We will be in Kauai for 6 days and Maui for 7, and are trying to think about how much to plan for food and for excursions.

Any suggestions on food costs? We definitely enjoy eating a nice meal for dinner some days, but don't need to eat 3 huge meals a day. Also like finding good local places....

The only excursion we have planned so far is a bike trip down Haleakala. We also want to do a helicopter tour on Kauai. What other things should we plan on? Approximate costs?

thanks!

What time of the year?

We'll be there the last two weeks in September.

We usually figure an average of $100 a day for the two of us for food. Some days we do a big breakfast, a late lunch and then just go out for dessert in the evening. Other days we just enjoy fresh island fruit for breakfast and lunch and then splurge for a nice dinner. We rent a condo and usually prepare our own lunches. Groceries don't seem to be any more expensive than you'd find at any beach vacation destinations. It's hard to say on excursions. Depends on what you do. I think we paid around $150 per person for an hour helicopter tour two years ago.

While visiting Maui, our family enjoyed a snorkel trip, conducted by the Pacific Whale Foundation, to the island of Lana`i. Calm, clear waters and many fish. Great views of western Maui. PWC has a web site listing prices. Drive to Hana (and back in time) and spend the day exploring its environs.

While visiting Kaua`i, you might enjoy a zodiac ride along Na Pali, and hiking along Waimea Canyon, Koke`e State Park, and Hanakapi`ia, starting from the trailhead above Ke`e. The lagoon at Ke`e has marvelous, normally protected snorkeling. In the west, the beach at Polihale is expansive and secluded. There are numerous spectacular beaches in Kaua`i, many easily accessible. Hikes are inexpensive.

Sounds like a great trip to commence a long sojourn.

I think the excursions are more of a budget breaker than food. What with grocery stores, local places, fruit stands, early bird specials I did not find food in Hawaii that much more than you'd spend at home.

The helicopter, etc. are what seemed expensive to me.

I agree that the helicopter ride can be pricey but worth it.

Suze is right that there are plenty of food options that aren't that much more than "home".

Enjoy your honeymoon!