Here’s some news for the tourists! Well, I’d better start at the beginning. Whenever someone comes to visit me who isn’t from Kauai, I always take them to Hanalei Bay Resort for lunch. It’s a tradition with me, as a meat eater, to order a hamburger from the resort whenever I can, and visitors give me the excuse I need to drive there. Plus, the hamburgers are only $5.

Anyway, the resort itself is an oceanfront getaway overlooking Hanalei Bay. Since it is right on the beach, visitors to the resort get great food, a view of sunsets over the ocean and mountains rising up in the distance, and wonderful ocean breezes. Plus, the resort has gardens, waterfalls, swimming pools, and the beach! My friends and I have often sat in the pool area watching the waves and munching on our juicy hamburgers.

Well (and here comes the exciting part for tourists) the Hanalei Bay Resort has recently been recognized by Fodor’s Travel as the Best Hotel Pool in the US! In fact, they were given the Fodor’s Choice Gold 2010 award. Why? Well, if you’d ever seen the pool with its authentic lava-rock waterfalls, open-air hot tub, kids area, sandy “beach” by the pool, and all of the amenities included, you would know.

So what does this mean for tourists? Well, it means that Hanalei Bay is the best place to stay and bring your family. Apparently, the pool is fabulous, and I’ve already mentioned that the burgers are low-priced and juicy-good. Then there’s also the fact that it’s right on the beach. What more could you ask for?

In my opinion, it’s about time that the resort got recognized for its excellent out-door activities and pool area. Scott (the general manager) should be proud.