citing both scenery and staff (Tripadvisor, March 2025). Another describes the views of Hanalei Bay and Mount Makana as “incredible” and “epic” (Tripadvisor user review).

The bottom line: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a remote, premium destination on Kauai’s north shore, about an hour’s drive from the airport, prized for its setting between mountains and sea.

Is 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay all-inclusive?

No, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay does not operate as a classic all-inclusive resort. Multiple user reviews and third-party writeups indicate that room rates generally do not cover à la carte dining, alcoholic drinks, or spa treatments, as highlighted in a SheBuysTravel review.

The Forbes review, syndicated via Princeville.com, highlights that the hotel markets itself around wellness with offerings such as fitness classes, spa experiences, and healthy dining options—not unlimited food and drink packages. The property’s spa is Bamford-branded, and a range of fitness classes are available, as noted in the Yelp listing.

Some reviews point out that the resort fee at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay covers select wellness activities and amenities, but it does not convert the stay into an all-inclusive package from a budgeting perspective, as explained by SheBuysTravel. Family-oriented reviews emphasize that while some wellness classes may be included, families should budget extra for most meals, kid activities, and excursions, contrasting it with fully inclusive Caribbean resorts (Family Adventures Blog).

Unlike many Mexican or Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is constrained by Hawaii’s regulatory and environmental framework, and most packages sold through travel advisors and OTAs are “room only” or include only breakfast rather than unlimited food and beverage, according to TravelAge West.

What this means: If you’re seeking a traditional all-inclusive with unlimited meals and drinks bundled into your nightly rate, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is not that property. It operates on a pay-as-you-go model for dining, beverages, and spa, with a resort fee covering select wellness activities.

Does one hotel Kauai have a beach?

Yes, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has direct beach access to Hanalei Bay. Yelp reviewers frequently highlight the beach access with views of Mount Makana and the tiered pools at the property as standout features (Yelp listing). The hotel is set between mountains and sea, with the beach accessible directly from the resort grounds.

The beach itself is part of Hanalei Bay, a crescent-shaped bay on Kauai’s north shore known for its dramatic scenery. A February 2026 Tripadvisor review describing a five-night stay characterizes the experience as “magnificent” and emphasizes the overall beauty of the property and its setting (Tripadvisor user review).

The property’s pools are also a draw. Yelp reviewers describe the tiered pools as a standout feature, complementing the beach access. The pools and beach together form the core of the outdoor experience at the resort.

The implication: The beach at Hanalei Bay is genuinely accessible and a major reason guests book this property. You’re not just near the water—you’re on it.

Who owns the one hotel in Kauai?

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is part of the 1 Hotels brand, which was founded by Barry Sternlicht, the billionaire behind Starwood Capital Group. The specific ownership of the Kauai property follows the brand’s broader portfolio structure, with the hotel operating under the 1 Hotels flag since its 2023 reopening.

The brand’s sustainability mission is central to its identity. The property’s transformation from the former St. Regis Princeville emphasized biophilic design, local materials, and eco-conscious features, as described in TravelAge West’s review. The 1 Hotels brand positions itself as a “mission-driven” luxury hospitality group, with properties designed to connect guests with nature while minimizing environmental impact.

The property’s history is relatively recent. The site operated as the St. Regis Princeville for years before being purchased in 2018 and transformed into 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay after a multimillion-dollar renovation. This timeline is documented in trade press and editorial reviews.

Why this matters: The ownership and brand identity directly shape your experience—1 Hotels’ wellness and sustainability focus means you’re getting a specific type of luxury stay that prioritizes nature connection, eco-conscious design, and wellness amenities over traditional resort entertainment.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: Key Facts and Specs

Pros and Cons of Staying at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Guest reviews and editorial coverage paint a nuanced picture of the property. Here’s a breakdown based on documented feedback.

How Far Is 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay from the Airport?

