There is a great deal to like about 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. The grounds are gorgeous, the pools and hot tub are wonderful, and the beach access is fabulous. The staff members we encountered were consistently warm, accommodating, and genuinely wonderful. We also enjoyed the food, although dining at the resort was substantially more expensive than eating elsewhere nearby.
Unfortunately, our room experience did not come close to justifying the price. We stayed on the eighth floor, immediately below the main level, and noticed what appeared to be mold in several places on the ceiling. The hallway also had a very strong mildew smell that was difficult to overlook. At an average room rate of approximately $2,700 per night before taxes and fees, these conditions were particularly off-putting. We reported the issues, but the response did not adequately resolve our concerns.
The shower was another problem. The water pressure fluctuated during a single shower from barely acceptable to hardly spraying at all, and the water temperature was similarly inconsistent.
We also paid a premium for a room with a terrace, but the outdoor space did not feel private. The room immediately above directly overlooked our terrace, and when those guests opened their window, we could hear their conversations as clearly as though they were sitting outside talking to us. They could also look directly down onto our outdoor space. It left us feeling as though we were in a fishbowl and made it difficult to relax or use the terrace comfortably.
The room itself was also extremely dark. The downlighting over the vanity was not sufficient for grooming; I had difficulty finding things in my shaving bag and suitcase. I imagine the lighting would be especially frustrating for anyone trying to apply makeup.
This is undeniably a beautiful property in an extraordinary setting, and the employees deserve considerable credit. However, at this price level, guests should not encounter mildew odors, apparent mold, unreliable shower pressure and temperature, inadequate lighting, or a premium terrace that affords so little privacy.
The adjacent public beach is every bit as beautiful, so if we returned to the area, we would likely choose a distinctive vacation rental and enjoy the same remarkable surroundings without paying the extraordinary resort premium.