A Million Little Pieces Of My Mind

So when my daughter made her plans for the Kaua'i vacation, it turned out the AirBNB we wanted (and got) in Poipu wasn't available for the last three nights of our vacation. And so, using points, Jenny got us into the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, just about a mile away.

The Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa is a luxurious oceanfront property nestled on the beautiful Poipu Beach. This tropical paradise features lush gardens, sparkling pools, and a stunning saltwater lagoon. Guests can enjoy world-class amenities including an award-winning spa, championship golf course, diverse dining options, and a variety of water activities. The resort's spacious rooms and suites offer breathtaking views, elegant Hawaiian-inspired decor, and modern comforts, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure on the enchanting island of Kaua'i.

The land now occupied by the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa has a rich history deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and traditions. Historically, this area of Poipu was known for its abundant freshwater springs, which made it a significant gathering place for native Hawaiians. The fertile land was utilized for agriculture, particularly taro farming, and served as a crucial resource for the local communities. The coastline, with its plentiful marine life, was a vital spot for fishing and ocean activities. Over time, the land evolved from its traditional uses to become a premier resort destination, blending its storied past with modern luxury while striving to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.

The Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa offers an array of amenities designed to provide a luxurious and memorable experience. Guests can unwind at the award-winning Anara Spa, enjoy a round of golf at the championship Poipu Bay Golf Course, or explore the beautiful tropical gardens. The resort features multiple sparkling pools, including a tranquil adult-only pool, a meandering river pool with waterfalls, and a saltwater lagoon. Dining options are diverse and exquisite, with restaurants such as Tidepools, offering contemporary Hawaiian cuisine in an over-the-water setting; Ilima Terrace, known for its bountiful breakfast buffet; and Dondero's, serving authentic Italian dishes. Additionally, Stevenson's Library provides a sophisticated lounge experience with sushi and classic cocktails. The Seaview Terrace offers light fare and stunning ocean views, while the Shipwreck Bar provides poolside refreshments. With direct access to Poipu Beach, guests can also enjoy various water activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing, making the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i a true island paradise.

In other words, you can fly all the way to one of the most beautiful, mostly unspoiled places on Earth, and spend your entire vacation without ever leaving the resort—or seeing the actual island.

Not that we did that, of course. Plus, we'd already spent nearly two weeks exploring Kaua'i. So exploring the Hyatt was in addition, not instead of.

The room was a fairly ordinary hotel room, with a couple of minor annoyances: The fridge did not have a freezer, and there was no microwave. This combination required us to eat either room service, or in one of the seven (overpriced) restaurants on-site. But who wants to leave the 50 acres of resort to drive 25 minutes to the nearest McDonald's?

The balcony on our ground-floor room did make the room much more pleasant. Plus, the kids spent most of their time in the pool, anyway.

In the center distance is Shipwreck Rock. We'll get closer to it tomorrow.

Most if not all the restaurants in the Hyatt are either open-air, or have open-air sections. This means some local critters can join us for our meal. Twice, when Gianna left the table, a little bird landed on her plate and flew off with a piece of mac-and-cheese.

Even a short stroll from the room reveals exquisite views of the sea, cliffs, and sky.

Basically, they've taken the 50 acres and sculpted it into a work of art. Considering Kaua'i is, naturally, a work of art, it seems redundant. But you can't say they went halfway with the architecture or the landscaping or the water features.

And then, yes, it's hard to describe how lovely it is to sit on that balcony, smell the scent of flowers wafting on the sea air, and watching the moon parade across the sky. But I did it for hours before finally getting to bed.