On the north side of Kauai near Princeville, you can find the beautiful Queen’s Bath.

Queen’s Bath is one of the most unique and refreshing swimming areas on Kauai. The water pool is carved into a lava shelf and is the size of several large swimming pools.

Water spills over the black, jagged lava rocks to constantly refresh the pool. This means visitors have a marvelously large solar-powered Hawaiian hot tub at your disposal.

You can reach the Queen’s Bath by taking a gentle 5 minute hike past a waterfall leads down to a rocky landscape of lava rock. Continue on for another 5 minute, walk over the rocks and you’ll end up at the scenic bath.

Be sure to call ahead of your visit to make sure it’s open to the public. The government has begun closing the site during the winter months because of lawsuits from tourists who have been hurt from natural conditions.

Directions: To get to the Queen’s Bath, take Highway 56 to Princeville. Turn right on Ka Haku Road. Turn right on Punahele and then another right on Kapiolani. There is a small parking area that accommodates between 8 or 10 cars

Dondero’s restaurant in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa on Kauai Hawaii, will satisfy your soul as well as your appetite.

Dondero’s offers its Hawaiian diners an elegant ambiance combined with stellar service make this a dining favorite for those with discriminating taste.

Dondero’s features delicacies that include seared olive-crusted ahi with caponata, organic rack of lamb with gorgonzola and cauliflower soufflé (a favorite of Chef Valentino’s son), okinawan sweet potato gnocchi with smoked prosciutto in cream sauce, and pan-roasted sea bass with fresh tomato concasse and caper dressing.

This fabulous Northern Italian Regional cuisine is carefully paired with wines from all over the world. Delectable desserts and a cappuccino or port round out the repast.

Dondero’s
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road,
Koloa, Hawaii USA 96756
808-240-6456

Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course

Here at the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course on Kauai, nature renown designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. have conspired to create a stunning venue for the star studded PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

A unique and unforgettable golfing experience awaits you – one that will bring every aspect of your game into fresh and thrilling focus.

Even the Golf Shop at Poipu Bay is rated as one of the finest in America… with a full line of Grand Slam and resort logo wear featured. The PGA Grand  Slam is one of Golf’s most exclusive events.

Recent Grand Slam winners include Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, and Greg Norman.

For them, in addition to Nick Faldo, Ben Crenshaw, Davis Love III, and a host of other golf greats, the ticket to tee off at Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course is victory in The Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, or the PGA Championship.

For you, its a little easier: Simply book a tee time!  Poipu Bay Golf Course

Kukui’s Restaurant – Kauai Marriott Resort

Kukui’s Restaurant is a relaxed, open-air restaurant that overlooks the lush poolside setting at the luxurious Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach.

Both resort guests as well as locals and other visitors can enjoy a casual meal while dining in a tropical setting.

Kukui’s Restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is served between 6:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday and from 6:30 am – 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Dinner is available daily from 5:00pm – 10:00pm.

For breakfast, Kukui’s Restaurant features a permanent all-you-can-eat buffet or you can order from their menu.

Breakfast menu selections consist of  Kalbi Steak & Eggs, Fried Rice Omelet, Hawaiian Omelet, Nawiliwili Meat Lover’s Scramble, or The Best Banana Mac Nut Buttermilk Pancake Stack.

We had the buffet each morning during our stay and truly enjoyed the variety of choices including: pancakes, waffles, rice, eggs, bacon, ham, french toast, salads, pastries, breads, fresh fruit, cereals, oatmeal and more. Several tasty juices are also available.

So before you start your day, be sure to enjoy your breakfast at the Kukui’s Restaurant buffet. The buffet is definitely worth the money and Kukui’s Restaurant is clearly our choice for Best Buffet on Kauai.

For dinner, soak in the beauty of Kauai by having a terrific meal near the lush poolside setting and overlooking beautiful Kalapaki Bay.

The dinner menu offers both local Hawaiian and Pacific Rim entrees. You’ll find a wide selection of salads, fresh fish, chicken, steak, pork and even meatloaf.

I really enjoyed the fish special that night and had Mahi-Mahi along with a Tiger Shrimp Crunch Salad. Be sure to leave room for delicious dessert selections. I had the decadent Chocolate Lau Lau dessert and it was fabulous.

The restaurant service is superb as we were consistently treated with gracious Hawaiian hospitality.

For an unforgettable meal, we highly recommend Kukui’s Restaurant on Kalapaki Beach!

For additional information, please visit: http://www.kukuis.kauaimarriott.com

On the island of Kauai, there are many excellent beaches to explore from Poipu Beach.   Poipu Beach encompasses several beaches lining cloistral coves, gentle waves and clear, blue skies.

Brennecke’s Beach is an extension of Poipu Beach Park offering many things to do for everyone.  It has amazing sand and is fairly uncrowded.

Brennecke’s Beach on Kauai is famous for their boogie boarding and is known as the “body surfing Capital of Hawaii.”

Another activity to enjoy is watching the locals, who shore fish here.

