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
Mar 18, 2019, 9:50 am
#1786
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,339
EI’ve looked through the thread but have yet to see the answer to this. Is it possible to do a cash upgrade to a suite on a points stay? If so, is there a rule of thumb on what to expect as far as cost or even in how to discuss options with the front desk?
I imagine this has been discussed somewhere so forgive me for bringing this up again!
I imagine this has been discussed somewhere so forgive me for bringing this up again!
Just call the hotel and explain that you want to know how much to secure an upgrade.
Other option to consider: pay the cash rate for the room and use 6K/9K points per night to upgrade to suite/premium suite.
Mar 18, 2019, 4:05 pm
#1787
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 7
IME this should be possible. To secure it in advance though you should probably expect for them to ask for the cost difference between standard room and the suite you want. I have negotiated for lower but only once I've arrived (and once a week prior to arrival when I had my whole wedding there, but I had some negotiating power in that instance).
Just call the hotel and explain that you want to know how much to secure an upgrade.
Other option to consider: pay the cash rate for the room and use 6K/9K points per night to upgrade to suite/premium suite.
Just call the hotel and explain that you want to know how much to secure an upgrade.
Other option to consider: pay the cash rate for the room and use 6K/9K points per night to upgrade to suite/premium suite.
May 28, 2019, 6:17 pm
#1788
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Glob
Posts: 369
Sold out?
I am booked here 6/16/-6/21, and called the hotel to extend my stay 2 additional nights. They said they are 100% sold out on 6/21 (and declined to say why), but added that 6/22 is wide open. When I called WOH to try using my explorist guaranteed availability perk for 6/21, they said the hotel is sold out (including rooms that were 'reserved' for guaranteed availability); so nothing they can do.
I can live with it (my fault for trying to change plans last minute, and during a peak season), but I do feel this is sort of odd. Any insight on why they would be sold out 6/21 (for just a single day, on a non-holiday;including the fact that all of the neighboring properties all have availability)?
Please forgo the usual FT negative comments. I'm not asking for something for nothing, or claiming that the hotel is playing games; I'm truly just curious, and hoping the answer might help me gauge the likelihood of 6/21 availability opening up over the next couple of weeks. Thanks!
thanks!
I can live with it (my fault for trying to change plans last minute, and during a peak season), but I do feel this is sort of odd. Any insight on why they would be sold out 6/21 (for just a single day, on a non-holiday;including the fact that all of the neighboring properties all have availability)?
Please forgo the usual FT negative comments. I'm not asking for something for nothing, or claiming that the hotel is playing games; I'm truly just curious, and hoping the answer might help me gauge the likelihood of 6/21 availability opening up over the next couple of weeks. Thanks!
thanks!
May 28, 2019, 6:59 pm
#1789
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum (LTG), Hilton Gold, United 1K, AA EXP, AS MVP 75K
Posts: 207
I would assume a conference. When we were there a couple months back the hotel was sold out for the two peak days of a financial services conference.
I am booked here 6/16/-6/21, and called the hotel to extend my stay 2 additional nights. They said they are 100% sold out on 6/21 (and declined to say why), but added that 6/22 is wide open. When I called WOH to try using my explorist guaranteed availability perk for 6/21, they said the hotel is sold out (including rooms that were 'reserved' for guaranteed availability); so nothing they can do.
I can live with it (my fault for trying to change plans last minute, and during a peak season), but I do feel this is sort of odd. Any insight on why they would be sold out 6/21 (for just a single day, on a non-holiday;including the fact that all of the neighboring properties all have availability)?
Please forgo the usual FT negative comments. I'm not asking for something for nothing, or claiming that the hotel is playing games; I'm truly just curious, and hoping the answer might help me gauge the likelihood of 6/21 availability opening up over the next couple of weeks. Thanks!
thanks!
I can live with it (my fault for trying to change plans last minute, and during a peak season), but I do feel this is sort of odd. Any insight on why they would be sold out 6/21 (for just a single day, on a non-holiday;including the fact that all of the neighboring properties all have availability)?
Please forgo the usual FT negative comments. I'm not asking for something for nothing, or claiming that the hotel is playing games; I'm truly just curious, and hoping the answer might help me gauge the likelihood of 6/21 availability opening up over the next couple of weeks. Thanks!
thanks!
May 28, 2019, 7:32 pm
#1790
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Gold, B6 Mosaic, WoH Explorist, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, CET 7*, MLIFE Plat, Cosmo Gold
Posts: 356
Seems to be a couple of festivals happening on the 21st, but nothing huge. Most likely a conference and/or seminar as tigerwong stated above.
After some research, the most likely event that may have contributed to the sold out rooms could be due to the PGP (Pelvic Girdle Puzzle) medical event/conference being held at Ohana Sports Medicine Physical Therapy center, about 15 minutes west of GH Kauai according to the Continuing Medical Education site. Wasn't able to see how many attendees since you need an account to access it.
After some research, the most likely event that may have contributed to the sold out rooms could be due to the PGP (Pelvic Girdle Puzzle) medical event/conference being held at Ohana Sports Medicine Physical Therapy center, about 15 minutes west of GH Kauai according to the Continuing Medical Education site. Wasn't able to see how many attendees since you need an account to access it.
May 29, 2019, 2:17 pm
#1791
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Glob
Posts: 369
Any idea when GHK started selling day passes again? For the price of a $250 pool cabana, they offer the cabana and day passes for 4 people. No wonder it's so packed .
I know they did this many years ago, but I didn't realize that they started this again.
I know they did this many years ago, but I didn't realize that they started this again.
May 29, 2019, 3:20 pm
#1792
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: San Francisco
Programs: Alaska 75K (RIP VX), Hyatt Globalist, BonVoy Plat, National Exec
Posts: 197
I've seen it at this property before, 100% sold out for certain dates, but not others. Usually a corporate conference or wedding is the reason. If you're flexible (and persistent), keep checking every day, and I'd wager there may be a cancellation/change that will open up availability. Best of luck!
Jun 3, 2019, 1:49 pm
#1793
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,959
EI’ve looked through the thread but have yet to see the answer to this. Is it possible to do a cash upgrade to a suite on a points stay? If so, is there a rule of thumb on what to expect as far as cost or even in how to discuss options with the front desk?
I imagine this has been discussed somewhere so forgive me for bringing this up again!
I imagine this has been discussed somewhere so forgive me for bringing this up again!
Jun 5, 2019, 12:59 pm
#1794
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 142
Suite category for DSU
Do you know which category does the DSU works with? I called to upgrade, but they told me no suite was available even though hyatt.com tells me Pool Suite, Ocean View Suite and Deluxe Suite all are available for my dates.
Jun 5, 2019, 1:34 pm
#1795
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXPPLT, United 1K, *wood PLT, Delta Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Southwest A-list
Posts: 392
TSU goes into Standard Suite (Garden Suite). There are only 4 or 5 of these at the property. They are great if you can snag one. Ocean and Pool Suites are different types of rooms.
Jun 5, 2019, 1:35 pm
#1796
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 142
Jun 8, 2019, 5:36 am
#1798
Moderator, Delta Skymiles and Mileage Run
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: DL Diamond/MM, Hyatt Diamond, former AS MVPG 75K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,940