Hi. I am planning to go to Hawaii for my honeymoon, neither of us have ever been before. We have 2 weeks to spend there and didn't know if it would be better to take a cruise or just pick 2 or 3 islands and stay for several days on each. What do you guys think?

You will definitely see more of the islands by picking some to visit directly - nix the cruise.

Nurselisa - I have had several friends cruise Hawaii and they seem to enjoy it.

I am not a big cruise person in general so my advice is biased.

What is your budget? For some reason the folks that cruised were convinced it was less expensive when they figured all the costs out. I am not sure if it is or not as I have not done the numbers.

I would do two islands - not three - but I do not like moving around that much - 3 islands would mean losing 2 days of vacation - checking out, checking in airport, et et - always seems to take longer then many people plan.

Do you want to have an active vacation? Or spend most of it your room?

My favorite island is Kaui, then Oahu (north shore) then Maui. But it really depends on what you are looking for and what your budge is.

I agree, don't cruise. When visiting Hawaii, you should experience the "feel" of the islands and this won't be possible on a cruise ship. So, yes, pick an island or two and explore them at your leisure. You will appreciate this after your wedding. My favorite is the Big Island.

bfrac - what you like about the BI? I have not been to that one...

Forget the cruise.

Pick 2 islands & you'll have a great time.

My favorites are Oahu & Maui.

Lots of info:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

dawnnoelm: The BI is so diverse, in itself and from the other islands - I guess that is what is so appealing. The different climates, variations in trees, foliage and vegetation (we're really into plants), the volcanoes, the hiking, the vast ranches and grassland... I could go on and on. I really enjoy the small towns too - each is unique. We had been to Oahu, Maui and Kauai, but when we went to the BI, we felt something different. We just fell in love with it.

thanks for the feedback bfrac - Hawaii is one of my favorite places - I admit I have not been lured to the BI but more and more I hear it is peoples favorite.

Hopefully we can go sometime and see for ourselves

Unless you are devoted cruise fanatics- skip the cruise. You have a not great room, very little time on shore, and you will be with a much older crowd. You want to have long late sunsets on the beach, finding beautiful quiet places, the scent of the flowers, nightime dining in lovely restaurants- which you will not find on a cruise.

With 2 weeks, you can easily do 2 islands at a very leisurely pace. Maybe 3, but that can be a bit hectic.

I love Maui for the beaches, Kauai for the scenery, and The Big Island for the Volcano and size of it all.

What time of year? What is your daily accomodation budget?

You will also need to factor in expense for a rental car and meals ( they can be very expensive if you hit the top restaurants.)

If you search for Hawaii at the top left, or look on the Honeymoons board, you will get more info.

Be sure to let us know when you do go to the BI, we will want to hear about it.

NurseLisa513- I see from your prior posts that you are a frequent cruiser.

In that case, I would NOT do a cruise for your honeymoon. Do something different. Save the Hawaiian cruise for a 5- or 10-year anniversary.

my daughter and new s-i-l just got back from their honeymoon on the Big Island (6 days). Then they spent the last 3 or 4 days on Oahu.
In retrospect they felt they should have spent more time on Oahu.
As a young couple they thought BI was a little too slow and laid back for their taste.
They loved Oahu because they could do more activities. There is world class shopping, historical places (iolani palace, bishop museum, arizona memorial,) cool night clubs, diamond head hike, the beautiful beaches at the North Shore, wonderful snorkeling at Huanama Bay, etc.
(plus she enjoyed seeing her auntie lcuy and justin enjoyed learning to surf from uncle milton!)