Forgot to answer the beach question. Any beach in Waikiki will be very crowded. If you want a quieter beach right at the resort on Oahu, then your choices would be the Kahala or Turtle Bay. On Maui, Wailea feels quieter than Kaanapali to me.

I haven't stayed at Koa Kea, but I had dinner at their restaurant, Red Salt. The hotel seemed nice enough, but I don't think I would want to stay there, especially for a honeymoon. It's a bit of a strange entry (driving through a parking lot to get there) and just doesn't have the "wow" factor that alot of the other hotels on your list have.

The downside to Turtle Bay is that it's pretty remote. We love the North Shore, but I'm very partial to Haleiwa which is 12 miles away. It just feels *too* far away from everything for my personal taste.

I'm leaving on Friday to get married in Maui. We're splitting our stay between Honua Kai and the Andaz. I think Honua Kai is probably great in the off season but I think it would be very overrun with families when school is out. The beach in front of HK will be quieter than the beach in front of the Sheraton. Properties south of Black Rock face a 1 mile paved boardwalk so there is a lot to walk to/do.

I've stayed at the Fairmont Orchid and it is lovely. It didn't feel like a family resort to me. The beaches in the Waikoloa area are really beautiful. But note the Big Island is really big. So even driving from Waikoloa into Kailua Kona will take 30 minutes. I think I might go a little stir crazy in Waikoloa for 10 days.

All beaches in Waikiki will be very crowded as Patty mentioned. I would not want to spend 10 days - at any time - in Waikiki, but that's just my personal taste. I think it's very fun for a couple of nights, but I would do it either upon arrival or before departure and then move to the north shore.

You will not be able to avoid renting a car on any of these islands unless you just want to stay in Waikiki the whole time. Check out rental prices on Discount Hawaii Car Rental. And once you book, keep checking prices. I often book, cancel, and rebook as prices fluctuate.

Virtually *everybody* rents a car *everywhere* in Hawaii -- outside of Waikiki. This is one of the United States, not a resort in a third world country where people stay put in a compound. The people staying 'on property' every day at a resort in Hawaii are generally (older) people who have already 'seen the sights' on that island.

This mobility is why there is only one all-inclusive option in Hawaii: Travaasa Hana on Maui. It's also why taxis are so expensive. Everybody has a car. On most islands you can rent a car for a week for little more than it would cost to get to a resort and back to the airport again.

When you see a room rate at a hotel, that's just the beginning. Most hotels have daily resort fees, valet parking fees, charges for a cabana...etc. There are also taxes -- and tips. (Ask about all 'extras' before you book.) It's hugely expensive to dine and drink at a hotel, too.

Ten nights in one place...could get old at some of the more isolated places on your list

Whoops! I didn't mean to post that yet.

I like Wailea for you: Andaz is quite new. Fairmont has all suites. Marriott has oceanfront rooms that are almost IN the water. You can walk along the ocean in front of all these places. Shops At Wailea is there, with some options for restaurants. South Maui is a convenient location for touring 'the sights' of the island. It's 45 minutes from Lahaina's Front Street of shops and restaurants. (Lahaina is home to Hawaii's top luau entertainments: Old Lahaina Luau and Feast At Lele. I recommend FAL for couples.)

You can see Turtle Bay in the sophomoric movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". I would never spend ten nights there. It's a beautiful location, but there's *nothing* else there, and IMO the hotel is 3-star operation.

St. Regis is a gorgeous, *remote* location, at the top of Kauai. It was built by a Japanese firm; style is more European than Hawaiian. Poipu would be better. (Nice deal wekewoody found for the Sheraton there.)

Honua Kai is enormous, with 600 1-3 BR condos and a 'lazy river' that attracts kids. It's courtyard shape guarantees units where you will see and be seen.

For Big Island, I prefer Mauna Lani to Fairmont.

There's really little point in suggesting anything outside of the Honolulu area for you if you will not rent a car. HHV is a zoo! Royal Hawaiian is historic and lovely, but I'm not sure you can get in there or at the Kahala on your budget.

