What to expect: Imbued with history from both ancient Hawaii and the 19th century, Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows preserves an aura of gracious living amid the Garden Island's natural lushness. Space exists for families and couples to vacation in restful silence and as much live-at-home solitude as desired.

Amenity highlights: Castle's extraordinary grounds reveal their wonders during strolls. Regarded as one of the world's best for cactus and other succulents, the Moir Gardens include fantastically shaped cacti, 70-year-old orchids, ancient Hawaiian lava-rock walls, ponds, and such artifacts as a grinding stone from Hawaii's first sugar mill and a whaler's melting pot converted into a water-lily planter. Other delights abound, such as monkey pod trees shading circles more than 100 feet in diameter and a grove of exotic lauhala trees.

Insider tip: Along with its bargain-priced mai tais for happy hour, the bar at the Plantation Gardens Restaurant serves complimentary pupus of exceptional quality and generous size. The atmosphere invites convivial conversation among contented guests and friendly staff.

What to expect: 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.

Amenity highlights: Spiritual and physical rejuvenation can be found at the renowned ANARA Spa, with lava-rock showers; thatched-roof treatment huts; and yoga, meditation, and other classes. The resort's expansive water park includes a 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon with beach, a 150-foot water slide, and an artificial river meandering from the hotel through lush gardens and hidden grottos and under waterfalls to a freshwater lagoon pool.

Insider tip: The "Share the Stars" dining option allows guests to enjoy a secluded dinner with a private server at a linen-draped table near the beach.