Hi everyone!
My husband and I are planning a honeymoon to the hawaiian islands sometime this fall or winter.We would like a resort on a great beach with some seclusion yet not isolated.We have some resorts selected but do not know which one to choose(of course we want everything to be perfect)! Here are my top picks:

1)Mauna Kea Beach Resort or Hapuna Prince on the Big Island
2)Sheraton Kauai on Poipu Beach
3)Renassiance Wailea on Mokapu Beach in Maui

I have heard nothing but positive things about these resorts but i need a "Hawaii expert" for some advice.I have been to Oahu before. Thanks everyone!!

We honeymooned in Kauai and Maui, and my favorite resort of all was the Hyatt in Poipu, Kauai. This is by far, IMO, the best resort in Kauai. The Princeville Resort is nice too, but it rains too much.

Have a great honeymoon!

I've only stayed at the Hapuna Prince but would find it hard to beat. It has a beautiful beach, grounds, very quite, easy access to Hilo/volcano side of island. If you play golf the Mauna Kea has one of the best golf courses in the U.S. FYI- You have total access to Mauna Kea property if stay at Hapuna Prince.

My husband and I loved the Hapuna. We stayed there almost one year ago, and we fell in love with the beautiful beach that the property sits near. Wonderful service too. Very laid back hotel. High, high-priced food though.
$57.00 for 2 for buffet breakfast. But you can drive north to a little town called Kawaihae and eat at a great little restaurant called Cafe Pesto. SEveral posters have liked that one, and for breakfast, you can always take the north route about 10 miles up the road and we ate at some place that cost only $5 p.p. for breakfast. It's near the parker ranch. Cant' remember the name of the town, but it was near Merriman's restauarant, whatever town that's called. We ate there on our way to the volcano. We decided to take the north route. Anyway, we really enjoyed the Hapuna. I believe the tuna sandwiches by the pool cost $11.00, or maybe it was the hamburger. Pina Colada was $8.50 plus tip. I only say this so that one does not go into shock at the price of food at resorts on the Big Isle. ALL THAT ASIDE, I'd definitely stay there again.

Sounds like the Hapuna Prince would be just your thing--the Sheraton Kauai isn't even close. Mauna Kea feels much more isolated and Hapuna is about as great a beach as you could find in the world. Have a great trip!

We are planning our first trip to Hawii. I have 2 kids.Both are teenagers. I have been told that the best island for us would be Maui and we should stay at the Hyatt. After reading these responses I am reconsidering my plans...maybe we should go to Kauii? Have any of you gone with teenagers? and if so, what are some "must" do's for us while we are there? We will be there for 7 days. Please help me decide which island to go to?

I found Hawaii to be paradise on earth and you really can't go too wrong, no matter which island you visit. With teenagers, I believe there is a lot to do in Oahu. Waikiki Beach may appear too commercial, but still crystal clear, sandy beaches and great swimming. I also loved Hanaima Bay (spectacular snorkeling), great views from Diamond Head, Wailea Tropical Forests (breathtaking nature walks, flora, birds, falls), Even the UMAX theathers in Waikiki offer a great alternative for entertaintment. Pearl Harbor, obviously should not be missed (movie coming up), don't bother with the yellow submarine (waste of time and money). The Zoo was OK; some areas were better kept than others. There is amazing surfing on the one side of Oahu, which your kids might enjoy watching world-class surfers. Strongly advised you get a guidebook or better yet, AAA has a fantastic guide to all the Hawaiian islands (free with membership; plenty of discounts with the AAA card; worth every penny).

Three words. Hyatt Regency Kauai.

My wife and I went there for our honeymoon and it was perfect. Obviously you pay for it but we used those hotel coupons from United and got rooms for half price. They don't always take them though. It was an incredible experience. If you do go to Kauai, check out Princeville Stables for good horse back riding trips. The Na Pali coast and the hiking trail on the north side are excellent as well. You can hike up beautiful waterfalls and jump in for a refreshing swim.

It was an incredible experience and the Hyatt at Poipu beach has got to be the best hotel on the island. Great restaurants too. If you're thinking that you might not want to spend to much, just remember, it is your honeymoon and you want to have memories that last a lifetime. My wife and I definitely will.

Have fun whereever you go!

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I have been to each of the hotels you are considering. The Mauna Kea is next door to the Hapuna Prince. Both properties are managed by the Westin chain. In fact,you can charge food,golf,etc. at either property within the Mauna Kea complex. Both have outstanding service, great rooms and both have excellent beaches. However, the Hapuna is a newer property and the rooms were a little more "upscale". You will not be disapointed with the Hapuna. The Sheraton, however, is'nt in the same league! And, the Rennaisance is one step below where you want to be!

Dear Colleen,
Before making any reservations I would definetly suggest buying a Hawaiian Travel book. The Unofficial Guide to Hawaii is great. You will be spending a lot of money, so make sure you see the major sights on Oahu. Pearl Harbor, Hanama Bay and Waikiki Beach. You will regret if you don't. We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This is a beautiful property, but make sure you stay in the Ali' Tower.This resort is right on Waikiki Beach. We then went to the Big Island of Hawaii and stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa, this is also a beautiful property. The beach is black lava rock, but they have a beautiful lagoon with many water sports. I have two teenage boys and they loved it here. There are dolphins on property and a gorgeous pool. We then went to Maui and stayed at the Grand Wailea which is also a beautiful property. My advice to you is to do you homework before making any reservations. Hope this helps.

