Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: 5 Nights at the Resort – Our Complete Experience

Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: A Hawaiian Paradise with World-Class Amenities

Nestled on the sun-soaked shores of Kauai’s southern coast, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa offers an unforgettable blend of luxury and natural beauty. With its expansive 50-acre property, stunning oceanfront views, and diverse amenities, it’s no wonder that this resort has become a top choice for travelers. Whether you’re soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the Anara Spa, indulging in fresh seafood at Tidepools, or unwinding by one of the resort’s many pools, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa delivers a slice of paradise that exceeds expectations. In this review, I’ll share our personal experience at this island gem.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: Resort Specs

The Grand Hyatt Kauai is a luxurious resort located at 1571 Poipu Rd in Koloa, Hawaii. Koloa is on the south side of the island of Kauai and is about 20-25 minutes from the Lihue Airport (LIH). The resort’s location is incredibly peaceful, and it was so nice to wake up and walk around the resort or on the beach as the sun was rising.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai is an expansive 50-acre property that features 602 guest rooms, including 37 suites, each offering stunning views. The resort’s design blends traditional Hawaiian elegance with modern amenities, with rooms featuring private balconies, marble bathrooms, and high-end bedding. In true Hawaiian fashion, guests are greeted with leis at check-in.

Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options, and the resort boasts a full-service spa, the Anara Spa. There are multiple pools at the Grand Hyatt, including a saltwater lagoon, lazy river, and waterslides. The Grand Hyatt Kauai also offers a range of recreational activities, such as tennis, hula lessons, and cultural programs, ensuring an immersive Hawaiian experience for all types of travelers.

There is self-parking on-site, or you can opt to use valet at the resort. It’s free for guests to do laundry on-site, with five washers and dryers available for use.

We were told the hotel was almost at capacity during our stay, but it didn’t feel that way. The grounds are massive and there’s enough space between all the buildings to not feel like you’re constantly bumping into other guests.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: Rooms

Let’s cut to the chase – if you’re looking to stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, details on the rooms are probably top of mind. After all, everyone who stays at the resort has to stay in a room – but you don’t necessarily have to go to the spa, eat at the restaurants, use the pool etc.

We were assigned a two-queen room with a Garden View. The beds were very comfortable, and we fell right asleep the first night after spending the day getting to the resort. Even with two beds in the room, there was plenty of space for us to set up our son’s travel crib, arrange an area for him to play, and to unpack our suitcases for easy access to our items during our stay. There was a private balcony with a few chairs for when we wanted to relax outside.

The bathroom was nice and spacious, with two sinks, a tub + shower, and a separate water closet for the toilet. No complaints about the bathroom setup. There were two reusable water bottles in our room, which are gifted to guests and can be filled up at a number of stations around the property.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: Restaurants

There are five restaurants on-site at the Grand Hyatt Kauai – Tidepools, Ilima Terrace, the Dolphin Bar & Grill, Stevenson’s Library, and Bar Acuda.

• Tidepools offers fresh seafood and prime steaks with Hawaiian-inspired dishes like seared ahi
• Stevenson’s Library features a selection of liquors, wines, and cocktails. It also serves light bites like sushi rolls and tapas-style dishes
• Seaview Terrace is an open-air lounge that offers a mix of light bites, tropical cocktails, and various beverages, including smoothies and fresh fruit juices.
• Ilima Terrace is a casual, open-air restaurant offering a bountiful buffet breakfast, including traditional favorites like pancakes, eggs, and tropical fruits, as well as made-to-order omelets. For lunch, enjoy island-inspired dishes and lighter fare, with an option for alfresco dining in a lush garden setting.

Tidepools is probably the most well-known restaurant at the resort, and people who are visiting Kauai often add it to their list (even if they’re not staying at the Grand Hyatt Kauai). Tidepools is an open-air restaurant situated above koi-filled lagoons and overlooks stunning ocean views. Tidepools specializes in fresh seafood, prime steaks, and Hawaiian-inspired dishes, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.

