my fiance and i are trying to plan our honeymoon to hawaii in oct 2001. we need some advice on which islands to visit. we are going for 2 weeks and want to see 2 islands. we want the tropical island-beach thing as well as a variety of adventure-outdoorsy activities. we were thinking kaui and either maui or the big island. any suggestions???

Wendy,
we had our honeymoon in Hawaii, went to Oahu, Maui and Kauai (in that order) spent about 5 days at each. We loved it, each island was different from the last, and progressively quieter. Went on a catamaran to the Na Pali coast in Kauai, that was great. Hired a car for part of the time on Maui and Kauai. Would not really recommend the drive to Hana on Maui, we didn't think it was worth the time it took. Went up to Haleakala Crater on Maui which was great but surprisingly cold at the top. Hiked to the top of Diamond Head on Oahu for spectacular views.

This might sound strange, but we thought of Oahu as very Japanese, Maui as very American, and Kauai as very Hawaiian.

I hope this helps. Kay

Easy to pick which two...Kauai and Maui...can't go wrong with those two!

Hey Wendy, I am getting married in November 2001 and we're planning a 2 week Hawaiian honeymoon too. We've done a lot of research in books and the internet and it seems that the top two islands, especially for honeymooners, are Maui and Kauai. My fiance and I are a little more active and aren't crazy about the idea of sitting on a beach for 14 days, so we're going to 3 islands, 4 nights Kauai, 4 Maui and 4 Big Island.
The only thing I regret about not visiting Oahu is not seeing Pearl Harbor, but we may take a day-trip there or even tack on an extra night so we can fly out of Honolulu (they have the most flight options cause they're the biggest airport)
If you want to compare notes or discuss resorts and stuff, respond to this message or email me at the above address. While I have never been there, you'd be surprised all the knowlege one can gain by reading, researching, and speaking to those more knowledgeable.

We went to Hawaii in October 2000 - weather was great, crowds were missing.

Go the Big Island - it has so many different climates. In a day's drive you can see areas that look like the Sonora desert, The French Riviera, Northern California, Bali, and the surface of Mars. Just driving around the island is a stunning fun experience.

They have historic monuments, coffee plantations, tall waterfalls.

We saw a lava flow at night in Volcanoes Park (from a real safe distance.)


You definitely need a rental car here. The roads are good and are definitely less crowded than Oahu or Maui.

The Outrigger Hotel in Waikoloa Beach was an outstanding hotel with a great beach.

However, I loved Maui also. Avoid the Lahaina area - parking is a bear and so is traffic. Try Wailea instead.

Biking off Haleakela was everything they say it is. It was 45 degrees the morning we went up. Although the bike companies provide some warn clothes, bring an extra sweater to Hawaii. It is worth the money to go with a guided group - the van that takes you up the mountain follows you down. The drivers are very adept at keeping cars from passing you - making for a safer trip.

Prepare to spend more for food on both these islands. We went to food courts in shopping malls to cut costs.

The Big Island has a couple of Walmarts. You can find hawaiian shirts, etc. cheaper there than at the usual souvenir stores. Maui has a K Mart near the airport.

Have wedding at House of Crap backyard garden shed, whoops, gazebo! Free souvenir for first ten guests and goat milk just $3 per cup.

Visit www.houseofcrap.org for complete selection of Hawaiian gifts, shipped all the way from China. This is not a promotion, I just have good infos to share. Mahalo!

To the two ladies getting married next fall and planning Hawaiian honeymoons, you will not regret it!! I wasn't too sure about Hawaii but my husband was sold on it. We got married in July this year and spent two weeks there: one on Kauai and one on the Hawaiian cruise around the islands. My best advise is buy The Ultimate Kauai Handbook! You will not want to go anywhere else. It is pure paradise! We also did the catamaran tour up the Na Pali coast which was breathtaking. Rent a car so you can drive everywhere and explore. There is tons to do without sitting on a beach.

We liked the Big Island better than Maui b/c it was more spacious and less crowded. Lahaina is a bear but Wailea is beautiful. If you can, take a trip to the Grand Wailea Spa. You'll never have a spa treatment like that again.

Best wishes to you all!

Recommend Kauai and Big Island.
Do you want a big-resort type experience, or more private/? If you go to BI, highly recomemend staying at Tutu's Cottage in Volcano Village (it is part of Kilauea Lodge). Can't think of a more beautiful and romantic place to start your married life! Aloha.

Recommend that you do not come here for "unbiased" traveler's advice, as there is no such thing since all the travel agents and tour promoters took over Fodor's.

Go to the Big Nothing in the Middle of Nowhere - it's almost completely free from dead travel agents.