American World Traveler Fall 2016 Issue

72
S t a y & P l a y Hilton Garden Inns Take Root in Hawaii
Kauai-The Garden Isle Gets First Hilton Garden Inn
by Susan Campbell
Iwas delighted to be invited to
witness Hilton Garden Inn
making history in Hawaii with
not one, but two openings of new
resorts in the 50th state last June.
The first one was set in gorgeous
Kauai, where nature still reigns
supreme and the setting itself is
located beside important sacred
grounds where the Wailua River
meets the sea. This is the birthplace
of the ancient nobles of
Kauai, and definitely an ideal
place for new beginnings. And
this was the very first Hilton
Garden Inn to open in the
Hawaiian Islands.
Photo: Susan Campbell
It was with much fanfare, and cultural
music, dance and blessings
that the new hotel was opened.
Hawaiians are very big on blessings!
They have spiritual leaders cleanse
the past energy or “mana” and invite the
“aloha spirit” and new energy to enter. It’s
a lovely tradition. And the community’s
enthusiasm for this new accommodation
offering on this very special spot was palpable.
The grand ballroom in the past hotel
there had hosted many decades worth of
local celebrations.
The new incarnation of the hotel as a Hilton
Garden Inn brand now has 216 completely
remodeled guest rooms including some
stand-alone cottages. The newly refreshed
lobby opens on to the new Garden Grille &
Bar, and there are two pools, an outdoor
hot tub and a fitness center. But of course,
the biggest draw is the beach!
A Children’s Paradise and a
Romantic Retreat
I can’t think of a spot more ideally suited
for families; the grounds are virtually one
big surf and turf playground! Due to manmade
breakwaters, there are two calm,
shallow pools where wee ones can avoid
big waves. And right next door is Lydgate
Park with a massive playground. And all
ages will enjoy complimentary coaster
bikes for cruising along the coconut coast
bike paths along the sea.
But romantics will also appreciate this setting.
The hotel has a quieter wing and pool
where adults can escape, and the wild and
restless waves on either side of the breakwaters
roll onto isolated beaches for very
romantic seaside strolls. There is also a
seaside gazebo for weddings, and receptions
can be well catered to with lots of celebration
hall space indoor and and a large
lovely patio for al fresco events.
Island Adventures
Kaui is a hiker’s haven, and zip lining is
also big. Go with Koloa Tours that offer the
longest lines on the island and also rough
and tumble ATV adventures. Surfing, snorkeling,
and dolphin and whale spotting
sailing trips are also perfect pastimes there,
but one thrilling adventure not to be missed
is a helicopter tour! We hovered over the
Jurassic landscape of the famous Napali
coast with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and
trust me; it was a bucket-list epic adventure.
www.hgi.com
Photo: Susan Campbell