The only restaurant we ate at on the property was Tidepools. I ordered the Forbidden Rice with coconut milk and stir-fried seasonal vegetables. It was my first time having forbidden rice, and it was delicious. P2 ordered the Grilled Ahi and had similar feedback.

My parents arrived to the Grand Hyatt Kauai a night before us and ate at Stevenson’s Library – a sushi restaurant. They said it was fine but didn’t recommend we go back.

Pro Tip: Walk to the nearby Kauai Poke Co for a delicious poke bowl. It’s only a few hundred yards from the hotel at the Poipu Bay Golf Club.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: Pools

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has a number of stunning pools, which are among the most luxurious on the island. Here’s an overview of the various pools on the property:

The Lagoon Pool

The Lagoon Pool is a sprawling, 1.5-acre pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The pool is designed to resemble a natural lagoon, with rock formations, waterfalls, and caves. The water is crystal-clear and the pool features a mix of shallow areas for relaxation and deeper spots for swimming. Guests can enjoy the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean while soaking in the sun.

The Cascading Pool

The Cascading Pool offers guests a tranquil space nestled among the resort’s lush gardens. This adults-only pool is designed for those seeking a quiet escape, featuring soothing waterfall elements, comfortable lounge areas, and plenty of shaded spots.

The Saltwater Lagoon Pool

Unique to the Grand Hyatt Kauai, the Saltwater Lagoon Pool provides an eco-friendly, chlorine-free swimming experience. The pool uses a natural saltwater filtration system, creating a gentler swim for your skin and the environment. The clear water and the beautiful, wide open space allow for plenty of room to swim or simply float in calm, cool waters.

The Water Slide and Lazy River

Families with children or anyone looking for a fun and adventurous way to cool off will love the resort’s water slide and lazy river features. The slide, which winds through lush foliage and rocky outcroppings, provides an exciting way to make a splash. The lazy river offers a more relaxed float along gentle currents, providing guests a peaceful and soothing way to explore the pool area while drifting along.

The Poolside Cabanas

The resort also offers private poolside cabanas, which are perfect for guests looking to enjoy a more exclusive experience. These shaded cabanas come with comfortable seating, personalized service, and a refreshing selection of beverages and snacks.

Poolside Dining

For a full resort experience, the pool areas feature several bars and dining options. The Nalu Health Bar & Cafe serves fresh, light fare, smoothies, and cocktails right by the Lagoon Pool.

Our take

The pool options were definitely one of the highlights of our stay. We spent plenty of time relaxing in the shallow areas of the saltwater lagoon, basking in the sun. For a bit more activity, we enjoyed exploring the Lagoon Pool, winding through the rock formations and swimming beneath arches. It was the perfect balance of relaxation and fun!

Each person can get four towels when you provide your room number at the service desk near the pool. There were certainly busier times at the pool, but we never struggled to find at least two pool chairs together to hold our things.

Pro tip: Bring your own floaties to the resort. We packed this one for our baby and even adults said they wished they had one. Yes, you can purchase floaties at the hotel, but it’s much more cost effective to bring your own. If you don’t have room in your suitcase, there’s a Target near the Lihue Airport, and you can gift your floaties to another family on your last day before you depart.

Overall, the Grand Hyatt Kauai’s pools offer something for everyone — whether you’re looking to relax in a peaceful oasis, enjoy a family-friendly adventure, or sip a cold beverage by the water. The variety of pools ensures that each guest can find their ideal spot to unwind, while the beautiful tropical surroundings make it a true paradise.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: Anara Spa

The Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a full-service spa offers a serene and rejuvenating experience with its wide range of treatments inspired by traditional Hawaiian healing practices. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments. The spa features private treatment rooms, a tranquil outdoor garden, and a soothing relaxation lounge, creating the perfect environment for unwinding. Anara Spa also has a fitness center, hydrotherapy, and a heated outdoor pool.

Because our stay was covered with points and miles, we splurged on some spa services. When you check in, you are given robes and slippers to change into. Cell phones are not allowed to be used while in the spa. P2 and I got a couples massage in an open-air room while tranquil music played and the island breeze blew through the room. After our hour-long massages, we were able to relax back in our respective locker rooms, which offered hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms among other amenities.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: Cost

How much does it cost to stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai?

