Aug 20, 2018, 3:29 am
Last edit by: ILuvParis
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):
5. Target in Lihue, near Costco. Much more upscale than Wal-Mart
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
5. Kaua'i Coffee Estate. Near Hanapepe. Guided and self guided tours. Sample different coffees. Gift shop.
6. Kaua'i Backcountry Adventures - mountain tubing through old sugar plantation open canals and tunnels, ziplining. Based in Lihue and booking available online.
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.
8. Waimea Canyon ("Grand Canyon of the Pacific") and Koke'e State Park. Drive to the top and see spetacular views of Napali Coast
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, laundry detergant & dryer sheets
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 dont 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 dont have a huge family staying a long time to eat Costco bulk item)
c. Souvenirs (they have a section in the front for this)
5. Target in Lihue, near Costco. Much more upscale than Wal-Mart
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
5. Kaua'i Coffee Estate. Near Hanapepe. Guided and self guided tours. Sample different coffees. Gift shop.
6. Kaua'i Backcountry Adventures - mountain tubing through old sugar plantation open canals and tunnels, ziplining. Based in Lihue and booking available online.
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.
8. Waimea Canyon ("Grand Canyon of the Pacific") and Koke'e State Park. Drive to the top and see spetacular views of Napali Coast
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, laundry detergant & dryer sheets
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
Dec 22, 2011 | 11:31 pm
#121
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM, HA, VS
Posts: 91,640
There isn't really a better suite than that one, specifically. It's the only one with windows in the bedroom and the one I've had the past few times I've been there. You got really lucky, as it is hard to get.
The xx24 suites are better located, but we are talking about ocean suites. Usually the suite given to diamonds are either on the lower floors, ot the xx08s, which are even further away from the action.
The xx24 suites are better located, but we are talking about ocean suites. Usually the suite given to diamonds are either on the lower floors, ot the xx08s, which are even further away from the action.
Dec 23, 2011 | 3:41 am
#122
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle
Programs: Hyatt, Marriott, Delta, Alaska
Posts: 636
I can't imagine a better suite than 5016 so I'd request that. You would be most happy. I'd book through a virtuosity agent so you get double the bennies (free buffet breakfast which is nicer than the club), plus the club, plus free premium wifi (otherwise an outrageous $7.50 per day PER DEVICE). The only downside to the ocean suites is that they are at the end of the property, far away from the action. So it's a quarter mile walk to the lobby and down to the pools. I'm eating like a race horse so I don't mind the walk, but if someone is elderly, I'd think twice about it.
I am a DM. Do they charge DMs for Wifi there? Even Maui includes that in the Extortion...err...Resort Fee. And forgive my ignorance, but what is a virtuosity agent?
Dec 23, 2011 | 5:00 am
#123
Moderator: LGBTQ+ Travel & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,301
I think the poster meant Virtuoso (select travel agents belong to the consortium which specializes in "luxury" travel).
Dec 23, 2011 | 7:11 am
#124
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 2MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,419
Looking at going to Kauai instead of Maui this year, but I would like to know if I use GP points to reserve a suite (all points, no cert) which suite will I get? I would really like an Ocean Suite, because that's what we get at the Maui property - something closest to the ocean, which is why we go there.
What can those of you who know the Kauai property tell me about location preferences at the resort? FWIW, we would be looking at going in early May, between the spring break and summer busy periods.
What can those of you who know the Kauai property tell me about location preferences at the resort? FWIW, we would be looking at going in early May, between the spring break and summer busy periods.
I was in 5016 a few weeks ago, and it was nice, but waste of space for me. Personally, if I was using points, I wouldn't pay a 50% premium for a suite here, unless you're bunking kids in the living spaces or something like that. I just don't spend that much time in the room here. Similarly, I wouldn't worry about things like premium internet. The regular service was fine for things like email and Skype. I suppose it might be useful if you're trying to stream HD videos, but why would you do that at this property ? Get out of the room and do something
The breakfast buffet at the Ilima Terrace is great, and we usually eat there once or twice per visit. Everyday is too much for us, and the club breakfast is more than fine.
Dec 23, 2011 | 8:52 am
#125
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,659
Dec 23, 2011 | 9:25 am
#126
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Globalist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Platinum
Posts: 17,953
Dec 23, 2011 | 4:21 pm
#127
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Marina Del Rey, CA
Programs: AA EXPLAT, HYATT GLOBALIST, AS75K
Posts: 615
I'm travelling with kids so we use the large living area for them. Love the terrace. Premium internet is great for Netflix. Not much to do here at night so that comes in handy.
We checked out a few other beaches around and they were as rough as the Grand Hyatt so we stay here. Really enjoy everything here.
We checked out a few other beaches around and they were as rough as the Grand Hyatt so we stay here. Really enjoy everything here.
Dec 23, 2011 | 4:35 pm
#128
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM, HA, VS
Posts: 91,640
They also love the waffle fries from the poolside restaurant, the Dock (who doesn't?). For anyone planning a visit, one order of those fries feeds a family of six!
