And The Winners of the Three Sets of 22,000 Hyatt Points Are…

by The Points Guy on February 16, 2012 · 87 comments

in Free Miles/ Points,Hyatt

This weekend I’ll be relaxing in a suite at the Grand Hyatt Kauai (thanks to a good rate and a confirmed Hyatt Diamond suite upgrade certificate I won in a charity auction on the Oneworld Mega Do).

I’ll be blogging about my trip, which is my first time to Kauai, but to add a little extra contest, feel free to comment below or Tweet me with me your best Kauai tip and one lucky tipster will get 10,000 Hyatt points transferred into your account.

Now, onto the winners of the three sets of 22,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points- there were three ways to enter and three ways to win:

Blog post comment winner: Todd
Twitter winner (that rhymes): Kate Rivas
Facebook winner: Robert Patton

Congratulations! I’ll be in touch to set you up with the PR folks running this promotion on behalf of Hyatt so you can get your points.

Time to board my flight to Lihue- Aloha and safe travels this holiday weekend!

Off to paradise

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Vishal-Gupta/261900093 Vishal Gupta

    I know you said best tip….but 1 just isn’t enough for this island!

  • Jon

    Oh and I forgot!

    You MUST must MUST have some of the best pie I’ve ever had in my life now that you’re in Kauai. It was recommended to me by MANY friends and colleagues, and it’s truly a can’t miss.

    It’s at Hamura’s Saimin (a little hole-in-the-wall but very popular Saimin noodle place in Lihue, right near the airport) – and it’s their signature Lilikoi (passion-fruit) Chiffon Pie. You can order it by the slice, but I guarantee that after you try it, you’ll want more. It’s so light and heavenly – not too sweet – just perfect.

    Go now! :D

  • Gumbo Cook

    I second Koloa Fish Market. On the North Shore at the entrance to Princeville is the North Shore General Store. Yes its part of the Chevron but the Garlic Chicken is great and decent pizza.

  • Scott Bernard

    re: #4 – it’s also available in an iPhone app that has the entire guidebook plus a ton of location based stuff for only $5. Much better deal if you don’t mind reading off your iPhone.

  • Cliburn

    Zodiac trip up the Napali coast….

  • Chris G

    Just got back from the Grand Hyatt. It was our first time to Hawaii. Lots of great advice here. My advice is simple – grab a cappuccino (or your beverage of choice) and a light breakfast from the grand club around 6:30am when they open. – exit the club, go up two flights of stairs that are immediately in front of you. Go out on the lanai and have breakfast while watching the sunrise and the whales spray. My wife and I did this most mornings. We never saw a soul out there our entire trip. It was like our own private large lanai. We also loved walking out to the beach and hiking up the cliffs to the east of the resort. There are some cool sandstone formations here.

  • Patmom4

    Snorkeling at Ke’e Beach Park!! (Remember the sunscreen and have fun :-)

  • Bluelobster

    Drive all the way up Waimea Canyon to the little museum and restaurant. If the weather is clear (and it often is not), you can hike a bit and then look down over the Napali Coast. Totally awe inspiring. Help me out – I even guessed correctly where you were going!!

  • David

    Spend one evening at The Beach House for dinner.

    Amazing views and food,

  • worldtraveller2

    Ke’e beach, go there!

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/4LL245EJWKG362YXFBFL6FHNHM The Shiz Niz

    Tip 1)
    The absolutely most amazing thing my wife and I did was…. Drove up to Hanalei for the day and on the tip of a local, drove all the way (about 30 minutes) to Ke’e beach (means the end of the road, it literally is – you cannot drive any further) for the most amazing Hawaiian sunset ever. Make sure it’s a clear evening and you will not be disappointed.

    Tip 2.)
    Also, as a travel blogger, I suggest you visit the Westin Kauai, just to see it… It’s not the most stunning place in the world (it is beautiful) but it is such an deal for anyone going to Hawaii. Cheap point starwood redemptions AND inexpensive to stay if you pay outright. (and in my opinion, the best area of Kauai)

    Tip 3) Earn points on vacation!!!
    Lastly, at the Westin, if you simply sit through the time share sales pitch they have there (about an hour or so) you get 7,500 starpoints!! (it is a hard sell, but sit through it and pass and you get 7,500 starpoints!)

  • Jennifer

    I love Stevenson’s Library at the Hyatt for appetizers and drinks before dinner, or for just a light dinner – make sure to sit on the balcony – sweet views. Also, there is a great lunch place/coffee shop on the way back/to the Waimea Canyon (a must do) called Kalahea Cafe & Coffee Co. – delicious desserts. Oh, almost forgot – definitely do the morning all you can eat breakfast at the Hyatt – delicous omelets and all sorts of other goodies (ask for a table near the koi pond).

