Thanks everybody... I got GREAT info here! And, just to set the record straight, I was just saying that I didn't want to spend a ton for a hotel when there is still food/airfare/etc. to add onto that. So, I just wanted accommodations that were not too high priced. Everyone says you can go to Hawaii for MUCH less than the Caribbean, but we only paid around $5,000 TOTAL for our entire 2 week honeymoon in Jamaica (food/drinks/room/all activities). So, I WAS just wondering how to get the most "bang for the buck."

I do prefer the little places on the beach and not the big hotels, so I now have a lot of research to do. Thanks so much everyone!!!!!

KT

Try the Poipu Kapili, a fantastic smaller condominium complex that is extremely well run and very well appointed. You can find it at www.poipukapili.com . We have stayed there a number of times and have always found it very quiet - no kid problems due to small size and layout.

In 7 trips to Hawaii, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai - we have never encountered -----bugs. Only the cute little geckos.

Bugs - May - tons of mosquitos in Kauai expecially in treed areas after sunset. Rats in house we rented were not seen, but the traps sure were. Ants - yes, tons.
Cock roaches are endemic to the tropics - just accept them along with the cute little geckos.

No bugs on BI that I ran into in May or Jan, but we stayed at Hapuna Prince and they spray all the time so lord knows what we were breathing and touching for the privilage of being bug free!

Re: $$ for Mauna Kea Prince on Big Island - we paid $195 for Hapuna Beach Prince full ocean view (sister property) in May 2003 and in Jan 2004. MK would have been around $225-250. Not many kids at Hapuna, spectacular beach, rooms gorgeous, food and drinks BIG BUCKS, pool great, setting a dream and very private.

$3000 for 10 days is probably possible if you fly on FF miles, do no paid sight seeing, cook your own meals, eat cheap, don't drink and pay less than $100 a nite for a room. Other wise I think it's cutting it pretty fine. Food is expensive even in grocery stores on Hawaii wherever you go, as is gasoline and car rentals. I think $4000 is more realistic for 10 days - 2 people still watching their pennies. $5000 no problem.

Personally, I like BI better than Kauai and snorkling is definitely better on BI. Beaches in Kauai in North are unreal and despite all the drugs and left over hippies and "local flavor" you can be alone on those beaches.

I think you get more bang for buck on BI though with much more to see and do even if you want nothing to do with bars and touristy stuff.