augustlily

Hi everyone,
My fiance and I are getting married next summer, and one of my main jobs is the honeymoon. (In fact, it's going to be a complete surprise to him for where we are going.) I was originally thinking the Caribbean or Mexico, but Hawaii looks amazing, and the Caribbean or Mexico would be much more feasible on future trips. I really want something romantic, memorable, and fun for our honeymoon. We would by flying from Boston -- is the extra flight time (vs. Caribbean or Mexico) worth it? I am hoping that we will have 10-12 days to spend.

I also need your help learning about the different islands of Hawaii. I'm not sure if we do decide Hawaii, if we should spend all of our time on one island (most likely Maui), OR should we split our time between 2 islands (Maui and Kauai or Maui and the Big Island.) I am looking for: a great resort on a beach that is swimable, a fabulous pool with swim-up bar, great snorkeling and boat trips, wonderful restaurants (cheap and expensive), striking scenery, and the option to be quiet and romantic or have plenty of activity if we so chose. We live near the water, so we spend summers at the beach at home, so I am looking for the type of experiece I couldn't get here, in the Caribbean, or Mexico. Does all of this sound like Hawaii?

If so, fill me in on the islands' differences, and how I should split our trip up...If we can only do 1 island, I would probably do Maui, and maybe split the time between 2 resorts -- are there 2 "different" sections of Maui (perhaps one more secluded and romantic and one more action-oriented) that we could stay in? If not, how would Kauai or the Big Island compliment our stay in Maui? Would it be too much flying between islands after such a long journey from Boston? I am hoping to get many responses from you all! Thanks in advance!

pspercy

Yes !

Suggest start at www.gohawaii.com and order the free planners for each island, they'll give you a feel for each one & you can go from there. I'd say Maui would fit your list, maybe Kapalua and Wailea areas or Kaanapali & Wailea. Have fun planning !

cherrymae

I have never been to Hawaii, but my family members that have gone feel that it was NOT worth all of the extra money. I would suggest visiting the Florida Keys. The Keys are as nice as any tropical island with wonderful resorts, all of which are on the water. There are parts of the Keys that are very secluded, such as Noname Key or Duck Key. And you could easily visit Key West for a fabulous day of shopping and a great night life. They celebrate the sunset in Key West every day, I can't even describe it, it is like a festival of the sunset. And in Key West alone there are tons of hot night clubs and bars that are just for partying. As far as hotels go, there are very posh places that would be great for a honeymoon, you would be pampered. If on a tight budget, there are more reasonable places. However, you are going in the summer. The main tourist season is in the winter. So, no matter where you stay, you would save a ton of money on hotel stay, car rental, flight, and sightseeing.

augustlily

Thank you Cherrymae, but I have been to Florida many times, and am hoping for a new experience for my honeymoon. But thank you!

mikepmcm

Just returned from a 7 day trip to Oahu from New York. The jet lag took 2-3 days to get adjusted. Try to stay up as long as you can the first day you arrive. You'll have a hard time sleeping late in the morning, i saw many a sunrise during our stay. If you have never been to Hawaii you might want to use Oahu as your base, especially if you like water sports, and visit only one other island for that lenght of stay, I'd reccomend Maui. You might even plan 2 days to visit San Francisco on the way back to reduce the jet jag before returning East. Waikiki is very busy with nightclubs, sunset cruises, shopping, surfing, touring and in peak season very crowded (Dec-March) the slow season with the best weather is September thru November (off season rates). We had a great time at the Marriott's new KoOlina Beach Club on the desolate west shore of Oahu. The condo was just opened in January of 2003 and is about 20 minutes from the hustle of Waikiki (United & Delta offer packages to this resort). Remember the entire island is only 40 miles wide. You'll find Kauai to be very quiet and rainy (it is a tropical rain forest). Maui will offer more to do than Kauai.

mikepmcm

by the way the Hawaii is worth the extra money. You won't regret a single moment, the light, the sights, and especially the Aloha spirit that the islanders exude.

Rusty

Cherrymae, it is a good idea to limit advice to places that you have actually visited.

islandmom

I've been to all those places and Hawaii is very different. It's a perfect spot for beauty and romance. I guess a word for it is that Hawaii is more dramatic. It is worth the money.

Anonymous

Being based in Boston, and having spent extended vacations in both Florida and Hawaii, I'd advise you that the honeymoon in Hawaii would be well woth it.

Many people do not take 2-3 days to get over the jet lag. It's such a beautiful, relaxed and charming place, I think you'll be pleased. The Big Island has the only active volcano, which we just couldn't pass up.

And frankly compared to Mexico or most of the Caribbean, you won't have hassles with language, drinkable water, or exchanging cash. Save those adventures for another vacation, and for your honeymoon choose a place that's completely pleasant and relaxing, that's what your requirements (snorkeling, scenery, swim-up bar, etc.) sound like you want.

TedTurner

The Florida Keys don't even have any real beaches (a few tiny man made and natural rocky ones). Thus, I don't think it's reasonable to claim the Keys are "as nice as any tropical island".

