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
Jul 8, 2016, 10:28 am
#1277
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
It's entirely possible they removed all the std rooms from availability because they anticipate a sell out.
It's getting around the rules, but they do have an out in the periods of high demand.
It's getting around the rules, but they do have an out in the periods of high demand.
Jul 8, 2016, 12:25 pm
#1278
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 2MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,164
I checked a few dates for next April and standard rooms are available for 25K points, so they don't appear to be fiddling with inventory.
Jul 8, 2016, 12:50 pm
#1279
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
That's true, and thanks for being more specific than I.
We really have no way of knowing if they're not offering it, or only offering very few. That's the big downside to this.
We really have no way of knowing if they're not offering it, or only offering very few. That's the big downside to this.
Jul 8, 2016, 4:09 pm
#1280
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Byron Bay Australia
Posts: 2
Interesting.
I had no issue booking a 5 day stay on cash and points last year in April. Even changing the dates quite late in the day.
I have had a bit of a hunt around at this property. Trying dates throughout the year. I am having no luck finding cash + points at any of the dates I have tried.
I am seeing normal award nights though.
I had no issue booking a 5 day stay on cash and points last year in April. Even changing the dates quite late in the day.
I have had a bit of a hunt around at this property. Trying dates throughout the year. I am having no luck finding cash + points at any of the dates I have tried.
I am seeing normal award nights though.
Jul 8, 2016, 4:53 pm
#1281
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 2MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,164
I'm just guessing here, but maybe the popularity of P+C & DSUs caused the hotel to reconsider how they offer P+C rates.
You don't have to read too far into this thread to see how attractive suites, and the use of DSUs are, and this way, the use of DSUs is restricted to fully paid (in $$) rates.
You don't have to read too far into this thread to see how attractive suites, and the use of DSUs are, and this way, the use of DSUs is restricted to fully paid (in $$) rates.
Jul 17, 2016, 4:33 pm
#1282
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Stuck Between the Moon and CLD or SAN, Your local Taco Bell
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLT, DL PM, UA Silver, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,510
Front office contact?
We had a semi-disastrous honeymoon at this property in December 2015 (think two room moves, issues with activities, spa issues, they "forgot" we were on a honeymoon, etc...) and when we departed, one of the front office managers, Lee, asked us to reach out when we planned to return and he'd make sure we had an excellent stay.
Fast forward to today and we've booked a return to Kauai and grabbed a res at the Grand Hyatt (albeit on points... gotta spend 'em somewhere), but Lee is apparently no longer with the property. Can anyone offer an alternate point of contact? We really want to make sure that this trip goes much smoother than the last one!
Fast forward to today and we've booked a return to Kauai and grabbed a res at the Grand Hyatt (albeit on points... gotta spend 'em somewhere), but Lee is apparently no longer with the property. Can anyone offer an alternate point of contact? We really want to make sure that this trip goes much smoother than the last one!
Jul 17, 2016, 8:14 pm
#1283
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
Can't help you with a contact, but can reassure you that a problematic trip is not the norm. Why were the room changes necessary? What activities did you have problems with?
Definitely hope it goes better for you this coming trip. We're returning for trip #4 this year and will begin plans for trip #5 (wedding next year) while we're there.
Definitely hope it goes better for you this coming trip. We're returning for trip #4 this year and will begin plans for trip #5 (wedding next year) while we're there.
Jul 17, 2016, 8:23 pm
#1284
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
Anyone have experience with weddings at GHK? Our wedding will be during our 5th stay at the resort (in low season 2017), and hoping to leverage loyalty and what we'll be spending and how many guests we bring to the resort (minimum of 6 rooms)- in order to get a killer upgrade. We've stayed in every room category minus standard Garden room, and would love the Presidential again. But even bringing them 20k+ in revenue doesnt seem like good leverage against what is normally a $4500/night room. What have all your experiences been?
Jul 17, 2016, 8:26 pm
#1285
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Stuck Between the Moon and CLD or SAN, Your local Taco Bell
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLT, DL PM, UA Silver, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,510
From an activities standpoint, we were billed incorrectly for them (they hit our credit card vs room charge), no one told us there was a packet with all of our details in it waiting at the concierge (even when we stopped by), and several things in the packet were inaccurate. There was also supposed to be a honeymooners discount at the spa that required acts of Congress to have honored. All in all, we relied on the front line folks too much vs. planning ahead and researching the right contacts. Bottom line, the hotel could have done MUCH better and we also should have done more homework... though at a hotel like this I have pretty strong feelings that such homework shouldn't be required.
Definitely hope it goes better for you this coming trip. We're returning for trip #4 this year and will begin plans for trip #5 (wedding next year) while we're there.
Jul 17, 2016, 8:35 pm
#1286
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
We had a semi-disastrous honeymoon at this property in December 2015 (think two room moves, issues with activities, spa issues, they "forgot" we were on a honeymoon, etc...) and when we departed, one of the front office managers, Lee, asked us to reach out when we planned to return and he'd make sure we had an excellent stay.
