Kauai Lagoons - The Westin Kauai - Hardcover

Hawaii is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Each island has its own distinct personality, with the island of Kauai one of the true gems in the crown of paradise. This book, focusing on the Westin Kauai, depicts the natural beauty of the island, while also relating its fascinating history: Starting in the legendary mists of prehistory, when the Kauaian chiefs climbed to the peaks of Mount Waialeale - the wettest spot on Earth - through the legends of the Menehune, Captain Cook's landing, and the arrival of the missionaries. The text and photography also pay tribute to one of the world's grand hotels - The Westin Kauai - and to the vast art collection it houses. More than 2000 works of art are in The Westin Kauai Collection, making it one of the largest privately held collections in the world. There are paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and ceramics, as well as many religious pieces which mostly reflect various periods of Buddhist history. The collection ranges widely in form and style, with art from China, Thailand, Burma, Bali, and Kampuchea (Cambodia), in addition to painting and sculpture by contemporary Hawaiian artists. "Staying in this hotel," says The Westin Kauai developer, Christopher B. Hemmeter, "gives the visitor a little touch of the past, a little touch of history, a little touch of grandeur, and a little touch of romance. We are not simply in the business of building hotels. We are building experiences."