Author Topic: Kauai, HI Master Thread (Read 936929 times)

LAXtraveler · « **Reply #40 on:** November 08, 2010, 09:12:02 PM »

Ya I know, it's not ideal, but that week is the best time for us to go... I asked my wife and she said she was fine with it. We figured that would be the day we don't run around as much but lounge by the pool or do something a little less active (maybe even a helicopter ride that day would be good?).

LAXtraveler · « **Reply #41 on:** November 09, 2010, 12:07:18 PM »

Any other thoughts on getting a good rate, or at least getting some sort of upgrade out of for those dates, Dan? Thanks again for all your help!

Dan · « **Reply #42 on:** November 09, 2010, 12:16:47 PM »

Quote from: LAXtraveler on November 09, 2010, 12:07:18 PM

Any other thoughts on getting a good rate, or at least getting some sort of upgrade out of for those dates, Dan? Thanks again for all your help!

Yes, send me an email dan at dansdeals.com

benarroc · « **Reply #43 on:** November 09, 2010, 04:05:22 PM »

We were In Kauai from November 1st to November 7th.
Dan helped make this the trip we had dreamed of.
First, all the pre-trip advice, Kauai over Maui, Car rental from Costco, Hyatt certificates, and of course the GH, government rate with a suite upgrade.
So we walked into the GH and my wife and I knew we were going to love the place. What an incredible property. Although we arrived at night and did not get the full impression, none the less it was still a grand entrance. The service was top notch. The suite upgrade along with all its perks was incredible.
The full ocean view suite was jaw dropping. Large living room/ dining area. large bathroom with jacuzzi tub. The most comfortable hotel bed I've slept on.
Suite upgrade got us:
1.Beautiful suite
2.Fresh fruit platter delivered to our room on arrival.
3. Access to the Grand club ( saved us a lot of money) which got us free breakfast every morning with some kosher food options, Starbucks coffee (mocha's also) every morning and throughout the day if you want, drinks (non alcoholic) all day, $4 beers ( as opposed to $8 elsewhere on the GH property), NY times and WSJ every day.
4. Access to the Anara spa which we used every day and loved it.
5. Free wireless internet for the entire stay.
6. Ability to opt out of $18 resort fee and only pay $8 a day for parking ( we ended up getting the $8 credited as well because of a service issue we had)

The GH has the most incredible pools I've ever seen. They go on for ever and the fresh water pool has a big water slide. the salt water lagoon overlooks the ocean and gives you the feeling that you are in the ocean but you are not.

We brought a box of frozen double wrapped kosher food with us and arranged in advance that they would warm the food for us wrapped and deliver it to our room. The first night we got a tray with our food, a single paper plate and a $40 bill (15 per meal, 10 for tax and gratuity). Very poor service. I have done this at the Ritz and they did not charge and went out of the way to make a very nice presentation (table ,with table cloth, pitcher of ice water, flower, candle, etc) and no charge.
I spoke with the assistant food manager and everything changed. He comped 2 nights of fees for dinner, no corkage fee for my wine for the entire stay, gave us a complimentary fruit platter, and served us wherever we wanted. The rest of our meals were incredible. Private dinners (restaurant only open for breakfast, lunch and private parties), with our own waiter, in the Ilima Terrace overlooking the ocean. We also had dinners served to us in the Seaside Lounge also overlooking the ocean with live entertainment.

As for activities we used the Ultimate Kauai guidebook and it was excellent. We followed the recommendation and took the Blue Hawaiin Helicopter tour. The eco star helicopters are incredible, great views and excellent pilot. Unfortunately, I was assigned a middle seat, but it was still incredible.
Due to weather conditions there were no boats leaving from the north shore to see the Napali coast. We took Captain Andy's from Port Allan and it wasa lot of fun. The Catamaran was beautiful and the crew and captain were excellent also.
The Kauai guide book recommends Silver Lake stable in the North shore for Horseback riding and a swim in their secret falls. Definitely a dud and not worth it. No real views other than slowly trotting along the property and seeing trees. The secret falls is a glorified swimming pool.
Of course ( thanks to Dan!) all adventures were booked through the Hyatt concierge and paid for with Costco Hyatt gift certificates.
We snorkeled Poipu beach, watched 25 foot waves on the north shore with surfers getting towed on jet skies to surf them, we hiked waiemea canyon, and of course relaxed in the pools and the spa at the Grand Hyatt.

Cant wait to go back!!

Thanks Dan

LAXtraveler · « **Reply #44 on:** November 09, 2010, 04:42:42 PM »

Wow that sounds like an incredible trip. Hopefully we can also enjoy such a beautiful place. Thanks for the trip report!

