soni

My fiance and I are going to Hawaii for our honeymoon in September. We have between 8-10 days and we may spend it all on one island. We have narrowed it down to Kauai or the Big Island. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether to go to one verses the other? We want to spend time just laying on the beach but also want to do some adventurous things as well.

Also, has anyone spent time a the Marriott in Kauai?

Any help on this subject is appreciated!

ChristieP

Well, BI is great for adventures but the beaches there are just so-so. I haven't been to Maui, but I hear the beaches there are wonderful.

How about splitting time between the two islands? 5 days on each should give you more than enough beach time and adventuring!

JohnD

Aloha soni,
A few years ago my wife and I married and honeymooned on Kaua`i having previously visited the Big Island, Maui and Kaua`i the year before. Since your going in Hawaii's summer, if I were in your position would try to stay somewhere on the North Shore (e.g. Princeville/Hanalei area) of Kaua`i it has incredible lush, mountain and ocean views. We have had only had dinner at the Marriott and it is nice with good location in central Kaua'i.

If you're going for 8 days would recommend staying on one island, if going for 10 would suggest a few days on the Big Island followed by a week on Kaua`i. The Big Island is also beautiful and has alot of activities to offer including perhaps a chance to witness an active volcano, but can involve longer driving times than Kaua'i.

Congratulations and feel free to ask more!

dolciani

We stayed at the Kauai Marriott 2 summers ago in a one Bedroom "suite" which had a separte living room w/ 2 bathrooms and a small kitchenette - our room overlooked the ocean. You need to be in a room on a high floor in order to see the ocean b/c the hotel has "built" a garden terrace in front of the lower rooms and you can't see over it. The pool is gigantic and attracts a lot of families with children. We are in are 50's w/ grown children, so that did not bother us, however, if I had been on my honeymoon I would probably have preferred the Princeville - much more lush and lavish. We are returning the Kauai Marriott this summer for a week and spending 2 days at the Princeville (for discount on the golf there and to experience the beautiful view of Bali Hai).
We also went to the Big Island and stayed on both coasts - I personally think Kauai is more "romantic" while the Big Island is more adventurous. Buy the Book "Hawaii for Dummies" - it has a questionnaire in the front that steers you toward the island that is best suited for you. Good luck

connecticut_lady

Soni...congratulations....both islands are quite nice but I agree with the previous posters, Kauai is more romantic and the Big Island requires plenty of time to drive around to see everything. The beaches in the North Shore of Kauai are indeed lovely and Poipu beach is also very nice. Waimea Canyon could be considered adventurous and makes for a wonderful day trip. I would not go to two islands in 10 days....go to one, fully enjoy it and explore it....then go to the other on an anniversary down the road.
We've stayed at the Marriott, good central location (you do mean the one practically in the airport? there's another in Poipu)...the pool is fun. Princeville is beautiful, probably the nicest scenery we've seen but in a choice between the Marriott, the Princeville and the Hyatt in Poipu I would go with the Hyatt, then the Marriott. Wonderful river pool, very friendly staff, excellent hotel. Our experience at the Princeville is that the staff isn't the least bit friendly (however, I think the hotel is changing hands so that could easily change).
If you have specific questions I'd be happy to try to answer them.