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
Jun 11, 2016, 4:50 am
#1246
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
Some of these rooms are pretty exquisite. If 5127/6127 is available, you might ask for a cash upgrade. (Don't feel the same about DOS in Poipu wing) Depending on what they offer/length of stay, might be a hefty cost, but those two rooms have the best view on the resort IMO- that's after staying in one of the Presidential suites as well.
Jun 14, 2016, 9:41 pm
#1247
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
No, they'll do there best to upgrade you if possible. I've been there 4x. First time, booked Ocean Suite got ocean Suite on points. Second trip, booked Garden Room on points, got Partial Ocean View. Third trip booked Garden Suite with DSU, got spectacular Deluxe Ocean Suite. fourth trip, booked Garden Suite with DSU, got Ocean Suite.
I would be willing to bet that Diamonds would rarely, if ever, get a Garden Room. That said a suite should never be expected if you're booked in a regular room.
I would be willing to bet that Diamonds would rarely, if ever, get a Garden Room. That said a suite should never be expected if you're booked in a regular room.
Jun 16, 2016, 9:45 am
#1248
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 129
Hyatt Diamond here. I have 6 nights booked in October; first night paid and then 5 nights on points. I have unused suite night upgrade certificates and was thinking that I might as well use one on the first night in hopes that I get the upgrade for the whole stay. Is this a possibility or will I most likely just be in a garden suite one night and then have to move. In that case I'd rather just stay in the same room the whole time.
Jun 16, 2016, 9:53 am
#1249
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Minnesota
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,101
Hyatt Diamond here. I have 6 nights booked in October; first night paid and then 5 nights on points. I have unused suite night upgrade certificates and was thinking that I might as well use one on the first night in hopes that I get the upgrade for the whole stay. Is this a possibility or will I most likely just be in a garden suite one night and then have to move. In that case I'd rather just stay in the same room the whole time.
I doubt you will be able to get this confirmed in advance so good luck and let us know what happens.
Jun 16, 2016, 10:00 am
#1250
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 129
Its just a roll of the dice and depends on how busy they are. I've never been booted out at other properties but it was never a 1 paid + 5 free night combo with my DSU....more like 3 nights P+C and 1-2 nights on points using a DSU on the P+C nights.
I doubt you will be able to get this confirmed in advance so good luck and let us know what happens.
I doubt you will be able to get this confirmed in advance so good luck and let us know what happens.
Jun 24, 2016, 11:43 am
#1251
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,204
Staying on free certs (chase) this September. I'm plat due to the card but my husband is a real platinum. Booked into a standard room months ago though no std rooms are available now. E-Mailed the GM and and asked do what they can, and that we were more than happy with views of the pool like we had last time. I don't know if we were in a pool view or partial ocean last time to be honest. The f&b manager said he was happy to place us on a high floor overlooking the pool in the shipwreck wing. ^
Just briefly mentioned it was our 5th year anniversary and I proposed in front of the waterfalls/lobby in 2009 (first plan elsewhere backfired!) so were excited to be coming back finally. Considering we were on free nights, anything upgraded is much appreciated.
Just briefly mentioned it was our 5th year anniversary and I proposed in front of the waterfalls/lobby in 2009 (first plan elsewhere backfired!) so were excited to be coming back finally. Considering we were on free nights, anything upgraded is much appreciated.
Jun 24, 2016, 7:09 pm
#1252
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Tennessee
Programs: SPG, Marriott, United, SWA, AA
Posts: 700
I don't know what kind of choice, if any, we will be given. Staying 6 nights in Sept paying cash, but got a really low rate into a standard room which was booked directly with hyatt. I have PLT status due to status match.
I have no idea if we will get any kind of upgrade or not, and really I have no idea what wing would be best for us, so I don't even know what to request since this is our first time at this resort. It will also be our 5th anniversary which is noted on the reservation. A view of pool would be nice or maybe just something that is ground floor to cut down on the walk to and from the pool or lobby? Are there many rooms on the ground floor where you can walk right out to the pool area? We will be pretty active and going off property quite a bit too. Mostly we just do not want to be stuck with a parking lot view and having to walk a mile to the lobby. Any suggestions on what wing to request and or avoid?
I have no idea if we will get any kind of upgrade or not, and really I have no idea what wing would be best for us, so I don't even know what to request since this is our first time at this resort. It will also be our 5th anniversary which is noted on the reservation. A view of pool would be nice or maybe just something that is ground floor to cut down on the walk to and from the pool or lobby? Are there many rooms on the ground floor where you can walk right out to the pool area? We will be pretty active and going off property quite a bit too. Mostly we just do not want to be stuck with a parking lot view and having to walk a mile to the lobby. Any suggestions on what wing to request and or avoid?
Jun 25, 2016, 1:05 pm
#1253
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,204
I don't know what kind of choice, if any, we will be given. Staying 6 nights in Sept paying cash, but got a really low rate into a standard room which was booked directly with hyatt. I have PLT status due to status match.
