Aug 20, 2018, 3:29 am
Last edit by: FlyinHawaiian
SHOPPING 1. Safeway
a. Multiple locations (2)
b. Significantly more polynesian/asian offerings in regards to food, Made in Hawaii, Grown in Hawaii goods
2. Longs Drugs
a. CVS-owned; all CVS coupons and rewards are accepted.
b. Many locations, including Lihue and Poipu https://longs.staradvertiser.com/loc...p?island=kauai
c. Stores have a more significant focus on local items and goods than Mainland CVS stores.
d. Reliable source of distilled water for CPAP users.
2. ABC Stores
a. Significant number (3) of locations, accessible.
b. They carry almost nothing but local items, and also beer
3. Costco (2.6mi from LIH):
KAUAI TOURS/SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Swimming/Snorkeling
1. Poipu Beach - Massive reef offshore, with a reef onshore separating two beaches. With the closure of Tunnels/Ke'e/Lumahai beach due to landslides on Kuhio highway, Poipu beach has one of the top snorkeling spots on the island currently, and is just 5 minute drive from the hotel. Turtles and monk seal are spotted here regularly
2. Lydgate Beach - protected snorkeling spot perfect for beginners. Located on East side of the island. This looks close, but traffic in Kapaa can make this a 45 minute drive.
3. Anini Beach - Northeast on island, 1 hour to reach. Reef with significant amounts of sea life.
4. Tunnels Beach/Ke'e Beach - currently closed. 1 hour 30 minutes away. Snorkel right next to the beginning of the Na Pali coast, with significant amounts of turtles. Before Kauai restores access to the beach via Kuhio Highway, residents are strongly considering limiting access to the beach (no vehicles, only shuttles, or limited number of vehicle permits sold per day). Parking fills up fast here, and these beaches are the end of the road on island.
GUIDED TOURS
1. Wailua River + Secret Falls Hike. 30-45 minute drive from hotel. Cost $40/pp. 4 hour+ trip. 1 mile of kayaking followed by a short hike to a large waterfall. Some tours offer pineapple as a snack at the waterfall. Some offer just chips or granola bars like what you might buy from Costco.
2. Kauai Sugarloaf Pineapple. See the Huber families sugarloaf pineapple farm. Hole in the mountain farms is situated on 38 acres of land, where you will be given the rare opportunity to taste sugarloaf pineapple. An extremely low acidic pineapple that has a core that is edible, and not stringy. $65/pp w/ free pineapple and smoothie. The ARV of the pineapple you receive will be around $8-15. Sugarloaf pineapple sells for $3-4 a pound, with an average pineapple being 5-6 pounds in size. This is a once in a lifetime experience. 1 hour from GH Kauai http://kauaisugarloaf.com BOOK TOURS IN ADVANCE. We booked two weeks in advance, and at the farmers market on a Wednesday we overheard them say they were booked out for 2 weeks (so almost September). They only do tours on Thursdays.
3. Chocolate Tour. Lydgate Farms has a chocolate tour. $95/pp
4. Captain Andy's Tours. Captain Andy is currently leaving out of the south shore in Port Allen. He offers all 3 kinds of boat tours. 55ft catamaran w/ restroom, warm water rinse, cooked lunch, snorkeling, napali coast, alcoholic drinks included (up to $179 pp). They have smaller boats that do not have restrooms/rinse/cooked lunch, but will go in the sea caves. And then they have raft boats that require you to wear gloves, and are very much a thrill ride. They do beach landings in those, and basically anything. The choices are listed from most comfortable to least comfortable. 55ft catamaran is the preferred way for most
HIKING/SIGHTS
1. Kalepa Ridge Trail. 1 hour from GHK. Free. 2 hour round trip. 1.7 mile hike. Classified as hard by alltrails.com. For the time and distance you walk, this trail beats the Awaawapuhi Trail
2. Awaawapuhi Trail. 55 minute from GHK. Free. Half day. 6.7 mile hike. Classified as moderate by alltrails.com. It is a longer hike, but once you get to the end, the views are IMO better than the Kalepa Ridge Trail
3. Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls. 50 minute from GHK. Free. 3 hours. Hike to a the top of a waterfall on the Waimae Canyon.
