Need your help learning about the islands of Hawaii: Is it worth it from the East Coast to visit for honeymoon?
Oct 2nd, 2003, 06:18 AM
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I went to Hawaii 6 years ago on my honeymoon - it was amazing (I was living at the time in Connecticut). It was definitely worth it.
We took about 12 days, and went to Maui, Kuaui, and then spent a day before flying home to see Pearl Harbor.
We drove the Road to Hana, saw sunrise from the top of Haleakala, and relaxed at the Hyatt resorts on both islands.
It is definitely worth the time to go there.
I love the Caribbean also, but Hawaii is totally different and will be a great start to your marriage.
Congratulations and have fun!
Karen
We took about 12 days, and went to Maui, Kuaui, and then spent a day before flying home to see Pearl Harbor.
We drove the Road to Hana, saw sunrise from the top of Haleakala, and relaxed at the Hyatt resorts on both islands.
It is definitely worth the time to go there.
I love the Caribbean also, but Hawaii is totally different and will be a great start to your marriage.
Congratulations and have fun!
Karen
Oct 2nd, 2003, 06:41 AM
#22
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As a general rule, I think Hawaii is somewhat over-hyped for East Coast people. IMO, there are great destinations in Caribbean that are as beautiful and special (such as St. Barts). It is true the Caribbean may involve a different language, and may be less developed -- these things may be pluses or minuses for you.
On the other hand, you are setting aside a decent chunk of time so the travel time is relatively less of an issue, and Hawaii is a great destination, so maybe this is a good time to go there.
On the other hand, you are setting aside a decent chunk of time so the travel time is relatively less of an issue, and Hawaii is a great destination, so maybe this is a good time to go there.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 06:48 AM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Definitely do your honeymoon in Hawaii. These days we like the hang loose attitude of Kauai......but back in the younger years, we loved Maui. Lots happening!
Once you decide on the island(s)...go ahead and start checking on hotels, etc.
Hawaii is oh so romantic... plus, the people are so very very nice.
Once you decide on the island(s)...go ahead and start checking on hotels, etc.
Hawaii is oh so romantic... plus, the people are so very very nice.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 06:53 AM
#24
I agree with many of the posters that Hawaii is worth the extra travel time. It is absolutely beautiful and has a very distinct vibe. It's an excellent place for a honeymoon. The only drawback is that the hotels are very expensive - more so than comparable ones in Mexico and many islands in the Caribbean. But if budget is not a concern, then I vote for Hawaii.
The first time that I went to Hawaii, I stayed on Oahu. The second time I stayed on Oahu and Maui. I would definitely suggest two islands. It's pretty easy to get from one to another and if you have 10-12 days, very doable.
The first time that I went to Hawaii, I stayed on Oahu. The second time I stayed on Oahu and Maui. I would definitely suggest two islands. It's pretty easy to get from one to another and if you have 10-12 days, very doable.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 09:08 AM
#25
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I live on Oahu, and sometimes the pace of the neighbor islands is too slow for me. So for people coming from the mainland for the first time, I recommend you stop in Oahu for a day or two to detox/decompress before going on to another island. 
As for swim up bars: I dont know about all hotels, but I remember the Hyatt on Maui had a neat pool with a swim up bar, slide, etc.
Is Hawaii worth it? I have lived here every day of my life and I still think so!
As for swim up bars: I dont know about all hotels, but I remember the Hyatt on Maui had a neat pool with a swim up bar, slide, etc.
Is Hawaii worth it? I have lived here every day of my life and I still think so!
Oct 2nd, 2003, 09:32 AM
#26
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
a few years ago we went nonstop from Boston to Kauai. it was absolutely worth it, and we only had a week on Kauai. we flew nonstop from Boston to LAX and then from LAX (i think we waited for all of thirty minutes) to Lihue on Kauai. my husband was in the midst of a bad cold and his sense of humor had all but disappeared by the time we landed on Kauai where the local time was 8pm, so it was what, 2am back in Boston?? but i did not think the trip had been that bad at all. our son was 6 then and he was in great spirits also, especially when we arrived at our hotel (the Hyatt) and got our first look at that lobby!
i would say go to Hawaii. it is the only place i've ever been to that is as absolutely beautiful in "real life" as i imagined it to be. how many places can you say that about??!
i would say go to Hawaii. it is the only place i've ever been to that is as absolutely beautiful in "real life" as i imagined it to be. how many places can you say that about??!
