Sounds great
The Hyatt is right next to an excellent beach, Shipwreck Beach

Although we might miss a few exciting days on Waikiki, we've decided to spend the whole time on Kauai. This will allow us to fully relax and further explore the island. We plan on 4 nights in Poipu (Grand Hyatt or Koa Kea not yet booked) and 3 nights at the St. Regis Princeville in an ocean view room (already booked), We plan on hiking the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, maybe a air tour of the island, and maybe a half-day trip to Niihau if it's worth it?

Sounds like a nice trip. We did the trip to Nihau a few years ago with Holo Holo Charters. We were on a 60 foot power cat that was fast and agile.

The snorkeling spot they brought us to off of Nihau was amazing and remains to this day the most awesome snorkeling experience I have had in Hawaii. We snorkeled off a sheer rock wall that was encrusted with colorful corals and teeming with huge schools of fish. We were there for an hour, which was not nearly long enough for me.

We did the morning cruise out of Port Allen. The trip up the coast and out to Nihau was calm, lovely and very enjoyable. We saw dolphins. The captain took us into sea caves. The views of the NaPali cliffs were something else.

The trip back across the channel, however was not a pleasant experience at all. The swells were eight to ten feet. The roller coaster ride up and down and over the swells was fun for about a minute. We were on the boat for about an hour and a half. Everyone got sick. Not fun. To this day I am hesitant to do a boat trip as a sightseeing venture because of that trip. This was in July when the waters are supposed to be calmer.

Would I do it again. No. Would I recommend it? Yes, with the proviso that you do the morning trip, take lots of Bonine and be prepared for a wild ride back. Maybe you'll be luckier than we were.

You will love Kauai.

wekewoody, I found a helicopter trip, wouldn't that be better?

I'm happy to hear that you will concentrate on only Kauai. The earlier plan sounded like a travel agent's scouting trip -- this hotel, that hotel, and no time to see the island itself. (Should I take that back? AFAIK you may be a TA!)

henry, I am not the person to ask about helicopter tours on Kauaí. It seems like everyone here does them and raves about it, but it has never interested me. I am sure I am missing the trip of a lifetime. That is okay. I prefer to watch them buzz around and hover over the cliffs from my perch on the sand at Tunnels beach or Hanalei Bay.

I did the same trip as wekewoody in early November about 6 years ago and had a great time, the ride back was a bit rough but you probably will not be able to do this in March. When we went the Holo Holo folks told us this was the first time they had been able to get to Niihau in six weeks.

I meant the helicopter trip over to Niihau

ChiSue, no I am not a travel agent. But yes, I like this plan better as we will have less time packing up and moving hotels/islands.

Wanted to take the snorkeling trip to Niihau - and they said no problem - but when I/we arrived the next day - they said - sorry - a wedding party has charteed that boat. Major bummer.

Went instead on a Cat with another company - Capt Andy's - up the coast and it was fun - but still want to get over to Niihau.

The helicopter trip is a blast - and we also did it one on Big Island. Definitely recommend it for stunning views.

henry, who is offering the trip to Niihau in a helicopter? Could you post a link? Sounds interesting.

I believe it is run by the Robinsons:

http://www.niihau.us/heli.html

NO SWIMMING at Shipwreck beach. Closest swimming beach to Hyatt is at Poipu.....

NO SWIMMING at Shipwreck beach. Closest swimming beach to Hyatt is at Poipu.....

Yeah I've read no swimming as well, many places say it's too dangerous

LIKE AT ANY BEACH, dont go in the water if you arent qualified for the conditions. Ive seen Shipwreck look like a bathtub and other days that could scare an Olympian Medalist

Here is an typical day at Shipwreck beach

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H72yaQzq_fQ

I have always found plenty of swimmers at Shipwreck, but if you wish to offer incorrect advice dont let me stop you...it just means a less crowded beach for the rest of us

Unlike FrankS, I don't have any advice regarding Shipwreck beach, only my experience.

My only experience with Shipwreck Beach is from when we stayed at the Hyatt a few years ago. The whole week we were there, there was a red flag posted warning people of high surf and unsafe conditions. The only people in the water were experienced surfers, body surfers and boogie boarders. I am a good swimmer and used to swimming in the ocean and it didn't appeal to me. This was in July. We watched the waves from our Cabana and when we wanted to get wet we walked the few yards to the man-made lagoon and cooled off.

BTW... Here is what the concierge wrote to me today in response to my inquiry about Shipwreck Beach.

"Shipwreck's beach is not ideal for swimming or snorkeling. There is a strong current and rip tide throughout the year in this location. Poipu Beach park is located within a few miles of our property and is highly recommended. It is life guarded and has a more protected cove area for guests to enjoy. We also have our salt water lagoon here on our property."

So at least we know what the hotel is telling their guests.

As noted - check/ask about the daily conditions and also be honest about your swimming ability and ocean experience and don't try it if you even worry you can't handle it.

I love places like Shipwreck beach - but have swum/snorkeled/dove/body surfed in the ocean a lot - and I always wear fins.

If you do get caught in an undertow/rip tide - don't wear yourself out fighting it - but swim parallel to the beach until you find a place where the waves are heading back in.

Nearby Brennecke Beach used to be my favorite body surfing beach (years ago) - until the hurricanes blew out a lot of the sand on the bottom/changed the break depth, etc.

BTW Frank - that is a gnarly looking beach break!!