Complimentary shuttle service delivers a steady stream of international guests from nearby Lihue Airport through a tree-shaded avenue leading to the resort's upper entrance. New arrivals descend two stories by steep escalator to a grand esplanade and enormous tropical garden containing waterfalls and koi ponds. An airy lobby is ringed by pink-marble columns.

Built in plantation style, the hotel appears modest from the driveway: low-rise, creamy stucco with a green-tile roof. The vast lobby creates a different impression: marble, gently falling water, tapestries, antiqued chairs, sofas so deep they seem to swallow guests. A terrace off the lobby showcases ocean views, as breaking rollers sweep into beautiful Hanalei Bay past the rock spire called Bali Hai.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai is a self-contained resort arrayed on 50 naturally contoured, lavishly landscaped acres overlooking the blue Pacific. Located at an isolated end of South Kauai, the hotel is popular with celebrating couples and families.

Spread over 20 acres of oceanfront, the 394-room Sheraton Kauai appeals to families and romance-seeking couples. The soothing sound of surf rolling across the lava-rock point in the resort's center contributes to the relaxing ambience. No building rises higher than a mature coconut tree, ensuring that the resort fits into its splendid setting.

Tranquil, beautifully landscaped with tropical plantings, and providing superb ocean views, this small resort caters to guests seeking peace, quiet, and all the comforts of home-away-from-home living.

Although Kauai's most populous area with plentiful shopping and dining opportunities lies just two miles up the coast, the isolation here creates a tranquil atmosphere, with the ocean's soothing majesty spread out for contemplation. Kaha Lani means "Heavenly Place," and the name suits this resort.

Finesse distinguishes Pono Kai, right down to the rope-wrapped poles holding up tiki torches. Large wooden chairs permanently installed by the beach allow guests to sunset- and whale-watch or just dreamily contemplate the vast, blue ocean. The hot tub next to the 22-by-40-foot pool is a roomy 10 square feet. Picnic tables in the poolside gas-grill barbecue area include three that are wheelchair-accessible. Charcoal grills are available along the beachfront. Lush gardens screen the pool, but beachfront lawns feature only coconut trees so the open space remains compatible with the broad ocean vista.