In this post I want to share my most recent visit to the beautiful island of Kauai! This island holds a very special place in my heart, and has been my second home since 1989!
Many people have said different things about this island. But I always prefer to describe it in this way; "It's the one island in the Hawaiian chain, that looks like what people think Hawaii is supposed to look like, if they have never been there before!"
My stay this time began on the Royal Coconut Coast, just below where the "Sleeping Giant" lays! For me (a self-professed five star girl!) my home for the first four days was the Courtyard by Marriott. This little gem is right in the heart of Wailua and Kapa'a Town, and is really quite lovely! I have always said that one of the things that has always drawn me close to Hawaii are the people! The staff here from the front desk to housekeeping are very special! The resort is talking about some upgrades, and they will be very well received. But until then; they have the best beds! This is a great choice for those on a more modest budget.
From this ideal location on the east-side of the island , I focused my visits north. My favorite spot and home in the north shore is Princeville and Hanalei! I was excited and eager to return to the stunning St. Regis Princeville! This very special resort sits on the bluff, at the opening of the mythical~ Hanalei Bay. Your views from most all of the rooms and suites is the ocean and Na'Pali, which is Hawaiian for "The Cliffs". There is something truly magical about this place, I always feel completely at peace here. The resort is exceptional, the rooms very large and well appointed. But they are most and best known for their service, and they never disappoint! When you are ready to pamper yourself, and experience the very best service... contact me, and we will plan your visit to the St. Regis at Princeville!
Regretfully I left the perfection of St. Regis, but I did not go very far! Just down the road I visited with my friend at the Westin Princeville Villas! This is one of the newest resorts on the island, and if you want to stay in a condo resort~ this is the one! The grounds are stunning, the views spectacular, and the units here are five star! Beautiful fully equipped kitchens with dark woods and granite, living rooms with actual comfortable sofa-beds, and gorgeous master suites with amazing big bathrooms! The pool area rivals any five star resort, with all the expected services! But I really want to emphasize their restaurant ~ Nanea! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I have yet to experience anything except excellent food and service! So even if you are not a guest of the Westin, you should make plans to stop here to enjoy Nanea!
After four amazing days in the east and north shores of Kauai, I packed up and moved to my home... okay "second home", the exceptional Grand Hyatt Kauai! Located in the popular Poipu Beach resort area, in the south part of the island. This is truly a resort I could live at permanently~ if they would let me! Every time I return it always feels like coming home! The best valet and bell staff; they remember me year after year, and always welcome me home with a hug! The front desk staff continues to amaze, they are always thinking about how to go above and beyond, and never disappoint! The rooms are gorgeous, and very large! The location on Shipwreck Beach just could not be any better! But this resort's most outstanding features; the water ways, lagoons, pools, and of course the world famous "Anara Spa"! I have always described this special place as being completely "self-contained". Once you arrive, you will really find it very hard to leave! But please do at least go and see the rest of the island!
When I visit my islands, I always see all the great resorts of course! But I also make it a point to experience different activities and tours, so that I can personally share those experiences with my guests. On this visit one of the hi-lights for sure was my catamaran ride north to Na'Pali, and then across the channel to the island of Ni'ihau! This island is privately owned, and home to some very devoted Hawaiian people. They live in a very primitive way (by today's' standards) with only generated power, and zero technology! They are there by choice, and very protective of their home. It has always been on my "bucket list", and now I have been there! It was a very interesting and exciting journey, those waters are everything people said they would be... and more! But it was worth it, and I would do it again! Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) to my friends at Holo Holo Charters for a great day!
My passion for Hawaii, the culture, the history, and the people just grows stronger with every visit! If you have been looking for that perfect destination, especially for a honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic getaway... visit Kaua'i!
Just the very devoted opinion of this Hawai'i Destination Specialist! A hui hou... (until next time).
