Things to do / Travel Guide
The Hawaiian Island of Kauai is one of the smaller ones, but big in spirit and in natural beauty. For those vacationers trying to avoid the hustle and bustle of some other areas in Hawaii, Kauai is the laid-back paradise they seek. Magnificent white sand beaches, lush tropical foliage, verdant mountains, and Hawaiian hospitality all come together quite nicely in Kauai. So do amazingly situated resorts, world-class golf, and helicopter vistas seen almost nowhere else on earth. For those looking to enjoy their time here in a bit of luxury, you're in luck because there are indeed treasures to be found on Kauai.
Luxurious Accommodation in Kauai
Kauai is not as packed with top resorts as, say, Maui, but there are a good number of choices for the visitor. Interested in lush river valleys, waterfalls, rainbows, moonbows, and secret beaches? Then choose the island's North Shore with its two luxury resorts located in the relatively developed area of Princeville. Golden sand beaches in an always sunny beach resort area? That would be the Poipu area on the South Shore. Another option is the Kauai Marriott and Beach Club at Lihue close to the airport. The island is compact enough so you can stay on one side and scout out locations for your next vacation on the other side.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is certainly worth considering as well. Located on Keoneloa Bay, on the southern coast, this is really the quintessential Hawaiian getaway resort. The décor is purely classic Hawaiian, and the resort sits on 50 acres of spectacular oceanfront. Guests enjoy swimming, golfing at two Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf courses, and the Hawaiian-influenced Anara Spa, among other amenities. The resort overlooks a gorgeous line of white, sandy beach and a large natural lagoon. To sate your hunger, you can choose from among six onsite restaurants at which to dine.
Visitors to Kauai will also find that special luxurious touch at the Sheraton Kauai Resort, at Poipu. This resort is a throwback to “old Hawaii,” with its classic style and charm. You couldn't ask for a better location, either, as it sits on one of Kauai's best beaches, and the lobby has shell chandeliers dangling from the ceiling, giving it an elegant touch of Polynesian-style.
Another great resort, this one on the north coast in Princeville, is the Hanalei Bay Resort & Suites. The resort overlooks the magnificent Hanalei Bay and the Bali Hai cliffs. This property gives a lot of luxury for the price, which is considered reasonable compared to others in the area. Guests can stay in three-story stucco units that course down the hill to the beach it shares with Princeville Resort. Guest rooms are decorated in Hawaiian style, using rattan furniture, and offer nice lanais that overlook the fabulous bay, tropical hotel grounds, and the far off mountains.
Next door, visitors will love the beauty and sophistication of the Princeville Resort Kauai, decorated in striking green marble and crystal chandeliers. It would be difficult to find a hotel anywhere in the world, or certainly anywhere in Hawaii, with a better view from the lobby.
Luxurious Dining in Kauai
Cuisine in Hawaii has been transformed over the last 10 years or so with the introduction of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. One excellent example of this is the award winning Roy's Poipu Bar and Grill. World-renowned Chef Roy Yamaguchi has fused the local fresh Asian ingredients found here with European techniques to create a fantastic, luxurious dining experience.
Another great place on Kauai to try out some Hawaiian Regional Cuisine includes Gaylord's at Kilohana Plantation in Lihue. The restaurant's location is on a restored plantation, thus providing fantastic ambiance along with outstanding American cuisine. And on the South Shore, Beach House Restaurant at Spouting Horn is an outstanding place to dine. The restaurant's setting is elegant, with a two-tiered dining room offering panoramic ocean views. Equally important, the food is fantastic, with a showcase of Regional Hawaiian dishes. Try the grilled fresh Ono and the crab cakes. Delicious!
Here's one more dining selection for your consideration - Tidepools at the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort. This dynamic bistro serves contemporary Hawaiian cuisine, borrowing from the local cultures and traditions of the islands. The décor is absolutely spectacular, with thatched huts sprinkled in among waterfalls and koi fish lagoons. Definitely a night to remember!
Luxurious Activities in Kauai
There is nightlife on Kauai, besides the amazing sunsets, but, you have to know where to go. Keoki's Paradise is a good spot for a nice evening out. The place is pure Hawaiian, illuminated by tiki torches and surrounded by flowing streams and tropical gardens. Share a cocktail in an open air environment and on weekends and listen to some great live music.
The Point, located at the Sheraton Kauai Resort, is one of the island's more popular clubs. Located ocean-side, it's a great place to sit back, relax with friends, have a nice cocktail, and, on weekends, there's local entertainment. Dancing is encouraged!
One last night spot to consider is Stevenson's Library, located at the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort at Poipu. It has the classic Victorian look with dark woods, finely upholstered sofas, books, and even parlor games. Single malt scotches are the specialty of the house, but they also offer fine cognacs, ports, and cocktails, along with the token stogie, if you so desire. To top it off, live jazz performers play nightly, adding to the ambience.
If golf is your thing, know that there are some excellent courses to be had in Kauai. Probably the best course in all of the Hawaiian Island chain, the Princeville Course is sublime. If ravines don't scare you, then come. If hills don't scare you, then come. If a double-dogleg running downhill with a stream at the bottom doesn't scare you, you should probably have a PGA tour card by now! So, definitely come. This is one beautiful course!
Kauai Lagoon Golf Club (Kiele Course) in Lihue is another great set of 18 holes. You want ravines? You can't handle the ravines! Or can you? This is a demanding course. It demands skill on the slick greens and an ability to hit the ball over treacherous terrain. And, as an added benefit, the location is magnificent. You might even see some whales and other exotic animals in this tropical setting!
Poipu Bay Golf Resort is yet another excellent course on Kauai, home to the PGA's Grand Slam of Golf. You'll enjoy dreamy fairways and gorgeous vistas of the mountains and ocean (occasional whale watching, too). How far is the hole? The satellite navigation system on your cart will tell you all you need to know to choose the right club. There are also 86 - yes, that's right, 86 - bunkers filled with powder white sand. Almost a dozen holes dare you with water challenges. Did we mention the wind? Bring all your clubs - you'll need them.
Another stop on the luxury express in Kauai is the sunset dinner cruise. Enjoy a leisurely jaunt on a boat that takes guests around this beautiful island, all while soft live music is playing in the background and while a great dinner is being served. There are a number of these offered, mostly departing from the marina at Lihue.
Shopping-wise, there are some good boutiques to be found on Kauai. Most of the high-end offerings reside within the major resorts like the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort at Poipu, Princeville Resort Kauai at the South Shore, and others. However, you may find that certain something special in places like the Coconut Marketplace in Waipouli, Kukui Grove Shopping Center in Lihue, Hanalei Center in Hanalei, or Kauai Village in Kapa'a.
Helicopter tours of this dramatically beautiful island are yet another way to experience the luxury dream vacation. Get unrivaled views from above as you soar through valleys, past thundering waterfalls, around lush tropical mountains, and along stunning coastline. Some of these spots are difficult or even impossible to reach by land.
The laid-back and low key aspect of Kauai is what draws people here in the first place, but if you know where to look, luxury awaits you! Aloha!
Luxury Vacation Ideas in Hawaiian Island of Kauai
Luxury-Vacations
Lawa'I Beach - Kauai, Hawaii
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