POLL: Kauai - Which of these two hotels would you pick?

[sonnyjane]

I can't make up my mind, and my husband has helpfully said "I don't care, it's up to you!", so now it's up to PS! My husband and are going to Kauai at the end of April when he returns from deployment and I can't decide which of these two hotels to choose.

These hotels are basically the exact same price, and are located right down the street from each other, so neither cost nor location is a factor. One of them (the Hyatt) is a mega-resort with restaurants, waterfalls, slides, a lazy river, etc. etc. The other (Koa Kea) is a boutique hotel with just one restaurant, but it is considered to be more modern and upscale than the Hyatt and is more for couples.

Here are links to the two:

Grand Hyatt Kauai: http://kauai.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null

Koa Kea: http://www.koakea.com/

Which would you pick!?! Also if anyone has been to Kauai, feel free to give me any pointers

Thanks!

 

[Hera]

I would do the Koe Koa Resort because it seems more intimate and luxurious. A larger resort seems more for families and you can always visit the restaurants, I imagine.

 

[justginger]

I second Hera. Boutique hotels, in my experience, always result in a more pleasurable stay. You are one of few to the staff and owners, not one of a crowd of sheep. I love forming personal connections with other guests and staff, and supporting the little guy of the business world, so I reckon Koa Kea is the way to go.

Enjoy yourself, it looks absolutely beautiful!

edited: misspelling

 

[sonnyjane]

Thanks for the input!!

 

[littlelysser]

I love Kauai. It is my favorite of all the Hawaiian islands.

DH and I stayed at the Hyatt for our honeymoon 4 years ago and the grounds are absolutely amazing. GORGEOUS. The swimming pool is also fantastic - it is huge cluster of pools, connected by a lazy river. They also have a gorgeous salt water lagoon.

The beach in front of the Hyatt (and a number of Kauai beaches) isn't so great for swimming - it is great for exploring and hiking - so the amazing pools/lagoon really made up for it.

The room wasn't fantastic...we did get an upgrade which was nice. But really, it was just a hotel room. The food was good. Not stellar, but good.

Moral of the story, the grounds/pool/lagoon of the Hyatt are amazing. If that matters to you, I'd say go Hyatt.

As for things to do:

Waimea Canyon is AMAZING. Stop at the Shrimp Station on the way back for some good, cheap eats.

NaPali coast is seriously one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I'd highly recommend taking a cruise/helecopter to see it.

Oh, and get a shave ice!

 

[soocool]

It's been many years since I was in Kauai and we stayed at the Sheraton. But I have several friends who have visited within the last year and they all stayed at the Koa Kea . Small resort, but they said the staf was beyond excellent, the rooms quiet and they recommend the restaurant, Red Salt. The one thing they did say was that this is primarily an adult resort and not the place you want to bring kids.


I, also, think I remember them telling me that the Hyatt will nickle and dime you to death. The Hyatt charges for parking, internet access, etc. Not the Koa Kea.

 

[Kellybell]

My husband and I have been to Kauai twice, and stayed at the Koa Kea both times. It is AMAZING. We loved everything about it. The staff is friendly and courteous (the hotel is small enough that they get to "know" you), the rooms are gorgeous, the restaurant is very good (breakfast is fantastic), and, most importantly, everything is very quiet and peaceful. We had dinner at the Grand Hyatt at one point - it is a beautiful hotel, and the grounds are very large (and the pools are amazing), but it is a mega-resort. It is HUGE.

The only downside to the Koa Kea is that the pool is a little small - it is beautiful, but I would imagine that if you are staying there during a busy time it could feel cramped.

Let me know if you have any questions! We absolutely loved it, and will stay there again if we ever go back.

 

[DiamondsOnly]

I voted Koa Kea because it looks more intimate. I've never been to Kauai, but once June hits I will be getting married and HMing in Kauia. We were looking at hotels, but a co-worker told me about how she rented a condo. She sent me the link and then booked a few weeks later. I ended up choosing the same condo she stayed in on her HM. I am super excited and can't wait to finally visit Kauai.

 

[tyty333]

Its the beautiful grounds that make a hotel for me. I know its your honeymoon and the room needs to be nice
but when you are in Hawaii you want to be outside a lot because its just so beautiful. I think the grounds of
the second hotel are very simple (nice, but simple). I like to see color.

