I've reviewed our amazing condo separately, so I'll reserve this space just for the resort itself. We had very little issues with Hanalei Bay Resort. Granted, they are still rebuilding the restaurant and bar from a previous fire, but we planned to visit bars and restaurants on the island itself anyway. Plus our condo had a great kitchen that allowed for meals and drinks to be consumed in privacy. The pool was awesome and well maintained. The only downfall I had with this resort is the fact that you have to park in the main lot and then hike/walk to your unit. There is an option to call the front desk and have a golf cart brought to you, but we never wanted to hassle with that. Depending upon where your condo is, the walk/hike might not be that bad. Also, I wouldn't recommend this resort for honeymooners. There are a lot of families with small children. Takes away from the romance a little bit. Overall, the resort was everything we were looking for.

From visiting with other guests, it appears the only decent units in this place are those that are privately owned and available through VRBO or other entities. The timeshare people get stuck in units that have not been renovated since they were built...probably in the 1970's. We were in a two bedroom unit and after a week moved to a smaller unit. Both smelled musty, had bugs, peeling wallpaper, sticky carpet, tile grout that was blackened with age, and rusty appliances. Our air conditioner poured water all over our things, and the clothes dryer in the larger unit would not turn off. The kitchen in the one bedroom has only a bar sized sink and not a single drawer. Silverware is kept in a mug. The furniture is newer, grounds are beautiful, and the pool is lovely, but the only restrooms at the pool are porta potties. Seriously. There is no restaurant, no bar or lounge. Those amenities burned down over a year ago. This place is tired and needs to be closed, gutted, and renovated. To their credit, the staff tries very hard despite having to bear the brunt of unhappy guests.

Unfortunately this magnificent location for a resort is the only reason to stay here. The buildings and grounds need to be upgraded and better managed. Awesome pool, but needs TLC! The fire damaged restaurant is an eyesore and the staff does not seem to be service oriented. Our privately owned condo was at one time exquisite! The view of Hanalei Bay and the Bali Hai from the two lanai's heavenly! Good A/C which we were thankful for! Furnishings worn but very designer ecclectic, bamboo and oriental hawaiian. Cons: the mattress needed to be tossed a year ago, it was horribly uncomfortable with large holes and a huge lump in the middle! We were there for 10 nights and they provided no cleaning supplies, very little aloha regarding stocking the kitchen with amenities. Golf cart shuttles are a pain to get to your parked vehicle as they are often late, or do not show at all! What a shame this place has been let go, heaven is turning into hell. We won't stay there again without TLC refurbishing!
I am not sure what the previous negative reviews are talking about regarding very little to do and see in the area. We walked and hiked from this resort to some of the most beautiful spots on Kauai'i. Queens Bath (hundreds of large green sea turtles), Hideaway Beach (you may get lucky and be here by yourself or selves), Hanalei Bay. Short drives to Kilauea lighthouse, Anini beach (great snorkeling, sea turtles, safe for kids), quaint shops bars and restaurants. World class dining at the Kauaii grill at the St. Regis, nice Health Food store or Foodland for groceries, local farmers market for incredible produce. Prices are high on the island for just about everything, but the views, the air, the water, the roosters are heavenly! 45 minutes from Lihu'e airport to Princeville, save some $$, shop and get gas at Costco!

Good: Staff was pleasant, never had to wait more than 5 min for a golf cart ride, beautiful vistas of ocean and mountains from our grounds floor unit. Gorgeous flowering plants, 2 nice pools. We were very close to the basic pool which also had barbqs guests could use. Quiet.

Bad: Layout of 2 br condo is awkward. It is obvious that they were not originally meant to be merged. Large living area with kitchen. Kitchen is adequately stocked with dishes etc. Entire unit needs refurbishing. Tile in kitchen floor is chipped. Master bath had old wall paper peeling under the single sink area. 2nd bath had leaking toilet. Reported it the first day, guys came and recaulked around base of toilet; still leaking when we left. 2nd bath also needed basic maintenance such as repainting and retiling of floor. 2nd bedroom is stuffy without a/c but we requested a fan from the front desk and that helped. Beds were comfy though. Gal at the sports desk near the big pool never smiled or responded to hubby's efforts to make her laugh. We did hear the golf carts occasionally but they didn't bother us.

We loved staying at the north end and would come back. I would ask to see the unit first to try to get a more updated unit but not sure how many of those they have. They are rebuilding the restaurant I believe starting in January. Decent beach which is shared with the St. Regis.