A jungle river, winding down a hill side, with shady coves and wild birds and spectacular foliage – and water slides, of course. Welcome to the marvelous pool universe of the Grand Hyatt Kauai, a resort on the sunny Poipu Coast that has some of the biggest and best non-oceanic swimming options around. Kids and grown ups alike get lost in this multi-tiered serpentine swimming palace with great relish. I spent an entire afternoon lazing through the pool (the beach is right there, too, but….why?), floating along with my inevitable conclusion – a swim-up bar (smoothies for junior, thank you). The 602-room Grand Hyatt Kauai is not slouch, either with its sprawling grounds, excellent eats, and amazing location on Shipwreck Beach. But hey – if the pool rules, then dive in and stay there.

Grand Hyatt Kauai
1571 Poipu Rd
Koloa, HI 96756(808) 742-1234
www.kauai.hyatt.com