 

[sonnyjane]

Its the beautiful grounds that make a hotel for me. I know its your honeymoon and the room needs to be nice
but when you are in Hawaii you want to be outside a lot because its just so beautiful. I think the grounds of
the second hotel are very simple (nice, but simple). I like to see color.

It's actually not out honeymoon, just a good 'ole fashion vacation, so the room isn't quite as important

 

[mrscushion]

I would do the Koe Koa Resort because it seems more intimate and luxurious. A larger resort seems more for families and you can always visit the restaurants, I imagine.

Ditto!

 

[Skippy123]

I love Kauai. It is my favorite of all the Hawaiian islands.

DH and I stayed at the Hyatt for our honeymoon 4 years ago and the grounds are absolutely amazing. GORGEOUS. The swimming pool is also fantastic - it is huge cluster of pools, connected by a lazy river. They also have a gorgeous salt water lagoon.

The beach in front of the Hyatt (and a number of Kauai beaches) isn't so great for swimming - it is great for exploring and hiking - so the amazing pools/lagoon really made up for it.

The room wasn't fantastic...we did get an upgrade which was nice. But really, it was just a hotel room. The food was good. Not stellar, but good.

Moral of the story, the grounds/pool/lagoon of the Hyatt are amazing. If that matters to you, I'd say go Hyatt.

As for things to do:

Waimea Canyon is AMAZING. Stop at the Shrimp Station on the way back for some good, cheap eats.

NaPali coast is seriously one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I'd highly recommend taking a cruise/helecopter to see it.

Oh, and get a shave ice!

We stayed in Princeville but I like Duke's in the Hyatt to lunch!
Ditto all of this!!! I love the Shrimp Station, yummmm, garlic shrimp on rice.

my favorite ways to see the NaPali Coast are http://www.napalicatamaran.com/
and
http://www.helicopters-kauai.com/

 

[Bliss]

Gosh, you and Tigian are making me want to pack my bags and go to Hawaii!!!!!! Any PSers wanna crash with me?

DH and I stay at the Hyatt every time we go to Kauai and have loved it. It's not as new as it was but I kind of love how huge the grounds are and there's always something going on - music, events and things to do. Sometimes the water can be rough at the beach and it's nice to relax at the pool if you want to chill for an afternoon after snorkeling or etc. The amenities are great and we've always had great service and liked our rooms.

But I'll bet the boutique hotel would also be nice. It all depends on the vibe you want. Hyatt is very family friendly but the crowd isn't like a crazy McDonald's or anything with loud families in Bermuda shorts. It's just more cheery and has more bustle. The brunches are delicious, too! Outdoors and gorgeous...mmmm, fresh papaya!

If you're looking for an intimate sexy stay, go boutique hotel! So excited for you! I can't wait to pack the kiddos up and go to Hawaii again soon!

I second Duke's! Great fresh seafood!!!

 

[Skippy123]

Gosh, you and Tigian are making me want to pack my bags and go to Hawaii!!!!!! Any PSers wanna crash with me?

ME!!! Me!!!

Oh and at Duke's their Hula pie is yummy

eta: did you look at Tripadvisor.com I think reviews there are pretty accurate.

 

[Bliss]

Gosh, you and Tigian are making me want to pack my bags and go to Hawaii!!!!!! Any PSers wanna crash with me?

ME!!! Me!!!

Oh and at Duke's their Hula pie is yummy

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! HULA PIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I REMEMBER THIS!!!!!!!! And then I remember being all bloated and wanting to hide in my swimsuit afterwards!!!!!!!!!!! Hide under a rock! But it was worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hehehehe and all the macadamia encrusted fish...macadamia encrusted everything - even fried cheese sticks with macadamia all over it! OMG, calorie splurge!!! Come to MAMA!

 

[Skippy123]

LOL Bliss!! It's their honeymoon, calories don't count!

I would go for the Koa Kea based on what the tripadvisor people say but that is just me.

 

[Bliss]

LOL Bliss!! It's their honeymoon, calories don't count!

I would go for the Koa Kea based on what the tripadvisor people say but that is just me.