August: most honeymeooners spending >10 days in Hawaii try to hit 2 islands. Each island is quite different from the others. The most popular combinations are Kauai-Maui and Big Island-Maui, since Maui is more busy/touristy (unless you stay in Hana) and BI and K are much quieter, though there are many things to see and do on each. If you want a quiet, slow paced experience, Lanai offers two very good resorts as well. If you're widely travelled, I'd skip Honolulu.

mishottie

You really should do Hawaii - I have been there twice and would recommend for first time visitors to do at least 2 islands. You will want 7-8 days. If you haven't been to Oahu, you must go at the beginning or end of your trip, depending on if you want romance first or last - because Wakiki is not as romantic as Maui or another smaller island. You have to do 2 days in Wakiki to see Pearl Harbor and have a Luau and Hanama (sp?) Bay. Then get out of town! Go to Maui and stay in Kapalua or Kaanapali and go to Lanai and make the drive to Hana!!! Don't miss Hana - it will take you about 4 hours to drive there - if you really want to be secluded - book a night in Hana and drive there, stay the night and drive back to Maui! You can work it so you do it the first or last day of your stay in Maui! On Maui, snorkel at Black Rock by the Sheraton - there were sea turtles and schools of goat fish and the visibility was excellent! I definitely recommend Hawaii for your honeymoon if you have never been. Budget well for dining - it is quite expensive. If you are smart you will stay somewhere that has a kitchenette and go to Costco when you get there for waters, beverages, snacks and alcohol! Have fun!

kikihack

We just returned from our honeymoon in Hawaii back to NYC-- it was fantastic. We have been all over the caribbean and I would have to agree with the post above that, at least for our honeymoon, it was nice to be in the U.S. and not have the hassle of language differences or unfriendly locals that we experienced in some caribbean locales. Jet lag is no big deal. We spent 4 days on Kauai and 6 on the Big Island. Being from the East Coast, I think I appreciated Kauai most-- the tropical, exotic scenery and laid back vibe was unlike anything I ever experienced before. Definitely stay on on the northern side (Princeville resort was amazing and seems to be where all the NY honeymooners go). Wish we had stayed on Kauai a couple of days longer and cut our BI stay a bit. On the BI, we loved visting the volcano and hiking to the flowing lava-- this alone was worth the trip. We spent our final four days on the west side of the island at the four seasons. Although this resort was beautiful, there is not much to see on that side of the island (dry and barren) so I would not base the entire vacation there. Ten days is more than adequate to visit two islands, especially for ADD types like my husband and me.

JohnD

Hello, we were married and honeymooned in Hawaii last year and have visited annually since Y2K and are also from the east coast. Hawaii is paradise in a class by itself, it is definitely worth the longer flight. We have been to the Caribbean and Mexico and Key West and they are not in the same league as Hawaii.

In a period of 10 to 12 days we enjoyed spending 4-5 days on Maui and Kauai and a couple of days on the Big Island to see the Active volcano. You may choose to spend more time on the Big Island as there are many upscale resorts on the Kohala coast.

Maui has the largest U.S. tropical rainforest easily explored by car on The Road to Hana. Maui also has the largest number of sandy beaches. Kauai is more similar to Maui but is much smaller and has less people and also has strikingly beautiful tropical scenery and secluded beaches. Which resort you choose depends on how much you wish to spend. Feel free to research this site and ask questions!

Rusty

TedTurner, the most popular Hawaiian Island (i.e. the one with the most visitors) is Oahu by far. The most popular combination of islands is Oahu and one of the other islands.

Maggi

Lily, I wouldn't worry about spending a few more hours on a plane to get to a fabulous place for your honeymoon. It takes me 12 hours to get to Hawaii, but once there I don't want to leave. We've traveled to and loved a lot of tropical destinations, been to Mexico, the Keys, Costa Rica, but I was totally caught off guard by my love for Hawaii. It haunts me and won't let go. We spent one week on Kauai north shore (my favorite) and one week on Maui. From what you are telling us, it sounds like you would like Maui better. I would recommend a resort in Wailea and a seaside bungalow at the Hana Hotel in Hana. The good thing is, you are getting started early, so take your time and do tons of research. Congratulations and have an awesome time!

dmcmom

i was there on my honeymoon 20 years ago and went back 2 more times, and just renewed our vows there in july with our 3 boys. we,re from nj and it is definitely worht the trip!! going there the jet lag wasnt bad, coming home its a little worse. Maui is absolutely beautiful but oahu also has so much to offer. I'd say try to do at least 2 islands. have a great time.

susan1

I think it realy depends on what you want to do.

If you are looking for relaxation, try St. John Island. It is VERY relaxing and romantic.

Also, Aruba is an awesome place. It is very clean, safe, and so friendly. The weather is always perfect there.

Another suggestion would be Bermuda. All three of the islands I suggested are clean, safe, friendly, and yes you can drink the water.

A honeymoon will be special wherever you decide.

One thing about going to Hawaii on your honeymoon is that it will be a memorable trip. It is one place that you probably won't visit too often, especially since you live on the East Coast.

If you decide on going to Hawaii, my suggestions would be Maui and Kaui. Maui for a mixture of everything, Kaui for a more secluded romantic stay. Of course Ohau if you are looking for fast paced night life.

Enjoy and congratulations!

bennnie

Definately go for it. I'm also from Boston and went there on my honeymoon. Am so glad we did as its been 16 years and circumstances have not permitted a return (law school, mortgages, the Red Sox, kids, jobs etc). Take the time to do it now while you can. We had 10 days - 12 would have been better. Loved Maui and Kauai. Congratulations and have a great trip.

dreamathers

Yes, it is definitely worth the flight. We went from Minnesota and were able to have a direct flight which helped quite a bit. The jet lag isn't too bad and since you are on your honeymoon you will want to relax anyways. We got up very early the first few days but this works to your advantage in Hawaii so you can enjoy more time snorkeling and in the sun. My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon there and loved it. Both of us have been to Mexico and it just doesn't compare. We figured we might as well go because who knows if you will ever make the effort to take so much time off from your everyday lives again!

augustlily

WOW, this is a wonderful and informative thread! PLEASE keep the suggestions coming -- you are doing a great job convincing me that maybe I should rethink the Caribbean and head to Hawaii! Tell me more...