Need a Trip Idea?

Rediscover 8 years of the best IgoUgo trips in our Top-Rated Journals Archive.

Kauai

A Week in Paradise

At the HyattMore Photos

by barbara

An April 2000 travel journal

Last Updated: August 29, 2001

Journal Usefulness Rating 6 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
20
Reviews
21
Photos

Sometimes we are blessed enough to visit a place so beautiful that we leave knowing that we have been allowed to look briefly into the eyes of God.

At the Hyatt
Absolutely first rate. The hotel was a tropical playground. The open-air lobby was full of flowers and parrots. The view of Keoneloa Bay was spectacular. My room was spacious and clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I understand that the Hyatt is consistently ranked by travelers as one of the top 20 tropical resorts in the world. One of the locals that we met told us that John Travolta chooses to stay at the Hyatt whenever he is in Kauai. Mr. Travolta has great taste in hotels! The many available amenities are what make the Hyatt outstanding. There are tons of swimming pools, tennis courts, and beach-rimmed lagoons. There is a golf course, a 150-foot long water slide (for the kid in you), an oceanfront white-sand beach, a Camp Hyatt for children, and an incredible full-service Spa.

After 17 hours stuck in planes and airports on my trip to Kauai, I spent my first morning on the island getting a facial, an herbal wrap, and a body massage at the Anara Spa just a short walk from my room (Sampler Package--$135 in April 2000). I indulged my body in the sauna and then felt completely relaxed in the outside lava rock-shower with the pale yellow sunshine of the Pacific beating down on my shoulders. Then it was off to the one of the hotel’s five available restaurants to enjoy a great meal!

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Hyatt Regency Kauai
1571 Poipu Road Kauai, Hawaii 96756
(808) 742-1234

The Beach House

Restaurant

On the lawn in front of The Beach House
I had a pasta dish that was fabulous and my dinner companions couldn’t say enough about the mahi mahi. The really great thing about this restaurant, however, is the view. The walls are nothing but windows, and everywhere you look will be blue-green ocean. We got reservations right before sunset so that we could watch the brilliant colors light up the sky as we drank our Lava Flows (Pina Coladas with Strawberries layered throughout) and enjoy the atmosphere. The portions were very generous, and we had to share the Apple Banana Foster we ordered for dessert because we were so full. A cup of Kauai coffee was good after dinner, too, but you will find that it tastes much different than the more famous Kona coffee from the Big Island. Coffee is very young in Kauai---a crop planted to replace the sugar that is no longer profitable to harvest---so it has more acidity in each sip. Still, you should at least try a cup. You might really like it!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Beach House Restaurant
5022 Lawai Road Kinsale, Ireland 96756
(808) 742-1424

Keoki’s Paradise

Restaurant

Keoki’s has grass thatched huts and a dining area festively lit with Tiki torches. We wanted something lighter than the entrees on the dinner menu (along with a quicker seat) so we ordered a meal from the bar menu and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. We learned that a lot of the locals will eat from the bar menu at Keoki’s as well as it is very good and economical to do so. I had Kalua pig ribs (Kalua pig is the type cooked in an underground oven that you find at luaus) that were absolutely delicious. My husband had a $5 Ono fish taco that he also enjoyed. The service was fast and friendly, and the tab was very reasonable. The hula pie they served was HUGE.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Keoki’s Paradise
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr. Kauai, Hawaii 96756
(808) 742-7534