  • Nadine

    Definitely go to the outside bar in the Hyatt that overlooks the gardens and have some appetizers and a lava flow – a delicious mixed drink. We stayed there on our honeymoon 10 years ago and loved it. The spa was also fabulous.

  • CU

    I’m going in 2013 so I haven’t been yet, but my understanding is that you MUST go see the Na Pali coast… people say it’s breathtaking… Great comments — now I’m even more excited (if that’s possible!)

  • Davetopor

    A number of tips–But first, the Hyatt is awesome.–stay in the pools as much as possible. (especially at night when it is quieter)

    dinner-beach house (previously mentioned-make reservations); puka dogs (previously mentioned);
    italian at pomodoro-call ahead of time and go early;
    donderos at the hyatt is good but expensive–we went after a big lunch and had the apps and wine for dinner;
    before the flight home we had pasta at kauai pasta lihue (near aiport–also get there early)
    for breakfast-joes on the green was cheap and decent and close to hyatt

    get to LIH early for your return flight..all the flights leave at the same time and there are long security lines
    finally, there is a walmart near the airport that sells flower leis for gifts when you return home.
    Enjoy!

  • Newton

    Visit Lydgate Park, near Kapa’a, for a wonderful snorkeling adventure for all levels of experience. There are man-made seawalls that create a nice calm lagoon with lots of fish. We even saw some sea turtles both times we were there. Also, try a Sunrise papaya (make sure it was grown on Kaua’i). Try it alone or with a squeeze of lime.

  • Steelcurtain59

    Up for some adventure while in Kauai? On each family vacation we rank our adventures. We have a now,18 year old son, who always wants to escape reality and venture out into the great unknown while vacationing. Overall our #1 ranked adventure was driving mud buggies in Kauai!! It was an absolute blast!! The day started off driving two man dune-like dune buggies on a bright sunny morning, we were all given ski-like goggles and one 4×4 swatch of fabric we were told was our windshield wiper. Our trip quickly began through this lush tropical island. Within 30 minutes we understood why Kauai was called the garden island and why we were given the goggles and the 4×4 swatch. We also learned that this dune buggy had holes drilled in the floor board. You see if had started to rain and the dirt quickly turned to mud and the valleys quickly filled with muddy water. Initially we tried going around the puddles and tried to stay remotely clean, but as time went on we became extremely adventurous, put our goggles on, gripped the steering wheel, jumped on the gas pedal all the while the passenger was in charge of using the windshield wiper to clean the drivers goggles off. This was an adventure of a lifetime. We traversed through sugr cane fields stopping regularly to be educated on the wildlife or geography .throughout the day we jumped in bodies of water and cleaned up under a multitude of waterfalls. In the end we truly experienced the real breathtaking beauty of Kauai, and had an adventure our family will certainly cherish for a lifetime.

  • Steelsnow

    Saw it below, but check out Ke’e Beach!

  • Wbruce

    The best place in Hawaii to do a helicopter flight, Waimea Canyon and Na Pali truly amazing! Safari Helicopters

  • Katie

    Pu’u O Kila Lookout, Napali Catamaran, Puka dogs (get the lemonade too!)

  • Guest

    Two restaurants you must try:
    Tortilla Republic- about 1-2 miles from your hotel. The best table side guac and margaritas I have had in a long time. And the “guac man” as they call him has awesome stories to tell.
    Oasis- a NYC style restaurant set on the beach. Just ask for the chef to choose your 3 course meal. Inexpensive <50 per person, eclectic and innovative.

  • Jackie

    I went to Kauai about 30 years ago with a friend and have a few memories that still stand out … and I’m sure these places are still there… Waimea canyon… The Squeaking Sands beach… and the beach on which From Here to Eternity was filmed…. Rent a car and just explore the island! Have FUN!

  • kimmy

    dinner reservations for sunset at beach house restaurant

  • Susan

    A Check in with the Social Ambassador, Josh, of the Hyatt Kauai is a must! Josh is the best tip for Kauai!
    He is so helpful and informed, and always keeps his guests in mind. He has an awesome, friendly, outgoing personality with a native love for the island. He simply just knows everything about everything. As we got to know him on numerous trips to the Hyatt, Josh became a friend because he truly cares and finds very special ways to connect with his guests. It is like you are visiting him in his home, and he wants to make you feel like the MOST welcome guest. As guests at the Hyatt, he always stops by to check on us. We even shared book ideas! On one recent trip, our dear, beloved dog passed away, on our 2nd to last day of our stay. Without us knowing what he was doing, Josh planted a Koa Tree in the Preserve area of the Moana Kea. Later, he told us about it, and gave us the coordinates. I would say that he touched our lives in such a positive way through this kind gesture and action.
    We can’t wait to go back again this year and see what Josh has in store for us and the other guests!
    D & J Holm- St. Louis

  • StM

    My best tip – If you absolutely can, don’t leave :)

    It’s a beautiful island, as others have noted, much of the island is not accessible even if you have an automobile. So, helicopter tours to see the interior, boat/cataramans to see the forbidden coast are nice. Stop by a couple of the waterfalls on your drive to Waiema, that view from the very top is gorgeous.

