Help planning the perfect Hawaii Honeymoon
Oct 14th, 2003, 05:42 AM
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Help planning the perfect Hawaii Honeymoon
Message: My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to Hawaii for next September. I am a starwood member and could have the whole honeymoon (12 nights) paid for through my points. The problem is, I keep reading rave reviews about hotel that aren't starwood. I was hoping someone could give me more information on the starwood properties. We are staying in Maui and Kaui. On Maui we can choose between the Westin, the Sheraton, the Kapalua Bay Hotel and Ocean Villas, or the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. We want to be close to the night life and activities(minimal driving) but we also don't want to be surrounded by kids. I was hoping that since it was after labor day the kid poulation would be less. Any thoughts? Also, is it true that Kapalua is not as warm and sunny as Ka'anapali?
Now for Kaui - we can chooce between eitherthe Princeville or the Sheraton. My concern is that all of the books I have purchased say that it rains more on the north shore? Is that true? Also, most of the activities we were looking at seem to leave from the south shore. I am just concerned casue I have not heard anything good about the Sheraton.
Any help you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Now for Kaui - we can chooce between eitherthe Princeville or the Sheraton. My concern is that all of the books I have purchased say that it rains more on the north shore? Is that true? Also, most of the activities we were looking at seem to leave from the south shore. I am just concerned casue I have not heard anything good about the Sheraton.
Any help you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Oct 14th, 2003, 05:51 AM
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My husband and I stayed at the Sheraton on Kauai last May. While it was fine for our purposed, I would not recommend it for a honeymoon. We visited the Princeville and its definitely a much nicer hotel with stunning views. You can't even really compare the two. I would not worry about the weather. It rained everywhere we went on Kauai, but only a few minutes at a time, never all day. Try to arrange your honeymoon so that you are at Princeville on Friday--they have a seafood buffet Friday nights that is supposed to be awesome (we missed it).
As are as trying to avoid kids in Hawaii--Forget it. Kids are everywhere. Our honeymoon was last Sept-Oct and there were kids everywhere we stayed and went. Some were well-behaved, some were brats. All you can do is have a drink and try to ignore it!!
As are as trying to avoid kids in Hawaii--Forget it. Kids are everywhere. Our honeymoon was last Sept-Oct and there were kids everywhere we stayed and went. Some were well-behaved, some were brats. All you can do is have a drink and try to ignore it!!
Oct 14th, 2003, 06:43 AM
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Starwood seems to have a very good membership rewards program. It supposedly has "no black out" dates which is nice if your trying to plan a honeymoon. Basically all I did was go to the website - www.spg.com and registered. I traveled alot for work and always stayed at the Westin so I accumulated so many points. Basically you earn points for each stay. It is a pretty good deal. Hope this helps.
Where are you thinking of going/staying?
Where are you thinking of going/staying?
Oct 14th, 2003, 07:53 AM
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Sept is typically the hottest month in Hawaii. So you dont need to be terribly concerned about continuous rain in Princeville. It's possible but not probable.
There is not a lot of nightlife in Princeville, however.
There is not a lot of nightlife in Princeville, however.
Oct 14th, 2003, 08:05 AM
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Hawaii2004
Join Flyertalk and become a member of the Starwood baord. there are tons of postings on those starwood hotels. I would also throw in Manele Bay to the mix. Very quiet with few kids.
Finally, you will hear tons of mixed reviews on all of the above properties, particularly the KBH. However, that seems to be the most honeymoon friendly for beauty, privacy, and fewer children. I have heard great things about the Sheraton too.
Join Flyertalk and become a member of the Starwood baord. there are tons of postings on those starwood hotels. I would also throw in Manele Bay to the mix. Very quiet with few kids.
Finally, you will hear tons of mixed reviews on all of the above properties, particularly the KBH. However, that seems to be the most honeymoon friendly for beauty, privacy, and fewer children. I have heard great things about the Sheraton too.
