SOS HAWAII
 

Can anyone help me? My fiancee and I are vacationing in Hawaii in September 1999 for our honeymoon. We live in Toronto and need help with airfare, accommodations and any wise words regarding Hawaii. We would like to visit, Maui, Wakiki, Lanai, Mikolai, Kauai <BR>and the Big Island. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanx for your time!!!!

Rose, <BR> <BR>Go to the bookstore and buy yourself at least two different books on Hawaii. I recommend Fodor's 99 & Gayot's The Best of Hawaii. These books will hightlight: the must see sights, off and on the beaten path, what to see/skip, lodging/restaurant critics and pricing, what to wear, tips of cutting costs, etc. Since each island offers something different, these books will assist you on determining what YOU want to do and see on each island prior to making any airfare/hotel accomodations. This will allow you to make the best logistical decisions and utilization of your time to enjoy yourselfs. For instance if you want to unwind, relax and do nothing for the first 2-3 days after the hustle and bustle of planning/executing a wedding (not including jet lag) starting off in Oahu, Maui and Hawaii would not a good use of your time since there is sooo much to see and do on those islands. Depending on how long your honeymoon will be, you might determine that you are trying to see too much in too little time. Ultimately, decide what the both of you want to do and see then ask your travel agent and other people for suggestions so you can make the best choices. You will probably have to do some leg work for the best price. For instance, I booked my trip to Hawaii in past August. When I called for airfare I was quoted $1200.00 per person r/t from Newark, NJ to Honolulu. When I booked the r/t tickets Newark to LA, LA to Honolulu the total cost was $580.00 per person. Depending from where and who you fly with, you may be able to fly directly into Oahu or the Big Island from the mainland. I suggest this because it may allow you more time enjoing yourselves and less time in the airport/airplane. I am also bring an entertainment book for Hawaii with me. This should help me save more $$$, which I will in turn spend. Good Luck!!!

Unless you have 3 or 4 weeks for your honeymoon, you are trying to see too many islands! If you only have one week, I suggest just Maui. If you have ten days, then a week on Maui and 3 days in Waikiki. If you have two weeks, then a week on Maui and 3 days in Waikiki and 4 days on Kauai. Any more island-hopping than that and you will spend your entire honeymoon packing and unpacking. <BR> <BR>Maui is the best. <BR>LOTS more info about Maui sights, activities, hotels, condos, restaurants, etc, is in the 30-page paper that you can read or print from this web site: <BR>http://members.aol.com/Derm1/index.html <BR> <BR>Jon <BR>

<BR>Depending on the length of time, concentrate on just 2-3 islands. I'd recommend Oahu, Maui and either Kauai or the big isle, Hawaii, especially if you want to see volcanoes. I think there should be some good package deals coming from Toronto. Have you checked with the local travel agencies?? If you decide on Oahu (where Waikiki and Honolulu are located), I can help you with more info if you'd like. That is our favorite because of the greater variety of things to do and see, and in fact, we'll be there in a couple weeks.

I just love doing this. By the way, I am in Oakville, so if you would like more advice,email me at the above address and we talk over the phone. I can give you my number then. I have been to Hawaii three times and have sent many others and helped plan their trips. I am not a travel agent, although my family thinks I should have been. I need to know how long you will be there. I recommend an initial stopover at Waikiki, in Honolulu for maybe two nights, then on to Kauai and Maui. You want to see a lot but unless you have tons of time you will tire yourself out. Both the islands of Lanai and Molokai are the least visited although, I think either or perhaps both of them have properties very high on the ratings list( and very costly) The Big Island I did not find very thrilling although our property there, the Hilton Waikoloa Village, was to die for and still my family's favourite. Maui has very classy properties and I recommend you read the ratings for the Four Seasons, Kea Lani and Grand Wailea all in Wailea(the area of Maui that has the best weather and classiest properties). I sent my best friend's daughter to the Four Seasons in October for her honeymoon and they loved it. For what it is worth Arnold Schwarzennegger was there with his family. The resort is first class. I can help you with the rates. They stayed at a Sheraton property for their first 2 nights and found it pretty good and right on Waikiki. In Kauai, I would read about the Princeville on the North shore(Sheraton) and Hyatt on the south shore and there is also a Sheraton there. I can tell you how to get discounts through Sheraton to save on these properties. I will give you my phone number, check your email. Annemarie <BR>