HCR is an incredibly beautiful tribute to the innate beauty of Kauai. The resort captures the raw energy and majestic scenery of Kauai, packaging it in a very comfortable, nurturing environment to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. The units are clean, comfortable and provide amazing views of the ocean, with the sound of the waves lulling you off to sleep at night. Yes, you really can hear the ocean from your bedroom! The staff if very helpful and friendly. THe best part about this place is that it encourages you to disconnect from the busy world of TV, loud noises and overpriced hotel commodities. You get basic, top notch service for the best experience on the island. We've stayed at HCR for the past two years and plan to do the same for many, many more!

We are on our last day at HCR. We used the "Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" to help with our decision to stay here and it has met our expectation in every way. Location: dropped out but not too dropped out; ocean steps away and a short drive to good snorkeling; You can't swim directly out front but the beach is beautiful for walking. The wind is a constant and it will probably rain at some time each day - we knew that by doing our homework; a drive into Hanalei is an adventure in itself on narrow roads hugging the cliffs, navigating one lane bridges, etc. Pick up groceries along the way here.
Facility: We stayed in unit K3 which had a great view of the ocean. It is open, breezy, usually quiet. I think these units must be individually owned as there were pictures of the grandkids. It was clean - tile and "wood" laminate flooring (easy to keep clean) - everything else in the pictures is accurate - King and two twins, one full bath near the twin beds, half bath (with small shower) off the main entry. Kitchen had every utensil you can think of (including BBQ utensils), cheese grater, collanders, bowls, pots and pans, blender, toaster, coffee maker (a few filters and couple pkg of decaf coffee, sugar, creamers, tea), salt/pepper - and a "Brisker"- looks like a breadbox - you plug it in and put your crackers and other items you want to stay crisp in it. If you leave food out here, you will have ants, just like any place in the tropics. Bring Zip lock bags or keep everything in the fridge. They have recycling bins - rinse your cans or take them out right away. The king size bed was a little too soft for me, my husband thought it was okay - I think it may need replacing. Pool/kitchen BBQ and jacuzzi area very nice - never anyone there the times I went over. Tried the Mediterranean restaurant one night. It was fine, we just didn't want to spend too much on food. Hot Mama's made the best burritos we'd ever had - just back down the road a piece. There are lounge chairs on the grass around the complex. Our unit had a beach chair in it - when we used it, it was marked for another condo so returned it to it's home. Beach chairs were $30 each at the grocery store we stopped at if you think you need one. On Tuesday afternoons there is a nearby farmer's market, Tuesday nights there is a Luau at the restaurant; live music and half price bottled wine on Wednesday nights, a free Mai Tai and pupus (appetizers) with belly dancing on Thursday nights, free continental breakfast on Friday mornings. There is an onsight spa and the massage was pretty good - only men masseuse and didn't realize that until it was too late but he was very professional.
Housekeeping comes after your third night. This was perfectly fine. You can always go to the housekeeping office and exchange towels/linens if you need. They also have coffee packages and additional toiletries if you need - we never like hotel soap/lotion anyway and bring our own. There are a couple beach towels in the condo and you can pick up more/exchange for clean there if you need.
Snorkeling: It all depends on the weather and planetary alignment for the day. Tunnels was average, Anini not good at all although a couple people on the beach said they saw a turtle - Ke'e was the best but you have to be there by 0800 to get a place to park and by noon it is pretty crowded (there on Wednesday). Walk on down the beach a ways and you'll get away from the herd. My husband hiked the first two miles of the Kalaulau trail that starts there and thought it was pretty - but again, crowded. (it is strenuous and a lot of rock scrambling involved so he was surprised so many people were on the trail - if you go the full 11 miles -one way- you'll have more of the place to yourself - permit required to go beyond the 2 mile point).
We've been happy with our choice and thought it was a good value.

The resort is definitely not for those seeking entertainment or swimming at the beach with kids.
The surf is rough and dangerous in front of the condo. The only close restaurant is the Mediterranean restaurant next door and the food is way overrated there. We've eaten three times here and have been disappointed. The only other place to eat is down in Hanalei about 15 minutes drive and when you come back at night, it's rather unnerving to drive because of the dark narrow road and oncoming traffic headlights shining in your eyes.
All this said, it's a beautiful and remote area, but the rates they charge are too much for the accommodations. The kitchens are outdated as well as the bathrooms and even though the resort says the condos have 2 bedrooms, it's not that private as the other bedroom is only separated by folding shutters that close off from the living room. There are 2 single beds that slide under a large end table. Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable sharing this condo with others. It's really best for 2 people. No housekeeping if you stay less than 3 days. The soap and shampoo provided in the bathroom is cheap and minimal. Not what you expect for the luxury prices you pay, but I suppose they can demand the high prices for the location.
It's not within walking distance to tunnels beach and when you drive up there, it's impossible to find a parking space unless you're willing to pay $10 to a local to park in his yard.

When you arrive, you're expected to haul your own luggage up the steps to your condo but they will loan you a wagon to pull it in.

They do have 2 computers and a TV over in the small room inside the restaurant.

Don't come here for swimming, snorkeling, entertainment, good restaurant food, TVs and lots of sun. But do come here if you don't mind paying the price for quiet respite from the usual busy resorts, cool constant tradewinds, some rain, isolation and uncrowded beaches.

A great place to stay on Kauai's North shore, giving easy access to the town of Hanalei, Na'Pali coast and the north shore beaches (recommend Ke'e for sunset and swimming/snorkelling, were underwhelmed by Tunnels). Room was very nice, well maintained and clean, and very spacious. There's not a lot in the direct neighbourhood of the hotel, expect about 10 min drive into Hanalei for restaurants and shopping.