The lobby to the refurbished St. Regis Princeville Resort is the entrance to lodging luxury “Kauai Style” and will satisfy the most discriminating traveler.
Kauai has some of the best tropical golf in the world with ten golf facilities in total. All except for one are always open to the public and each is very entertaining in its own way. The golf and the hub of the tourism is concentrated on the eastern coast making all the courses within drivable distance of one another. That said, there are only a very few routes with slow speed limits and traffic (freeways don’t exist), so it might be best picking one of my three primary lodging recommendations and traveling from there. If you plan to do a lot of driving, I’d recommend a rental car, as taxi rides for extended trips can be dear. Of course, I cannot report on every lodging option, but here are three that I recently stayed at and heartily recommend. Each of the following three offerings has magnificent beaches, excellent dining, good service, and spectacular adjoining golf. What’s more, resort guests usually receive discounts of up to $60 a round at selected courses.
The actual view from my St. Regis room of Hanalei Bay and the Napali Cliffs! (Photo by Robert S. Fagan)
In the north of Kauai, my choice is The St. Regis Princeville Resort. I would describe this as the most luxurious offering and will cost you the most, but the views of the surrounding Na Pali Cliffs and the setting on Hanalei Bay are idyllic – certainly defining the term “room with a view.” From here, the Makai Golf Club and The Princeville Prince Golf Course are essentially right on site and served by shuttles. This quiet resort along with its exquisite beach was used to host as well as film scenes for the movie, “The Descendents.” Alternatively, for families with children, and larger groups, you may want to consider The Westin Princeville, which borders The Makai Golf Club. This facility offers timeshare villas and suites that include fully equipped kitchens and shopping amenities on site as well as gorgeous views of Pacific.
The Westin Princeville offers villa style rooms that are a great fit for families or groups.
On the south end of the island in what is a dryer and breezier climate is the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. This sprawling hotel is the largest on the island and bursts with energy. It adjoins the Poipu Bay Golf Course, and would be the most convenient to play Kiahuna, Kukilono Park, or the private Club at Kukui-ula. You will marvel at the Spa, many water pools, falls, and lagoon options that supplement the beach.
A view of the Hyatt’s salt-water lagoon above and an aerial view below. (Above photo by Robert S. Fagan and below courtesy of the Hyatt.)
Now if you want to stay closer to the geographic midpoint of the Island and play golf both north and south, the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club on Kalapaki Beach may be the best hub location. Just a four-minute shuttle from the airport, it hosts the adjoining Kauai Lagoons golf facility, and is convenient to both the Puakea Golf Course and the Wailua Golf Course. Because of its central coast location, you can also go south to Poipu or north to Princeville.
Two views from my Kauai Marriott room. (Photos by Robert S. Fagan)
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All of the hotels offer a host of other amenities including fine dining, and adventures featuring this Garden Isle and make for a great getaway vacation!
Below is just one of the idyllic scenes to rejuvenate and refresh one at The St. Regis Princeville. (Photo by Robert S. Fagan)
