Getting married in late fall of 2001. We are indecisive about a honeymoon destination. Two locations we are interested in are Bora Bora and Hawaii (Maui & Kaui). Both have been highly recommended to us. Here's the catch...Hawaii would be much more affordable using our FF miles and hotel points. We've been told that Bora Bora is very expensive, but unbelieveable. A once in a lifetime experience. Others have told us that Bora Bora is "Bora Boring". We hope someone can offer us some useful information and/or opinions to help us make our decision. Thanks!

We have been to Maui, Kaui, and Bora Bora. Besides that they are tropical island, they are not interchangable for us. <BR> <BR>We are indifferent about Hawaii being US and English speaking while Bora Bora is French. <BR> <BR>Hawaii is easier to get to if you are from the mainland US. The arrival and departure times at Tahiti (international airport) are terrible, in the wee hours in the morning. We hated this aspect of the trip but never prevented us from going there. <BR> <BR>Late fall is end of dry time at FP while getting into wetter season in Hawaii. Although this doesn't matter if you stay on the wetter side of the island, it rains all the time. <BR> <BR>This is the way we looked at the prices. The Hawaii offers wider price range of accomodations and food. Accomodations in Bora Bora are in narrower range, similar to what Hawaii call premium room ranges. So it is harder to find lower end of the accomodations in Bora Bora, while Hawaii's top end accomodations blow the ones in Bora Bora out of water. <BR> <BR>The food is expensive at either place if you eat at luxury hotels. It is easier to eat outside the hotels in Hawaii, since you probably have a car. Since there is not much point in renting a car in Bora Bora during the whole stay (where would you go?) that is harder unless you stay at a hotel near a town. <BR> <BR>Services at FP hotel and restaurants seem to annoy some folks coming from the mainland US. The services in Hawaii is like the mainland, you get asked if you need anything. Some people like this type of service. The services in FP is more European, that is they leave you alone unless you ask, but not as much promptness as you would find in the continental Europe. So if your expectation is to be left alone mostly, then Bora Bora services would not bother you, but if you want to be catered to without having to ask, you would be better to go to Hawaii.

I pushed "post my reply" by mistake... <BR> <BR>There are differences in activities. Hawaii definitely offer wider ranges of activities, during the day and night. The activities in Bora Bora is mostly water based, There is not much going on at night. <BR> <BR>The big difference in scenary is that while Hawaii has coral reefs, they form shallow shelves around the island near the beaches. The ones in Bora Bora form gorgeous barrier reefs around the island with a blue lagoon. Watching the panoramic view of the blue lagoon while eating French breakfast at the restaurant at Hotel Bora Bora was something we would always remember.

Greg: Your comments are greatly appreciated. Gives us something to think about. <BR> <BR>We welcome others comments as well.

So Greg, would you concur that the scenery in Bora-Bora isn't really that much more spectacular than Hawaii's, and that it really is only the beautiful Lagoon that makes it so special?

Also getting married in late fall. We decided to go to Hawaii (Maui and Kauai) versus Tahiti. Reasons are as follows: <BR>-Easier to travel to and fro - more convenient and closer <BR>-No hassle with currency conversion, all those issues when you are out of the country <BR>-a little less expensive <BR>- A LOT more to do <BR>-Wanted luxury attentive service <BR>-We've only heard great things about Hawaii <BR>-Feel like its the equivalent of Tahiti in terms of natural beauty, etc. <BR>We felt we would be bored in Tahiti. We like to enjoy the beach and relax but 10 days of that with little else to do in the ways of activities would make us crazy. <BR>It all depends on what you are looking for though. <BR>GOOD LUCK!

I have also been to Kauai and french polynesia. My husband lived on Kauai also. so we have 2 views. He feels the beauty is equal but likes Hawaii since he is not so out of touch with everything. He agrees the lagoon is unbelievable in bora bora and the snorkeling is much better. Nothing to do but veg on bora bora, which I loved. He also loved that. He likes the food better in Kauai (more americanized) I loved french polynesia. I loved it more in french polynesia, he liked Kauai. Either way you can't go wrong!

i have to say i think bora bora is more spectacular than what i have seen of hawaii (but i haven't been to kaui, just maui and oahu) Part of what I liked about it is that because of the language, french influence, etc., it does feel more exotic to a U.S. resident than Hawaii, which, is after all, just another state, though in a pretty setting. <BR>To me, tahiti is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime destination, so it would make sense to go there on a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary, when you really wanted to spend intensive time together. But previous posters are right, there isn't a lot to do there beyond water activities, and not much nightlife if that is important to you. good luck deciding; both defintely have their merits!

