My husband and I married on Oahu almost 9 years ago. After being gridlocked on next year's vacation, my husband and I have decided that we want to try Kauai. I've read through endless messages here and will purchase the book that was recommended, but still have some questions. People seem to be divided on how long is too long on Kauai? How do you decide? I can tell you that after a bad year of medical problems, relaxing still sounds good. Also, we know the Princeville is the top of the line, but..again, how do you decide on which part of the island is best for you when all sound good? My husband may not be open to taking a taxi for every meal. And one day of shopping will be enough for me. We enjoy conversing with others around us. Is one hotel better for that? By that I mean, does one tend to have people that want to be left alone? Lastly, we are probably looking at Feb 2004. Is there a 'better' week to go? Thank you so much!

A couple points, there's not much shopping on Kauai so that's not really an issue. The Hyatt has more families and the Princeville more couples, if that gives you some idea about social context. The Hyatt is 'busier' than the Princeville. To me you sound more like a Princeville person from your comments. One knock against P is that the weather is less dependable up there vs Hyatt/Poipu area.

I suggest the Princeville Hotel, it has many restaurants to choose from, with striking ocean and mountain views, recently voted as the #2 resort of all the resorts in the Hawaiian Islands. With regard to February travel, it is harder to redeem frequent flyer miles in the week around President's Day. Enjoy your trip!

I agree with the previous posters but to complicate things, the general rule is winter=south shore (ie Hyatt). Since you ask how long is too long, I'm assuming you're thinking of more than a week. In that case, I'd suggest splitting your stay between the 2 locations.

Have stayed at Princeville and Poipu areas. In general, Poipu has sunnier weather (especially in the winter) and nicer beaches, Princeville has the better scenery. Shopping is equally poor at both. Both would require a cab or car ride to town for dinner if you wanted to eat outside of the hotels. Do you want sun and the beach or great scenery? They are not that far apart - you can easily stay at one and visit the other for the day.

You can't stay too long in Kauai! I am not your typical beach bum and we stayed there for 5 days...not long enough! There are wonderful condos for rent in Poi Pu, or if you want a hotel, go after the Marriot. You should really rent a car - they are reasonable and mean that you aren't relying on taxis. Be sure to visit the Waimea (sp?) canyon.

Have a blast!

Knowing,

As far as the weather goes, while there is a greater chance of rain in the north (i.e. Princeville) vs. the south (i.e. Hyatt), I wouldn't let that be the sole determinant of where you stay.

Stayed at The Princeville for 6 days this past February and didn't have more than 15-20 minutes of rain any day.

We loved the hotel and the area and would definitely stay there again (no matter what time of year) if we were to return.

My husband and spent our honeymoon on Kauai at the Hyatt and the next year we returned to Hanalei Bay Resort next door to the Princeville. I loved the Hyatt- excellent breakfast buffet which is included if you stay 7 nights. The next year we stayed on the north shore. The north shore is more quiet and lush and green. Absolutely beautiful. If you like to relax on the beach, I would recommend the nOrth SHore. The weather can be tricky - sunnier on the south shore, more rain on the north. We were there in NOvember on the NOrth Shore and had not a drop of rain. but the week before, it had rained every day! I would recommend you rent a car.

Why would someone choose the Marriott-Kauai over the Princeville?

I'll try and answer that one...Price, location, time of year, availability, special rates?

Do I win something?
Kal

We spent 5 nights on Kauai last May at the Sheraton in the Poipu area. I opted for that part of the island because:
* it's closer to most of the "must see sites," like Waimea Canyon (we took a great helicopter ride).
* it's closer to the shopping that there is.
* it's closer to more of the best restaurants. (We don't eat dinner in our hotel very often)
* it's closer to the calmer beaches.
In May, we didn't factor in the weather very much, but in February, we would.

I like the whole Poipu area. If I was looking for luxury and the most beautiful spot I would pick Princeville.

Wow! You guys really know how to treat a newbie! I cannot get over how accurate you all were with what I was asking and feeling like I wasn't saying it right. And, rwilliams, saying this as gracefully as I can, thank you. We have no children. We like them, and worry about offending people, but when you don't have them you are so used to serenity 24/7, and my husband asked if I would find somewhere with few children. So you hit it right on. If the Princeville has decent restaurants, he will be happy. We've just always stayed a week everywhere we travel, but the friend who cat sat for us last year was so good, that we want to do 10-14 days this year. We worried when people were talking about splitting islands. Now we feel ok. So, we think Princeville is our answer, and if it rains, we can go elsewhere on the island. Thanks everyone for being so generous with your answers! You have ALL been so helpful.