Since I love travel planning, my son and future daughter-in-law have asked me to investigate possibilities for their honeymoon. (I have not been asked to join them, however.) The wedding is in late September and they're interested in Hawaii.

They're kind of 'alternative'...throwbacks to the '60s. So, I can't picture them in an upscale resort. They're very outdoorsy, but don't want a backpacking honeymoon.I've thought that a cottage rental might be the way to go.

I'd love suggestions on which islands to think about or what accommodations might suit them best. They'll be going on a moderate budget. Thanks for any thoughts.

Try the North Shore Kauai in a vacation rental. After reading your short description of your son and daughter-in-law, Haena or Hanalei on Kauai is what popped into my mind. Kauivacationrentals.com, Anini Aloha, and Hanalei North Shore Properties have a wide variety of house rentals as do many other agencies.

It would be good if you could give us a maximum dollars per night for accommodations because *moderate* means different things to different people! You're a good Mom, doing the legwork for the kids!!!

I have only been to Kauai so can't really be objective about the other islands, but I too thought of Hanalei (north shore Hawaii) immediately as I was reading your description. Just not sure about how rainy it is on the north shore that time of year.

Meant north shore of Kauai

BTW, check with future D-i-l about cottage rental. Cooking might not be her idea of an ideal honeymoon.

Back again, MaryZ, to say..... I also think the North shore of Kauai would be good that time of year for your kids. First of all, it can be quite hot in some places in Hawaii the end of Sept./first of Oct., if those tradewinds stop blowing. (Believe me, one October in Lahaina, Maui, I thought I'd gone to Haides........ very rarely, you'll get that, very hot and no air moving!) But the North shore of Kauai is wonderful that time of year, and the water doesn't get rough until November. If they're outdoorsy, they should LOVE that area. There's a condo complex that I want to research for you.......... more remote, peaceful, on a beautiful beach, the name at the moment escaping me. I'll be baaaaaaack! Also, how long will they stay? A week, ten days, two weeks??????

He's the primary cook! And, I'd guess that they'd usually go out for dinner, so a cottage rental should be fine for them. They'd also be happy with a hotel if I can find one where they'd be comfortable. (I don't mean to give the impression that they're very heavily pierced or anything. Just a little out of the mainstream, I guess.)

I'm guessing they'll have a budget in the area of $200-250 per night. (And parents who could help to bump that up a bit if necessary.)

Thank you all so much. You're fast! Bonnie, I think they're looking at the 10-14 day range.

Mary, it's the Hanalei Colony Resort I'm speaking of at *hcr.com*........ but maybe they're not THAT out of-the main, in what they want to do? There's no TV, phones, etc in the units there. Maybe that would be TOO *away from it all.* I personally think it would be hard to plan a honeymoon for somebody else..........especially in Hawaii, where you have so many options!!!

MaryZ, more thoughts on your planning here. If they do 10 days, I think two islands would be nice; if they do 14 days, they could do three (not that they NEED to.) Sounds like they would love both the Big Island and Kauai, so it would be nice if they could do both. We like really nice hotels but do not spend money for hotels like the Four Seasons, for example. On the Big Island, you have the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, a beautiful resort, yet not over the top. It's on one of the best beaches anywhere, and a lovely, more Hawaiian, hotel and atmosphere. Check it out on the *outrigger.com* site..... Maybe they would enjoy a more moderate resort experience... I think a resort is nice on a honeymoon, so you have entertainment outdoors at night, all the pools, restaurants right on property, room service, etc. unless they really do dislike that kind of experience. Then there's the Hanalei Bay Resort on the North shore Kauai........ I guess you just have to think about what they enjoy doing, and go from there. Who knows, they might enjoy something a little different....;-)