Well, I for one think Tahiti is VASTLY overrated compared to Hawaii! And it is definitely NOT more beautiful than Hawaii either. The only thing that makes it special are the lagoons. Also, there are no true 5-star resorts that you would feel comfortable staying at as a 5-star over there doesn't even come close to being one! So, that's what you have to ask yourself: Do you want to spend all of that extra time and money just to see some spectacular looking WATER? My answer is NO! You can go to Grand Cayman for that! If you want seclusion, beauty, and a true 5-star resort I would select the Manele Bay Hotel on Lanai! Even the Ritz-Carlton on Maui would be more preferable!

aloha, <BR>I've never been to Bora Bora, but have lived on Maui for 22 years. Be warned that Maui is having extreme traffic problems, however all is relevant, if you're from big inner city, might not seem bad. stay in Wailea if you're looking for best beaches, snorkleling, golf, etc. night life is pretty boring in Wailea/Kihei. Kaanapali or Kapalua would be better as both offer good beaches, nice hotels, ironwood trees and are close to Lahaina nitelife which rocks. Far more romantic would be a stay at the Hotel Hana Maui, out in the lovely town of Hana (hellish drive to get there, but worth a 3-4 day stay); Hotel Hana maui does not have t.v., or room service, but the sea ranch cottages are soooo romantic with rolling pastureland down to ocean, great vus and great jacuzzi's. dinner in the hotel might include a ukelele concert by the school kids, if you're lucky. good luck!

I love Hawaii, but the lagoons of French Polynesia, the people, and the overall mood of the islands are outstanding. Hands down I would choose French Polynesia over Hawaii. The service is not bad, only different... and why bother going to the South Pacific if you're not that interested in the lagoons? Please, go to South Florida or somewhere else! <BR> <BR>As to those that prefer Hawaii, to each his/her own... keeps French Polynesia uncrowded for the rest of us...

Well, I'll throw in my opinion. I've been to Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Oahu and Maui. I loved Moorea, Bora Bora and Maui. We stayed at Le Meridien at Bora Bora - and by anyone's definition - it is a 5 Star resort. It is absolutely gorgeous. I stayed at Kapalua Bay in Maui - also gorgeous. I understand the topic of FF miles, etc - we use them all the time when we travel. Our trip to FP was expensive - but as someone said - it was a vacation of a lifetime. I've been to Hawaii a few times - we'll go back. If diving/snorkeling and relaxing is your thing - I'd go for FP for this occasion. It has a beauty that I've never seen anywhere else - can't even explain the color of the water. If I went there - I would split my time between Moorea and Bora Bora. But, Hawaii is also a lovely definition. You have one of those good problems - there is no really wrong answer to your question. Just depends on what you want to do. Enjoy!

Hi there Here is my 2 cents... Bora Bora is overcrowded as is Hawaii is overrated. Go somewhere else exotic like Aitutaki in the Cook Islands or Fiji. There are so many other luxurious uncrowded resorts. Check out fijivacations.com

Aloha, <BR> <BR>I live in Hawaii and have been to Tahiti several times. Here are my thoughts on this subject. <BR> <BR>1. Both places offer great snorkeling ans diving opportunities. <BR> <BR>2. The majority of the people at both places are friendly. <BR> <BR>3. Excellent scenery in both areas. <BR> <BR>4. Hawaii is like being on the mainland US, it is a modern place with all of the necessities that is found all over the mainland. <BR> <BR>5. Tahiti is the way Hawaii was 50 - 100 years ago, in terms of infrastructure. No freeways or highways in some places. I personally love it and can appreciate it. <BR> <BR>6. I can't complain about the service offered at the restaurants, I found the staff to be very professional and knew me by first name, even on my return visits. <BR> <BR>7. Lastly, Hawaii is cheaper, while Tahiti is VERY expensive. So if budgeting is a factor let this be a guide for you. <BR> <BR>Have Fun! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Maui is a be too crowded for my taste. I think a perfect honeymoon would be the Big Island of Hawaii at the Mona Lani which is the most perfect island hotel I've ever been to and very romantic..(and we only stay at first class or deluxe hotels).The lobby is open air with tropical plants and pools of fish...lots of movie stars stay there as well,not that you need to see any on your honeymoon,but lets face it some of these "stars" could stay anywhere and they picked this spot. If you go to the Big Island you can take a copter ride to the active volcano.We snorkled just off the hotel beach and you could buy little bags of fish food and the most beautiful fish surrounded you looking for the food---now that's part of a romantic honeymoon!

Have been to Maui, Kauai, Tahiti and also to Grand Cayman (as mentioned by one above poster). They are all great and beautiful places, but not interchangeable in my mind. It really does depend on what you are looking for. I loved Maui. I like Kauai also but it is more report than Maui. I fell in love with Moorea. It was exactly they way I pictured the South Pacific to be. Darling thatched roof bungalows with no tv, no telephone, no air conditioning, no radio . . . it was very romantic. I would definitely choose it for a honeymoon over the other two. By the way, our trips to Hawaii and to Moorea were not too much different in price. And I did not find the travel times to be so inconvenient either. Sometimes when you travel, especially out of the US, you just have to relax, chill out and go with the flow. I'm sure wherever you decide to take that honeymoon, you will have a wonderful time.