What it is

A sprawling resort that’s both family friendly and beautifully elegant.

What it isn't

An intimate boutique for those seeking romantic seclusion.

What we think

The Grand Hyatt is built right into the gentle cliff face of Kauai’s southern coast. The resort flanks the beach, languidly sprawling out over the unspoiled land. Indeed, it’s a bit of a walk to cross the property; for example, a stroll from the spa to a room in the Shipwreck wing or from the pro shop at the tennis courts to a guest room in the Po‘ipu wing will take roughly 15 minutes. The buildings are classically island: they have bright green tiled roofs and lay low with open floor plans. The interiors are elegant but relaxed: cane plantation-style furniture is traditional and handsome, highly polished hardwoods are fitted with custom ironwork and two thirds of the 602 rooms and suites have a grand view of the Pacific. Floor to ceiling windows slide open to smartly furnished, private lanais. Tiki torches light the paths that wind through the always-blooming gardens, around the fresh and saltwater swimming lagoons and waterfalls, to the spa and down to the soft, sandy beach. The highlight of the property's many dining options is Tidepools. In the center of the property, under thatched roof pavilions and surrounded by koi ponds and palms, Tidepools is the place to feast on Hawaiian fare like opah coated in a volcano candy spice rub and served with jumbo lump crabmeat, roasted fingerling potatoes and a papaya-habanero sauce.

You're here because

A resort that’s big enough to handle a family’s worth of diverse demands. The Grand Hyatt has everything needed to please every member of the clan, but it doesn’t feel like walking into a prefab mega resort.

The Moment

You hear the deep hollow call from a distant conch. As you walk toward it, the pounding of drums grows louder, the smells of roasted pig and grilled pineapple grow stronger. The luau under the stars has started.

Restaurants & Bars

Tidepools - Hawaiian-style dining

Dondero's - Family-style Italian classics

Ilima Terrace - Open-air, Fresh American fare

Seaview Terrace - Light breakfast, Cocktails, American Fare, Kids Menu

Stevenson's - Sushi

The Dock - Burgers and bar food poolside

Seaview Terrace - Phenomenal views of the resort and ocean from this open-air terrace. Contemporary American fare served. Special kids menu.

Stevenson's - With sweeping resort and ocean views, this elegant nightspot offers patio seating, bar and indoor living room style seating. Sushi Bar serving creative rolls. Live music nightly.

Captain's Bar - Located adjacent to the adult pool, this bar offers great views of pools and ocean.

Shipwreck Bar - Located next to saltwater lagoon, this grass-shack bar offers convenient service for pools and lagoon.

Location

The south coast of Kauai, the resort is right on the white sandy beach. The property backs into the Po‘ipu Bay golf course, giving it far more seclusion than other resorts clustered together farther down the beach. It’s a 25 minute drive to the island’s airport - which does service flights from the US mainland. On an inter-island transfer, it’s a 20 minute flight from Honolulu’s international airport