Oct 2nd, 2003, 09:35 AM
#27
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am finding that yet another reason I love Hawaii (I could wallpaper my kitchen with all the reasons if I wrote em down!) is the fact that there are soooo many diverse and wonderful dining options, from budget to very upscale. Not that you won't find fine dining in the Caribbean or Mexico, it just seems to me that the gems are so few and far between. You can find so many and such excellent restaurants that we never seem to be able to fit them all into our trips! Just one more very biased vote for a Hawaiian honeymoon!!!
Oct 2nd, 2003, 11:09 AM
#28
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hawaii is the heart of romance. Nowhere else begins to compare. It is most certainly worth the extra money and time to get there. Try Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays for some honeymoon /vacation package deals - some are pretty reasonable and they can include whatever islands you decide on - airfare, hotels, inter-island airfare -and you pay one price.
My suggestion would be Oahu and Maui - with maybe one of your Maui nights in Hana. Oahu has so much to offer - the Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, Waikiki Beach, the North Shore, Tanatalus (VERY romantic after sunset), Hanama Bay, and so many more. Dining and nightlife are the best in Oahu - so much to choose from. And the shopping .....
Maui has a lot to offer but is more subdued than Oahu. Don't miss a sunrise at Haleakala, the road to Hana, the diver off Black Rock at the Sheraton Kaanapali.
Rent a car as you need one on Oahu - parking is sparse and expensive but nothing beats driving around the island and exploring on your own. Same thing on Maui.
Congratulations and have a great trip.
My suggestion would be Oahu and Maui - with maybe one of your Maui nights in Hana. Oahu has so much to offer - the Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, Waikiki Beach, the North Shore, Tanatalus (VERY romantic after sunset), Hanama Bay, and so many more. Dining and nightlife are the best in Oahu - so much to choose from. And the shopping .....
Maui has a lot to offer but is more subdued than Oahu. Don't miss a sunrise at Haleakala, the road to Hana, the diver off Black Rock at the Sheraton Kaanapali.
Rent a car as you need one on Oahu - parking is sparse and expensive but nothing beats driving around the island and exploring on your own. Same thing on Maui.
Congratulations and have a great trip.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 11:54 AM
#30
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rusty, you're correct that Oahu is the most visited (popular?) of the Hawaiian islands. My sense is that among people who have travelled at least some (most people at this forum) the most popular (meaning enjoyable or desirable) island combos are K-M and BI-M. I think everyone should see Waikiki once, and the Arizona, etc.
But I know very few people who return to Oahu time and again compared with those who go to the other islands over and over. Northern Oahu is very underrated, though.
Unfortunately for people who will only go to Hawaii once or twice, they'll always miss something important for lack of time. So much to see on each island.
But I know very few people who return to Oahu time and again compared with those who go to the other islands over and over. Northern Oahu is very underrated, though.
Unfortunately for people who will only go to Hawaii once or twice, they'll always miss something important for lack of time. So much to see on each island.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 12:10 PM
#31
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TedTurner - you are very wrong - Oahu is my personal favorite after having visited Hawaii numerous times in the past thirty years - I've been to the other islands and none interest me nearly as much as Oahu. Maui comes in second, but I love Oahu. I have many friends and family who feel the same as I do, so don't generalize your opinion into being the majority opinion. Don't discourage people from discovering the beauty of Oahu or underestimate all that Oahu has to offer.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 12:31 PM
#32
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
YES. Hawaii rocks! Rush out and get the book "Maui Revealed". You can purchase it and its companion books written by locals at wizardpub.com It will answer all your questions.
I'm a floridian and had the same feelings the OP expressed in thinking that the carribean makes an easy trip for future vactions when you may only have a week. We honeymooned on Maui, Kauai and Oahu in 2001.
