I just joined fodors.com after seeing all the amazing advice people have here. So, I thought I would ask some advice for my honeymoon which I am trying to put together for the second week in July. We would like to spend between 7 and 9 days in Hawaii. We have never been and probably won't be back any time soon. We love to hike and eat good food. Also, we both have an interest in geology. Our budget is $7,000 or less but we still want it to be high quality. Is $7,000 or less a resonable budget? Should be stay for a shorter time to stay within our budget? Which islands should we visit? How many islands should we visit? What do people recommend for nice accomadations that are still relatively affordable? Should we rent a condo or stay at a hotel? What are some of the highlights that you would recommend splurging on? We live in California so the cost of airline tickets won't be as expensive as if we were flying from the East Coast, so we will have more money to spend on other parts of the trip. Any and all advice would be very helpful. Thank you.

Well, if you have an interest in geology it seems to me that the obvious answer is the Big Island of Hawaii. Haven't been to that island (only Kauai, Oahu and Maui) so I can't comment about it much besides that other than to say that a condo rental (particulary if you rent directly from the owner though a site such as VRBO.COM) will be cheaper than a hotel and offer you more room - though with less of a resort atmosphere.

For hiking, Kauai is another great choice. For a 7 day trip I would stick to 1 island, for 9 days I might consider a 5/4 split between 2 islands - though in my opinion any of the islands can easily fill up 9 days alone.

Ken

Yes, the Big Island is the top answer that'll serve your interests well. You get the full spectrum in terms of geology, geography, climates and beaches (golden, black and green) with many hiking options in Volcano Nat'l Park and throughout the island.

If you do decide on the Big Island, here are some answers to your other questions.

Don't go to another island. It's hard enough to scratch the surface of the big, big BIG island in two weeks or less. There's so much to see and do on top of just trying to relax.

For a honeymoon, stay at the upscale Kohala resorts (Mauna Kea, Hapuna Prince, Mauna Lani, Fairmont Orchid) which start from the low $200's but mostly in the $300 to $400 range. The Four Seasons Hualalai is the Best but may break your budget--starts at around $600. Kona Village Resort is an option that is all-inclusive (upscale food) from $500 up. You should easily be able to stay within your budget of $7,000 even if you include a stay at these fine resorts.

You might also consider the better B&B's in either Hilo or Volcano Village to explore that region for a few days.

Highlights worth splurging on: (1) circle-island helicopter tour taking you over the volcano's crater and into the valleys along the Hamakua Coast and to see remote waterfalls, (2) tandem kayak across Kealakekua Bay to snorkel at Captain Cook's monument, (3) Mauna Kea star-gazing trip, (4) horseback ride in Waipio Valley and (5) sunset dinners at Pahui'a, Brown's Beach House and Canoe House, (6) Sat clambake at Mauna Kea Beach Resort, and (7) dining at a Waimea culinary spot like Merriman's or Daniel Thiebaut.

There are also plenty of highlights that don't require lots of $$$: (1) hike to active lava flow, (2) hike the Kilauea Iki Trail in Volcano Nat'l Park, (3) coffee plantation tour, (4) Place of Refuge, and (5) snorkeling at nearby "Two Steps" (Honaunau Bay) just to name a few

Whichever island you decide, pick up one of the blue "Revealed" books as a helpful resource in planning your honeymoon.

Skip staying at the Fairmont Orchid.We were there last July. It had chipped paint on walls & doors. The staff was really nasty(maybe it was the heat-in the 90's daily).They kept checking people while dining to make sure they were guests that were supposed to get the breakfast buffet(it really got annoying). The dinner was excellent at Brown's Beach House. The pool was loaded with lots of children without supervision. We wouldn't go back. Nobody cared and it showed.

Do yourself a favor and stay near Volcano for at least one night while you explore VNP. It will save you a LOT of driving! There are lots of B&B's and several small hotels in the area that are very nice.

The BI will definitely have enough to keep you busy for 9 days! IF you would like, a day trip to Oahu to see Pearl Harbor would be worth the time and trouble. I did it, and I recommend that all Americans see it, too!