We changed from the Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.
We are now on the sunny south shore of the island.We have what they call a partial ocean view. It is a gorgeous resort!! The price is quadruple of what it was at the Sheraton. At least the company is paying for the room for the next three days. There are more people at this resort, too!!
This is the view from our room.
Water Playground
Here are a few things you can do at the resort.
"Lounge the day away at our award-winning multi-level pools and saltwater lagoon. Float down our lava-rock lined lazy river pool past waterfalls, quiet seating nooks and secret caves to end at our 150-foot waterslide. Whoosh down and play a game of water volleyball or basketball. Or find your niche in our quiet adult pool area. Umbrellas for shade are offered throughout or rent a cabana for shaded privacy. Our 1.5 acre saltwater lagoon offers a sandy beach replete with islands to swim to. If it's ocean breezes you prefer, Keoneloa Bay/Shipwreck Beach's white sand is just steps away."
Spa
"Honoring a culture rooted in the balance and wisdom of nature, Anara Spa in Kauai weaves traditional healing customs to inspire “lokahi”- balance and harmony of body and spirit. Enjoy one of our blissful massage, facial, or body treatments and experience complete serenity and rejuvenation during your stay."
Championship Golf
"Sprawled between lush mountains and rugged ocean cliffs, Poipu Bay Golf Course boasts 18 championship holes with seashore paspalum greens that are as visually stunning as they are challenging. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Poipu Bay is one of the most highly acclaimed resort courses in the Pacific. From 1994 to 2006, the course played host to the annual PGA Grand Slam of Golf, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the golf world. A round at Poipu Bay Golf Course affords you the opportunity to experience the sheer pleasures and daunting challenges of a course recognized as one of America’s finest."
Our room wasn't ready so they gave us drink and snack vouchers.
We both had the starburst. Instead of strawberries they use raspberries and they crushed the ice.
Cute do not disturb sign.
Goodies they provide for guests.
pineapple gummies
You can keep these reusable water bottles
Coffee machine
For those of you whom hate to sit on a cold toilet seat, this one can be heated.
"Covid bag"
Bag
Qumulo sent some gifts to our room, too.
The bag was filled with all sorts of snacks.
We did some touring before coming to the Grand Hyatt.
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls, just north of Lihue, is a step off the beaten path. Located at the south end of the Wailua River, it cascades into two streams, dropping 80 feet below. Some even say the distance is more accurately described as 200 feet. Perhaps this is because the size and appearance of the falls is determined by the amount of rainfall farther up the mountains.
Like other spectacular spots on Kauai used as film locations, Wailua Falls is most recognized in the opening credits of the long-running television show “Fantasy Island.” Easily accessible, Wailua Falls can be seen from the roadside, so you can leave your hiking boots behind. To get there, head north from Lihue and follow Maalo Road in Hanamaulu. Travel uphill for about 3 miles. If you visit in the mornings, you may be treated to a rainbow as the sunlight meets the mist of the falls, which makes for an amazing photo opportunity.
Magnificent trees
Next stop was historic Hanapepe
The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is one of Hanapepe’s most popular attractions. The bridge was originally built in the early 1900’s as a way for residents to cross the river. After Hurricane Iniki, it was restored and reinforced, but has since become worn and in need of some repair. Children love this suspension bridge because it rocks and swings and can be a little scary at times. This bridge is the real deal though, and is a much better thrill than those found on the playground.
Hanapepe Town has some unique galleries and shops.
One note, currently the bridge takes you to the west side of the riverbank where Hanapepe Valley residents live. It is recommended out of respect for these residents that once you reach the other side, to turn back to Hanapepe.
CAUTION: Do not watch if you get dizzy easily. The bridge moves a little.
The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is a delightful diversion filled with nostalgia. For over 100 years a suspension bridge has spanned this part of the Hanapepe River. Used by taro farmers and locals, many visitors cross on this bridge too.
The swaying motion is fun for all ages. While the bridge may look rickety, it is actually very safe with reinforced cables and wood planks.
We did a little shopping at the Aloha Spice Company.
We passed by the Kauai Coffee place again so we stopped to get another cup of coffee and bought more coffee.
I couldn't decide which one I liked more: the barrel aged or the acaia.
Koloa Landing
Snorkling
We then drove out to the Spouting Horn blowhole, one of the most photographed spots on Kauai. The Poipu surf channels into a natural lava tube here and releases a huge spout of water that can reach as high as 50 feet into the air.
You’ll also hear a hiss and a roar that is the basis of a Hawaiian legend.
One legend says that this coastline was once guarded by a giant moo (lizard) named Kaikapu. Everyone was afraid of the moo because it would eat anyone who tried to fish or swim in the area. One day, a young boy named Liko entered the ocean to outwit the lizard. Kaikapu attacked him, but Liko thrust a sharp stick into her mouth, swam under the lava shelf, and escaped through a small hole to the surface. The moo followed Liko and got stuck in the lava tube. To this day, you can hear the lizard’s roar and see her breath spraying from the blowhole.
The awards dinner was held at the Beach House.
Fun evening! Great conversation, food and scenery.