Would there be an advantage of one of these over the other? I'm wondering about view, size, whether they are airy (have a lot of light inside or not), noise and overall outside beauty of the grounds. (I know that HBV has ac and PKK does not) Also, are they associated with the Princeville hotel so you could use their pool, if you wanted?

We have stayed at PKK and other Princeville condo's and appreciate the ocean front view off the lanai from the PKK units and unique access to Hideaways beach.

The HBV units I have seen have more in the way of beautiful garden, and stunning mountain views and are farther back from the ocean and since they are separate dwellings may offer a quieter setting than PKK.

Guests of the Princeville resort are welcome at the hotel and we have used their beach and restaurants but not the pool, since PKK has its own private pool. Good luck with your decision, both are fine choices.

Hey JohnD, do you recall what numbers at PKK face the best view?

Take a look at the Kaua'i trip report I just posted (you can click on my username for a list of my posts). It includes a detailed review of PKK. I also include the villa #s for bluff-front units. PKK is not affiliated with the Princeville Hotel, so you cannot use their pool, although PKK has its own pool. If you go with PKK, I would definitely get a 2nd floor unit for better breezes and to eliminate the possibility of noise from tenants above (some have complained about this).

As John mentioned, PKK units have beautiful water views, while HBV units have lovely mountain views. Some have commented that HBV gets better air circulation. PKK condos have tons of natural light, with a full bank of windows facing the ocean. The 2 complexes are across the street from one another and I didn't notice any appreciable difference in their gardens. Princeville is very nicely landscaped overall. I think it's hard to go wrong either way.

Reply to golfluvr, Agree with Julie#s about renting the 2nd floor PKK units. Sorry don't recall the unit #s other than low 200s tho come to think of it probably have 'em on somewhere. Believe units closer to the Pu'u Po'a condos with slightly better views. Ultimate Kaua`i Guidebook has some more condo unit# info. link: www.wizardpub.com/kauai/kauai.html

Be sure to take virtual online tour of condo view that you are considering, as in our experience, what you see is what you get.
Enjoy your stay in paradise !

We recently stayed in HBV #34 which is a private home and available thru VRBO.com. The owners have called their home Hale Maluhia. You can see it here: http://kauaivilla.com/ We loved it. The deck off the back of the home faces the mountains although the ocean could also be seen from the side view on the deck. I described the home in considerable detail in my trip report: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34881697

Our unit did not have AC. It was not affiliated with the Princeville Hotel.

Our unit was a stand alone house, which meant there was no noise issues from neighbors. PKK is a series of adjoining condos.

There is a significant difference among the PKK units regarding the quality of the views. Julie304's unit has terrific views. The first couple of buildings closest to the road have those killer views. See her trip report for more info.

There is also a price difference between the PKK and where we stayed.

Good luck!!

DUH!! After reading dcd's response about his unit not having ac, I realized I meant to compare Hanalei BAY Resort not the Villas to PKK. I am so confused. I can't get it straight, what is what!!! Please straighten me out. I have read so much I am going nuts!!!

We have stayed twice at Hanalei Bay Resort and people's opinions of the units and ocean and mountain views here vary alot more than those of HBV or PKK. HBR does have a concierge, tennis courts, a decent sized pool and Jacuzzi and Bali Hai restaurant and Happy Talk lounge. The beach is adjacent to the Princeville and they will give you a golf cart ride down the trail to it. If you are able to provide the name of the unit (e.g. Bamboo, or give unit number) other Fodorites may be able to provide more specific info.

Having stayed at HBR and other Princeville resort condos (e.g. PKK & Alii Kai) we generally feel we get more for our $-) at other condo's such as PKK than HBR, even though HBR has more services on site, however while staying at PKK and Alii Kai, we found it necessary to drive to local stores/restaurants in Princeville and Hanalei to make up for things not on site. Feel free to ask more.