4. Heritage Trail. Literally on the beach at the GHK. Free. Not necessarily a crazy cool hike
5. Wailua Falls: do some research if you plan on doing a hike down to the waterfall
6. Spouting Horn. 7 minute drive from GHK. Underwhelming, but worth it to say you've seen it. 2-3 minute drive from Spouting Horn is the Kukui'ula Village Shopping Center, which has a Bubbas Burger/Tortilla Republic/The Lanai/Merriman Fish House/Eating House 1849, Dolphin, Ruth's Chris and other restaurants. To see the spouting horn, you will walk past a 150-200ft of street vendors selling crafts, everyday of the week.
7. Queen's Bath-dangerous, slippery and muddy on way day, rocky and if you are inside you may get washed out by the waves. But go at sunset and you'll see why.
FARMERS MARKETS
1. Kukui'ula Village Shopping Center - Wednesday Evening, 3:30PM - 6PM. Kauai Sugarloaf Farms attends this, and will let you try their pineapple and buy tours here. There is supposedly a beer garden, but I didn't find it. There is also food from restaurants there, as well as a booth by the "Pie Lady" (The Right Slice).
RESORT FEE INCLUDES
1. Free self-parking (for all, not just Globalist)
2. Free laundry in each guestroom with free laundry pods
3. Towel at Valet for excursions (and after 7pm for pool)
4. Free bike use
5. Sunscreen at pool
6. Hospitality lounge for early arrival & late departing flights
7. Refrigerator in all rooms
a. Multiple locations (2)
b. Significantly more polynesian/asian offerings in regards to food, Made in Hawaii, Grown in Hawaii goods
2. Longs Drugs
a. CVS-owned; all CVS coupons and rewards are accepted.
b. Many locations, including Lihue and Poipu https://longs.staradvertiser.com/loc...p?island=kauai
c. Stores have a more significant focus on local items and goods than Mainland CVS stores.
d. Reliable source of distilled water for CPAP users.
2. ABC Stores
a. Significant number (3) of locations, accessible.
b. They carry almost nothing but local items, and also beer
3. Costco (2.6mi from LIH):
a. Gas up before dropping rental car off. It was at least $0.80/gal cheaper than anywhere else (8/20/18)
b. Kauai/Kona coffee, other gifts (e.g., macadamia nuts in multiple preparations)
c. Gift cards for local vendors are often available
d. Food court (many of the same items as continental US with same prices)
4. Walmart (1.3mi from LIH). Exceptionally busy. Busy store inside/outside/around it.b. Kauai/Kona coffee, other gifts (e.g., macadamia nuts in multiple preparations)
c. Gift cards for local vendors are often available
d. Food court (many of the same items as continental US with same prices)
a. Beach/pool toys
b. Snacks (if you don’t have a huge family staying a long time to eat Costco bulk item)
c. Souvenirs (they have a section in the front for this)
b. Snacks (if you don’t have a huge family staying a long time to eat Costco bulk item)
c. Souvenirs (they have a section in the front for this)
KAUAI TOURS/SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Swimming/Snorkeling
1. Poipu Beach - Massive reef offshore, with a reef onshore separating two beaches. With the closure of Tunnels/Ke'e/Lumahai beach due to landslides on Kuhio highway, Poipu beach has one of the top snorkeling spots on the island currently, and is just 5 minute drive from the hotel. Turtles and monk seal are spotted here regularly
2. Lydgate Beach - protected snorkeling spot perfect for beginners. Located on East side of the island. This looks close, but traffic in Kapaa can make this a 45 minute drive.
3. Anini Beach - Northeast on island, 1 hour to reach. Reef with significant amounts of sea life.
4. Tunnels Beach/Ke'e Beach - currently closed. 1 hour 30 minutes away. Snorkel right next to the beginning of the Na Pali coast, with significant amounts of turtles. Before Kauai restores access to the beach via Kuhio Highway, residents are strongly considering limiting access to the beach (no vehicles, only shuttles, or limited number of vehicle permits sold per day). Parking fills up fast here, and these beaches are the end of the road on island.
GUIDED TOURS
1. Wailua River + Secret Falls Hike. 30-45 minute drive from hotel. Cost $40/pp. 4 hour+ trip. 1 mile of kayaking followed by a short hike to a large waterfall. Some tours offer pineapple as a snack at the waterfall. Some offer just chips or granola bars like what you might buy from Costco.
