Hello All,
My fiancée and I are planning our honeymoon to Hawaii for this coming August. I have been to Hawaii several times; he has never been. We have already decided on our locations: one week on Oahu and then one week on Kauai. I am looking for advice about:

- Oahu: where to stay? I would like to spend at least a few nights in Honolulu/Waikiki because it's touristy and fun. Should we break up our time in Oahu and spend half the week there and half the week somewhere else?
- Oahu: hotel/VRBO/Airbnb - any suggestions on great, but inexpensive places you've stayed? We are looking to go more budget friendly (less than $200 a night) as I know we will be out doing things for most of the time we are there.
- Kauai: hotel/VRBO/Airbnb - I would like to stay in Poipu (first choice) or Lihue (second choice) and I am looking for a more traditional, relaxing, beach, great pool hotel. We have budgeted for more here (up to $400 a night). Would love any suggestions on accommodations!

Thanks so much for all of your help!
Allie

My two favorite Waikiki hotels are in your price range. Waikiki Sand Villa or White Sands Hotel. With only a week, for me, no I wouldn't want to go anywhere else (to stay, you can take a day trip Circle Tour around Oahu).

In August I would for sure stay up on the North Shore, take a look at Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville (rent through an owner and not through the resort itself). North Shore will be gorgeous that time of year with calm surf for the most part and views that will knock your socks off. There are a few restaurants in Princeville but otherwise it is just a short drive to Hanalei where there are a lot more.
I have stayed in Lihue (at the Marriott there) a number of times and while it is nice and centrally located, Lihue itself is the capital of Kauai and not particularly interesting. Don't care much for Poipu but the Grand Hyatt is gorgeous although they did away with the torchlighting ceremony and keiki hula show.

Another one to look at in Poipu is the Koa Kea, but I agree with Jamie that in August the north shore is much better. The issue north, however, is that outside of Princeville, there are no hotels, and I know of only one condo complex. You might find a cute cottage within your budget though.

The Koa Kea is lovely, but out of your price range, I expect. Right now room prices are over $600 a night.

Honolulu/Waikiki Only stay in condo's....VRBO. Waikiki Sunset or the Waikiki Banyan nice condo units just 2 blocks from beach and most have lanai's that face the ocean. You can find one for under $200.00 The marriott is also nice and you might get a room around $200. It has been a while since I have stayed there also any of the Outrigger hotels

Poipu. We usually stay in Condo's and there are plenty that sit right on the ocean. again VRBO. Poipu Shores, is our favorite, great pool and walking distance to Poipu beach park and the hyatt for a wonderful old hawaii feel and also a very beautiful hotel. Grat spa but Not a swimmable beach but great pools.

Have stayed at the Marriott in Lihue but not a great location if it is the one at Kalapaki beach which is a terrible beach! Very poorly designed hotel too. Awful spa - absolutely no atmosphere.

I am not a fan of Poipu, so I can't recommend places there. I always stay in a condo in Princeville. But since you have been to Poipu you should know if you like it there!

I would not stay at the Marriott in Lihue. I don't like anything about it.

If you are open to other areas you might consider the Marriott Courtyard on the Coconut Coast. I've enjoyed several stays there. But when I was there the beach was not good for swimming, although i was a lovely area to sit and they had lounge chairs set up. They have a pool and a central location for drives to the North and South shores. It's also close to many restaurants--and probably well within your budget.

I recommend against staying in Lihue. The Marriott there is a remodel of the only high rise ever built on the island. Current zoning allows other taller than a palm tree. And I find Lihue really deficient in good restaurants.

We spend a month in Poipu every year, I would suggest looking on VBRO or Air BnB for a condo rental in Poipu. Try to get one located close to the Poipu Beach Park.

Above should be " Current zoning allows NOTHING taller than a palm tree.."

"I don't like anything about it."

Hey! At least it's close to Duke's Barefoot Bar, which is always our first stop, and sometimes our last upon arriving and/or leaving Kaua'i. (insert mai-tai emoticon here)

This was our view from our room at the Hanalei Bay Resort on the north shore. I would return there in a heartbeat.

http://www.parrishkauai.com/wp-conte...12-949x450.jpg

There is a nice beach area below the resort (shared with the St. Regis next door. What's nice about it is the trees (to the left at the bottom) make a natural umbrella and you can walk down just enough that you don't notice the St. Regis. However, you are close enough to use their pool bathrooms or buy a drink at the outdoor bar.

I've stayed at the Marriott in Lihue, and totally agree with Shar and Songdoc. Do not like it at all, and have often wondered why it is still in their portfolio. Very "tired" last time we were there.

We much prefer the Marriott at Waiohai (at least the grounds there are gorgeous, the location is good, and the beach is nice).

The Waiohai is where we stay. And it is lovely, great grounds and great location.

I think the reason the Marriott in Lihue is till in the Marriott portfolio is because Marriott bought the whole property and built the Marriott Lagoons up above the property. It was meant to be a Ritz Carlton Residence, but they spend it just as the financial crisis unfolded. The units there are lovely - two and three bedrooms units with lovely kitchens and huge decks off the living room. We've stayed there a couple of times, and while the units are wonderful, being located in Lihue is not. Also, this property has the smallest and worst-designed swimming pool I've seen anywhere. And the property has no beach access.

Honolulu/Waikiki- I would highly recommend The Hilton Hawaiian Village. It's literally a village right on the ocean, with I think 4 hotel towers, little shops and restaurants in-between them. There are 3 beautiful pools and a big gorgeous lagoon, which is great for paddle boarding. Plenty of beach access and every Friday night there are fireworks on the beach There is also this little pearl shop that lets you crack your own oyster and pick a piece of jewelry to put your pearl in - that was a fun experience, especially if you love pearls! They also offer an authentic Luau - which was an amazing experience. The dancers were wonderful and the food was fantastic. Overall the resort is beautiful and in a very convenient location. It should be around the $200 mark- but definitely worth it.

Little known fact-- Elvis Pressley once stayed in the Rainbow tour there.

^^
Rainbow Tower**