Originally from Orange County, California, where she played high school tennis, Hannsz went on to pursue degrees in Marketing and International Business, at the Fashion Institute of Design and Pepperdine University respectively. Originally her career took her to Los Angeles and then Oahu working in the film industry doing production, assisting directors, and taking on stunt work. She came back to tennis after moving to Austin, then joined Hanalei Bay in 2012 as head pro. Certified by the USPTA and in USTA Cardio, she offers a diverse roster of weekly activities, including clinics, Cardio tennis, and a variety of junior programs. She also runs a Sunday round-robin and organized doubles play another three days a week.
Court Complex: Their racquet facility has 4 artificial turf courts and 2 hard courts, which overlook the ocean, as well as 6 new pickleball courts.
Fees: None for guest of the resort; otherwise there are membership fees.
254 Reviews on “Hanalei Bay Resort”
What an awesome find. Don Becker does an awesome job on awesome courts. Clinics, round robins, lessons, arranging matches, junior program, beautiful setting all beyond expectations. fabulous locale. Worth checking out for sure.
We met the tennis pro, Donald Becker, while vacationing in Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii. He is very professional, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, and welcoming, to both tennis enthusiasts and spectators alike. He is a true ambassador for PBI Tennis Specialists, very accommodating and helpful in arranging doubles matches, lining up players with similar skill levels. Donald made our tennis outing extremely enjoyable. A big thanks to Donald. Now that we know that there are so many resorts around the globe that our managed by PBI, we will definitely consider visiting these resorts in our future travels..
Mary and Donald are the best!!!! Super friendly and were great at helping to set up some tennis for the week with a great group of folks, locals and frequent guests. Thank you Mary and Donald and hope to see you both again soon!
We enjoyed the newly resurfaced courts immensely! You really can’t compare the beauty of the resort and island to any other tennis resort. Don was such a perfect host: checking for fresh water, clean courts, warm and friendly demeanor. Although we did not take any lessons this time, I heard his encouraging, fun manner and remarks to his students. Made me want to take lessons but we ran out of time.
My husband and I stayed at Hanalei Bay Resort for the first time this October 2015. We loved staying at this resort; in particular, I loved the tennis clinics each morning taught by Donald Becker. I had not played tennis for over 30 years and was clearly a beginner. Donald’s teaching approach was rigorous yet supportive, challenging and fun. I looked forward to learning from him and hope to return for another visit in the near future. I hope that Donald will still be there. Thanks, Donald! Christine Fredericks Carpinteria, CA
The courts were great. Loved playing on the artificial turf. The adult tennis program was fun and the PBI tennis intructor, Donald, was terrific. I would highly recommend going there for the daily clinics.
The tennis scene on Kaui is back strong. The court settings of course are beautiful and I got to meet a lot of fun and gracious tennis players. The pro went out of his way to make my tennis experience enjoyable setting up a number of matches. Look forward to seeing everyone next year.
My husband and I selected Hanalei Bay Resort because of the PBI tennis program. Our first day at the resort was nearly over before we could inquire about clinics, etc., because the pro was teaching late in the day and no one was in the tennis office. When we did get on the court the pro handled our different tennis abilities by introducing a new concept immediately, leveling the coaching field. It would be nice if Hanalei Bay and PBI offered tennis vacation packages for various abilities that could be booked in advance. The onsite shop should offer tennis clothing and other tennis accessories. The lovely grounds of the resort, the new “grass” courts, and the tennis pro made it a delightful place to vacation. It will be more convenient when the restaurant is completed.
Rehabilitating from shoulder replacement/stress fracture, only used tennis backboard and 30 minute lesson from Mary , which was very professional and helpful. Resort room was very nice, but pool, bar, restaurant are still being rebuilt after extensive resort fire. Several tennis courts and pro shop being resurfaced/built. Nearby restaurants and entire Kauai attractions are excellent.
At clinic this morning, Corley asked one of the students “what has been the high point of her vacation so far?” Here on Kauai there is so much Diane and I enjoy however I immediately thought that the high point for me has been the instruction from Corley and Mary. I just retired and now have some time to restart my game and with Corley and Mary, I am literely improving on daily basis. So Fun!
Our kids enjoyed tennis lessons with Mary Hannsz, who was a fun and terrific coach. Corey was also great and made court reservations easy to book. The views of Bali Hai are spectacular.
I had lots of fun with the lesson.