But there will be PICTURES!!!!! Heeeheee! Although, I am sure their extracurricular "activities" will burn off many many Hula Pies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cheers!!

 

[sonnyjane]

Gosh, you and Tigian are making me want to pack my bags and go to Hawaii!!!!!! Any PSers wanna crash with me?

ME!!! Me!!!

Oh and at Duke's their Hula pie is yummy

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! HULA PIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I REMEMBER THIS!!!!!!!! And then I remember being all bloated and wanting to hide in my swimsuit afterwards!!!!!!!!!!! Hide under a rock! But it was worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hehehehe and all the macadamia encrusted fish...macadamia encrusted everything - even fried cheese sticks with macadamia all over it! OMG, calorie splurge!!! Come to MAMA!

Ha I have read about the famous Hula Pie and plan to definitely try it!!! And I've been to Hawaii before (Maui) and know quite well the joys of macadamia encrusted everything lol. I think I had at least one thing per day with macadamia nut crust lol!!!

 

[sonnyjane]

My husband and I have been to Kauai twice, and stayed at the Koa Kea both times. It is AMAZING. We loved everything about it. The staff is friendly and courteous (the hotel is small enough that they get to "know" you), the rooms are gorgeous, the restaurant is very good (breakfast is fantastic), and, most importantly, everything is very quiet and peaceful. We had dinner at the Grand Hyatt at one point - it is a beautiful hotel, and the grounds are very large (and the pools are amazing), but it is a mega-resort. It is HUGE.

The only downside to the Koa Kea is that the pool is a little small - it is beautiful, but I would imagine that if you are staying there during a busy time it could feel cramped.

Let me know if you have any questions! We absolutely loved it, and will stay there again if we ever go back.

Kelly, hopefully you'll see this!

My fear of Koa Kea is that it might be *too* fancy for my husband lol. It looks amazing to me but he's very much a steak, potatoes, and Bud Light kind of man. I want to make sure that we go somewhere where we feel comfortable, not like I have to watch him and make sure he minds his p's and q's.

We are going late April/early May. It looks like they only have about 20 chairs around the pool, but there are 120 rooms. When you were there, did you ever have a hard time getting pool chairs?

Also, it says valet parking is included in the resort fee, but do you have to valet? We'll probably be using the car a lot and it would be more convenient to self-park if that's an option.

Thanks I appreciate it!

 

[Kellybell]

My fear of Koa Kea is that it might be *too* fancy for my husband lol. It looks amazing to me but he's very much a steak, potatoes, and Bud Light kind of man. I want to make sure that we go somewhere where we feel comfortable, not like I have to watch him and make sure he minds his p's and q's.

We are going late April/early May. It looks like they only have about 20 chairs around the pool, but there are 120 rooms. When you were there, did you ever have a hard time getting pool chairs?

Also, it says valet parking is included in the resort fee, but do you have to valet? We'll probably be using the car a lot and it would be more convenient to self-park if that's an option.

Thanks I appreciate it!

Hi Sonnyjane!

While it is "boutique-y", it's not very snobby, if that makes sense. It's mostly just modern, quiet, serene, and really cool. I think that everyone there was genuinely nice and accommodating. It if he a "steak and potatoes" type of guy, the only issue he may have is with the hotel restaurant (I remember the dinner options being pretty limited and not at all basic); however, I think we only ate in one night during both trips. Otherwise we traveled around to try out different spots.

We have only been in February, and never had any issues with getting pool chairs. They have a huge lawn in front of the ocean, and a lot of guests will set up their chairs on the lawn instead of around the pool.

You do have to valet, unfortunately. Their parking lot is extremely small (and the spaces are really narrow - however, we found that to be the case everywhere we went in Kauai.) However, it never caused an issue. They prefer it if you call down from your room if you are leaving soon, and they will pull your car up to the front. (We never did, and the wait for our car was never longer than a minute or two. Again, the parking lot is SMALL.) At first I worried about having to tip every time we wanted our car, but we just gave one big tip at the end of our stay each time.

Let me know if you have any other questions!!

 

[sonnyjane]

While it is "boutique-y", it's not very snobby, if that makes sense. It's mostly just modern, quiet, serene, and really cool. I think that everyone there was genuinely nice and accommodating. It if he a "steak and potatoes" type of guy, the only issue he may have is with the hotel restaurant (I remember the dinner options being pretty limited and not at all basic); however, I think we only ate in one night during both trips. Otherwise we traveled around to try out different spots.

