We are really trying to pick a tropical, relaxing, honeymoon spot. Hawaii seems to be it (Maui and Kauai). We are bummed because it seems like everyone there will be on a honeymoon and it will be so tourist-y. We plan to be there end of March. Any suggestions on another destination that is warm in March? Or any ideas on how to make this special? Thank you. Suzanne

Suzanne--

Depending on what your honeymoon priorities are (your OTHER honeymoon priorities, that is , Hawaii may be perfect. If you really want something more adventurous and more of a travel experience, then keep looking. But I'm guessing that you lean toward Hawaii because it is beautiful, comfortable, safe, comparatively nearby, and basically totally undemanding of you. Those are pretty good things on a honeymoon! You know you'll be worn out and overly stimulated by the time the weding is over, so some down time will be important.

I got married last fall, after buying and selling a house, taking a week for an intensive class, and planning the wedding at our home in two months. Our honeymoon was a few days at a luxurious but very quiet place in Santa Barbara, CA, only three hours from home. We recently went to France, and people have said, "Oh, you finally got your honeymoon!". Not a chance. Those days in Santa Barabra were all we could have asked for, and all we wanted at the time.

You and your fiance know what you really want. If the problem is not feeling imaginative enough, don't worry about it! There will be lots of chances to travel. This is time for the two of you.

If you want privacy, perhaps you should consider renting a house or cottage instead of staying in a resort.

The HCVB website has an extensive listing of vacation rentals on all islands. I have seen pictures of many of them on Kaua`i as well as some on Maui and Oahu and many have spectacular views and seem quite reasonably priced.

gohawaii.com

Another thing:

If you aren't interested in nightlife, then you may prefer spending your entire time on Kaua`i as there will be fewer tourists there and it is more exotic. You may want to consider Lana`i and Moloka`i as well, as they are even more secluded and quiet than Kaua`i.

Yes, you are right about almost everyone being on there honeymoon but we kind of liked that. We met a few really great couples who were on there honeymoon too and even ended up going out to dinner with two of them one night. It is fun to talk with others who have just gotten married and relive the event as well as the relief of the stress being over.

If you're thinking of trying something more unusual, you might consider Costa Rica. I honeymooned there, and I loved it. Very pretty, good hiking, unusual beaches, not commercial, and not loaded with American honeymooners. More rustic than Maui/Kauai, though, so you won't get luxury, but you'll see Komodo dragons on the beach. I thought it was nice to use your honeymoon to go someplace you may never get a chance to see otherwise.

Best wishes!

suzanne, kauai is gorgeous! even though alot of honeymooners go there, it is not touristy at all. it is the "garden isle" so if you and your fiance are into peace and nature, you'll love it. there is alot of breathtaking scenery and the locals are very friendly. tropical, relaxing, and a honeymoon spot ---it is all those things. may i suggest a must-have book? The Ultimate Kaua'i Handbook should you decide to go (they also make books for the other island). It's and excellent local's view of the best if the island and very accurate i might add. also, one last suggestion if you decide to go. the princeville resort was awesome! at least have a sunset dinner on the balcony there, it is very very romantic.