2. Kauai Sugarloaf Pineapple. See the Huber families sugarloaf pineapple farm. Hole in the mountain farms is situated on 38 acres of land, where you will be given the rare opportunity to taste sugarloaf pineapple. An extremely low acidic pineapple that has a core that is edible, and not stringy. $65/pp w/ free pineapple and smoothie. The ARV of the pineapple you receive will be around $8-15. Sugarloaf pineapple sells for $3-4 a pound, with an average pineapple being 5-6 pounds in size. This is a once in a lifetime experience. 1 hour from GH Kauai http://kauaisugarloaf.com BOOK TOURS IN ADVANCE. We booked two weeks in advance, and at the farmers market on a Wednesday we overheard them say they were booked out for 2 weeks (so almost September). They only do tours on Thursdays.
3. Chocolate Tour. Lydgate Farms has a chocolate tour. $95/pp
4. Captain Andy's Tours. Captain Andy is currently leaving out of the south shore in Port Allen. He offers all 3 kinds of boat tours. 55ft catamaran w/ restroom, warm water rinse, cooked lunch, snorkeling, napali coast, alcoholic drinks included (up to $179 pp). They have smaller boats that do not have restrooms/rinse/cooked lunch, but will go in the sea caves. And then they have raft boats that require you to wear gloves, and are very much a thrill ride. They do beach landings in those, and basically anything. The choices are listed from most comfortable to least comfortable. 55ft catamaran is the preferred way for most
HIKING/SIGHTS
1. Kalepa Ridge Trail. 1 hour from GHK. Free. 2 hour round trip. 1.7 mile hike. Classified as hard by alltrails.com. For the time and distance you walk, this trail beats the Awaawapuhi Trail
2. Awaawapuhi Trail. 55 minute from GHK. Free. Half day. 6.7 mile hike. Classified as moderate by alltrails.com. It is a longer hike, but once you get to the end, the views are IMO better than the Kalepa Ridge Trail
3. Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls. 50 minute from GHK. Free. 3 hours. Hike to a the top of a waterfall on the Waimae Canyon.
4. Heritage Trail. Literally on the beach at the GHK. Free. Not necessarily a crazy cool hike
5. Wailua Falls: do some research if you plan on doing a hike down to the waterfall
6. Spouting Horn. 7 minute drive from GHK. Underwhelming, but worth it to say you've seen it. 2-3 minute drive from Spouting Horn is the Kukui'ula Village Shopping Center, which has a Bubbas Burger/Tortilla Republic/The Lanai/Merriman Fish House/Eating House 1849, Dolphin, Ruth's Chris and other restaurants. To see the spouting horn, you will walk past a 150-200ft of street vendors selling crafts, everyday of the week.
7. Queen's Bath-dangerous, slippery and muddy on way day, rocky and if you are inside you may get washed out by the waves. But go at sunset and you'll see why.
FARMERS MARKETS
1. Kukui'ula Village Shopping Center - Wednesday Evening, 3:30PM - 6PM. Kauai Sugarloaf Farms attends this, and will let you try their pineapple and buy tours here. There is supposedly a beer garden, but I didn't find it. There is also food from restaurants there, as well as a booth by the "Pie Lady" (The Right Slice).
RESORT FEE INCLUDES
1. Free self-parking (for all, not just Globalist)
2. Free laundry in each guestroom with free laundry pods
3. Towel at Valet for excursions (and after 7pm for pool)
4. Free bike use
5. Sunscreen at pool
6. Hospitality lounge for early arrival & late departing flights
7. Refrigerator in all rooms
- Self-parking
- Two complimentary refillable water bottles
- Purified water stations
- Poipu Bay Golf Course and Clubhouse shuttle service
- Coffee maker in room with Hawaiian coffee and tea
- Complimentary self-service washer, dryer and detergent
- Reusable logo tote bag located in closet
- Access to 24 hour Anara Spa fitness center
- Fitness and yoga classes at Anara Spa
- See daily activities schedule, 14 years and older
- Hospitality lounge for early arrival & late departing flights
- Welcome lei greeting
- Guided sunrise walk Monday - Saturday
- Hawaiian crafters daily in lobby
- Wildlife Walk twice weekly
- Hydroponic Garden tours twice weekly
- Entertainment and hula at Seaview Terrace
- Torch lighting ceremony three times per week
- Ukulele, lei-making and hula lessons
- Koi fish feeding and parrot talk
- Sunscreen samples at pool recreation desk
- Mountain Bike use - based on availability
- One hour tennis court time daily
- Reservations required, equipment rental available
- Complimentary boarding pass and incoming fax printing
- Unlimited local and toll-free calls
- In-room safe
Grand Hyatt Kauai REVIEW- MASTER THREAD - mid-2011 Forward
Dec 6, 2011, 11:59 pm
#91
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,605
Dec 7, 2011, 12:37 am
#92
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,856
That's funny, maybe we should start a thread on "Who got 'originated' in a Hyatt?" because, as it happens, one of my kids originated in the Grand Hyatt New York!
