1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Review: Eco-Luxury Meets Paradise on Kauai’s North Shore
If you’re heading to the North Shore of Kauaʻi and want to do it right, there’s really only one place to stay. The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay sits perched on the cliffs of Princeville like it’s always belonged there. Weathered, intentional, and effortlessly breathtaking.
Formerly the St. Regis Princeville, this property got a full-scale reimagining in 2023 and now operates under the sustainably minded 1 Hotels brand. The overhaul wasn’t just cosmetic. It’s a ground-up rethink of what a luxury resort can be. Natural materials, reclaimed woods, zero single-use plastics, native plants used throughout the grounds. It’s as close to guilt-free indulgence as you’re likely to find.
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this is not your average five-star. It doesn’t shout about luxury. It just quietly gets everything right, down to the very last detail. Perched on a cliff overlooking Hanalei Bay, the design blends into the landscape, with the effect of bringing the jungle and surroundings to you - blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. There’s wood and stone everywhere, and it’s all real. The staff I spoke with were proud to highlight the eco-footprint of the property and the positive impact they’re working to have on the environment and community. Even the artwork tells that story. One large installation in the main hall was made entirely of reclaimed wood, and shifts in tone and texture depending on the light. It’s beautiful, but it’s also intentional and rooted in the land.
Each of the 252 rooms, including 51 suites and a handful of wellness-focused spaces, shares that same thoughtful aesthetic. Everything feels solid and grounded. There’s a quiet, authentic confidence in the materials and layout …and the full-sized Bamford toiletries don’t hurt either. They’re a small touch that feels indulgent every single time you reach for them.
The on-site Bamford Wellness Spa is world-class without being precious about it: Ocean float rooms, infrared saunas, massage and bodywork, guided breathwork, movement classes - and even native Hawaiian plant medicine, There’s something for everyone in need of an unwind, so if wellness is your thing, this might be the highlight. The Anatomy gym is one of the better hotel fitness centers I’ve seen, and yes, there’s also a cold plunge if you’re that person.
Dining is equally well considered. By my count, there are seven different food and drink spots are available across the property, ranging from beachside snacks to open-air dining with sweeping views of Hanalei Bay. Locally sourced ingredients, clean and balanced flavors, smart menus that shift with the seasons. And an excellent breakfast buffet that offers a broad sampling of flavors to start your day on the island.
Out by the pools, you get the best of both setups. One large, family-friendly pool for the crew and an adults-only infinity pool that vanishes into the horizon. You could lose an afternoon without ever looking at your phone. That’s a compliment, because let’s be honest…. you don’t come here to get lost scrolling your feed.
But what really makes the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay stand apart is the feeling it gives you. It’s undeniably luxurious, but never stuffy. It’s grounded and relaxed, and the vibe carries through everything from the benches in the gardens to the smiles from staff at check-in. And a quick note on check-in: Don’t expect a desk with a bell that goes ‘ding’. It’s more of a ‘turn around when you arrive and someone will help you’ kinda vibe… which is awesome.
If you’re coming to Kauaʻi for the first time, it might ruin you for every other resort. If you’ve been before, this is a reminder of how good it can be when a place gets it right.
This is paradise with a conscience. Thoughtful, refined, and unforgettable.
Visit The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i, HI, USA
