We have stayed at the Hyatt in Kauai in 2006 and 2007 and loved it!! I thought I would still write a review, because we just got back from Maui and I definitely prefer Kauai. The Hyatt is absolutely gorgeous, from the moment you walk into the lobby, greeted with fresh flower leis, it is simply breathtaking. Our favority spot is the Sea View Terrace, an incredible panoramic view of the resort and ocean. Great food and great entertainment. They have a Keiki Hula and Torch lighting ceremony, going on every night, that is free. The pool is incredible and runs throughout much of the resort, with a lagoon to rent kayak to float along. The luau is the best I have ever seen with a awesome fire dancer! The beach is beautiful but I don't think is a good swimming beach, which would be my only negative comment. The rooms are very nice, and clean. From what we have just experienced in Maui, people of Kauai are much kinder. You do not have the big crowds, and you really feel like you are on an island in Kauai, I can not say how incredible it is! Some great activites to do on island, for horse back riding , go to north shore at Silver Falls Ranch. Suki was our guide and was great, we saw scenes of Jurassic Park and swam in a waterfall and ate lunch on our ride. Great!!! Also, do not skip the boat ride along Napali Coast, this must be the most beautiful spot on earth! We saw alot of dolphins that came close to the boat and hung out with us when we stopped and sped up when we did. The helicopter tour is also incredible! You go to the crater (wettest spot on earth) and waterfalls, above the Napali Coast and ocean. Words cannot describe this adventure!
Like I said, if you are trying to decide between Maui and Kaui, we loved Kauai! More laid back and more beautiful. Maui is fun, with alot of shopping, busier island.

Breath taking. As soon as my wife and I stepped into the lobby our hearts left our bodies. Our reservations were upgraded by the hotel and we were guests for almost two weeks.

We had an ocean view and the sun rise every day was beautiful.

The service was five star and all staff members from the desk to the room service were all top notch. At the pool, one of the waitresses was from Thailand and I had a great time conversing with her in Thai. Morning breakfast overlooking the lagoon was just a wonder.

We had one problem which was taken care of immediately. Our key cards would not work one day. Upon our reorting this, within minutes a member of the security staff arrived and corrected the problem.

This is our second time at this hotel, the first being in 1994. We were taken with the island last time and even more so on this 10 day visit. The Grand Hyatt is much as we remembered it, but better. We had an ocean view from the 5th floor which was gorgeous! Left our room open (with screen door) and fell asleep to the sounds of the surf each night. We stayed in the Club section (last time also) and consider it well worth it. Great breakfast each morning, snacks, drinks (incl. bar drinks) and hor d 'ouvres and desserts each night. The concierge there was helpful and books whatever you want.
The grounds are gorgeous, and the pool is paradise! We knew the beach was not for swimming ,but saw 2 rare monk seals on that beach, sunning themselves. Our kids (girls, ages 9 & 15) also loved the lagoon and kayaking. I will caution- the pool drinks are about $10 and lunches ran about $70. We love Tidepools ($$$$) but stay away from Yum Cha (in the golf clubhouse-POOR service/ no atmosphere)
We had great meals at the Beach House-service is spotty, and had a great meal/service at Keoke's Paradise. Dondero's at the Hyatt is poor food not worth the money. The luau was fun for the kids (I've been to better) and pricey. You must ask for turndown every night and we also didn't do the conservation "program"--at these prices we had fresh linens everyday!
The rooms are just okay--bathrooms outdated. Our room was very clean though.We have stayed at the Four Seasons in Maui, Hay-Adams in DC,etc. You just have to know that this is NOT a 4 seasons, accept the rooms and recognize that the amenities make up for it. It's the best the island has to offer, though we hear the Princeville is going to close and become a St Regis.
Spa is lovely but ridic. expensive--loved the open showers.
Highly recommend the Sea Dolphin trip to the Na Pali coast to snorkel. We had a 6 hr trip--would have been perfect but our youngest got seasick as did a few others. They are great though and put out a nice meal on the way back. Sunsets are gorgeoues! All in all a great trip! We will return!

I was here on a business trip. Company paid for "oceanview" rooms. I really liked the room, however, the view of the ocean was pretty far. We did get a great view of the pool with the bar. I can't complain, because I still think the view was VERY nice. The rooms are not shabby, the bedding is very nice, and the bathrooms were great (double vanities, separate commode). Lots of sunlight in the room, we were on the 5th floor (there are 6 floors only). Our room was 5087, it's a far walk from the elevators, but it sounds like this would be one of the better rooms in comparison to other reviewer's complaints of their rooms.
The Ilima Terrace restaurant buffet is pretty nice, for $28 pp. Also the Seaview Terrace for a snack or light dinner is fabulous with a gorgeous view of the ocean. They have ample seating on the deck facing the ocean which is SO amazing!!
Overall, this resort is HUGE and the grounds are gorgeous. Palm trees, lush foliage everywhere. Plenty of comfy lounge chairs with covered cabanas too.
The only drawback is the small and rocky ocean. You can't swim, because of the rough waves. So if you're a beach bum, you'd have to pass.