My fiance and I are in the midst of planning our honeymoon in either Maui or the big island in May of 1999 and we need help desperately!!! Neither of us have ever been before so don't know quite what to expect as far as accomodations and prices! We have our airfare taken care of by frequent flyer miles, but need suggestions of nice accomodations that are BEACHFRONT or OCEANFRONT views. We're leaning towards a condo so we can have a kitchen but will consider a hotel too. We are looking for a nice, romantic getaway location but also we like to go out and have a good time! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

You'll love Maui. Some friendly advice: you're on your honeymoon, stay in a hotel. Don't bother with cooking. There's plenty of time for that in the future. If you can afford it, stay at the Grand Wailea. The Hyatt is also beautiful and more affordable. Rent a convertable and enjoy yourselves.

Karen,

As far as accommdations go, check out the Kea Lani Resort (kealani.com). All of their rooms are suites, are huge, and including such romantic niceties (?) as king size bed, walk in showers for two, deep marble soaking tub that can easily handle two, huge rooms, etc. It's at the end of the Waimea resort area, so it is very quiet. It's small, only 350 rooms, and does not particularly cater to families with children. Three pools, lots of beautiful landscaping. Within walking distance of the Chart House Restaurant, a must. I agree with the other posting, this is your honeymoon, don't try to pinch pennies by spending the evenings cooking. The two of you should be catered to your entire trip!!!

I have stayed at both the Kea Lani (which is incredibly beautiful and serene but very quiet) and the Hyatt (more activity). I know you will be on your honeymoon but you should also look into Kaanapali Beach, there is more to do there. By the way, you should definitely splurge and go on a Trilogy day trip, you will not be sorry.

good luck

I have stayed at both the Kea Lani (which is incredibly beautiful and serene but very quiet) and the Hyatt (more activity). I know you will be on your honeymoon but you should also look into Kaanapali Beach, there is more to do there. By the way, you should definitely splurge and go on a Trilogy day trip, you will not be sorry.

good luck

Thank you all for your replys!

Does anyone have any more suggestions for a fantastic honeymoon in Maui???

Thank you!!!!

I am getting married in Maui on August 5, 1998, and staying for two weeks. I will have more information for you after I return if you are interested.

If your budget can stand it, without question the most suitable destination is the Kona Village Resort on the big island. Look it over at http://www.konavillage.com and check the 1999 Celebration Packages.

I used to live on Maui. Fabulous, most wonderful island on earth. Stay in Kaanapali-- my suggestion is Embassy Suites Hotel, Kaanapali. The hotel is gorgeous and on the best beach. Huge buffet breakfast outside on the ocean every am is included in price. Also living room and sep huge bath in every suite. Go through American Airlines Flyaway Desk (800-321-2121) for package which includes car. Won't beat their price. Try to, but you won't beat it. You must, even tho it's an early haul, wake up at 3:30 am and drive to Hauleaukala for sunrise. Everyone will tell u all about it. Met people from all over the world up there. After sunrise, drive down mountain and have breakfast at Kula Lodge (1-800-233-1535). Do not miss this place. It's ur loss if you do. On way down hill stop in Makawao and visit the Makawao Market. Fresh made hawaiian food (lomi-lomi salmon) is sold there for a picnic later that day. Make appt. to go horseback riding and a helicopter trip to see the waterfalls. Also make sure you snorkle out to Molikini crater. Around 4p go to Pioneer Hotel pier and watch the fishing boats come in with their catch of the day, then go inside the Inn for a draft beer and piano music. Finally, do not leave Maui before having pupu's and dinner while watching the sunset at Kimo's in Lahina. (dont forget to buy a Kimo's t-shirt.) And don't forget to buy your t-shirts at Crazy Shirt in Lahaina. Great quality shirts. Mine are over 15 years old and still in good shape.
I live in Virginia now but try to go as often as possible. There is literally no place on earth like it.

If you are still looking into a condo and find a few, you are more than welcome to contact me and ask me my opinion of them. I live on Maui (Kaanapali to be specific) so I know of quite a few of the condos on the western part of the island. If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg (I'm sure you'll want to start saving for a house or something) a condo is the way to go! Check out where I live- Papakea

I just wanted to say "thanks!" for everyone's help and great advice!!!