Tidepools

Restaurant

Fish in the lagoon at Tidepools Restaurant
This is an open-air restaurant on a lagoon with a great atmosphere and good food. The specialty is fresh fish. Following is the Tidepools’ Recipe for Tropical Crusted Fresh Island Fish with Lemon Grass Buerrre Blanc. Ingredients: Fish: 4 Ea/4oz fresh fish fillet, skinless, boneless; 2 ea whole eggs, whisk; 2 cups All Purpose flour, 2 oz salad oil. Tropical Breading: 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes; 1/2 cup toasted chopped macadamia nuts; 1/2 cup banana chips, dried; 1/2 cup candied papay; 1/2 cup candied pineapple; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup bread crumbs; to taste kosher salt. Lemon Grass Beurre Blanc: 2 pcs kaffer lime leaf; 2 tbsp lemon grass; 1/2 tsp ginger, chopped; 1 tsp shallots, chopped; 4 oz white wine; 2 oz heavy cream; 1 tsp parsley, chopped; 1 tsp cooking oil; 4 oz butter (cut into medium pieces). Method: Dredge fish in flour then in the whisked eggs, then the tropical breading; saute with 1 oz of salad oil. Serve sauce over crusted fish. Tropical Breading: Combine all ingredients in a food processor until very fine. Lemon Grass Beurre Blanc: In a small sauce pan, add oil (vegetable preferred) and heat on medium flame. When pan is hot, add shallots, lemon grass and kaffer lime leaf (careful to not let it burn). Add whie wine and heavy cream. Let it reduce until 1/2 liquid is gone and starts to thicken. Slowly add butter one piece at a time, but at the same time keep whipping with a wire whisk. When butter is gone, add chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Tidepools
1571 Poipu Road Koloa, Hawaii 96756
+1 808 742 1234

At present time the Drums of Paradise Luau is scheduled for every Thursday and Sunday evening at the Hyatt. This is especially convenient if you happen to be staying at this fabulous resort! Even if you don’t go to the Luau but you are staying at the Hyatt, you will be able to see the "Lighting of the Torch" Ceremony on the Seaview Terrace overlooking the ocean before the Luau begins. The ceremony was the conch blowing, fire twirling entertainment I expected it to be. While traveling with just my husband, I couldn’t help but think my young son would have loved the experience of the Drums of Paradise! So that you will know, there are other Luaus scheduled periodically at various places around Kauai, but this one has all of the expected festivities that you might want to see. There is hula dancing and music along with all of the traditional Luau foods: Lomi Salmon, Macadamia Nut Salad, Kalua Pig, and more. The experience is fun and unique unto Hawaii. Information about this particular Luau can be obtained by calling the Hyatt Regency at 808-724-1234.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Drums of Paradise Luau
1571 Poipu Road Koloa, Hawaii 96756
+1 808 742 1234

This is a really neat bar. It was named for Robert Louis Stevenson, and it is richly decorated like the study of a man who delights in the outdoors, intellectual pursuit and the smoking of a nice pipe. There is a fine selection of cigars, cognac, single malt scotches and ports available for those who delight in those sorts of things, but all of the typical bar drinks are also available. There is a jazz band that performs there almost nightly, and I really enjoyed sitting on the comfortable couches and fantasizing that Clark Gable would walk into the place to play a game of chess or pool at any minute. It was also nice dancing slowly in front of the musicians (no one seemed to mind), sipping on a glass of white wine.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Stevenson's Library
The Hyatt Regency Kauai, Hawaii

View of Keoneloa Bay
The nicest thing about the Seaview Terrace is the incredible view of the Bay in front of the Hyatt as well as the view of the rest of the resort. While tropical drinks can be ordered until 8 PM, what I really liked most about this place was experienced AFTER it closed. We sat at one of the tables (completely open-air on a terrace) and enjoyed the incredible canopy of stars in the sky long after the local Hawaiian entertainment that is common at the Seaview had gone.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

The Seaview Terrace
The Hyatt Regency Kauai, Hawaii

Kuhio's

Activity

Having fun
There is a small sunken dance floor here that is the center of the club. The night we went to Kuhio’s it reminded me of any number of night spots in Atlanta, Georgia with the primary focus being the bar and the dancing people. Only the tropical shirts of some of the patrons tipped me off to the fact that we were still in Hawaii! Still, going to Kuhio’s is fun if you are in the mood to have a drink and move your body to the music. The service was certainly friendly and good, and dancing was great with a group of friends we had made along the way. Kuhio’s is only open certain nights of the week. You can call the Hyatt Regency for details (808-742-1234).
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Kuhio's
Hyatt Regency Kauai, Hawaii

