A luxury vacation means something a little different in Kauai. Sure, there are the world-class golf courses, spectacular beaches, and, absolutely, a feeling of remove from everyday life. But Kauai is the least developed of the main Hawaiian islands, and a sense of how the South Pacific should always be easy to appreciate on a trip here. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is the best choice for top notch service in a great luxury resort hotel, that always allows guests to feel that they're having a Hawaiian experience.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Rooms and Suites
There are 602 rooms at this resort, all with private lanais (balconies). Luxury Travel found the rooms to be extremely luxurious and comfortable, and the option of adjoining rooms makes for an ideal family travel setup. Now, "extremely luxurious" in this case does not mean plush velveteen duvets and drapes. This is Hawaii, and the interior design reflects that. South Pacific influences are pronounced in the rooms, as well as the hallways and most of the entire resort. Free wifi would be nice, but there's a charge for internet here – as well as at most high-end resorts. Guest will be comfortable staying in the room that best suits their needs, from the Garden View King room to the Presidential Suite. Kauai is an outdoorsy island, though, and less time is spent inside on this island, perhaps, than others in the Hawaiian chain.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Property and Activities
The resort hotel is absolutely sprawling; there's a bit of a walk to get from one end to the other, but this is a plus. There's virtually always an activity, organized or otherwise, to participate in somewhere on the property. One evening, for example, an astrology club set up several high powered telescopes and guests – Luxury Travel included – were thrilled to get a look at Saturn and a couple of its moons. The location, very near Poipu Beach (best on the island for beginning snorkelers), is also a short drive to Old Town Koloa.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau has the standard show of hula dancing, along with an unusually high energy performance by men that involves fire dancing. Golfers plan their Hawaii vacations around the opportunity to play golf in Kauai, and a few rounds at the Poipu Bay Golf Course does wonders for the golfers' needs. The best thing about the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, though, is probably the on-property water variety. There are enormous, interlinked pools here, with water slides that children love. There are several jacuzzis and private-feeling small pools scattered throughout as well, a dedicated kiddie pool, and a lovely salt water lagoon (man-made) with kayaks to paddle lazily around. The beachfront property has, needless to say, the South Pacific along its border – but the waters are rougher here than in adjacent Poipu, and safe ocean swimming guidelines should be followed.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Restaurants
Luxury Travel did not personally dine at all the resort restaurants. Tidepools is the premier dining spot on the property, though, with Polynesian/ Hawaiian design and decor (thatched hut roofs, etc). The views of the lagoons and waterfalls complement the sophisticated seafood menu, which is fresh and interesting. Tidepools won the Zagat Survey's Best restaurant on Kauai award in 2009. Yum Cha is at the far end of the resort, abutting Poipu Bay Golf Course. It's an Asian fusion themed restaurant, and a real crowd pleaser. Other property restaurants are The Dock for casual light lunch and snacks, Poipu Bay Clubhouse for an expansive Sunday Brunch spread, the buffet dinner at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau, Ilima Terrace for coffee and quick meals, and Dondero's. Dondero's is an award-winning Italian restaurant on the property.
Children love the resort for its seemingly endless pools and chances to explore. The constant flow of interesting activities keep busy kids and families entertained and engaged as well. Foremost, the grounds are just beautiful. This luxury resort's design suits its setting perfectly, and while the beach could be better, the salt water lagoon goes a long way in terms of making up for that. the Grand Hyatt Kauai resort & Spa is wholeheartedly recommended for a luxury family vacation in Hawaii.
Jennifer W. Miner - Jennifer has years of travel writing experience, spoken at several national conferences, and more. See Jendeavor.com for more details.
