First time in Hawaii for 12-night honeymoon in May '03. First two days at Halekulani to see hotel, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor. From here plans get a bit sketchy -- any input, suggestions, or advice on tentative agenda?

Thinking four nights at Princeville in Kauai and remaining six nights on the Big Island. Here we are considering Four Seasons Hualalai or Hapuna Beach Prince.

Is four days enough time to sightsee and relax in Kauai? Comparing Hapuna and FS, is the beach at Hapuna that far superior to FS? Is beach at FS nice enough to accommodate a few hours each day? Is there a lu'au at each (when)? Is food and/or atmosphere better at one?

Thanks in advance!

I'm biased, and think 4 days is not enough for Kaua'i. But 6 days may also not be enough time to see the Big Island

In 4 days, to both relax and sightsee, I would probably concentrate on the N. shore. Staying at Princeville you will be close to the beginning of the Kalalau trail, if you want to hike part of that. Ke'e beach is at the trailhead. Go there very early in the morning and you may be the only person there. You can snorkel here, depending on surf conditions. The striking cliffs here are called Mt. Makana (sometimes called Bali Hai). Limahuli Garden is a botanical garden where you can see plants native to Hawai'i, and get a good view of Makana from the valley. Tunnels/Ha'ena beach is a long beautiful beach, with some areas you can snorkel. The small town of Hanalei has several restaurants, galleries and shops, and a long curving beach as well. All this is within about 10 miles of Princeville and I think would provide 4 days' worth of sightseeing and relaxation. Have a wonderful honeymoon!

The north shore of Kauai is beautiful. For snorkeling, you might also check out Anini Beach. It's right below the Princeville Plateau (on the east side). It's got a nice reef-protected lagoon and lots of shade trees. To get there, you take the turn-off on the Princeville side of the big bridge just south of the Princeville Plateau, then when the road forks, go left. This brings you to the base of the cliffs on the east side of the plateau where you'll find a beautiful beach and park.

Ken

Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions!

BI will be last stop -- trying to decide between Four Seasons Hualalai and Hapuna Beach Prince. How do they stack up against one another?

I've stayed at the Four Seasons three times. Thay are my favorite vacations. The first time was on my honeymoon. Because they have so many pools and one is much more geared to little kids we sat at the pool near the main bar the whole time and never saw kids. Cabanas are no charge. The pool service sets up your chair, brings you ice water and sprays you with evian all day. The food is the best. The health club/spa is beautiful. I personally like the ground floor ocean view rooms b/c you can walk out your back door and they have outdoor showers. I have not been to the other hotel but I can tell you, you won't be disappointed staying at the FS.

We also loved the Four Seasons. The "downstairs" rooms are best because they have outside showers. The Spa is the best I have ever seen. Great service. When my husband slipped and fell on a pier on the other side of the island and had to go to the hospital for stitches...FS sent a car to pick us up and bring us back to hotel at no charge. Very nice.

While the Four Seasons is a little nicer overall, The Hapuna Prince has a much much nicer beach. Either way, you can't make a bad pick. PS: On a Oahu, I would also encourage you to go to Hanauma Bay (some of the best snorkeling in all Hawaii) & hike up Diamond Head (approx. 30-45 walk each way w/ an incredible view of Waikiki area). Also, on the BI I would recommend you take a snorkel/Scuba/Snuba or just swim, cruise with Fairwinds out of Kona. Great trip to Keakakua Bay (where capt. cook was ultimately killed) and also great snorkeling, etc.. I believe their web site is www.fairwind (or fairwinds?) .com Enjoy!