For our June 2000 wedding and honeymoon, my fiance and I are trying to decide between the Hanalei Bay or the Hanalei Colony. We like the fact the the Colony is beachfront. Are both resorts air conditioned? Does anyone have suggestions or recommendations regarding either or both resorts. We want to know the good and bad. Thanks so much for your help.

Aloha,

We are planning our 7th trip for our 20th anniversary. We obviously love it. Hanalei Bay Resort has spectacular views and is definitely our pick; steep walk to beach though. We venture out and down to beaches past Hanelei, near where Colony is. You would be missing a real treat not to stay at HBR; much better than Colony. Ask whether units are AC or not; some do and some don't. I know it's hard to beleive, but you won't need AC so don't get too hung up on that.

Happy to answer any other questions.

If you are there first sunday in June, go to Taste of Hawaii. Save room in the tummy-all area restaurant chefs and several bands are there. For sure worth the money for ticket.

Aloha,
Kendell

Hi,
For my money I would stay at the Hanalei Bay resort.

I stayed at the Colony resort last June with 4 girlfriends. It is a fine place to stay--not fancy though. There are a series of condo style apartments with full kitchens. The furniture is a bit old but clean. It is right on the water but you can not swim there because of rough surf. Great for walking and sunning though. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is very quiet. I loved waking up to the sound of the ocean every morning. One word of caution--most guide books tell you that there is a restaurant next door owned by Charo. Last June the restaurant was closed due to a fire and there were no plans to reopen. The Colony is very family oriented with barbeques and a small clean but not fancy pool.

Oops, I posted before I was finished. I do not want to turn any one off to the Colony resort. It is a great place to stay. And if money is a consideration it is certainly a bit less expensive. but it is more for a family holiday than a honeymoon.

Hoever, the Hanalei Bay is beautfiul, a great location with a fantastic view (don't miss the sunsets!). Although I did not see the rooms, there is a wonderful bar and a great lagoon style pool and hot tub. The resort is well-landscaped and more upscale than the Colony. There is also a restaurant on the premises.

You mentioned that you were planning to have your wedding there as well. I do not think that the Colony would be a great place to do so. I am not sure if the Hanalei Bay provides wedding services but it would certainly be a nicer place to get married.

So again, my answer is--go to the Hanalei Bay if you can. Have a wonderful time. If you would like a trip report please let me know.

Alisa

Absolutely, positively, Hanalei Bay Resort. Honeymooned there a year ago. Would go back in a second! We reserved a hotel room, but they upgraded us(no charge) to a one bedroom apartment complete with washer/dryer and full kitchen, 2 porches, stunning view. Have a fabulous time. Aloha!

I would never tell anyone they wouldn't need AC. Some people don't care for and some can't live without it. I loved having AC on Kauai. HBR is nicer than the colony, but the Princeville has a beach and is nicer than HBR. If you want a good rate join the starwood club and get 30% on suresaver rate. We loved it there.

Definitely stay at the Hanalei Bay Resort. It is magnificent - the views..... they have a steep path down to the beach, but I think there is a shuttle bus that will drive you down. You won't be sorry if you choose the HBR.