The resort is roughly a 40–50 mile drive from Kauai’s Lihue Airport (LIH), according to SheBuysTravel. This translates to roughly an hour to an hour and a half of driving, depending on traffic and weather conditions, which can be a factor in planning your arrival and departure.

Transportation options matter here. Some premium room categories at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay include roundtrip airport transfers from Lihue, as noted by SheBuysTravel. This can create a quasi-inclusive feel for transportation, reducing the logistics burden of a remote location.

For most guests, renting a car is the practical option, given the resort’s location on the north shore and the desire to explore the area. However, the drive itself is part of the experience—the route along the coast offers dramatic views, though it can be winding and slower than mainland travelers expect.

The catch: The drive from the airport is long enough that you’ll want to plan airport transfers in advance, either through the hotel’s premium room inclusions, a rental car, or a private shuttle service.

How Does 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Compare to Other Kauai Luxury Resorts?

On Kauai’s north shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay sits at the top of the luxury tier, ranked #1 of 4 hotels in Princeville on Tripadvisor at the time of review snapshots. Its primary differentiators are its sustainability focus and wellness amenities, which set it apart from more traditional luxury properties on the island.

Other luxury options on Kauai tend to offer more traditional resort amenities—some with larger footprints, more extensive dining options, or different price points. However, none of these match 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’s specific combination of biophilic design, Bamford spa, and direct Hanalei Bay beach access with the same emphasis on eco-conscious luxury.

For travelers comparing the north shore experience, the key trade-off is between 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’s wellness-and-sustainability identity and more conventional luxury setups that may offer bundled meal plans or more extensive kids’ programming. Family Adventures Blog concludes that the property is better suited to families seeking a calm, wellness-focused luxury stay than to those expecting an activity-heavy, highly kid-centric resort with bundled pricing.

Alternatives to Consider on Kauai

If 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay doesn’t fit your travel style, or if you’re comparing options before booking, consider these Kauai luxury properties:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (Maui, not Kauai—but often compared): While not on Kauai, it’s frequently mentioned in the same luxury conversation for its golf access and larger footprint.
• Kauai Marriott Resort (Lihue): A more traditional luxury option on the east side, offering a larger property with different pricing.
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Poipu): Located on the south shore, this property offers a more conventional resort experience with extensive pools and dining options.

These alternatives don’t replicate 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’s specific wellness-and-sustainability identity, but they offer different trade-offs in terms of location, amenities, and pricing models.

Pricing at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

The resort’s listed Tripadvisor price range for a standard room is generally around $1,100 to $2,500 per night, according to the Tripadvisor listing. This positions the property firmly in the ultra-luxury segment, with rates that reflect both the prime north shore location and the extensive renovation.

Because the property is not all-inclusive, you should budget separately for dining, beverages, and spa treatments. On-site restaurants like 1 Kitchen, Neighbors Cafe, and Welina Terrace offer high-quality food and cocktails, but at price points consistent with a five-star resort, as noted in Tripadvisor and Yelp reviews.

The resort fee covers select wellness activities and amenities, but it does not convert the stay into an all-inclusive package, as clarified by SheBuysTravel. Expect to pay separately for most meals, all alcoholic beverages, spa services beyond basic inclusions, and any excursions or special activities.

The trade-off: You’re paying a premium for the sustainability-focused, wellness-oriented luxury experience and the direct Hanalei Bay setting—not for the convenience of an all-inclusive package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Tripadvisor – 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay listing and reviews
• TravelAge West – 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay review
• Forbes review via Princeville.com
• SheBuysTravel – 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay review
• Yelp – 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
• Family Adventures Blog – 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay review
• Live Luxe Travel Co. – 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay review
• Eclectic Kim – 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay review

For more comparisons of luxury resort stays, see our reviews of other properties:

• Radisson Grenada Beach Resort Review: Is It All-Inclusive
• Playa Pesquero Holguin Hotel: Reviews, All-Inclusive Info