Hey everyone! I am going on my honeymoon this April and have been so obsessed with finding the right place for my wife to be - tripadvisor, this place, you name it - countless hours searching. No joke - I could be a travel agent part time now.
I believe for the price and location I will be going to Hapuna Beach on the Big Island. I am looking into getting the cheapest room and hoping for an upgrade (I have heard they do this but am hoping April is the low season). My questions are this - I would appreciate any feedback! Thanks so much
1) Are there complimentary beach chairs/umbrellas? I see pics of them by the pool, but didn't see them on the beach.
2) Which building/floor looks like it has the best views (banking on an upgrade here)
3) I hear the food is expensive (we are getting the buffet in our room cost). What should a one week budget for 2 look like if I want to do a candlelight dinner on the lanai one night, some dinners in at the hotel as well as at local places like Merriman's, etc?
4) What excursions are must dos? We will have a car - there are so many things to choose from - diving at night with mantas, snorkeling tours, volcano/lava stuff - you name it. (My wife to be has never snorkled or seen all the cool stuff Hawaii has to offer while I have traveled more extensively). We are both pretty adventurous.
5) Any other tips would be appreciated - do I bring my own snorkle gear instead of renting, etc.
Thanks so much - this forum looks like it will be very helpful!!!
I believe for the price and location I will be going to Hapuna Beach on the Big Island. I am looking into getting the cheapest room and hoping for an upgrade (I have heard they do this but am hoping April is the low season). My questions are this - I would appreciate any feedback! Thanks so much
1) Are there complimentary beach chairs/umbrellas? I see pics of them by the pool, but didn't see them on the beach.
2) Which building/floor looks like it has the best views (banking on an upgrade here)
3) I hear the food is expensive (we are getting the buffet in our room cost). What should a one week budget for 2 look like if I want to do a candlelight dinner on the lanai one night, some dinners in at the hotel as well as at local places like Merriman's, etc?
4) What excursions are must dos? We will have a car - there are so many things to choose from - diving at night with mantas, snorkeling tours, volcano/lava stuff - you name it. (My wife to be has never snorkled or seen all the cool stuff Hawaii has to offer while I have traveled more extensively). We are both pretty adventurous.
5) Any other tips would be appreciated - do I bring my own snorkle gear instead of renting, etc.
Thanks so much - this forum looks like it will be very helpful!!!
Just returned a few weeks ago from a stay which included two nights at the Hapuna Prince - assuming that's what you mean.
Cheapest rooms aren't cheap - we ended up with a room (upgraded to partial oceanview) that we got through Hotwire at $177/night. The place was a morque - nobody was there. I have never been to Hawaii when it was so quiet. You would think there would be great deals enticing visitors to come, but not so. Can't say what April will be like. There is spring break in there somewhere and it varies so much anymore, although this did not appear to be a kid-oriented hotel.
The questions I CAN answer are:
1. Yes there are complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, both at the pool and at the beach. Although the beach was closed two days while we were in the area due to high surf - may not be as big a deal in April.
2. We were in partial oceanview room, don't remember which building, but since we hardly were in the room, it didn't matter. Rooms are gorgeous and large.
3. Food IS very expensive, but we enjoyed breakfast at the Ocean Terrace nevertheless. Breakfast for two ran about $40 plus tip.
4. As far as excursions, we want to do nothing but snorkel but the surf was rough in January so we did very little. You need to stay to the south in the winter, but again I have no idea how the conditions would be in the spring. Apparently there is very good snorkeling near the Prince, but there is also good snorkeling in A-Bay down by the Marriott. We did that a few years ago with our kids, it was very sheltered there. Someone may correct me, but I believe it was by the Waikoloa Marriott.
Enjoy, have a good time. Hawaii is paradise, although getting more busy every time we go.
Cheapest rooms aren't cheap - we ended up with a room (upgraded to partial oceanview) that we got through Hotwire at $177/night. The place was a morque - nobody was there. I have never been to Hawaii when it was so quiet. You would think there would be great deals enticing visitors to come, but not so. Can't say what April will be like. There is spring break in there somewhere and it varies so much anymore, although this did not appear to be a kid-oriented hotel.
The questions I CAN answer are:
1. Yes there are complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, both at the pool and at the beach. Although the beach was closed two days while we were in the area due to high surf - may not be as big a deal in April.
2. We were in partial oceanview room, don't remember which building, but since we hardly were in the room, it didn't matter. Rooms are gorgeous and large.
3. Food IS very expensive, but we enjoyed breakfast at the Ocean Terrace nevertheless. Breakfast for two ran about $40 plus tip.
4. As far as excursions, we want to do nothing but snorkel but the surf was rough in January so we did very little. You need to stay to the south in the winter, but again I have no idea how the conditions would be in the spring. Apparently there is very good snorkeling near the Prince, but there is also good snorkeling in A-Bay down by the Marriott. We did that a few years ago with our kids, it was very sheltered there. Someone may correct me, but I believe it was by the Waikoloa Marriott.
