Hanalei Colony Resort

Photo courtesy of the Hanalei Colony Resort

Nestled on a golden curve of beach amidst the tropical beauty of Kauai's famous north shore, Hanalei Colony is a favorite travel destination for families who appreciate its comfortable two-bedroom condominium units with full kitchens.  Located in secluded Ha'ena, Kauai's northernmost town, the resort is best described as "unspoiled and unplugged". Hanalei Colony prides itself on its restful atmosphere, and the resort's  units do not have televisions, stereos, or phones.  Instead, the emphasis at Hanalei Colony is for families to relax and enjoy the area's natural environment, sports activities, and cultural attractions. The summer program for families was developed with this in mind, offering a variety of cultural and craft activities for both children and adults throughout the week.

The activities featured in the summer family program are offered under the guidance of Hanalei Colony's popular Social Director, Rekha Gadson. Hanalei Colony's returning guests have been delighted recently to see that Rekha is back. She had served as the resort's Social Director for two years, then moved briefly to the mainland, but missed Kauai so much she has returned to the island and her position at Hanalei Colony. "Our guests just love Rekha", says Hanalei Colony General Manager Laura Beemer. "She has a way of making everyone feel comfortable, and she's a fascinating person--truly multi-talented!" Beemer notes that in addition to overseeing the family activities and cultural program at the resort, Rekha also officiates at marriage ceremonies and offers personal chef services, specializing in Indian food.

Some of the activities in Hanalei Colony's summer family program are offered free of charge and others carry a nominal fee. Guests might learn the art of flower or ti leaf lei-making. For an $8 fee to cover materials, participants can make and keep their own lei.

Other activities include demonstrations by "Coconut Joe" on the various palm frond weaving techniques used to create baskets, flowers, fish and more.  For guests who would like to paint their own portrait of paradise to take home, art classes are offered with a local artist.  A complimentary continental breakfast and an afternoon Mai Tai party are planned once a week for guests to mingle with each other in the resort's oceanfront "Ohana Room".

Special activity programs are offered for the keiki  (children) ages 5 to 12, allowing parents to explore the island on their own or enjoy an evening out.  Children are invited to learn Hawaiian crafts and hula and listen to Hawaiian stories at "Keiki Kamp", a three-hour session offered on selected days.  

The fee for "Keiki Kamp" is $20 per child and includes a light snack and juice.  A supervised children's evening program, "Nanea", is scheduled two nights a week.  Children can read stories, watch movies, and enjoy a pizza dinner.  There is a $25 charge per child for the evening "Nanea" program (additional children in a family receive a discounted rate).  In addition, Hanalei Colony provides information on other activities and events in the surrounding area that parents and children can enjoy together.

Hanalei Colony offers the ideal site for family reunions and for groups of friends traveling together with their families. The resort is made up of 48 two-bedroom condominium units with fully equipped kitchens and private lanais, featuring spectacular views of Hanalei Bay or lush mountains. Amenities include maid service, a swimming pool, jacuzzi spa, barbecue and picnic areas, and a guest laundromat.  A beautiful beachfront event facility is located adjacent to the property, offering a comfortable lounge area for Hanalei Colony guests and the perfect setting for private gatherings, complete with catering  and event coordination services.

Summer rates start at $185 per night for a two-bedroom condominium unit, and the seventh night is offered free with a stay of six paid nights.

For more information on the family program or to make reservations at Hanalei Colony, call toll-free from Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, and Canada, 1-800-628-3004, or email aloha@hcr.com.  Visit Hanalei Colony's website at http://www.hcr.com.