Honeymoon in November 2001. 4 nights on Kauai.
We're thinking about the Princeville, how does it compare to the Hyatt? How risky is the weather in Nov?
Do I need a car? Are there many sites that require our own transportation? I don't want to rent a car and then park it at the resort and never use it again.
Any other good kauai info?

We were there in March. I would not stay up in princeville area again, we spent most time driving to the other end of the island, where it was warmer and sunnier. A car is a must to see the island at all. Snorkeling is great fish very colorful and beautiful if waters not too cold in Nov? Better yet by far, try the carribean islands much prettier we thought all the way around. Shoot for british virgin islands, turks and caicos, aruba , any of them are nicer than kauai, cheaper, better snorkel and dive sites and warmer, less chance for clouds and rain. best wishes!

The Hyatt is the better choice for Kauai in November. You need a car on all Hawaiaan islands except for Honolulu/Waikiki beach. Car rentals are relatively inexpensive there, so rent a car. There is no public transportation to speak of on any of the islands.

We own timeshares on both ends of the island and travel to Kauai for 2 weeks each year, so we're very familiar with it! I must respectfully but vehemently disagree with the first respondant re: her recommendation that you go to the Caribbean over Kauai - as far as my husband and I are concerned, Kauai is the most beautiful place we've ever seen! As for the Princeville vs. Hyatt in November, while the weather is generally sunnier on the Poipu (Hyatt) side by November, you still could eke out some good days on the Princeville side. What I would recommend is that you spend 2 days at each hotel, that way you can explore one end of the island the first 2 days, and the other end the other 2 days(this is why we own time share on each side and spend 1 week in each). Also, both hotels are unique and wonderful in their own ways. And yes, DEFINITELY rent a car!!! You'll get a lot of use out of it. Aloha and enjoy!!!

Ihave been to the Caribbean many times including the Turks & Caicos. While there are many pretty islands NONE compare to Hawaii. It is much more beautiful and lush. It's your honeymoon, go and enjoy!

I think that the poster who said that the Carribean is better than Hawaii must be on crack; no way, no how.

I have to disagree with Margot's opinion though. If Mork is only going to be on Kauai for 4 nights, then chances are he's (she's) going to be traveling to one or two other islands too. That's a lot of packing, unpacking, checking in/out and traveling. To split an island into 2 night/2 nights is crazy! How will the couple ever get to settle down?
Pick one hotel per island.
The original question still stands though (and I can't answer it cause I wasn't there in november) Is the Princeville side really so wet that the couple is risking a washout? It's gorgeous rain or shine, but rain could really kill a honeymoon.

Interestingly, we travel to Kauai and to St. John, USVI, and the BVI each year. While the waters in the Carribean are certainly warmer, there is no place quite like Kauai for the beauty, ambiance, and sincere, generous warmth of its people. We love St. John for a week jaunt and it's a much easier flight, I will always recommend the Hawaiian islands, especially Kauai, if I were to choose. Also, even with airfare being somewhat less in the Caribbean (we pay anywhere from $500-$600, overall, Hawaii is less expensive. We spend $350-400/week for car rental on St. John. There is little competition; the prices vary little island wide. St. John is very beautiful, romantic and very different from the other USVI, but Kauai is still better.

You will need a car in Kauai to get just about anywhere, i.e., beaches, hiking, sightseeing, dinner, shopping, unless you plan to stay at your hotel the entire time, and then you would be missing seeing all that the island has to offer. The hiking is premier on Kauai; Kayaking is plentiful on Kauai's many navigable rivers as well as ocean kayaking. A helicopter tour is a must if you can afford the splurge (Jack Harter is the best). Other than the time spent traveling to Kauai, other places pale in comparison.

P.S. If you can only do one spot on Kauai, opt for the Hyatt on the South shore. You will be assured better weather and the Hyatt is a gorgeous hotel with any and every amenity you could want. However, spend at least one day exploring the beauty of Kauai's North shore (where Princeville is located).

Mork,
Disregard the DORK who would try to dissuade you from a Hawaiian honeymoon.
The Princeville hotel is lovely but in Nov. you might be better off at the Hyatt unless you are into the spa thing, in which case Princeville is the better choice. The weather, particularly at the Hyatt, should be just fine. Do rent a car and have fun.