Hi everyone. Hoping the Hawaii specialists on this board can offer some advice. My husband and I are planning on taking a once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii for our anniversary next summer. We'd like to visit Kauai for 5-6 days and spend the balance on either Maui or Hawaii. We've done some research and the number of resorts is overwhelming for a first timer. Can you tell us your favorite romantic hotels/resorts to stay at on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii? We've looked at the Hotel Hana Maui and Kapalua Bay on Maui, The Hyatt and the Princeville on Kauai, and the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Prince on Hawaii. Any thoughts on these properties or others we should look at? Total budget including airfare is $7000. We tend to like places that are more personal with good customer service,casually elegant but not stuffy, friendly atmosphere, great food and beautiful beaches. We also tend to like places that are unique and offer a true sense of the island (as opposed to some of the chains that could be anywhere). For Kaui, we're looking for a quiet atmosphere, natural lush surroundings and the desert island feel. The other island (whichever we choose) should offer more activities or sites to see, but not in the middle of a major touristy section. We like places that are more relaxed and down to earth than stuffy and country clubby. Also, since we are celebrating our anniversary, we'd like a place that is not overwhelmed with kids and perhaps more appropriate for adults. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Hi Longtail! You can't go wrong with the Princeville in Kauai or the Kapulua in Maui! Both are beautiful resorts! Summertime is an excellent time to be on the north of Kauai too! I'm not familiar with the resort on the island of Hawaii, but I'm sure some other fodorite will share their thoughts!
Good luck with the planning!

Thanks carbogilligan. Can you give me your take on the Princeville vs. the Hyatt? I've heard pros and cons of each on tripadvisor which makes it tough. Which is more appropriate for couples, best beach, best views, etc. Also, I've heard that it can ran more on the North side of kauai. Any rec. on things to do if we get rained out?

We have been to Hawaii several times and have stayed at most of the luxury resorts including Hyatt, Grand Wailea, etc. We found them to be great but full of kids and we wanted something more intimate. This last time we stayed at an awesome bed and breakfast in Lahaina that was definitely our favorite. So beautiful. Check out
http://www.hooilohouse.com. I promise you will not be disappointed.

The Princeville is the essence of luxury. While the decor inside is not tropical, its absolutely beautiful. The views of Bali Hai are incredible. The service is impeccable. The Hyatt is more Hawaiian in feel, but more family oriented too. The beaches are bigger on the south shore,, but the north shore has its own beauty. I prefer the north shore. If it rains, it won't last long. We eagerly await the final drop, then look up into the mountains for the most incredible rainfalls you will ever see! The rainbows are magical too. If it looks like its going to be inclimate all day (a rarity in summer), hop in the car and explore the southern shore. I'm sure I've truly confused you now. Perhaps someone else can share their feelings on the two resorts.

Longtail. I second Carbogilligan's suggestions. Both Princeville and Kapalua Bay are intimate, and off the worn path in extremely pretty areas. KBH has a reputation for that old Hawaiian feel, aloha. Princeville can be wet (so can Kapalua) but not a deal stopper in summer, when it's drier.
Hyatt Kauai, Poipu, is in a dry setting, perhaps best known for its pools. Kids . Kids. Kids. Especially in summer. Beach very rough swimming. Area itelf is simply nowhere near as pretty as Princeville.
Hana is magical, but it's like being on a deserted island, almost. You really, really, would want to be alone together, especially at night, to stay in Hana (which we've done for nearly a week). Hana Maui was recently renovated and is under new management. In Hana, Hamoa is a great beach, as is Red Sand, though the latter very difficult to reach.
Also been to Big Island, but wouldn't pay [much] to go again, unless you really, really cannot die before you see an actively flowing volcano, and mile after mile after mile of dried, black, broken lava everywhere.

