So, I have been reading lots of postings, one most recently on Maui vs. Kauai for a honeymoon and my fiance and I have decided we would like to see the BI and Kauai. on the BI we are mainly interested in looking at volcanoes. We like exploring, hiking and seeing beautiful areas. So, what activites do people recommend. Also, where should we stay on BI and where should we stay on Kauai? We want to spend 9 or 10 days total on our trip and it will be in mid-July. So, does it matter where on Kauai we stay in terms of good location? Also, since it is our honeymoon we want to stay somewhere beautiful. Our budget is about $7,000 for the whole trip and we live in California so I think that plane fare will be minimal. Two final questions, should we go through a travel agent and what is the best way to get to Hawaii and then between the two islands? Any advice would be great. Thanks.

Hi We have stayed at the Hapuna Prince on the big Island really nice great pool and beach. On Kauai we just love the Hyatt. In my opinion one of the best resorts in Hawaii.
Karen

Ditto for the Hapuna Prince on the BI, especially for a honeymoon, it is lovely. The BI is big, you should have enough time to spend 2 nights at a B&B at Volcano so you can have plenty of time to visit the park, then spend the rest of the time at Hapuna. On Kauai, you'll need to decide whether you might prefer the north shore/Hanalei area, which is prettier, or the Poipu area. You could stay in Kapaa, which is halfway in between, but not as scenic. Get copies of the Revealed guidebooks. Hiking on both islands is great.

I would not return to Kauai without staying on the beautiful north shore - expecially in the summer. (I stayed at the Hyatt last time.)

Here's what I would consider a lovely honeymoon itinerary: One of the Kohala resorts for three nights, Volcano Village for two nights, and over to Kauai for five nights on the north shore. There are some lovely beach cottages for rent in Hanalei.

More specifically, look at Four Seasons Hualalai, Kilauea Lodge, and a cottage in Hanalei. There's a great post about the latter that I'll find and top for you.

It's the post that's entitled "JohnD..." IAMQ (Bill) knows his Kauai cottages!

Thank you so much for all the advice. I just went out and bought the Revealed books and now I am going to look into all the acommodations everyone just suggested.

glad you selected Hawaii over Alaska for your honeymoon...do Alaska with your kids.. We're going to Kauai in March, and we were recommended to stay at the Princeville Resort on the North Shore. I'll let you know. ON the BI, we have stayed at the Hilton Village...way too big for an intimate honeymoon time. Just wondering, however, how in the world did Maui lose out???

we did our honeymoon on Kauai and only had 7 days. We stayed at the Hyatt and loved it. GReat pool, beautiful resort. Not he best beach to swim in , but there are beautiful beaches all over the island so that was not a big deal for us. THe next year we went back and stayed on the north shore next door to Princeville Resort -Hanalei Beach Resort. Great pool, shares the beach with Princeville resort. The north part is absolutely beautiful and completely differnt than the southern part. If yuo can only stay in one place on the island, then I would stay on the north shore.

I suggest you go to the Grand Hyatt on Kauai. It is a fabulous tropical resort, and the swimming lagoon and pools are fantastic. Lots of nooks and crannies for Honeymooners. Look on their site for Sunshine on Sale package which includes the buffet breakfast, stay 5 nights get the 6th free.

I would do the Hyatt on Kauai--gorgeous hotel--and the Mauna Lani on the BI.

We prefer the Hyatt to the Princeville--the location of the Princeville is stunning, but we felt the Hyatt was an overall more lovely resort.

The Four Seasons is the best on the BI, but is pretty expensive. If you can't swing it for your budget, the Mauna Lani is an easy second choice. It's a tad less expensive than 4S, but is topnotch and has impeccable service.

Oh, btw, in terms of booking the vacation--you can do it yourself probably cheaper than a travel agent. Search for your mainland flight first (I just use one of the big guys, like Orbitz or whatever). Then go to Hawaiian Air or Aloha Air's site for interisland flights. (Very easy to book.) Then check each individual hotel site for deals.