When you arrive on the island of Kauai, you'll immediately notice the lush tropical foliage and vibrant flowers that make our island one of the most beautiful destinations on earth. Kauai’s mild weather conditions and tropical climate allow our...
Farmer’s markets are a wonderful source for a sampling of the foods (and sometimes local crafts) of Hawaii. Fresh produce arrives straight from nearby farms, offering crisp vegetables, juicy fruits and various other locally-made treats for all to...
Have you ever been to a luau? We’re not talking about the mainland version with the flower print decor and tiki torches. A traditional Hawaiian Luau is an experience you’ll never forget, featuring a taste of Hawaiian culture and entertainment. A...
Weather in Kauai is everything you imagined for a tropical paradise! Temperatures are moderate year round, with a daily average of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures average 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 85 degrees Fahrenheit in...
For a traditional, mouth-watering meal in Kauai, we have the perfect places to complete your Hawaiian experience while you enjoy your beautiful Kauai suite.
When we posted this lovely image of a gardenia on HCR’s Fan Page, hundreds of people saw it, many commented and still others shared it. So we thought we’d share 9 facts you may not know about this fragrant white blossom.
Did you know that the...
Hula. Just the word itself conjures up images of Hawaii, enchanting women, and fluid movements. For centuries, this beautiful dance form has spread the message of love, beauty and the spirit of aloha.
Unlike any other dance, hula is more than...
The famous Hanalei Pier was built in 1892. During its 120-year history, the pier served as a major port between the Hawaiian Islands for the transportation of rice and sugar. Today, it serves as a recreational resource and, most recently, as a...
If you like to explore on foot, here are some of Kauai's more popular hiking trails. Put on your walking shoes and get ready to immerse yourself in nature.
Kalalau Trail – This is probably the one trail that draws many visitors to the north...
As you travel along the scenic north shore, back & forth between the Hanalei Colony Resort and the rest of Kauai, you’ll come upon a number of one-lane bridges (that's the historic Hanalei Bridge pictured on the left). If you are unfamiliar with...
The “aloha spirit” is a phrase you’ll hear about Kaua`i (and Hawaii) long before you arrive. Get on the plane to fly here and you’re probably already feeling the spirit.
"Aloha" is one of the most commonly used Hawaiian words throughout the...
Here's a short little video (below) to remind you of our little piece of heaven on earth, here on Kauai's north shore.
Sip your morning coffee (or tea) then take a stroll along the beach as you dip your toes in the ocean and absorb the beauty...
You might be surprised to learn that corals are not plants, they’re animals. While often mistaken for rocks, coral reefs are made up of tiny animals that are related to jellyfish and anemones.
According to NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric...
On the evening of March 3, 2012, heavy rains began to hit Kaua`i, lasting for several days and virtually shutting down the island. This unusual storm was one of the largest reported on Kaua`i since the early ‘70s.
While it was not easy for our...
Ocean Awareness:
Kauai’s ocean is both beautiful and powerful. Please exercise caution and common sense at all times in the water (and even walking along the beach during high surf).
Our advice for those unfamiliar with the ocean is to...
While you may associate a visit to Kaua`i with beaches, snorkeling and surfing, consider a new adventure with your kids.
A farm tour at Kaua`i Kunana Dairy is a unique experience – sample goat cheese, interact with the goats, check out...
“All over the South Pacific, ancient traditions woven into songs and stories speak of gods who had the strengths and weaknesses of men and controlled nature’s forces,” wrote Rene Thompson, a lover of tikis, Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.
In...
While planning your trip to Kauai, and your stay at the Hanalei Colony Resort, you’re bound to have questions. Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions we receive at our Front Desk:
1. Do we need to have a car on Kauai?
If...
On December 10th, Princeville Ranch Adventures excitedly announced the opening of their Kids’ Adventure Center (KAC).
Just past the 27-mile marker on Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56), the former Princeville Stables area has been refurbished and...
Kauai offers the golf fanatic a variety of choices from the north shore to the south. Designed by some of the most prominent golf course architects such as Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr., you’ll find yourself in the midst of...
Good news for those of you on the East Coast that dream of Kauai, but haven’t been here yet. Hawaiian Airlines announced that they will be launching non-stop daily flights between Honolulu and New York City, beginning June 2012.
The New York...
On Kaua`i there is, literally, an end of the road. Get in your car, venture to the north shore and keep driving. When you can go no further, you’re there.
The gem you’ll find at the end of the road is a turquoise lagoon known as Ke`e Beach. ...
If you're a chocolate lover, here's a unique and fun activity to consider when you're on Kauai. Only offered once a year, a Chocolate Making Workshop is being offered on November 5th in Hanalei. Held at the Garden Island Chocolate Factory, this...
Kauai has an abundance of wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables grown by our hard-working farmers. Any day of the week you can find a Farmers' Market on Kauai filled with whatever delicious morsels you like along with a beautiful array of flowers...
