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”
We have been coming to Hanalei Bay Resort for forty years and it feels like home. The tennis program has been a vital part of our coming back so often. Mary, the pro is amazing. Not only is she a master at teaching young children to play and love the game, she also can make corrections in veteran players quickly and with a quick word. Her lessons and clinics are fun and challenging. She hooks me up with matches while I am at the resort. I can’t imagine a vacation here without the tennis program. I love playing with a view of Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay. The resort has so many other activities. The condos have outstanding views. All of the staff is helpful and kind. I love it jere.
Hanalei Bay Resort has it all, tennis, golf, beach, hiking plus many North Shore attractions. The tennis is great for all ages. Mary runs lessons and programs for all levels and preferences.
The tennis program at HBR is truly an outstanding aspect of the resort. That said, it is nearly impossible NOT to be distracted by the incredible beauty of the location. Both my husband and I really enjoy playing at these facility. You have a choice of playing on the astro-turf/sand courts or hard courts. You can play on the astro-turf courts right after it rains; or during a light rain if you don’t mind tennis balls that look like comets with tails during your game….smiles. The Director and Pro, Mary Hannsz, is absolutely wonderful – warm, welcoming, professional, and a great teacher of the game of tennis no matter what your age. . My and I husband played in the regular Sunday afternoon round robin and really enjoyed it. I took weekly clinics and three lessons with her. My game was improved immediately. Since returning home to Colorado, people have noticed and commented on my improved strokes and game. I wish I could work with her every week. Thank you, Mary!” I am looking forward to seeing you next winter, 2020.
My husband and I vacationed at the Hanalei Bay Resort for the first time this month. The setting is amazing with views of Hanalei Bay and the Bali Hai mountains. We chose HBR because of the location and on-site tennis facility. The tennis program at HBR is truly an outstanding aspect of the resort and that’s saying something. We really enjoyed playing on the astro-turf/sand courts. We were amazed that you could play on them right after it rains. The Pro, Mary Hannsz, is absolutely wonderful – warm, welcoming and a great teacher. My husband played in the round robin and really enjoyed it. I took a clinic and two lessons with her and I know that what she taught me will change my game. I wish I could work with her every week. Thank you, Mary!
We have been going to the tennis clinics at Hanalei Bay Resort and have had private lessons with Mary for 3 years. We visit Hanalei Bay Resort serval times a year. The bay view from the tennis courts is spectacular. If you play in the afternoon can hear the live music from the pool bar. Has grass tennis courts which are great on the knees and can play on soon after a rain storm. Have made many friends from attending the clinics. Mary puts lots of effort into the clinics, fast moving and get to hit lots of balls. Mary’s lessons are tailored to your needs, she works on and improves your strokes and strategy.
We just had a great trip to Hanalei Bay Resort! I love to play tennis on vacation, but the rest of my family prefers other activities. I attended daily tennis clinics and a round robin run by Mary, the wonderful pro. In addition, Mary really went above and beyond, by finding me groups to play with. She tapped into both other vacationers, as well as local members of the courts. The matches were always at the perfect level, and really added to an exceptional vacation.
I got to come here on a whim and I’m extremely happy that I did. A friend recommended HBR with exuberance, and they were not wrong. First off – the setting is the definition of picturesque. From the courts I played on, I could see the mountains, the oceans, and all of the nature you find in Kauai. Very quiet and peaceful too. My friend told me to ask for Mary for lessons and hitting sessions. She was lovely….Skilled, gregarious, completely accommodating, friendly. She also kindly set me up with some of the more advanced players on the island too, which is nice. It’s hard to find good players when traveling sometimes, but she came through. They also have an “astro-turf,” synthetic grass court – very interesting and worth trying out. I’ve been playing for over 20 years at a high-level, and this one was new for me. You get the benefits of a clay court (easy on the joints, sliding capabilities), but more sustainable, not as messy, etc. Definitely try these out. I’ll be back – very satisfied. And if you are staying anywhere near the North Shore of Kauai, I believe this is really the only option to go to if you love tennis and/or are an advanced player. Ask for Mary 😉
While my wife and I did not stay at Hannelei Bay Resort, I used the tennis facility for the entire month of March 2019. I had met Mary Haansz two years ago during our previous vacation to Princeville and I contacted here again in mid February this year to find our if she could help me with a very specific agenda. I am a tournament player in Canada, recovering from an injury and had not played since August 2018.. I needed very specific injury sensitive drills to do to help me recover safely and determine if I could get my game back in shape for an April tournamnent back here in Canada. Mary was exceptional.. She delivered on each and every need with enthusiasm and care. I’m a former Tennis Instructor myself… former U.S. Colllege player and Mary is simply one of the best instructors I’ve met. No advance player would be disappointed to hire Mary to help them with any technical aspect of their game. Thanks Mary… Until we meet again.. Mahalo!!!
