Top Luxury Resorts on Kauai

If you want to be pampered on your vacation to Hawaii, Kauai is the place to be. Whether you want to take a break away from the stresses of work, or are looking to spend your vacation wrapped in luxury, Kauai has resorts and hotels that will cater to your every need. If you are interested in booking your stay at a luxurious resort in Kauai, these are some of our favorites that you should consider:

The St. Regis Princeville Resort is renowned for its luxury accommodations. Situated on the cliffs above Hanalei Bay, the waterfront rooms offer gorgeous views. Visitors rave about the friendly and efficient staff, which will assist your every need. The onsite Halele spa offers a truly hedonistic menu of treats, while a top-notch athletic center and an 18-hole golf course means you’ll never want to leave. Don’t forget to visit the Kauai Grill, which was Zagats rated #1 in Hawaii.

The Koa Kea Poipu Beach was rated the most romantic Hawaiian resort. The resort lives up to its reputation with gorgeous ocean views, beautiful suites, and many special accommodations for couples and honeymooners. With 121 rooms, Ko’a Kea is the perfect size if you want a more intimate hotel. Small enough to have a boutique feel, yet large enough to offer many choices for activities, dining, and sports. The Spa on Ko’a Kea has a diverse menu of treatments and massages, including a number that can take place in the privacy of your room. Red Salt, the resort’s well-known restaurant, is an indulgence, with beach and poolside dining options. At Ko’a Kea, the staff and the amenities will ensure that your vacation is perfect.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai is a must if you’re looking to be spoiled. Lounge on your private balcony or by the resort’s large network of pools. The Anara Spa boasts a serene, secluded environment, among picturesque ponds and waterfalls. Treatments are conducted in private bungalows strewn throughout the garden providing privacy and relaxation. The resort will tempt your taste buds with nine restaurants and lounges, including the renowned Tidepools, one of the best restaurants in Hawaii.

The Kaua’i Marriot Resort has quality of a Marriot property combined with the Hawaiian appreciation of beauty and relaxation. Every room is outfitted with luxury bedding and spa quality guest robes and slippers. The six-onsite restaurants offer everything from sushi at Tora Tei, to Café Portofino’s outstanding Tiramisu. Enjoy dinner al fresco, or arrange for a special private beachside table. The staff at the Kaua’i Marriot will attend to your every need and desire.

If you need help deciding on your accommodations for your Kauai getaway, make sure you give us a call so we can help you.

Visiting Wailea for your Maui Vacation

If you’re heading to Maui for your Hawaiian vacation, one area you’ll want to check out is Wailea. This southern coast town packs a big punch, with some of the best beaches, food, and shopping around. Add in the luxury resorts and lush spas, and you might never bother to see the rest of the island!

Trip Advisor consistently ranks the resorts in Wailea as some of the best on the island, from the Waldorf Astoria branded Grand Wailea to the family friendly Four Seasons Wailea. At the Andaz Maui, you can even bring your canine companions with you. There is a resort for everyone in Wailea.

There are a number of beaches in Wailea, with the huge Keawakapu and Wailea Beaches leading the list. Wailea Beach is easily the most popular due to the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons being just steps away. If you want to get away from the crowds, you might want to visit Po’olenalena Beach. With no resort access, this beach is more of a local spot, and you’ll have room to stretch out. All of the beaches located here are suitable for water sports and snorkels, boards, and umbrellas are can be rented.

Wailea takes food seriously. The top rated Ka’ana Kitchen at the Andaz Maui is a farm to table restaurant featuring produce from five local farms and fisheries. The light, family style servings mean that you can try a multitude of dishes at one sitting. For great Italian food, try Matteo’s Osteria, with its huge menu and matching wine list. Also don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Fabiani’s Wailea gets top marks for their homemade ice cream sandwiches: huge cookies right from the oven filled with ice cream churned on the premises.

If your idea of a great vacation includes lots of shopping, then Wailea is perfect for you. The Shops at Wailea consist of over 70 retail stores, restaurants, and art galleries, for a shopping experience that has something for everyone. Fashionistas will want to check out the Gucci and Louis Vuitton boutiques, while culture vultures can head over to one of the 7 art galleries on the premises. If you’re a bit of a foodie, visit the Wailea Gateway Center for artisanal cheeses and gourmet chocolates. Shopping complexes not your thing? Head over to one of the resorts in the area for their specially curated collections that you can shop at. The Four Seasons Wailea carries the Neiman Marcus and Barney’s New York labels while the Grand Wailea has Lily Pulitzer and an official Rolex boutique.

If you are planning a vacation Maui, I highly recommend visiting Wailea as it is one of the most beautiful spots on the island with a lot of different things to do and see.

Outrigger Reef on the Beach Review

If you’re visiting Hawaii for a vacation and want to stay in Waikiki, you’ll want to consider the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. The Waikiki location of the outstanding Outrigger Hotel chain has garnered an impressive list of awards and kudos. The Outrigger Reef won the Best Hawaiian Hotel award from Travel & Leisure, and is one of Trip Advisors top 10 hotels in Honolulu. Read on to discover more about this Hawaiian gem and to see if it’s the resort for your trip.

Location, Location, Location. The Outrigger Reef has it. As the name suggests, the hotel is right on the beach itself, making it one of the most convenient hotels on the island. It also allows for gorgeous views from ocean facing rooms. On the inward side, rooms face the majestic mountain range running across the island. Additionally, Waikiki shops and restaurants are steps away from the hotel.

