We are considering the Hyatt Kauai for an 8-night stay in July. Two major questions: is that too long? For background, we went last year and spent 5 nights on Big Island (fairmont orchid) and a week at the Hyatt Maui. Also have stayed 10 days in Maui at Fairmont Kea Lani with them.
Question #2: It can get pretty toasty on Maui in July. Is it the same weather on Kauai?
Question #3: Besides the sprawling resort, what are kid favorites on the island? Our kids are 5 and 8.

Thanks so much for any tips.

We went to Kauai with my girls when they were that age and they loved the Kipu Ranch ATV tour! They also loved the pool at the Hyatt, especially the big slide. We also went on a helicopter ride but the older daughter fell asleep on it! They both really liked going to the little souvenir stands by Spouting Horn and the playground equipment at Lydgate Park.
We went in December so I can't comment on the summer weather, but I can tell you that we also stayed at the Princeville Resort and the pool was too cold at that time of the year to enjoy! It was very rainy and my girls who are used to swimming in lakes in Michigan were shivering like crazy! The Hyatt's pool is heated and has a bunch of very nice hot tubs too! At the Hyatt we watched the Luau that is put on by the Hawaiian chilren which is free; that is worth going to.
Even though it rained a lot when we were there, we loved Kauai the most (over Maui which was sunny the whole time)and are going back this July/August along with the Big Island. I think you will love it and 8 nights will be perfect! The only thing I might consider is spending a couple of those nights over on the north shore (Beautiful!)so you don't have to drive so much. We are renting a house on the north shore for 5 nights and then staying on the south side for 2. In the summertime, the north shore is less rainy than it is in the wintertime. Also, the summer time is the best time for going on a boat tour of the Na Pali coast (that's one of the main reasons we are going in the summertime). We are also hoping to kayak down the Wailea River and then hike to a waterfall for lunch.
Enjoy!

By the way, be prepared to be wowed by the Hyatt's pool area and landscaping but the rooms are very average, especially after you have stayed at the Kea Lani and other nice resorts. Just set your expectations lower in that area.

The Kauai Hyatt is wonderful for families. The pools and heated lagoon are great. They have a Sunshine on Sale Package where you pay for 5 nights and get the 6th night free, plus the free buffet breakfast in their open air restaurant every morning. This hotel is much nicer than the Maui Hyatt. We go in Aug. and the weather has been nice in Poipu every time. There is also a Camp Hyatt for the kids, which has activities for your children's ages.
8-)

we went in July and the weather was perfect. We were in Kauai too at that time.

It is a great time of year to go.

Thanks for all the great feedback. Don't mean to beat a dead horse, but we're from Phoenix so our idea of "great weather'' in the summer is for it NOT to be sweltering hot. We go to Hawaii almost every summer and one year had horribly hot weather in Maui with no trade winds. Would just like to see if Kauai might be a little cooler than Maui given the rain, etc. Last year we did Big Island and Maui and Big Island was better, weather wise, for us. Thanks again!

We've been to Kaua`i for the past two Julys. Temperatures were in the mid 80s during the day and the mid 70s at night. Constant winds blew around 10 to 20 mph. Rain showers overnight was not unusual. Passing showers during the day on the north shore a few times. You'll be fine.
-Bill

Kendallg, re: your question # #:
For advice on great kids' stuff/activities on Kauai, by far (IMHO) the BEST guidebook is Lenore Horowitz's "Kauai Underground Guide" (avail via Amazon or at bookstores).It's specifically geared to a family viewpoint of Kauai, by someone who's been going for many many years on visits with her children as they've grown from toddlers to young adults.

Sorry, I meant re: your question # 3 for kids' activities.
re: #1, 8 days is not too long in Kauai, especially at the wonderful Hyatt But i agree with previous poster, it might be a good idea to spend a few days/nights on the north shore, perhaps at a condo in the Princeville area, or nr Hanalei, so you can more quickly reach the great beaches there such as Ke'e or Tunnels (beautiful, and good snorkeling). And the luau at Princeville Hotel is sort of famiy-feel, great ocean side setting.
My grandkids (your kids' ages) also liked the trip up the Wailua River in the Smith family boat. So did the adults!!! it's not a long ride, it's relaxing, and has a small jungle-like setting and easy path in the grotto , where you get of briefly before the trip back.
There aer many other recs for children's stuff, but as I said, red the Lenore Horowitz book for some super ideas for children (and their parents!)in Kauai

re: #2, My trips to HI usually are in summer, and only once in 7 times has it been in the midst of a wind-less hot spell. Tha lasted only 3 yas, and was on oahu. In three summer trips to kauai, I've never felt anything but perfect warm and BREEZY weather.

There is some very easy snorkeling for the kids at Lydgate Park. A lot of locals seem to go there too, which is nice. Also, there's a play structure for the kids, as mentioned above.

Temps on Kauai are wonderful!

The Hyatt is a great spot for kids.

Be very careful with your young ones at the Hyatt beach, though. Shipwreck beach is very scenic, but the surf and tides there can be VERY strong. There is a much friendlier beach at Brenneckes, Baby Beach I think they call it, not too far from the Hyatt (looong walk, short drive w/usually lots of parking)
There is some playground type equip there too. Grab lunch at the deli next to the park and have a picnic.