Hi, I have just booked my honeymoon to Hawaii We have made reservations at the following, but are still looking for advice so we can change now if need be... this is what is planned thus far.
1st we are flying into honolulu on Continental and immediately leaving for kauai for 6 nights at the Princeville. We then are off to the big island for 2 nights at the Orchid Mauna Lani. We finish our Honeymoon in Maui for 7 nights at the Four Seasons. how does this sound to all? what should we not miss/miss? Any suugestions? Any info will be helpful. thanks Kristen

Kristen, although I haven't been to Hawaii, your itinerary sounds wonderful! Good luck and congratulations!

Excellent plan, Kristen. I think you've planned a great honeymoon.
The only criticism some people will offer is the relatively brief stay on the BI. The Orchid is the least impressive of the three hotels you've chosen, but it's still very nice. The problem with the BI is that...well...it's very big. The Orchid is a very solid drive from Volcanoes National park, and VNP is a real must see while you're there. I'm not one for touristy things personally and I've been to Hawaii on several occasions when I've done nothing more than eat, read and sit on the beach. But VNP was very memorable for me. Very unique.
I'd suggest lopping one day off Kauai or Maui and adding it to BI, depending on how much you were planning to do on Kauai, etc.
If you'll be vegetating mostly, the extra day might be better spent on the BI.
I suspect you'll have a really great time. You can't control nature and such, but you've done your part to create a great trip.

You have to realize it will really be only 1 1/2 days on the BI. I would ask yourself what do you plan to accomplish in that time. Are you looking to travel around the island and see the different sights. As mentioned, you have to factor in the long distances on this island. If you would just like to see the beach, I wouldn't think it is worth it to make the trip. If it were me, I would spend the two nights on Oahu to acclimate to the new time zone and see Pearl Harbor OR I would spend two days in Hilo or VNP to see that area.

Why rush to leave Oahu with it's top level beaches, mountain scenery, and cultural stuff? Get reservations for touring the just opened Shangra La mansion of the world richest woman (who stopped her round the world honeymoon trip to build it).
http://www.honoluluacademy.org/shang...egrounds02.htm

Sound like a great time to me. But, I do agree with others. I wouldn't spend 1 1/2 days at the Orchid, although it is a nice place. Spend that time at the volcano. Get a really nice B&B. I would also fly in and out of Hilo for such a short stay.
Duane

Hi and thank you for your advice. Our reasoning for the Orchid is that it is a Starwood property and it will be almost free for us to stay there. we thought about adding a day on but decided not to, because we do not want to see it all on our honeymoon. We are really going to jsut see the VNP and Kona. We plan on doing the VNP on the full day we have there and Kona ont he second day, since we are taking the last flight off the island to Maui. The first day we are there we are jsut going to do some relaxing and local sightseeing. We did consider our other options on this island, but we also want a reason to come back and not seeing the whole island is all i need to come back. Keep the suggestions coming, we still need restaurants and other ideas. Thanks! Kristen

Oh and the reason for not staying on Oahu is the same want to go back someday, but did not want the hustle and bustle of Waikiki on our honeymoon. So we will just see Pearl Harbor on our last day in Hawaii. Kristen

in kauai i stayed at the princeville very overrated. try the hyatt at poipu. my wife and i have been back there 3 times in the last year. it is awesome.

THE BEST HOTEL IN OAHU: JW MARRIOTT IHILANI RESRT & SPA
MAUI: FAIRMOUNT KEALANI SUITES & VILLAS.
I THINK THE FOUR SEASONS POOL IT´S NOT WORKING.
GOOD LUCK!

Kristen,
Congrats! We went to Maui and Kauai for our Honeymoon in May 2001. To answer your Original questions: In Kauai, there is a great Italian restaurant that we LOVED! It is very romantic but it may be a long drive from your hotel. It is called Cafe Portofino and is near the Marriott by the Port. We did the helicopter tour in Kauai and loved it. Also, don't miss Waimea canyon - amazing. We also did an all day boat /catamaran and raft your with Napali Sea Tours. It went up the Na Pali coast and was so fun and beutiful! In Maui, the Old Lahaina Luau is the best and if you are going to do a luau pick this one but book in advance or it will most likely be sold out. If you spend an evenng in Lahaina another great restaurant in Pacific'c. It is right on the water and they have tables on the beach - it is upscale seafood, etc. - also very romantic- I have told friends about it, too and all have loved it. In Whaler's village (Kannapali beach) the Hula Grill is a fun spot for lunch and they have live music at Happy Hour. WE also went to the Iao valley park for a few hrs. and that way impressive. Have a great time!!!

LL, did you stay in Kauai and then Maui? If so, was Maui a let down after Kaui? Our honeynoom is in May 2003. Thanks, Mark

My Husband and I went on a 10 day cruise in March of 2001. We stayed in O'ahu for 2 nights at the Radisson Prince Kuhio and then continued on w/the cruise visiting Maui, Kauai and Hilo. This time we are flying direct March 14, 2003 for 10 days. We are staying at The Royal Hawaiian Oceanfront in the historic building for 5 nights and then off to Maui at the Kaanapali Beach Motel for 5 nights. Your plans sound wonderful, you can't possibly see and do everything but it gives you a reason to go back to Hawaii. We found Maui go be wonderful, whale watching, horseback riding and we like the bustle of Wakiki, Luau after Luau, Polynesian Cultural Center, Don Ho, Duke's Canoe Club, North Shore for surfing. Best Wishes for a happy honeymoon.

my wife and I were married in maui last year. we were married at the kea lani which is next door to the 4 seasons. the kea lani is a moorish style hotel. all the rooms are suites. i think it is the best hotel in all of the islands. in kauai i highly recommend the hyatt at poipu. it is one of the nicest resorts in the world. good luck.

jon

Kristen,

The drive from Kona to volcano park is about 3-4 hours - so it will take an entire day to get to the park, see/hike areas. If you stay until after sunset in order to see the lava at night (sometimes the only time it is visable depending on the flow) you'll have a very long very late very boring drive back to Kona. (I just made this trip it is a LONG drive.) I'd strongly encourage you to consider staying in Hilo - which is only a 40 minute drive away or closer to the park in Volcano Village or at Volcano Inn inside the park. Flying in and out of Hilo will reduce the amount of time you spend in your car - which could be a substantial savings (and the time may be worth more than the savings on the hotel room....) Otherwise in your 1 1/2 days you could spend 8+ hours in the car. Additionally, if your focus of this visit is to see the national park - stay closer so you can spend time seeing the park (it is great!) and less time in your car. Hilo is a fun town to poke around - I happen to think that it is far more interesting and attractive than the Kona area.

I loved my Hawaiian honeymoon. Make sure you tell everyone you are honeymooning so you will get stuff comped and good tables. we got free desserts and decorated tables and nice touches. Four Seasons is lovely. Take a copter ride over Molokaii. That was my favorite. Roy's is great food.