Beautiful ocean
The beach is very pretty though the water appeared a little rough if you swam any distance out. We actually saw a man windsurfing across the waves (quite a sight---him on a surfboard, a yellow kite in the air pulling him at a surprisingly fast speed through the choppy water) but I found I preferred swimming in the Hyatt’s pools to braving the surf. Walking along the beach, we did get the treat of seeing several Monk seals lying in the sun. Monk seals are endangered, and people are not allowed to get very close to them. They like to get up on the beaches to rest, and they do not like being disturbed. You will find them loosely cordoned off whenever you encounter them lying about on the sand. Also, next to the beach are the Makawehi cliffs which you can easily get to by just walking towards them. Access becomes readily apparent as you get close. We hiked to the top of Makawehi Point and then walked along the ridge to be rewarded by some great views of not only the ocean but the Po’ipu Bay Resort golf course. This is very easy hiking and a fun thing to do with a Mai Tai from one of the Hyatt’s outside bars in hand (be sure to keep the cup to throw out upon your return!). Shipwreck Beach is also perfect if you want to just lie in the sun, tan, and dip your body into the water to cool off.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Shipwreck Beach
off Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa Kauai, Hawaii

I had never snorkeled before, and we opted not to get a guided tour (these are available on the island if you would like one). Therefore we chose to snorkel at Po’ipu Beach Park where the water is relatively calm. There were tons of brightly colored fish swimming about in the clear water, and we had a great time pointing at the Angel Fish that swam right by our noses. It took no effort at all (other than to try and stay a little still and not frighten everything away!) to find schools of fish to delight in viewing. Other Points of Interest: There are park facilities available at Po’ipu Beach Park if you need them. Make sure you put sun tan lotion on your back and wear beach shoes on your feet if you aren’t using flippers. The coral can be very hard on your tootsies!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Snorkling
Kauai Harbor Kauai, Hawaii

Kiahuna Beach

Activity

I thought this beach was the most swimmer friendly one that we visited, thus it was easier to snorkel farther out. Kiahuna is somewhat protected by an offshore reef that keeps the water calmer. This was rewarding because snorkeling in deeper water provided much bigger fish to see. Whereas the fish in Po’ipu Beach Park were pretty, the fish 80 feet out in the water of Kiahuna Beach were also BIG. This is not a place to go for anyone who was freaked by JAWS, but it would be a good time to have the water-proof camera ready! Other Points of interest: Clean public bathroom facilities are available at this beach and surfers who know what they are doing enjoy going out beyond the protective reef to ride the waves. This is also a popular spot for boogie boarders.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Kiahuna Beach
Kiahuna Beach is right beside the Sheraton Kaua’I Resort Kauai, Hawaii

The waterfall we hiked to
We were involved in a kayak tour through a company called Outfitters Kauai. We started kayaking at Nawiliwili Harbor and continued to a spot two miles down the river. The waters were calm and nice, and it was fun propelling our two-seat kayak forward with a rhythm all our own. I definitely got a good upper-body workout and would have to concede that if I were to have gone on a longer expedition I would have wanted to have conditioned my upper body for a few weeks ahead of time for the sake of endurance. The tour kayaked to a hiking destination where we left our boats behind. The hike was pleasant though short and ended at a waterfall where we ate a provided lunch. We also enjoyed use of a rope swing positioned over a pool of water. Not only did that allow the hikers to cool off, we learned there are NO SNAKES on Kauai! With the Hawaiian Island Chain so isolated in the Pacific Ocean, there are all kinds of critters that you don’t have to worry about reaching up out of the murky river water to bite you in the foot. Instead, swim and enjoy! It is also interesting to note that Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with a fully developed river system. The one critical thing that I would say of this tour was that even though we had four guides to accommodate a large group, if we were not at the front of the group with the guides either while kayaking or while hiking we did not get to hear any information they offered about the tropical plants and history of the land around us. I think they could have done a better job with managing this. I also have heard that Outfitters is at its best on the Ocean Kayak Tours along the Na Poli Coast. Unfortunately conditions are not good in April when I visited for this kind of excursion (the ocean is friendlier in the summer). I would also say that I would mostly endorse the tour that I went on for the novice kayaker. You need to be in better shape for a more challenging tour, and an expert might get bored by the kayaking on the Hule’ia unless he/she just wanted to enjoy the scenery. Tip: Use the restroom BEFORE you arrive at Nawiliwili Harbor. The 'Executive Bathrooms' are very smelly port-a-potties (and that’s an understatement).
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

