pete

we are thinking of honeymooning in Hawaii...which island, which hotel? Don't need to spend millions, but want something romantic, good beaches, snorkel, hike in rainforest, hear slack-key guitar playing, is there thatch-roof cabanas anywhere for rent? or other traditional island "tropical paradise" style housing--thanks for the help...by the way, we are going Aug 23-sept 4

Kevin McIlhinney

Honolula is pretty much like Miami Beach!A day there is plenty. The rest of the Island of Oahu worth a drive around. A hike up Diamond Head is diffently a lot of fun. You MUST go to KAUAI it's the prettiest place on earth!!(Go see the movie 6DAYS 7 NIGHTS). Mauai is also a must, with plenty to see and do.We recommend the Royal Lahaina Hotel at Kaanapali Beach.The snorkeling is not as good as the caribbean but still good. Have a great Time!!

Rick

For thatched roof huts,the Kona Village on the Big Island has them..spendy though..But as the post above said Kaua'i is the place..Heaven on earth.

Cindy Houser

Check out the Maui Prince Hotel. It is somewhat out of the way of most tourists, located near Makena. It is a beautiful hotel, with wonderful rooms, most with views. There is a private beach, with chaise lounges and towels provided. There are also several gorgeous golf courses very nearby, if you play. We were there in November. We found the hotel quiet and romantic. Anyhow, the hotel was great..several steps above a normal American Hilton or Marriott...but not too ritzy or expensive. Have a wonderful time.

On the road to Hana most people start on the northern part of Maui and travel west and then south down to Hana. After seeing the falls, they turn around and return the way they came. Instead, we make a full circle, continuing on south and then back eat on the bottom side of the island....the southern side of the island has just as many marvelous views as the northern popular route. Even though the maps say 4-wheel vehicle only, we made it just fine in a small rental car. Be sure to give yourself a full day for this trip--the distance is not far, but the driving goes very slowely.

Ann

For off the beaten path, one message was right on! Go to heavenly Hana! It is a lovely drive and there are 2 hotels there one is famous and a bit expensive- The Hotel Hana Maui and the other is The Heavenly Hana Hotel or Inn? Lovely tropical location. Life doesn't get any better. Also, on the island of Lanai two of the top 10 resorts in the world The Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay hotel. One little known but great hotel is Hotel Lanai - cottag-y and clean no TV and one pay phone serving 10 rooms. Snorkeling is better than anywhere with Spinner dolphins keeping you company and beautiful marine life. If you are looking for Tropical Rainforests there are 3 in Hawaii (the only 3 in the USA) 2 on Oahu and 1 on Kauai. Stay at the Princeville Hotel (a Sheraton Luxury Property). Everytime you look in another direction you can't help but gasp "Wow!" out loud. On Kauai are the wettest spot on earth (most rainfall on earth in this one area) and Hawaii's little grand canyon - Waimea Canyon. A helicopter ride is in order for that.

Remember a wedding is a day - a marriage is a lifetime. You're off to a good start at these spots!

Aloha!

Anne

I am also planning a trip to Hawaii and am considering Oahu or Maui. Can anyone recommend any nice resorts or condos in either of these islands?

Barb

For a truly beautiful hotel, try the Maui Westin on
Kanaapali. It is just beautiful! Seven pools, waterfalls, tropical birds, Live Hawaiian music and dancers on the verandah daily, etc. There is also a quaint shopping village next to the Hotel with several neat restaurants. Our favorite in the area was the Hula Grill. Dowtown Lahaina is also interesting and has lots of shopping. Take a shopping break at Mako's. Tons of stuff to do in Maui - a great honeymoon or vacation spot!

Annette Donovan

Just got back from our honeymoon in Hawaii. We spent the first week in Kauai at the Hyatt, and our second week at the Grand Wailea in Maui.

Maui is great and there is much to see and do there. However, Kauai is the most romantic and most beautiful place in the world!!!

Go to Kauai and Maui for a honeymoon that you will never forget! Definitely go to Kauai first, where it is more laid back with very little night life. You can really relax there!! By the time you get to Maui, you'll be ready for all the activities and action that awaits your there!

Neal Sanders

Pete, I can think of two places that meet your description. On the island of Hawaii, Kona Village has the thatched-roof accommodations (a series of bungalows, all single-story). There's nightly entertainment of the slack-key gituar variety. Like the James McMurtry song, "you shoulda been here back about ten years..." The Kona area has gotten fairly well built up, and the Kona Village, which once sat by itself, is now the third resort on the left.

The second idea is the Hotel Hana Maui. No thatched roofs, but everything else is there -- everything is single-story, very secluded, and the entertainment in the Paniolo Bar should nourish your need for Hawaiian country and western music. There are also weekly cookouts, horseback riding, etc., and the hiking (both shore and mountain) is superb.

Two asides: One respondent above mentioned the Heavenly Hana Inn. Unfortunately, it's closed, or at least it was when we were there earlier this year. Also, for what its worth, Manele Bay does have television in the rooms, though I wouldn't go there agin on a bet.

Neither Kona Village nor the Hana Maui are cheap, though both have honeymoon plans than can shave 20-30 percent off of the bill. Both offer full American plan meals, which are well worth it, given the price of food in Hawaii. Best of all, both are "Hawaiian" places; and both will provide a set of lasting memories you won't find elsewhere.