kfusto

Reisdender, I agree. I have enjoyed 30 or land trips to Jamaica, stayed in everything to private villas to inexpensive inns, gone solo and with friends and have NEVER had an issue. Can't say the same for other islands (St Thomas comes to mind ).

JenWed

Wow you all have some very good points. In response to questions you have all left, here we go:
We do have to stay at these specific hotels- it is an offer my grandparents were given and I can't change them.
We are coming from the Sacramento, CA area so we are West Coast.
We are a younger couple- not quite into the whole party and get drunk scene, but we are adventerous and would like to be able to be safe our entire trip.
I think we've narrowed it down to either Maui, Jamaica or Puerto Rico...

Now for a few questions again:
1. Where are the best beaches?
2. Where are the friendliest people?
3. Does anyone have any recommendations of activities to do?
4. Which location has the best outings?
5. If we were to go to any of the three above places, when is it the best time to go between now and August of next year?
6. Which locations are the easiest/cheapest to fly to? Any hints on where to find good cheap flights?

THANK YOU ALL!

JarredK

Okay - in my mind you just sealed it - you are from CA - go to Maui! Between Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Maui, Maui (in my mind) wins on natural beauty, activities, romance, and beaches - and by far. Although nice, I actually found Jamaica and Puerto Rico to be the least favorite of the Caribbean islands I have visited.

Also, it may be difficult to get direct flights from Sacramento to either Puerto Rico or Jamaica - which would make your travel time like 10 hours (and then you'll have customs in Jamaica as well).

brenandg

Since my original statement said "I would go to an island that involved the least amount of hassel to get to" (for that time frame). In that case Hawaii may be best. It is a long haul from the west coast to the Caribbean and usually requires a red eye. Have a great vacation wherever you end up!

girlonthego

Of all of your choices, I have been to Puerto Rico - 4/07, Aruba -4/05, Oahu-4/06 and Maui-a long time ago (about 12 years ago.).
First of all, coming from CA, Hawaii will be your closest destination. You do not have a huge chunk of time and I would highly recommend extending it a couple of more days since it is your honeymoon!
I would not go to PR. We went just a few months ago and it was not very attractive. I was rather disappointed in how much it went down hill since my previous visit in the 1980's.
Aruba is basically a desert with great weather (almost always sunny) and nice beaches/pretty water, big hotels and good restaurants. We enjoyed our trip there. The Wyndam hotel has the reputation for being a windier area on the island.
Now, Hawaii is a great destination. I would choose Maui for the honeymoon. It is a pretty island, quieter than Oahu. I have not been to the Royal Lahaina, so I can't comment on it, but I think it is great, safe, and pretty honeymoon destination.
Good luck. It is nice gift from your Grandparents.

diann24

Without a doubt now that we know where you are flying from, Hawaii is it for sure. I was in Maui for only 2 days. I would opt for Maui as well. A nice gift indeed from your family and if you watch flights I am sure you will find a great deal. Congratulations.

art5805

Now that we are suggesting Hawaii, I'll weigh in. We've been 6 times, and saw Maui through 20 years of growth. It's got the best beaches, and Kaanapali Beach is the center of it all. We like mid-May for the weather--after winter storms and waves and before school lets out. I suggest "Maui Revealed" guidebook (Wizard Publications) to focus on your interests. His recommendations are really great.

kfusto

For airfare try kayak.com.

I am not a Hawaii fan personally and much prefer the beaches, water and food in Jamaica.

However, if it is a short trip and you have are having the resort paid for, sound s like Hawaii would be a good fit for this trip.

JenWed

First of all I want to say THANK to all of you that have been replying. It definitely helps to have advice from the wiser people that have been there before!
Thank you again and if anyone has any more tips, please feel free to send them my way! I am going to talk with my fiancee about all of the great advice and will keep you all posted on our decision!
Thank you!

Maggi

JenWed, definitely Maui! Since your grandparents are paying for your first four nights, perhaps it would be possible for you to extend your stay three more nights on your own nickle. Four nights is better than nothing, but frankly not enough to scratch the surface of Hawaii. When you figure in travel days and check-in and unpacking time, you will have only three full days to relax and explore. There is so much to see and do: Haleakala, the road to Hana, just to name a few.