I have no idea if we will get any kind of upgrade or not, and really I have no idea what wing would be best for us, so I don't even know what to request since this is our first time at this resort. It will also be our 5th anniversary which is noted on the reservation. A view of pool would be nice or maybe just something that is ground floor to cut down on the walk to and from the pool or lobby? Are there many rooms on the ground floor where you can walk right out to the pool area? We will be pretty active and going off property quite a bit too. Mostly we just do not want to be stuck with a parking lot view and having to walk a mile to the lobby. Any suggestions on what wing to request and or avoid?
I have no idea if we will get any kind of upgrade or not, and really I have no idea what wing would be best for us, so I don't even know what to request since this is our first time at this resort. It will also be our 5th anniversary which is noted on the reservation. A view of pool would be nice or maybe just something that is ground floor to cut down on the walk to and from the pool or lobby? Are there many rooms on the ground floor where you can walk right out to the pool area? We will be pretty active and going off property quite a bit too. Mostly we just do not want to be stuck with a parking lot view and having to walk a mile to the lobby. Any suggestions on what wing to request and or avoid?
Just ask for a pool view in the shipwreck wing and you should be happy with your room. Your hopes for your room are similar to mine too.
Jun 25, 2016, 2:34 pm
#1254
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Tennessee
Programs: SPG, Marriott, United, SWA, AA
Posts: 700
Well that's weird were both going around the same time on our 5th anniversary. Congrats! From research it seems a pool view will be easy to nab as a platinum. Pool views may only be on the ground floor (3rd in reality). I asked for a balcony so I'll be higher which could be partial ocean or full ocean. I'm not really sure if there are pool view rooms on other floors. I'm just extrapolating what I'm seeing here. September is a slow time, you shouldn't have a parking lot view no matter the price.
Just ask for a pool view in the shipwreck wing and you should be happy with your room. Your hopes for your room are similar to mine too.
Just ask for a pool view in the shipwreck wing and you should be happy with your room. Your hopes for your room are similar to mine too.
We get there on the 1st so our stay will be both before, and after the Kauai Marathon. I am not sure how many that brings in but the Hyatt is hosting and I think the Sheraton is where the finish line is. Now that you mention it a balcony would be nice too. I hope we are given a choice in locations. This will be my first stay with Hyatt status. I did not put any location preference in our reservation notes since I was not familiar with the property, but I will call them back if I can figure this out. As I said before, I just don't want to be stuck on the outer rim of the property looking at the parking lot. I am only PLT so I am not expecting anything more that this.
Jun 25, 2016, 8:34 pm
#1255
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 20
Has anyone stayed/booked a Grand Club Room? Is it worth it? Any recommendations? Never been to GHK and going near the end of August. Was able to book 4 nights in a Grand Club Room on points... just seeing a few comments on here on how far of a trek it is since it's such a large resort. Any insight would be much appreciated!
Jun 26, 2016, 2:34 pm
#1256
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
Has anyone stayed/booked a Grand Club Room? Is it worth it? Any recommendations? Never been to GHK and going near the end of August. Was able to book 4 nights in a Grand Club Room on points... just seeing a few comments on here on how far of a trek it is since it's such a large resort. Any insight would be much appreciated!
Jun 26, 2016, 4:56 pm
#1257
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 20
Is the Poipu wing that much of a hike to the rest of the grounds? I see a lot of comments about it being very, very far from the pool area.
Would it be worth it to ask for a ground floor room in that area so that the lanai will have access and we wouldn't have to go all the way around?
Jun 27, 2016, 7:27 am
#1258
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
Thanks! I figured it was access, but was unsure whether the partial or full ocean view would go along with it. Hoping that my being Platinum will help with a full ocean view (and a 7th year anniversary).
Is the Poipu wing that much of a hike to the rest of the grounds? I see a lot of comments about it being very, very far from the pool area.
Would it be worth it to ask for a ground floor room in that area so that the lanai will have access and we wouldn't have to go all the way around?
Is the Poipu wing that much of a hike to the rest of the grounds? I see a lot of comments about it being very, very far from the pool area.
Would it be worth it to ask for a ground floor room in that area so that the lanai will have access and we wouldn't have to go all the way around?
I wouldn't think a ground floor room would be advantageous for distance purposes since you can't lock the sliding doors and there are rooms both on the actual ground (1st floor) and 3rd floor that have grass area right outside the room (but the 3rd floor would not have access to the walkway - think of it like a large grass balcony area).
Jun 27, 2016, 7:42 am
#1259
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 106
Platinum going in just over a week for a meeting. Can anyone clarify what "40% Grand Club access based on availability" means on the Platinum benefits card? I'm assuming that means 40% off the cost of access but any idea how much $$$ that is?
Jun 27, 2016, 3:31 pm
#1260
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: CMH
Programs: US. HH Diamond but chasing Hyatt
Posts: 108