Kona Village on the big island is the best resort my husband and I have ever been too. It is different, lush, beautiful and priate. Great snorkeling with off of th beach.

We were just in Hawaii and stayed at the Princeville Resort in Kauai which was a beautiful resort in a beautiful spot, but, like Susan, we also encountered an unseasonable amount of rain. We were expecting some rain but not as much as we encountered. We visited the Hyatt on Poipu Beach and although the resort itself was beautiful, I wasn't all that impressed with the beach as far as beauty and also it's somewhat open and rough, not what one imagines when they imagine a Hawaiian paradise-like secluded bay or cove.

Didn't consider the Big Island on my first trip but might have to on my next trip (let me say I cannot wait for my next trip to Hawaii and I'm sure you'll feel the same!) due to all of these high recommendations for Hapuna Prince.

Stayed at the Sheraton on Maui and we loved the beach and the resort in general and would recommend it highly. It might not be in the league of the others but don't rule it out entirely.
It's also close to the bustling cool little town of Lahaina.

Whatever you choose, I guarantee, you will love! Enjoy!

We just returned from our honeymoon and spent time on all three islands. I think you probably need to first decide which island you want to go to. From what I understand, Hapuna Beach is one of the best on all of the islands. Whether Mauna Kea or Hapuna Prince is better, I don't know. We stayed at Kona Village Resort, which was very nice, though not long enough. They had an ok beach right there, supposedly with snorkeling (we didnt' do that). And, they also have so many "water sports" on-site, some complimentary - catamaran cruises, glass boat cruises, kayaks, snorkel gear, scuba dive cruises. And, the turtles come up on the beach every afternoon.

On Kauai, the Sheraton is supposed to be on the best beach of any resort; but we didn't stay there. I understand the Hyatt is absolutely fabulous, but does not have a good beach or is a long walk. And, from walking through the Princeville, it is a luxurious hotel, with a nice beach. But, it supposedly rains a lot on the North Shore.

And, finally, I can give you some personal info. on the Rennaissance. They have a very nice beach, and a reef right there for snorkeling. We did not see a need to go on any of the cruises to see turtles and all the fish b/c they are in the reef out front. It was very relaxing, and we will go back whenever we return to Maui. We stayed there for our first leg of our honeymoon and got the 50% entertainment rate. We were not expecting a luxury hotel with marble baths, etc., but were not expecting your average hotel either. We were very happy with the accomodations, though it did take some pressuring to move our room away from the construction next door. So, if you decide to stay there, call ahead to request a room away from the construction. And, if when you check-in, they tell you they are only doing landscaping and it's ok, don't budge. Make sure you check into a room on the other side.

I hope I have been able to help out a little bit. Have a wonderful honeymoon.

I haven't seen it mentioned in this thread, but my personal favorite is the Westin Maui on Kaanapali beach. They have a fabulously large swimming pool that is right next to the beach. It is also right next door to Whaler's Village, lots of fun restaurants and shops, and is just 10 minutes from Lahaina. The rooms themselves are nice, and well maintained. My husband is a member of the Starwood Frequent Guest Program, and last year when we went out for the weekend to use our free nights, we were upgraded to an oceanfront suite. So nice!

-Shannon

I pretty much agree with the posters here about the Hyatt Kauai being tops...and it's in a sunny area, as opposed to the Princeville. In fact, all your choices are on the sunny side of the islands.

Most Wailea Resorts on Maui would be good choices, since it is a luxe area, and the weather more reliably sunny than your Big Island or Kauai choices.
Maui also has a number of easily acessible mountain roads in case you want a break from the heat.
Olinda Road climbs the flanks of Haleakala and looks and feels a lot like the Oregon coast, and other areas like Ulupalakua with its winery, and Poli Poli Springs with its redwood forest and no mosquitoes are great diversions from the beach.
For lots of things to do no matter what island you visit, go to this website:
http://www.discoveringhawaii.com

Colleen,
I do not know your budget, but the FOur Seasons on the Big Island is one of the best hotels in the WORLD! (Check out Travel and Leisure or COnde Nast Traveler). I stayed there for 8 fab nights!!! And the Four Seasons on Maui or the Grand Wailea are the best choice on Maui. THe Hyatt is better if you want sunshine on Kauai...THere are my suggestions if you are looking for SUPER deluxe, fab service and beautiful accommodations...You will enjoy any of the hotels mentioned on this post!

Actually, Laura, the BEST resort in all the islands is the Manele Bay Hotel on Lanai, including the BEACH!!

we honeymooned 8/00 on Kauai and BI and thought 4 Seasons BI was the best resort ever, hands down. Ranked #1 in this years Zagat as well if that means anything to you. We stayed at Hyatt on Kauai and would do so again over P'ville for a few reasons most notably being the weather. We stayed in a relatively moderate room at 4 seasons overlooking the golf course- make sure you're on 2nd floor- and it was great. Couldn't recommend it enough to anyone.