| Green Garden Isle |
Think of the eco-impact these mega-properties have—nowhere else on Kauai’s fragile island environment comes close to matching the sheer scale of their consumption and waste, or the potential for contamination of the land and sea and air they touch. Owned or managed by big corporations from somewhere far away, they have less incentive to be good green citizens. And yet, a surprising number of Kauai’s big kahunas are doing the right things. Here are the best.
St. Regis: Grand Lobby, indeed
St. Regis Princeville. This venerable resort hotel on the northeast coast was closed for a year and “rebranded” as Hawaii’s first St. Regis when it reopened in October 2009. It is now more spectacular than ever. During the renovation, numerous pollution and erosion control measures were enforced, marble, granite and other discarded materials were recycled (unwanted furniture was donated to local nonprofits). New energy-saving systems and kitchen equipment were installed, as were eco-rooftops that significantly minimize heat absorption and help improve air quality by reducing CO2 levels; new paints, sealants, carpets and wall coverings are green and do not give off unhealthy gases.
The hotel’s lighting designers during the renovation worked with experts to reduce lighting that might potentially impact nocturnally flying seabirds, particularly Newell’s Shearwaters and the Hawaiian Petrel. As fledglings, these birds are attracted to man-made lights, and once on the ground they have difficulty becoming airborne again. The St. Regis operates a shearwater aid station to accept downed birds from the greater Princeville area. Hotel staff are trained to help the young shearwaters and petrels find their way to the ocean safely.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Winner of a state Green Business Award, it’s nestled into the cliffs that border a pristine stretch of Poipu beachfront. The resort itself is elegant and inviting. The setting is spectacular, the grounds exquisitely landscaped, using many native and drought-resistant plants. The big green news here is the major array of solar panels installed over a covered parking area. A big portion of the resort’s electricity is a renewable gift from the sun.
Grand Hyatt: green and great
Cleaning and landscaping are eco-friendly. Abundant heat produced by the AC system is recycled to warm the pools and saltwater swimming lagoon, and even supplies hot water to the resort’s laundry and guest rooms. A state-of-the-art dry cleaning system is nontoxic and reduces drying times and energy use. Other eco-friendly steps taken include the latest generation of fluorescents—models containing no mercury so that they can safely be disposed of. The restaurants source many products, some of it organic, from local farmers, and waste cooking oil goes to making biofuel. Recycling bins are located around the property. Guest rooms have programmable thermostats. The resort participates in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program to reduce both utilities consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. At banquets and other catered events, china, glass and cloth napkins are always preferred, but if plastic is used, it must be biodegradable and compostable—no Styrofoam ever!
Sheraton Kauai. Another Poipu beach mainstay, it’s like a small village of low-rise hale (houses). It has also won a state Green Business Award. Choose an ocean or beach room for fiery Pacific sunrises and day-long wave gazing; or a room just across sleepy Ho‘onani Road for peaceful garden views of tropical blooms and sparkling waterfalls. Planning a green wedding? Uncle Fred from Tallahassee can avoid the carbon emissions of the long flight and watch on his computer instead. A wedding at the Sheraton Kauai can be seen around the world with a Live Internet Weddings option.
Sheraton Kauai: sweet suite
Before its latest renovations, a green audit was conducted. This resulted in replacement of every incandescent bulb in guest rooms with energy-saving compact fluorescents, installation of low-flow fixtures in bathrooms, as well as motion sensors and digital thermostats. Back-of-the-house upgrades included more motion sensors for lighting, new and super-efficient heating and cooling equipment, and a vastly expanded recycling effort. Kitchen practices were also revised with an eye toward more earth-friendly practices.
We really like the chlorine-free process used to sanitize the pools and hot tub. The recycling program benefits more than the environment: Money recouped from recyclables is donated to the nation’s largest organization for those with intellectual disabilities.
Kauai Marriott Resort. Marriott is another big player on the island. Happily, Marriott is a recognized leader in eco-minded hotel management. The recently renovated resort sprawls across 800 acres that front Kalapaki Bay in Lihue and include a Jack Nicklaus golf course. There are 5 restaurants and one of the largest pools in Hawaii.
Kauai Marriott: poolside dining
Like almost all Marriotts, this one is smoke-free except in designated outside areas. Recycling and numerous energy efficiencies are also in place.
Waimea Plantation Cottages. It could be mistaken for a movie set. But this is an authentic piece of Hawaiian history. Unlike any other resort to be found on these isles, green or otherwise, Waimea Plantation on Kauai’s western shore consists of 48 historic cottages in a sprawling coconut grove; each one updated, to be sure, but also unique—from studio to 5 bedrooms, none exactly alike. Think period furnishings, hammocks and porch swings, cozy spaces in which to relax and recharge. Uncrowded beaches are minutes away (swimming at the plantation’s beach is not safe), as are the scenic and recreational thrills of Waimea Canyon.
Waimea Plantation: 1920s Kruse Cottage
Obviously, preserving the historic charm is important here, but so is respect for the environment. That’s why a few cottages will soon be solar-powered, as an experiment in both esthetics and energy independence. No smoking is permitted anywhere on its 27 acres. Cleaning and grounds-keeping is nontoxic. Also valued is connection with community and culture. A local school, for example, leads a monthly clean-up of the resort’s black-sand beach. Repeat guests are legion here, and this is a wonderfully hang-loose location for family reunions or other intimate gatherings. A green wedding in the plantation manager’s home fronting the Pacific followed by a garden reception in a white wedding tent under a star-lit night is, well, the stuff of fantasy.