Wai’oli Hui’ia Church – Kauai

The beautiful Wai’oli Hui’ia Church & Mission House Museum in Hanalei, is one of the most popular photographic subjects for visitors to Kauai.

Wai’oli Mission Hall and picturesque Wai’oli Hui’ia Church (founded in 1834) are nearby.

The original Waioli Mission Hall building was first established by American Christian missionaries back in the mid 1830′s and is currently the oldest surviving church building on the lush island of Kauai.

Wai’oli Hui’ia Church is a United Church of Christ, and is most commonly known as the “Green Church” due to it painted an emerald green color.

Wai’oli Mission House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kilauea Lighthouse

The impressive Kilauea Lighthouse on the north shore of Kauai, is actually also the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands.

Located on the island of Kauai, the Kilauea lighthouse was built in 1913, and once had the largest lens of it’s kind. The lighthouse helped guide ships across the Pacific Ocean heading to and from the Orient.

The Kilauea lighthouse is now part of a national wildlife sanctuary. Either from the bluff overlook or the lighthouse itself, you will enjoy unforgettable views of the Pacific Ocean, passing whales and a variety of bird species.

Back in the 1970′s, the Kilauea Lighthouse light was finally shut off for the very last time. This iconic Kauai landmark was later replaced by a low-maintenance light beacon. The scenic lighthouse is located on a narrow peninsula and remains one of Kauai’s most popular attractions.

Although Kilauea Lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks on all of Kauai, relatively few people actually see it since you must drive through a residential area to reach it.

There is currently a process underway to restore the lighthouse to its original stoic condition.

Nearby is the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, home to a diverse population of nesting seabirds and the only such sanctuary in the islands.

Local lighthouse residents include the red-footed boobies, the Laysan albatross, and the great frigate bird with its mighty 8-foot wingspan.

Photo: Kauai Lagoons Golf Club – Marriott

We’re told that after Kauai Lagoons Golf Club at Kiele was completed in 1987, Nicklaus liked the design so much that he made only one change—adding a back tee to the 207/188/162/126 yard, par three, 13th.

You know this Kauai Lagoons Golf Club hole is famous, and regularly included on the list of Hawaii’s best holes.

Golfers pose on a cliff, simply staring in awe at the formidable task before them — a shot through the void and across a frothing, gaping gulf to a green that, from the blues, looks about as big as a goldfish bowl in a carnival.

The 13th conjures memories of the 16th at Cypress, or the second shot on the 8th at Pebble Beach, which happens to be one of his favorite shots in golf. Perhaps it provided some of his inspiration, here.

Before leaving, look back and appreciate the small green perched on a lava cliff, overlooking a lighthouse and inviting bay filled with golf balls.

Kauai Lagoons Golf Club
3351 Hoolaulea Way
Lihue, Hawaii 96766-1700
Phone: (808) 241-6000 or (800) 634-6400

Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club

Kauai “The Garden Isle” is a tropical Hawaii oasis, so make sure the hotel you select for your vacation or business stay matches that level of allure. The incredible Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach definitely exceeds the high standards one expects in a luxury hotel … and more!

Kauai Marriott Resort is paradise unleashed, set amidst 800 waterfront acres and residing on one of the island’s most picturesque beachfronts. This high-end, luxury hotel is truly the epitome of what Hawaii stands for.

In 2010, the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach completed a nine-month long, $50 million renovation that makes it one of the elite vacation properties anywhere in the world.

Located on the east coast of Kauai near Lihue, the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach overlooks beautiful Kalapaki Bay. This premier resort is surrounded by lush landscaping, consisting of large trees & palms, colorful tropical flowers and mature native bushes.

Marriott Kauai Resort tropical garden & pond

The entrance to the hotel is incredible. As you descend down a long escalator (the only one on Kauai) you feel like you’re leaving all your worries behind. The open lower area is stunning. In the middle is a beautiful tropical garden with waterfalls, foot paths and bridges, as well as a large pond with koi fish and beautiful swans.

The lower area is also ringed with a variety of high-end shops offering clothing, jewelry, art, general sundries, and island activities. For the ultimate luxury experience, get pampered with a massage, hair or beauty treatment at Alexander Day Spa and Salon.

Checking in was efficient, as we were greeted by a polite and professional reception staff. The lobby is surrounded by massive, pink-marble columns which showcases a large wooden Koa Canoe named “The Princess” in the grand atrium.

Koa Canoe – lobby

Offering its guests 356 elegant rooms and suites, the Kauai Marriott Resort features luxury rooms with a variety of sweeping ocean, mountain and garden views.  The Marriott Kauai Beach Club, located within the resort, offers spacious two-bedroom timeshare units for those interested in vacation ownership.

Each guest room plus the amazing Presidential Suite were completely transformed last year. The decor is modern and stylish yet retains its timeless island elegance. All rooms also offer a large lanai (balcony) to relax and take in the lush Kauai island views.