I just returned from my 4th visit to Hanalei Bay Resort with its totally amazing tennis scene. Eight courts: 4 hard and 4 Aussie Clay which I love since they play like hard-tru and are easy on the back and knees. Mary the pro there is fantastic — not only great instruction at a style that is friendly and personal — but she goes full-time to find you partners to hit with at your required level. PLUS you have one of the most beautiful vistas in the world of the Bali Hai mountains and Hanalei Bay with the light tropical breezes keeping the climate at a great level. Can’t wait to go back!
I never miss a chance to attend the stroke-of-the-day clinics, which are a terrific combination of drills with instruction, refreshers, doubles strategy, and morning wakeup party with Mary as curriculum designer, coach, facilitator, and host. I don’t know how she does it! I played at my club at home last night for the first time after two weeks at Hanalei Bay Resort, and instantly felt more confident on the court. And I’ll be texting friends new and old back in Kauai to tell them so, because it’s one big happy supportive tennis family.
This resort is amazing and Mary was brilliant with teaching both my boys. The courts have the most incredible view and the grass courts allowed us to play even when it had just rained. My boys did privates and a clinic with Mary, and my son’s quote about her is “She offers mindsets and what you should try to do in order to make your strokes more powerful, accurate, and intense. She does this in fun ways so you don’t even know until you hit a ball. I wish I could have lessons with her every day!” With all the amazing experiences we had on Kauai, tennis with Mary is still on the top of the list. Impressive that she can compete with surfing and whales and dolphins. We recommend this resort 100 percent!
Tennis is a primary reason why we annually vacation at HBR. The courts are superb, (except for two) and the 4 sandy artificial turf courts allow play even in the rain, an absolute need in the Garden Isle. Tennis pro Mary Hannsz has really helped my game. She has taught me how to finally hit a decent topspin (after others have failed). He strategic tips for doubles play have also helped considerably. I enjoy playing with the locals several evenings a week. I may never become a 4.0 tennis player, but my time spent at HBR is both helpful and extremely enjoyable.
Mary Hannsz is a fantastic tennis teacher. Within an hour my stroke had significantly improved. She knew exactly what I needed to change and explained it in a way that was easy to grasp. Her classes were challenging and fun. For anyone looking to improve their game or just looking for a partner to hit with while on vacation I would definitely recommend Mary. Not to mention the incredible views of Hanalei Bay visible from some of the tennis courts. Playing tennis at Hanalei Bay is tennis in paradise.
We love visiting Hanalei Bay Resort for the tennis. Head pro, Mary Hannsz is very professional, knowledgeable and personable. Her positive and even-keeled attitude is infectious and sets the perfect tone for good, fun and challenging tennis. The facility has plenty of well-maintained courts, including four conveniently flanking the central pool, and another 4 not far down the hill. Drizzle or shine, there are always opportunities to participate in drills, round robin doubles, pick-up games or self-organized play.
Took several private lessons from Mary … it was awesome !! Was having some problems with my ground strokes and Mary used several drills to get me back on track! I’ve taken lessons from many instructors for many years and I would rate her as one of the best … very professional and hard worker !!
