We are going to Maui for one week and Kaua'i for another week this July for our honeymoon. I've been trying to figure out how much spending money we should take (or have available in debit card), do you think $1,000 a week will be good? We plan on eating at 2 fancy restaurants on each island but no more than that. So that's about 100 a day plus an extra 300 for those fancy restaurants.

We plan on doing the usual things like driving the road to hana, but mostly snorkeling near our hotel (Fairmont). We have already paid for our luau and sunset boat trip on America II.

Thanks for any input!

~amelie

What do you mean by "spending money"? Just to cover meals? Or entrances, entertainment, activities etc?

I have been to Hawaii six times with far less money than that to spend and never had a problem. Of course, some folks just don't consider it to be a vacation unless they can stay at the Hyatt Regency and order room service, but I would rather go on a budget than not go at all.

The best things in Hawaii are free or cheap, like snorkeling. My favorite activity is finding beaches that most folks don't go to, especially in Kauai.

I would highly recommned a book called "Hidden Hawaii". It will help you find the most spectacular uncrowded beaches.

Have a great time and as far as fancy restaurants go, who really cares? It's just food. Pack a sandwich in your crummy little styrofoam cooler and go find your very own beach.

Snorkeling in Molokini Crater, sunrise at Mt. Haleakala, or sunning on Kauai's Mahaulepu beach will be the memories you will cherish...not what you end up eating for dinner.

Also, there is a Walmart in Lihue on Kauai now for those last minute beach towels and sunglasses. Avoid the hotel gift shops at all costs.

Amelie, how much you spend is such an individual thing! Gosh......... And Hawaii, more than lots of destinations, is one of those places where you can do it cheap or do it like Oprah, and you've both got that ocean, those mountains, the greenery and flowers. You can have a wonderful trip there without breaking the bank. So, I presume your rental car is paid for and that you're just talking about food, activities and shopping (for fun stuff.) When you stay in a resort and order drinks and lunch by the pool a lot, room service sometimes, shop in the resort gift shop, do a lot of things like helicopter flights, that can all add up quickly but doesn't sound to me as though that's what you're doing. I think your budget will be fine, if you don't eat three expensive meals a day, and don't sign up for a lot of expensive tours. Have a great trip! (What luau did you book? )

Thanks, I know this is a really hard question... I just wanted some general ideas I guess.

The only activities we plan on that require $$ are already paid for, and yes our rental car is paid for. We don't plan on room service or too many drinks by the pool. So I guess when I mean spending money, I mean daily food money and gas money, tipping etc. I know it all varies, but guidebooks often suggest how much per week so I thought I could get some ideas from fodorites also.

It's all so varied though, so I'll just stick with my 1,000 a week plan.

ps We booked the Old Lahaina Luau, about a full year in advance.

$1000 bucks a week should do you two plenty. That amount is what I spend on my whole trip including air/hotel/activites, but of course, a honeymoon trip only happens once so it's not necessarily the time to do it cheap. Congrats & have fun.