The rooms at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach are categorized by size and location. Single rooms have one king or two double beds, with the Oceanfront rooms sized slightly larger than the City View and Moderate (no view) rooms. There are also a variety of suites for larger groups. One-bedroom suites sleep four, while larger suites can handle up to twelve people. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi and Nintendo gaming consoles to help keep the kids entertained.

You’ll have your pick of restaurants even if you never leave hotel property. The Kani Ka Pila Grille, located poolside, is open from 6am to 10pm, with live entertainment in the evening. Have breakfast al fresco, or a casual dinner under the stars. The menu is full of Hawaiian delicacies alongside more traditional burgers, chicken and fish. There is a children’s menu for diners twelve and under.

For something a bit more upscale, try The Ocean House Restaurant. Perched right on the beach, sit at one of the open-air tables and admire the view. As its name suggests, seafood is a specialty of the house. Dishes include stuffed mahi mahi, sauteed sea scallops and grilled teriyaki ahi steak. The Ocean House is a popular evening venue so reservations are suggested.

The staff at the Outrigger Reef is gracious and accommodating, and can help you make the most of your stay. Whether you would like to arrange a private lunch, a vow renewal ceremony, or just need some recommendations for the kids, they are there to assist you. The Outrigger Reef on the Beach is a great choice for a one of a kind stay on Waikiki.

If this sounds like the hotel for you, I recommend booking your trip soon as Outrigger plans on spending $800 million to build a new tower at this hotel so it could be a little noisy with the construction. From the plans that were shared with the public though, after this new tower is added to the Outrigger Reef, it will certainly update the look and make it one of the top resorts in Waikiki.

Tips for Saving on your Vacation to Hawaii

You’ve probably heard the rumors that Hawaii is the most expensive state in the country. That is somewhat true, as almost everything Hawaiians need must be imported from out of state.  This adds extra costs for shipping. But what does that mean to you, the tourist on vacation? A trip to the islands doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank. Here are some tips for saving money on your Hawaiian vacation.

Cook your own food: A suite or apartment with kitchenette may seem more expensive, but you will save a lot of money if you eat in. Restaurant meals are more expensive as well as laden with butter, oils, and sweet desserts. Choose one or two evening to go out for a special dinner, and head to the supermarket for the rest of your groceries. For produce, check out the local farmer’s markets. You will get the freshest produce around, for less than supermarket prices.

If you’re staying for over a week, you may also want to check out the big box stores. Walmart and Sam’s Club may seem too much like home, but they will save you money. Make sure you have looked through your kitchen’s cookware and equipment before heading out. Scrambled eggs will be difficult if you don’t have a frying pan.

Collect brochures:  You will see brochure displays everywhere – at the airports when island-hopping, at the hotels and car rental dealerships. Take the time to go through these displays carefully. Many contain coupons for attractions you were going to visit anyway, and you may also find inexpensive sites you hadn’t heard of.

Be souvenir savvy: If you’re bringing home lots of trinkets, shop for bargains. Walmart may have great deals on some items, but local chains like Hilo Hattie and ABC Stores are usually less costly. If you’re on Oahu check out the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. It’s a great place to find local artists and crafters. Near Waikiki, investigate the local jewelers and artists who have their own shops.

Investigate nationwide savings programs: If spa treatments are an essential part of your Hawaiian vacation, Spa Finder can save you money by letting you prepurchase services at a discount. Similarly, if you participate in points programs from car rentals, hotel chains, or airlines, build this into your shopping strategy. A point spent on a hotel in Hawaii is worth more than a point spent in almost any other US city.

Romantic Restaurants in Hawaii You’ll Surely Enjoy

If you’re going to Hawaii with a special someone, you’ll want to visit all of the most romantic spots to help set the mood. If you are looking for some of the most romantic restaurants in the Hawaiian Islands, these are some of our favorites.

On Oahu, Michel’s has been the go-to restaurant for couples since 1962. Poised at the foot of Diamond Head, the restaurant overlooks both the ocean and the Honolulu lights. The fusion of French and island cuisine makes for one of the best menus on the island at any price. Their signature lobster bisque is a great starter, and diners rave over the Prime Black Angus Filet Topped with Sautéed French Foie Gras, Mango Chutney & Truffle Madeira Sauce. If you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, go for their prix-fixe 3-course brunch.

In Maui, you’ll want to take your partner to Gérard’s, at the Plantation Inn. This French eatery has island touches that underscore the exotic locale. Inside enjoy French country décor and comfortable wicker tables; outside you’ll need reservations, as the lanai and patio tables fill up quickly. The food is classic French but takes advantage of local produce and fisheries in the area. Chef Gérard Reversade is a great fan of Hawaiian fish, and continues to experiment with different techniques. You should also consider trying the scallops with vermouth and crème fraiche, or the lobster with crab risotto. Also don’t miss the Millefeuille – a Napoleon filled with lemon curd, and local berries.

On the Garden Isle of Kauai, you can’t miss Red Salt. The clean lines of the décor are only matched by the lovely ocean views from the huge picture windows. The food is similarly minimalist, with surprising touches, for a unique experience. Start with Kaula Pork with Taro Gnocchi and then move on to the Seven-Spice Seared Ahi, with Edamame-Cilantro Risotto. Don’t forget to save room for the Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nut Torte with Ginger Crème Fraiche

If you’re on the Big Island you’ll want to look at the Canoe House. It’s one of Hawaii’s most romantic restaurants, just feet away from the water’s edge. Sit on the open deck and watch the sunset or check out the antique koa outrigger inside. The menu changes with the season, but there are always great offerings like macadamia nut snapper with coconut curry sauce, or pulehu pork ribs with a spicy soy glaze. For a one of a kind dining experience, inquire about the Captain’s Table, a tasting menu presented by chef Allen Hess.