I have another question though: What are the main differences between Kaanapali, Wailea, and Lahaina? Is there any one of them that's more geared towards honeymooners? We're going to have a rental car so driving to restaurants and attractions will not be a problem. thanks in advance for all you help!!! Karen

Hi. I do not profess to be an expert but have been to Hawaii 3 times and have just finished planning another wedding for a friend of the family. I would recommend Wailea. Generally it is hotter depending on when you go and drier. I find it also to be classier than the other places. Kanapaali is too crowded and commercial, you could always visit for dinner a night or two. You don't want to stay in Lahaina, just visit, dine shop and wander there. Kapalua is classy, but often it rains and is quite expensive and isolated. If you stay at Wailea you have a wide choice of other hotels to dine at and visit(trail along ocean) Try the Four Seasons for ultimate class. The rate they quoted me this week was stay 4 nights and get the 5th free (averages to 236.00 a night) Keep in mind that here the parking, tennis times, health club, cabanas by the pool and 1 hour free snorkelling equipment daily is included here which makes it a good deal. The Zagat rating book gives it a 26, and 27 out of 30 in most categories. Please feel free to email me for more info. Annemarie

I agree with the above post about staying in the Wailea area on your honeymoon. It's quieter and more secluded. I've stayed at the Four Seasons, but now I have a favorite condo I stay at. Since it's your honeymoon, I'd suggest staying at a hotel (Four Seasons, Grand Wailea or Kea Lani), but by all means, get an "OCEAN FRONT" room. You're in Hawaii, and you want to be able to look out your room and KNOW you're in Hawaii. Wherever you stay, be sure not to miss The Old Lahaina Luau. I've been to several luaus, and it is by the best. You'll have the opportunity (along with others on their honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary) to dance down on the beach while the Hawaiian Wedding Song is sung. The show is greatand the food is the best I've had at a luau. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time and ask for "mat seating".

My husband and I got married and stayed in Maui for a week in 1996. We stayed in Kihei, which is sort of the budget area, but fairly quiet compared to Lahaina. We mostly stayed there because my husband used to work for the Canadian Coast hotel chain, and we got a staff rate at the WestCoast Maui hotel (it wasn't anything spectacular, but we didn't spend much time there anyway).

Snorkelling at Molokini was really fun (make sure you get a disposable underwater camera for the occasion). My husband said it was quite disappointing for him, though, so if you have snorkelled in any exceptional places, you probably won't be impressed (I'd never done it before and I thought it was great). The drive to Hana is quite beautiful, but should be undertaken as an outing in itself -- if you have great expectations for Hana you will be sorely disappointed. We also drove up Haleakala, but it was very foggy that day and we didn't see a thing, so hope for clear skies! And do take a blanket and bundle up because it can be awfully cold up there. The Old Lahaina Luau is quite fun. However, I wish I hadn't booked the 'traditional' seats; they are up front so you can see everything on stage with no obstacles, but it's very uncomfortable for the length of time you'll be sitting there on the ground. The food is incredible (unless you're a vegetarian, in which case the unearthing of the pig might make you puke), and the show, while the epitome of tacky tourism, is fun nonetheless. You can even get yourself a hollowed pineapple to get your drinks in for the night, and share them like only honeymooners can!

Wish I could remember the name of the restaurant we went to one night in Lahaina...they had the BEST clam chowder I have ever had in my life. It's right on the water, kind of dark, nothing fancy, but YUMMY!!!

One last thing...convertibles can be fun and romantic, but in Maui having air-conditioning in your car is a big bonus!!!

Try the Hyatt on Maui for lots of fun on your honeymoon. It's close to a lot of the attractions, and very beautiful!! Be sure to go to Hana -- especially if you like a little adventure!!! Have fun!

My wife and I honeymooned in Maui in February of 1998.

Wailea is a bit more remote than the other areas. Easier to veg on the beach, fewer choices in dinning. Lahina is a commercial area; do not stay there.

We stayed at the Grand Wailea. Wallet buster 4 sure; but my theory was its our only honeymoon. The Four Seasons, which is next door is comparable.

What we did and enjoyed:
(1) Scuba diving. Neither of us were certified, but after a short lesson in the pool, we were diving with sea turtles. FANTASTIC. Dives were fun, safe, and enjoyable. Not something you can do on the mainland. Beats snorkeling a hundred fold.