The Hule’ia River
Nawiliwili Harbor Kauai, Hawaii

The stones of the mountain
Despite heavy rains and misting, this was the favorite activity we indulged in while in Kauai. We took a rental car to the North Side of the island and were surprised at how different everything looked in this area. The vegetation was much more lush---the expected rain forest---and the drive itself was beautiful as we went by beaches and rainbows and jagged cliffs pumping out rushing waterfalls of white. We actually were able to drive all the way to the foot of the Kalalau Trail and park the car. This is state-owned land and all access is free. A very nice Hawaiian man keeping tally of the number of hikers going up the trail told us that there is actually a local movement to charge a modest entry fee to the trail to help with the cost of maintenance. With as many as five hundred people hiking through a day, this makes sense as the path needs up-keep. The beginning of the hike was on stones laid down by original Polynesian settlers forging access up the mountain. These stones were slippery in the rain so be careful. While steep, the beginning hiker should have no problem navigating up (coming down is a little harder). After only two miles we were rewarded with a great view of Hanakapi’ai Beach and knew this was a journey worth taking. Many people stop here and go back, but if you journey on, there are many beautiful things to see such as waterfalls and expertly sculpted coast line. Unfortunately, on the day that we were hiking, a river that crosses the trail was up so high as to be completely impassable. I regret not being able to hike (and camp out on) Kalalau Beach which is supposed to be absolutely breathtaking. Allow yourself time to enjoy a hike along the Na Poli Coastline during your visit to Kauai. There is a reason for the Kalalau Trail being the most famous hike in Hawaii, and an opportunity to walk on it should not be missed.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Kalalau Trail
at the end of the Kalalau Trail Kauai, Hawaii

The Hyatt really does strive to meet every need you’ll have during your visit to Kauai without your ever having to leave the resort. Whether you want a new Hawaiian shirt to wear while on your trip or you want to find a tiny muu-muu to take back to your keiki (Hawaiian word for kid pronounced kay-key) on the mainland, you will be able to find it in the upscale Hyatt stores. In the shoe store in the Hyatt’s lobby, my husband found a wonderful pair of hiking sandals that he wore almost every day of our vacation.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, Spa & Shopping
1571 Poipu Road Kauai, Hawaii
(808) 742-1234

There were a lot of neat shops in the Po’ipu Shopping Village. There were also hula shows in the Courtyard on different nights of the week. There were a couple of nice art galleries that I enjoyed visiting, but I really liked the store Hale Mana, Gifts for the Spirited (www.halemana.com) because it had some unique items and a very friendly proprietor who gave us a lot of great tips about the island. It was at Hale Mana that we learned about the great Ono Fish tacos at Keoki’s Paradise (See Dining)! There are also several jewelry stores, and the Black Tahiti Pearls are worth a look---especially if you’re on your honeymoon and want a great present for your new wife (or want to give your new husband a great hint)! Love is priceless, right?
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Poipu Shopping Village
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive Koloa, Hawaii 96756
+1 808 742 2831

At the Po
I did not play this course myself, but some of our friends who were traveling to Kauai on the same trip did. There are nine courses in total on Kauai, and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed many of them including the Po’ipu Bay Resort (Jack Nicklaus designed a couple of the other courses on the island, too). I was told the best part of the course is the fantastic views of the ocean. The course is kept in great condition, and one can’t help but enjoy the game. There was a lot of wind for our friends to contend with (apparently this is a typical condition for the South Side of the Island), and they gave me mixed reviews on the cost of a round. Both said they enjoyed the course, found it challenging, and thought the setting was beautiful. However, while one said it was worth every penny paid to play, the other friend thought the price was steep for 18 holes. Still, in the end, both friends did not play just one round. Instead they spent two mornings on the course. With so many other things to do (and so many other golf courses available to play) in Kauai, the fact that they both went back for more sounded like a great endorsement of the course to me!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club
2250 Ainako St Koloa, Hawaii 96756
+1 808 742 8711

Running to the Maha
My husband and I walked to Kiahuna Beach (see Great Outdoors/Beaches) to snorkel. Before I hit the water, however, I wanted to take a little jog. Nursing a knee injury, I did not want to go far, so I dropped my things on the beach and headed out on the road behind the Sheraton Hotel and Kiahuna Plantation Resort. The beaches are too uneven to run on, but I was happy to find that the road I chose runs parallel to the ocean past Kiahuna Beach. I ran past many locals fishing on the rocks and several people getting ready to scuba at Koloa Landing. I ran past houses enjoying a leisurely pace on paths for walkers beside the street that kept me out of the way of cars. I turned around after a mile and changed the scenery a little by using the trails through the grounds of the Sheraton to end up back on the beach. It was a nice circle, and I noticed that everyone staying seaside at the Sheraton had a killer view of the water!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Running on the Beach
Near Sheraton Hotel Kauai, Hawaii