    Since you will be at the Hyatt, you will get a good chance to see all the sights (and the blowhole) at Poipu. We saw seals at Brennecke beach and lots of nice restaurants in the area. Breakfast at Joe’s on the Green, lunch at Puka Dog (I don’t know why I love those so much), and dinner at Roy’s…. lots of stuff to do! For cheaper supplies we found a supermarket up in Koloa. The other suggestions for the fish market are excellent!

    Getting north to princeville and Hanalei bay (oh my god it is gorgeous but at dusk the locals get the heck out of the water quick sharks?) should be on your list BUT be careful of traffic. There’s only one way N/S really so don’t waste your time. If you’re not going to be there long, I think budgeting your time is going to be very important. I wouldn’t do much in the East/Lihue, mostly spend 1 long day on the North and the rest of time in the Poipu area.

    Must say I’m jealous – we LOVED Kauai. Such a green island.

  • Shalu

    You must check out Kilohana Plantation; best food ever! You may actually stop buying from local groceries stores after tasting their food, and start growing your own vegetables :)

  • con

    If you have time, stay at the St Regis Princeville for a few days and enjoy the infinity pool and butler service! Awesomeness all around starting from the valet service until the end!

    Visit the double waterfall (Wailua Falls) that is shown at the beginning of ‘ Fantasy Island’ where you can walk all the way down to the bottom of the fall and swim in the water!

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  • Lindsey

    Watch out for chickens! On some parts of the island (mostly the north) they roam wild – remnants from a hurricane years ago that freed them all. It’s actually pretty cool.

  • Yvonne (AKA Island Goddess)

    I live 5 minutes from the Hyatt on Kauai (I know, lucky me!!!)
    A couple of comments: when you drive up to Waimea Canyon (not if, when, as it is a must) go as early as you can. The far overview clouds up later in the day. Also, they serve good Portuguese bean soup at the little restaurant and the little museum is free and very interesting.
    Try to visit the National Tropical Botanical Garden. The entrance is across the street from the Blowhole ( right down the street from the Hyatt.) The tour is fantastic and if possible, ask for David who is the best guide there. Your entrance fee goes towards helping native species and other plants which are in danger of extinction survive.
    Rent bikes or take a kayak tour from Outfitters Kauai, which is located next to Kukuiula Mkt.
    In Koloa go to Koloa Fish House (across street from the post office) and have fish or better yet, kalua pig…the best on the island. Also in the supermarket (Big Save/Times) they make fresh sushi all day to order.
    The Koloa library (in the elementary school on Poipu Rd) has a huge collection of DVD’s for $1.00 rental fee. Great for your kiint or the evenings when they are exhausted and slightly sunburned.
    Which reminds me, the “winter” sun is stronger than you think. Slather on the sunscreen and wear a hat in the sun.
    Cheapest gas on the island is at the Coatco gas station in Lihue.
    Feel free to email me if you need anything or want to come over for a Mai Tai. I love guests! Aloha and have a great trip. The weather looks beautiful this morning!!!

  • Anonymous

    Nice tip- going there tonight!

  • Visioncareofmaine

    OK , here I go. I think we all can agree Kauai is really beautiful and there are loads of things to see and places to go, BUT, in spite of:
    The awso0me open door helicopter rides,
    The breathtaking ride up Waimea Canyon,
    The catamaran cruises to go whale watching,
    The drive to Princeville and Hanalei Bay,
    The blowhole at Poipu,
    The visit to squeeking sands beach, and
    The unique Puka Dogs and several excellent eateries,
    THE MOST INCREDIBLE TIP IS THE ZODIAC RIDES AROUND THE NORTH COAST.
    Nowhere else will you be able to experience what you see on this ride. It is a do not miss!!!!

  • Gpmorlock

    On the way out to Kipu ranch there is an area where u will see cars parked on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. There is a trail through the rain forest which leads u to a spectacular waterfall and lagoon. People were jumping from the waterfall into the lagoon. Better than anything we saw on the rest of the island.

  • Kathy K

    If you are there, and there’s a Hyatt there, it will be good, or rather, it will be Grand.

  • Pingback: Trip Report: My Favorite Kauai Experiences (And Hyatt Point Winner) | The Points Guy

  • Todd

    I can’t believe I missed the post announcing I won! I got an email from Hyatt and came here to see it it was some kind of scam. I never win these things! This is great. Thanks Points Guy.

  • thepointsguy

    :-) Check back in more often!! Enjoy!

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