We are going to Kauai in May for our 30th anniversary. We have reservations at the Hyatt, and also at the Hanalei Colony Resort where we thought it would be great to have quiet and to stay at the beach. I am concerned because I have read that there can be quite a problem with bugs, and that it is far if you want to go to a restaurant for dinner. Please share your experiences with me. Thanks!

THe Hyatt is more luxury than the Hanalei Bay. I would say that the Hyatt is also more accessible because the Hanalei bay is built on a slope and has steep hills to climb. If you are in Hanalei, there are places to eat, although the area is limited with dinner places. THe hotel can help you find some wonderful island resturants with Pacific Rim flare. You must go to A Pacific Cafe. I is in Kiihei. THe best resturant on Kauai. Roys is also a great place to have dinner, but it is about 30 minutes away from Hanalei. Remember in Hanalei, you are at the most beautiful, but most secluded area on Kauai. It will be worth it and the driving is not very long. Good luck and have fun. PS: don't worry about getting lost...one road in and one road out!

soquel: The resort alohacheryl is talking about is the Hanalei Bay Resort, not the Hanalei Colony Resort. The HCR is beyond Hanalei in Haena. I have been to Kauai only once and we stayed on the south shore. We drove past the HCR on our way to Tunnels a couple of times. This area is gorgeous and remote. The beach at the HCR is not a swimming beach really, but it is lovely. The nearest restuarants are in Hanalei. A Pacific Cafe, which alohacheryl mentions is actually in Kapa'a and is very good.

From Hanalei Colony Resort in Ha`ena, into the nearest restaurants (Hanalei) is just a 10-15 slow, scenic drive along the ocean.

When you go out at night, give yourself a spritz of mosquito repellant -- especially if you are wearing perfume/aftershave (which attracts those buggahs!).

For R&R, "the Colony" is perfect, but use caution in those waters (strong undertow, year 'round). For snorkeling, head to Makua and/or Ke`e.

Be sure to treat yourself to at least one sunset drink at the Princeville Hotel, with it's unbeatable views of Hanalei Bay, Makana (the mythical "Bali Hai" mountain), and the ocean.

Ooops...corrections to another post.

Roy's Restaurant is in Po`ipu, just 5 minutes or so from the Hyatt.

A Pacific Cafe is in Kapa`a, in the same shopping center as Safeway; about 45 minutes from Ha`ena.

Both restaurants are "dinner only", and reservations are recommended.

If you want fine dining, but don't want to make the drive from the north shore all the way to Pacific Cafe, try La Cascata at the Princeville Hotel. And if you're craving a lobster dinner, CJ's Steakhouse at Princeville Shopping Center is _very_ popular (best prime rib on the island, IMHO).

Auntie, is CJ's Steakhouse at Princeville what used to be Chuck's or Chris' or something like that ?

We spent part of our honeymoon at Hanalei, and it was the highlight of our trip. Absolutely beautiful--it was used in the movie of South Pacific. The view across the rice fields to the mountains dressed with waterfalls is unforgettable.

To csjpercy: yes, CJs Steakhouse was formerly Chuck's. Purchased by one of the former managers and a silent partner, completely renovated the interior (no more dark wood & saddles!), kept the best parts of their menu as well as the salad bar, and added some new items. The place is packed for dinner; reservations strongly recommended.

Thank you for your responses, I have printed them all for our trip! I am hoping that the combination of the Hyatt with everything it has to offer, then the relaxation of the Hanalei Colony for the end of the week, will be the perfect mix. It looks like there is good snorkeling a short drive away from the Hanalei Colony Resort, any other suggestions that we shouldn't miss out on?

I stayed at the HCR. It is secluded but is not fancy in any way. Kind of run down. Lots of kids. And a bit of a drive to restaurants and town. I would stay there again but wanted you to know that the experience will be quite different than at the Hyatt.

The beach is lovely but NOT safe for swimming. Tunnels Beach down the road is great for snorkeling. Do not miss the Lumahali Gardens.

Alisa were you there at a time of the year that kids were out of school? Or do people tend pull their kids out of school to take them so there's lots of kids anytime you go? We will be there in May. Thanks

Hi Soquel,

I was there in June so the kid factor may have been a bit higher. Do not get the wrong idea--I liked the HCR. But is is not luxurious-and while the location is great, I did not find the beach all THAT spectacular. Because it is not a swimming beach, my friends and I did not spend any time there at all.

I thought the Hanalei Bay Resort was lovely--the one near the Princeville. I hear that they have recently remodeled and you might get a good deal-if you want a better beach and a view.

Draggin' this one to the top 'cause Roxy's goin' to Kauai!

Alisa,

I was thinking VERY hard about staying at the HCR. I love the location on the beach and the big grassy area, which is what we loved about our condo last summer on Maui--being able to wake up and look out right at the water, plus the combo of the sand and the cool green grass is awesome. I mean, for us, we're willing to pay a little more for awesome surroundings, but...you say the rooms are a little rundown? How do you mean? And how can it be a kids type place with no tvs?! I thought that's how America babysits! And what about Soquel's question about BUGS?

Anyway, what we really liked about it is its proximity to Kee/Tunnels and that whole area...not interested too much in all those fancy restaurants, do most of our own cooking. There's plenty of beaches we're interested in, and we're really active travellers, so just a strolling beach is fine with us. You said you'd go back though, so that's good...right?

Thanks for your help!

love
roxy

Alisa,
Is the beach at HCR beautiful to sit and and gaze, and then you need to travel on down the road to snorkel? Or is the beach there a total waste? And how run down is the place? I am beginning to wonder about spending 7 days there, after three at the Hyatt. A 30 year anniversary doesn't come along often! Thanks in advance!

soquel: I remember the beach at HCR being very beautiful. The main part of Tunnels is around a mile from the HCR. I started out thinking that the HCR would be the way to go for us, but after looking around and looking at rates I have decided to take the cottage/house rental route. Having more privacy is important to us. It also seems like renting a house/cottage can be a better value. Several of the properties I am considering are in the $1500 a week range. Most appear to be a short walk of Tunnels and some are oceanfront. Something for you to consider, maybe?