My fiance and I have a July '06 wedding and have narrowed our honeymoon choices to the Big Island or Maui. We would be staying at either Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island or at the Wailea Marriott Resort in Maui. In both cases it would be a seven-night package. For those who've been there -- especially to one of the two hotels -- which would you recommend?

Of those two, the Wailea for sure.

Are you limited to Marriott properties? There are much better choices on both islands for a honeymoon.

Thanks for the tip on Wailea. We are somewhat limited because of wedding costs and the desire to use up Marriott points.

Spoke to a couple people at work with Hawaii travel experience, and now I'm leaning toward Maui. I think on our honeymoon, we'll be exhausted, and the main things will really be the quality of the resort and the beaches. I'd always heard Maui is a tourist trap, but I think the Wailea area is a bit more secluded, and close to some pretty sweet beaches. I appreciate everyone's help. What a great website!

Hi MG,

Congratulations to you and your fiance. I like both islands. In no way would I characterize Maui as a tourist trap, so glad this site has helped you ignore that rumor. So much to see and do, and I think you will enjoy your choice.
Best wishes, SusanEva

FIRST--congratulations on your upcoming wedding!!!!
I've been to the Marriott Waikoloa several yrs ago when it was an Outrigger. We loved the setting of the hotel. It's down the road (within walking distance along a beautfiul stretch of sand) from the much busier Hilton Hawaiian Village, and of the two, it's the Marriott hands down for me. Oops, getting caried away with Hawaii memories. Sorry, you're asking something a bit different.
Note that the Waikoloa IS on a lovely, palm-lined beach that you are hoping for--Anaehoomalu Beach/Bay. It's abbreviated A Bay . A google search should turn up some pix.
But IMHO , in general, Maui may be better for a relaxing honeymoon, and the Wailea area is indeed quieter than the more popular Kaanapali area (where there is also a Marriott). The BI is great, but to see its wonders, and definitely from Waikoloa, you'll be driving more and farther than you would on Maui to see its beautiful places , if you chose to leave the resort for some sightseeing.
IF you choose Maui, and you wonder which luau to attend (a common question) I recommend the Feast at Lele luau. It's a very romantic setting, and different from other luaus--private tables with candlelight , right on the beach so that you see the sunset (you're facing West) really excellent food which is served individually not buffet style as at most luaus, and the usual wonderful entertainment done right in front of your tables. If you book early, you'll be placed closer to the beach--done in order of when res were made.Costs a bit more than other luaus but, according to my son and his wife during a romantic getaway/second honeymoon, it is fantastic and worth it.
(No, I don't work for Feast at Lele ) )
it'd be about a 35 min drive ((??) from Wailea, but probably a trip to Lahaina would be part of a"non-beach" day outing.
OK, MarriottGuy, have fun planning!!!!! Don't worry too much about hotel choices, as you can't go wrong on any of the islands!
If you want a photo taken at the luau, please let me know and i'll post it here.

I disagree that the entire island of Maui is a tourist trap. That's where I ended up on my first Hawaiian trip (family reunion) and I thought it was stunningly lovely. Before I went I thought ALL of Hawaii was somehow Disney-esque and a tourist trap. Boy oh boy was I WRONG!

Better check to make sure the Marriott at Wailea isn't still undergoing renovations at that time. We honeymooned on the Big Island but having been to all of the popular islands, would recommend Kauai over the others as a honeymoon spot. We travel to Maui about once a year but we have teenagers...