Justin

Looking for some help with planning a honeymoon in Hawaii. From what I have read Kauai sounds like a nice match. We are planning on early September, looking for nice accomadations on or close to the beach. I'm not sure which side of the island is better than others for crowds or weather. We enjoy scuba diving/snorkling,fishing and hiking. Also just relaxing on the beach, with out to much of a crowd. I've heard a condo is a way to save some $. We are trying to keep the whole deal (excluding air) between $2,000-3,000 for 10-14 days. Any help would be great. Thanks

Kelly

I would consider a condo justin. Your money will go much further and you will have more privacy and space. For this do a search! Most scenic portion of Kauai, North Shore. Dry and sunny south shore.

Do fodors archive post search for suggestions on accomadations. Otherwise you know the two great hotels on Kauai are Poipu Hyatt and Princeville Sheraton. I would break up my time between both saving the best for last, Princeville.

sn

We spent half of our honeymoon at the Hyatt in Poipu--pure paradise (other half in Maui at the Ritz Carlton), perfect weather, great spa, incredible resort all the way around. I would think you could do this in September and meet your travel budget. Have fun!

John R.

I'd suggest splitting your time between Kauai and the Big Island. Start with the BI for the hiking and active portion (there's no better hiking than in Volcano National Park) then head to Kauai for the relaxation. My thought is: Why fly all the way to Hawaii and only see one island when you definitely y have the time to see two?

Justin

Thanks for the info. Is the north side hit or miss with the sun in early sept.?
Also where are the best beaches/diving?

xxx

John R you don't know what is on Kauai to make that statement.

John R.

Mr. or Ms. XXX,
How do you know what I know or don't know? Why would you post such a stupid response in a forum where peple offer their *opinions*? I've hiked in a fair number of places on both Kauai and the Big Island so I have a pretty informed opinion. I didn't say that Kauai hiking was bad, just that I thought BI hiking was better. Keep your trolling to yourself.
Sorry Justin, I hate it when threads degenerate because of rude people.

p.

Kauai would be great, hope to be there myself in October. My better half & I prefer condos, for the quiet, privacy & freedom they provide. Frequently a lot cheaper than a hotel too. One source we used on Maui is: www.hawaiianpurl.com they have one on K north shore too, based on our Maui experiences I'd not hesitate to rent their Kauai unit.
Have a great trip.
p.

aloha

Kauai is a perfect choice for a honeymoon. Spent a week there last August on the north shore in Princeville. Condo-ed it. Thats your best value. The Shearwater has great ocean views. However in mid-August it rained almost every day. But not all day in most cases. Rain however makes all the waterfalls in the area that much more amazing.

There is plenty to do In Kauai although the North Shore is more limited unless you like to do a lot of hiking, snokeling, hanging out on the beach etc. Almost no shopping (which can be a good thing). Also, the drive to the other side is long and slow, so if you want to see the whole island without a lot of driving (gas is expensive!), I'd also suggest doing a week in the north and a week in the south, in Poipu or something. But whatever you do, don't miss out on the North shore! Sunsets over Bali Hai are truly amazing.

If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, and who doesn't in Hawaii, make sure you have a good base tan before you go. Sunburn would make a romantic honeymoon a bummer. The $30 I spent on a 1 month tanning salon membership was the smartest thing I could have done.

Have fun!

aloha

Ahhh forgot about beaches...

Not sure about diving, but for snorkeling, the best I found is an awesome spot below the Princeville Resort which is called Hideaways. Park next to the tennis courts, and take the path towards the beach that follows an empty lot. There is a short but pretty steep path down to a small beach, and its normally empty in the morning, when the snorkeling is best. Queens Bath is overrated and crowded. Pick-up a copy of The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. It has a lot of good suggestions for the entire island, and lots about hikes, scuba/snorkeling, kayak trips (alot of fun), etc.

brenda

I think you would enjoy a condo and it is much less expensive too, considering you would have to eat all your meals at a restaurant if you choose a hotel for all that time. Condos offer you all the amenities of having your own apartment, most even have washers/dryers. All will have fully equiped kitchens. In my opinion, it is nice to have a separate living room and bedroom and you'll get that with renting a one bedroom condo. Also, don't you picture yourself having coffee and fruit in your robe on your on lanai in the morning instead of having to rush to a restaurant? Just a few of the pluses. Both the Princeville area and the Poipu area have lots of condos for rent. Here are a few websites to check out :
www.suite-paradise.com
www.poipu-beach.org
www.grantham-resorts.com
www.hanalei-vacations.com
www.kauairentals.com

Debi

Justin-
I'm so jealous that you are planning a trip to Kauai! We have gone a few times now and loved it so much we bought an every other year time share! I agree that renting a condo is the way to go. There are many available, as previously mentioned in the the north shore- Princeville area and south shore- Poipu. We stay in Princeville at a place called Pahio and I know they rent units. It is nice to cook in and eat in when you feel like it and go out as well when the mood strikes you. Of all the guide books, the Ultimate Kauai Guide book is the best I think. It gives a lot of great ideas for things to do and seems really tried and true. Two of our favorite romantic restaurants are the Bali Hai on the north shore and the Beach House in Poipu. Have a great time!

Justin

Thanks again for the info, I think we have decided on the north shore, I am exploring the condo rentals you suggested. Looking for a one bedroom on or very close to the ocean, trying to stay between $850-1000 wk.If anyone has one that they really know is great, please let me know. Also what should I budget for dinners out? Thanks so much, Justin

lonnie

http://www.creativeleisure.com/hawaii/condos/kauai/index.html

We've leased from this company a few times. Wonderful service and beautiful conods. Check them out.

Aloha!

Christina

Hi Justin! First off- this is NOT a solicitation. I am a travel agent, and a good one is worth her/his weight in gold, but I’m not trolling for business. Got plenty, thanks. That said-

I’d also recommend a condo arrangement. If you can get good air, and choose your lodging carefully, you should be able to do it for $3000 (INCLUDING air). It might take some doing, but depending upon your departure city, I think it’s possible.

I would try to visit more than one island, if such a deal comes along. There is so much to see! Are you military? This can help with rates. Also some tour operators offer specials based upon residency or departure city.

Good luck, Planning is half the fun!
Bless,
Christina