Oct 14th, 2003, 11:57 PM
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What are you looking to do (other than the obvious) Is golf a big part of your plans? Kapalua is great resort if the the answer is yes. September usually driest muggiest month but you'll may still get a little rain. Kaanapali is probably overall sunniest resort in state. Of the places you mentioned, I would choose the original westin. Not sure where earlier poster stayed on Maui that they ran into so many kids. Kids on Maui in any great numbers is usually summer and Christmas. Yes there are rainy sides (generally north) and sunny sides on all major islands due to mountains. Trade winds blow from north and rain is generally held back by mountains. Trades usually die out in Sept which accounts for the drier warmer days. Kapalua is at northern end of west Maui. Princeville probably raniest resort hands down but then again its Sept. Activities mainly go out of south on Kauai because that's where (Poipu) most people stay. You can solve most of your concerns by spending bulk, if you are not into hiking maybe all, of your time on Maui. Kauai is very beautiful the na pali coast and the canyon are breathtaking but hiking is a part of the full enjoyment.
Oct 15th, 2003, 02:53 AM
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Was on both island in July 2002.
If you can stay 12 nights with points - go for it! Hawaii hotels are so expensive, this will allow you to splurge on other things.
Maui - I think I would start on Maui & out of your list would choose the Sheraton. My brother had stayed in Kapalua in Sept & he did say there was a ton of wind. He golfed but it wasn't easy. We saw the Westin & Sheraton on our trip & the Westin just looked too compact for our idea of a honeymoon hotel. The pools are great but that does attract a lot of kids. The balconies looked like they were right on top of each other. (i.e. small rooms) We liked the Sheraton b/c it had a very Hawaiian look to it. It is also on Black Rock which is a great place to snorkel right from the shore. (We stayed at Kea Lani in Wailea b/c we wanted to be more secluded. We absolutely loved it there but if I had your points would do Sheraton)
Kauai - Personally, with 6 days there, I would probably split them btwn Sheraton & Princeville. I hate packing & unpacking myself but it's the easier way to see this island I think. I would probably do Sheraton first & your activities (which are you thinking about?). I have seen the Sheraton - it looked ok but not lush & pool looked very simple. However, you are close to the ocean, great dining, & some activities. Just be sure to get ocean side room - they have rooms across the street in an annex, I wouldn't have wanted that.
We had lunch at the Princeville which was breathtaking. The pool was not huge but I really liked it - the infinity edge was cool. The beach there was nice & just the North Shore scenery was incredible. Great snorkeling off-shore in the North.
We stayed on the East to be central but spent most of our day trips going to the North. Had our best dinner in the South at the Beach House.
I could go on & on. Hawaii was amazing. Kauai was our favorite. The above are just my opinions from having been there - hope they help.
If you can stay 12 nights with points - go for it! Hawaii hotels are so expensive, this will allow you to splurge on other things.
Maui - I think I would start on Maui & out of your list would choose the Sheraton. My brother had stayed in Kapalua in Sept & he did say there was a ton of wind. He golfed but it wasn't easy. We saw the Westin & Sheraton on our trip & the Westin just looked too compact for our idea of a honeymoon hotel. The pools are great but that does attract a lot of kids. The balconies looked like they were right on top of each other. (i.e. small rooms) We liked the Sheraton b/c it had a very Hawaiian look to it. It is also on Black Rock which is a great place to snorkel right from the shore. (We stayed at Kea Lani in Wailea b/c we wanted to be more secluded. We absolutely loved it there but if I had your points would do Sheraton)
Kauai - Personally, with 6 days there, I would probably split them btwn Sheraton & Princeville. I hate packing & unpacking myself but it's the easier way to see this island I think. I would probably do Sheraton first & your activities (which are you thinking about?). I have seen the Sheraton - it looked ok but not lush & pool looked very simple. However, you are close to the ocean, great dining, & some activities. Just be sure to get ocean side room - they have rooms across the street in an annex, I wouldn't have wanted that.
We had lunch at the Princeville which was breathtaking. The pool was not huge but I really liked it - the infinity edge was cool. The beach there was nice & just the North Shore scenery was incredible. Great snorkeling off-shore in the North.
We stayed on the East to be central but spent most of our day trips going to the North. Had our best dinner in the South at the Beach House.
I could go on & on. Hawaii was amazing. Kauai was our favorite. The above are just my opinions from having been there - hope they help.
