The Grand Canyon of anywhere is a place I want to see.
From the Columbia Gorge in Oregon, the Colorado River Gorge in Arizona, or Mt. St. Helens in Washington, I’ve got a new grand.
But you’ve got to get up early to see the Waimea Canyon; not so early for the Grand Hyatt.
Clouds and fog roll up the canyon from the Kauai coast.
If you’ve not seen clouds and fog, you will here.
But the real view is the sharp edged ridges and interplay between the green plants and red dirt.
Central Oregon people know this red dirt from the volcanic cinders used on winter roads.
But, you can’t get a Red Dirt Shirt in Oregon?
One part volcanic, one part erosion, and pretty parts in enough hues of green for a year long St. Patrick’s Day, Kauai’s Grand Canyon is a mile across and 3600 feet deep based on signs at pull-outs.
Is it good enough to make a day out of a trip? Yes. Bring shoes and food and water and find a trailhead.
We didn’t because one of us is two years old, but people were out in force.
If you love waterfalls, this is the place.
What’s better than a frothy white tail rolling down a vertical green wall?
Grand Hyatt Kauai
There’s the same waterfall?
The same green?
Close enough?
While I’m not an expert on Hawaiian travel, I’ve been around the block a time or two.
If I came to Kauai and stayed at the Grand Hyatt, I’d probably stay on campus and walk from restaurant to restaurant.
I’ve got nothing against being spoon fed local culture cooked up in a resort.
From Omni Grove Park Inn in North Carolina, to Tenaya at Yosemite, to Vidanta in Puerto Vallarta, I’ve had more than a mouthful.
And it’s good, but not quite over the top.
The good new is that compared to other places I’ve been, The Grand Hyatt would have been the best.
I asked my wife if she agreed. She did.
But it’s Hawaii. The sun is out, the beaches close, and there are critters under the sea to follow around.
You can travel to the Grand Hyatt for a poolside chair the same as you can travel to Asheville to sit in a hickory rocker, or Mexico to be saluted by Vidanta staff.
The baby boomers I’ve seen looked ready for a good long rest between breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner.
The Grand Canyon Of Kauai Difference
Instead of walking around a tourist mall with rooms, giving up and ordering room service while binging on March Madness, take a shot of Hawaii for memory’s sake.
Find a beach and set up an outpost.
Get in the water every day.
Find a good sunset.
If you’re surprised at the number of Mexican food places, don’t be.
The Hawaiian take on fish tacos is a staple.
Lots of good ones.
What’s the difference between a Kauai Grand Canyon tourist and a Grand Hyatt tourist?
It’s the story you’re going to tell.
Make a good story and tell it well.
Remember, there’s alway more to the story than a first impression.
Lay down a foundation, a good foundation in a little grass shack, and go from there.
About David Gillaspie