The location is stunning and can’t be beat. The facilities are beginning to look a little tired though and some sprucing up is needed.
great staff and fascilities
Absolutely excellent.Most beautiful courts.Very engaging pro.He gave me his cellphone number and I could text or call anytime to set up games and he made sure I was as busy with tennis as I wanted to be.If I didn’t call him,he texted me to hear if I was interested and all my friends gave the same report of his service. Corly is awesome…never let him go!!!!
6 tennis courts, 4 of which are in good shape. Very friendly and accommodating tennis pros on site. Wind can be an issue.
We took several group tennis sessions with the two instructors and they were -excellent with instant feedback until we got it and our technique has improved and we took the knowledge home with us and will practice so when we come back to HBR we will be even better. The clinics were well worth it. The instructors were knowledge able and positive and encouraging.
Just wrapping up a week of vacation in Princeville Kauai with my family and friends. Our day always started with a couple of hours of tennis on Court #4 (Ocean Court) at Hanalei Bay Resort (HBR). What a magical view! HBR has a tennis program run by Peter Burwash International. Corley Ward, the Tennis Director, went out of his way to welcome us, offered to set us up with matches, and really came though for us by stringing two of our rackets in less than 24 hours. Mary, one of the Pro’s, was there to greet us with a big smile every morning and get us situated. She even hit with us on our last day. Don’t let the smile fool you … she has a wicked forehand! Although we didn’t take advantage of the clinics and other programs, we heard from many people how effective both Corley and Mary were as instructors. Already looking forward to our next trip, and plan to get my wife and daughter in clinics next time.
My son had the time of his life working with the tennis pro, Corely at HBR – he was knowledgeable and even arranged games with locals. Heidi, in the pro shop, was exceptional, even with her split schedule she would take the time to hit with my son. We would have liked, as owners, to have priority over coveted lesson times of the local members of the club…especially since we traveled across the ocean to get there…the regular locals seemed to have the best lesson spots! But all in all the pros at HBR were awesome and accommodating! Daily clinics were great! We loved it.
Was in North Shore for vacation. My daughter is a young Junior player so we signed her up for a couple privates with Mary to keep her playing. Everything went very well, nice staff and facility. Based on the construction going on, there are some improvements coming including possible grass courts. Highly recommend Mary for kids or adults. She’s a great person and instructor.
Friendly staff, clinics fun. Would like to have had more than one day a week of organized (round robin)play.
The tennis instruction was excellent. I learned a lot, played with really great guests and locals, and was able to play with friends outside of the tennis clinics as well. The courts were in great shape and were easily accessible.
If they’re taking tennis classes, be sure to get Corley!
we have been spoiled by tennis destinations on Maui where we played at other clubs where we could play every day and we always had a match that was prearranged by the pro shop. (Royal Lahaina and Kapalua Bay) Maybe they have more players but in the 2 weeks we played at HBR we never were called with an opportunity to play with some other player. That option makes a lot of differenc for people who like to play daily.
We visited Hanalei Bay Resort in January 2014. My children,ages 9 and 11, took two private lessons from Mary while we were there. Mary was an excellent instructor. I really liked her approach to teaching. If one of their shots was not right, she was always asking them what went wrong and showing them the correct technique. She had them constantly hitting and serving. I wish we lived in Kauai so my kids could continue lessons with her!
Mary was incredible!!
We spend a week at the resort and tennis courts were one of the reasons we picked it. Upon arrival I played with my daughter and Corley the pro came up to us to introduce himself. From there he setup several matches and a tennis practice for my two daughters. They had a great time and I enjoyed my games and making some new friends along the way. I would recommend any player adult and kids to stay at this resort. I have played all my life and this trip once the best one when it came to tennis and location. Great job!
Professional staff, lots of energy, very flexible, very friendly, and the surrounding view and beach are the best.
HBR has everything, tennis, pool, spa and beach. I got lucky to fit in tennis 9 times in 13 days. The weather is very iffy during February/March as it rains a lot and can be very windy. It was also cooler than normal.
Corley and Mary were terrific. So was Heidi in the pro shop. I also came down to HBR in Kauai last year. I called ahead of time and scheduled tennis. By the way, Mary and I look like each other. We called each other “sisters!”
Great instruction…helpful, friendly caring.
Hanalei Bay Resort is amazing — the courts are in great shape – and the tennis programming is first rate. Thanks to Corley and the rest of the tennis staff for a great week!
This is an excellent resort with great tennis courts and coaching staff located in the center of the everything. There is also a wonderful pool and jacuzzi, which are nice after playing tennis all day. The location is one of the best in the world and the views are fantastic. Currently, there is no restaurant due to a fire on the property, but they are rebuilding and should reopen within the year. There are many places to eat in the vicinity. This is a great place to vacation with the family, as a couple or even by yourself!