Oct 15th, 2003, 04:52 AM
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Thank you all for your help. I really appreciate it. Some of the above posts are asking about activities - we discussed it last night and have decided that we want to stay busy. We know we are definately taking an ATV tour on both islands (my FI loves that type of stuff). I know on Kaui they leave from the south- i was thinking that if we stayed at the princeville we would just make the day trip down to the south. Is it really that far/long of a drive? We want to go hourseback riding and there is a stable right in Princeville that is suppose to be great. And I am trying to convince my FI to go on a catameran tour...I read that there is one that leave from the north so that helps. My fi loves to golf but doesn't want to golf alone and I am horrible so I think we have ruled that out. We are also interested in some MILD hiking, surf lessons, and maybe even renting a motorcycle to see some of the sites. My concern is this - is there ANY night life in the north section of Kaui? We aren't looking for anything too crazy - but maybe some bars or something just to get out in the evening? We are planning to be there from sunday till friday morning - figuring sunday and friday are both "travel days" that leave us 4 full days to explore. How does that sound? As for Maui...same basic activities- unless of course someone can recommend some more. THanks again- all of your help is appreciated.
Oct 15th, 2003, 05:24 AM
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I believe the drive from Princeville to Poipu is about 1 hour, 15-20 min.
It was 45 min each way from the East where we stayed so I would guess it's a little shorter direct.
If you are going to activities further West in Kauai, then it would be longer.
GOLF - my husband played the Prince Course at Princeville. VERY challenging. Each hole was beautiful, however I think he said for Hawaii he would have preferred a slightly easier course to relax & enjoy - and he would have like more holes on the water. They had quite a few inland. I rode along with him for $25 but did not play. I enjoyed the scenery & took pictures while he played. Nice, but it did take a chunk of a day - 7am-12pm.
HIKING - North shore is great for that.
NIGHTLIFE - Hubby & I came from NY so the time change got us more into getting up early and then we were tired early. Most of what we enjoyed was going to the hotel bar, they often had live entertainment, and relaxing with a drink.
Definitely take a day to veg on a beach or at the pool or whatever you enjoy. The wedding takes a lot out of you. We loved our day snorkeling North Shore at Secret?Hidden? Beach and Tunnels Beach.
One of them was right off the main entrance to Princeville -we parked in the Princeville lot.
ENJOY!
It was 45 min each way from the East where we stayed so I would guess it's a little shorter direct.
If you are going to activities further West in Kauai, then it would be longer.
GOLF - my husband played the Prince Course at Princeville. VERY challenging. Each hole was beautiful, however I think he said for Hawaii he would have preferred a slightly easier course to relax & enjoy - and he would have like more holes on the water. They had quite a few inland. I rode along with him for $25 but did not play. I enjoyed the scenery & took pictures while he played. Nice, but it did take a chunk of a day - 7am-12pm.
HIKING - North shore is great for that.
NIGHTLIFE - Hubby & I came from NY so the time change got us more into getting up early and then we were tired early. Most of what we enjoyed was going to the hotel bar, they often had live entertainment, and relaxing with a drink.
Definitely take a day to veg on a beach or at the pool or whatever you enjoy. The wedding takes a lot out of you. We loved our day snorkeling North Shore at Secret?Hidden? Beach and Tunnels Beach.
One of them was right off the main entrance to Princeville -we parked in the Princeville lot.
ENJOY!
Oct 15th, 2003, 09:41 AM
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Aloha! Congrats on your upcoming nuptials.
My husband and I were in Hawaii for 10 days this past May...5 Maui/5 Kauai. We are in our late 20's and wanted a nice balance between romance, adventure and relaxation. I did a lot of research here, elsewhere and with lots of help from the wizard pub guys (Maui REvealed and Ultimate Guide to Kauai).
We stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel on Maui and it met all our needs. We wanted to stay someplace exceptional, yet intimate and low-key. We are not the type of people to stay at a Ritz. We like the KBH most because of it's beautiful location and lush property, stunning views, and charming old-hawaiian feel. We fell in love with this place. Our feelings were only reinforced when we visited the Westin on Kaanapali, too crowded, too rush-rush and too many kids.
On Kauai, we stayed at the Princeville. We drove to the south shore 2 different days. It would be a good idea to plan it so that anything you want to see/do is done on the same day (if you stay on the n. shore and visit the s. shore). We took a heli ride one morning that left from Hanapepe, had a yummy lunch and checked out Poipu and the Sheraton (would not recommend staying there for a honeymoon). On a different day we drove to the Beach House for dinner. Yes, it's a lot of driving, but it's a beautiful drive when the sun is up.
The n. shore is so stunning and unique, I'm glad we stayed there and did a lot of sightseeing, swimming, hiking etc. Took surf lessons in Hanalei Bay which was a blast! Sunset cocktails on the Terrace or relaxing in the Living Room was all the nightlife we required. Zelos in Hanalei may be fun, or the Happy Talk Lounge is talked up around here...at the Hanalei Bay Resort.
