Hawaii
 

I'm getting married next year and considering having the wedding in Hawaii. I've never been, I decided Hawaii since this would be more convienent for family. I need help...
here are a few things I'm pondering on:

*Which Island
To give you an idea about us; enjoy snorkling, swimming, laying out on the beach, hiking, waterfalls, sightseeing, market shopping, some night life.
We don't want huge crowds, long lines, to be planted in the middle of the city, less tourist.

*Which month
I dont want a lot of humidity, rain (wedding weather :) )

*Where to stay
Anyone know of wedding packages/coordinators. Were about 10-15 people and we would all stay at the same hotel and/or vacation home?? What venues would you recommend.

Any thing else you can think of that would be helpful, I'm just beginning on doing some homework on Hawaii, those of you that have been a few times any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thank you...

Hawaii for Dummies is actually a really good book to use to sort out where to stay and what to do on Hawaii.

Maui is a lovely island and would have everything you need, unless you need constant nightlife. The best months to see whales are December through May. The water can be a bit chilly in December and January, but warms up by February. Christmas/NY, President's Day holiday, and spring break/Easter are peak travel times with everything expensive and booked up. Late September through mid-November are the cheaper months. September and October tend to be the hottest months.

If you want to avoid a big city atmosphere, then I would stay away from Waikiki and Oahu.

When you are trying to figure out your plans, count the nights you would need accomodation. Makes it easier to figure the planning. Hawaii is generally 3 hours behind LA/SF Pacific coast time, so it can be 6 hours behind east coast time. That makes jetlag a concern for some people.

I agree with Marginal. Maui is ideal for Hawaii first timers and for weddings. The major hotels have wedding packages and their wedding planning departments can set you up with the necessary people and services. I would call the Hyatt in the kaanapali area of Maui. They have a stunningly romantic and beautiful tropical property. For pics, look at their website.

There are also lots of small businesses that will plan beach weddings. I've seen several very lovely weddings at the Makena Resort in south Maui. Their beach makes for lovely sunset photos.

I also would look first at Maui.

Hi!

Maui is a great place, but it can be very touristy in the Kaanapali and Lahaina areas, especially. I've planned many weddings and romantic getaways in Hawaii, and you will find that the smaller, independent wedding planners will offer better prices with more options for small weddings - the big resorts are really much more interested in big weddings. You might look at the southeast coast of Kauai, too - it is much less crowded and touristy than most of Maui, but there are still opportunities for great restaurants and nightlife. It would offer all of the activities that you mentioned with condos, hotels at all price ranges. Kauai is lush and green, and the rain is usually brief and warm, bringing lovely rainbows.

Best wishes!

I would also look at flights, to make sure your 10-15 people won't have a hard time getting there. I'm no expert but think there are more nonstops into Oahu and Maui, then Kauai and Big Island??

You are asking those 10-15 people to make a really big committment. In terms of time and finances. What if only 6 can make it? Will that ruin everything?

Consider having the ceremony closer to home and honeymooning in Hawaii.