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Late Feb/Early March honeymoon: Maui, Kauai, or other?

Late Feb/Early March honeymoon: Maui, Kauai, or other?

Old Nov 28th, 2015, 10:04 PM
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Late Feb/Early March honeymoon: Maui, Kauai, or other?

Doing some planning for a honeymoon to Hawaii in late February or early March and could use some advice. I'd like to split our ~10 day trip between a more fast-paced/"touristy" visit to Oahu and a relaxed, romantic visit to another island - Maui is currently the top contender, followed by Kauai. I've been to Oahu twice and have a very good idea of what our time there will look like, but need help on the relaxed/romantic part of the trip, as I am not at all familiar with the other islands (except the big island, but would like to save that island for a future trip).

For the second half of the trip, I'd like to be as close as possible to a beach where we can swim. I want to take in as much local natural beauty as possible, be it through hikes, drives, snorkeling, whale watching, or kayaking. If we stay in a condo/vrbo, I'd like it to be relatively close to some good restaurants as I don't think we'll be interested in doing much cooking. Otherwise, while I've been looking at secluded hotels where we can be a little pampered, I don't want to be stuck paying an arm and a leg at their restaurants ($25 for a breakfast buffet? No thanks) and again, would rather go to a local restaurant. Depending on how many nights we stay, I'd say around $350/night is our budget for this part of the trip. I plan on budgeting for a car rental as well.

I've been looking at Kaanapali, Wailea, and the Hana area on Maui and am at a loss trying to determine which area would suit us best. Based on our wish list, I'm sure there are other cities on other islands that we'd enjoy as well. Open to other suggestions! Thank you!
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Old Nov 29th, 2015, 11:24 AM
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My favorite island is Kauai, but based on your wants and time of year, I would pick Maui for the whale watching. You need to start looking now, as many places will probably already be booked up. Snorkeling is better on Maui than Kauai although Kauai has better hiking IMO.
Hopefully ChiSue or someone who is more familiar with Maui (been 10 years since my last visit) can recommend some places to stay, although Hana might have rain that time of year.
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Old Nov 29th, 2015, 11:44 AM
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jamie99 is right to mention rain. Winter is not a good time for the most scenic north on Kauai, Oahu, or even northernmost Maui (Kapalua, Napili). Hana will also be experiencing winter rain -- fine to tour; not fine for a stay.

Jan. - Mar. is Whale Season in Hawaii -- best viewed from Maui and Big Island of Hawaii. Both of these islands are good weather bets in winter. However, you are late planning for this very popular season. Choose your island and get your rental car(s) reserved immediately, while you search for lodging.

You may decide a condo is the best use of your budget. Most hotels will add 'resort fees' of $25 and up and parking fees on top of the daily rate. You can find small restaurants outside of hotels, but these fees really add up -- and there are those outstretched palms around every corner (tipping).

Check VRBO.com for condos in West Maui and South Maui -- and on the Kohala Coast of Big Island.

I think you have time for three nights Waikiki (no car), then a week on Maui (car). OR...ten nights Big Island, splitting between Kohala Coast and Volcano (also likely to be wet).
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Old Nov 29th, 2015, 05:30 PM
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Given your budget, have a look at the Makena Beach Resort. It is not 'action central' out there, just past the end of the Wailea strip... but many of us prefer it that way. We've stayed there twice, a week each time, and are looking forward to returning, before they change it over to condos. The atmosphere there is nicely laid back, I found.
After getting rained on in Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Hana, etc., I really learned to appreciate the dryness of the Wailea area! We have tended to visit Hawaii in March, so a bit wetter then.
Makena also offers deals with free breakfast, no parking or resort fees, and they usually have some good Cyber Monday deals!
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