Hanalei Colony Resort

--A wonderful place to stay, on Kauai's North Shore--

Background: Kauai's North Shore
Kauai is known as Hawaii's "Garden Isle", with verdant natural beauty, and a slower pace. The North Shore is a beautiful and quiet part of Kauai, with emerald mountains, laid-back town of Hanalei, and a big sweep of swim-able beach -- overlooked by swank Princeville Resort -- with good spots for beginner surfing.

Going further north, the area is defined by its one-lane bridges: slow down and relax. The road here is "the end of the road": at a certain point you can drive no further. (Though you can hike into the Napoli Coast from here.)

Hanalei Colony Resort
The Hanalei Colony Resort has a choice spot, just about as far north as you can drive, close to Tunnels Beach (known for good snorkeling) and the beautiful Limahuli Gardens.

Laid-back and family-run, this property has a stunning setting, and extra-large suites (--click on photos, above), with some units literally on the beach. Guests will also find excellent dining, and a spa on-site that's small but a gem.

Note that -- as with many resorts on Kauai -- the surf is too powerful for swimming right at the resort; but you will find calmer beaches a short stroll away.

Find out more:

• See the Hanalei Colony Resortl site
• check visitors' comments at a site like TripAdvisor.com
• Check prices for Hanalei Colony Resort

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.