If you do choose the Kapalua or Kaanapali areas (west Maui), only fly to OGG if you can get a nonstop flight; but if you have to change planes in Honolulu anyway, definitely fly to Kapalua -- you'll be 10 minutes from Kaanapali Beach, and what's bad about a small airport? If you choose south Maui, the Kapalua airport is too far.

Four Seasons Maui.

We stayed at the Maui Renaissance in Wailea, but I think it may have changed hands. That entire area is really nice - pretty beach, and all the Wailea hotels are connected by a nice path that runs along in front where you can stroll. It's a gorgeous area and not as commercial as some of the other parts of Maui. Let us know where you end up!

I believe it's about mostly about where you choose to stay, where you eat, what you do... whether an island is expensive or more budget friendly. It's not about the island itself.

I know I can vacation relatively cheaply on both Oahu and Maui. But I stay a budget hotel, shop at the grocery stores, eat plate lunch and have casual meals, don't go on any expensive guided tours or excursion, rather explore on my own.

As this is your honeymoon, I would splurge and enjoy a beautiful hotel and beach.

You can always go budget later.

Marginal, I only mentioned the possibility of a "budget" (honeymoon or not) because Johnnyman7 seemed to be ready to not consider Maui because of thinking it was "more expensive". My point was that does not have to be true. aloha, Suze

I don't know if they still offer this, but we picked our hotel on Maui because the Entertainment book had a 50% off coupon; we saved half off our entire stay, which was a huge savings. You might check into it.

volcanogirl - the Renaissance is actually being demolished and replaced with an exclusive Baccarat property. Can you believe that?! http://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/06...w-maui-resort/

Oh, wow, govisit - thanks for sharing that with me. I heard rumors that it was changing hands, but had no idea. That's kind of a bummer in case we ever wanted to go back someday for a big anniversary. I'd hate to see what the new place will cost! It says if you have to ask you can't afford it, so I guess we can't afford it - lol!

Johnny,
I haven't been to Kaui, but Maui or Oahu would fit your description. Think of Maui as a sort of compromise between a place that's totally deserted and Waikiki. There's some nightlife, and a ton of things to do, but it's not too hard to find a secluded spot. When I went a few years, I stayed at the Royal Lahaina on a pretty deserted stretch of Kaanapali. It was kinda dumpy (the hotel, NOT the beach), but it was in a great spot and the rooms have since been renovated.

Don't rule out Oahu, either.
If you don't want to stay in Waikiki, well, it's a different world if you go just a few miles outside of Honolulu. Few crowds. Much more laid back. And the restaurants and clubs aren't too far away.