yeeesh Katie I have taken visitors to the Poipu side who don't like it all but this is after they have seen the North Shore

I just came from my honeymoon and stayed at the Hyatt and loved it. I loved the south side of the island much better. We took a day trip to the North side and drove into Princeville and while the views are quite beautiful, it was a bit stuffy for me. The pool and beach at the Hyatt were totally great and luxurious.

I vote for Hyatt--the spa is phenomenal, the pools are incredible. Great service and great dining options, especially Tidepools. Agree that Princeville is beautiful but stuffier, more "formal" less places nearby to eat. To say the Hyatt is overrated is incredible to me--it's an amazing property. Splurge for the concierge floor if you can afford it.

Terry did you make it down to Makana point that is my favorite place on the island.It's in Haena and on most photos you have seen of Kauai. Did you make it outside of the Princeville hotel and hotel beach?<BR><BR>

Terry here is a photo of Makana Ridge, Makana point is end peak nearest ocean.<BR>http://www.kauaifilm.com/gallery_still/25_still.html<BR><BR>Don't kick yourself if you missed there is always a reason to return. BTW this is a 15-20 minute drive from the Princeville hotel 1.5-2hrs from Poipu

We tayed at the Princville in March, we loved it. We had a room w/ a view of the ocean & mountains, it was amazing. The only part that I didn;t like was how far of a drive it was. We spent alot of time driving to the South Shore.

I live on Kauai. I like the Princeville Hotel because of the incredible scenery but it does not have a Hawaiian feel to it. I like the Hyatt for the tropical ambiance, the grounds and its pool.<BR><BR>If you will be here for a week, I would recommend splitting your stay between the two hotels.<BR><BR>My favorite hotel on Kauai overall is the Marriott.