The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa captures the allure of the island of Kauai in a seaside sanctuary for the whole family.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Upon first entering the resort, one is greeted with flower and Kukui nut leis, as well as the island breezes washing right through the resort and hotel lobby which opens to views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort sits on 50 beachfront acres of lushly manicured gardens blending beautifully with the architecture of the hotel’s four-story structure.

View of pool, lagoon and ocean

Sunlight streams through the lobby’s roofless atrium and over the flowering plants and trees  growing there, including a gorgeous banyan tree, bromeliads with fuchsia-colored flowers, orchids, ginger, palms and all sorts of tropical greenery that fills the air with a sweet fragrance.

This hyacinth macaw resides in the lobby’s atrium

A stone path winds through the foliage where several varieties of colorful parrots including macaws and a cockatoo are perched. This was one of my favorite places to visit when I had the pleasure of staying at this resort with my family, and made it a point to stroll through the atrium to admire the birds and plants, and especially the banyan tree with is magnificent trunk, aerial roots, and dense clusters of shade-giving leaves.

Accommodations & Recreational Facilities

All the accommodations feature private balconies with views of the ocean, gardens or mountainside. The pillow-top beds are extremely comfortable, and the rooms are elegantly appointed in the classic décor of the Hawaiian Islands.

The accommodations are inviting and extremely comfortable

The swimming pools are a major highlight of this fantastic resort and include a waterslide and two freshwater pools built with waterfalls and connecting river-like streams that wind around several little islands with hot tubs for soaking.

View of the waterslide curving down the garden landscape

The swimming pools are irresistible

The pools have many river-like streams winding around lush gardens like a lazy river.

A large saltwater lagoon measuring 1.5 acres is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and a wonderful introductory class to deep-water Scuba diving, all of which my children loved.

Stunning view of the saltwater lagoon with a sandy beach

The saltwater lagoon has a sandy bottom as well

Guests can enjoy a free introductory Scuba diving class right in the saltwater lagoon

The resort also features an 18-hole golf course with stunning ocean and mountain views, three tennis courts, a fitness room and luxury spa with spa pool, Camp Hyatt for kids ages 3-12, and babysitting services. Daily family activities and fitness classes are offered as well.

Anara Spa infuses traditional Hawaiian healing in their massage and body treatments

Hiking along the Mahaulepu Heritage Coastal Trail beginning at the resort on Shipwreck Beach was a special treat.

The sand on Shipwreck Beach is a delicious golden color of raw cane sugar

The trail boasts breathtaking views of the ocean with its volcanic rocks and rough surf pounding the shore.

Views on the hike are beautiful

It ends at the Makauwahi Cave by the Mahaulepu Beach. It’s an easy/moderate hike less than three miles roundtrip, and is perfect for families of all ages.

Rocky bluffs are met by the rough sea

Another gorgeous view of the coastline from the hiking trail

Makauwahi Cave at the end of the trail

My children also enjoyed visiting the game room with its fun activities like billiards, ping-pong, Foosball, X-Box, board games and more. Party music flows from the speakers, while sports play on the large flat-screen TVs.

The resort’s game room has a lot to offer

Restaurants and Bars

The food at the resort is fresh and tasty with a choice of everything from salads and sandwiches by the pools, to steaks, seafood and Polynesian cuisine prepared with an enticing combination of spices and fruity emulsions. Dondero’s offers delicious Italian cuisine, while Tidepools features Pacific Rim delights like poke, prawns, assorted fresh fish, pork and more.

Tidepools Restaurant was a personal favorite

But it’s the location of Tidepools restaurant that makes the dining experience memorable: open-air thatched-roof bungalows are nestled within a freshwater lagoon filled with koi fish, where swans float gracefully and heron roam among the rocks and grasses fringing the lagoon. It’s beautiful.

Traditional Luaus are held twice a week at the resort

Luaus are held every Thursday and Sunday, and feature tasty Polynesian and Asian-influenced cuisine like poke, Hawaiian poi, Kalua Pua’a (roasted pork), chicken, fish, salad, rice, taro rolls and tantalizing desserts. The shows are exciting with authentic Hawaiian music, traditional hula dancing, and a thrilling fire dance to a drum beat that rouses one’s primitive instincts, making you want to join them on the stage.

Other Information & Suggestions

Our stay at the Grand Hyatt could not have been any better. One of the loveliest features about this resort is its gracious staff. We felt very welcomed, and were always greeted by a warm aloha and sincere smile.

The resort has several lovely shops, a florist, and hair and manicure salon. A car rental desk makes it easy to rent a car and see more of the island. There is also a business center conveniently located by the lobby.

Be sure to pack lots of sun protection including hats and sunscreen, since kids love to spend most of the time in the pool. The resort has a complementary laundry room which makes it convenient to launder your clothing. You can bring some detergent or purchase it from the resort. High-speed and wireless internet access are included, as are in-room coffee/tea service, bath amenities like shampoo, conditioner and lotion, an in-room safe, and free local calls. The location of this resort is close to many off-site attractions including the National Tropical Botanical Garden, historic Koloa Town, Polihale State Park and more.

For more detailed information on the resort’s activities and amenities visit Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa.