Want 25th Anniv. to be VERY special in Hawaii
Jul 3rd, 1999, 11:32 AM
#1
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Want 25th Anniv. to be VERY special in Hawaii
We are planning to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary by traveling to Hawaii with another couple, also celebrating their 25th anniversary. We are all golf nuts and would like to play at least 2 or 3 spectacular golf courses while we are there. We are debating whether to go to Oahu, Kuaui, or Maui. Would like to go somewhere with beautiful scenery, QUIET, and romantic. I am a teacher, so would really like to get away from children for a short while!
This will probably be the only trip to Hawaii we will ever be able to take, so I want to be very careful in selecting islands and hotels.
I would really appreciate any input you "seasoned" travelers might have. Is there a tropical paradise out there for us?
Thanks!
This will probably be the only trip to Hawaii we will ever be able to take, so I want to be very careful in selecting islands and hotels.
I would really appreciate any input you "seasoned" travelers might have. Is there a tropical paradise out there for us?
Thanks!
Jul 3rd, 1999, 05:07 PM
#2
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Considering what you have stated as criteria, I would choose Maui. I think that it is better than the others for a combination of beautiful scenery, quiet, a lot to do, and good golf courses. However, unless you have a very limited stay, I would go to Kauai and Maui. Kauai is absolutely spectacular for natural beauty, and it is the quietest of the major four islands. It has been quite a while since I went on my honeymoon, but I don't think inter-island flights are all that expensive.
Jul 3rd, 1999, 06:52 PM
#3
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If you have the time and money, I would agree with Jeannette and advise you to do both islands -- ideally a week on each, especially if this winds up being your only trip to Hawaii. If you only have time for one, I would go with Kauai. I am not a golfer, but my friends and relatives who are -- as well as both our Hawaii guidebooks -- say Kauai is a wonderful island for golf and that the Princeville Resort course is spectacular. There are apparently also other scenic and challenging courses on the island too. Plus Kauai has the added bonus of being smaller and less crowded than Maui, as well as an incredible tropical paradise (they don't call it "The Garden Island" for nothing!) If you do choose to go to Maui, I've been told that the Kapalua Resort courses are incredible to play at.
My husband and I took a trip to both Maui and Kaui last year (one week on each island) and loved both very much. When we were on Maui, we stayed on the eastern side of the island, away from all the noise and activities, at a Bed and Breakfast called Golden Bamboo Ranch (near Haiku). It was very quiet and secluded and had incredible views of pastures, tropical trees and the ocean off in the distance. I don't know if that is the kind of place you are looking for though(you can check out their websit at: http://www.maui.net/~golden/index.html). It is not a resort or a hotel (so no pool, concierge, restaurant, etc.), but are a group of self-contained cottages on a beautiful piece of property at very reasonable prices. They are just the teensiest bit rustic, with an "old Hawaii feel", but very comfortable and romantic with gorgeous, lush, peaceful surroundings and a friendly cat who likes to make the rounds (if you don't like cats, just ignore him and he'll move on to someone else!). It is very much a "tropical paradise!" The downsides are that it rains more on this side of the island and it takes about an hour to get to the resorts where all the golf courses are (so if you want to go back to your room to change clothes or just take a nap, you have to travel a bit). But we found it a very relaxing place to come back to after a full day of activities. And if you want to do "the road to Hana" you have a head start on all those other people on the other side of the island!
P.S. If you are on Maui, try to take a break from all that golfing and go out to Tescheshi Winery -- it's a beautiful drive, beautiful location . . . and the wine's pretty good too!
My husband and I took a trip to both Maui and Kaui last year (one week on each island) and loved both very much. When we were on Maui, we stayed on the eastern side of the island, away from all the noise and activities, at a Bed and Breakfast called Golden Bamboo Ranch (near Haiku). It was very quiet and secluded and had incredible views of pastures, tropical trees and the ocean off in the distance. I don't know if that is the kind of place you are looking for though(you can check out their websit at: http://www.maui.net/~golden/index.html). It is not a resort or a hotel (so no pool, concierge, restaurant, etc.), but are a group of self-contained cottages on a beautiful piece of property at very reasonable prices. They are just the teensiest bit rustic, with an "old Hawaii feel", but very comfortable and romantic with gorgeous, lush, peaceful surroundings and a friendly cat who likes to make the rounds (if you don't like cats, just ignore him and he'll move on to someone else!). It is very much a "tropical paradise!" The downsides are that it rains more on this side of the island and it takes about an hour to get to the resorts where all the golf courses are (so if you want to go back to your room to change clothes or just take a nap, you have to travel a bit). But we found it a very relaxing place to come back to after a full day of activities. And if you want to do "the road to Hana" you have a head start on all those other people on the other side of the island!
P.S. If you are on Maui, try to take a break from all that golfing and go out to Tescheshi Winery -- it's a beautiful drive, beautiful location . . . and the wine's pretty good too!
Jul 3rd, 1999, 07:16 PM
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Hi Jeannette, My sister & her husband are golfers, my husband and I are not, but we all travel together so I am somewhat familiar with the golfing scene there. Sounds to me like you would love Wailea Resort on Maui. The group of hotels range from great to super fabulous. The resort is quieter, very classy, and has three outstanding courses, according to my brother-in-law. He also likes to play the courses at Kapalua, which would be about an hour's drive away. The resorts at Wailea have some children, of course, but not a lot that I've seen, and I've stayed there three times. If I had two weeks, I would spend the second one on Kauai as mentioned above. Whether I stayed in Princeville would depend on the season, November to April I would stay on the South Shore at Poipu, but the rest of the year Princeville would be fabulous. Please e-mail me if I can be of further help! Have a wonderful time!
Jul 5th, 1999, 09:24 AM
#6
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Maui is the best. The best golf courses on Maui are the Plantation and Village and Bay courses at Kapalua, so you might want to stay at the Kapalua Bay Hotel. (The Ritz Carlton is also in Kapalua, but it is not on a beach.) If you are going in the winter, it may rain in Kapalua, so stay at the Hyatt in Kaanapali, a 15 minute drive away from Kapalua.
LOTS more info about Maui restaurants, hotels, activities, sights, etc, at this web site:
http://www.mauihawaii.org
(note it ends in org, not com)
Jon
LOTS more info about Maui restaurants, hotels, activities, sights, etc, at this web site:
http://www.mauihawaii.org
(note it ends in org, not com)
Jon
Jul 6th, 1999, 01:36 PM
#7
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Hi Jeannette, we spent our honeymoon and several subsequent anniversaries at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island. While everywhere in Hawaii is wonderful, this is quiet, classy, few little children and those are kept busy with nannies or the childrens' program, and has one two of the most spectacular golf courses you could imagine. Wonderful dining--the Batik Room is generally devoid of small people!! Try the sunset cocktail cruise on the hotel's catamaran (hope they still do this) It's spectacular and also no kids. I do like kids, but I know what you want on a 25th anniversary trip. Alternatively, I would suggest the Kapalua Hotel on Maui. Just beware that some areas of Maui are overrun by kids. Aloha!
Jul 6th, 1999, 08:45 PM
#9
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Jeannette, I'm going to chime in again with regard to Jon's suggestion that you stay at Hyatt Regency - Kaanapali. It's a beautiful hotel BUT - If QUIET is important to you, as you indicated above, you would not have it there! Otherwise, it's a great place if you like a busier, more bustling resort.
Jul 9th, 1999, 10:43 PM
#10
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My husband and I just returned from Hawaii Thursday (married 27 yrs) We
stayed on Oahu (Waikiki area), Maui
(Kaanapoli area) and Hawaii (Kona & Hilo) The Waikiki area is like any other beach resort, in my opinion (lots of people, traffic, faster pace, etc.)
There are about 820,000 living on Oahu today.
What we thought of as the real "Hawaii", in our opinion, was on Maui. It's not all built up like Oahu/Waikiki and much slower paced and it's simply beautiful.
I really liked the Kona area on Hawaii, too, but Hilo was kind of old and gets A LOT of rainfall (but does have some great waterfalls and places to hike - especially in Volcano Natl. Park.
I've not been to Kaui, but I hear it is gorgeous and extremely tropical (where Jurassic Park was filmed, among others)
I, too, love to golf, and looked longingly at the courses as we passed by. We were into seeing everything we could and my husband didn't want to take the time. Unfortunately, I didn't commit any names to memory.
I do know that there is a Jack Nicklaus course across the street from the Kaanapoli Beach hotels on Maui. That would be my vote.
One thing I encourage you to try, if you haven't already, and that's snorkeling. My God, what an experience!
I do not swim, but can do a fierce dog paddle and don't like to go in water over my head. My husband bought snorkel eqpt at one of the local Long's drugstores for $10 (hotels rent them for $7/day) and one day I decided to try it. I stood in water that was just under my arms in depth and put my head under water just to try it. I was stunned by the simply beautiful fish that were around me that I would never have known about. The next thing that surprised me was that salt water makes one very bouyant and I ended up floating on top of the water, looking down at the fish, and breathing easily from the tube in my mouth. I would never have dreamed in a million years that I could do that. If I can do it,
ANYONE can. It was a wonderful surprise.
Have a great time, wherever you decide to go and in whatever you decide to do.
stayed on Oahu (Waikiki area), Maui
(Kaanapoli area) and Hawaii (Kona & Hilo) The Waikiki area is like any other beach resort, in my opinion (lots of people, traffic, faster pace, etc.)
There are about 820,000 living on Oahu today.
What we thought of as the real "Hawaii", in our opinion, was on Maui. It's not all built up like Oahu/Waikiki and much slower paced and it's simply beautiful.
I really liked the Kona area on Hawaii, too, but Hilo was kind of old and gets A LOT of rainfall (but does have some great waterfalls and places to hike - especially in Volcano Natl. Park.
I've not been to Kaui, but I hear it is gorgeous and extremely tropical (where Jurassic Park was filmed, among others)
I, too, love to golf, and looked longingly at the courses as we passed by. We were into seeing everything we could and my husband didn't want to take the time. Unfortunately, I didn't commit any names to memory.