Thanks for all the recent feedback. Very interesting about having a vehicle. I had imagined just going to the beach, playing golf or tennis, surfing, etc. all of which can be done on the resort correct? I suppose trying to eat anywhere else would require a vehicle.

Beanweb24 - Thanks very much for the specific feedback and congratulations on the wedding. I am starting to see the idea behind splitting up a trip between 2 different places.

Some of the people that responded endorsed a home rental or condo rental. I imagine that would lower the cost of stay significantly which we could use to spend eating around the islands and on amenities elsewhere, but don't these places attract families with kids?

ChiSue - Thank you for the specifics! I am starting to see the benefits to a vehicle, I guess initially I just thought I don't want to be driving around all the time on my honeymoon. I would rather stay in a few places and relax, but it sounds like it is a must.

Anyways, the Turtle Bay feedback is what I am looking for (Why do you think it is a 3 star operation btw?).

Royal Hawaiian and Kahala baseline price is within budget but I didn't get the best vibe from their websites. I feel like you said that so many add-on charges tend to increase the cost and these two places seemed to have a lot of them.

You prefer Poipu area? The St. Regis is only going to be doable if I can get a decent discounted rate, but it seems like a wonderful resort. Too European though?

Thanks again

<Some of the people that responded endorsed a home rental or condo rental. I imagine that would lower the cost of stay significantly>

Not necessarily. Just depends what kind of hotel and what kind of rental you are comparing!

Not all of the places on your list have golf/tennis/surfable beaches on site. You may want to further narrow it down if those are your interests. Also Hawaii is very much about exploration and seeing different parts of the island. Not that you can't stay at the resort most of the time if that's what you wish to do. I'm not sure that home/condo rentals necessarily attract more families than hotels. I think it depends on the property. In residential (non-resort) areas I would definitely check into the legality of any short term vacation rentals.

>> Thanks for all the recent feedback. Very interesting about having a vehicle. I had imagined just going to the beach, playing golf or tennis, surfing, etc. all of which can be done on the resort correct? I suppose trying to eat anywhere else would require a vehicle.

There won't be a ton of resorts from which you can surf directly in front of. Stand up paddleboard - yes. But when I've had surfing lessons/watched surfers, it has definitely not been from a resort.

I really can't imagine NOT having a car in Hawaii. You will want lazy days on the beach wherever you are staying, but you will absolutely want to get out and explore. If you really do NOT want to drive, then I would 1) stay in Waikiki (which doesn't meet your requirement of less crowded) or frankly 2) go someplace in Mexico/Caribbean where there's less to explore offsite. There's just simply too many wonderful things that you would miss in a 10 day visit if you didn't have your own transport.

For a 10 day trip, I would definitely split my stay. For Maui, you might want to do 3-4 nights in Hana at Travaasa (I've been to the one in Austin and it's pretty fantastic) where you have more downtime/relaxation then move to Wailea or Ka'anapali.

Have you looked at traveler photos on TripAdvisor? I really love using them when planning a trip. I search for the hotel then look at the photos by all users - not the professional ones which look amazing because they've paid to look amazing. You'll get a realistic view of what a real room looks like.

Also take ChiSue's recommendation to look at the aerial resort views on Hawaii Revealed website. These are my favorite travel books as well for Hawaii, though you'll get a lot of folks that are enthusiastically less supportive of them.

"I had imagined just going to the beach, playing golf or tennis, surfing, etc. all of which can be done on the resort correct?"

You just described the Mauna Kea on the BI, which would be first choice based on the beach and the level of service. I know...it is not on your list, but maybe it should be.

