We spent four nights here recently. The location on the north shore is spectacular, and we liked the relative isolation and simplicity of the place. It's a place for quiet walks on an isolated beach, not to see and be seen. Proximity to Tunnels and Ke'e beaches is great, as well as the Kalalau trail.

Stock up on groceries before you arrive (there's a grocer in Hanalei that isn't terribly expensive, but I'm sure Lihu'e has better deals). The resort has gas and charcoal grilling available, which is a nice way to stay outside a little longer.

The rooms are large but quite simple. I think the price is a little steep, but it sure is nice to hear the waves from your room.

we spent for the second time a week in this resort, and it is just amazing!
nice, well equipped units, open to the Pacific, it feels at night as if you were sleeping on the beach.
close to the Beach from where youcan walk approx. 5 KM to mmet the end of it, where the cliffs fall into the Pacific. If you have seen The Island, or Jurassic Park, these movies were featured on Kauai, to give you an idea of the landscape.

This is the place to stay if you want to take in the wonders of Kauai's beautifully dramatic north shore. There is no better location in the area; some of the best beaches in Hawaii (which hotels cannot build on), are a mile or so away -- a lovely walk -- and you feel like you're in the midst of a Gauguin painting, surrounded by all the lush tropical scenery.

The resort is low-key and perfectly laid out; there are views of the beach from almost every room. Our ocean-view room was further away from the beach than most, but our view -- over the expansive lawns to the sea -- was wonderful. In particular, I liked the creative layout of our accommodations; the wooden partitions that separated the two bedrooms from the living room area made the space feel large and airy, and not like a typical condo unit.

I'd also add that the room was modern, totally up to date, and furnished in a classic tropical style that played to the beauty of the surrounding area.

Sure, you could go to the huge marble slab that is the St. Regis Princeville, and have a tiny, unspectacular beach at your doorstep. Or you could rent one of the dozens of generic-looking condos in the Princeville complex, and feel like you never left California. But Hanalei is not Waikiki, or even Maui. This is not a good destination if all you want to do is lie in the sun. If you're going to go all the way to the north shore, you need to experience it first-hand, and be prepared to do some exploring. Hanelei Colony Resort is a perfect base for such activities. It's true that you can't swim at the beach in front of the hotel. But think of the trade-offs: Ke'e and Tunnels beaches are a leisurely 20 minute walk away. It doesn't get much better than this anywhere in the world.

We stayed in a second floor oceanfront room and the view of the ocean (50' from the balcony) is just spectacular. The rooms are a little tired but basically clean. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Easy access to all the beaches and attractions in the Hanalei area. Not sure we would have been as happy in a first floor room - lots of windows and people walking by.