I had a wonderful experience with Mary Hannsz at the Hanalei Bay Resort. My boyfriend is an avid tennis player but I have never played. So when we visited in October I decided to take a few lessons. Mary was the perfect instructor for me. She was very professional, informative yet patient. She introduced me to the basics I needed to get up and playing right away. I highly recommend working with her, especially if you are just starting out. I know that a fresh start with good technique is really important.
Hanalei Bay is a beautiful resort with 10 tennis courts, a mix of hard courts and artificial grass. Getting an open court is not a problem. The tennis staff, Donald and Mary are friendly and knowledgeable. Over my 4 day stay, I took a private lesson with each of them, hit with a ball machine. Donald and Mary are experienced instructors; each gave me practical tips that immediately improved my game including my inconsistent ball toss, and forehand that tends to land short. The daily morning drills were a plus and adds variety. I should add for solo travelers like me, the tennis program was a great draw and Donald and Mary are happy to match you up with players at your level. I was concerned that Kauai rains a lot, and indeed almost everyday I was there it rained a little, but the rain is not continuous throughout the day and a light rain doesn’t affect the artificial grass courts. If you want to combine tennis with other fun island activities, Hanalei Bay is a great way to do it. Hoping to return regularly…
Love the place. Excellent Tennis program. Donald and Mary are ready to help with your stroke. They have a hard surface courts and artificial grass. It was easyt to find competive play and my level (3-5) and my husband’s level which is 4.0. We will return next year.
Great view of Hanalei Bay. Maybe the best views anywhere in the world. Friendly instructors. Great kids program and adult matching.Many players. Highly recommended.
Beautiful settings. Great availability with four hard courts and four artificial turfs. Excellent coaches, Donald Blecker and Mary Dang-Hannertz.
I feel welcomed the moment I step onto the courts and truly enjoy every minute I spend learning from Donald and Mary and playing as part of the HBR family. Both Donald and Mary , are always going out of their way to be helpful and warm. In fact, I miss HBR and my tennis family the moment I board the plane to return home.
As a solo traveler, I was a bit nervous about finding a tennis group that I would fit in and feel comfortable with. I was blown away by the hospitality and kindness shown by both staff and players. Donald and Mary are the absolute best. They are incredibly talented coaches and equally as kind and generous. They both went above and beyond to make sure my experience was a good one and I am so grateful for the time I spent learning from them and getting to know everyone. I can’t wait to go back!
Mary and Don were very friendly! My wife and I had never played tennis and Mary worked with us and was very thorough in her teaching and explaining everything. We could not have had a better experience.. She made it very fun and we were able to go play on our own after just one lesson 🙂
I had a great time here. Mary and Donald were great, very welcoming and helpful in trying to network players. Great tennis advice as well. I highly recommend HBR tennis.
Tennis at Hanalei Bay Resort is wonderful. The two pros are welcoming and supportive. Private instruction is excellent and clinics are terrific, instructive and enjoyable. Mary is amazing with adults and children. All levels are made to feel welcome. I would STRONGLY recommend tennis at HBR, whether you are going for a vacation and tennis is an “add-on” or whether you are going specifically for tennis. The courts are well maintained and the setting is magnificent.!
I didn’t see/experience any weaknesses at this Resort. Both tennis pros were exceptional Instuctors.
Hanalei Bay has the most beautiful landscape I’ve ever played tennis at. Its better than Wimbledon. Its a breathtaking experience I recommend to anybody who loves the game And Donald was a fantastic coach, make sure you book him.
Mary was an amazing coach, second to none. I needed to improve my backhand (a common problem for many players) and Mary was able to show me a few tips and coach me to see immediate positive results. Really a great coach, I wish I lived on Kauai where she teaches so I could schedule lessons with Mary all the time!
I was delighted to discover Mary & Donald and Hanalei Bay Tennis Resort. The newly resurfaced courts, picturesque setting, world-class instruction and opportunities to play with great players are unrivaled on the island. I never dreamed I’d improve my game on vacation but the teaching pros are so skilled they were really able to help my game. I felt like part of the HBR family from day 1. They were so welcoming and set me up with other players too. The organized programs were great fun; I especially enjoyed the fast paced cardio clinic and the Sunday Sessions. Aloha Fridays are a special HBR trademark. I can’t wait to return to this magical tennis paradise. Now that I’ve found it I’ll never go anywhere else!