Enjoy, have a good time. Hawaii is paradise, although getting more busy every time we go.
We went to the Big Island in April 2002, stayed at the Waikoloa Hilton. of all the beaches we visited (maybe six or so), Hapuna was by far the best, Abeach was great too, but it was late in the day when we got there. I'm sure there are better, but to be staying there makes me envious! In April it was busy(high season, sorry), consider that this is spring break time, and you'll have many families to contend with. The surf was calm when we were there, could have stayed the entire day, and the beach is huge, so plenty of room to find a spot. Your hotel is adjacent to the public beach, weekends may be more crowded.
I would recommend purchasing a book: "Hawaii, the Big Island Revealed". It helped me immensely with planning our week there. It contains detailed maps, and gives away secret beach locations that you won't find online. Just what the newlyweds need!
Don't miss the volcano(even if the weather is iffy, go anyway, take a jacket) or the black sand beaches. Shop for souveniers at Kmart in Kona. Buy some coffee. Take a helicopter tour.
The book will give you plenty of cheaper choices for food too, and where the best snorkeling is, and I'd take my own gear, you won't have to stop and rent it when you see a cool place to stop.
Just don't plan too much, with not enough time to relax by the pool. Congratulations and enjoy!
I would recommend purchasing a book: "Hawaii, the Big Island Revealed". It helped me immensely with planning our week there. It contains detailed maps, and gives away secret beach locations that you won't find online. Just what the newlyweds need!
Don't miss the volcano(even if the weather is iffy, go anyway, take a jacket) or the black sand beaches. Shop for souveniers at Kmart in Kona. Buy some coffee. Take a helicopter tour.
The book will give you plenty of cheaper choices for food too, and where the best snorkeling is, and I'd take my own gear, you won't have to stop and rent it when you see a cool place to stop.
Just don't plan too much, with not enough time to relax by the pool. Congratulations and enjoy!
Hapuna beach is wonderful. Try the lunch shack (I think the name is Three Frogs??) at the beach. They have the best fish tacos I've ever eaten. The surf is usually higher in the winter months. I have been there in April when is was calm and also in April when it was high surf. Take the warnings of high surf seriously when they are in force. For a first time snorkler, Kahalu'u beach south of Kona is a wonderful place. Although we have our own snorkle hear, you can rent it right there if you want to and walk into the water. Lot's of different fish, coral and sea turtles. My husband and son did the Manta Ray night snorkle in November and absolutely were thrilled with it. I begged out, as getting into the ocean in the dark was a little spooky for me (chicken heart you know). Wiapio Vally on the Hamakua coast is incredible. A kayak trip across Kealeakakua Bay to the Captain Cook monument is a beautiful experience. There is wonderful snorkling around the monument and during the kayak trip there is a chance you will be accompained by dolphins. It's easy to rent Kayaks on the way to the bay and the companies will strap them to the top of your rental car for you. Also, Pu'uhonua O Honaunau or "Place of Refuge" National Historical Park is one of the most beautiful Hawaiian locations you can imagine. It is south of Kona also. I love the Big Island, it's in my heart, hope you have a wonderful honeymoon.
I stayed at the Mauna Kea resort Octobter 2002, its the sister resort to the Prince - guests can use facitlites at both hotels. The beach is bigger at the Prince, but both have great snorkeling. I saw lots of sea turtles and mantas as well as many colorful fish just offshore at both hotels. If you want to do a Luau, the Mauna Kea has a nice one.
I would definitely recommend the night time manta snorkel in Kona. It was the highlight of our Big Island trip. My SO, a diver, still brings her video of her dive with the Mantas to family parties. I snorkeled above, and found it to be a great experience as well, watching prehistoric looking creatures with 10 foot wing spans and wide open mouths swim so close to the divers. Also enjoyed our trip to Volcano Nat. Park, it was great for first time volcano vistors. Another interesting trip was a "kayak adventure" in the Kohala area - you ride inflatable kayaks through an old irrigation ditch at a sugar plantation. The kayaking was slow - not whitewater at all - but the scenery was pretty and there were sone instances where you traveled through a tunnel blasted out of the mountain side.
Cafe Pesto just north of the hotels had good italian food, and was not as expensive as the hotels.
Am sure you will enjoy your honeymoon on the Big Island!
I would definitely recommend the night time manta snorkel in Kona. It was the highlight of our Big Island trip. My SO, a diver, still brings her video of her dive with the Mantas to family parties. I snorkeled above, and found it to be a great experience as well, watching prehistoric looking creatures with 10 foot wing spans and wide open mouths swim so close to the divers. Also enjoyed our trip to Volcano Nat. Park, it was great for first time volcano vistors. Another interesting trip was a "kayak adventure" in the Kohala area - you ride inflatable kayaks through an old irrigation ditch at a sugar plantation. The kayaking was slow - not whitewater at all - but the scenery was pretty and there were sone instances where you traveled through a tunnel blasted out of the mountain side.
Cafe Pesto just north of the hotels had good italian food, and was not as expensive as the hotels.
Am sure you will enjoy your honeymoon on the Big Island!
