When Barry Sternlicht's 1 Hotels brand finally opened its flagship property on Kauai in early 2023, it marked more than just another luxury resort debut. After decades of family vacations to this stretch of Hawaii's North Shore, the hospitality mogul had transformed what he saw as a property disconnected from its stunning natural surroundings into something that virtually disappears into the landscape. The result is a resort that embodies the 1 Hotels philosophy: luxury that doesn't come at nature's expense.
Architecture and Location
Photo by Makana Weiss
Perched on a hillside in Princeville overlooking Hanalei Bay, the property occupies one of the most dramatic locations in the Hawaiian Islands. The dramatic peaks of Namolokama and Mamalahoa mountains frame a verdant valley where waterfalls cascade down emerald cliffs, while the crescent-shaped bay stretches below with its legendary surf breaks and coral-rich waters perfect for snorkeling.
Photo by Mikkel Vang
The transformation from the property's previous incarnation required a $300 million reimagining guided by the principle "if you can't find it in nature, you won't find it here." The most striking change is the exterior color – once bright white and visible from miles away, the buildings now wear a soft olive-green that allows them to blend into the surrounding vegetation.
Photo by AVABLU
Indigenous plants weave through low-impact structures, while green roofs planted with native pili grass and pohinahina reduce stormwater runoff and house an organic chef's garden that supplies the resort's kitchens.
Arrival and Lobby
Photo by AVABLU
Your first impression sets the tone for everything that follows. Much of the original building was removed to create an open-air entrance that leads you on a journey through Hawaiian history and mythology. Reclaimed teak joists frame the space, while puka lava stone walls and hand-woven abacá ceilings from natural leaf fibers create texture without overwhelming the eye.
Photo by AVABLU
The centerpiece is a lobby garden where streams and native plantings have replaced enclosed spaces. It's a bold design choice that immediately signals this isn't your typical resort experience – you're meant to feel like you're walking through a living landscape rather than checking into a hotel.
1 Kitchen
1 Kitchen - Photo by Mikkel Vang
As the resort's signature restaurant, 1 Kitchen operates under the philosophy that food tastes best when grown close to home. The all-day venue celebrates local ingredients with menus built around seasonal, nutrient-dense dishes sourced from Hawaiian farms and waters. The breakfast buffet, overlooking misty mountain peaks, features housemade pastries alongside healthier options like chia parfaits. Dinner brings globally-inspired cuisine with inventive vegetable-forward dishes alongside classics like housemade pastas and fresh local catch. The setting – with panoramic views of the bay through oversized openable windows – makes every meal feel like an occasion.
Welina Terrace
1 Kitchen Breakfast Buffet - Photo by Mikkel Vang
This Japanese-inspired restaurant and lounge comes alive at sunset, when Mount Makana and Hanalei Bay provide a constantly changing backdrop. The menu focuses on sushi and shared plates crafted with island ingredients, while the bar program showcases Hawaiian rums, Japanese whiskeys, and cocktails enhanced by housemade artisan syrups. The Kauai Tai – a tart take on the mai tai with local rum, pineapple yuzu syrup, and passion fruit foam – has already become a signature. Live music from local musicians adds to the atmosphere as daylight fades over the water.
Welina
Welina - Photo by AVABLU
As the resort's signature restaurant, 1 Kitchen operates under the philosophy that food tastes best when grown close to home. The all-day venue celebrates local ingredients with menus built around seasonal, nutrient-dense dishes sourced from Hawaiian farms and waters.
Welina's terrace - Photo by Mikkel Vang
The breakfast buffet, overlooking misty mountain peaks, features housemade pastries alongside healthier options like chia parfaits. Dinner brings globally-inspired cuisine with inventive vegetable-forward dishes alongside classics like housemade pastas and fresh local catch. The setting – with panoramic views of the bay through oversized openable windows – makes every meal feel like an occasion.
Neighbors Café
Neighbors Café - Photo by AVABLU
More than just a coffee shop, Neighbors functions as the resort's community hub. You'll find cold-pressed juices, kombucha, wellness shots, and coffee from local Hanalei Coffee Roasters alongside nutrient-rich breakfast options. The grab-and-go format works whether you're rushing to catch sunrise or settling in with locals who frequent this gathering spot. A QR code ordering system and the 1 Hotels app help you skip lines when you're eager to start your day.
Mountain View Two Queen
Mountain View Double Queen Room - Photo by AVABLU
These 547-square-foot rooms offer views of lush gardens and the majestic mountain peaks surrounding Hanalei. With two queen beds accommodating up to four people, they work well for families. The design emphasizes natural materials with custom organic cotton bedding, hand-woven floors from local black basalt, and reclaimed teak furniture. Rain showers and dedicated workspace areas complete the practical amenities.