Great beginner/introductory class for children 6+. It was my daughters first time playing and she thoroughly enjoyed the class. Well structured with fundamentals and games to reinforce the techniques.
Very good for vacationers looking to find tennis offerings. Good clinic play and competitive local players for fun doubles drop in. Unbelievable scenic locale.
Contacted the HBL tennis facility and they set me up with a nice doubles match. Had a great time. Love the views and everyone associated with the tennis facility very nice and helpful. Will definitely contact them again on my next trip there.
Hanalei Bay Resort is a magical location. There is probably no more beautiful place in the world. The tennis facilities are excellent and getting better with clay courts on the way. Occassional rain can be an issue but it usually passes. Superb coaching adapted to each player’s style of playing. Finding players and matches not difficult. Very friendly place.
Corley was an excellent instructor. We saw improvements immediately. He was very warm friendly and exremely technical in his assessment. The facility had a beatiul backdrop of the mountains and the bay. It was tennis in paradise.
We sent our 7 1/2 year old to learn tennis at Hanalei Bay Resort and she had a fabulous experience. Her instructor, Mary Dang Hannsz, was absolutely superb: patient, kind, fun, technically sound, and pushed just the right amount.
Anyone who has children who want to learn how to play or continue progressing should go to Hanalei Bay Resort – the team there is terrific.
Our tennis experience at HBR was wonderful! The staff was friendly and professional and very well organized. It was easy to come over to Kauai for the summer and get started on private lessons as well as clinics. Our daughter loved Mary and really bonded with her; she also improved significantly in the 5 weeks she spent with her. I loved the morning clinics with JD; such a nice mix of fun and competition. JD was really sweet, has a great sense of humor and always made everyone feel welcome. We will be back next summer! Just a note that we did not stay at HBR because we have a private home in Princeville. Cannot answer most of the survey questions. Thanks for the great experience 🙂
I think Corlee, the head pro is an excellent teacher and is doing an excellent job in promoting tennis and doing his very best in returning Hanalei Bay Resort to a top tennis destination once again.
Excellent complex with 4 newly resurfaced courts (4 out of the 8). Incredible views of Hanalei Bay. Friendly staff. All levels of tennis to participate in. I did not take lessons or participate in clinics so can’t comment on that aspect.
Mary is a great teacher and if you have an opportunity to spend some time with her or have your children do so, it will be worth while, and a great experience!
Both Mary and Corey were great pros, very helpful. Corey was very responsive to setting up partners and Mary was fantastic with my three girls. They really looked forward to lessons with her. She really made it fun. Add the fantastic location and it really was a great experience. Can’t wait to go back.
Great location, and great tennis!
HBR is the place for tennis on Kauai. Corley and Hannah are amazing! Both my wife and I are USTA 4.0 tennis players. I played in a couple of doubles round robins and then Corley and Hannah set me up with some fun singles matches with local players. Hannah even watched our kids so that my wife and I could hit together. The venue is beautiful (courts overlook Hanalei bay). Corley is extremely knowledgeable– he helped me fix a problem with my forehand that has been plaguing me for a while. I wish there had been an opportunity to get a couple of lessons from him. Great job Corely and Hannah!!! HBR is at the top of our list next time we visit Kauai.
My daughter and I came to your resort to play tennis. We were not sure what to expect. After one week of playing in a round robin, clinics and a lesson; I highly recommend the tennis program at HBR.
Upon arriving in Princeville, our hotel was promptly faxed a tennis program detailing clinics and lessons. I found Corley Ward to be a wonderful tennis coach and teacher. I am a 3.5 player, and Corley taught well to every level in our clinics. There was something for everyone.
In a private lesson, Corley had great intuition, and was able to identify and correct errors in a positive and encouraging manner. I look forward to my next visit!
I would rate the experience highly favorably. I have been going to HBR for 17 yrs now and the only thing that has disappointed me was the availability of tennis programs, partners, etc. I therefore was delighted to find this year’s experience totally different. I found the instructor, Corley Ward, particularly excellent, as was the program in general.
The Tennis program was just getting started at the resort. I am a USTA 4.0 player and I participated in two of the morning clinics and enjoyed them thoroughly. The 4 upper courts were in good shape and Corley Ward, the tennis pro, was excellent. A good workout, lots of fun, and useful shot advice. Corley tried to set up a match for me but I wasn’t available at the right time. Tennis racquets were available for use and rent.
Great courts….great pro…corley does a great job..
The most beautiful location for tennis on Kauai, overlooking Hanalei Bay and mountains. They have a new tennis program starting, looking forward to seeing the results when we return.