My husband and I will be in Maui at the Papakea condos for nine nights in Nov/Dec. We'll be swimming at Kaanapali, Wailea, and Makena beaches (I'm guessing). Since we have 9 nights at the condo (it's a friend's so it's no charge) I'm thinking it might be nice to go to Kauai and stay for a few nights, since I doubt we'll be back to Hawaii for a long time (we usually go to Mexico). Since we'll have beach time in Maui, would it make more sense to stay in the Princeville area, for the drama, or is Poipu much better than any of the beaches we'll see in Maui? I'm looking at the Princeville Resort, Whaler's Cove, the Hyatt, and some other condos.
Where should we stay to get a nice contrast to Maui?

First thought is definately Princeville. You must spend time at the Napali coast. Poipu is a lovely destination, but the north coast is simply magical! One trip we moved down to the Sheraton and I was so dissappointed I tried to move to the Whaler's to no avail. It is a simply lovely property. GL

I'm also going to Kauai, but I'm confused about Princeville and Hanalei. Sarah (another poster) said she recommends Hanalei town -- but when I look at Hanalei Bay resort, it looks like it's in Princeville??

Hanalei Bay Resort is right next to the Princeville. Check out this web site to see how close they are the princeville Resort is in the lower left of the picture.

http://www.wizardpub.com/kauai/krhanaleibay.html

FYI: Hanalei Colony Resort is right on the beach and much further down the road than the Princeville or the HBR. It's not in Hanalei Bay but on Kepuhi Beach .

Suzie, do you think the Colony is better than Hanalai Bay resort?