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
Jan 10, 2015, 6:20 pm
#931
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: ex-Delta DM (NWA was nice while it lasted), Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 213
Yes. If you come here, expect to get the room you booked, especially during high season (Which often includes summer vacation months too) or if there's a larger conference. As a platinum, you might get a partial ocean if things are slow. As a diamond, you'll probably get a partial ocean if you booked a garden view, or a lower floor deluxe ocean.
But it's next to impossible to get a suite even a year out using a DSU during any kind of busy time, so the chances of seeing a suite on anything but a perhaps one night stay when something random happens during your check in is next to impossible.
From what I kind of gleaned on our last recent holiday stay, especially from chatter in the club, there were many dozens of diamonds there and my guess is that's pretty typical, so I don't get the sense that even as a regular diamond, you're going to see a huge upgrade, especially when plenty of people are willing to pay for suites here. At the property over the years, we've seen Will Smith, Julia Roberts, and Kevin Costner, and those are just the folks who we recognized. Maybe in October, you might get lucky, but for anything more than a 1 or 2 night stay, you'll probably get what you booked.
But it's next to impossible to get a suite even a year out using a DSU during any kind of busy time, so the chances of seeing a suite on anything but a perhaps one night stay when something random happens during your check in is next to impossible.
From what I kind of gleaned on our last recent holiday stay, especially from chatter in the club, there were many dozens of diamonds there and my guess is that's pretty typical, so I don't get the sense that even as a regular diamond, you're going to see a huge upgrade, especially when plenty of people are willing to pay for suites here. At the property over the years, we've seen Will Smith, Julia Roberts, and Kevin Costner, and those are just the folks who we recognized. Maybe in October, you might get lucky, but for anything more than a 1 or 2 night stay, you'll probably get what you booked.
Jan 10, 2015, 6:59 pm
#932
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
I think the only thing to do is contact the hotel asap and ask what it will cost to upgrade to a suite. Most properties will entertain the notion of a paid upgrade, even from points. But otherwise expect to get what you booked, Diamonds are plenty here and I'm sure at least half of those staying is Plat.
Jan 10, 2015, 10:31 pm
#933
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: CMH
Programs: US. HH Diamond but chasing Hyatt
Posts: 108
Thanks everyone. Ill push for the tub and won't hold my breath for anything else.
Our stay is actually the last several days of February, since we're in Maui first. My understanding was that this is a significantly quieter time than the 12 weeks immediately preceding it? Like, the hotel will be busy, but not crazy. Is that not the case?
Our stay is actually the last several days of February, since we're in Maui first. My understanding was that this is a significantly quieter time than the 12 weeks immediately preceding it? Like, the hotel will be busy, but not crazy. Is that not the case?
Jan 11, 2015, 5:53 am
#934
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
It will be busy in late February - maybe not as full as Christmas Week, but there will still be a lot of people there. If you want smaller crowds then April (except Easter week) late September/early October are really your best best - but Ive never been at this property when it was noticeably empty. Nor have I been bothered by it being crazy busy - even when I've been there during the holidays.
Jan 11, 2015, 10:36 am
#935
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Left Coast
Programs: UA 1K & 1MM, HH Diamond, Marriott/SPG Gold (UA comp)
Posts: 1,352
It will be busy in late February - maybe not as full as Christmas Week, but there will still be a lot of people there. If you want smaller crowds then April (except Easter week) late September/early October are really your best best - but Ive never been at this property when it was noticeably empty. Nor have I been bothered by it being crazy busy - even when I've been there during the holidays.
Jan 11, 2015, 8:19 pm
#936
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
Just finished up a stay here and overall it was really good again. This was our first time back in 4 years and the hotel was mostly the same (in a good way). This time I used DSUs to book into a garden suite and I must say these rooms are 10x better than the standard rooms. They were on the first floor with a bit of an ocean view off in the distance and very nicely furnished. I liked this hotel fine in the regular rooms, but the garden suites on a regular room rate really make this place really hard to beat. And Tidepools was once again one of my favorite meals on the island.
On the downside, alcohol is no longer free in the lounge but it looks like this changed a while back so probably not news to anyone. If we weren't given lounge access I don't think I would pay the huge upgrade cost unless I had a large family. The lounge offerings were fine, but the lounge experience wasn't nearly as nice as our last visit. They also need to put more tables and chairs in the lounge as it was completely full on two of the mornings.
The only major negative during our stay was that the pools were way too cold. I don't know if maybe they don't have the ability to heat the pools, but pools at a resort this expensive should never be that cold. In 76 degree weather the pools were uncomfortable to be in. On the flipside, the pools at the St. Regis Princeville and the Andaz Maui were comfortably heated during the same period.
