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Grand Hyatt Kauai Review: Luxury, Adventure, and Points Magic in the Garden Isle

ByStacy Stearns

Kauai, the Garden Isle of Hawaii, is a paradise for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to relax in tropical luxury. After stops in Waikiki and Maui, we added Kauai to our Hawaii itinerary for a one-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, redeeming 35,000 Hyatt points per night in April 2023. In this Grand Hyatt Kauai review, I’ll walk you through our stay using Hyatt points, what we loved, and whether it’s worth booking at today’s higher award rates.

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Kipu Ranch Adventure: Mud, Wildlife, and Movie Locations

Before checking in, we went on an off-road adventure with Kipu Ranch Adventures. This 3,000-acre private cattle ranch offers guided 4×4 UTV and ATV tours through lush pastures, tropical valleys, and rainforests, with sweeping views of Mt. Haupu and Kipu Kai.

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  • Wildlife spotted: Cattle, wild pigs, peacocks, pheasants, wild chickens
  • Movie locations: Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Outbreak, The Descendants

By the end of the tour, we were covered in red mud—a messy but unforgettable adventure!

Grand Hyatt Kauai Check-In: First Taste of Luxury

Walking onto the Grand Hyatt property, our Hyatt Explorist status ensured a smooth check-in. While there were no welcome drinks or notes, the acknowledgment made us feel recognized—a fitting start to our first-ever $1,300–$1,600 per night hotel stay.

Our initial room was a large king with a partial ocean view, featuring a balcony with a sitting area overlooking the resort’s pools. The view and the room itself were stunning, and by the end of the evening, we knew we wanted to extend our stay.

Room Upgrade and Resort Highlights

For our second night, we moved to a pool-view room. The Grand Hyatt Kauai has numerous pools and hot tubs, including one right on the beach. We made it our mission to try every single pool and hot tub, soaking in the tropical vibes and watching surfers and cliff divers in the ocean—a thrilling bonus to the resort experience.

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Dining on Property: Simple to Spectacular

The resort offers multiple dining options:

  • Breakfast: Around $40 per person
  • Dinner highlights: Gazebo Bar for casual dining; steak dinner at another restaurant
  • Dessert: Pineapple upside-down cake—the best I’ve ever had

Every meal added to the luxury experience, making the stay even more memorable.

How We Used Points to Stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai

We earned the points for this stay through our Chase Sapphire Preferred cards—both my husband and I held one at the time. Even though we had been in the points-and-miles space for two years, we were still very new and learning how to maximize travel rewards.

This stay proved that a little strategic points earning can take you from everyday life to luxurious experiences like the Grand Hyatt Kauai.

Pro tip: With new Hyatt award chart changes, the Grand Hyatt Kauai now starts at 45,000 points per night, with potential increases to 75,000 points per night. Booking before May is key to getting the best value for your points.

Travel Tips for Kauai and the Grand Hyatt

  • Flights: We flew on Hawaiian Airlines. Flights were not full, and cold tropical fruit juices made the journey extra special.
  • Booking Points: Lock in lower Hyatt award rates early to avoid new higher pricing.
  • Exploring Kauai: The island is perfect for hiking, nature walks, and discovering hidden beaches.

Final Thoughts: Luxury Meets Adventure

The Grand Hyatt Kauai is consistently ranked as one of the top Hyatt properties—and it’s easy to see why. From the incredible room views and luxury amenities to the endless pools and exciting excursions, this stay was unforgettable.

We plan to write up all of our Hyatt hotel stays, showing how points translate into real-life experiences across Hawaii and beyond. For anyone new to points and miles, even a little effort can take you from everyday life to luxury stays like this one.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Grand Hyatt Kauai

How many Hyatt points does the Grand Hyatt Kauai cost?

The Grand Hyatt Kauai currently ranges from 45,000 to 75,000 Hyatt points per night depending on peak pricing.

Is the Grand Hyatt Kauai worth it on points?

At 35,000 points (when we booked), it was an incredible value. At higher rates, it can still be worth it for a special stay, but may not be ideal for longer trips.

Does the Grand Hyatt Kauai have multiple pools?

Yes, the resort features numerous pools and hot tubs, including a beachside pool that gives a true resort experience.

What is there to do near the Grand Hyatt Kauai?

Activities include ATV tours at Kipu Ranch, hiking, beaches, and exploring Kauai’s natural landscapes.

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