Dec 23, 2011 | 4:38 pm
#129
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Texas
Programs: Hyatt Glob (Barely); Marriott Plat Life; AA Up and Down Now Plat; Hilton, UA, BA, HA Peasant
Posts: 3,055
Dec 24, 2011 | 9:08 am
#130
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle
Programs: Hyatt, Marriott, Delta, Alaska
Posts: 636
My wife's #1 requirement when we vacation near an ocean is that she be able to see and hear it from the room at night. To that end, we always try to get the room/suite closest to the actual ocean, no matter how far it is to walk there. We have heard that the Kauai property is set back from the ocean a bit, but are the closest parts still within visual and audible range?
None of us are concerned about the beach being swimmable, as long as it is walkable barefoot (i.e. mostly sand vs coral/lava). We go for a suite so my teenage daughter can make her little home in the living area. I have heard that the Kauai suites are better than the Maui ones, and the bathrooms appear to be, but the pics posted in an earlier post showed rather spartan and sparse (read: cheap) furnishings in the living area - not what I would expect from a 4/5 star resort hotel. Looked more like an average Holiday Inn. Is my perception validated by those of you who have been there?
None of us are concerned about the beach being swimmable, as long as it is walkable barefoot (i.e. mostly sand vs coral/lava). We go for a suite so my teenage daughter can make her little home in the living area. I have heard that the Kauai suites are better than the Maui ones, and the bathrooms appear to be, but the pics posted in an earlier post showed rather spartan and sparse (read: cheap) furnishings in the living area - not what I would expect from a 4/5 star resort hotel. Looked more like an average Holiday Inn. Is my perception validated by those of you who have been there?
What do you mean "closest to the ocean" ? The entire property is set a ways back from a (usually) unswimable beach and it's about a 5 minute walk from the suites in the Poipu wing, e.g. closest to the club.
I was in 5016 a few weeks ago, and it was nice, but waste of space for me. Personally, if I was using points, I wouldn't pay a 50% premium for a suite here, unless you're bunking kids in the living spaces or something like that. I just don't spend that much time in the room here. Similarly, I wouldn't worry about things like premium internet. The regular service was fine for things like email and Skype. I suppose it might be useful if you're trying to stream HD videos, but why would you do that at this property ? Get out of the room and do something The breakfast buffet at the Ilima Terrace is great, and we usually eat there once or twice per visit. Everyday is too much for us, and the club breakfast is more than fine.
I was in 5016 a few weeks ago, and it was nice, but waste of space for me. Personally, if I was using points, I wouldn't pay a 50% premium for a suite here, unless you're bunking kids in the living spaces or something like that. I just don't spend that much time in the room here. Similarly, I wouldn't worry about things like premium internet. The regular service was fine for things like email and Skype. I suppose it might be useful if you're trying to stream HD videos, but why would you do that at this property ? Get out of the room and do something
The breakfast buffet at the Ilima Terrace is great, and we usually eat there once or twice per visit. Everyday is too much for us, and the club breakfast is more than fine.
Dec 24, 2011 | 11:12 am
#131
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Likely being followed...
Programs: DYKWIA Extraordinaire. TrollSlayer Mega Diamond. [insert esoteric sounding status level(s) here]
Posts: 5,237
I'm travelling with kids so we use the large living area for them. Love the terrace. Premium internet is great for Netflix. Not much to do here at night so that comes in handy.
We checked out a few other beaches around and they were as rough as the Grand Hyatt so we stay here. Really enjoy everything here.
We checked out a few other beaches around and they were as rough as the Grand Hyatt so we stay here. Really enjoy everything here.
Dec 24, 2011 | 11:19 am
#132
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New Jersey
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 47,386
My wife's #1 requirement when we vacation near an ocean is that she be able to see and hear it from the room at night. To that end, we always try to get the room/suite closest to the actual ocean, no matter how far it is to walk there. We have heard that the Kauai property is set back from the ocean a bit, but are the closest parts still within visual and audible range?
Dec 24, 2011 | 12:59 pm
#133
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM, HA, VS
Posts: 91,640
We usually sleep with the lanai doors open if our room catches the trades. If so, the crashing of the waves can keep you up at night. You don't have to worry about hearing the ocean from any of the rooms, particularly in the Poipu wing. You'll also be able to see the ocean from just about any room in that wing.
), but I find the crashing of the waves sleep inducing.
Dec 27, 2011 | 3:23 pm
#135
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Plat, AA Gold LT, WS Plat, AC 50k
Posts: 1,998
I can't imagine a better suite than 5016 so I'd request that. You would be most happy. I'd book through a virtuosity agent so you get double the bennies (free buffet breakfast which is nicer than the club), plus the club, plus free premium wifi (otherwise an outrageous $7.50 per day PER DEVICE). ....
I thought diamonds get the free premium internet? Yes/ No?
Also can anyone confirm is it still $25 per day resort fee for diamonds?
Roll - aways are they $25 per day as well?