Courts are right above Hanalei Bay- best setting anywhere. 4 hardcourts and 4 synthetic that all play great.. Top notch PBI pros. Excellent clinics and game arranging. Friendly and competent staff especially tennis but throughout resort. Ideal for active , outdoor loving families. Our favorite place ever!!
The tennis staff and courts were wonderful! Only had a chance for one lesson with Mary and she improved my game tremendously! Still using the suggestions back at home and it’s all coming together. The resort is on a beautiful setting and property with amazing views.
The tennis facility at Hanalei Bay Resort (HBR) is excellent. The courts are very well maintained/equipped, a beautiful setting and the staff is very welcoming. I stayed at HBR and had an incredible tennis experience. Don and Mary made it very convenient for me to play whenever I wanted to and connected me with locals so I always had someone to hit with. I highly recommend this facility and plan to come back next year.
The Hanalei Bay Resort tennis program was phenomal! Mary specifically was wonderful to take lessons with. She completely changed my technique for the better! Can’t wait to get back there and play with the staff again!
Mary at Hanalei Bay Resort instructed me in my first ever tennis lesson. I had such a wonderful time and she taught me so many great techniques that I can now use if I play/take lessons at home. I am so grateful for Mary’s patience and skill. In addition, Mary was very accommodating with respect to letting us use the courts to play. My husband, who had not played tennis in many, many years, was able to play again and he loved it! It was a great time in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. I highly recommend the resort and the tennis lessons from great instructors! It was a wonderful time.
An amazing tennis community and pro team. accommodations are not overly luxurious at hanalei bay resort, but its fantastic value and amazing setting. i love this place.
Very nice facility but very average to poor tennis staff. Donald the head pro has very canned, generic instruction. The jr lessons my kids attended were extremely low energy and the instruction was very disappointing. Upgrade the teaching staff and this place could be awesome.
I was first introduced to Hanalei Bay Resort in 2014 and immediately fell in love with both the facility and the staff. First of all, the setting is unparalleled, with views of Hanalei Bay and the lush mountains and waterfalls of the north shore. I’m not a religious man per se but this is a truly spiritual place for me and I thank God for every moment that I get to spend there. The beauty is that spectacular! The synthetic grass courts provide a great playing surface in all but the occasional heavy downpour and also are a lot more gentle on the knees. Now to the staff. Both Donald and Mary are excellent, welcoming hosts and great instructors. Their match making is excellent, consistently matching me with similarly skilled players. They truly welcome you into a great community of tennis players. I always look forward to returning. Mahalo!
Mary was a great instructor when I went on vacation to Kauai. I needed to work on my match strategy and she was able to give me some very good pointers. I would highly recommend taking a private lesson with her at this beautiful resort.
Have you ever experienced Aloha Tennis? Well I had the pleasure of such an experience during my vacation time in Princeville,Hawaii, on the north shore of the island of Kauai. I was looking to get back into active tennis after a long absence due to a rotator cuff problem, and I was fortunate enough to wander into Hanalei Bay Tennis Facility and meet instructor Mary Dang Hannsz. Took five lessons over 2 wk timeline & learned that Aloha Tennis is equivalent to making a Mai Tai Cocktail. Take one part gorgeous tropical surroundings, add one part nicely kept facility, one part very friendly staff & members (aka Aloha Spirit), and then add two parts of an excellent instructor with a wonderful personality AND who can really teach; then u got it. Mary has knack of diagnosing technique errors and communicating same in a very positive & meaningful manner. She was most accommodating in fitting me into her already busy schedule, and nothing short of a joy to hit with & learn from. As we are very fortunate to vacation in this beautiful part of the world frequently ; I look forward to returning to the courts of Hanalei Bay Resort in the near future. And if your travels take you to Princeville, north shore Kauai I obviously strongly reccommend you give this facility a try. And by the way, if you want a great way to finish of your tennis day at Hanalei Bay go upstairs to the “Happy Talk” Bar , and order a liquid Mai Tai while absorbing the unbelievable vista of Hanalei Bay & the beaches where several scenes of the film South Pacific were filmed., Happy Aloha Tennis to one & all
I was in Kauai for a week and the Hanalei Bay Resort made it a very enjoyable week of tennis. Donald was very friendly and I enjoyed a few of his drop in clinics and also played after with other members . I was introduced to some of the club members and welcomed into a mixed doubles group. After watching Mary Hannah giving a lesson I had to book a few with her , two great tennis lessons . I really enjoyed her insight and expertise. To top it off Mary’s cardio tennis clinic was fabulous. I can’t wait till next visit and recommend this club highly.