On the downside, alcohol is no longer free in the lounge but it looks like this changed a while back so probably not news to anyone. If we weren't given lounge access I don't think I would pay the huge upgrade cost unless I had a large family. The lounge offerings were fine, but the lounge experience wasn't nearly as nice as our last visit. They also need to put more tables and chairs in the lounge as it was completely full on two of the mornings.
The only major negative during our stay was that the pools were way too cold. I don't know if maybe they don't have the ability to heat the pools, but pools at a resort this expensive should never be that cold. In 76 degree weather the pools were uncomfortable to be in. On the flipside, the pools at the St. Regis Princeville and the Andaz Maui were comfortably heated during the same period.
Jan 12, 2015, 1:56 pm
#937
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Michigan
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 503
My wife and I are visiting in September for 5 nights to celebrate our 5-year anniversary. Is there any opportunity to write ahead to let them know what the occasion for our visit is, and that anything they can do in terms of upgrades and/or other perks, while not guaranteed, would be much appreciated...?
Any known email addresses for the GM or anyone else who would be influential with this request? TIA!
Any known email addresses for the GM or anyone else who would be influential with this request? TIA!
Jan 12, 2015, 2:06 pm
#938
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,506
My wife and I are visiting in September for 5 nights to celebrate our 5-year anniversary. Is there any opportunity to write ahead to let them know what the occasion for our visit is, and that anything they can do in terms of upgrades and/or other perks, while not guaranteed, would be much appreciated...?
Any known email addresses for the GM or anyone else who would be influential with this request? TIA!
Any known email addresses for the GM or anyone else who would be influential with this request? TIA!
Jan 12, 2015, 2:29 pm
#939
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
My wife and I are visiting in September for 5 nights to celebrate our 5-year anniversary. Is there any opportunity to write ahead to let them know what the occasion for our visit is, and that anything they can do in terms of upgrades and/or other perks, while not guaranteed, would be much appreciated...?
Any known email addresses for the GM or anyone else who would be influential with this request? TIA!
Any known email addresses for the GM or anyone else who would be influential with this request? TIA!
You can certainly contact the concierge and ask for flowers to be sent to the room etc... (for a fee) but you should not expect a great deal of special treatment in terms of upgrades, etc... This is a property that has a lot of high end paid business - and is not likely to offer you a freebie up to a suite for your anniversary.
Jan 12, 2015, 2:35 pm
#940
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Michigan
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 503
I noticed you asked the same question on the Andaz Maui thread. Hawaii is a special event destination for many people so I doubt that most hotels can afford to do something special for everyone. If it was a 50th Anniversary you might get somewhere but I don't think 5 years gives you much leverage. But it doesn't hurt to try. Good luck!
Do you have any status w/Hyatt? Will this be a paid stay or are you using points. If it is a paid stay and you have Diamond status w/Hyatt, you will probably end up with an ocean view room - which are very nice.
You can certainly contact the concierge and ask for flowers to be sent to the room etc... (for a fee) but you should not expect a great deal of special treatment in terms of upgrades, etc... This is a property that has a lot of high end paid business - and is not likely to offer you a freebie up to a suite for your anniversary.
You can certainly contact the concierge and ask for flowers to be sent to the room etc... (for a fee) but you should not expect a great deal of special treatment in terms of upgrades, etc... This is a property that has a lot of high end paid business - and is not likely to offer you a freebie up to a suite for your anniversary.
Jan 12, 2015, 2:45 pm
#941
Formerly known as iahsumr
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 520
Good luck and happy anniversary!
Jan 12, 2015, 5:05 pm
#942
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Texas
Programs: Hyatt Glob (Barely); Marriott Plat Life; AA Up and Down Now Plat; Hilton, UA, BA, HA Peasant
Posts: 2,667
We're both lowly Platinums (from the CC), so it's doubtful that'll get us anywhere.
For an anniversary you might consider paying for club access and spa day use.
Jan 12, 2015, 11:23 pm
#944
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,906
..
The only major negative during our stay was that the pools were way too cold. I don't know if maybe they don't have the ability to heat the pools, but pools at a resort this expensive should never be that cold. In 76 degree weather the pools were uncomfortable to be in. ..
The only major negative during our stay was that the pools were way too cold. I don't know if maybe they don't have the ability to heat the pools, but pools at a resort this expensive should never be that cold. In 76 degree weather the pools were uncomfortable to be in. ..
Jan 13, 2015, 1:24 pm
#945
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
I'm glad it wasn't just me. I mentioned it a few times to some staff members and they looked at me sort of like I was crazy. They weren't rude about it, they just acted like that was the first time anyone has mentioned it. Unfortunately I didn't even think about checking out the spa pool.