I wouldn't worry overmuch about families. You are going in May when most kids will be in school. Having been in both May and Sep/Oct the few families you will encounter will be babies and toddlers and possibly the occasional older child whose parents pulled them out of school for the trip. You will not have to worry about hearing "Marco! Polo!" around the pool at that time.
Of your choices for Kauai, I'd pick the Sheraton or maybe take a look at the Marriott in Lihue. I used to own a timeshare there and it is nice, beautiful pool, besides the onsite restaurants there are a number you can walk to nearby. The downside is, it is on a bay and not the open ocean, but you can take surfing lessons, SUP, outrigger canoe rides, etc. at Kalapaki beach where it is located.
For car rental, take a look at discounthawaiicarrentals.com

beanweb24,

We were at the Andaz in February. Loved the resort and very few children around even during peak season (Presidents week). It has a great beach for swimming. My daughter enjoyed the SUP and we all took a short trip on the outrigger canoe.
Loved the poolside food and drinks. The breakfast is fabulous.
There's also a separate adult pool near the spa that was very quiet.

Troutman, there is no beach at the Wailea beach Marriott. It is actually between 2 beaches so there's a little extra walking involved. We liked this hotel but the pools aren't heated. Shouldn't be too much of a problem in May but not great during the winter months.

You can also take surfing lessons at the beach that fronts the Sheaton and Kiahuna Plantation on Kauai.

Thanks everyone! I really like what I am hearing and seeing at the Andaz Maui. And regarding the Wailea Marriott with no beach, does that mean its not beachfront or no access?

Are there any of the others on my list that are not beachfront?

Between Kauai and Maui, where can i find good food more easily?

Of the places left on the list, which are on the better beaches? I know we are talking in relative terms but I assume some of these are better beaches than others.

I would vote for the Andaz Maui - it's very modern and luxurious...slightly cheaper than the Four Seasons which is just down the road. The beach is lovely, with dark gold sand that feels like silk. The infinity pools are decadent and the spa is great. I loved the buffet breakfast and Morimoto Maui is also right there. It is expensive but this is Maui so expect all the 4 and 5 stars to have pricey meals. The nice thing about the Andaz is that they include the mini-bar (non alcoholic drinks only) and there is no resort fee, although you do have to pay for mandatory valet parking. My husband and I spent 4 nights there last years after it opened. We loved it. Everything from the service to the free sunscreen by the pool. Read more about it here: http://sulynnchen.com/travelblog/?p=523

p.s. we stayed at the Andaz using free night certificates from the Hyatt Credit Card. My husband and I each got one so we got 4 free nights. We only paid for meals and the spa!

The Marriott is also right next door. I thought it was a very nice resort but I thought it wasn't as service-oriented as I was expecting for the price...I'd rather do the Sheraton in Kaanapali. Even though I prefer South Maui better, I definitely do give the thumbs up to the Sheraton because their location on Kaanapali beach has great snorkeling and their service is friendly and wonderful too.

We also stayed at the Honua Kai right after we stayed at the Andaz, and although it is a beautiful property it was jarring to see so many people and kids after pretty much being secluded at the Andaz (we sometimes felt like the only ones there, but we went in low season) I guess everyone was staying at the Honua Kai! I like the Honua Kai units because they are decorated beautifully and some have very nice views. We faced south in the Hokulani building so we didn't have the noise of the courtyard. I thought it was a nice place to stay for a family or groups. The complexes are large with many units. I'd not do it for a honeymoon unless you are ok with a bit of noise at the pool area and at Dukes, the restaurant on-site.

Another one I'd look at on Maui is the newly renovated Hotel Wailea...it just looks so romantic and chic. It's not on a beach but the beach is not far away.

Oahu is my favorite place for being a foodie. I like to drive around the whole island in search of unique things to eat. With that said, we always rent a car and hate paying for parking in the WAikiki resorts. So we usually rent a condo. I'm sure nice condos can be found, but if it's your honeymoon, I'd look into The Trump Waikiki, Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider, The Modern. Think they provide something a little more interesting and a step up than your regular Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton, at least in Waikiki. Turtle Bay is closer to the North Shore. I stayed there for 2 days last year in March, and it was wonderful, with great grounds and fabulous views. But to get to restaurants outside property was a bit of a drive, and driving to honolulu/waikiki can be an hour or more. I like to stay a bit more central so I have my pick of food! YOu can always do a split stay if you decide to.

