lisa3158

I am taking my first trip to Hawaii with my husband and my parents this summer (August 25-31). We will be staying in Kauai for 6 nights and are looking for a very relaxing time! We love the beach and amazing views. I have been researching these 3 hotels and am still unsure. The Hilton is the cheapest selection and best for our reward points but I hear no swimming? I have also read that it might be wise to stay on the North Shore during this time of year. We have scratched the condo idea and are set on staying at a resort. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

beanweb24

What turned you off from a condo? I ask because we just rented a condo on the North Shore of Kauai and LOVED it.

www.kauaidreamer.com

The condo was great because it had a huge terrace with beautiful ocean views, a washer dryer, 2 bathrooms, and was perched right above Hideaways beach for excellent acces to snorkeling at the right time of year (we were still too early).

We were also a 4 minute walk from the Princeville Resort. We went there on 3 different nights. Our favorite thing to do was to grab a table outside at the Living Room and have drinks while the sun set...the Princeville has a stunning view of the mountains and coastline. The 2 restaurants there were average at best - banquet like food, and laughable service (honestly). I haven't written my trip report yet but need to!

We decided if we were to return, we would rent the same condo, eat our lunches out, have drinks at the Living Room, then head back to our condo for a grill out on our lanai.

We loved the North Shore and after driving to Poipu area and visiting the Hyatt, we knew we made the right choice. The Hyatt seemed lovely - great lobby area - but we were disappointed in the use of outdoor space and the lack of open restaurants/bars in the middle of the day when we were in need of some refreshment with our view. We also thought the South area seemed very crowded, and it lacked the drama of the North Shore area.

beanweb24

By the way...not trying to push our condo at you if you are set on a resort. Thought others might be interested...

We loved,loved, loved the North Shore, views from Princeville were AMAZING...just be prepared for average food and you'll be fine.

nanabee

I would also consider a condo. We were there in 2005 and rented a condo near the north shore which we loved!! It was about 1800 sq. ft. three bed/3 baths, full kitchen, lanai, and had a pool and club house on site. We could go to Princeville on passes to use their facilities (but always ask the real estate agent to confirm - and ask for what the daily costs will be per person).
You won't believe the price we paid over the christmas holidays ($80/day for the five of us.) We got this deal beacuse the condo's pool wasn't completed...which we didn't care about anyway.

iamq

If a swimmable beach is important to you, then the Princeville Hotel is really your only choice between the three you have listed. The beach there is okay, but you do have gorgeous views of Hanalei Bay. The beach at the Hyatt is called Shipwreck Beach...need I say more? It is a pretty beach and is fun for beach boy and surfer watching, but not for swimming so much.

I think the Princeville is being converted to a St. Regis, so I would want to know if there is any remodeling, etc going on before I book. The Hyatt is the best hotel on the island imho.

Bill

Samsaf

We did get in the water at Shipwreck Beach when we stayed at the Hyatt, but the water was pretty rough that day. I was afraid to go out very far (by very far, I mean above my waist!!!) We mainly watched all the daredevils in the water.

NorCal_Jo

We really like the Princeville Resort and prefer the North shore to the South during that time of year (we love waking up to a view of Hanalei Bay with the mountains in the background). As a first trip to Hawaii, the North Shore has the dramatic beauty that will make you want to return again and again! The South shore is nice as well but in my opinion, just doesn't have the same sense of grandeur. There are nice condo's in same area as the Princeville and we have gone that route as well but my husband and I really have enjoyed our stays at the Princeville resort where we can be pampered with lazy breakfasts in our room with gorgeous views!

fun4all4

Yes, I believe the Princeville is undergoing a major renovation/remodeling. You may want to check on the status of that before booking.

Happy travels!

Linleedo1

ThePrinceville is the choice I would pick again, The rooms, the view, the beach, the pool. It is a place to be spoiled. It's our #1 pick in Kauai. Enjoy.

auntiemaria

I live in Princeville...so you know what part of this island is _my_ favorite

Everyone's comments thus far are accurate -- I just want to reiterate one very important one. The Princeville Resort is indeed being remodeled. The manager stated at our last homeowners' association meeting that they would be offering discounted rates on rooms that might be impacted by the construction -- but that obviously is not every room in the hotel.

Whenever visitors are faced with the "Princeville or Hyatt" dilemma before booking their lodging, I just gently remind them that these are both the best hotels on this island. But Princeville adds mountains, Hanalei Bay, waterfalls, and rainbows to the view!

marrsbar

We stayed at the Hyatt on our Honeymoon and loved it. We liked it so much more than the Princeville. It has a great Salt Water pool and Tidepools is a very romantic restaurant right on the grounds.

horatio

Why can't you split your time between the north and south shore..We did!

Ashley24

We stayed at both. The only thing the Hyatt has over the Princeville is a nicer pool. The views are gorgeous at the Princeville. If you can stay at both, I would do 5 nights at the Princeville and 2 at the Hyatt.

travelinwifey

Have stayed at the Hyatt and the Princeville also. I prefer the Hyatt because it is closer to other resorts and ocean activities as well as dining choices.

The Princeville is great if you want more desolation, we found a spot by the ocean and weren't bothered by any neighbors lounging during our week long stay, it was very peaceful. Not to much in the area for varied dining choices.

The Hyatt is huge and the salt water pool facing the ocean is our favorite attration of the resort. The property is much nicer than the Princeville's. I think the hotel may still be busy with families at the end of August so if that is a factor in your decision the Princeville would be the better choice.

Hope this helps. Will be at the Hyatt again next week and will follow up with new comments.

Gellers

We are one of the few who prefer the south shore to the north shore. The north shore is lovely, but we enjoy the sunnier atmosphere of the south shore. I can't say enough nice things about the Hyatt--we have stayed there twice and had an utterly lovely relaxing time both times.

The Princeville is in a very cool area and setting but as previously mentioned they are redoing it--I'd wait until it's renovated before staying there. It didn't have a Hawaiian feel to me with its current decor (although we had a very nice dinner there one night and were treated well).

Samsaf

Gellers, we agree with you! I love the north shore, too, and it is very beautiful, but we prefer the south shore.

momofrenee

Thanks Gellers and Samsaf! Our first trip to Kauai is coming up in a few weeks and we're staying at the Grand Hyatt for a week. We're REALLY looking forward to it! Haven't been back to the islands for more than 13 years...and our 13 yr. old has never been. She wants to do a zipline tour. Read that the Kipu Falls Zipline Trek (Outfitters Kauai) is a good one. Anyone else have a favorite?

jessica32

To beanweb, I took your advice (after many hours of searching the web) and called Linda. She would love to say thank you! So would I