The Lihue, Kauai Hawaii Marriott Resort and Beach Club recently completed a multimillion dollars renovation of all their guestrooms and suites. The resort commands a fresh and contemporary enhancement which is more in harmony with its Hawaiian setting.
By Danny R. Johnson
The San Diego County News went to the island of Lihue, Hawaii searching for the best poolside bar and restaurant the island has to offer. After spending three days on the island, I am convince that the Lihue, Kauai Hawaii Marriott Resort and Beach Club is the undisputed winner when it comes to enjoying the BEST poolside drinks and casual dining of any resort on the island.
The resort staff was very friendly and exhibit all the attributes of the Marriott Way as they are taught in Marriott’s hospitality training, which is mandatory for all employees. My party of four spent five hours bathing in the sun and enjoying the warm resort hospitality that never seemed to stop even when we intentionally became demanding. The waiter was always professional and courteous and kept coming back periodically to check up on us.
The resort has an array of amenities that guests would have a hard time deciding what to order off their extensive poolside menu. Our waiter was very knowledgeable of the menu and the drink specials, which appears to be the favorite pastime of the poolside guests. The poolside restaurant, Kalapaki Grill, have breathtaking views of the ocean no matter where you are sitting. My party ordered the Hawaiian style plate lunch which consisted of brown rice, local style potatoes, macaroni salad and kim chee. Kim chee is a Hawaiian salad consisting of cabbage, spices and red peppers that can only be found on the island. I must admit, I haven’t had a good bowl of kim chee since I left South Korea in 1979. The chef performed an excellent feat in preparing my lunch special which was ordered with the Kalbi chicken.
The Lihue, Kauai Hawaii Marriott Resort and Beach Club is a luxurious beachfront vacation resort located near Lihue airport with 800 acres fronting Kalapaki Beach. The resort features one of the largest and most beautiful family resort pools in Hawaii, plus 18 holes of Jack Nicklaus golf.
The other members of my party ordered several of the resort’s drink specials – one in particular called Kalapaki Krush, which consisted of Midori liqueur, ice cream mix, coconut syrup, fresh pineapple, mango puree and a Chambord float. The drink is brought out in a tall glass, which is absolutely stunning with its tropical umbrella accompanied with a big slice of pineapple. The only thing I can tell you is that this drink was so delicious and refreshing I ordered two of them! For those patrons who want their drinks spiked with only the best liquors available, the bar serves tropical drinks made with premium well brands and you can choose to have top shelf brands for an additional $3, or luxury tier for an additional $4.
I strongly encourage you to visit the Lihue, Kauai Hawaii Marriott Resort and Beach Club and experience the BEST poolside dining of any resort on the island – you will not be disappointed. If you need additional information about the resort, you can go to the link http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lihhi-kauai-marriott-resort-and-beach-club/ to find out more about this majestic resort.
Danny R. Johnson is a Freelance Travel Writer based in Washington, D.C.