Aloha Airlines flies direct from Sacramento and would cost about $250 per person. Keep your eyes open for sale fares. I like shoulder season (beginning of May) for most of our vacations. Your first step should be to find out availability for the Royal Lahaina and choose your dates from there.

GraytonBchGirl

We honeymooned in Hawaii.I did love it however the flight from Fl. and the time change kicked my but(obvisouly not a problem for u)The rd. to Hana is awesome!!We got a Off The Beaten Path book and found a bamboo trail that lead to waterfalls and then a small rock climb that lead to a larger waterfall that we had to ourselves.It sounds like work bus was agreat day.We also did a anorkel tour on Bullfrog cat.and it was fun.I prefer the beaches in Caribbean however the lushness of Hana is great.CONGRATULATIONS!!

GraytonBchGirl

Oh yeah met to say that if you can swing it try to stay longer.But I do know what it is like to be on a budget,if that is your reason for 4 nights.We stayed 10(it was a wedding gift)and still missed alot.You'll have a great tme no matter what.

mouseRD

Hi Jen! If you do decide to extend your stay by a couple of nights, you may want to stay in some place more secluded or couples only-type atmosphere; the Hotel Hana Maui, although expensive, will often offer discounts and/or upgrades in off-season (Dec-mid-Apr & summer are more high season; mid-Apr-mid-June & fall are more off season rates, May & Sept are often adults only months there; also, the Hooilo House near Lahaina is an adults only B & B (6 rooms) that would be a perfect honeymoon/anniversary spot.

suze

I would pick Hawaii, either Maui or Oahu, they are both stunningly beautiful, romantic, clean, safe, exotic but still officially the U.S.

It is also closer than the Caribbean so likely the least expensive flights from California.

I paid $329 Seattle/Oahu earlier this year on Hawaiian Air, nonstop flight (6 hours). I believe LAX would be similar.

Daily expenses can be kept low in Hawaii if you are willing to get creative and not do lots of expensive tourist cruises and activites. Just being in the islands is wonderful. There're lots of free entertainment (or for the cost of a drink).

I would suggest you cross-post on the U.S. forum as posters there will be less slanted than posting for a recommendation in the Caribbean forum (where people who love those island post mostly).

diann24

People were not being less slanted they had not idea where JenWed was traveling from at the time. Once people knew it was from Calif. Hawaii of course was the obvious.

canamaican

Of All the people who have been to Maui the one thing THEY NEVER Mentioned to you that you should DEFINITELY DO. The Road To Hana. Be sure you have a 4 wheel drive and make the complete circle the best part is once you pass hana. Cliffs waterfalls and canyons. Hawaii is better than everyplace else you mentioned. Kauai would be the best but...

mumpsimus

I've driven that road a number of times and never needed a 4-wheel. Just drive prudently.

Knowing

We actually got married in Hawaii in the month of September. We saw no kids at all, but it is also their warmest month. Oahu is popular and has the greatest amount of visitors. It also has Pearl Harbor and the Iolani Palace, but I think Maui has a little bit of everything for everyone. It's incredibly beautiful and has nice tempertures year round. Could you go in May? The kids are at the end of the school year, but not out yet, so I'm guessing you wouldn't see many.

Weadles

I'm a big fan of the Caribbean, especially Jamaica, but since you're coming from the West Coast, I have to agree with the other posters that you should head to Hawaii. The beach in Kaanapali is gorgeous, and there are plenty of dining options in and around Lahaina ( you'll have a rental car, right?) that won't break the bank. If you can arrange to go in the late spring, you'll most likely have beautiful weather and less crowds. I think it would be a perfect place for your honeymoon!

mumpsimus

Well, seems to me you should at least look into Kona Village Resort, which is very, very nice for a honeymoon. Everyone has a separate bungalow, all the food is included, and it's a very warm and welcoming place. I'm such a fan that I put up a website which describes it in minute detail and is worth a look: www.davidskvr.net. Can't hurt to look.
David