I could really use some suggestions. My husband and I are planning a two-week trip to Hawaii this summer. We would like to spend one week on Oahu and one on Maui. It probably will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so we're really trying to do it right. We want nice hotels with some extras (would love a Jacuzzi in the room, etc., but it's not necessary), but we're trying not to go overboard at the same time. We're considering Grand Wailea or Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa on Maui and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach on Oahu right now. However, having never been there before, I really need help from people who have.

We are renting a Jeep on Maui, but aren't planning a rental on Oahu. We want to see the USS Arizona and the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu and go to the North Shore - just to see. We want to do a helicopter tour (or possibly two), definitely for the volcano tour.

But right now I'm stuck even booking rooms. I want to go through a travel agent, since I'm thinking that maybe he/she will know something I don't. I would really appreciate any help that you could give me.

Thanks!

Congratulations on 10 years!

I think you should rent a car in Oahu - you will need it to visit the AZ and PCC, and will want to drive around to the North Shore for some beautiful, more relaxed scenery.

I go to HI a lot for business, but don't stay in luxe hotels. But my Hawaiian friends say the nicest hotel in Waikiki is the Halekulani. May want to check that out too.

All depending upon your budget....I totally second the vote for Halekulani on Oahu. http://www.halekulani.com/ It's a perfect splurge for a 10 yr anniversary trip. Swanky, intimate and top notch...and right on the beach. If you're looking for classic historic Hawaiian, other properties to consider on Oahu's Waikiki beach would be the majestic Royal Hawaiian or Moana. Both these are run by Starwood. http://www.royal-hawaiian.com http://www.moana-surfrider.com

I love the Outriggers, but wouldn't recommend it for a "once-in-a-lifetime" romantic stay. It has a grand location in the heart of Waikiki, but is busy, crowded and overrun with families.

Another option would be to split your time on Oahu between Waikiki and the North Shore. Maybe consider a few nights at the remote Turtle Bay Resort? http://www.turtlebayresort.com/ This way you can get the flavor and peacefulness of the countryside.

I also think your choices on Maui are great ones...depending if you want to stay at Kaanapali or Wailea. Personally, I prefer Kaanapali since it's more low key than mega resort studded Wailea.

Aloha!

Just returned from 5 nights at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore. Enjoyed the tranquility compared to the frenzy of Waikiki. Beaches are lovely and quiet except for the surfers at Sunset Beach and Pipeline where the monster waves come in. Exciting to watch. Not much night life on North Shore except for the Friday night luau at the resort, but watching the fabulous sunsets right at the resort is great. The Polynesian Culture Center is nearby and the resort offers spa treatments, swimming, scuba diving, helicopter tours, etc. Discount rates are available from Orbitz, Travelocity and others. No need to pay rack rate. Almost all rooms at the hotel have ocean views. The ocean front rooms have balconies as well, but I don't think they have a Jacuzzi. Check out reviews at tripadvisor.com. You might enjoy this as a change from Waikiki.

We were married at the Kea Lani (now Fairmont) in Maui almost 10 years ago. We spent 5 nights in Maui then were to go to Waikiki for 5 nights. When we got to Waikiki we hated it. Very hectic and frenzied, not at all relaxing or romantic. We ended up getting back on a plane and went back to Maui.

With that said, I would suggest staying away from Waikiki and maybe heading to the north shore or away from the chaos. Being that it's an island...you can drive to the southshore within 45minutes and visit during the day.

Good luck and have fun!

My opinion is second hand from my sister who was in Maui June 2006 for her 9 yr anniversary. She was actually disappointed w/ the Grand Wailea - she said way too many kids (I guess the waterpark really appeals to families with kids) & she wished they had stayed at the Four Seasons next door which seemed to be quieter with more of an adult atmosphere. Also, I've read that the Ritz Carlton Kapalua has re-opened which may be another consideration (supposed to be a gorgeous area with really nice beaches!).
We are hoping to go to Maui for our 10 yr anniv in 2009 & would actually like to stay at a B & B called the Ho'oilo House for part of our stay (see reviews on Trip Advisor) & maybe a couple of nights at the Hotel Hana Maui for a splurge (May & Sept are adults only months there).

Sorry, my sister said there were even kids in the "adults only" pool at the GW & that staff seemed disinterested in rectifying that situation.

we went to hawaii for our honeymoon and flew into Oahu. We didn't rent a car as we were only there for 2 days, and took cabs when needed. We stayed at the halekulani and it was wonderful. Be sure to eat at their 5 diamond restaurant-- it was amazing. That being said, I didn't love Oahu and will not go back unless it's a necessary stop over.

Maui was simply heaven on earth. We stayed at the Four Seasons. I would absolutely stay there again. the Ritz is beautiful, but i hear that side of the island gets a little more rain than where the FS is (wailea). The fairmont is a lovely property. I would have been disappointed if we had stayed at the Grand wailea. Both hotels bookend the FS so we visited both and felt great about our choice.

I know this isn't the response you want... sorry in advance. But if it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip... I'd put Kauai in the formula! Kauai is the most beautiful place I've ever seen (been to Oahu, Maui, and BI) You can stay in plush hotels in any city... but you can't duplicate the spectacular beauty that the north shore has to offer. I hope I can return there one day! For my friends that are looking for a romantic place to go... it is definitely my recommendation for them!

I think the original poster has gone away??

Thank you for all of your wonderful advice. I really appreciate it.