Hanalei Bay Resort: Kid Friendly?

[Beefnot]

Anyone know much about the family friendliness of this resort? Last week I had snagged an II online exchange for a 2BR at Hanalei Bay Resort on Kauai for 6/12 check-in for some acquaintenances with two small children under 4, for only the reimbursement cost of exchange fee, e-plus and guest certificate (<$300). They were excited and said yay let's book it. I secured the reservation for them.

Flash forward 15 minutes and then they say that on further consideration, they would like to pass. Apparently the wife had called the resort and spoke to someone at the front desk to find out about the resort. I don't know what was discussed other than that the front desk person was not friendly and the resort is not kid friendly. My own internet research seemed to indicate that this would work out well for them at a nice property with nice views.

We are fast approaching the point where last minute airfare will become infeasible for them to book, and they have begun asking me to expand my search for that week to driveable locations, which I don't know whether will come through at this point. Just curious, does anyone have any insight on the kid-friendliness of Hanalei Bay Resort? Was it wise for them to pass it up?

 

[matbec]

I guess it rather depends on what your friends like to do on vacations. We loved Hanalei Bay when we were there in Aug 2010. Our kids were older (14 and 16), but we saw lots of families with smaller children in the resort. The main pool is very kid-friendly and the beach was a comfortable walk downhill. But for the way back (and with small kids) I'd use the shuttle service offered by the resort. Keep in mind that this was almost 5 years ago and things might have changed at the resort since then.

There's a small shopping area about a 5min drive away where they served great ice cream (can't recall the name), and there are drive-to beaches not too far away.

The resort was definitely quiet in the evenings, so that may be a plus for kids exhausted from a day of sightseeing.

 

[wilma]

Hanalei bay Resort is great for children. It's not a 5 star resort and has no kids club but it's a beautiful resort. The pools are nice but it is a trek to the beach. There are always children at the resort so it seems very kid friendly.

 

[Beefnot]

Thanks for the replies. I figured as much that it would probably be a good option, especially at sub-$300. I'm starting to suspect that they are being a bit picky. I just scored them Marriott Newport Coast for the same dates and they are asking me more questions about how kid friendly it is and all this research they need to do and they are not sure.

In any case, thanks again for the feedback.

 

[PamMo]

You're so nice, Beefnot. I wonder what the wife thinks is family friendly? Traveling with our pre-K kids, a "family friendly resort" meant a motel with a swimming pool! Our kids would've thought they were on a grand adventure if we just checked into the local Holiday Inn, with a nice pool and free breakfasts - and they had Mom and Dad all to themselves for 24/7.

 

[JTO]

This property has been undergoing a long rehab.
It has nice grounds with plenty of area for kids to roam. Great beach access to the kid friendly shoreline of the St. Regis Hotel, however it is a fair distance on a paved downhill path to reach it(5-10min). And I wouldn't want to push a stroller up or even down it. When we were there a few weeks ago, the restaurant renovations were nowhere near completion(front desk said maybe in 3-6 months) and part of the pool/spa was still under construction. It seems only the entry, front desk, and sitting lounge areas have been finished so far.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Y Traveling with our pre-K kids, a "family friendly resort" meant a motel with a swimming pool! Our kids would've thought they were on a grand adventure if we just checked into the local Holiday Inn, with a nice pool and free breakfasts - and they had Mom and Dad all to themselves for 24/7.

Heck, i remember on a trip to Disney World when my son was about 8 or 9, he was complaining about my wife and i wanting to spend time in the theme parks.. all he wanted was to get back to the hotel pool...

 

[DeniseM]

Last week I had snagged an II online exchange for a 2BR at Hanalei Bay Resort on Kauai for 6/12 check-in for some acquaintenances with two small children under 4, for only the reimbursement cost of exchange fee, e-plus and guest certificate (<$300)

Since no reimbursement is permitted by II - I would not post this on an open forum. I certainly have no personal objection to it - but would not advertise the fact.

 

[Beefnot]

Since no reimbursement is permitted by II - I would not post this on an open forum. I certainly have no personal objection to it - but would not advertise the fact.

You and I continue to differ on this one. Now if II cancels the reservation and blocks my account, then I will change my tune. But until then, I am comfortable saying honestly that I am going to be reimbursed for the II fees.

 

[jlr10]

Not sure who they spoke to at the resort but HBR is a kid friendly resort. They even have a small area, near the hot tub, with a zero grade entry area of the pool. The lower pool seems to have kids in it most of the time. True, it does not have a kids club but there are lots of green areas to run around, birds to chase, nice pools, and fish to watch. The buildings are built and situated so that the only time I ever hear kids screaming or crying is when parents take them onto the lanais so they don't bother the people staying inside their unit-so they can bother everyone else I guess.

There are always kids there when we travel, who seem to be having a good time. Maybe no one told the kids they weren't supposed to be having fun.

As a side note work has officially begun on the Happy Talk Lounge and the Restaurant (saw the construction and spoke with the owner of the restaurant.) Happy Talk should be open by late summer, and Bali High to follow after. It will be run by the owner of Kalypso.

 

[applegirl]

Very kid friendly and so beautiful!!!

We are here now with our 9 and 12 year old kiddos for two weeks and I think it's a very kid friendly resort! To score this as an exchange is lucky for anyone. With the recent renovations and the restaurant and bar well on it's way to completion, this resort can hardly be beat.

I agree with PamO's post that for most young kids, having mom and dad's undivided attention 24/7 and a pool (which here is really something!), is basically heaven on earth for them. Most parents way overthink what's needed for children on a vacation. I think many parents try to do too much while on vacation with kids and don't plan enough down time and snuggle time, especially when they are real young and crave this.

I hope your friends enjoy NCV which is also a very nice resort. I'm a nice person but you might be nicer. She was very particular!

 

[Beefnot]

We are here now with our 9 and 12 year old kiddos for two weeks and I think it's a very kid friendly resort! To score this as an exchange is lucky for anyone. With the recent renovations and the restaurant and bar well on it's way to completion, this resort can hardly be beat.

I agree with PamO's post that for most young kids, having mom and dad's undivided attention 24/7 and a pool (which here is really something!), is basically heaven on earth for them. Most parents way overthink what's needed for children on a vacation. I think many parents try to do too much while on vacation with kids and don't plan enough down time and snuggle time, especially when they are real young and crave this.

I hope your friends enjoy NCV which is also a very nice resort. I'm a nice person but you might be nicer. She was very particular!

Yeah, they missed out on this one, especially when no other Hawaii resort came up within their time frame. And they decided to toss back NCV in favor of Palm Springs. To each their own. They got back a couple weeks ago and seemed like they had a decent time I guess. But not nearly as much as they would have had they been in Kauai.