Hanalei Bay Resort is our favorite vacation destination because it overlooks Hanalei Bay in Kauai and it has now a superb tennis program and well maintained courts suitable for the climate. I am able to play tennis in the morning and walk to a great beach afterwards where I meet up with my wife who does not play tennis.
The tennis director and staff are always warm and so welcoming. The atmosphere is positive and encouraging each time I attend. I was able to break and remake my forehand and learn applicable strategies for both my singles and doubles game. Each time I visit, I am made to feel as if I’m coming home. The resort and courts are meticulously maintained. The staff goes above and beyond to see that their guests needs are met. Hanalei Bay Resort is my favorite place in the world to play tennis and to enjoy all of the social aspects of clinic, private lesson, and group play.
I cannot say enough about the tennis program as well as the variety of surfaces at Hanalei Bay Resort. The highlight has to be both Don (director and tennis pro) and Kazumi’s extremely attentive and personal approach to tennis. They are the best I’ve played with anywhere! Of course the setting is beyond stunning! This has got to be on your top list of tennis destinations if you love beautiful surroundings (I really can’t put it into words!) and a very personal approach to tennis instruction with two of the kindest people you will ever meet anywhere in the world in Don and Kazumi.
Very personal service, tons of aloha energy, and they were responsive to our family goals and plans while on vacation. Mary was amazing in providing our daughter’s first lessons! Highly recommended. The view is unbeatable from the tennis courts and the synthetic grass court option was a great experience.
EXCELLENT PROGRAM FOR FAMIES. Mary had my 6 and 8 year olds loving tennis and rallying by the second session. i can’t thank her enough.
We love HBR. We’ve been visiting for 5 years now and plan to keep coming every year. This was our first time taking tennis lessons and it was a highlight of our trip. We joined a clinic on one of our last days and wished we had done more. We thoroughly enjoyed them! Even my five year old daughter took lessons. Our clinic and all our lessons were with Mary. We love her. She is a fantastic teacher for all ages, always happy and smiling. I would recommend both lessons and the clinics. We plan on doing more next year!
So much fun. We were paired up with other good players.
Excellent, friendly and skilled staff. Great location, with beach access and superb view. I liked the turf/sand courts because we could play even after rain. My whole family enjoyed it and would definitely go back
Friendly staff, fun clinics in the mornings, and round robins some afternoons. Staff also did an excellent job setting up matches between guests. The courts dry quickly if it rains.
Hanalei Bay has some of the most beautiful courts we have ever played on! The tennis pro, Donald, and his wife Kazumi run the tennis program which includes daily one-hour clinics and a Sunday afternoon mixer for adults, one-on-one lessons, and a junior player program that we did not participate in. The clinic cost is lower than many resorts we have visited, which was surprising since Hawaii is an expensive destination for the most part. There are 8 courts, with 2 in particular that have the most amazing views of the Kauai mountains and ocean (every court is in a lovely setting). Donald is a great instructor and the game matching he and Kazumi provided was more successful than we’ve ever experienced at a resort. I took a 1-on-1 lesson with the assistant pro, Mary, and she was also a gifted teacher who blended practice with tips in a way that was useful but not frustrating. The clinics seemed to hover right around the 3.5 level, which was perfect for me. The tennis matching allowed my 4.0-4.5 husband to find some higher level matches; he liked the clinics too but was definitely not having to try very hard to keep up. Overall a great value and great experience. We would definitely go back! Thanks, Donald & Kazumi!