Fast forward to today and we've booked a return to Kauai and grabbed a res at the Grand Hyatt (albeit on points... gotta spend 'em somewhere), but Lee is apparently no longer with the property. Can anyone offer an alternate point of contact? We really want to make sure that this trip goes much smoother than the last one!
Fast forward to today and we've booked a return to Kauai and grabbed a res at the Grand Hyatt (albeit on points... gotta spend 'em somewhere), but Lee is apparently no longer with the property. Can anyone offer an alternate point of contact? We really want to make sure that this trip goes much smoother than the last one!
Send an email to [email protected] and they will route it accordingly. I have found success with using this address and getting my requests taken care of.
Jul 17, 2016, 8:37 pm
#1287
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Stuck Between the Moon and CLD or SAN, Your local Taco Bell
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLT, DL PM, UA Silver, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,510
Send an email to [email protected] and they will route it accordingly. I have found success with using this address and getting my requests taken care of.
Jul 20, 2016, 8:11 am
#1288
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA ExecPlat; AF Gold; UA GS; Hyatt L. Globalist; Marriott Plat; Hilton Diamond; National EE
Posts: 6,167
Had a wonderful trip to this property. We loved our DSU-upgraded ground-floor garden suite. Not much of an ocean view from the room, but that was OK with us. Plenty of ocean views around the property. Walk to car was a bit far, but the hotel was very well maintained, and the hotel seems to have thought of everything. Definitely the best Hyatt in the islands of Hawaii, in my experience.
Note that it does rain a lot in Kauai. We got sunshowers passing through even on sunny days.
Note that it does rain a lot in Kauai. We got sunshowers passing through even on sunny days.
Jul 24, 2016, 2:00 pm
#1290
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Posts: 1,492
How are restaurant charges coded on credit cards at this property?
Considering using one or more of the following travel statement credit cards for meals at this property, but wanted to make sure how the charges are coded. Would it be Hyatt Hotels / travel category? I ask because some restaurants at some hotels are owned and operated by third parties. And also because I'd want to be sure the coding category was eligible for receiving travel statement credits using:
* Barclays Arrival Plus
* BOA BankAmericard Travel Rewards
Or perhaps at nearby hotels (the Marriott) or Koloa Landing (actually staying at Koloa Landing for several nights prior to GK Kauai).
Failing that, I might consider purchase a $250 or $500 Hyatt gift card using some Amex Membership Rewards points I want to unload--again, assuming they'd be usable at the Grand Hyatt Kauai's restaurants. One thing I recall from the T&Cs for the Hyatt GCs using MR points was that they were only good for Hyatt properties in the U.S. and Canada--obviously not a problem for Hawaii. But so many nice Hyatt properties abroad that I've hesitated redeeming MR points for the Hyatt GCs.
If I can't use points / GCs for meals, can anyone recommend decent, reasonably priced restaurants in the Koloa area? Don't expect hotel restaurants to be reasonably priced--but that's fine when gratis, or highly subsidized, with points or GCs. Looking for mid-range casual dining if its on my dime. Maybe one high-end restaurant for a splurge. But I'm fine with sushi / noodles, tex-mex, italian, etc.
Finally, on all the Hawaiian isle resort areas I've stayed at, there's always been an ABC Store nearby. Great for improving breakfast, picnic lunches, etc. But I don't see one near either the GK Kauai or Koloa Landing. Is there one and I'm missing it? If there isn't one, what are some good grocery stores / alternatives nearby?
* Barclays Arrival Plus
* BOA BankAmericard Travel Rewards
Or perhaps at nearby hotels (the Marriott) or Koloa Landing (actually staying at Koloa Landing for several nights prior to GK Kauai).
Failing that, I might consider purchase a $250 or $500 Hyatt gift card using some Amex Membership Rewards points I want to unload--again, assuming they'd be usable at the Grand Hyatt Kauai's restaurants. One thing I recall from the T&Cs for the Hyatt GCs using MR points was that they were only good for Hyatt properties in the U.S. and Canada--obviously not a problem for Hawaii. But so many nice Hyatt properties abroad that I've hesitated redeeming MR points for the Hyatt GCs.
If I can't use points / GCs for meals, can anyone recommend decent, reasonably priced restaurants in the Koloa area? Don't expect hotel restaurants to be reasonably priced--but that's fine when gratis, or highly subsidized, with points or GCs. Looking for mid-range casual dining if its on my dime. Maybe one high-end restaurant for a splurge. But I'm fine with sushi / noodles, tex-mex, italian, etc.
Finally, on all the Hawaiian isle resort areas I've stayed at, there's always been an ABC Store nearby. Great for improving breakfast, picnic lunches, etc. But I don't see one near either the GK Kauai or Koloa Landing. Is there one and I'm missing it? If there isn't one, what are some good grocery stores / alternatives nearby?
Last edited by moretimeoffguy; Jul 24, 2016 at 2:07 pm