Dec 7, 2011, 10:38 am
#93
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: FAT
Programs: AA mm, Hilton Dime, Hyatt Xpl.& PC Plat, Miracle Fruit-su club
Posts: 1,694
Dec 7, 2011, 12:27 pm
#94
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,040
We weren't able to get a suite upgrade but did get upgraded from garden view to a deluxe ocean view on the third floor, not too far from the lounge and thesilb's pleasure palace.
We haven't been to the spa yet, but I did hear some sawing noises in that general area yesterday.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Dec 7, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Dec 7, 2011, 3:35 pm
#95
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Houston
Programs: Southwest CP/A & Hyatt Globalist - love both of these companies!
Posts: 60
Is booze still free at the grand club lounge? I visited when they were renovating in 2009, and I'll be back Aug 2012. I didnt know if free booze was just an "extra" since the real lounge was being renovated, or if it was a permanent thing.
Free booze at an outstanding hotel in Hawaii is pretty unbeatable.
Free booze at an outstanding hotel in Hawaii is pretty unbeatable.
Dec 7, 2011, 4:40 pm
#96
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,856
Is booze still free at the grand club lounge? I visited when they were renovating in 2009, and I'll be back Aug 2012. I didnt know if free booze was just an "extra" since the real lounge was being renovated, or if it was a permanent thing.
Free booze at an outstanding hotel in Hawaii is pretty unbeatable.
Free booze at an outstanding hotel in Hawaii is pretty unbeatable.
Dec 7, 2011, 5:45 pm
#98
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
As of IIRC 2010, all RC / GC in North America charge for alcoholic drinks - prior to that the only ones that did not were the Hawaii properties and Grand Cypress in Orlando.
Dec 7, 2011, 8:29 pm
#100
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Explorist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Gold
Posts: 17,832
Trip Report 11/22-11/29
As mentioned previously I was in the "conception suite"
room 3024 with the adjoining room of 3025. We requested the ground floor suites because it works out well for us with just walking out on the lawn...and with this location entering the club room from the outside as well.
The room - freshly remodeled and compared to the sample room I saw two years ago VERY HAPPY with the remodel. The only thing I don't understand is why they didn't put a pull out sofa in?
Anyhow, the new sofa is an L shape, so we made up that with sheets and pushed the rollaway up next to it for the other son...worked nicely.
Service - As usual was top notch. Upon checking in Joshua had a big bow of my boys favorite fruits and a huge plate of cookies that were cooked without nuts...although he no longer works in the club lounge, he had the folks there wait for my son to show up every night, and brought out a HUGE plate of nut free cookies...after he took all he wanted, they then left them out for others to enjoy! What thoughtful people they have working there. Added benefits this year (maybe they did this before and we just missed it) were the daily bird educational sessions and my boys getting to hold them...they loved it. They also loved feeding the koi in the morning...the highlight was a 10 year old falling in on the last day...and right into a massive pile of the koi...he jumped out so quick he lost a croc in the feeding pond! LOL
The only downer was the spa renovation still not being done. They offered $20 discounts on services and converted some of the 3rd floor rooms into treatment rooms. My wife cancelled her service.
I'm already scheming how to save up enough points to go back again for another week...at 55,000 pts. night (one suite and an adjoining room), I'm going to have to hope for FFN or some massive promos as my account is down to ~52,000 points at present!
Let me know if anyone has questions, I'd be happy to answer.
room 3024 with the adjoining room of 3025. We requested the ground floor suites because it works out well for us with just walking out on the lawn...and with this location entering the club room from the outside as well.The room - freshly remodeled and compared to the sample room I saw two years ago VERY HAPPY with the remodel. The only thing I don't understand is why they didn't put a pull out sofa in?