One of the sounds closely associated with Hawaii is that of the Hawaiian Slack Key guitar. An instrumental art form created in the 1800s by Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys), the melodic music is soft and soothing.
Here on Kauai’s north shore, treat...
One of the many things you'll love about the Hanalei Colony Resort is its close proximity to spectactular Kauai north shore beaches.
Whether your favorite pasttime is snorkeling, surfing or squishing your toes in the sand, you have a choice of...
The annual Kauai Mokihana Festival returns to the Garden Island for its 27th year. This year's event celebrates the "Year of Hula" as it was 25 years ago that hula competition began.
The 7 day cultural festival on Kauai features not only hula...
Looking for adventure on your next vacation? Kauai ranks #3 in the the U.S. News and World Report's list of "16 Best Adventure Vacations in the US".
Released on August 25, 2011, the report named two other Hawaiian Islands in the top 10 (Maui...
One of Kauai's most popular events is the annual Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair. It returns to Vidinha Stadium in Lihue between August 25 through 28, 2011.
Partake in four days of food, farming and great entertainment. Bring a healthy appetite...
Here you are on Kaua`i, strolling barefoot along our beautiful white sand beaches, when you spot something big & gray. You think it might be a large rock, but as you get closer you realize it’s alive. However, it’s not moving and you’re...
During his visit to Kauai, travel writer, Lance Richardson's adventures included a stay at the Hanalei Colony Resort. Upon his return to Australia he wrote about his experience and both The Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne's The Saturday Age...
While you’re snorkeling on Kauai, you may be surprised by more than colorful fish. One of the island’s magical treasures – honu (also known as the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle) – makes the tropical waters of Kauai its home.
These awesome creatures...
For more than 10 years, the Hawaii Ocean Film Festival has featured films about marine resources, ocean recreation and our cultural connections to the sea. In the last year, MovieMaker Magazine named the festival "One of the 20 Coolest Film...
In May of this year, Hanalei Colony Resort played host to a group of travel writers from around the country. One of those writers, Jennifer Miner (aka SoCalGal) represented The Vacation Gals.
The Vacation Gals are three professional travel...
Those standing on the shores of Hanalei Bay on Wednesday, July 6th were treated to a majestic sight as seven Polynesian canoes sailed into the Bay. After leaving New Zealand in April, the seven canoes have been sailing the Pacific Ocean for more...
The Na Pali Coast is one of Kauai’s treasures. Most everyone who visits the Garden Island has a visit along the Coast as one of the “to do” items on their “bucket” list – be it by foot, helicopter, kayak or catamaran.
Taking a Kauai hike is a...
In early May the Hanalei Colony Resort had the pleasure of hosting several travel writers from around the country. Here on a cultural press trip, the Resort was one of their stops along the majestic north shore.
They enjoyed networking by our...
When you’re on Kauai, looking for adventure, one of the most amazing trips you can experience is Na Pali Coast kayaking.
Launching from the north shore, you’ll paddle the turquoise blue waters of the Pacific and find yourself in awe. Majestic...
In 2010, Hanalei Colony Resort received a Wave Award from TravelAge West as the best resort for a Hawaii Romantic Getaway. In May 2011, we were thrilled to be honored with yet another accolade for our romantic setting on the north shore of Kauai.
...Beautiful and aromatic, the Hawaiian lei is one gift everyone is always pleased to receive. Synonymous with the spirit of aloha, it can be created from just about anything – from flowers or shells to feathers or seeds. Fragrant plumeria and pikake...
In March of this year, Islands Magazine polled its readers on Facbook and asked "What are the most romantic islands in the world?"
Listed as #1 in the Top 10 Islands for Romance were the Hawaiian Islands, specifically Kauai and Maui. These two...
The Hanalei Colony Resort is excited to announce the renovation of its front office. This 42-year old plantation-style cottage has served us well over the years. However, to better serve you – our loyal guests – we are remodeling the building.
...In 1976, Juliet Rice Wichman gifted the lower part of Kauai's Limahuli Valley, now known as the Limahuli Garden, to the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG). The nearly 1,000 remaining acres were gifted to her grandson Chipper Wichman who, in...
Travel writer John Fischer stayed at the resort in September, 2010 and honored us with a 4-star rating (out of 5) in an outstanding Hanalei Colony Resort review.
He also wrote a glowing review on About.com. "My first impressions upon entering my...
Each winter the aquamarine Pacific Ocean becomes home to magnificent humpback whales.
Between December and March, Kauai’s residents and visitors are treated to an incredible show as these amazing mammals spout off and breach the waters. This is...
WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, announced that the Hanalei Colony Resort has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.
Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011...
Kauai Miniature golf has arrived on the north shore. Kauai Mini Golf opened in Kilauea at the end of 2010.
The 18-hole course is set in beautiful botanical gardens representing different eras of Hawaii's culture. Water hazards, pipe shots &...
There is no place on earth more romantic and beautiful as Kauai. See what Travel Age West has to say about the Hanalei Colony Resort.