We are planning our honeymoon for late Oct. Has anyone been to Princeville and/or Hyatt Kauai? We are going to stay at the Hyatt Maui (won that trip at a bridal show) and Four Seasons on BI. Just need 2 nights in Kauai. Any thoughts about the hotels?

The Hyatt Kauai is a wonderful resort. It has a huge pool area, which includes a waterslide, regular swimming pools, a salt water pool, and a private beach. I only ate there, but it was gorgeous. The people there were also very nice. The location is more ideal, in my opinion.

Princeville is much more reserved. I felt like I was entering a private club when I walked into the hotel. It's also beautiful, but I just didn't feel as comfortable there.

I've stayed at the Hyatt Kauai (twice), the Marriott (once) and Princeville (once). My next trip I'm renting a beachside vacation home that I saw on a previous trip. But if I was to stay in a hotel again, it would DEFINITELY be the Hyatt. A friend of mine (who is visiting my home right now) honeymooned in Kauai and stayed at the Princeville and she says she hated it. She and her husband dined at the Hyatt (Tidepools) and after dinner they strolled the grounds and wished they had stayed there. Personally, I liked almost everything about the Hyatt better (the Hawaiiana atmosphere, the grounds, the service, the restaurants, the location). But the rooms at the Princeville might be a little nicer. Don't miss the free presentation at sunset each evening at the Hyatt. It's very soothing and romantic. Also, every evening in their bar they show a film about Hurricane Iniki and the clean-up efforts afterwards (how the Hyatt employees pulled together to assist one another in a crisis). I just reread your post and I think with your choices of the Maui Marriott (so-so hotel and lots of people) and the Four Seasons BI (hoity-toity and WAY TOO FAR AWAY from everything) I reall think you will fall in love with the Hyatt in Kauai. If you do stay there, please post a message in here saying what was your favorite and least favorite hotels on your honeymoon.

I would have to agree with everything the previous poster had to say about the Hyatt. We were there 3 yrs ago, and are planning to go bact early Oct.
The hotel's public spaces, gardens, and pool area are beautiful. The rooms are large, as are the bathrooms.There a spa, and a wonderful golf course too. I would consider it one of the WORLDS best resorts.

Big fan of Princeville. I really think you can get manmade gardens, waterfalls, and lagoons anywhere. There is only one place you can get the scenery you will find at Princeville. We woke up in the morning to a view of sunshine highlighting lines of waterfalls etched in the jagged landscape above the water. In addition you are in close proximity to the best beaches and snorkeling (including at the hotel beach) and one of the best hikes you will ever find along the Napali Coast. Hanalei has a very hip laid back feel as compared to a more touristy feel on the south shore. Some people might tell you that the rain is an issue, but given that it is only 2 days and the other places you are staying are very dry this should be o.k. A very romantic place to be for 2 days.

The public areas at the Hyatt are indeed beautiful and the hotel has more of an Hawaiian feel to it than Princeville. Yet, Princeville's setting in Hanalei is drop dead gorgeous, whereas the area surrounding the Hyatt is unremarkable/commercial and the Hyatt really has NO natural beach that is swimmable (but it has great pools). So, the choice is a tough one but I envy you as both are world class resorts.

The Princeville - Without a doubt!

I would recommend the Princeville. First, because it is a great hotel.
Second, because you will be staying on the drier sides of both Maui and the BI, the Princeville, with its lush, North Shore location, will provide an entirely different experience.

I found the Princeville to be a bit quiet and reserved as well. But, the location is unbeatable. How about Hanalei Bay Resort next to the Princeville? I found it much more comfortable and relaxing. And it has the best outdoor bar on the North Shore.