I would definately suggest Maui and Kauai for a honeymoon spot. Both islands had nice resorts, but also tons and tons of stuff to do when you left the resort. This was so appealing to us. Often resort places only have the man made amenities to enjoy.
Although others may find this odd, I liked being in the US. I felt safe, exploring and doing things in the woods and totally off the beaten path. I'm not sure I would have felt as comfortable elsewhere.
Another thing to consider is renting a condo or a house. We stayed at the Grand Wailea in Maui (loved it) but rented a villa in Kauai. They provided different but equally enjoyable experiences. Plus the villa was so much cheaper.
With 10-12 days I would say do 2 islands. And maybe a night on Oahu depending on your flight times.
I'm a floridian and had the same feelings the OP expressed in thinking that the carribean makes an easy trip for future vactions when you may only have a week. We honeymooned on Maui, Kauai and Oahu in 2001.
I would definately suggest Maui and Kauai for a honeymoon spot. Both islands had nice resorts, but also tons and tons of stuff to do when you left the resort. This was so appealing to us. Often resort places only have the man made amenities to enjoy.
Although others may find this odd, I liked being in the US. I felt safe, exploring and doing things in the woods and totally off the beaten path. I'm not sure I would have felt as comfortable elsewhere.
Another thing to consider is renting a condo or a house. We stayed at the Grand Wailea in Maui (loved it) but rented a villa in Kauai. They provided different but equally enjoyable experiences. Plus the villa was so much cheaper.
With 10-12 days I would say do 2 islands. And maybe a night on Oahu depending on your flight times.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 12:50 PM
#33
Okay, you didn't ask, but I guess if I were in Boston and planning a honeymoon where relaxing, eating, sightseeing, boat tripping, etc., were on the agenda, and I could handle a 5- or 6-hour time change, I think I'd be looking east rather than west. South of France? Andalucia? Portugal? Italian coast? Oh, well...
Let me chime in on behalf of the Big Island. If you were to pick one of the Kohala resorts that have beaches, say the Mauna Lani or the Hapuna Prince, you could have all that you asked for, plus...
-An active volcano within a couple hours' drive;
-Tropical jungle trails leading to spectacular waterfalls;
-Inaccessible (or nearly so) paradise valleys;
-Gorgeous upland ranch country with cows and America's original cowboys;
-One of the world's great observatories, located so high you need a parka if you drive up there;
-Coffee plantations full of incredibly beautiful plants and even better odors;
-Great restaurants that don't have Gump in their names;
-Impressive historic sites and monuments;
-Funky towns demanding to be explored;
-Hot malasadas and cold shave ice stands - omigawd.
Yes, Kauai is beautiful but to my eye more like some of the Caribbean islands that you can visit later. Maui to us is industrial-strength tourism in Lahaina and up the coast, and the road to Hana is great if you can see past the cars in front of you. Oahu would actually be our second island of choice, except for Honolulu at rush hour.
Keep doing your homework, and, by the way, Congratulations!
Let me chime in on behalf of the Big Island. If you were to pick one of the Kohala resorts that have beaches, say the Mauna Lani or the Hapuna Prince, you could have all that you asked for, plus...
-An active volcano within a couple hours' drive;
-Tropical jungle trails leading to spectacular waterfalls;
-Inaccessible (or nearly so) paradise valleys;
-Gorgeous upland ranch country with cows and America's original cowboys;
-One of the world's great observatories, located so high you need a parka if you drive up there;
-Coffee plantations full of incredibly beautiful plants and even better odors;
-Great restaurants that don't have Gump in their names;
-Impressive historic sites and monuments;
-Funky towns demanding to be explored;
-Hot malasadas and cold shave ice stands - omigawd.
Yes, Kauai is beautiful but to my eye more like some of the Caribbean islands that you can visit later. Maui to us is industrial-strength tourism in Lahaina and up the coast, and the road to Hana is great if you can see past the cars in front of you. Oahu would actually be our second island of choice, except for Honolulu at rush hour.
Keep doing your homework, and, by the way, Congratulations!
Oct 2nd, 2003, 02:27 PM
#35
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ted,
I've returned to Oahu more times than I have visited all of the other islands combined and that's by choice. Oahu and Kauai are my favorites even though they may be viewed as polar opposites.
