Kauai Help! Sheraton Kauai or Westin Princeville
 

Hello! First trip to Kauai with family (husband and 2 teenage sons). We received two promotion package offers and debating between Sheraton Kauai or Westin Princeville. I like that the Westin seems a bit nicer...but seems like the Sheraton may be in a better location? Need advice and we've never been to Kauai.

We like to relax on the beach, go sight seeing, hiking, snorkeling, spa etc. We are foodies and like good food.

Thanks!

The Westin is a more upscale hotel than the Sheraton, and overall, the north shore of Kauai is the more physically drop-dead gorgeous. However, while some people love Princeville, others do not/ It's too manicured for my taste, but most of all, you should be aware that the Sheraton in ON the beach (and a wonderful beach at that) while the hotels in Princeville are all on cliffs ABOVE the beach. That may or may not matter to you. It's the biggest drawback to Princeville for me.

The biggest question is when you are going. The North Shore (where Princeville is located) has rougher waters and more rain in the winter.

I love Princeville so much I moved there! ;-) So for me, it's no contest. Yes, you would be on a bluff above the ocean. There is a steep path to the beach from the Westin. But I typically take the 7-minute drive to stunning Hanalei Bay or to Anini Beach.

"Better location" depends on what you want to see and do. There are two things I would want to do that would be closer to the Sheraton: walk at Mahaulepu and visit Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park. The other things I would want to do would either be equipped-distant or closer to the North Shore.

But again...the time of year is the big factor.

Personally, I don't like Princeville - I seems like suburbia to me. I much prefer the Poipu area, but that is obviously a matter of personal preference.

We are going in early June, hopefully it's not too rainy then.

Would a week in Kauai be enough time? Not sure what we are interested in doing yet...still have to do some research as this is our first visit.

we like both sides of the Island so it depends on how much luxury you like and if being on the beach is important to you. I think 1 week is good for a first trip, 10 days would be better but it depends on you and your family and staying in a hotel for that long having to eat every meal out, adds a lot to the budget and waist line!

This past year the weather in June was perfect. This week it's bright and sunny on the North Shore, but the entire island is experience VERY windy conditions.

I think a week will give you time to do some of the best hikes, visit the best beaches, and the top sights. It depends on how much time you want to just relax and lay on beaches.

We agreed to one of those promotional package offers at the Kauai Sheraton earlier this year... Never again! The hotel is nice enough and the beach there is great, but the "garden view" (in actuality, parking lot) room they put us in had walls so thin, we could hear the neighbors passing gas, and there was absolutely no privacy on the lanai. That in itself is enough to recommend the Westin, even though we agree with others about Princeville in general; to us it kinda feels like an island unto itself, disconnected with the rest of Kauai. But, if you're planning to travel in June, the north shore is where you'll want to be.

Regardless of where you end up, assuming they'll try to schedule you for 90 (to 180) minute pitch to join their vacation club, just say no!!

In June I would pick the Westin even though it is up on a cliff, I like Princeville myself. Snorkeling should be good on the North Shore that time of year also. Sheraton was remodeled 2-3 years ago and sits on a very nice beach.

Westin is nice but Pville is pretty isolated and the hotel is in the middle of a large golf course development which feels very suburbia to me (and I live above the North Shore on Oahu) up against some mountains a forest with a very large gulch then mountains beyond that. Its nice surburbia but it is a resort that is isolated. So, you have to figure out if you like to plant yourself, use the resort amenities and are open to driving. BTW, driving is key on Kauai. From Pville you would drive to hit Hanalei and the beaches out that way, which are very nice. You would also face a longer drive everywhere else, e.g. much of the attractions of Kauai. SO, think hard about that. Sheraton Kauai is a very nice hotel on a very good beach, frequently visited by monk seals (cool to tourists), other good beaches in the area. Lots of places to shop and eat nearby and much easier access to Lihue, Koloa, Kilauea, Waimea, etc. The only time I stayed at Pville was when I was burned out following a workaholic job for 2 years and ALL I wanted to do was sleep, read, have some drinks and generally think minimially. That place did the job...but I got bored eventually. The beach is fine though a little bit of a hike. Its all what you are looking for...

I guess I'm the opposite than most. We stayed in ocean front at Sheraton and everything about it was magical. Two lanais, full view in front of us, we used the bikes all the time to ride down to coffee and shopping...we loved it. we have stayed at the Westin numerous times and love the north shore. But Westin not on beach and not much privacy there either as one poster said above about the Sheraton. Last time we were there it was little kids running around everywhere.

Sheraton is not my favorite but it is OK as long as you get an ocean front. Ocean view may be a corner over buildings or trees. Have you considered the Hyatt which to me is the best hotel in Poipu area for old Hawaii feel. Enjoy the beauty of Hawaii in Kauai. To me is close to paradise.

Thanks everyone for your replies. We decided to book the Westin and plan to do a couple days in the south shore area. I've reserved the Hyatt...but are there other hotels I should consider?

The Koa Kea ia lovely, but quite expensive.

And very very different than the Hyatt (Koa Kea is a low-key boutique-style hotel; the Hyatt is, well "Grand" in scale).

.Yes, good description, sf