We're planning our honeymoon for the 2nd week in Sept. Did anyone stay at the Princeville hotel recently? I also would like to know about the weather? I hear it rains a lot on the North side. Any information about Kauai is appreciated. Thanks.

Lisa - My parents just returned from Princeville last week. They said it was PARADISE!!! The hotel is unbelievable and service to die for. If you would like more info., please email me. I have a wealth of info. for you!

Princeville Hotel is what Hawaii is in your mind. Peaceful, beautiful, a real getaway. No crowds or grouches! They even have a movie theatre that plays movies like South Pacific that was filmed on Kauai, and others. Great restuarant. Go ti The Living Room on a lazy day and lay Scrabble, Backgammon, or whatever else they have in the cupboard behind the piano. The "wall" next to you gives you the most spectacular view of The Sleeping Indian and the bay. You will need to pinch yourself.
Aloha!

We're going to Kaua'i this fall for our anniversary, and I have found a great guidebook: The Ultimate Kaua'i Guidebook, by Andrew Doughty & Harriett Friedman. They have a website at www.wizardpub.com.

This is a very user-friendly travel guide. Enjoy!

We stayed at the Hanalei Bay & Resort (up on the hill behind Princeville Hotel) and the area is gorgeous. We sat and had a drink at the pool bar at the Princeville Hotel. It was great - but a bit pricey - two drinks=$17! But I would go there again in a second.

The Princeville Hotel is very nice, but a little glitsy. My girlfriend and I absolutely loved the Hyatt, located in the south near Poipu. It's subtly elegant, with a wonderful terrace/garden area on the beach complete with a lagoon, exotic birds, and hammocks that just drains your will to do anything physical like hiking the Kalalau Trail. A word of caution: becareful of hiking. Kauai is a world-renowned haven for experienced hikers, but can give an awful intro to beginners.

Oh, I forgot. I stayed in the Princeville area at the end of March, and it rained everyday. It wasn't too bad, since the showers come and go within 5 - 10 minutes each time, but the overcast was a little depressing. The weather should be nicer in September, but the east and south side of the island will be much sunnier than the north because the mountains block most of the moisture from coming over. It rains all year in Kauai--that's how the peak gets 454 inches a year.

The Princeville is very nice, but you are correct about the weather - the north side of the island tends to be a little more windy, rainy. We stayed at the Marriott and loved it (centrally located on the island as well). The Hyatt would be another suggestion.

We stayed at the Princeville 2 years ago in July and it was the dry season. Phone the Princeville and ask as they are very helpful with this info. We loved it, rooms were great, ate in Hanalei, view to die for. Actually our travel agent talked up Poipu so much that we only went to the north shore for 1 night. I would have stayed longer had I known. It was a little piece of heaven. Now I didn't eat there as it was quite pricey and our kids went along. The 6th floor has a movie theater with ongoing free movies. Look into the Princeville for a couple of nights and then the Hyatt or maybe the Embassy Vacations resort beside it if you want a condo, more space. I love doing this, so feel free to email for more info.

Just returned from our honeymoon at the Hyatt in Kauai. The Hyatt was incredible, pampering service, lovely grounds, pools, lagoons, etc. The staff at the hotel were the most gracious I've ever seen.

Many people we met at the Hyatt had checked out of the Princeville Hotel due to the tremendous amount of rain and overcast skies. It was always sunny at the Hyatt.

We drove over to the Princeville resort and had brunch. The brunch was wonderful, but the weather was horrible and the hotel itself was not at all impressive to me. I was definitely happy we chose the Hyatt over the Princeville!!!

Our second week we spent at the Grand Wailea in Maui. Although the Grand Wailea was a fabulous, luxurious hotel, my heart was still at the Hyatt in Kauau. What a beautiful, peaceful island!!

Have a great trip! Feel free to e-mail me, should you have more questions.

My husband and I are planning our life-long dream trip to Hawaii. We have looked in Fodors Travel Guide and just about decided to divide our 10 days between Kuaui and Maui but I'm now having second thoughts after reading your response. Would you recommed spending more time in Kuaui than Maui? If you went again would you go back to Kuaui or stay at another one of the islands? Which ones? We are supposed to spend two nights in Honolulu first. I'd love to hear any more of your thoughts regarding things to see and do, resturants, etc. Thanks, Nell