Hope this helps!

The Wailea Marriott sits on rocky waterfront. There is a beach to either side of it. You can look up satellite images of the various resorts you're considering.

sassy_cat - that's great to hear about the Andaz. Sounds perfect! We were originally going to move for only 2 nights, but I changed our reservation to a 3 night mini honeymoon and I'm pretty excited.

Also excited that we're doing Honua Kai first instead of the reverse (especially after tifa's post). We've got 30 guests staying at Honua Kai, so it does seem perfect for groups...then moving to Andaz where we want a little more alone time.

Troutman - Tifa's opinion about preferring Oahu to Maui for a foodie experience is interesting. I don't at all argue with that experience, but MY favorite place for food is Maui. :) If you ask 50 people, you'll probably get 50 different answers...again, no bad decision. In Maui, I love Nick's Fishmarket, Star Noodle, Mala Ocean Tavern (the first in Wailea, the latter in Lahaina area). There are numerous other fabulous places for food. I think Mama's Fish House is only suitable for lunch and is otherwise a terrible rip off (but an institution which is passionately defended by many). But I'd probably still split my time - even in Maui - between west and south shores just to vary things up a bit.

The population of Oahu is much bigger so I think it has a greater variety of food to offer in every category (from holes in the wall to fine dining). I agree about Mama's. You go there for atmosphere.

Honolulu has the widest choice of restaurants. Then...Maui. Then...Poipu on Kauai (very little north). Then...Big Island.

Lanai has primarily the two Four Seasons properties, but I see that Larry Ellison -- who now owns almost the whole island -- is closing both for renovations, but I don't know when.

Makena Beach Resort on Maui is another place being converted to high end condos soon. Don't know when it closes for business as a hotel.

Hotel Wailea is up on a hill above the beaches. They ferry guests to the beach. This was a Diamond Resort -- another Japanese investment. I haven't seen what's been done to it recently. Capische? is a lovely restaurant there. (The question mark is part of the name.)

I'm glad to see you understand why visitors rent cars.

I would suggest the condo + hotel route to make your funds go farther. MANY condos are rented to couples. Some condo complexes have quiet hours. At our place they are 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Where do you start your journey to Hawaii? How can you most easily get to and from the various islands?

OK the feedback has been a tremendous help and has given me a good understanding of the area.

Narrowing down my choices, I am trying to make a pros/cons list on some of these to further eliminate places or at least do better apples to apples comparisons.

Island: Kauai

St Regis Princeville
Westin Princeville
Koa Kea
Sheraton Kauai

The two Princeville properties are different clearly in terms of luxury and service, but can anyone speak to the Westin being a good value if I wanted to stay in that area?

Koa Kea and Sheraton Kauai are in the southern part of the island in the Poipu area which some readers have suggested being a preferred area. They look like they are next to each other on the map. From the looks of it Koa Kea doesn't blow me away and it seems like Sheraton Kauai would be a better value. Any thoughts here?

Island: Oahu/Big Island

Kahala
Fairmont Orchid

Kahala seems like the baseline price/room I can afford but there seems to be lots of add on charges but it is probably most convenient in terms of location. Can anyone speak to the quality of the beach on the east part of Oahu away from Waikiki compared to these other beaches?

Fairmont Orchid seems to be a nice place even though I was eliminating the Big Island. I believe on of the commenters mentioned that Fairmond Kea Lani is better however. Would the Fairmont Orchid location on the Big Island be satisfactory in terms of finding good food off the resort? It seems like it would be difficult.


Island: Maui

Andaz Maui
Fairmont Kea Lani
Sheraton Maui

Andaz Maui has been covered, I feel like I have a good grasp of the place.

Any additional comments on the Fairmont Kea Lani or Sheraton Maui?