I floated on my back through the vast saltwater lagoon of the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Carried along by the semi-salty water, I watched the palm fronds swaying above me within the trade winds, silhouetted against the blue Pacific sky. As a deep, out-of-body feeling of rest washed over me and time looked as if it would decelerate, I believed: Can it really get any higher?
In Hawaii, many resorts go above and beyond to create stunning pool environments and experiences. Whether you're lounging on a lounger within the water, being treated like Hollywood royalty in a non-public cabana, floating in slow motion down a lazy river, or floating on the sting of an infinity pool while having fun with a Hawaiian sunset, your pool experiences might be a few of the most unforgettable highlights of a Hawaii vacation.
If you're within the mood for a Hawaiian-style poolside pampering, listed below are a few of my favorite resorts within the Hawaiian Islands. No matter which poolside paradise you select, do not forget that Hawaii's magic goes far beyond the resorts. Be sure to take the time to explore the islands' stunning beaches, hike through lush rainforests, experience the wealthy local culture, and splash in a few of the natural pools—we've got suggestions for those below, too.
Kauai
The Grand Hyatt Kauai's massive pool complex, with its palm-lined terraces and lushly planted oases, has something for everybody, including an extended lazy river and a big, splendidly relaxing saltwater lagoon just feet from Shipwreck Beach and ocean surf. Details: hyatt.com
Also in Poipu, Koloa Landing Resort has won USA Today's “Best Pool in America” award several years in a row. An enormous waterfall cascading over a rock arch is the centerpiece of the major pool, but my favorite watery escape on the resort is the secluded adult pool and hot tub, that are positioned away from the busy major pool complex. Details: www.koloalandingresort.com
Maui
Located within the Ka'anapali resort area of West Maui, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa's lush pool complex is just feet from the beach and includes an adult-only pool on the upper terrace and a lower pool with a waterslide that's popular with kids and adults alike. An adult infinity pool includes a sandy bottom that's perfect for wiggling your toes while sipping a tropical drink from the nearby poolside bar. Details: westinmaui.com
At the opposite end of the major stretch of Ka'anapali Beach, the pool on the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa is longer than a football field and has two swimming areas connected by a river. You can float between them, past waterfalls and tropical trees, plants and flowers. At one end is a family area with a slide and a shallow section for youngsters. The other end has cabanas and a bar and is geared toward adults.
Located between the pool and the beach, the Cliff Dive Grill offers prime spots for the spectacular sunset torchlight ceremony and cliff diving ceremony on the promontory called Pu'u Kekaa (also generally known as Black Rock). Details: sheraton-maui.com
In South Maui, Wailea Beach Resort has several pools, including the tranquil Maluhia Infinity Pool overlooking the favored Wailea Shoreline Trail and the brand new Olakino Wellness Pool (reservations required), where poolside offerings include mini massages, wellness workshops, and wellness-themed drinks and food.
Don't miss the resort's Nalu Adventure Pool, which features the tallest waterslides in Hawaii – a top attraction for thrill-seekers who love speedy descents down two slippery tubes. Details: www.waileabeachresort.com
Next door, the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, tempts thrill-seekers with the Lava Tube Slide and its exhilarating three-story drop at speeds of as much as 22 miles per hour. The sprawling resort complex offers several pools, including the thrilling Wailea Canyon River Ride. Ride a raft down the twists, turns, and waterfalls—a surefire method to cool off and get your adrenaline pumping. Details: www.grandwailea.com
Oahu
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, positioned on Ko Olina Bay, is where Disney magic meets Hawaii. Aulani's pool complex offers family-oriented swimming and water play areas, from the whimsical water fountain wonderland of Menehune Bridge to the 4,000-square-foot Rainbow Reef, a non-public lagoon where you may swim with ocean fish. An infinity pool and multiple hot tubs are perfect for parental rest and rest.
Kids will love the lazy river, the Keiki Cove Splash Zone with its water jets and slides, or the more elaborate 200-square-foot Menehune Bridge Splash Zone and the prospect to satisfy Disney characters. Adults can calm down within the adults-only pool or unwind in a hot tub. Details: disneyaulani.com
The Sheraton Waikiki Helumoa Playground offers two pools, two hot tubs, a waterslide and a fountain play area for youths, all right next to the ocean and Waikiki Beach. There are 17 lounge chairs within the water. And in the summertime – Tuesday through Saturday at noon – Citrine the Mermaid, the Tinker Fairy, the Spider Superhero, the Polynesian Princess, the Polynesian Warrior or one other costumed character entertains the youngsters with storytelling, games and tricks. Details:
marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnlws-sheraton-waikiki
Island of Hawaii
The swim-up bar at Palm Grove Pool is a well-liked alternative for in-water drinks, an ideal place to benefit from the view of the countless blue Pacific or take a dip. Details: fourseasons.com/hualalai
Hilton Waikoloa Village has several pools, each with its own charm. The jewel of the resort is a swimmable, 4-acre saltwater lagoon connected to the ocean. It teems with tropical fish and green sea turtles that access the lagoon under a pedestrian bridge, offering snorkelers the prospect to see a wide range of Hawaii's colourful underwater inhabitants up close. The quieter Kohala Lagoon Pool offers a swim-up bar and a ravishing lava rock waterfall, while Kona Pool features the thrilling 175-foot Kona Crater Slide. Details: hilton.com
Natural pools
The Hawaiian Islands are also home to quite a few waterfalls and natural pools. For example, Waimea Valley on Oahu is home to a 730-hectare valley with a natural pool fed by freshwater springs. It is ideal for a refreshing swim surrounded by rushing waterfalls and tropical flora. Details: www.waimeavalley.net
Join a five-hour guided adventure on Kauai that begins with a kayak ride on the wide, calm Wailua River, followed by a hike through lush jungle to the secluded Uluwehi Falls and an unforgettable swim within the pool beneath the falls. Details: Kayakkauai.com
Originally published:
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