Dan · « **Reply #45 on:** November 09, 2010, 04:51:59 PM »

Awesome report, glad that the Dansdeals Concierge was able to help you out!

Kauai is just so beautiful...it's painful to leave!
And the Grand Hyatt is amazing...

Next time if you want to go to a real secret falls do the Kayak/Hike to secret falls...it's incredible!

Personally we just bring our own frozen food and a $10 burner to heat things up on. Much simpler than trying to coordinate meals with the chef and then paying for them to reheat and deliver them.
But it probably is fun to eat in some of those restaurants!

Blue Hawaiian heli tour are something you'll never forget. Seeing Na Pali and Waialeale like that is so much fun!

Dan · « **Reply #46 on:** February 03, 2011, 07:54:35 PM »

Just got a manager at the GH Kauai to override capacity and confirm a concierge client of mine into an oceanfront suite...I don't think there's any other place in the world that I'd rather be right now than there.

AsherO · « **Reply #47 on:** February 03, 2011, 09:01:51 PM »

Quote from: Dan on February 03, 2011, 07:54:35 PM

Just got a manager at the GH Kauai to override capacity and confirm a concierge client of mine into an oceanfront suite...I don't think there's any other place in the world that I'd rather be right now than there.

Why don't you move to HI and run DD from there?

Dan · « **Reply #48 on:** February 03, 2011, 09:02:57 PM »

Quote from: AsherO on February 03, 2011, 09:01:51 PM

Why don't you move to HI and run DD from there?

If not for kosher food and chinuch...

kivabb · « **Reply #49 on:** February 17, 2011, 04:19:29 PM »

IF going FC, what's the most comfortable flying experience from New York? AA has nice seats to LAX, but the idea of a red eye on the return (from Kauai) on regular seat sounds brutal end for a vacation (and then another 6 hours to JFK).

LAXtraveler · « **Reply #50 on:** February 17, 2011, 05:50:18 PM »

Quote from: kivabb on February 17, 2011, 04:19:29 PM

IF going FC, what's the most comfortable flying experience from New York? AA has nice seats to LAX, but the idea of a red eye on the return (from Kauai) on regular seat sounds brutal end for a vacation (and then another 6 hours to JFK).

What about trying through DFW I think the planes from there on AA should be 763s which should have a very nice lie-flat (pretty much flat bed really) seat.

Dan · « **Reply #51 on:** February 17, 2011, 07:22:32 PM »

Quote from: LAXtraveler on February 17, 2011, 05:50:18 PM

What about trying through DFW I think the planes from there on AA should be 763s which should have a very nice lie-flat (pretty much flat bed really) seat.

+1. Or ORD.

The best will be CO from EWR-HNL or IAH-HNL in BF.

kivabb · « **Reply #52 on:** February 18, 2011, 12:38:25 PM »

Thanks. Continental being the Boeing 767-400 Micronesia from EWR-HNL ? That beats the AA planes from their hubs to LIU?

Dan · « **Reply #53 on:** February 18, 2011, 12:48:01 PM »

Quote from: kivabb on February 18, 2011, 12:38:25 PM

Thanks. Continental being the Boeing 767-400 Micronesia from EWR-HNL ? That beats the AA planes from their hubs to LIU?

Yes

kivabb · « **Reply #54 on:** February 20, 2011, 10:36:58 AM »

But I would need Saturday stopover with Continental, so that makes my decision easier. Thanks.

Dan · « **Reply #55 on:** February 20, 2011, 10:38:18 AM »

Quote from: kivabb on February 20, 2011, 10:36:58 AM

But I would need Saturday stopover with Continental, so that makes my decision easier. Thanks.

Huh?

LAXtraveler · « **Reply #56 on:** February 20, 2011, 10:51:28 AM »

Quote from: Dan on February 20, 2011, 10:38:18 AM

Huh?

I think he's trying to say he won't be taking CO because he doesn't want to stay over Saturday night. Otherwise, my question is the same as yours... huh?

kivabb · « **Reply #57 on:** February 20, 2011, 08:20:12 PM »

Correct, if I'm going on mileage with Continental, don't I need a Saturday night stayover (which I won't be doing) ?

momo · « **Reply #58 on:** February 20, 2011, 08:24:00 PM »

why would you need sat nite stay?

Dan · « **Reply #59 on:** February 20, 2011, 08:38:52 PM »

Quote from: kivabb on February 20, 2011, 08:20:12 PM

Correct, if I'm going on mileage with Continental, don't I need a Saturday night stayover (which I won't be doing) ?