The cost to stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the time of year and room type. Here’s a general overview of prices:

Standard Room Cost

• Low Season (April – June, September – November):
  • Garden View Room: Around $600 – $700 per night
  • Ocean View Room: Around $800 – $1,000 per night
• Peak Season (December – March, Summer Months):
  • Garden View Room: Around $800 – $1,000 per night
  • Ocean View Room: Around $1,100 – $1,500 per night

Suite Cost

• Oceanfront Suites: Around $1,500 – $2,500 per night depending on the suite’s size and amenities.
• Presidential or Premium Suites: These can run upwards of $3,000 – $4,000 per night or more, especially during peak seasons.

Additional Costs

• Resort Fees: The resort typically charges a daily fee of $45 – $55 per night. This covers amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness center access, pool use, and certain activities.
• Parking: Valet parking is generally around $35 per day, while self-parking is around $25 per day.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: How many points does it cost to stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai?

If you don’t can’t afford the cash rate, don’t worry – the Grand Hyatt Kauai is a great place to use points and often has availability throughout the year.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai is a Category 7 out of 8 in Hyatt hotels. To book at a Category 7 Hyatt hotel, standard rooms cost 30,000 points. Off-peak, rooms can be booked at 25,000 points. Peak rooms start at 35,000 points.

We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai for five nights in early November 2024, and our two standard rooms cost 30,000 points per night per room. The picture below is for the first Friday in November. As you can see, Club Access rooms start at 39,000 points. Oh also – when you pay with points, you don’t even need to pay the resort fee.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: What does Globalist status get you at the Grand Hyatt Kauai?

Hyatt Globalist status offers several valuable perks at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Some of the key benefits you can expect as a Hyatt Globalist at this property include:

• Room Upgrades: As a Globalist member, you are eligible for complimentary room upgrades to the best available room at check-in, which can include suites (subject to availability)
• Club Lounge Access: Globalists receive access to the Club Lounge, where you can enjoy daily complimentary breakfast, light snacks, and evening appetizers, along with non-alcoholic beverages
• Late Check-Out: Globalists can request a late check-out (up to 4 p.m.)
• Free Parking: If you’re paying for parking at the resort, Globalists may receive complimentary parking as part of their membership benefits, though this is subject to the specific policies of the resort.

These benefits combine to provide an enhanced experience at the Grand Hyatt Kauai.

Grand Hyatt Kauai: Hyatt Guest of Honor

A friend in the points and miles community, Cindy aka The Points Mom generously gifted me a Hyatt Guest of Honor Award for our stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. This award, which can be given by Hyatt Globalist members, allows the recipient to enjoy benefits similar to those of Globalist status. When we checked in, the front desk staff informed us that unfortunately, there were no available room upgrades, but this wasn’t a major concern for us.

The real highlight was having access to the lounge. The lounge opens at 6:30 in the morning. And since we were still on Chicago time, we were among the first patrons in the lounge every day.

We enjoyed breakfast there each day on the outdoor patio, where there was a great variety of options. Breakfast offerings included pancakes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, fruit, and pastries. I personally liked that they offered miso soup at breakfast with plenty of tofu included.

Since I hadn’t stayed at any Hyatt properties prior to visiting the Grand Hyatt Kauai, I was far from achieving any Hyatt status myself. Thanks to The Points Mom’s thoughtful gift, our already fantastic trip was made even more memorable. Being granted Guest of Honor saved us on the cost of breakfast, making our trip even more economical thanks to using points to cover our stay.

Conclusion: Grand Hyatt Kauai Review

Overall, our stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa was nothing short of incredible. From the stunning pools and serene Anara Spa to the dining options, every part of the experience exceeded our expectations. The property offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Kauai. Whether you’re lounging by the Lagoon Pool, enjoying a delicious meal at Tidepools, or unwinding at the spa, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is a true paradise that caters to every type of traveler. We are already looking forward to our next visit!