Snorkler, spa-ritualer og et stænk af humor med Chloe Fineman i Hanalei Bay

When Chloe Fineman heads to Kaua‘i, she doesn’t just check into paradise. She writes her own guide to it. At 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, the actress and comedian crafted a stay that blended ocean plunges with spa rituals, poke bowls with rainbow-filled breakfasts, and plenty of wit along the way. From hidden snorkeling spots and sea turtle sightings to coconut water epiphanies and a new nickname, “Domingo’s girlfriend,” Chloe’s take on Hanalei Bay is as playful as it is inspiring.

Her itinerary is more than a recap. It’s a reminder that the best trips balance comedy with ceremony, and that every guest can make the island their own. Consider this Chloe’s inside guide to the rituals, discoveries, and small delights that keep her coming back to 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. We sat down with Chloe to talk about her Hanalei rituals, favorite hidden gems, and why this island keeps calling her back.

Off Camera with Chloe Fineman, Actress and Comedian

What first drew you to 1 Hotels, and what about Hanalei Bay feels most special to you?

I love that the hotel is holistic and mindful, and Hanalei might be one of the most magical places in the world, so it really was a match made in heaven.

Are there any hidden gems on Kaua‘i—beaches, trails, or cafés—that you can’t leave without visiting?

Oh, where to begin! My newest discovery was finding a tucked-away beach just a short walk from the hotel. It felt like our own little secret spot for snorkeling, with the clearest water if you go in the morning. We saw maybe five turtles!! I also can’t recommend exploring the island’s lifeguarded beaches enough, they’re beautiful and much safer if you’re new to snorkeling. And it must be said: Go to Dolphin Fish Market for poke lunch! It opens at 10am and you definitely want to get there before 2pm because the poke sells out! And Postcards is a must for dinner, truly delicious food.

The island naturally slows life down. What practices or moments here help you reset and recharge?

100% going to the Bamford Wellness Spa. It is such a deeply restorative and magical spa. Two of my favorite treatments are the HydraFacial (kind of a game changer during the summer to get rid of all that sunscreen buildup) and the Bamford Signature Massage, which uses trigger point therapy and totally relieves my entire year of neck and back pain. I’m also a big fan of the touchless therapies like the infrared sauna and hyperbaric oxygen chamber for breathing in new life and intentions. I truly notice such a huge change with both. Kaua‘i is such a great place for challenging your body and introducing new wellness practices—each year I leave the hotel stronger and with new goals! This year, I really got into using the incredible gym before breakfast and am going to incorporate more running into my life because wooow, what a stress relief!

What’s the most surprising item you always pack in your suitcase?

A book! I’m kidding but not. I really don’t read enough and traveling is the perfect time to do it! Also my Roku player—which I made a whole Instagram video from my hotel room in Hanalei last year: @chloefineman (we used it to watch Chief of War, which is a must! It’s SO great, and some of it was even filmed in Kaua‘i!) And I’m proud to say I didn’t pack a blazer for Hawai‘i like I did last year because I finally didn’t pack like I was going to “Paris, Hawai‘i”: see here (also filmed at 1 Hotel last year).

If you could whisk one of your SNL castmates away to Hanalei Bay, who would you bring—and what’s your first activity together?

100% Marcello. I got recognized twice on this trip as “Domingo’s gf,” so I really would love to have my Domingo. But also because he is such a good-time hang, and I think he and Kenan would get new inspo at the pool for their towel guys sketch. We need a version 2.0 and we’ll set it in Kaua‘i!

This or That: Hanalei Bay Edition

Fresh coconut water or tropical cocktail?

Ok this is a hot take but the coconut water at 1 Hotels is LIFE CHANGING. It’s a Hawaiian brand called “Wai Koko Coconut Water” and it’s so incredibly good—not only did I drink at least two cans a day, I’m currently Googling how to ship some to NYC. 😂

Room service in bed or breakfast with a view?

I must urge you at all costs to have the breakfast buffet at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay! The view is breathtaking and every morning I saw a rainbow (sometimes even two!). The selection of Hawaiian pastries, fresh fruits, and the best bacon I’ve ever had maybe makes breakfast and the pool a tie for me. It’s THAT good. (And yes, I’m currently Googling how to make vegan purple ube pancakes because wow, those were delicious.)

Cold plunge in the ocean or ocean float in the spa?

Cold plunge in the ocean! I was really blown away by the beach at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Pu'u Poa, this trip. I discovered you can grab beach chairs and place them under this giant shaded tree and spend your entire day reading in the most picturesque spot in the world, then jump right in the ocean when you’re ready for a break!

Spa day or surf lesson?

Definitely a spa day. I can’t tell you how magical Bamford Wellness Spa is. I’m not sure what it is about Kaua‘i, but truly the best massages I’ve ever had are at the spa here. This trip, I discovered the Bamford Signature Massage which uses trigger point therapy and I’ve never had such deep neck relief. Ask for Asher! He is otherworldly and amazing.