We stayed at the Hapuna Prince during our first trip to Hawaii two years ago. The hotel asked if we were celebrating an occassion and I mentioned it was boyfriend's 30th birthday. When we arrived, there was a huge gift basket in our room with all kinds of treats. We had a partial OV room: very nice, big bathroom. It was in the main building; I believe the building closer to the beach has the OV rooms.
We ate at Merriman's and I would recommend it. Additionally, you may want to try the fine dining restaurant at the Four Seasons. The terrace tables feel like they are right on the beach and the service was outstanding. We alo went to the Kona Brewery on a Sunday night. Good beers and live local entertainment (we saw a Hawaiian bluegrass band!). The food at the hotel was good, including the breakfast buffet and the prices were what you'd expect from a resort. To answer your question, I'd budget about $100 a day for dinner assuming you'll have some nice meals as well as some casual ones.
Have a great trip!
We ate at Merriman's and I would recommend it. Additionally, you may want to try the fine dining restaurant at the Four Seasons. The terrace tables feel like they are right on the beach and the service was outstanding. We alo went to the Kona Brewery on a Sunday night. Good beers and live local entertainment (we saw a Hawaiian bluegrass band!). The food at the hotel was good, including the breakfast buffet and the prices were what you'd expect from a resort. To answer your question, I'd budget about $100 a day for dinner assuming you'll have some nice meals as well as some casual ones.
Have a great trip!
Thank you for your replies - very helpful! I guess I need a little reassuring: 1) is April too busy in Hawaii - spring break? I am not expecting ghost town, but at the same time will I be seeing major crowding and kids all over the place? 2) The reason I am picking Hapuna is that it is a great value in Hawaii (she's always wanted to go) - versus the Orchid, Four Seasons, etc, has a great beach, and seems like a great hotel. Am I making a good choice? Just want this to be a great honeymoon for the budget I have!! ($200 - $250 per night hotel) Thanks so much.
Hi there,
congrats on your marriage. We just got back from 5 nights at Hapuna and we really enjoyed it.
Although the Fairmont Orchid is much more luxurious (marble everywhere) the beach there is manmade and nowhere near as nice as HB. I need to have a nice beach for my winter vacation!
The hotel itself is very nice and the rooms are large with great bathrooms. We joined the Prince Preferred club and got upgraded to an ocean view room for free (and this was january which i think is high season).
1. there are complimentary chairs and umbrellas. the pool area also has these really nice cabana/tent things that were nice and shady. it was HOT and dry every day.
2. i think the best rooms are in building 2 or 3 (buy the book BI Revealed as it mentions this). We were further away from the beach but closer to the restaurants/pool which was convenient.
3. try and get breakfast included in your rate as it is about $20 pp (it was far less as partof our room rate).
4. dinners are expensive on the kohala coast - there is only one close restaurant (cafe pesto) 5 mins. away that is moderately priced. both the hotel restaurants (which were excellent) and merriman's were approx. $100 for two. There are some more moderately priced restaurants in waikaloa (20 min drive). We liked Roy's in that area.
Kona has cheaper restaurants but it is 45 mins. away. merriman's was by far the best resto we tried.
4. the volcano is not to be missed. we stayed for two nights near the volcano so we didn't have the long drive (2 hours plus) but it is worth it. there is some beautiful scenery on the northern route (hamakua coast). you really do need a rental car on the BI.
we drove to kona one day for some water excursions as well.
(snorkelling, jet skiing, surfing lessons).
enjoy!
congrats on your marriage. We just got back from 5 nights at Hapuna and we really enjoyed it.
Although the Fairmont Orchid is much more luxurious (marble everywhere) the beach there is manmade and nowhere near as nice as HB. I need to have a nice beach for my winter vacation!
The hotel itself is very nice and the rooms are large with great bathrooms. We joined the Prince Preferred club and got upgraded to an ocean view room for free (and this was january which i think is high season).
1. there are complimentary chairs and umbrellas. the pool area also has these really nice cabana/tent things that were nice and shady. it was HOT and dry every day.
2. i think the best rooms are in building 2 or 3 (buy the book BI Revealed as it mentions this). We were further away from the beach but closer to the restaurants/pool which was convenient.
3. try and get breakfast included in your rate as it is about $20 pp (it was far less as partof our room rate).
4. dinners are expensive on the kohala coast - there is only one close restaurant (cafe pesto) 5 mins. away that is moderately priced. both the hotel restaurants (which were excellent) and merriman's were approx. $100 for two. There are some more moderately priced restaurants in waikaloa (20 min drive). We liked Roy's in that area.
Kona has cheaper restaurants but it is 45 mins. away. merriman's was by far the best resto we tried.
4. the volcano is not to be missed. we stayed for two nights near the volcano so we didn't have the long drive (2 hours plus) but it is worth it. there is some beautiful scenery on the northern route (hamakua coast). you really do need a rental car on the BI.
we drove to kona one day for some water excursions as well.
(snorkelling, jet skiing, surfing lessons).
enjoy!