The Maha’ulepu Beaches seemed more isolated than the others we visited. While you can drive and park near them, we thought it would be nice to run to them instead. With light backpacks and running shoes on, we found the red dirt road leading to the beaches to be flat and fairly even. Dirt roads are great surfaces to run on, and the mountains loomed nicely in front of us. After passing a rock quarry on our right, we had to stop running and hike through the trees down to Gillin’s Beach. There was no one within immediate sight, and the water looked very cool and inviting.We stripped down to our bathing suits and waded into the water to cool off. We then walked down the beach to Kawailoa Bay. There were lots of black lava rocks in the water. There were some other people (you can park right beside Kawailoa if you drive your rental car down the dirt road) there, but no one was swimming. If you walked out into the surf in bare feet, your toes would get cut up, and the water was rough. We did not continue further (we had the run back to look forward to!), but we could have continued to hike towards Hu’ula Beach and then Kipu Kai Beach where some of the movie 'The Lost World' was filmed.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barbara on June 6, 2000

Mahaulepu Lithified Cliffs
off Poipu Road Kauai, Hawaii

Helicopter Ride

Experience

The yellow packs around our waists are parachutes
Ohana Helicopter Tours www.ohana-helicopters.com 1-800-222-6989 Our Tour was $146/person for a 50 minute flight. There are longer and more expensive flights available through ‘Ohana. There are also several other helicopter companies in Kauai. All are reputed to offer something a little bit different at various costs to patrons. Riding in a helicopter was an experience in and of itself! I had never been in so small a craft before, and my husband and I had the good fortune of sitting in the front seat with the pilot (seating arrangements are determined somewhat by the weight of the passengers and the best way to balance that weight out). There were six passengers in all, so two people were stuck in the middle back seat. Before being assigned seats we were told that one person in each couple was guaranteed to sit by a window regardless of the other seating arrangements (you and your flying partner can play rock, paper, scissors for the honor). White paper bags are available if needed, but I’d suggest a little Dramamine ahead of time if you are prone to motion sicknes. It can get a little bumpy (but that can also be part of the fun!). The day that we went on our helicopter adventure, the sky was gray and drab. It rained for part of our tour, and I believe that took away somewhat from the experience. It was simply impossible to see through someof the gray clouds. However, the rain also provided rainbow after rainbow as we moved around the island, so I can hardly complain. The pilot dutifully told us through our headphones what all of the things we were seeing were, and then Hawaiian music would play as we took in the grand spectacle of it all. Via helicopter we got a sweeping view of parts of the island we could not gain access to in any other way. We flew by incredible waterfalls which pulsed that much more urgently from the mountains because of the rain that had made them full. The sun was kind enough to shine like a spotlight through the drizzle when we passed over the Waimea Canyon which is referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We gasped at the lushness of the Na Poli Coast Line, and we were filled with longing for a longer vacation when we saw the Ho’opi’I falls that we would not have time to hike to. Again, while I say a clearer day would have enhanced our helicopter ride, I would suggest a flight to anyone. It really was a wonderful (and unforgettable)way to see the island.
Another view from the Na Poli coast
The Na Poli Coastline is the thing to see on the North Side of Island The Waimea Canyon is the natural wonder on the West Side of Island The Spouting Horn---a blowhole that looks similar to a geyser and is created by an opening in a small lava shelf---is a fun thing to view on the south Side of Island The Ho’opi’I Falls is a natural beauty on the East Side of the Island.

About the Writer

barbara
barbara
Atlanta, Georgia

Travel Deals

Save 15% at La Quinta® Inns & Suites Pay with any American Express® Card.
American Express
Save up to $150 on dining at Fairmont. Pay with any American Express® Card
$150 - American Express
$504 to Lihue (Island of Kauai): flight + 2 nights hotel
$504 - Orbitz
All Kauai Travel Deals

Subscribe to IgoUgo Deals Newsletters

Get our handpicked Top 10 Deals every Wednesday.