Good luck!
My husband and I were in Hawaii for 10 days this past May...5 Maui/5 Kauai. We are in our late 20's and wanted a nice balance between romance, adventure and relaxation. I did a lot of research here, elsewhere and with lots of help from the wizard pub guys (Maui REvealed and Ultimate Guide to Kauai).
We stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel on Maui and it met all our needs. We wanted to stay someplace exceptional, yet intimate and low-key. We are not the type of people to stay at a Ritz. We like the KBH most because of it's beautiful location and lush property, stunning views, and charming old-hawaiian feel. We fell in love with this place. Our feelings were only reinforced when we visited the Westin on Kaanapali, too crowded, too rush-rush and too many kids.
On Kauai, we stayed at the Princeville. We drove to the south shore 2 different days. It would be a good idea to plan it so that anything you want to see/do is done on the same day (if you stay on the n. shore and visit the s. shore). We took a heli ride one morning that left from Hanapepe, had a yummy lunch and checked out Poipu and the Sheraton (would not recommend staying there for a honeymoon). On a different day we drove to the Beach House for dinner. Yes, it's a lot of driving, but it's a beautiful drive when the sun is up.
The n. shore is so stunning and unique, I'm glad we stayed there and did a lot of sightseeing, swimming, hiking etc. Took surf lessons in Hanalei Bay which was a blast! Sunset cocktails on the Terrace or relaxing in the Living Room was all the nightlife we required. Zelos in Hanalei may be fun, or the Happy Talk Lounge is talked up around here...at the Hanalei Bay Resort.
Good luck!
Oct 17th, 2003, 05:15 AM
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I would vote for the Sheraton Maui ans then splitting the Kauai in two parts - doing 1/2 in Princeville, and the other 1/2 at the Sheraton. That will allow you to really exlore each side of the island without long drives.
The Princeville hotel really doesn't have an island feel - it has a much more refined, british feeling. Make sure you have breakfast at the neighboring resort "The Hanalei" in the open air dining room. It just exudes an island atmosphere. I know nothing of the Sheraton on Kauai.
I am staying at the Sheraton Maui for 4 nights alone with husband and then the Marriott Waiohai in Kauai (Poipu)with 4 teenagers in a couple weeks. Email me if you want a review of what we find at the Sheraton Maui.
We opted not to use our SPG points for the Sheraton because we got such a great rate at the hotel. We hope to accrue more points and use them when they have another good promotion.
Babs
The Princeville hotel really doesn't have an island feel - it has a much more refined, british feeling. Make sure you have breakfast at the neighboring resort "The Hanalei" in the open air dining room. It just exudes an island atmosphere. I know nothing of the Sheraton on Kauai.
I am staying at the Sheraton Maui for 4 nights alone with husband and then the Marriott Waiohai in Kauai (Poipu)with 4 teenagers in a couple weeks. Email me if you want a review of what we find at the Sheraton Maui.
We opted not to use our SPG points for the Sheraton because we got such a great rate at the hotel. We hope to accrue more points and use them when they have another good promotion.
Babs
Oct 17th, 2003, 05:53 AM
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The OP asked about nightlife on Kauai: there is virtually no nightlife near the Princeville Resort beyond the hotel's low key entertainment. Poipu's resorts offer a bit more, but not much. Kauai is not about nightlife, so be prepared for that.
The Prnceville is the nicest (traditional luxury) hotel on the island and I would use your points to stay there if I were you.
On Maui, you won't want the Sheraton or Westin based on your list of desires. If you've never been to Hawaii I suspect you'll like Kapalua Bay just fine.
Whoever said Kaanapali is the sunniest area in Hawaii is incorrect, though Kaanapali certainly has good weather overall. Wailea gets much less rainfall and has more sunny days. Kapalua gets more rainfall and cloudy days than Kaanapali. Princeville gets more rain and clouds than all of them. But the tradeoff is that where it's rainy, it's lush. Wailea isn't as lush as many people expect Hawaii to be. It's dry and somewhat scrubby except in the landscaped and watered areas, while Kapalua is naturally more green and beautiful. And Princeville isn't far from the wettest place on earth, which is part of the reason the valleys and canyons west of there are so beautiful.
The Prnceville is the nicest (traditional luxury) hotel on the island and I would use your points to stay there if I were you.
