In the Ka'anapali resort area of West Maui, the Hyatt is known among visitors and locals as a true gem due in part to the beautiful gardens that include a several pond areas, many small gardens, and several enclosures featuring exotic birds ranging from African-crowned cranes and penguins to black swans and parrots. Throughout the grounds, Asian statues appear frequently with alluring microgardens surrounding them. A large inner courtyard has many sriking container species and small exhibits and the verticle architecture allows for a stunning display potted plants. Near the Hyatt is located near the ancient kalo (taro) beds and at the south end of the Hyatt grounds is a small stream named Hahakea and a site once was known as the cave of Pueo, or the “Owl Cave,” where legends say the guardian spirit owl resides and where long ago Hina hid her son Maui to avoid him being sacrificed by warriors. They Hyatt prides itself on diversity and has several programs to recruit and retain minority students and staff. On the environmental front, Global Hyatt Corporation recently named Brigitta Witt as Vice President, Environmental Affairs. In a January 2008 press release John Wallis, senior vice president of product and brand development, Global Hyatt Corporation had this to say:
"Brigitta will play a vital role at Hyatt, as a company we are committed to protecting our natural environment, to the comfort and well being of our guests and to respecting the communities in which we operate. Environmental sustainability will be at the core of everything that we do - from the design and construction of our hotels, to the products in our guest rooms, to the efficient use of natural resources. But the key to our success will be the 90,000 environmental ambassadors that we have around the world in our associates. As a global company, we are developing a consistent company vision to share best practices that build on the environmental programs that are already underway in many of our hotels around the world. As a passionate advocate for personal and corporate environmental responsibility, Brigitta will partner with all of our associates as we dedicate ourselves and Hyatt to an expanded journey towards global sustainability."