Mountain View King
Mountain View King Room - Photo by AVABLU
Similar in size and design to the two-queen configuration, these rooms feature a single king bed and the same mountain and garden views. The custom organic cotton bedding and nature-inspired décor create a serene retreat, while oversized windows frame the verdant landscape. Rainfall showers and work spaces cater to both relaxation and productivity needs.
Ocean View Lounge King
Ocean View Lounge King Room - Photo by AVABLU
These rooms add the magic of Hanalei Bay views to the same 547-square-foot footprint. The highlight is a comfortable lounge nook that takes advantage of the ocean vista – perfect for morning coffee or evening wine as you watch the water change color with the light. The design maintains the same natural materials and rain shower setup found throughout the resort.
Ocean View Studio Suite
Ocean View Studio Suite - Photo by AVABLU
At 820 square feet, these suites provide more space while maintaining ocean views and warm wood textures. The upgrade brings suite perks including priority restaurant seating and a Dyson hair dryer. The additional space allows for a more relaxed stay, whether you're spreading out for work or simply want more room to enjoy the sparkling ocean views.
Ocean View One Bedroom Suite
Ocean View One Bedroom Suite - Photo by Douglas Friedman
These 1,200-square-foot suites feature a separate living room and bedroom, creating a true home-away-from-home experience. The suite perks expand to include complimentary minibar snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, plus complimentary beach rentals. A separate rain shower and the dedicated living space make these suites ideal for longer stays or those wanting extra luxury.
Puʻu Poa Ocean Loft Suite
Puʻu Poa Ocean Loft Suite - Photo by Mikkel Vang
This two-story suite spans 1,798 square feet with a loft bedroom and full bathroom upstairs, while the ground floor features a spacious living room, sleeper sofa, and kitchenette. The private terrace takes full advantage of the ocean views.
Photo by Mikkel Vang
The extensive perks package includes resort credit, dedicated VIP service, airport transportation, spa treatments, daily breakfast, and exclusive access to an Audi e-tron vehicle.
Nāpali House Suite
Napali Penthouse - Photo by Mikkel Vang
With 1,800 square feet of space, this suite offers a private king bedroom, kitchenette, and private terrace with panoramic ocean views. The home-like feel comes from the sprawling layout and abundant space for relaxation.
The spectacular bathroom of Nāpali House Suite comes with a stone bathtub and two rainfall showers - Photo by Mikkel Vang
Like the Loft Suite, it includes the full retreat collection of perks, from spa treatments to daily breakfast and beach activity rentals.
Makana Penthouse
Makana Penthouse - Photo by Mikkel Vang
The largest accommodation at 2,400 square feet features two king bedrooms, a private dining room, living room, and terrace. The private terrace and multiple bedrooms make it perfect for families or groups wanting the ultimate in space and privacy.
Photo by Mikkel Vang
This penthouse can accommodate up to four people and includes the complete suite of retreat collection amenities.
Bamford Wellness Spa
The relaxation room at the Bamford Wellness Spa - Photo by Mikkel Vang
The 18,000-square-foot spa represents a collaboration with organic pioneer Carole Bamford, creating a setting where wellness sessions nurture mind, body, and spirit. Located on the ninth floor, the facility features 18 treatment rooms plus innovative "touchless therapies" including a cryotherapy chamber, hyperbaric chamber, infrared saunas with halotherapy, ice baths, and a sensory deprivation float tank.
Treatments incorporate Native Hawaiian medicinal plants and natural ingredients, with options ranging from organic facials using warm and cold jade stones to full-body rituals on heated quartz beds. The Hawaiian Plant Medicine treatments offer a gateway to traditional healing practices using locally sourced plants. The spa operates from 9am to 6pm, with retail available from 8:30am.
Pools and Beaches
Main pool - Photo by Mikkel Vang
The resort offers three distinct aquatic experiences. The main pool sits just steps from the sand, featuring shallow ledges, hot tub nooks, and a separate lagoon pool with natural rock outcroppings and waterfalls. All ages are welcome here, making it perfect for families.
Adult pool - Photo by AVABLU
For adults seeking tranquility, the eighth-floor infinity pool creates the sensation of floating above the waves. This 21-and-over space includes a jacuzzi and full-service private cabanas, offering an elevated perspective on the bay below.
Photo by Mikkel Vang
The resort's greatest natural asset is Puu Poa Beach – a glittering stretch of sand perfect for snorkeling above coral reefs, launching stand-up paddleboards, or simply soaking up Kauai's legendary sunshine. The bay's year-round conditions welcome surfers from beginners to professionals, with near-shore sand bottom waves for novices and challenging reef breaks for experts. Tide pools provide exploration opportunities, while the coral-rich waters offer glimpses of sea turtles and manta rays even for casual swimmers.
5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, United States