On Maui, you won't want the Sheraton or Westin based on your list of desires. If you've never been to Hawaii I suspect you'll like Kapalua Bay just fine.
Whoever said Kaanapali is the sunniest area in Hawaii is incorrect, though Kaanapali certainly has good weather overall. Wailea gets much less rainfall and has more sunny days. Kapalua gets more rainfall and cloudy days than Kaanapali. Princeville gets more rain and clouds than all of them. But the tradeoff is that where it's rainy, it's lush. Wailea isn't as lush as many people expect Hawaii to be. It's dry and somewhat scrubby except in the landscaped and watered areas, while Kapalua is naturally more green and beautiful. And Princeville isn't far from the wettest place on earth, which is part of the reason the valleys and canyons west of there are so beautiful.
Oct 17th, 2003, 10:37 AM
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The more activities available - the more kids around. I would prefer to stay away from the activities so that I'm not surrounded by kids and tacky tourist stuff. I am going to Hawaii (next Sept too!! for a honeymoon) and I was able to email back and forth a gentlemen that works for Sheraton for all of Hawaii. He gave me lots of advice, answered all of my questions in detail, told me the good and bad about all of their hotels. He has been on Hawaii in the tourist industry for many years and has been great.
During our trip we will be staying at the Princeville, Sheraton on Maui and the Sheraton on Molokai (very seclude - to end our trip) and other non-Starwood hotels.
They do have a special for Hawaii on their Starwood website www.spg.com/hawaii. It is 35% off through December 2004 (this is an error - it should say Dec 2003 BUT I called the hotel directly and because it is on the website - they honored it for next year) PLUS if you stay 4 nights, the 5th night is free. I did this about a month ago so shame on them if they didn't get their webpage corrected.
This is a great deal.
Email me if you would like the email address of the person I have been communicated with at Starwood.
[email protected]
During our trip we will be staying at the Princeville, Sheraton on Maui and the Sheraton on Molokai (very seclude - to end our trip) and other non-Starwood hotels.
They do have a special for Hawaii on their Starwood website www.spg.com/hawaii. It is 35% off through December 2004 (this is an error - it should say Dec 2003 BUT I called the hotel directly and because it is on the website - they honored it for next year) PLUS if you stay 4 nights, the 5th night is free. I did this about a month ago so shame on them if they didn't get their webpage corrected.
This is a great deal.
Email me if you would like the email address of the person I have been communicated with at Starwood.
[email protected]
Oct 17th, 2003, 03:14 PM
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Hawaii2004: Congrats on your impending marriage. Suggest Kapalua Bay Hotel on Maui and the Princeville for your entire stay on Kauai. Don't worry about the weather on either island. September is a great month to be visiting. I understand your concerns about children ruining the vibe. There will be fewer kids after Labor Day for sure.
Oct 18th, 2003, 01:15 PM
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also in case you didn't know, cause I didn't know and lost my points, The Lodge and Manele on Lanai are SPG, so if I had those points for a romantic trip - 5 nights Kapalua, ferry to Lodge for 2, and then Princeville for 5, either way Kap and Prince get my vote. Best wishes for a lifetime of return trips!!!
Oct 20th, 2003, 07:08 AM
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First I want to thank you all again for such great information. We are doing this all ourselves becasue of the points and I find it do diificult to make decisions since we have never been to Hawaii- all of your repsonse have helped greatly.
The post above mentions a ferry to The Lodge and Manele on Lanai. I originally wnated to stay at the Lodge but was concerned that we would only have 12 days to do everything- I didn't want to loose 1/2 traveling between islands. Where can I find more information out about the ferry? Where does it leave from? How long does it take to get to the island? Any information you give me would be great- thanks so much...
The post above mentions a ferry to The Lodge and Manele on Lanai. I originally wnated to stay at the Lodge but was concerned that we would only have 12 days to do everything- I didn't want to loose 1/2 traveling between islands. Where can I find more information out about the ferry? Where does it leave from? How long does it take to get to the island? Any information you give me would be great- thanks so much...
Oct 20th, 2003, 02:33 PM
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Go to www.dogpile.com type in Ferry Maui and it will take you there. I think it is Princess Ferry. We are fly just because the Ferry leave Maui twice a day VERY early in the moring and then late in the day. Too late to rent a car once you get there and in the morning leaves like at 6 am which means, checking out of your hotel on Maui, dropping off your rental car and getting to the Ferry by 5:30 am. The flight isn't that expensive, so we are flying.
