Linda

Thanks once again to all for taking the time to help me out (I'm the original poster). Cathy, you've given me just the kind of advice I'm looking for: while Hermie makes a great point about making friends/learning the culture in a new country, ALL I WANT IN THIS TRIP IS A PERFECT ROMANTIC 25TH ANNV. GETAWAY. When I win the lottery I promise I'll travel the world and stay in out-of-the-way places and learn the cultures and meet the people and broaden my horizons and be more grateful for my nice little middle-class midwestern life; but for now I can't afford it: I just want a really special trip suited to our lifestyle next Sept. I don't WANT to see really-poor people and feel bad about spending a ridiculous amount of $ on my vacation; I don't WANT to have to worry about crime when leaving my resort (I know, I know, just use common sense, as you would anywhere); I don't want to have to worry about the food/water. Perversely, I want adventure for this trip. I don't want to play it too safe. (When I first proposed the special savings acct. for this trip hubby suggested (1) Tahoe, and (2) Vegas). Hawaii is sounding more and more like the perfect compromise between adventure/not-too-much-adventure. And to you-out-there that say I need 10-12 days - I have it. I only say a week cause that's all I can afford to STAY on the island (whatever island) - I have the extra travel time (have family in LA and can fly there for rest stop/visit). I live in Hicksville KS, and know I'll need a travel day just to get to a gateway. <BR> <BR>Thanks again, all. P.S. to Peggy: thank you for website info - Galley Bay really looks great.....

joe cameron

You might want to access the Travel & Leasure website, and the Wine Spectator website. Each has reported extensively on warm locations, particulalry the Carribean and Hawaii. Obviously you want to build in a great place to stay, wonderful food, and great things to do. Those articles focused on all of that, and more. By the way, have you considered the Cayman Islands - you cannot beat their beaches and water, and it's peaceful and offers a certain level of luxury as well. Good luck.

Noach

To The People Who Said that O`ahu is commercial and urban: <BR> <BR>Have you been outside of Honolulu and Waikiki? Many people mistakenly equate all of Oa`hu with these urban areas. <BR>

Ally

Linda, <BR>Cast my vote for Maui. And it does NOT have to be terribly expensive, unless you want real upscale, which you might, considering the occasion. <BR>But, my husband and I found a little place in Maui that is VERY in-expensive. <BR>It's a smaller condo (has a murphy bed) but was very cute, had a kitchen (great way to save a little money, although groceries are high cost)a fabulous ocean view from the patio, with a georgous sunset view,(we could sit there for hours and just watch people on the beach) and close to lots of things to do. Cost in Sept. (we we're there last Sept.) is $75 a night (plus tax). Check it out at <BR>www.musicgrinder.com/pip/page7.html, or do a search for Vally Isle Resort in Maui. Whatever, have fun.

Tim

Linda, call Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays and see what specials are being offered for the Renaissance Wailea Resort on Maui (or other resorts). ONLY stay on the Wailea side of the island if you do select Maui! And by the way, if you DO want lots of adventure and nightlife then Waikiki WOULD be the place for you as well despite what people here are saying. For first timers, it's an exciting, fun and beautiful place to be, I guarantee it! The Outrigger Waikiki might have some special rates as well (not my type of hotel but I know you DON'T want to spend $400 or more per night at the more secluded Kahala Mandarin Oriental!). Believe me, when you're on the beach you don't even KNOW you're in the city!! And the island itself is actually more beautiful than the others (MY opinion, of course)!

Mare

Hi Linda! Have been following this post since day 1! Have you made a decision yet? So many have been so helpful! Good luck, Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful time wherever you go!!!!

Don

I think there is great night-life on Maui as well. Lahaina is great for that sort of stuff. Maui is on of the most beautiful places on earth. Do a day trip- over to the big island if you can to see Volcano National Park. Last time we went we stayed one day in Oahu (you have to lant there anyway) stayed on Maui (our favorite island) and did a day trip to Hawaii. Just beautiful. <BR>Don

Linda

Hello Mare and all other posters: after extensive consideration (and the wonderful help of all the people on this forum) have about decided on Hawaii. Virtues: have family hubby would like to visit in LA, and can break the trip up (on the way out, at least); less worries about "drinking the water" and crime issues; and staying on Oahu means one hop from LA. Get off the plane, jump into rental car, and head for north coast (Noach made a great point - there is a whole other Oahu (at least from my research) beyond Wakiki - which I'm sure we would hate!) And as I said in my original post, if Oahu isn't as georgous as the other islands, how are we going to know the difference? Pretty beaches, palm trees, some mountainous scenery, funky little beach towns: north coast Oahu seems to suit and is easier to get to. Drawback: only one, it WILL be more expensive, I think, but can still do on our original budget. I've found beachfront rental houses/cottages in the $1000-$1400/week range. Will save $ doing some of our own cooking (and frankly, me sitting on the lanai w/a cold beer while hubby grills my perfect steak and the sun is setting over the ocean and the palm trees are rustling and there's no one around: doesn't that just sound perfect?!!!) <BR> <BR>Thanks to everyone for help and good wishes (yeah, 25 years of marriage DOES deserve special recognition - would like to extend my own congratulations to all out there who've stuck it out - it's a hard job but a wonderful and rewarding one.....)

Noach

Glad to see you made a decision and thank you for updating us. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip and be sure to let us know how it went! <BR>

Jacqueline Bond

Hi Linda <BR>I am from Hawaii and I can safely say, that yes, it is expensive there especially if you are in Waikiki. But the North Shore, is a different kind of experience altogether! Very laid back brah! Anyway, I don't know much about the other two places you've chosen. I myself love tropical places and the beach and am researching the US Virgin Islands currently. I've been to Mexico and I'm sure there's many beautiful places I have yet to see there, but there is not as much allure as to VI. good luck with your travel destinations! <BR>

Jenn

If you are going during huricaine season in the carribean I would suggest Aruba. We went Oct 1-8 of this year and we had one day where we got a light shower from a huricaine in the bahamas but that was it. The rest of the time was very nice and sunny. If I remember correctly you can get on the island with a photo id and a birth certificate - don't need a passport. A passport would be easier though. It is off season in Aruba so the beaches are less crowded which was nice and the weather about 85-90 everyday. Email me if you have any questions. We went from Hartford, CT non-stop and stayed in an oceanfront room at the Radisson for $3000. It didn't include food but I wouldn't suggest getting a meal plan because there are so many great places to eat.

P. Akin

Linda, <BR>I definitely recommend Oahu. Yes, the island does have touristy and over-developed (by Hawaii standards) parts, but there is so much more to the island than Honolulu and Waikiki. Where you plan to stay is beautiful and I'm sure you will enjoy it. Also, the weather there is nearly perfect all year round and if you get freaked out by people trying to sell you things, there is virtually none of that. When we took a trip to Oahu and Maui people said we wouldn't like Oahu and we loved it! (Some people who had been to some of the more remote islands even panned Maui!) Please keep in mind that these people are comparing Oahu to the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. Think of it this way, if you like Oahu for your first trip, definitely plan to return as the rest of the Hawaiian Islands only get better.

James

Ditto, P. Akin! I am also quite glad that I didn't listen to those who told me to skip Oahu! I would have been a damn fool to miss such a gorgeous island!!!