September 10, 2014

Haena, Kauai, Hawaii: Hanalei Colony Resort + Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant; hotel review + restaurant review

5-7130 Kuhio Hwy., 5 mi. west of Hanalei, in Haena, (800) 628-3004, (808) 826-6235.  48 condos.  Pool, hot tub.  Free parking.  No resort fee. 

Located on beautiful Kepuhi Beach in secluded Haena, Kauai’s northernmost town, the Hanalei Colony Resort is unspoiled and unplugged.  It features a restful atmosphere, with units blessedly free of  televisions and telephones.  Guests can unwind and relax and enjoy the area’s natural beauty, including hanging out at the beach and watching sunsets.  Jet-lagged, I also watched a gorgeous sunrise.  The resort is made up of thirteen rustic two-story buildings, each with four units.  All are attractively decorated island style and get twice-weekly maid service.

guest room at Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii
guest room at Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii


They have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and dining area, a private lanai, and a fully equipped kitchen.  The best rooms are on the point with an ocean view.  Barbecue/picnic areas and a coin-operated guest laundromat are available.

flowers in guest room at Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii
flowers in guest room at Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii


Guests staying two-plus nights are greeted by a  gift of fresh flowers, locally-made cookies, a recyclable shopping bag, and a deck of playing cards, and all guests are invited to a complimentary continental breakfast and an afternoon mai tai party once each week.  Free in-room WiFi is provided, but I tried to stay unplugged and not use it.  Personal concierge service assists in arranging dining, activities, and special requests.  Beach mats and towels, books, toys, puzzles, and games are available for loan.  In summer, a variety of cultural and craft activities are scheduled for both children and adults.  For a small fee, “Keiki Kamp” is offered several days and evenings each week, and babysitting can be arranged.  From morning until sunset daily, a free shuttle van transports guests to and from safe nearby beaches and to and from Hanalei Town.  Evening shuttle service is available at $10/unit and goes to and from Hanalei Town, Princeville Shopping Center, and the Westin and St. Regis resorts in Princeville Resort.  This resort is at the top of my list for a return visit.

view from Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii
view from Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii


Currently, a special fall rate of $240 per night for an Ocean View suite is available for stays through November 23.  The rate represents a 1/3 discount off the usual Ocean View rate of $356 per night.  This special is applicable to Ocean View category suites only and requires a two-night minimum stay.  In addition, a seventh night is offered free after six consecutive paid nights.


Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant  

(808) 826-9875.  L-D daily; happy hour daily 4-6pm; live entertainment 5 nights/week; luau Tu 6-8:15pm, reservations required.  Of Lebanese ancestry, Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant owner Imad Beydoun was born and raised in Beirut.  He moved here with his family in 2005.  His surprising restaurant features both traditional Mediterranean dishes and island cuisine, so you can enjoy fresh fish with a Mediterranean twist.

Greek salad at Mediterranean Gourment Restaurant at Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii
Greek salad at Mediterranean Gourment Restaurant at Hanalei Colony Resort
in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii


While others in my group opted for heavier fish and meat plates, I enjoyed a lighter dinner featuring a Greek salad and a plate of hummus and babaganush with housemade pita.  More exotic items include grilled kafta, stuffed grape leaves, hand-rolled fatayer, gyro and falafel wraps, garlic chicken, and various kabobs, but the menu also offers quesadillas, Caesar salad, rack of lamb, and New York strip steak.  Desserts include cheesecake, housemade baklava, and Turkish coffee or French-press teas.

Blue Crush coctail at Mediterranean Gourment Restaurant at Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii
Blue Crush coctail at Mediterranean Gourment Restaurant
at Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii


The restaurant has an ocean view from every table and a full bar--don’t miss the colorful and tasty Blue Crush cocktail made with silver rum, pineapple juice, and blue Curacao. 
          The beachfront family-style luau features a buffet dinner of traditional Hawaiian food, hula dancing, and Hawaiian music. 


Hanalei Day Spa  

(808) 826-6621.  Located adjacent to the resort, this independent business offers a variety of therapeutic massages, spa services, rejuvenation programs, and customized yoga and Ayurvedic retreats.

Napali Art Gallery & Coffee Shop  

(808) 826-1844.  Daily 7am-5pm.  This cozy spot offers morning coffee, espresso, and pastries as well as mid-day snacks to go.



More things to do in Kauai.

More information about Kauai.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

14 comments:

  1. I don't recall having been to Haena, but I certainly did love Kauai. Would love to return soon.

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  2. Oh, you were in our (former) neighborhood! We lived just back down the road to Hanalei in Wainiha behind the Last Chance Store deep in the jungle. We love the Med, and "Bossy" (Imad) is a real character. The luau was a must whenever we had visitors; the entertainers live in our valley and their Tahitian drumming could be heard several mornings a week while they practiced. Ha'ena holds a very special place in our hearts. Its name literally translated means wind wild, and it is ruggedly beautiful. Thanks for this post. We miss Kaua'i even though we've only been gone a few weeks.

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    1. Thank you for this very interesting enhancement re. this wildly beautiful area! It sounds like you were tucked away in its beauty when I visited not too long ago. How long did you live there? WHY did you leave!?

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  3. I've never been to Hawaii but definitely want to go one day. The Hanalei condos look beautiful (love that painting and the wooden shutters in the bedroom). Even better is that there's no resort fee!

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  4. If you start here, you'll never want to leave!

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  5. Love the look of the resort and can imagine myself there quite comfortably for a week.

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  6. We stayed at the Hanalei Colony Resort many long decades ago (as I have noted in recent Kauai posts, it has been a bit of time since we last visited there) and when we drove past the resort this fall, it brought back lovely memories. I am sorry we didn't follow our impulse and return to the restaurant for dinner -- it is a must for next time!

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  7. I have wandered the grounds of the Hanalei Colony Resorts and would love to stay there!

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  8. We loved our visit to Kauai several years ago and would love to go back and revisit this tropical paradise. Your resort recommendation looks amazing as does the Greek salad you have pictured. Mmmm!

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  9. Sure could go for a Blue Crush right now ;)

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  10. The resort and restaurant look very inviting. I absolutely love Kauai, in no small part because we went there on our honeymoon and again for the 10th anniversary. Since we just had the 23rd anniversary, I'd say we're overdue for another trip to Kauai. I'll check this place out.

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  11. Great suggestions for a stay in Kauai!

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