HotelChatter

Hotel Heaven / → All Tags

Hanalei Colony Resort

Where: PO Box 206 [map], Hanalei, HI, United States, 96714

As a former resident of Hawaii, few things pain me more than the type of tacky commercial tourism that invokes that episode of The Brady Bunch, where they're all attired in matching Hilo Hattie-esque aloha prints and cavorting the golden sands of Waikiki (although, to be fair, the Brady boys did stumble upon that evil tiki and come to respect the mana of the Real Hawaii, thanks to the mysterious Mr. Hanalei, but I digress).

True, Hawaii in any form is pretty great, but if you're looking for something a little less package tourist and a little more old school, head for Kauai's peaceful north shore and the Hanalei Colony Resort.  Don't let the word resort scare you: the five-acre property contains just 48 two-bedroom oceanfront condo units, some with two bathrooms, and all with fully equipped kitchens and private lanais. But this ain't no Hedonism II/spring break/plastic coconut bra-clad hula dancer type of place.  What Hanalei Colony offers instead is a relaxed, phone- and TV-free getaway for guests looking to experience a little more of the island than just a swanky hotel room and mai tais around the pool.

more ›