I have heard wonderful things about both, however, I have heard that it rains more at the Princeville (north part of island). We want a beautiful, fabulous experience in Kauai as it will be first trip without kids!

Suggestions welcome! Thanks!

May through October, I'd go for Princeville, though it will have more showers than the Southern part of the island, naturally. November through April, I'd go for the Hyatt......... Nothing is more beautiful, IMO, than the North shore of Kauai!

I asked this same question months ago. We are traveling with our kids and opted for Princeville. Heard it was not as kid friendly as the Hyatt but we loved the location. I has a friend tell me that the North shore is as close to paradise as you can get.
Last weekend I met a guy who grew up in Kauai and worked at both hotels. He said if you want to stay at the hotel and hang on the beach he thought the Hyatt pool and beach were better. He said the hotel is gorgeous and the rooms are nice. But there location is the best.

But he said if you want to get outdoors and hike etc. and see heaven he said the Princeville was the best. We do not leave for 6 weeks and we are so excited.

I heard the Hyatt has more kids and gorgeous but we are from a very dry climate and look forward to the showers and gorgeous scenery.

Have fun without the kids.

For more information I suggest you do a search on this forum using either "Princevill Hotel" or Hyatt Kauai". There is a ton of info on both of these hotels here. This is a frequent topic.
-Bill

Have stayed at the Hyatt and toured around Princeville. In my opinion, the princeville is very stark and doesn't give off an "island feel". The views from there are beautiful and the location is great.
The Hyatt is beautiful with beautiful grounds, etc. The pool is great with waterfalls, etc, lazy river, and a lagoon. It is close to Poipu Beach which has great snorkeling and our favorite casual restaurant "Brennecke's".
WE stayed on the north shore in November and had excellent weather. The week before we were there, it rained the whole week.

I agree with the above poster. Plus, I've read that many of the rooms at the Princeville don't have balconies. Or even windows that open. If I'm flying nine+ hours to the tropics, I want to feel that warm, tropical air. And be able to sit out in it without walking any where.

Jean

You know you might just consider splitting your time. I adore the Princeville, while someone here finds it stark. I find the Hyatt beautiful, in that tourist island bottled beautiful. Different strokes! Years back my husband craved experiencing Maui's Grand Wailea while I dreamed about the 4Seasons, so we stayed 5 nights at GW, went to Hana for a few nights, and returned to 5 nights at 4S, which is just next door to the GW. Many would think this crazy, we found it perfect.

gyppielou,
Which hotel was the favorite after experiencing all three?

Ashley,
We both agree that 4S hands down over GW. Princeville over Hyatt. The Lodge over Manele. That is simply our comfort zone. Many will choose the complete opposite. Now we have left the Grand resorts for more intimate lodging, with kitchens...condos in Princeville and Aloha Puolani in Maui. Our next trip demands a small cottage in Hanalei. We have grown, and become less tourist and more hawaiin. Ever so grateful for our grand tours of the islands. We wouldn't change a single stay! Mahalo!

Hands down, Princeville in my opinion. It was one of the most beautiful and relaxing places we've ever been. Hyatt is too touristy for me and if seculsion is what your looking for, you'll find it at Princeville.

The Hyatt pulls more kids because of their amazing pool. Their grounds (including the lagoon) are awesome. It is a beachfront property and you can use the beach but swimming right off this beach (Shipwreck Beach) is not a good idea. It's rough.
The north shore (Princeville, Hanalei etc) is unbelievable and my absolute favorite.

We just got back from Kauai several weeks ago and stayed at the Princeville. Beautiful hotel and quite romantic, especially if you can get a room with a view. The North Shore was my favorite part of the island although it is more cloudy and rainy. But with that comes a lush, green tropical setting that I have never experienced.
We drove to the South shore one day and saw Poipu Beach and the Hyatt. The Hyatt is a beautiful hotel and the sun was shining that day alot more than the North Shore. But...I just preferred the North Shore.The South side seemed a little more touristy to me and there were kids everywhere. It wasn't quite as unique to me as the North Shore, although still beautiful.

I would say, if this is your first vacation without the kids, go to the Princeville on the North Shore. There will be kids there, but like the other posters said, not as many as the Hyatt. If you return with the kids, they would enjoy the Hyatt more. Now if you are die hard sun people, then do the Hyatt since I have read that some people are disappointed with the weather at the North Shore. If you stay at the Princeville, have drinks in the "Living Room" one night and breakfast on the terrace one morning.

During one of the mornings we had breakfast on the terrace, a beautiful rainshower passed through. It was beautiful to watch, hear and smell as we ate our buffet breakfast. Then the rainbows came. Rain can be beautiful in Kauai and the showers don't last long.
One more thing..no matter where you stay, one evening grab a bottle of wine, some fruit from a local fruit stand (there are several by the Princeville but we love Banana Joes (i think that is the name??), some cheese and crackers from any local deli and go to Kee Beach for the sunset. Bring a big towel to sit on and enjoy. We did that twice and I will never forget it. For our last sunset, my husband bought a fresh pineapple and a knife, chilled it in our soft cooler and cut it up right on the beach. Heaven! ALso, check out Tunnels Beach. You will need the Ultimate Kauai guidebook to help you find all the cool spots.
Good luck planning. You will love Kauai no matter where you stay.
Becca

beccad71, I love how you describe your time on Kauai! Makes me wanna be back so badly.......... and I can taste that pineapple on the beach!

I definitely agree that the north shore is more beautiful than the south shore. If you are simply talking RESORTS, I pick the Hyatt, if you are talking scenery, I pick the north shore.