Honeymoon - 7 days
 

I'm planning for our honeymoon for late December 2001 - early January 2002. Which island would be most recomended? Considering Maui or Kauai...or both. Any recomendations regarding resorts? Help!

Hard to screw up with either, so think about a) what kinds of activities you really want, b) what kind of resort/accommodation you like, and c) if you like to get one place and stay there or can stand moving around. If you like mountain biking the trip down Haleakala on Maui is not to be missed; for loafing, hiking, tropical feeling, and lack of glitz, Kauai is the place to be. Maui will have more high end restaurants and shopping; Kauai has almost none, etc.

This question is asked at least 50 times per year. Start by checking the archives, then write back with specific questions and you'll get more useful info.

Should weather be a concern? I've heard North Kauai is quite rainy. The activities we enjoy are snorkeling, hiking and enjoying scenary.

Yes, weather is a major factor in many people's decision about where to stay, whether you're referring to Kauai or Maui. The geographical effect is the same....cooler and rainier up north, sunnier and more balmy down south. <BR>On Kauai this means Princeville frequently gets rain and is cooler and more overcast while Poipu is warmer/sunnier. On the other hand, P-ville area is prettier and more lush with regard to vegetation. Both have a nice selection of hotels. <BR>On Maui, Kapalua and north (the Ritz Carlton) are a bit cooler, windier and more prone to rain. Wailea is sunnier and more predictable weather wise.

Dustin, for Maui if you want more seclusion, try the Renassiance using the Entertainment Book discount (50%) or if you are more upscale, Four Seasons, Kea Lani or Grand Wailea. Four Seasons has packages if you check their website but really don't discount other than that. <BR> <BR>For more active, Kaanapali is maybe better. The Hyatt is beautiful but some of the rooms need refurbishment. The Marriott was recently renovated. I hear the Westin room are small and need renovation. <BR> <BR>For Kauai, unless you want to pay big bucks I would suggest maybe the Radisson which is central and you can reach the north or south in an hour drive. The Radisson was previously an Outrigger hotel and just been renovated. In the north using the Entertainment Card I hear you can get discounts Hanalei Bay Resort. However, some of the Fodor posts only gave it a 2.6 rating. <BR> <BR>If you can get a package, be sure to check the cost if you book each separate. I found airline packages were expensive. <BR> <BR>For airlines, I have an earlier post today about Hawaii discount airfares, check that out. I managed to get air from Newark, NJ, for $650 + tax for end of Oct. through one of them on Continental. Every site I checked wanted well over $1,000 for the same flights. <BR> <BR>Good luck! <BR> <BR>

I found one of the websites that shows the climate/rainfall which may help with your decision. There was one I saw in one of my searches that was much nicer but this will tell the story: <BR> <BR>http://www.worldtravelguide.net/data/haw/haw500.asp