Aloha from the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa!
Living my best life soaking up the sun as a son bronzed goddess!
After my quick jaunt to NYC, I hopped on a plane and headed west to the magical Hawaiian island of Kauai. It was a 12 hour flight and as soon as I landed, I could feel the stress melt away and my reality became a dream. This was my first trip to Kauai, (I had visited Kona and Maui before) and it was by far my favorite of all the islands. Covered in verdant mountains with jagged cliffs, sloping hills with lush pastures, and rainbows that could go on forever, Kauai is a gentle and special place that offers even the most pessimistic person the warmest welcome. I had rented a car and drove immediately to one of the most epic resorts I have ever visited, The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa! In planning my trip, I had read numerous articles on how exquisite the property was but it was nothing compared to experiencing it in person. Palm trees and black swans served as my welcome committee and the ocean greeted me with a lovely “Hello” or “Aloha” in this case. The hotel sits on Keoneloa Bay alongside Poipu’s coast and extends 50 acres with a rocky beach and 18 hole golf course. If you go during the winter season (February-April), you are more than likely going to see whales migrating in the ocean, and if you’re lucky enough, you will see them breach! (jump out of the water). The whales come here annually at this time to give birth.
Welcome to Paradise! A grand view of one of their main pools!
A dose of Vitamin Sea! I spotted some whales on the shore playing off in the distance!
THE HOTEL
As you enter the lobby, you feel like you’re in Nirvana. The path leads you down to a wide opening where a parrot can be seen in the mornings greeting people underneath a beautiful tree, all the while you have the most astounding view of the Pacific. I was immediately captivated and swept away. The property is quite large, having four large pools connected together by lazy rivers, three hot tubs, multiple waterfalls, 600 rooms, and a most-fun water slide. We took a walk around the entire property to get a better view of the premises and encountered relaxed guests and hospitable staff. For your relaxation needs outside, you have the options of reclining chairs or cabanas with views of one of the many pools, the beautiful Pacific Ocean, or the enclosed on-property salt water lagoon. There are several outdoor bars and dining options available but, for the true relaxation experience, you can enjoy the perk of hotel staff stopping by your cabana to take your drink, snack, or meal orders.
*WonderFact: Go down the slide at least once and jump in their jacuzzi. You can never predict the weather in Kauai so it’s safe to say, even when it rains, the hot tub is always a good idea :)
The astounding view from the lobby entrance!
The Backside of the hotel!
Want to jump in? The prettiest blue water!
They have an epic slide that’s great for adults and kids!
A little piece of heaven at The Grand Hyatt!
Palm Tree Sway!
THE ROOMS & SPA
We walked to our room (which was an Oceanside room) and the view was majestic and peaceful. Each room is equipped with an I-Pod docking station, refrigerator, and private patio. The property consists of rooms and suites and you can’t go wrong with any of them. The bathroom has wonderful amenities including a dryer and a heated toilet seat! (Sorry but it’s those little things that count). Other amazing amenities on the property include their concierge services (we booked our ATV ride with them which was a blast!), several gift and high-end shops (both in the spa and the hotel), an express check-in and complimentary wireless internet. They also have a state of the art spa on the premises which includes three separate pools and 3 different spa tubs.
*Wonderfact: A visit to their Anara Spa is a must! (I had one of the best massages of my life there!) The perfect place to unwind and detox you’re mind and body.
Spotted: A cute Macaw in the lobby! (He is the house pet :) )
The warmest welcome from their friendly and hospitable staff! Not to mention the Kauai Kookies are delicious and a must have on the island!
The epic view from our room!
One of their majestic waterfalls!
THE RESTAURANTS
There are seven restaurants located on property and although we were only there a short time, we dined at their popular spot, Stevenson’s Sushi & Spirits. We feasted on Hamachi Blossoms (sushi rice, spicy tuna, hamachi tobanjan sauce, tobiko, and green onion), along with the Ke Kai Roll (spicy tuna, cucumber, kaiware, tobiko, hamachi, avocado, jalapen, and ponzu). Clearly, our eyes were much bigger than our stomach but we left feeling very full and toasty on some sake :) The other restaurants on the property include Tidepools, (one of the most beautiful restaurants on the island), Donderos (old classic italian cuisine), and The Ilima Terrace (which only serves breakfast and lunch). For those wanting a more quiet and romantic evening, they offer 24 hour room service.
View from the restaurant, Tidepools!
Beach Bum! How beautiful is Kauai!
The Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park!
Waimea Canyon State Park!