I have been doing my research, but would appreciate help. This will be my first time on Kauai. Could someone please recommend a condo complex or units with kitchenettes near (meaning walkable to) the Grand Hyatt in Poipu, preferably a place next to the beach? I must attend a conference at the Grand Hyatt, but don't want to go out for all my meals.

Last year i stayed at the Mauna Lani on the Big Island and thought this was the ideal environment--choice of hotels or condos, swimming pools as well as ocean swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, coastal walking trails, wildlife viewing. Is the area around the Grand Hyatt Poipu anything like this?

Also, can someone suggest good snorkeling sites in the vicinity of Poipu?

Thank you.

r u a walker or have a car? Makahuena (sp?) and Poipu Shores are nice condo units not too far from Hyatt. Beautiful views in these condos but no beach in front of units but no people either. walkable but hard to get around Kauai without a car. check them out on VRBO or just google them.....

Thank you for the response and recommendation. Yes, I'll have a car so a short drive would be okay.

I noticed Makahuena on a map when I was researching other places and I noticed that it did not have a beach, maybe there are no condos nearby right on the beach. Good to know they have great views. I'll have to decide how important it will be to be right on the beach.

Thanks again.

We have stayed at the Mana Lani and the Kauai Grand Hyatt. They are very comparable. The beach is great at both of them.

It's nice to stay on property where your conference is, in case you have some downtime to go to your room and rest, or grab your gear and take a swim.

There are probably refrigerators in the rooms, which you could stock with sandwich items, etc. And your conference might provide breakfast and lunch.

If it were me, I'd stay at the Grand Hyatt. No question.

You cannot swim at the beach at the Grand Hyatt. It is what is referred to as "unswimmable" due to riptides.

But the Grand Hyatt has a swimming pool or two, right? That's what I meant, for a quick swim.

The OP wants to stay on the beach. Snorkeling at a sandy beach isn't the best, so recommendations for snorkeling nearby are needed.

The Mana Lani is unique because there is a great snorkel cove a short walk up the beach from the main hotel.

The pools at the Grand Hyatt are awesome - I just thought Tabernash had implied you could swim there when she said "the beaches are great...."

It was confusing, sf. Thanks for noting there are riptides.

I don't remember from our visit there, and I wonder if that is a change post-hurricane? I think the Grand Hyatt was wiped out, wasn't it.

Tabernash, are you thinking of the Coco Palms? It closed after being damaged by hurricane Iniki in 1992.

The Grand Hyatt was there last year and we have reservations to return next month.

Diamantina, they Hyatt does have refrigerators in the room and the pools are wonderful. There is a condo development next door with an easy beachside path to walk between the two. I think it is called Poipu Sands, perhaps someone else can confirm.

No, not the Coco Palms. I will have to ask DH. He'll remember.
It was a beautiful resort property on the beach which was destroyed by a hurricane, the same year we were there. But 1992 sounds too early. A big chain hotel. I am pretty sure Grand Hyatt. I know I have pictures I took there.

I googled pictures of the Kauai Grand Hyatt, and that ismthemresort I am referring to. I found out it was called the Hyatt Regency when we visited before Iniki. Jeez, it must have been in 1992. Time flies.

Here's an article clip I found post-Iniki:
"In fact, there are signs of hope on the tourism front, the linchpin of the economy. Those hotels that have reopened their doors are enjoying brisk business. The Hyatt Regency at Poipu boasts even better occupancy rates than before Iniki. Tourists venturing back to the island are delighting in bargains and uncrowded beaches.

Nothing at the graceful Hyatt tips visitors off to the nightmare storm of a year ago, after which guests had to fetch buckets of pool water to flush their toilets. Marble glistens in the lobby. Couples swing in hammocks strung from coconut palms."

(LA Times)

Thanks, Shar, Tabernash2, Scootoir, and sf7307 for the detailed information.

That's too bad Kauai's Grand Hyatt beach is neither good for swimming or snorkeling--unlike the Mauna Lani, which was good for both. Yes, you are right, Tabernash2, it is convenient staying on the same property as the conference--and I might just do this--but it also would be a treat to be able to cook with the different ingredients you can find in Hawaii (I live on the South Island of New Zealand), hence the idea of a condo.

Scootoir, I had a look at Poipu Sands on VRBO. Looks well worth considering. I'm sure the Grand Hyatt and Makahuena would also be fine. It'll just be nice to be in warm climate.

Well, if you want to cook, then you should definitely get the condo. Especially since there's a complex directly next door to your conference. Last thing I want to do on vacation is cook!

No, I don't want to be chained to the stove, either. I'll definitely be dining out--who could resist trying Kauai's restaurants? It's just nice to have the option.

Kauai is so gorgeous, you will want to be outside as much as possible. I'm jealous!

Have also stayed at Poipu Shores and it is a very nice placement with the pool right over the ocean. Great lanais and all around good choice. No beach to swim but within walking distance down to Poipu beach or just a very short drive down the road. Grand Hyatt is a very classy resort but if you don't have an ocean view (which you pay dearly for), is it worth it. Too me being in Hawaii requires an ocean view which is why I like the condos at Poipu Shores and Makehuena..Have a wonderful time. Love Kauai. We will be back next year......