For a casual dining experience, the Kauai Marriott Resort offers several excellent restaurant choices. The open-air Kukui’s Restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner and features a permanent buffet plus a wide selection of Exotic Pacific Rim cuisine and mainland entree choices. Enjoy your meal overlooking a lush poolside setting.

For sushi lovers, you’ll enjoy the new Toro-Tei sushi restaurant featuring local ingredients, in addition to handcrafted specialty rolls. Other resort and nearby dining options include: Kalapaki Grill, Duke’s, and Cafe Portofino.

Toro-Tei sushi restaurant

Be sure to relax on the mezzanine overlooking the expansive swimming pool area. Aupaka Terrace lounge offers continental breakfast service and an espresso bar. At night enjoy your favorite cocktails, socialize with others and listen to the sounds of local musicians. During the day, you will see local vendors offering native jewelry, art, wood carvings, etc…

Of course, the main feature of the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach is the signature 26,000-square-foot outdoor swimming pool. It is a terrific place to relax, swim or just lay out under the warm Hawaii sun. There are also five hot tubs that make for a perfect way to end your day.

Marriott Kauai Resort pool

For families, you can’t beat the newly built children’s pool. The scenic pool area features a long slide and various water spout features.

Kalapaki Beach is one of the finest beaches on the entire island of Kauai. White sand and warm surf make it ideal for a variety of activities. There are three sand volleyball courts and plenty of beach chairs to soak in the island environment.

You’ll also find five seaside cabanas that you can reserve. They’re perfect for a romantic meal, cocktails or just escaping the Hawaiian sun. Whether it’s a girls-getaway, honeymoon, or social gathering, these cabanas are prefect for any occasion. The special meal dinners offer the ultimate dining experience as you gaze over picturesque Kalapaki Bay.

The Kauai Marriott Resort also offers a variety of services and amenities, including copy service, fax service, full-service business center, babysitting, cash machine/ATM, concierge desk, foreign exchange, housekeeping service daily, onsite laundry (coin operated), local restaurant dinner delivery, newspaper in lobby, room service 6:00 AM-11:00 PM, safe deposit boxes, plus valet dry cleaning.

The magnificent Kauai Ballroom is the largest on Kauai. The ballroom can be divided into three different sections and is perfect for receptions, meetings, banquets, in addition to other large gatherings.

For golf fans, you are in luck. Experience the return of the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club on May 23. After several years, the much anticipated re-opening of the Kiele ocean holes is near. The original Kiele course was designed by Jack Nicklaus in which he also oversaw the recent renovation work. The ocean nine will be paired with the original Kiele front nine holes, the Kiele Mauka Nine, to create a fabulous 18-holes of Jack Nicklaus inspired Kiele golf. When fully completed, Kiele will consist of three renovated nines and a total of 27 amazing holes of golf.

For a taste of true Hawaiian paradise, be sure to stay at the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach. It’s an experience you will never forget.

To make reservations or get additional information on the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach, please visit: http://www.kauaimarriott.com

While on the island of Kauai, be sure to take the time to see the famous Spouting Horn in Poipu. Many Hawaiian legends surround this coastal phenomenon.

The Legend of the Spouting Horn is about a lizard family, consisting of a brother and two sisters. When the mo’o (lizard) learned that his sister had died, he was blinded with tears and accidentally swam into the hole and was trapped forever. The geyser sound is supposed to the crying of this giant sea lizard.

The Spouting Horn is a lava tube, which forces salty surf water through an old volcanic lava tube and up to 50 feet in the air. The result is a majestic geyser like spray, causing strange groaning sounds.

Every wave produces another spray. This amazing phenomena is particularly wonderful at sunset when the spray becomes incandescent with the colors of the rainbow.

Back in the 1920′s, there used to be a much bigger blowhole called Kukuiula Seaplume which was near the Spouting Horn. It shot water as high as 200-feet in the air. Because the salt spray was damaging a nearby sugar cane field, the hole was blasted away.

To get to the Spouting Horn Blowhole, get off Lawai Road, which runs west from the south end of Poipu Road (part of Route 520).

Yum Cha Asian Fusion Eatery, winner of Honolulu Magazine’s coveted Hale ‘Aina Silver Award for Best New Restaurant. Here …. East meets West.

Yum Cha translates into “drink tea” — a healthy and habitual aspect of Chinese cuisine.

Yum Cha offers a captivating mix of food and drink. Delight in a blossoming tea or sip a ginger infused martini.

Located at the Poipu Bay Golf Clubhouse, next to the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa on the island of Kauai.

The head sous chef, Romel Begonia, brings a pioneering and approachable spirit to the current trend in Asian fusion cuisine.

Popular “small plates” include Dim Sum, Vietnamese-style lettuce wraps, Kalua pork spring rolls. “Large plates” feature moo-shu pork, wok fried lobster and prawns, steamed Hawaiian snapper and more.

Try an eclectic dessert such as Jasmine TeaRamisu – a twist on Tiramisu.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30-9:30pm.

Yum Cha Asian Fusion Eatery
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road,
Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756
Tel: (808) 742 1234