I'm not sure I understand your hesitancy regarding this. Is it just the flight length? Or the budget constraints?

One week in Hawaii won't be enough, but it will still be fun - and you only honeymoon once! Yeah, it's a long ride on a plane, but you gain hours along the way. (Unlike us on the West Coast who lose hours when we go east!) If your girlfriend really wants this, and you seem somewhat ambivalent about where to spend your honeymoon, then why not? There are ways to save money - choosing a condo over a hotel to save on meals, choosing a place not quite on the beach, etc.

The water is different than the Carribean. The Carribean is lighter, more turquoise, yes. The water in Hawaii is a darker blue - almost a royal blue, if that makes sense. However, when you are in the water it is crystal clear and, oh, so warm! Delightful!

August will be warm (when I went it was July), but I doubt you will really notice it. Everyone told me the humidity would be terrible, but I think the humidity in the Carribean and southern Mexico is far, far worse. Almost to the point of unbearable that time of year. Hawaii always has breezes that blow through to keep things comfortable. I never felt the supposed humidity once. Not sure, but I think you might get better deals in August. I know when I went in July (years ago, though) it was considered the low season.

The big island seems your best bet for what you have in mind. Varied and different - volcanos, beaches, snorkling, it seems to have a little of everything. Of course, if your girlfriend has a specific island in mind that might be different.

I would suggest doing your research and see what bargains might be available for you. Hawaii, in general, is just more expensive overall. But totally worth it. Been to both Hawaii and the Carribean, loved them both, but they are very different from each other!

Go and enjoy the Aloha spirit!

You will not be sorry if you do this. Hawaii is the ultimate romantic place and your fiance will instantly fall in love with you all over again. My husband and I live in Houston, which puts us the exact same distance between Europe and Hawaii. I always balked at going to Hawaii because I argued "why go sit on a beach when in the same amount of time I can be in a cultural city in Europe"? Well, I am so glad that we tried it because now we go to Hawaii every year. It is a place that forces you to relax and is so beautiful you never want to go home. I would highly recommend staying on one island since you only have one week. You could stay one night in Oahu either on your arrival or departure and see the "Arizona" (a must) and then spend the rest of your time on another island. Maui is probably the best choice for first timers as it offers the most variety. We have checked out all of the hotels there and by far prefer the Four Seasons. It is a managable size, great service and many ameneties and is in the peaceful and beautiful location of Wailea. If you are a beach person you will love the privacy of theirs which is at the far end of all the resorts. Snokeling off of the Four Season property is so great you don't even have to go on a dive boat because it won't get any better than right where you are staying. If you do choose the Four Seasons, spend the extra money for the Club level where breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and desserts are included. Also you get preferred concierge service. Do mention that you are on your honeymoon because sometimes that will get you a room upgrade. Good luck and have a wonderful honeymoon whatever you decide!

Some years ago, after my sister had visited Hawaii for the first time, as a "single", she honeymooned in the Caribbean. They did not go "low-end" budget, but was she ever disappointed! She never got over how they made a mistake, there. Hawaii turned into her destination of choice, and mine too! No doubt about it, the "Aloha spirit" is real, and makes the difference. While my wife and I honeymooned in the Canadian Rockies, we went to Hawaii 6 months later, and have been back 4 more times, and we go there from the east. Mind you, we always go for 2 weeks, but one week would still be worth it. Especially on a honeymoon.... you won't regret it! And it's a perfect excuse for going back, again, and again....

I am going to dissent from the majority of the replies. I think it is crazy to go to Hawaii for 1 week. We recently returned from 12 nights there and even being closer than the East Coast, the plane ride was a killer.

I would highly recommend Bermuda. It is very close to the East Coast and is an absolutely gorgeous island. Even though we did enjoy Maui, we were rather disappointed by a lot of the dried up looking areas. Bermuda is incredibly lush and has gorgeous, turquoise blue water and pink sand beaches. Another plus to Bermuda was that the people were incredibly friendly and that English influence made it a little different than staying in the U.S.

Why not save Hawaii for an anniversary when you have more time to spend? I don't think you (or your girl) will be disappointed with Bermuda.

Go for it! Last year we did Hawaii in 10 days with two kids! We flew from the East Coast and yes it was worth it. We have been to Caribbean and Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco. The waters in the Caribbean (Cayman islands, Cancun) are more beautiful. However, the dark blue water in Hawaii along with all the scenery is drop dead gorgeous. You will not see that in the Caribbean. plus you have the volcano. My husband initially did not want to go because he dreaded the flight. We bought a portable DVD for the flight and he loved Hawaii so much he took over 1000 pictures during the trip ! You won't regret it!

Just returned from Ohau and Maui. Our direct flight was 9 hours and we were gone 11 days. I would go for 7. It's your honeymoon and Hawaii is the most beautiful spot I have ever seen. I would stick to one island though and I would probably pick Maui. Best wishes.

I vote for Hawaii, but really like Jilleans response. With all the great ideas on this thread I hope you both look at it together.