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
Oct 15, 2015, 7:29 pm
#1171
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Tennessee
Programs: SPG, Marriott, United, SWA, AA
Posts: 700
I was looking at the Kauai Marathon website for the Sept 2016 race and the GH is the HQ for the race. They really offer some great rates for the week before and after for participants. $210 for a standard room and 55 more gets you a partial ocean... That's quite a good deal.
I am thinking for the price of the half marathon registration $75 (if they even check) someone who was a little crafty could save a lot of money for a weeks stay and never run!
I am thinking for the price of the half marathon registration $75 (if they even check) someone who was a little crafty could save a lot of money for a weeks stay and never run!
Oct 17, 2015, 12:44 pm
#1172
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Tennessee
Programs: SPG, Marriott, United, SWA, AA
Posts: 700
I just wanted to add has anyone stayed here during race week? If so, how crazy is it? Last time we were on Kauai we arrived the day after the race and stayed at the Sheraton, for the first half, and then the rest at the Westin. We had a deluxe full ocean view room with an incredible view (the room it self was very average). This time we are thinking of trying the GH. I hear the beach is not the greatest though? That was one of the Sheraton's few strengths.
Last edited by 1readyset2go; Oct 18, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Oct 17, 2015, 11:14 pm
#1173
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Chicago
Programs: United club, Hyatt Plat...
Posts: 42
The Sheraton is very nice if you have their best room. Vaulted ceiling and full ocean view. Only drawback is the pool and the public walkway through the property.
GH is in a league of its own though. The beach is great. Our favorite resort in the world.
GH is in a league of its own though. The beach is great. Our favorite resort in the world.
Oct 18, 2015, 8:29 am
#1174
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 208
Not sure I would agree with that thought about the beach at GH. It is very pretty, and fun to sit on. However, I never felt comfortable sending my kids out there. At the Sheraton, the beach was super awesome. If GH had that beach, I would never go anywhere else.
Oct 18, 2015, 4:06 pm
#1175
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Chicago
Programs: United club, Hyatt Plat...
Posts: 42
The lagoon makes up for it. Still ocean water but on the property.
Oct 19, 2015, 7:14 am
#1176
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Tennessee
Programs: SPG, Marriott, United, SWA, AA
Posts: 700
I have been going back and forth trying to pick either the Sheraton or GH for next Sept and since we did the Sheraton last time (we mostly stick with SPG) I think we are going to pick the GH especially given that phenomenal rate I see pop up for race attendees on the dates we are going. Although I do jog and I am in good shape I doubt I will do the race. Too many other things to see and do while on Kauai! I am going to register myself for the race and pay the $75 for the half marathon, but I may not actually do it for reason stated before. How much do you think they will scrutinize (or care) whether or not I actually run if i book under the attendee rate?
FYI we have no standing with Hyatt if that matters.
FYI we have no standing with Hyatt if that matters.
Last edited by 1readyset2go; Oct 19, 2015 at 7:55 am
Oct 22, 2015, 3:30 am
#1178
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
Finally completed my review for the year. Still plugging along at the guide I've been working on.
Until then...
http://thehyattguy.blogspot.com/2015...rehensive.html
Hope you enjoy!
Until then...
http://thehyattguy.blogspot.com/2015...rehensive.html
Hope you enjoy!
Oct 26, 2015, 4:49 pm
#1179
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Tennessee
Programs: SPG, Marriott, United, SWA, AA
Posts: 700
Finally completed my review for the year. Still plugging along at the guide I've been working on.
Until then...
http://thehyattguy.blogspot.com/2015...rehensive.html
Hope you enjoy!
Until then...
http://thehyattguy.blogspot.com/2015...rehensive.html
Hope you enjoy!
Oct 26, 2015, 9:21 pm
#1180
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
If you're asking about lower level rooms as in ground floor rooms, I'd say they're great! You are definitely more susceptible to critters on ground floor rooms... most of the resort is home to Gecko's, Anoles, and other miniature reptiles, and while you'll see them all the way on the 6th floor, they are most prominent in lower level rooms.
Poipu wing 3rd floor rooms are ground level and convenient for lobby, spa, and club access. Poipu wing 1st floor rooms are ground level a little closer to the Ocean, but very inconvenient for access to pretty much anything.
Shipwreck wing ground floor rooms are very convenient for pool access, some also are close to the lobby. They also offer the best access to the parking lot.
If you're asking about lower level rooms in terms of just the lower tier rooms, I would recommend pool view above the standard rooms. I'll have more details soon on the blog, if you have more specific questions, just let me know!
Our next trip will likely be next September or October too!
Oct 28, 2015, 12:52 pm
#1181
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Tennessee
Programs: SPG, Marriott, United, SWA, AA
Posts: 700
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I was asking about the lower tier rooms and how they compare to others in Poipu. We stayed at the Sheraton last time in a full ocean view deluxe room. The room itself was disappointing, the pool average, but the view and the beach were awesome.
