Hanalei Dolphin Cottages

If you get the chance to call this magical place home for even one day, you are one lucky soul. This was the best possible stay I could have hoped for - the cottage was spacious with so many thoughtful touches. Patios to take in all of the breath taking views of the river and mountains. Waking up here felt like a dream with the wide open windows. A huge shoutout to Michael who manages the cottages - he gave me the warmest welcome, was super responsive and went above and beyond to ensure I got to experience the beauty of the island. Thank you for making my trip so special!! I’m noticing I almost don’t want to post this review because I want to keep this gem of a place a secret, only for the worthy.

We visited Kaua'i over the holiday week and selected the Dolphin for our accommodation. The process - from finding, to booking, from their app to manage directions and communication and access to the property, through the stay (during which the Hanalei bridge closed for flooding over a 12-hour period when we were meant to depart) - was a perfect fit for what we sought. Walk to Hanalei beach and surf rental locations, good walkable restaurant selection, short drive up to Princeville and Kilauea. Watching the river flow past from the sofa, or sitting on the front porch and watching a half-dozen waterfalls flow down the mountainsides, was pretty idyllic. Recommended!

The girls and I had a fabulous lunch here, rolls, shrimp cocktail, clam chowder. We decided to “taste test” Mai Tais, super fun, first we ordered a regular Mai Tai, then we ordered our Mai Tais with Hanalei Spirits, the difference was amazing. We definitely preferred the second Mai Tai with Hanalei Spirits, they had a far superior taste, and they were even less expensive. Would definitely go back, great experience 🌺

We've been coming almost every year since 2005. We love this little cottage

First of all, I LOVED Hanalei Bay. I have been to Honolulu/Oahu twice and found Hanalei to be more of "THE Hawaii" experience. Kauai is known as the garden island, it is significantly more tropical than Oahu and you have a fraction of the tourist, populations, etc. The cottages location was superb, we were looking for something more intimate for our honeymoon. We wanted to avoid the resort type setting (though you get service, you also are interacting, sometimes interrupted, etc). I was impressed by the photos online but when we actually arrived - we were stunned. Large indoor space, immaculately clean, unbelievable views from both the front and the back. LARGE open windows for you to look out of in the livingroom (we had cottage #3). I also have to say, Lucas thought of everything. Fully stocked (not food) kitchen, they even had sun screen, beach towels, basic cooking staples and one morning we stepped outside and there were fresh Papayas and Mangos on our door step. He had been trimming the trees and cut some down for the guests. We were also greeted by a batch of delicious peanutbutter cookies. The location has the Hanalei river running just behind it with Kayak Kauai just 2 properties down, we were able to easily get to local kayaking. This location is also just a short walk away from lots of shopping, restaurants and the actual bay. You can also drive to the east to Princeville for groceries and Queens Bath. All in all I would say this was the best vacation space we could have choosen.

My wife and I went to the Hanalei Dolphin twice during our stay. The first time we went to the restaurant, the second, we made the smarter choice to go to the back to the fish market. The restaurant is a bit pretentious and overpriced, but when you go to the back you get a great experience. They have sushi rolls, fresh fish, fresh meat you can grill, and delicious Poke bowls. I had never tried a Poke bowl but I loved it. We then took our food and ate it next to the Hanalei river. So good. Go to the back, skip the restaurant. They are open until 7 and open up at 10.

My husband and I ate here on our last night in Kauai. We are so upset that we didn't discover this restaurant earlier on our trip. We had a the Rainbow poke for an appetizer. I had two different sushi rolls for my entree. These were giant and some of the best sushi I've ever had. My husband ordered the grilled swordfish and he could not stop talking about how delicious it was. It's on the pricier side, but we are happy to pay for quality food. We only wish it had been clear that night (we had a lot of rain when we were in Hanalei) so we could have ate river side.

We've been renting homes ever year for over ten trip to the islands. These cottages are the best value by far. That is until the price goes up after my review! Walking distance to a top ten beach in the world!!!!! food kayaking paddles boarding adjacent and easy to find off the highway yet completely silent. Guests who share the 4 houses were the quiet mellow older types who probably , like us wanted to walk to the beach but not hear the car traffic. Gladly give ten stars!

Great food at reasonable prices! Seriously I am not a fish fan but the way in which they prepare theirs makes it so yum!