Staying at Marriott's Waiohai or Westin Princeville?

[mommaO3]

Hi, I just checked Kauai map and saw Marriott is South part of the island while Westin is up North side of the island. Is there any (big) difference between them? I have been to Oahu and Maui many times but never been to Big Island or Kauai, so planning to stay at both islands during summer 2018.
Please tell me cons and pros when I stay at each location. I can see that Princeville is quite far from the airport but don't know anything about Kauai at all. (Any restaurants and tour recommendations would be appreciated!)
Thanks!

 

[LisaH]

Princeville is lush with waterfalls and many beaches, but it's also rainy especially in winter. Poipu is drier, with Poipu and Lawai beaches near Marriott. If you are going in summer, Princeville is lovely. If you are going in winter, Poipu area will be preferred.

 

[DeniseM]

The Waiohai is on the beach and right next to Poipu Beach.

The Westin Princeville is on a cliff over the ocean and has a steep trail down to a beach, and a free shuttle to a nearby beach.

The Westin is spacious and quiet.

The public areas at the Waiohai are more compact and tend to be bustling and busy.

In the winter, I would prefer Poipu/Marriott. In the summer, I would prefer Princeville/Westin.

*One other thing - If you are exchanging in, the worst view at the Waiohai, is worse than the worst view at the Westin. But that is just a chance you take with exchanging.

 

[dmharris]

The island is small and you can get from one to the other in 45 minutes. The airport is in between. You cannot go wrong with either!

 

[K2Quick]

If you're going in the summer, I think the Westin Princeville is a no-brainer. The beaches up on the north shore are much less crowded and it's far more scenic up there. In addition to the shuttle to the St. Regis resort to use their beach, you can also valet your car there for free if you're staying at the Westin.

 

[GregT]

In the winter, I would prefer Poipu/Marriott. In the summer, I would prefer Princeville/Westin.

I agree that this is a seasonal response -- we've visited WPORV/Princeville the last two summers and it has been fantastic. I would definitely return there again in the summer.

Waiohai is a beautiful resort, more compact footprint but on a terrific beach. It's the dry side of the island, and would get the clear nod in the winter.

But in summer???? I'd take WPORV.

Best,

Greg

 

[Dean]

Nice problem. IF exchanging I'd list both plus the Kauai Lagoons. Personally I won't stay at KBC again.

 

[geist1223]

While the Kaua'i is not the large the 1 HWY is only 1 lane each way except in the Lihu'i area. If we are staying up north and want to do Waimea Canyon we take a picnic and make it a day. We love both areas and try to do at least 2 weeks on Kaua'i with 1in Princeville and 1 in the Poip'u area.

 

[Colt Seavers]

My main consideration is that the swells come mainly from the south in the summer and from the north in the winter. In the summer the Waiohai and the rest of the south side will have bigger waves for surfing but will be less amenable for swimming and snorkeling.

When we were there last we did a week at Waiohai and three days up near Princeville. This worked out good for us as Poipu is more convenient for getting to Waimea Canyon and Lihue while Princeville has Hanalei Bay and Ke'e beach. If I could only choose one I would stay on the south or east side of the island and plan a long day trip to the north.