Thanks for your replies and advice. We'll check out the Princeville and the Kapalua. Any particular rooms we should ask for? I've heard comments that some of KPH rooms are in need of an upgrade. Also, things that we shouldn't miss for our first trip? I've heard the Old Lahaina lua (?) is a don't miss.

longtail,
Hotel Hana Maui would be my first choice, but if this is your first trip to Maui, make sure you stay in a different part of the island also. I've not been to HHM since it's transformation by the owners of the Post Ranch Inn, but friends were there a month ago and thought the spa was extremely well done and thouroughly enjoyed their three day stay. On Kauai I would suggest you look into the Secret Beach Hideaway cottages. They are tailor made for an anniversary or intimate getaway. $$$$ but very nice. There are several threads here about the place and you can also read comments on tripadvisor. Have a great time planning!
-Bill

Longtail, I did a search on the Princeville on tripadvisor.com and there are several negative comments. Perhaps you want to check those out.
Anyone Fodorites been to the Princeville lately?

We live just down the road from the Princeville Hotel -- and because friends stayed there just last week, I'll add their comments here:

"Love this place! Can't wait to come back again!" 8-)

Their room was clean, spacious (and they kept playing with that amazing "disappearing" bathroom window feature), and the view -- Hanalei Bay, the mountains, the waterfalls -- were spectacular. No lanai, but b-i-g picture window with wide window seat for sitting and ahhh-ing.

On Maui we stayed for two nights in Hana at the Hana Hale Malamalama in the Bamboo Inn Villa. It's wonderfully quiet on lush grounds with an enormous fish pond and waterfall. Breakfast of fresh tropical fruit is in an open aired thatched hut "lobby". The Villa is steps away from Hana Bay through the banana and plumeria trees and has a freshwater bathtub on the porch where you can sit and stare at the stars.

Yes, there's nothing to do at night, with like literally two choices for dinner (or have fun and cook in the full kitchen as we did one night), but that's when it helps having a) a wonderful diversion like the porch tub and b) someone you can make your own fun with. If by "romantic" you mean "strolling through the quiet night through the trees to the sound of the bay" and "total splendid solitude", this place is an excellent choice.

And the Hana area is great during the day for hikes and waterfalls, especially the stuff past Hana that it takes everyone else all day to get to.

I covered it in my trip report here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34436140

The website for the hotel is www.hanahale.com

Let me know if you have any other questions!

love
roxy

When we stayed in Princeville a few weeks ago, it rained a lot at night (as I'm told it usually does), but was almost always clear in the morning. You may also have some passing showers, but the weather moves pretty quickly there, meaning that sun will probably be on the way soon.

The north shore is wonderfully lush and beautiful, and you will find yourself hanging your head out the window and craning your neck going "Oh. My. God. Did you see ALL those mountains streaked with waterfalls??". The south shore, while consistently sunny, cannot match this beauty because it lacks the rain and the gorgeous verdant mountain backdrop. Staying on the north shore will really make you feel like you're in Hawaii. The jungle just rushes right up to the beaches so the beach settings are just stunning.

What did we do when it rained? One morning we just slept later than six and hung out til it stopped then snorkeled below our condo (still in the morning). You can go enjoy a fun meal somewhere, pupus at the Princeville Living Room lounge overlooking Hanalei Bay, or, as on Ke'e Beach, just wait til it passes. No one got out of the water, and the chickens look funny when they're wet. Or, if it's really raining hard, just drive east/south til you find the point at which the rain stops.

I agree that the east shore will not feel very tropical to you, lots of grocery stores and retail and traffic. Although it does give you a good base for exploring all areas from a center point, the north shore still wins for Hawaiian beauty.

And there's TONS of activities to do on Kauai, paid or free, or you can do none of them at all, same as on any other island. I don't know why Kauai gets the reputation for having "nothing to do" (not that YOU said it did).

