My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon and have planned on staying the last 5 nights of our trip on the north side of Kauai. What we aren't sure of is where to spend the first 4 nights. We were thinking the south half of Kauai or on Maui. What would you recommend?

We are going to Hawaii for our HM in September, and it will be my first trip - so take this for what it's worth.

We are spending 5 nights on Kauai, followed by 6 nights on Maui. We asked a lot of friends that had travelled to Hawaii before, and this was what many people recommended. We're thinking that there will be plenty of relaxation on Kauai, with a little more to do on Maui. Either way, I'm sure you can't go wrong.

HTH!

Depending on what you're in to, 5 nights might be plenty for Kauai. I'd do the other 4 nights on another island.

Yeah...9 nights on Kauai for a honeymoon is waaaay too long.

Totally agree with you Kal.

Actually, I'd do 4 nights on Maui first and then the 5 on Kauai. Save the best for last .

This has nothing to do with the islands in question but I personally would hate to pack up, change rental cars, move hotels, go to the airport, etc. on a 9 day honeymoon. Not my idea of a relaxing time. Movingto a different location on the same island wouldn't be as disruptive IMO.

We spent 5 days on Kauai and then 4 on Maui for our honeymoon. It was great. But we like Kauai so much better - so lush and relaxing. So in hindset we would have switched the 2 around. I thought the switch would be annoying, but it was actually fine.

I don't think you really do agree with Kal, BigJim...

If you're typically lookin' for stuff to do while on vacation, go to Maui. If the experience is the thing, stay put on Kauai.

i agree with beachbum.

I agree with beachbum...4 nights on our southshore to hang out with all the other tourists (ooops...did I say that???), and
then 5 nights on the northshore to experience the _real_ Kaua`i. 8-)

Thanks for the comments. Any thoughts about a good place to stay on either island?

We spent 7 nights on Maui and then 7 nights on Kaua'i for our honeymoon last July. I would do Kaua'i second if you are going to do these two islands. I don't think 9 nights on Kaua'i would be bad at all, but if you want a chance to see Maui then go for it. You might feel rushed on both islands though (especially Maui).

I also think splitting up your Kaua'i trip would be good. We did this, 5 nights on the north shore in a condo (let me know if you are interested in condo opinions), and 2 nights on the south shore at the new Marriott (awesome hotel). I really liked that we did it this way, we didn't have to drive back and forth around the island.

On Maui we stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani and loved it. I would recommend staying in Wailea. You will get tons of opinions on where to stay on both islands though.

Happy Honeymooning!

On Kauai we stayed at the Marriott, but the one near the airport. It is more in between north and south shore. That wokred perect for us b/c one day we toured the North shore, one day we toured the South Shore. One day we did a helicopter tour, One day we did a boat tour of the Western Mountainous part of the island - gorgeous - highly recommend!! We LOVED Kauai!

In Maui we stayed at the Four Seasons in Wailea, Right next to the Fairmont as the above poster mentioned. I liked this area too. The Fairmont did seem very nice. The Grand Walilea was to the the left of us, and is gorgeous, but packed with kids - I mean PACKED!

amelie, we're definately interested in condos. what are your suggestions?

I seldom agree with myself.

I ate a pizza that didn't agree with me either.

We stayed here http://www.nakearentals.com/ at the Kai Nani, one of the Sealodge condos. I think another fodorite stayed in this very same condo too. The pictures give a really good idea of what the place is like (the views are incredible).

Like I said, we stayed at this condo for 5 nights (it's in Princeville) and then went down to the south shore for the rest of the week.

I would stay there again.

Anyone have any more ideas on a good place to stay on the south side of Kauai?

well, my bumper sticker on my truck says it all "If you love Kauai, send your friends to Maui" lol