Anyhow, the new sofa is an L shape, so we made up that with sheets and pushed the rollaway up next to it for the other son...worked nicely.Service - As usual was top notch. Upon checking in Joshua had a big bow of my boys favorite fruits and a huge plate of cookies that were cooked without nuts...although he no longer works in the club lounge, he had the folks there wait for my son to show up every night, and brought out a HUGE plate of nut free cookies...after he took all he wanted, they then left them out for others to enjoy! What thoughtful people they have working there. Added benefits this year (maybe they did this before and we just missed it) were the daily bird educational sessions and my boys getting to hold them...they loved it. They also loved feeding the koi in the morning...the highlight was a 10 year old falling in on the last day...and right into a massive pile of the koi...he jumped out so quick he lost a croc in the feeding pond! LOL
The only downer was the spa renovation still not being done. They offered $20 discounts on services and converted some of the 3rd floor rooms into treatment rooms. My wife cancelled her service.
I'm already scheming how to save up enough points to go back again for another week...at 55,000 pts. night (one suite and an adjoining room), I'm going to have to hope for FFN or some massive promos as my account is down to ~52,000 points at present!
Let me know if anyone has questions, I'd be happy to answer.
Dec 8, 2011, 3:07 pm
#101
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Dia, HH Gold
Posts: 71
Checking out today after a great 9 day stay. Talked with the lady at the spa desk last night, she said work would be completed today. All last week they were working on the overhang ocean front of the lobby. Scaffolding was removed on Monday. Only visible ongoing work is inside of logo building at tennis courts. Can't wait for our next visit. 
Dec 8, 2011, 5:00 pm
#102
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM
Posts: 85,568
Checking out today after a great 9 day stay. Talked with the lady at the spa desk last night, she said work would be completed today. All last week they were working on the overhang ocean front of the lobby. Scaffolding was removed on Monday. Only visible ongoing work is inside of logo building at tennis courts. Can't wait for our next visit.
Dec 9, 2011, 11:50 am
#103
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 2MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,164
late checkout
Checking out today ... As a Diamond, I was told I could have a 2pm checkout when I checked in, and I should call the morning of my departure to see if that could be extended to 4pm. Simone in the Grand Club called for me this morning and I had a message saying I could wait until 4 to checkout when I returned from my walk.^
Dec 15, 2011, 9:16 am
#104
Original Member and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kansas City, MO, USA
Programs: DL PM/MM, AA ExPlat, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia, National ECE, Hertz PC
Posts: 16,579
We had a three-night stay here recently, AMEX FHR has a special right now, buy two nights, get the third free, so our total for three nights at the FHR rate was about the same as the cheapest prepaid rate available.
One thing I haven't seen a lot of discussion on in this thread is that in addition to food and beverage amenities for the Diamond amenity, they have a set of other resort amenities, including a cabana rental, so don't just take the points without looking at the list first.
The FHR rate includes "Continental Breakfast" (per the rules) for two plus a $100 resort credit. The breakfast was the full buffet in the Ilima Terrace or $31.00 credit per person in the Poipu Bay Clubhouse. We took the Poipu Bay Clubhouse and ate like royalty every morning. The FHR rate also included a $100 resort credit for the stay, and that credit was good towards anything, including alcohol and resort fees.
One thing I haven't seen a lot of discussion on in this thread is that in addition to food and beverage amenities for the Diamond amenity, they have a set of other resort amenities, including a cabana rental, so don't just take the points without looking at the list first.
The FHR rate includes "Continental Breakfast" (per the rules) for two plus a $100 resort credit. The breakfast was the full buffet in the Ilima Terrace or $31.00 credit per person in the Poipu Bay Clubhouse. We took the Poipu Bay Clubhouse and ate like royalty every morning. The FHR rate also included a $100 resort credit for the stay, and that credit was good towards anything, including alcohol and resort fees.
Dec 15, 2011, 9:39 am
#105
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,040
We selected the cabana rental and while it was nice, I am not sure it was that great an amenity. We selected a cabana near the adult pool and it was nothing more than a canopy over two lounge chairs; no snacks or waters and no sides on the canopy to adjust the shade or have privacy. We did have very good service from the pool attendents and ordered lunch from the grill.