Hawaii Honeymoon in late Jan-early Feb -- head exploding w/options!
 

Fellow Fodorites --

My fiance and I are planning a two week honeymoon in late January through early February. We need help, first, in choosing which islands to visit: The Big Island, Kauai, or Maui, or two out of three.

We're from NYC. We have no interest in shopping or big cities. Ideally, we'd like to sit on not-too-busy beaches, find a shady spot in which to read, eat pineapple and drink coffee, snorkel, hike, and indulge without being cheesy. We don't mind driving a little.

It seems that Kauai is the most green and lush, but we've also read that the weather in Jan can be iffy, and the surf choppy and rainy. It seems like Maui has the most gorgeous beaches and the best snorkeling, but we're worried that it will be overrun with like-minded tourists. BI seems like a must-do, to see the volcano, but some suggest skipping BI entirely. Yet at the same time, some suggest staying on BI the entire time.

Can anyone help us decide which islands we should visit? We very much appreciate any help you can offer.

--GMOOH

based on your preferences, I'm thinking the Big Island and Kauai would be your best bets. In fact, you could easily spend 2 weeks on the Big Island and not see/do everything there.

Is this your first time? Since you are coming from NYC, I would suggest landing on Oahu for at least 1 night, and flying home from Oahu. Think of it as a 'decompression chamber' of sorts...Oahu helps you acclimate to Hawaii's slower pace, so you don't get culture shock moving on to the slower pace of the neighbor islands. This would then have the opposite purpose for you as you finish your honeymoon and head back to the frenetic pace of the mainland.

as for weather ... weather is iffy everywhere and isn't isolated to January. we just had 42 straight days of rain back in March! Life's a gamble.

I'd suggest only two islands - the Big Island plus either Maui or Kauai. The Big Island is different enough from the other two to be a good choice. The weather will somewhat depend on what part of the islands you spend your trip, but chances are you'll be fine. Hanalei on Kauai is quiet, not touristy, and walkable with lots of things to do near-by (beaches, hiking, Napali Coast, etc.). On the BI you may want to split your time between staying near the national park and renting a car and driving around to the other side of the island for a few days (to Kona).

Personally, IMHO, I would not waste 2 days of a 2 week vacation decompressing on Oahu. There are plenty of great things to see on Oahu - but the other islands are a better fit to your stated interests. You'll be fine going right to a relaxing spot on the other islands.

Two weeks Maui. Spend some time in the Wailea area. Then head upcountry to explore for a few days of the laid-back country life and finish your trip with a few days of pure heaven in Hana. It would be like visiting three different islands as each place is so different.

-Bill

We were in Kauai in early Feb., and stayed on the sunny south side near Poipu for a week. No rain there, and just a little on the north side. It varies from year to year. Sounds like you really want to visit BI for the Volcano. I'm glad you like driving because you will do alot of it on the BI. To be honest Maui is my favorite, so I realate to what Bill is saying. And we usually stay at a B&B in Upcountry.

GetMeOutOfHere:
MelissaH and I are both island residents (she's on O`ahu; I'm on Kaua`i)...and I agree with her suggestions and comments completely.

Odds for rain in Jan/Feb are nearly 100% throughout the islands -- but you can improve your odds by staying on the south- or west-side of any of the islands. For Kaua`i, I'd recommend anything in Po`ipu; for Hawai`i island, I'd recommend the Kailua-Kona area.

Spend a week on Oahu & a week on one of the other islands.

Much more to see & do on Oahu:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34812564

www.mauihawaii.org

www.visitmaui.com Free brochure

www.bigisland.org Free brochure

www.kauaidiscovery.com Free brochure

www.kauai-hawaii.com

Perhaps focus on staying on and exploring just one island (cheaper and lots less baggage schlepping, for sure)? I would suggest Maui, my favorite. We've never had problems with beaches being too busy, and there's a huge variety of beach/snorkeling, diving, hiking, driving sightseeing. I suggest plunking your newlywed bods in a private (who wants to worry about when the maid's coming?) condo near the beach, and just kicking back (enjoy a little room to spread out, a kitchen to eat when/if you please, bring your glass of wine with you when you lounge, whatever). The variety of climate and landscape onshore Maui is superb, there's history (everything from ancient petroglyphs to whaling history), adventure everywhere, and you will have a wonderful time. Then, come back to try another island or two!

Have we now confused you enough? As you can see by the suggestions, no matter what you choose, you'll have a great time.

I still stand by my decompression suggestion, but it's totally up to you. I can't imagine coming from the mainland (for the first time) and diving straight into the neighbor islands--I myself get culture shock going to the other islands and I live here!

Thanks, all.

I think we've just decided that we're going to do Maui and the Big Island, with most of our time in Maui.

Kauai sounds fantastic, but I don't want to try to cram in three islands, and if we have to make a choice, Maui won by a hair.

So. Before we book a hotel, can someone assure me that we made a good decision? This is a big trip, and the most expensive one we've taken. I want to make sure we're doing the right thing. (I'm not usually this indecisive).

I'd recommend Kona Village Reosrt on the Big Island and the Grand Hyatt on Kauai. Maui is very commercial and Wailea is hotels with cell-phones galore. For relaxing and beauty I'd suggest these two. Good Luck!

Yup, I would have voted for Maui. It is just so incredibly gorgeous and romantic in setting. I don't see how you could go wrong with that choice.

Check out Hooilo House on Maui - especially the reviews on tripadvisor.com. It's a fantastic place and near the town of Lahaina - one of the sunniest year round on Maui. It is sooo relaxing and romantic. We went for our 10th anniversary and it was a perfect location for exploring both the north and south sides of the island. Have fun!

I really enjoyed the town of Lahaina. Fun to be able to have some funky restaurants, shops and galleries, a historical self-guided walking tour, also several good shows, along with all the natural beauty of the island.

Ya done good. I would not however spend more time on Maui. I would do a 7/7 split as there is so much to see on the BI. There are great beaches on the BI, you know. Mauna Kea and Hapuna are very nice.

It will be fantastic.

Come back when you need advice on where to stay. We are full of it...advice that is!

-Bill