Our family of four has stayed in a lot of different places across the islands, and we love traveling with our family and close friends, as well. Moving in a pack presents a unique set of challenges, but Hanalei Bay Resort on Kaua'i's North Shore has a way of bringing us back.
These are the little things—and big ones—that we’ve really come to appreciate after a few stays. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, here’s what keeps us (and a lot of others) coming back:
1. The Views Are Next-Level Whether you're on your lanai or walking the grounds, the views of Hanalei Bay, Bali Hai, and the sunset are some of the best on the island. Guests love using the grounds and Pu‘u Poa Beach as a backdrop for family photoshoots, gatherings for special occasions, or even destination weddings.
2. Flexible Room Configurations for Families and Groups Whether you're a couple, a family of five, or traveling with a group of friends, the lock-off units and multi-bedroom layouts make it easy to spread out while still staying close. Everyone gets space, but you still have adjoining rooms so you feel like you're really vacationing together.
3. Beach Access Without the Hassle Pu‘u Poa Beach is just down the hill. You can walk or hop on the resort’s golf cart shuttle. It’s especially convenient for families with little ones or beach gear in tow, and it’s mellow enough for relaxed group hangs or intro-to-snorkeling sessions.
4. The Pool is a Crowd-Pleaser Lagoon-style, kid-friendly, and with one of the best views around. There’s also a quieter lower pool that often times you will have to yourself. It’s one of those rare places where toddlers, teens, and grandparents can all enjoy time together.
5. Central to North Shore Exploration It’s a short drive to Hanalei Town, Tunnels Beach, and the trailheads along the Napali Coast. This makes it easy to plan day trips that don’t require long commutes—huge if you're coordinating across different energy levels and interests.
6. Dinner and a Sunset Without Leaving the Resort On nights when you don’t want to go anywhere, Happy Talk Lounge is the move—sunset views, live music, and a cocktail of your choice. Our kids, meanwhile, absolutely love Wiki Pizza—there’s something about eating fresh pizza on the lanai with a view of the mountains that makes everyone happy (and keeps dinner simple).
7. Kitchen and Laundry Access = Less Stress Especially with kids, having a kitchen to make a quick breakfast and the convenience of in-unit laundry in many units is a game-changer. It saves time, money, and sanity—particularly for longer stays or big groups sharing space. Plus you get the added bonus of not needing to pack as much because you can easily do laundry part way through your trip!
8. Friendly Staff and On-Island Vibe It’s not a massive resort where you’re just a room number. The front desk team, shuttle drivers, and even the pool staff, many of whom have been with the Hanalei Bay Resort ohana for decades, all add a welcoming local touch that makes families and groups feel genuinely cared for.
9. Gorgeous Grounds with That “Old Hawaii” Feel Lush landscaping, tropical flowers, and the kind of mature trees you won’t find at new developments. The grounds are fun to explore with kids and provide plenty of shade and photo ops during slower mornings or afternoon strolls.
10. Better Value Than the Alternatives When you factor in multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, laundry, and on-site amenities like pools, beach access, and a restaurant & bar, Hanalei Bay Resort often comes out ahead of booking multiple hotel rooms. And unlike some condo or house rentals, you’re not sacrificing the resort level perks that keep everyone entertained and comfortable.
There are a lot of great places to stay on Kaua‘i, but Hanalei Bay Resort hits a rare sweet spot, particularly for families and groups: comfort, beauty, and enough thoughtful details to make your time on the island as easy as it is unforgettable.