No

Name	Area	More Info	Comments
____________________________________________________________________________________________________	_____________________________________________________	__________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________________________________
Grand Hyatt Kauai	South side	Website	Generally considered to be the top hotel on Kauai, and countless DDF'ers have stayed there. The weather is perfect year-round, it's right by Poipu beach, and you drive through an awesome tree tunnel to get there. There are countless pools and exotic birds all around.
St. Regis Princeville	North side	Website	Another beautiful hotel, this is an SPG category 7. The setting of the SRP is absolutely breathtaking, with the ocean crashing on the cliffs below and the waterfall-filled mountains in the background. The views from the rooms are unparalleled, but most rooms have no balconies.
Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas	North side	Website	SPG category 6.
Sheraton Kauai Resort	South side	Website	SPG category 5.
"Get your own place"	Anywhere	Website	There are countless condos, timeshares, or villas available to rent on the island. The advantages are that you get more for your money - a couple of bedrooms, living/dining rooms, and a full kitchen. There will usually be a pool, sometimes even a private one. Additionally, they're often cheaper than a hotel. There are many places to find them - HomeAway Kauai VRBO Kauai Airbnb Kauai, etc.

Name	Area	Comments
______________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Poipu	South side	This beach is right by the GHK. Full amenities (lifeguard, showers, etc.). Snorkeling is amazing here, especially in the morning. Sea turtles and the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal are commonly seen here. Gorgeous sunsets.
Ke'e	North side	This beach is the gateway to the famous Kalalau Trail. The view from here is amazing, looking out over the majestic Na Pali cliffs. Great snorkeling, with a large fringing reef. This beach could be deadly winter, when 20-foot waves crash onto shore. However, at times it's perfectly calm. Use common sense. The beach is part of Hāʻena State Park
Tunnels	North side	Beautiful crescent beach, with a lovely view of "Puff the Magic Dragon" mountain. Great snorkeling, and beautiful sunrises. May be dangerous in winter.
Lumahai	North side	Very pretty beach, where they filmed South Pacific. Extremely dangerous winter.
Polihale	West side	17 solid miles of uninterrupted sand. Fairly remote, and accessible only via dirt and sand road, so 4WD is preferred. Unswimmable most of the year, but the area called Queens Pond is safe all year round. Since it's so huge, you could easily find a secluded spot. Great view of the south side of Na Pali, with amazing sunsets.
Queen's Bath	North side	This is a rocky beach by the cliffs under Princeville. Very cool during the summer, when you could swim in a rock pool with the fish, but absolutely deadly during the winter (people die there all the time).
Kalalau	North side	One of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world. Unfortunately, it's only accessible via one of the most difficult and most dangerous hikes in the world, the Kalalau Trail.
Honopū	North side	Another one of the top ten beaches in the world. The only way to get there is by swimming - from Kalalau beach !
Hanalei Bay	North side	A beautiful crescent beach with wonderful views. Mediocre snorkeling, but safe even in the winter. Very predictable waves, so this is the top spot for learning to surf or paddle. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
Secret	North side	Relatively secluded beach, and needs a bit of a hike to get there.
Lydgate	East side	A fully protected beach, with pretty good snorkeling. Great for little kids, but is usually very busy.
Nawiliwili	East side	Boring beach, but the park of the the side is a nice place to stop for lunch and watch the kitesurfers.
Kapa'a	East side	Another relatively boring beach, but a nice place to have lunch if you're in Kapa'a.

Name	Area	Comments
______________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Hike 1	Area 1	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Hike 2	Area 2	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Activity	Comments
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Helicopter tours	Easily the most expensive activity on Kauai, and easily the most amazing. You get to see otherwise inaccessible places - among others, you fly into Waimea Canyon, along the stunning Na Pali coast, and into the crater of the extinct Mount Waiʻaleʻale, now the wettest place on earth. It's an experience that could simply not be matched. Blue Hawaiian is the most popular and usually recommended. Jack Harter also flies amazing doors-off tours, which are wet, windy, and exhilirating .
Powered hang gliding	This is a unique flight lesson (counts a flying time for a pilot's license) in what's basically a motorized tricycle with wings. Supposed to be tremendous fun. Offered by Birds in Paradise.
Waimea Canyon	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Kalalau Valley overlook	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Hanalei Valley overlook
Kayaking
Biking
ATVing
Horseback riding
Ziplining
Cruises
4 Wheel Driving

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Author Topic: Kauai, HI Master Thread (Read 936929 times)