I've read all the postings, I've looked up some of the islands - and now I'm more confused than when I started. We have decided that we would possibly like to get married in Hawaii, and we will most likely do it in the Sep/Oct timeframe of this year - nothing like planning, right? For many reasons (mostly been there/done that) - Maui and Oahu are out. Kauai, Hawaii and maybe Lanai seem to be viable options. It looks like there are wedding planner people everywhere - and all three of these islands look great. On Hawaii - there's the 4 Seasons and Kona Village, on Kauai - there's the Princeville, and I'm sure there are a bunch of places on Lanai. We're looking for a hotel - room right on the beach, very romantic - and water you can easily wade into, calm and comfortable temperature. Is that possible on Hawaii at the hotels I've mentioned, or would we be better off at Kauai or Lanai? If anyone has done this in these places - please provide feedback! The big requirement is that I can call someone there and have them set it all up (we both work and travel). ANY assistance would be greatly appreciated.

We have friends who were just married at Tunnels Beach, then had their reception at the Princeville. It was wonderful - You cant go wrong up there. They rented Charo's house on Tunnells beach and even had a Luau there the night before the wedding. Absolutely splendid.

Hi. We got married on Maui, but stayed on all the other islands too. I'd definitely recommend Kona Village. It is exceptional. We had a hale (cabin) right by the sea (with a short pad of lava and a couple of coconut trees with a hammock between them separating us from the waves). There is also a really nice beach (good to snorkel off - with the green turtles), and it is very relaxed. There are no locks on the hales (so no keys to worry about - but each has a safe) and the two restaurants were very good (food is inclusive, as are water sports, tennis, and other activities). During one dinner, a couple nearby got up and went out on the terrace to get married at sunset, returning to finish their meal (although I'm sure they had planned it in advance and this wasn't a spur of the moment thing - although it is the sort of place that has that affect on you... :^] ). We liked Kona Village so much we rearranged things to stay there another night.

We also liked the Hilton Waikaloa Beach resport, further up the coast (we did a round island trip staying in four places - the very nice Shipman House B&B in [rainy] Hilo and the drab Volcano House on the rim of the crater were the others). The Hilton is very Disneyesque with monorail and rail-driven boats to get you around. But it has good restaurants, a lovely lagoon for swimming in (with lots of green turtles) and a dolphin pool you can also swim in (if you are selected in a lottery and pay the price).

There isn't a lot to do on Lanai (unless you like diving - it has some great dives), but Kauai is probably more romantic than Maui - we especially liked Hanalei.

HTH.

dfx

i second the kona village opinion. do a search on this forum and you will find no complaints, only raves. they call themselves the most dreamed about spot on earth, and it comes pretty close. they do have an on site wedding coordinator too.

My husband and I were married on Kauai in June. We stayed at the Hanalei Bay Resort and were married there. The north shore is the place to be. The wedding was wonderful and I would be glad to share more information with you. Just e-mail me directly with specific questions.

Thank you all for the postings. As it turns out, my fiance is working in the Phillippines and is burned out on long flights, so we've moved the wedding to Las Vegas. BUT, I'm filing your ideas in my Hawaii file which should be our trip next year. Thank you!!