I do know that there is a Jack Nicklaus course across the street from the Kaanapoli Beach hotels on Maui. That would be my vote.
One thing I encourage you to try, if you haven't already, and that's snorkeling. My God, what an experience!
I do not swim, but can do a fierce dog paddle and don't like to go in water over my head. My husband bought snorkel eqpt at one of the local Long's drugstores for $10 (hotels rent them for $7/day) and one day I decided to try it. I stood in water that was just under my arms in depth and put my head under water just to try it. I was stunned by the simply beautiful fish that were around me that I would never have known about. The next thing that surprised me was that salt water makes one very bouyant and I ended up floating on top of the water, looking down at the fish, and breathing easily from the tube in my mouth. I would never have dreamed in a million years that I could do that. If I can do it,
ANYONE can. It was a wonderful surprise.
Have a great time, wherever you decide to go and in whatever you decide to do.
Jul 10th, 1999, 08:26 PM
#11
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Jeannette,
Maui gets my vote too. As frequent visitors to Maui (and Hawaiian Islands in general) I think you'll have a great time there. While we don't play golf the courses all look spectacular and many of the hotels fit the category of "romantic".
Probably traveling during the summer you will encounter kids at most of the resorts and I do understand your wanting some time away from children. I work at a University and know how nice it is to get a break from it all too - children and young folks are great, but time away from them is too.
As for tropical paradise, take the time to go to Hana should you go to Maui. We've been a dozen times and always enjoy the ride (altho part of the road is under construction right now so there may be some delays). The scenery is breathtaking and you will not regret going -- it's a long day tho, so pack a picnic lunch and enjoy! You don't want to miss Mt. Haleakala either (altho I admit to never going up there at sunrise -- just don't want to be up that early during vacation). Nearly every time we've been to the top the weather has been super-clear and the views are fantastic. It's a nice day trip, and the elevation is over 10,000 ft. but it is a gradual climb and the road is a good one.
All the islands have their own charm, but for a mixture of great scenery, good places to eat, nice hotels/condos, and good shopping, etc. Maui really is the best to us. We like the Kaanapali area but Kapalua and Wailea are great too - you really cannot go wrong.
Enjoy the trip (and enjoy your break from school!)
Maui gets my vote too. As frequent visitors to Maui (and Hawaiian Islands in general) I think you'll have a great time there. While we don't play golf the courses all look spectacular and many of the hotels fit the category of "romantic".
Probably traveling during the summer you will encounter kids at most of the resorts and I do understand your wanting some time away from children. I work at a University and know how nice it is to get a break from it all too - children and young folks are great, but time away from them is too.
As for tropical paradise, take the time to go to Hana should you go to Maui. We've been a dozen times and always enjoy the ride (altho part of the road is under construction right now so there may be some delays). The scenery is breathtaking and you will not regret going -- it's a long day tho, so pack a picnic lunch and enjoy! You don't want to miss Mt. Haleakala either (altho I admit to never going up there at sunrise -- just don't want to be up that early during vacation). Nearly every time we've been to the top the weather has been super-clear and the views are fantastic. It's a nice day trip, and the elevation is over 10,000 ft. but it is a gradual climb and the road is a good one.
All the islands have their own charm, but for a mixture of great scenery, good places to eat, nice hotels/condos, and good shopping, etc. Maui really is the best to us. We like the Kaanapali area but Kapalua and Wailea are great too - you really cannot go wrong.
Enjoy the trip (and enjoy your break from school!)
Jul 12th, 1999, 10:05 AM
#12
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Just wanted to thank everyone for being so helpful! It seems that it is hard to go wrong when going to Hawaii.
Has anyone ever stayed at a private home or vacation house? I have seen some really nice ones on the i'net.
Anyway, thanks again for your assistance!
Jeannette
Has anyone ever stayed at a private home or vacation house? I have seen some really nice ones on the i'net.
Anyway, thanks again for your assistance!
Jeannette
Jul 12th, 1999, 10:23 AM
#13
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Jeannette,
I agree with the others that Maui is number one. If that turns out to be your pick, treat yourselves to a wonderful Hawaiian experience with a dinner at Mama's Fish House. There are many wonderful restaurants on Maui but at Mama's the atmosphere is old Hawaiian and the fish is the freshest you'll ever find. It is located on the north side of the island along the road to Hana, not too far from the Kahului airport, past Paia (sp?). If you leave a little early, you can watch the world class wind surfers just down the road, beyond the restaurant. I promise that it will be one of your lasting Hawaiian memories. Happy anniversary!
I agree with the others that Maui is number one. If that turns out to be your pick, treat yourselves to a wonderful Hawaiian experience with a dinner at Mama's Fish House. There are many wonderful restaurants on Maui but at Mama's the atmosphere is old Hawaiian and the fish is the freshest you'll ever find. It is located on the north side of the island along the road to Hana, not too far from the Kahului airport, past Paia (sp?). If you leave a little early, you can watch the world class wind surfers just down the road, beyond the restaurant. I promise that it will be one of your lasting Hawaiian memories. Happy anniversary!
