I'm going to Hawaii for my honeymoon in three weeks and staying at the Princeville on Kauai (5 nights) and the Four Seasons on the Big Island (7 nights). I'm looking for some "must do" things for each island. I'm not sure which island I should do the helicopter ride, or hike, etc. I want to do some activity, but since it is my honeymoon, pampering and R&R is a HIGH Priority! Thanks in advance for your help!

Aloha bride2bnyc,

Congratulations, my wife and I were married and honeymooned on Kauai in '02, here are our favorite activities:

Kauai:
1. Kee Beach snorkeling, on a calm day.
2. NaPali coast trail (for rugged hikers, or do helicopter or boat/snorkeling tour) entrance at Kee Beach, where the road ends, north shore.
3. Waimea canyon (Hawaii's Grand Canyon)
4. Sunset Dinner at Beach House Restaurant,& or Princeville Hotel
Note: snorkeling conditions vary from day to day, always good to have a back up plan.

Big Island
1. Volcanoes Nat'l Park (maybe red hot lava at end of chain of craters road, Thurston Lava Tube)
2. Snorkeling Boat Trip to Captain Cook Memorial, on Fairwind II or Sea Quest Raft from Keauhou
3. Snorkeling at Honaunau, visit ancient Hawaiian park next door: "Place of Refuge"
4. Waipio Valley Overlook/Tour

Kauai:
Helicopter trip a must. Recommend A1's waterfall trip. Only one that lands at a waterfall where you swim in the falls and then have a deli lunch. Worth the extra $$.

Big Island:

Kilauea Iki hike. 3 Miles; 2-3 hours; pretty easy and you go from rain forest to the crater floor and then back up to rain forest. Make sure you go counter clockwise!

In my opinion, Kauai is the place for the helicopter ride. to see that beautiful Island from the air is spectacular, the canyon, waterfalls, NaPali. We go every two years and never get tired of the Farden Isle. The Big Island is also lovely and varied in landscape. The list mentioned are great things to do. Also recommend a kayak ride in Kauai up the Waimea river and then hike into the falls and jump in to cool off. you can do it yourself or have a guided tour which includes lunch. ALso Hiking the Canyon is great. Don't have to go way in just the rim - the view is sensational. Also recommend a funky place for dinner - Camp House Grill in Hanapepe. But for Romance, the Beach House at sunset.

My best advice - take the time to enjoy the Four Seasons. DEFINITELY pamper yourself with spa treatments (both of you!). We enjoyed private tennis lessons. There's a snorkel lagoon that is enjoyable for a short period of time. Take the advice and take a snorkel trip to the Captain Cook memorial. I would take a smaller boat, rather than a "party boat". DO NOT take the Four Seasons' snorkel trip - they go to a spot with rough water - we watched their catamarran pull up and friends got violently sea-sick. We took a Four Seasons' option to row out in an outrigger canoe to a "secluded" beach. The premise was good - chairs, umbrella, cooler with goodies and beach games were ready for us. But, the locals started to arrive and the aforementioned catamarran along with other tourist boats pulled up. The beach was private for only the first hour or so. But, the outrigger canoe trip was a blast. Someone else enjoyed private surfing lessons. I would plan plenty of room beside the pool, just relaxing and enjoying each other.
I enjoyed the helicopter ride, but the suggestion to take one on Kauai is a good one.
The only other Big Island excursion I would say is a must is a trip to Volcanoes. We stayed over for the night in a B&B and really enjoyed seeing a completely different side of the island.
Have a fabulous honeymoon!

I just bought a travel book, "the BI revealed" for out upcoming trip there and am impressed with it. Perhaps this would be a good idea for you of you have time. Congratulations!

You will love the Four Seasons on the Big Island. My husband and I spent our honeymoon there in September 2003. It is the most fabulous resort I have ever stayed at and I have been to alot of four seasons. The service is exceptional. We did not leave the property for the 6 days that we were there. I highly suggest that you opt for the private dinner on the beach. It is expensive, but well worth the memory. Also do the BBQ/Asian night on the beach, it is alot of fun. The resort is so peaceful and relaxing, the spa and workout facilities are great as well. You will have a wonderful time! Congratulations.