I have a Kauai trip report here http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34508517

love
roxy

Hi everyone. Thank you for all your input on Kauai (including the links ot the trip reports). It's been very helpful. The most difficult decision is whether to stay at the Princeville or the Hyatt. I did some research on both yesterday (trip reports, the hotel websites, tripadvisor, etc). Both seem to be unique in their own way and people either love them or hate them (depending on what they're looking for). I've ordered brochures from each so hopefully that will make the decision easier. Right now, we seem to be leaning toward the Hyatt but have not totally made up our mind. What appeals to us about the Hyatt is that it seems to offer a more Hawaiian atmosphere, more exotic and tropical feel with beautiful pools (including a pool for adults).In the past, we've really enjoyed places that give you a sense of the island you are staying on and we love the tropical feel. 99% of the reviews of tripadvisor were very positive, mentioning that although there were kids, it never felt overwhelming. (We're planning on going in mid June - before the 4th of July). I also took a look at their menus and they seemed to be more Hawaiian as opposed to standard dishes that you could find anywhere. The down sides of the Hyatt are that the views are not as nice as the Princeville, customer service is not as good (due to the size), the rooms are not as fancy (not a dealbreaker for us - simple is fine) and the beach is often unswimmable. Ok- nothing's perfect. On the flip side, the down sides of the Princeville are that the resort is on the rainier side of the island, the pool is nothing spectacular (according to user reviews), and the resort itself does not offer a real sense of Hawaii. From what I've read, the Princeville is fancier and more European in style. The reviews I've read mention that the hotel (while beautiful and intimate) could be anywhere (meaning it's not very Hawaiian). I also checked out some of the menus and found that very few Hawaiian dishes were offered. For those who have been to the Princeville, what's your take on the pool area and the beach? Also, has anyone been to the Hyatt and loved it? Sorry for all the questions - this one is a tough one. Either way, I 'm sure whatever we pick will be wonderful. Thanks again for all your help!

I think the Hyatt is a good choice. The grounds and pools are awesome. We went in August, and I don't remember it being overrun with kids (we went without ours). Some resorts feel very crowded all the time, and my husband and I like places where we can find a spot of our own. I felt the Hyatt was like this -- even when there was a lot of people at the pools, it didn't seem crowded to us. We hope to return there for our 25th anniversary in 2 years.

Personally, I would forget about the "rain factor" that time of summer. It's absolutely glorious on the North Shore that time of year, only "rainy" relative to the climate on the South Shore, IMO. Now, if I were there Nov. through April, I would factor in the climate on the North Shore, but not in summer.

Aloha longtail,

Have to 2nd bonniebroad's comments, and add that I would make an effort not to hang at the resort in June/July, and get out and explore Kauai which is very tropical and lush around the Princeville/North shore area.

Longtail.........a new post from KTinTX and she just returned from the Princeville. She promises a trip report soon. Perhaps you can directly ask her specific questions.

Last summer we stayed at two places in the Poipu area. We stayed at a friend's house and then at the Hyatt. We spent the first week exploring the north shore and Waimea Canyon and the last week we just hung out at the Hyatt. That's the plan again this time(except we are not staying at the Hyatt). We loved the Hyatt. All the positives you mentioned are right on the money. That said, the north shore is really gorgeous and does feel and look different than the south. It's the Hawaii that I visualized in my mind before I actually visited there. We will stay somewhere on the north shore on future trips. I would stay on the north shore since you are going to Maui. The south shore is more like parts of Maui. (Did I just say that?) Have a great trip.

I stayed at both the Hyatt and the Princeville last September. Both were nice. Both had good service. Both had the same amount of crowds (not really many IMO - even kids at the Hyatt pools). The weather was different but didn't really make a difference in the enjoyment of our stay. BUT the food AND the pools are much better at the Hyatt. I also found the overall atmosphere at the Hyatt more fun and filled with aloha spirit. The views at the Princeville were spectacular and the place was definitely luxurious but you get more for your money at the Hyatt. I don't think you will disapointed at either place.

In Maui I stayed at the Ritz Carlton. It's right next to Kapalua Bay Hotel. I love that area! It's secluded and makes you feel "away from the crowds". I think you will enjoy staying there very much.

hi,

we have been to kauai 7 times. love the north shore. princeville resort might blow the budget. very nice, but you may not feel comfortble if you like to loaf around in jeans like me. you might try hanalei bay resort condos next door. great veiw like princeville hotel. ask to get ones that are newly renovated. email me and i'll recommend a realty agent. [email protected]