A Honeymoon for the Ages

Months before my wife and I were married, we asked around for the best places to stay on Kauai. We knew we wanted to go to Kauai but had no idea where to stay. EVERYONE said to stay at the Hyatt, and everyone was right on. We walked into the lobby and both our jaws were on the floor. We couldn't believe how breath-taking the lobby was and couldn't wait to see the rest of the resort. The room was nice, although it didn't wow us. The bathroom was really nice, but the rest of the room reminded me of a standard hotel room--no frills.

As for the resort, the grounds are absolutely, positively amazing. It has everything: a lagoon to swim in, monk seals sleeping on the beach, water slides, and more lounge chairs than I've ever seen. To top it all off, we were able to enjoy a private concert by the Counting Crows, truly amazing. I know it was just dumb luck, but it definitely made the experience worth it.

Overall, I would recommend this resort. With all the things to do around the resort, the room isn't all that important.

All my wife and I can say is WOW! This was another recommendation by other people we talked to, and it sure didn't disappoint. The restaurant is set on a point that faces due west. We arrived about 20 minutes before sunset, ordered a mai tai (yum), and walked right outside to enjoy the show--another wow!

As for the food, my wife still talks about the watermelon salad. The watermelons are grown on Molokai, so it is about as fresh as fruit gets. I had the mahimahi, and it was truly amazing. Fresh and perfectly prepared, it melted in my mouth.

Hint: Ask for a waterfront table, and even if it means waiting longer, it is well worth the wait. Just grab a couple more mai tais and take in the view!

Bottom line: If you go to Kauai, you have to eat here!!!

Our trip to Kauai was for two purposes. First and foremost, it was our honeymoon so we wanted to relax. Second, my wife was to get certified as a scuba diver. We chose Fathom Five on somewhat of a whim since I had no idea who to call. I called a week before we left just to get more information and the guy on the other end was extremely helpful. He was very nice, and I remember he was Canadian so we struck up a conversation about hockey. For me, I was sold.

Her instructor's name was Mark. We met him at the dive shop and there he told us that he was an ex-Navy diver. I immediately worried about how my wife would handle his instruction. She had some issues during training, so I thought she might not take well to the military instruction. I couldn't have been more wrong about Mark. His patience, attitude, and knowledge were perfect for scuba instruction. In the end, my wife's scuba capabilities amazed me and I believe it had a lot to do with Mark's instruction. I have been diving for 10 years and have never worked with anyone more professional and fun.

Bottom line, I would definitely recommend Fathom Five to anyone, rookie or veteran, looking for a great dive shop on Kauai.