I've returned to Oahu more times than I have visited all of the other islands combined and that's by choice. Oahu and Kauai are my favorites even though they may be viewed as polar opposites.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 02:53 PM
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
These replies are fantastic! As we are probably not booking until the winter, keep the responses/island opinions coming! I am compiling a list of future questions/posts that I will ask once I have definitely decided to do Hawaii! Three things right now though:
1.) Besides Pleasant Hawaii Holidays (thanks for that tip!), what other sites would you recommend for good deals from Boston?
2.) When should I book? Our wedding is in August -- should I book airfare or hotel first?
3.) Give me your favorite things to do on each island -- What CAN'T you do/see/experience on each of them that the others don't have? If I decide to do 2, it's going to be tough to pick which ones!
1.) Besides Pleasant Hawaii Holidays (thanks for that tip!), what other sites would you recommend for good deals from Boston?
2.) When should I book? Our wedding is in August -- should I book airfare or hotel first?
3.) Give me your favorite things to do on each island -- What CAN'T you do/see/experience on each of them that the others don't have? If I decide to do 2, it's going to be tough to pick which ones!
Oct 2nd, 2003, 05:05 PM
#38
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Augustfly, while many are trying to steer you away from Oahu, you yourself must decide what is important to you. Oahu has much to offer especially historical significance of a turning point in America's history--the Bombing of Pearl Harbor on the USS Arizona memorial. Even thought Honolulu is referred to as "Los Angeles West" within its boundries you can find rainforests, deep canyons, valleys and waterfalls, a nearly mile-high mountain range, coral reefs, and gold sand beaches, and probably the most varried dining on any of the islands (remember ther are over 800,000 people on Oahu). On our last stay we stayed at the new (opened Jan 2003) Marriott KoOlina Beach Club Resort on the West Coast. Far enough away from the hustle of Honolulu but close enough to vist when you want (20 minute drive). The resort had nearly private calm circular white sand lagoons. There is a outdoor cafe on the beach for lunches & light dinners while the Marriott Ihilani Hotel next door has three more formal restaurants including one of the island best Azul. The marina next door offers a catamaran snorkel sail, and charter fishing excursions. Three pools, sauna, steam baths, and hottub. You won't find this place in guidebooks since it is brand new. It would be a great place to start your adventure in paradise. The concierges were extremely helpful in creating a great experience that we'll never forget.
Enjoy!
Mahala!
Enjoy!
Mahala!
Oct 2nd, 2003, 05:21 PM
#39
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Book your flight ASAP, it only gets more expensive the longer you wait. Check with airlines to make the connector flights too like fly in to Oahu, fly to Maui, then fly back to the mainland. If you visit Kauai you must fly back to Oahu or Maui to connect to the mainland (added cost). Oahu Definates Hanauma Bay snorkel & view from Pali Lookout, catamaran sail, sipping drinks at Dukes watching sunset, hike to Manoa Falls enjoying Luau, Arizona memorial, selg-guided walking tour of Chinatown.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 06:46 PM
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As always, my thanks.
Maui is the only "definite" island I am thinking of if I do a hawaiian honeymoon -- and although I may be leaning towards Kauai, I am still interested in Oahu and BI. I am dying to see more than 1 island, but I am wondering if after such a long flight from Boston, we wouldn't just be better off on 1 island. Is Maui very scenic, beautiful, and dramatic?
Should I book my flights ASAP -- I wanted to wait awhile and watch flights to HI for a few months. But is it very busy flight-wise in August? When should I book everything -- hotel or flights first?
Maui is the only "definite" island I am thinking of if I do a hawaiian honeymoon -- and although I may be leaning towards Kauai, I am still interested in Oahu and BI. I am dying to see more than 1 island, but I am wondering if after such a long flight from Boston, we wouldn't just be better off on 1 island. Is Maui very scenic, beautiful, and dramatic?
Should I book my flights ASAP -- I wanted to wait awhile and watch flights to HI for a few months. But is it very busy flight-wise in August? When should I book everything -- hotel or flights first?
