My husband and I are booked for Hanalei Bay Resort (through Paradise Vacations) for the middle of October. We booked there because we had heard so many great things about the place, BUT, of late, we have seen negative postings (apparently new management) and we just met a couple who had been there several years ago and said it ha a musty/mildew smell1 and that all places on the North Shore tended to be that way because of the rainfall on that side of the island. I chose the North Shore because of the beauty vs. the South side, but now that my husband heard some negativities, he wants to change our reservations. Would appreciate any input from anyone who has recently stayed there.

Sue, A friend and her family just stayed there for 5 nights in August, and had a fabulous time! I'll ask her to post here for you. She had a problem with the tour packager who worked with her travel agent, but no problem with the Resort itself. She loved it! I'd call the Resort personally to make sure you've been booked by Paradise - get it from the horses' mouth! If they say you are, then I'd feel okay; but I'd check once a week until I left!

I haven't heard of the musty smell - will have to ask her. I wouldn't like that though if it were true.

Be sure and eat at Cafe Coco in Kapaa on Kauai, if it's convenient. Wonderful, different mostly outdoor restaurant! Have a wonderful trip.

It is not true that all place on the North Shore have a musty smell. We have stayed in a condo in Princeville, twice, and did not encounter that.

If it is musty...it could be from leak.

Sue:

We stayed at Hanalei Bay Resort a month ago. It was wonderful. Service was friendly and professional. The place was very clean, with no musty odors. Restaurant, bar, and pool were great. The views were to die for. We had brief afternoon showers with rainbows, which were welcome after a few hours in the sun. I recommend the resort highly. We also stayed in the Marriott for three days, and much preferred Hanalei bay. Please e-mail me if I can provide any additional info.

We stayed a year ago; it was perfect, would return in a heartbeat. Beautiful pools, garden, setting. Great open-air bar, where your first morning breakfast will be free (part of usual condo promotion, but worth it for the view!) assuming they still do that with their concierges (who were the nicest I met on the island) Aloha and have a grat trip, you lucky people!

We stayed at Hanalei Bay Resort the first week of May. Beautiful views from our balony of Hanalei Bay but quite a walk down to the beach. Good service and no musty smells. I enjoyed every second there. Have a wonderful trip!!

Hi Sue,

I think I gave you the recommendation for HBR via Kauai Paradise Vacations. I think the above notices should ease any concerns! We have stayed there 7 times in a variety of different units and never experienced any musty odors. Last time we stayed was 2 years ago. Don't change your reservation, if you have concerns about your specific unit Carole at Kauai Paradise Vacations will answer them for you.

It's wonderful! We go again in May for our 20th Anniversary and I can't wait....

Aloha,
Kendell

My family & I were booked to stay there last month (see my previous posting) and were not given our accommodations, after paying & having written & telephone confirmations. I was very dissatisfied with the way management handled everything. We had our credit card charged for over $1400 & a receipt mailed to us after all of this, called them to question this & were told someone would return our call. We were never contacted with an explanation. We are currently in dispute with credit card over this. Beware!

While we visited in August, several buildings lost electricity for days. They have no on staff repairperson for this and had to send to the mainland for help. People were relocated.

Pool was very murky & a little smelly, although landscaping looked pretty.

The restaurant frequently had problems - equipment not working, menu items not available, long wait for table, inadequate # of waitpersons. Prices are also very high. I would not recommend eating here if you are looking for fine quality dinners.

While staff was very friendly and views are truly unbeatable. I would discourage you from staying here. Management was all smiles & assurances, but did not deliver on their promises.

Many people we met were in the same boat - no accommodations or wrong accomodations given. Keep this in mind & consider the Princeville next door. Same view and outstanding reputation.

Sue,

My husband and I stayed in this resort for almost a week in July, and we thought it was of poor quality. We, too, experienced a musty smell in the room and thought the room overall was poorly cleaned and unsatisfactory. We were also charged an additioinal $60 to our credit card for charges we are still disputing. Everything from the outside was very pretty and well groomed. The pool was very nice, but it's a very long walk to the beach from the hotel. I would not recommend this hotel. Actually, if we were to do it over again, we would NOT have stayed on the north shore. It rained every day we were there, but as soon as we drove to the southern part of the island, it was beautiful and sunny. As we went there for fun and sun, we would have preferred to say where it would have been sunny all the time and just drove to the north shore to visit.

Definately get some travel books though as there are some secluded beaches that are worth the hikes!

We also got a lot of value out of Hawaii's entertainment book. We went to Mauai after Kauai and used coupons there as well. You can order a book over the internet and see what types of discounts you would get at which islands.

Have a wonderful trip!

Just returned from Kauai on Saturday and we stayed at this resort for 5 nights. We had a fabulous time and I would recommend this hotel. We were upgraded to a one bedroom suite which was HUGE. It had a full kitchen and a washer and dryer. The view is beautiful there. Very serene and peaceful. The restaurant, Bali Hai, was very romantic with gorgeous views, too. A lot of folks got up to take pictures when the sun setted. Like I said, I just returned. No one there seemed to have any problems with the hotel. I would recommend getting a one bedroom suite on the top floor. The ceilings are very high and slopy and it is just very nice. Don't worry about it and have a nice trip.

Aloha Sue! My family has stayed at HBR
in August of 97 and 98. The place is one
of the best kept secrets in all of Hawaii. The 1 bedroom suite is by far your greatest bargain. Full cooked to order breakfasts from their menu, not a
buffet, and two cocktails per person per
day or non-alcoholic if you prefer. When we were there in 98, Vice-President Gore
and his party stayed there for a few days. We left the day they were to arrive. The pool is beautiful with a sandy bottom. It looks as if the resort
was built around the pool. The resort itself was totally rebuilt after Hurricane Iniki struck in 92. The grounds are immaculate. If you want to go to the beach it is shared with the Princeville Resort. It's a lovely walk
down. The walk back is a bit steep, but all you have to do is use the phone at the bottom of the path and they will send a van to pick you up! Another nice
feature about the resort is all the cars
are parked away from the buildings. You don't have a parking lot to spoil your view of Hanalei Bay! We're planning on returning again next year to enjoy all that Kauai has to offer. You won't be disappointed! If you need any more info about activities,dining or whatever please feel free to e-mail direct.
Aloha, Eke
P.S. Rent a copy of South Pacific starring Mitzi Gaynor. It was filmed there on the North shore in 1957.