(2) The Spa at Wailea. Another wallet buster. However, a totaly pampered and relaxing experince. I strongly suggest that you time a massage for just before sun down; then meet your spouse and relax with drinks on the porch/Lania(sp?) as the sun sets.

(3) Golf -- If that's your pleasure. The courses at Wileas are beautiful and fun. A great afternoon together.

(4) The Road to Hana. A Beautiful drive. You need only go about 1/2 way.

We also went Whale watching, but that will probably not be available in May.

We ate a particularly good meal at a place called either A Pacific Grill or A Pacific Cafe near Wailea. It was in a strip shopping center; but the food was excellent.

Finally, when you eat at Kimo's, get the Hula pie -- chocolate fudge and macadamia nuts. Remember, its your honeymoon. As I told my wife, they wedding dress doesn't need to fit anymore.

Joel

My husband & I spent our honeymoon in Maui also and it was fabulous!! We srayed at the Hyatt and it was great. We liked it because there was so much to do in the area or near by. Even when we felt like just staying around the hotel - there was so much to do. We were most interested in Golf and Eating. Both of which were awesome. DEFINITELY go to Kimo's in Lahina. We also LOVED Roy's (everyone will tell you to go there once you arrive!). The Swan Court which is in the Hyatt was a very romantic restaurant and we just had to splurge on it - it was worth it, especially because it was our honeymoon.
Whatever you decide - enjoy yourselves! Have fun and congratulations!

Just came back from Maui two weeks ago from my honeymoon. You're getting a lot of GREAT information here!! A few comments, if you decide to go the condo way (we did), the Papakea was mentioned in an earlier post. We stayed there and it was very nice. It's just outside Kaanapali, but before you get to Kapalua.
Next, we did Luau at Hyatt and thought it was nice. Can't compare it to any others, but food and show was excellent, and with condo package got a buy 1 get 1 free deal.
If you like to snorkel, rent equipment for the week and find your own places to swim. I would highly recommend an area past Kapalua called Honolua Bay. Take Hwy 30 past Kapalua into what seems like a deserted area. Look for all the cars parked on the side of the road. Walk down the path, through the pineapple farm, and jump in. The fish we saw there were better than anywhere else on the island. Another area we missed was Black Rock Beach, right near the Sheraton Maui.
Next, earlier post said don't bother going more than halfway to Hana. DISAGREE. The best part of the trip is the Seven Sacred Pools at the end of the road. The middle part of the trip is kinda lame, but if you give up there, you've missed the best part. Also, the black sand beach at Waianapanapa Park was a highlight.
Sunrise at Haleakala. Definitely. Try the bike ride down the mountain. Do it early in your trip before you adjust to the time difference. The van picks you up at your hotel at 2:15 AM!!! You ride (coast) down 38 miles and end up in a town called Paia, where you have breakfast. Fun morning, but don't plan on doing much but laying around the rest of the day.
If you want to snorkel at Molokini, go in the morning. In the afternoon, the tradewinds kick up and your boat won't be able to go all the way out. Instead they'll stick you in an area called Coral Gardens. I saw more fish, and better fish, on my own at Honolua, Kaanapali, and Kapalua just by wading into the water.
Enjoy...

Anyone who does not suggest the Grand Wailea in Wailea has not been. A five story water elevator in the pool with lots of water fun. The views are breath taking but the rooms oh so romantic. The showers are all marble with 12 or so jets and big enough for 8 people with tubs that look out over the ocean. At night they lay down a white paper path to the bathroom and provide robes and slippers. The art work and floral abundance will knock you over. It is very expensive but go for a night and then go up to Kaanappali for the action. We went to Grand Wailea for our 13th anniversary and it was so romantic we felt like it was our honeymoon. Lots of movie stars and model watching as well as sunsets in a hammock on the beach.

My wife and I prefer the Kaanapali side of Maui rather than Wailea, because Kaanapali has more activities and more great restaurants. Our favorite hotel on that side is the Hyatt. If you must have a condo, the best (and most expensive) on Kaanapali Beach is the Kaanapali Alii, but you can stay a couple miles away, cheaper, and with a better view, at the Aston Mahana condo.

LOTS more info about Maui sights, hotels, restaurants, and activities, at:
http://members.aol.com/Derm1/index.html