oops...yes you can get the starwood discount without having any points.
-Bill

Yes, I did that auction a few years ago. We even still got our starwood points for the stay. In addition to what's already included we received a giant bowl of fresh fruit upon check in. Have a great time whatever you decide :)

We stayed at Whalers Cove for our 20th anniversary. It was wonderful. You would not believe how large the west facing lanai is. We used suite paradise who also arranged a a convertble for us. We asked for building 1 floor 2 and though they wouldn't guarantee it we did get it. We stayed in unit 123 which means building 1 floor 2 unit 3. The pool is really pretty and couldn't be closer to the beach. There is a staircase that takes youto the water for snorkeling. Sunsets were stunning and the condo is just down the street from the wonderful restuarant Beach House. Have a great trip and congrats.

Longtail: Allow me to try and give you my opinion on a couple of your questions...

#2: When my family and I traveled to Kauai (from Florida) earlier this year, we only stayed a week, but we could have easily stayed 10 days. I highly recommend staying 10 or more days, if you can, even if you don't do some island hopping...

#5: $100/day should be good for you and your husband on Kauai, especially if breakfast is included. If you're really on a budget, there are lots of places on Kauai where you can get good food for great prices. When I went with my family, there were several places of all different varieties I would be happy to recommend. And, if you can get a condo, you can save even more on your meals if you're not opposed to cooking a little bit or buying a few groceries...

longtail-

Wow! What a great time you must be having just planning and fantasizing about the trip!

I'm a scuba diver, so I always rent a cottage or condo to save money for dive trips. Here's a link to Huelo Point Flower Farm. It was my dream place to stay that we couldn't afford at this stage of our lives. It looks so romantic to me. http://www.greatrentals.com/HI/1889.html

I'm an the east coaster, too, and I recommend two full weeks in Hawaii if you can swing the time off. I would even vote for spending a little less luxury if it would allow you to stay longer. Hawaii is so beautiful EVERYWHERE that you don't need so much oomph in your accomodations.

What I loved on my 15 days there was the feeling of really slowing down and starting to live at the speed of the aloha lifestyle.

To save money, and just because we hate leaving the beach during the day, we ended up stopping by the huge Safeway near Kihei and filling our mini-cooler with a variety of the great cold "Poke" seafood salads from the deli to eat on the beach for lunch.

If you visit Maui, you must splurge one night on a dinner at Mama's Fish House- beautiful view, incredible, just-caught fish and impeccable service with an island vibe.

Have a blissful trip!

For our 25th in '02 we Stayed at the Princeville for a week and the Sheraton Black Rock on Maui for a week. You can't go wrong with either one and the Sheraton will save you a couple of sheckles and still be well appointed and intimate if you can get an ocean view room up on the ledge. Don't miss going to the Black Swan at the Hyatt in Kaanapali for a very special dinner.
The Princeville is a one of a kind place.

Black Swan = Swan Court @ Maui Hyatt. ;)

Just wanted to thank you guys for all the great advice. You given me a lot to think about and other places to research. For Kauai, we decided on either Gloria's B&B or Whaler's Cove. Both look great and are within our price range. We haven't made a decision yet about where to stay in Maui, but are looking in the $300 to $350 per night range now to lower our costs. KP may be out unless we can find a better rate through Luxury Link for next year's packages. We've also considered a B&B in Hawaii as an alternative to Maui. The search continues... Much thanks!

longtail,
Have fun continuing your search and finalizing your plans. Let us know how it all works out. :)
-Bill

Everyone:

Wondering if you guys have any input on the Hapuna Prince vs the Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii. I've found some good deals on these properties (as an alternative to Maui). What are the differences between these two places and which do most people prefer?

Also, has anyone ever stayed at the Holualoa Inn. This looks like a beautiful B&B. Just not sure if it's too far off the beaten track.

On Maui, I would highly recommend either the Kea Lani or the Grand Wailea, with the Four Seasons right behind. We visited the entire island and much preferred the Wailea area to anything else except Hana, but that seems to be an opinion that varies from person to person. (I would definitely stay at least one night in Hana). Kids are present everywhere, including the resorts. However, many of the nicer places have separate adult pools. The adult pool at the Kea Lani was very relaxing, peaceful and elegant.