Our three-day journey to this Hawaiian paradise was magical. We stayed at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, a perfect harmony of luxury, sustainability and the breathtaking beauty of Hanalei Bay–one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here’s our guide to exploring Kauai in a very COZY style.
Where to Stay: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the ultimate retreat and perfect place to enjoy one of the most spectacular surfing spots in the world. Formerly the St. Regis, 1 Hotel has transformed the property into a sustainable sanctuary that celebrates the island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Located in the mountains just above Hanalei Bay, the hotel has one of the most stunning views on the island.
We stayed in an Ocean View Studio Suite, a sophisticated yet COZY space that was very romantic. Its thoughtful design was both elegant and livable, and the views—oh, the views! We woke up to the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. For couples seeking an intimate and luxurious escape, this suite offers everything needed to reconnect in paradise.
A Taste of Paradise
Dining at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is an adventure of its own full of fresh, local ingredients presented in creative and delicious ways.
Breakfast at 1 Kitchen is a fantastic, and the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes a must. Perfectly fluffy–you’ll be dreaming about them later.
The pizzas at the poolside restaurant, the Sandbox, were great. Ocean views, pepperoni pizza and maybe some of Kaua’i Style Spicy Poké Bowl. What could be wrong in the universe?
The sushi menu at Welina Terrace is also phenomenal–the Chili Salmon Roll is a particular stand-out. The chic and vibrant atmosphere of the terrace with its stylish drinks and lively energy was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Relax and Unwind: Pools and Beaches
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay offers a variety of spaces for relaxation each designed to suit different vibes.
- The adults-only infinity pool is a perfect spot for absorbing the stunning views of Hanalei Bay.
- The main pool is family-friendly and a great spot for fun and connection.
- And then there’s Pu’u Poa Beach, our favorite stretch of sand on the island.
While the beach isn’t private it has an exclusive feel and features plenty of activities including morning meditation, snorkeling and paddleboarding. During low tide, you can even walk across a sandbar to Hanalei Town for some local exploration.
Sustainability at the Core
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has a deep commitment to sustainability that isn’t just branding. The hotel was designed to minimize the its environmental footprint. By repurposing materials from the original structure, the hotel saved over 144 tons of materials from landfills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 74 tons. Every detail reflects care in preserving Kauai’s natural beauty for generations to come.
COZY Experiences
Day 1: Above Kauai with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
We began our Kauai adventure with a amazing helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Soaring over the Napali Coast we had sight of otherwise hidden waterfalls and lush valleys–an awe-inspiring perspective of the island.
Day 2: Exploring Kauai and Hanalei Town
On day two, we explored Kauai at our own pace meandering through the island to see the many waterfalls and beaches throughout, the island’s beauty unfolding around every turn.
We wrapped up the day in Hanalei Town, a charming beach town full of boutiques, art galleries and vibrant eateries. We caught a little bit of laid-back vibe to connect with the heart of Kauai.
Day 3: Hiking the Napali Coast
For our final day, we ventured onto the legendary Kalalau Trail which starts at Ke’e Beach. The first two miles to Hanakapiai Beach is pretty relaxed and full of stunning coastal views. We continued on to the more difficult part of the hike to Hanakapiai Falls, which has as its award an incredible swimmable waterfall surrounded by lush greenery at the end of the trail.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay prepared a picnic for us which we enjoyed in a secluded spot along the trail. Nice touch!
COZY Tip: This trail requires reservations so planning ahead is key! Permits are available at www.gohaena.com and sell out. If you’d prefer a seamless experience, contact your COZY advisor and we’ll handle the reservations for you, ensuring your hike is as smooth as it is unforgettable.
Kauai is an island where nature reigns supreme. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay provides the perfect base to experience the magic.
Ready to plan your own COZY escape to Kauai? Let’s create a journey just for you.