We have only been in February, and never had any issues with getting pool chairs. They have a huge lawn in front of the ocean, and a lot of guests will set up their chairs on the lawn instead of around the pool.

You do have to valet, unfortunately. Their parking lot is extremely small (and the spaces are really narrow - however, we found that to be the case everywhere we went in Kauai.) However, it never caused an issue. They prefer it if you call down from your room if you are leaving soon, and they will pull your car up to the front. (We never did, and the wait for our car was never longer than a minute or two. Again, the parking lot is SMALL.) At first I worried about having to tip every time we wanted our car, but we just gave one big tip at the end of our stay each time.

Let me know if you have any other questions!!

Thanks! That was super helpful. I know this poll was overwhelmingly in favor of Koa Kea, but I think I'm actually leaning toward the Hyatt! The pool... THE POOL! Lol. Maybe I'm just a big kid at heart but I feel like I would enjoy the slide, waterfalls, and lazy river more than the relaxing, quiet pool at Koa Kea. I still have two months to decide though, and we actually have reservations at both places to lock in the rates, so I'll just have to cancel one of them down the road. If we don't end up staying at Koa Kea, I for sure want to go there for breakfast! Their menu looks amazing!

 

[sonnyjane]

Waimea Canyon is AMAZING. Stop at the Shrimp Station on the way back for some good, cheap eats.

NaPali coast is seriously one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I'd highly recommend taking a cruise/helecopter to see it.

Oh, and get a shave ice!

LittleLysser - thanks for your tips! I think I'm going to book a rafting/snorkeling trip to NaPali through Captain Andy's? . The helicopter price is just a tadddddddd high for us, plus we are "water" people, so I think we'll enjoy seeing NaPali more from a boat vs. a helicopter. I can't wait for a shave ice!!!!!!

 

[Amys Bling]

ditto this.

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

I stayed at the Hyatt. It is okay, but not impressive. The pools are quite nice, beach areas not-so-much (but this is true for many parts of Kauai), and the food is so-so. The rooms are decent- carpet is rolling up in many of them, probably because of extreme humidity. We liked the bathrooms, as they were recently updated. The staff was terrific. My husband enjoyed golfing at their course and I had a fine day at the spa (massage service was awesome, nail service was less than stellar).

We did a Napali coast tour with Captain Andy's and had a blast! We also did a kayak/hike day trip with some organization... I don't recall the name. First you kayak, then hike, then zip line (twice!), and finally you get to swim in this watering hole with a pretty waterfall. It was a fun time!

ETA: If we went back where we stayed wouldn't matter so much (honestly, we spent little time in the room OR lounging pool side), but we would plan far more "adventures" in advance. Most aren't super strenuous, so don't worry about athleticism (unless you're athletic- then... go crazy!), but we loved trying new things that aren't do-able in our neck of the woods. Take a surf class, go on a bike tour, etc. OH! And for food, try a Puka Dog!! Super casual, quick, cheap, non-fancy lunch-on-the-go. We loved Puka Dogs!

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

A few photos from our trip. The resort, the cruise of the coast, and the kayak/hike tour. One thing I have to say about our "adventures" in Kauai- it is, of course, tourists who pay for most of these outings. Lots of times trips like these are over-hyped, cheesey, etc. This was not our experience. All of our trips were excellent, great fun, not hokey, and our hosts/guides were all hilarious and professional. The only downside to our one hiking adventure was a family with whiny kids and parents who were not prepared to walk in the wilderness- to avoid this you can always pay a little more to go with a smaller group.

 

[sonnyjane]

PilsnPinkysMom, thank you for the pictures!

I want to do kayaking, the Captain Andy's Na Pali trip, but other than that, we really want to relax. We have both had a year from hell (he is deployed to Afghanistan and I recently underwent cancer surgery after a surprise diagnosis) so, while adventures are fun, we are thinking of lots and lots of lounging and drinking haha. I've heard a lot about Puka Dogs! I'll definitely try one.

 

[Gypsy]

OMG! We JUST got back from Kauai YESTERDAY!!!

