Disclosure: We were guests of the Grand Hyatt Kauai for purposes of review. We now know where to stay in Kauai with kids! All opinions are our own!
Where to stay in Kauai with kids?
As a family travel writer, I am fortunate to take a lot of fun family vacations. While we love exploring new destinations, my family’s favorite vacation spots are in the Hawaiian Islands. There’s nothing we like more than a luxury family beach holiday! On our recent trip to Kauai, we decided to explore the southern part of the island. Previously, we have always stayed in Princeville up on the north side of Kauai. We hadn’t taken the time to drive south and explore the southern part of the island where we’d always wanted to spend some time. On this trip, we knew we wanted to explore Waimea Canyon so we decided to stay close by at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, based on recommendations from friends and family. We loved our stay, fell in love with the beauty of the resort, and we have recommended it to so many friends since then who’ve asked us where to stay in Kauai!
Here are our top five reasons why you should consider the Grand Hyatt Kauai when deciding where to stay in Kauai.
Great Hawaiian Luxury Hotel Property
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is easily the best luxury beach resort on the South side of Kauai. The resort is a close drive to Waimea Canyon, which is a must-see Kauai destination for sightseeing. We also had a great time exploring the local blow hole and nearby restaurants and beaches.
The resort sits on a beautiful lush property with impeccably maintained grounds. The pools and whirlpools have been designed to blend beautifully into the surrounding landscape. There are trails weaving throughout the property with gorgeous views of the beach and landscape, a great way to get your morning exercise. And the saltwater lagoon is a fabulous alternative to the ocean if the waves are too big.
Harry loved the waterslides at the pool! The lifeguards were amazing and encouraging with the little swimmers. Each day the lifeguards would time the kids as they would race as fast as they could down the waterslide. All the kids loved it!
Walking the property as a family was fun too because there are exotic tropical birds throughout the property. We loved visiting the birds each morning on our way to breakfast and stopping back by to see them after spending time at the beach and the pool.
The pool scene is so perfect for families with lots of fun areas to splash and play together. We loved swimming from pool to pool and playing basketball in the pool. Afterward we always grabbed some poolside Hawaiian ice to cool off!
Spacious Rooms Perfect for a Family Vacation
The rooms at the Grand Hyatt are showing some age, but they are incredibly spacious. We had a room with two king size beds and a giant bathroom. Our lanai overlooked the pools and the beach, and offered a serene escape from a busy vacation schedule. The generously-sized room made a great home base for us, on days we spent at the resort, as well as coming and going from various sightseeing excursions.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau
The luau at the Grand Hyatt Kauai rocks! I was a bit skeptical at first because the luau is held on a lawn area and not on the beach, but it turned out to be excellent. A mix of history, culture and custom, there was so much to enjoy at the luau. For kids, there are demonstrations of Hawaiian crafts and cultural lessons. Adults will be equally entertained, with fire dancers and bottomless Mai Tai drinks. We’ve been to several luaus in the Hawaiian islands. Generally, I enjoy the the drinks and entertainment, but this is the first time I’ve also loved the food at a luau. With a mix of traditional and modern Hawaiian cuisine, I was really impressed. Between the menu and the amazing performances and storytelling, I would totally attend the Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau again!
Camp Hyatt Kauai
I was visiting during my birthday, so on the morning of my birthday, I checked Harry in to the Camp Hyatt kids club so that I could enjoy the spa for the morning. In just half a day, he made leis with real orchids, beaded bracelets and a necklace for me, learned about Hawaiian culture and also learned about the blowhole on the island just down the road from the hotel. He loved it!
On other days, they go swimming, cook in the kitchen, visit the organic garden, play outdoor sports, and do arts and crafts. Harry made friends with kids from all over and he didn’t want to leave when it was time to go, even though it was my birthday. I promised him we would return someday soon!
Anara Spa at Grand Hyatt Kauai
The Anara Spa is beautiful, tranquil and relaxing. The spa is so incredible that people come from all over the island for spa treatments, not just guests of the hotel. When you enter, you can enjoy the outdoor volcanic rain showers which immediately de-stress you in preparation for your spa treatments.
In addition to a well-equipped locker room, there’s a large outdoor relaxation area with waterfalls. Definitely allot some time in your schedule before or after your treatment to hang out here.
I had an incredible massage in an outdoor treatment room set in a Hawaiian garden next to a waterfall. The spa products have a heavenly Hawaiian scent and I left feeling so relaxed.
I’ll never forget what an amazing birthday spa experience I had at Anara Spa. It was magical and I can’t wait to return.
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Sarah is a Chicago-based luxury travel influencer, Virtuoso luxury travel advisor, luxury family travel writer, an Oprah Daily Ambassador, and the founder of WellTraveledKids.com. Sarah’s best travel companion is her sweet 12-year-old son, Harry. Her favorite getaways include a luxe hotel stay, quality family playtime, champagne & chocolate-covered strawberries.
