yes there is a beach at the hyatt - shipwreck. However, for most people it is too dangerous to go in. waves tend to be large, shelf is steep, and there are many rocks in the water that you cannot see. same is true around much of the island, following iniki.

as to northshore/southshore (wet/dry) comment: i think you'll definitely find as many people who prefer poipu (south) as princeville/hanalei (north). just personal preference (a very different "vibe"). also depends on the weather when you're here. if it is a rainy period (that's why it is so green here), you'll be happy to be south, as poipu gets infinitely more sunny days than does the north.