1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Redefines Sustainable Luxury

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay merges luxury accommodation with a mission focused on sustainability and supporting its surrounding community. The resort is located on the cliffs of Hanalei Bay, where the St. Regis Princeville Resort once stood. Utilizing every bit of the beauty of Kauaʻi’s northern shoreline, the hotel puts nature on full display. Vines grow from the walls, flora flourishes and midcentury modern furnishings perfectly complement the overall design aesthetic of the place.

As a brand, 1 Hotels focuses on being entirely eco-sustainable. And this idea of incorporating the community and its natural splendor is apparent in everything 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay does. From the walls to the ceilings, reclaimed and locally sourced materials were used during the construction of the property. Its Good Things shop displays locally made items and crafts from Kauaʻi businesses, and even the linens are 100% sustainably sourced.

A room at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.
Photo: AVABLU @avablu_photography

And the rooms? They’re luxurious, with spacious bedding options and an ocean view in almost every room—even those labeled as mountain view. Many rooms come equipped with lounge-worthy couches and seating spaces, which can  make the place feel more like a home than a hotel. And the rooms are all about sustainability too. A wooden room key is used to unlock your not-so-humble abode, closet hangers are made with 100% recycled paper and even the coasters are made from recycled cork.

This mindset of sourcing locally is pushed to its delicious extremes at the property’s signature restaurant, 1 Kitchen. Serving ʻono (delicious) plates, the intimate dining experience is paired with an unforgettable view of Hanalei Bay. Even with the appetizers, the culinary staff at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay shows its dedication to using everything local. The kanpachi crudo is a standout among its first course servings. Using Hawaiʻi-sourced kanpachi, housemade ponzu drenches the fish as miniature fried seaweed balls add pops of flavor to an already complex dish.

A sunset at Welina Terrace.
Photo: AVABLU @avablu_photography

Above 1 Kitchen, Welina Terrace offers a similar level of culinary excellence in a more relaxed setting. Diners sit on couches while enjoying fantastic Japanese fare, all the while being serenaded by local musicians—that’s right, the resort even sources its music locally—and taking in views of the coast. The drink menu is also hard to ignore, with great-tasting spirits and craft cocktails.

The resort also features an impressive list of activities and wellness opportunities for visitors to enjoy, including the Bamford Wellness Spa. From coffee rubs using Kauaʻi coffee grinds to herbal treatments, services here are designed around Hawaiʻi and its own holistic practices. Of course, each treatment is also paired with a long, rejuvenating massage.

The courtyard of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.
Photo: AVABLU @avablu_photography

Once they’ve gotten that rub down, guests can walk down to the beach fronting 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Puʻu Poa Beach is a semi-secluded oasis with a thriving little reef and a sand-covered bottom that extends roughly 50 feet from the shore. The beach isn’t actually part of the resort, but it feels like it is—just like the resort feels like a part of the community and Hanalei itself.

For more information or to make a reservation at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, visit 1hotels.com/hanalei-bay.