I had been thinking about getting the Hyatt CC as the 2 free nights seem like a nice bonus, but for a different trip elsewhere.
We are looking at booking one of the lowest cat room at the GH. Is one part of the hotel better to be in for this type of room? Is it worth the difference to pay up from the basic room to the next cat? That would be as high as I would consider. I know it won't have a view but was thinking the room itself, as well as the grounds and pool, would be a better than the Sheraton it seems. So I would love to get a little more color on the that. What do I need to know about this property as someone who rarely stays at Hyatt and has no status? We are a couple taking an anniversary trip, no kids.
I had been thinking about getting the Hyatt CC as the 2 free nights seem like a nice bonus, but for a different trip elsewhere.
We are looking at booking one of the lowest cat room at the GH. Is one part of the hotel better to be in for this type of room? Is it worth the difference to pay up from the basic room to the next cat? That would be as high as I would consider. I know it won't have a view but was thinking the room itself, as well as the grounds and pool, would be a better than the Sheraton it seems. So I would love to get a little more color on the that. What do I need to know about this property as someone who rarely stays at Hyatt and has no status? We are a couple taking an anniversary trip, no kids.
Oct 28, 2015, 10:26 pm
#1182
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I was asking about the lower tier rooms and how they compare to others in Poipu. We stayed at the Sheraton last time in a full ocean view deluxe room. The room itself was disappointing, the pool average, but the view and the beach were awesome.
I had been thinking about getting the Hyatt CC as the 2 free nights seem like a nice bonus, but for a different trip elsewhere.
We are looking at booking one of the lowest cat room at the GH. Is one part of the hotel better to be in for this type of room? Is it worth the difference to pay up from the basic room to the next cat? That would be as high as I would consider. I know it won't have a view but was thinking the room itself, as well as the grounds and pool, would be a better than the Sheraton it seems. So I would love to get a little more color on the that. What do I need to know about this property as someone who rarely stays at Hyatt and has no status? We are a couple taking an anniversary trip, no kids.
I had been thinking about getting the Hyatt CC as the 2 free nights seem like a nice bonus, but for a different trip elsewhere.
We are looking at booking one of the lowest cat room at the GH. Is one part of the hotel better to be in for this type of room? Is it worth the difference to pay up from the basic room to the next cat? That would be as high as I would consider. I know it won't have a view but was thinking the room itself, as well as the grounds and pool, would be a better than the Sheraton it seems. So I would love to get a little more color on the that. What do I need to know about this property as someone who rarely stays at Hyatt and has no status? We are a couple taking an anniversary trip, no kids.
If you want to guarantee not to see the parking lot, a standard room in the Poipu wing will do the trick. 1st or 3rd floor, very inconvenient location-wise (far from everything except the club). A ground level standard room on the 3rd floor of the Shipwreck wing will net you a view of grass and bushes, a higher floor standard room in the Shipwreck wing will get you a view of the parking lot. Shipwreck wing is much closer to the pool, the lobby, and the restaurants.
http://thehyattguy.blogspot.com/2015...oom-guide.html
At some point I'll update the above blog with a newer video of the resort grounds, but for now I have this (taken in 2013): Hyatt Kauai 2013
3D Version of same video: Hyatt Kauai 3D
Oct 29, 2015, 10:29 am
#1183
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: DEN
Programs: WN A-list CP, IHG plat, Hyatt plat, United Silver, Hilton Gold
Posts: 153
I just wanted to add has anyone stayed here during race week? If so, how crazy is it? Last time we were on Kauai we arrived the day after the race and stayed at the Sheraton, for the first half, and then the rest at the Westin. We had a deluxe full ocean view room with an incredible view (the room it self was very average). This time we are thinking of trying the GH. I hear the beach is not the greatest though? That was one of the Sheraton's few strengths.
The beach is great, but definitely be careful. There is quite a bit of coral that's easy to get swept into.
Oct 29, 2015, 10:57 am
#1184
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Programs: Hyatt, Fairmont, SPG, AA, WN
Posts: 102
Is there anyway to find out occupancy numbers? Since this is a large convention hotel, it would be nice to try to avoid large conventions. Anyway a lurker can post occupancy numbers or large convention numbers from time to time?
Oct 29, 2015, 2:27 pm
#1185
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: NJ
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 46,919
They will never post those numbers. I've asked when I was there and was told, but it's not likely anyone will put it down.
As well, it's not a really big convention hotel. It's often booked for smaller conventions, and sometimes they take over most of the hotel, but I never found it obtrusive or large.
As well, it's not a really big convention hotel. It's often booked for smaller conventions, and sometimes they take over most of the hotel, but I never found it obtrusive or large.