We booked through Bookit.com which was MUCH more reasonable for the Grand Hyatt than anywhere else (although Costco was pretty good, and included a car). I would get a car, you can explore the island and also eat off property if you want to.

CANNOT RECOMMEND THE GRAND HYATT ENOUGH. Our room was recently renovated. Partial Ocean View (6th floor with view of the pools and the grounds with the ocean in the distance). We asked for an allergy room that had a HEPA filter and the room was just clean and great. The rooms were nothing fancy (not like Vegas hotel rooms for example) but very nicely appointed with everything you need. Soft sheets too. The service though, is the reason they are excellent. They bend over backward to make you happy. We wanted a romantic get away and got just that. There are kids but there is a camp for them and also a lot of adult areas. We didn't negatively notice any kids at all. We only did two 'excursions' and one Luau night because we too wanted to relax in paradise. And man, that salt water lagoon is paradise. The pools are open 24/7. The hot tubs are great. And we did the lazy river at night (10 pm ish) is was so romantic and relaxing and beautiful (all lite up). And the water falls in the lazy river are great. The water slide is fun enough for adults. We went on the water slide three times each, which surprised us.

TOTALLY get a Cabana or two. We got one with an Ocean View one day and another with a Lagoon View. LOVED having the privacy although the place was not crazy or overrun, but it made it more romantic. Totally more affordable than most cabana rentals, and worth it.

ALSO: Surf and Turf shuttle. We didn't take a cab anywhere. Just asked for the Surf and Turf shuttle. So much less expensive and they were really great local people, sincere. I really liked them.

Luau: Kalamaku was AWESOME for the show. Food was standard Luau food. But the show was great. So was the rum and the rum tasting (don't go on the train tour). You can also ask for food from their restuarant Gaylords if you don't want Luau food and want better food and a great show.

And we went ziplining with Outfitters (totally do the 5 hour zip line, it was incredible. The last two hours, the long zip lines are THE BEST). Plus you get to go swimming in a lava tube that is just heaven and lush and a tropical oasis.

Restaurants on properties: Donderos for pasta (I'd stick to pasta). Try the squid ink pasta with lobster and have the zaballione for dessert (I spelled that wrong). The Ahi at Tide pools was great so was the prime rib. The fish tacos at the Dock. And the Hyatt Burger at Stevenson Bar. the Breakfast buffet is very good, if you can get a room rate that includes it -- totally worth it.

 

[Gypsy]

Captain Andy's Na Pali trip is the hell cruise we went on Saturday. They go out in any weather, even when they shouldn't, IMO. and I broke my ankle and was one of only ten people (out of FORTY) that did not get sick. It was a horrible cruise. I can see how in good weather it would be great, but they do not disclose to everything you need to know to make a decision on whether you want to go through with it or not. We did the total upgrade for the nicer boat, the better food, everything. But man, nothing made up for the fact that we never should have left the dock or had the option to opt our and cancel. The weather was WORSE on Sunday, to boot, and they still went out that day too.

It's a beautiful coast line. But if the weather is windy and the sea is choppy DO NOT GO THROUGH WITH IT, demand a refund. And turn around and GO HOME. I wish we'd never left the pool that day.

It was cold, wet, windy, choppy, rough and... did I mention I broke my ankle? I was walking and because it was so rough the deck drove with the wave and I landed on my ankle and SNAP. Totally should not have happened. We did get a refund, with no quibble. But nothing makes up for the fact that if we'd been told the risks and been offered the option to never go and get our money back, we would have.

Ziplining was awesome though, I'd totally do that instead. And we, too, are both water people. The lava tube swimming oasis is beautiful.

 

[sonnyjane]

Gypsy oh no!!! I can't believe you broke your ankle!!!! I've read that April/May when we plan to go is not as rough as the winter, but I will keep that in mind about the weather!

Thanks for the Hyatt review. I think it's really all about the pool for me so that's here I'm leaning. Is the pool cold? What about at night? The Hyatt is expensive, BUT, they have a "great" (relatively) military rate. We currently have a partial ocean view room reserved for about $1000 less than the normal rate, so of there are any military or government employees reading this, check it out!!

 

[Skippy123]

the boat suggestion I posted they don't let you stand; the Na Pali coast is very choppy.