Which Island for weddingmoon?
Jan 6th, 2011, 06:12 AM
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Which Island for weddingmoon?
Hello,
I am back on the forum. I know now that my fiance is the one because the man has the patience of a saint. I've been "all around the world" on the net looking for destination wedding hotspots - FIji, Italy, Caribbean, Mexico, you name it, I've researched it. I have always had travel fever, so knowing that we have 15k to have small wedding/travel budget has made it that much harder for me
We have decided on Hawaii. For one, we won't have the blood work/translations/legal jargon we would go through marrying in a foreign country. Also, my fiance has step-sibilings who reside there (I think Oahu), so his family who lives near us in Florida has a place to stay (his parents are on a tight budget, so anywhere else makes it very hard for them to attend). My brother also informed me that his girlfriend has an aunt on the Big Island, so they have a place to stay too. I guess I won't feel as guilty asking people to attend, in a nutshell.
The big question is - which island? We are not all that interested in Oahu. Maybe for a different trip, but not this one. The sister who lives in Hawaii has the funds for her and the parents to hop a plane to another island. I am torn between Big Island and Maui. Maui seems to be THE wedding hotspot and we found a coordinator/minister/photographer whom we really like. However, it seems like Big Island has so much adventure, esp. with the volcanoes and my fiance and I are big on exploring and adventure. We are hoping to snorkel, zipline, hike, kayak, fish and take some incredible photos. Any advice?
Or - perhaps we can do both? I understand that we would actually have to fly from Maui to Big Island. Not the most pleasant scenario, but worth seeing a volcano, I hope? Has anyone island hopped? WHat is your experience with that?
Also, hotel advice? We have looked at the Kona Resort and some bed/breakfasts. My big wish is more eco-style accomodations and possibly a place that offers gluten-free breads/dairy free. But this is not absolutely necessary - I just avoid breads and dairy and eat fruit/meat/veggies when on vacay.
Additional Info:
~We are in our early to mid thirties
~We are wanting to do this in June (I'm a teacher, so I have to go when I have vacation and the only other time when I have two weeks off is Christmas - doesn't seem like an ideal time to marry)
~We would go for 10-14 days.
~Wedding wish - beach wedding, Hawaiian ceremony, immediate family, plus two friends only, hoping to do a luau type reception or go to a restaurant that is luau style.
Thanks for any advice!
I am back on the forum. I know now that my fiance is the one because the man has the patience of a saint. I've been "all around the world" on the net looking for destination wedding hotspots - FIji, Italy, Caribbean, Mexico, you name it, I've researched it. I have always had travel fever, so knowing that we have 15k to have small wedding/travel budget has made it that much harder for me
We have decided on Hawaii. For one, we won't have the blood work/translations/legal jargon we would go through marrying in a foreign country. Also, my fiance has step-sibilings who reside there (I think Oahu), so his family who lives near us in Florida has a place to stay (his parents are on a tight budget, so anywhere else makes it very hard for them to attend). My brother also informed me that his girlfriend has an aunt on the Big Island, so they have a place to stay too. I guess I won't feel as guilty asking people to attend, in a nutshell.
The big question is - which island? We are not all that interested in Oahu. Maybe for a different trip, but not this one. The sister who lives in Hawaii has the funds for her and the parents to hop a plane to another island. I am torn between Big Island and Maui. Maui seems to be THE wedding hotspot and we found a coordinator/minister/photographer whom we really like. However, it seems like Big Island has so much adventure, esp. with the volcanoes and my fiance and I are big on exploring and adventure. We are hoping to snorkel, zipline, hike, kayak, fish and take some incredible photos. Any advice?
Or - perhaps we can do both? I understand that we would actually have to fly from Maui to Big Island. Not the most pleasant scenario, but worth seeing a volcano, I hope? Has anyone island hopped? WHat is your experience with that?
Also, hotel advice? We have looked at the Kona Resort and some bed/breakfasts. My big wish is more eco-style accomodations and possibly a place that offers gluten-free breads/dairy free. But this is not absolutely necessary - I just avoid breads and dairy and eat fruit/meat/veggies when on vacay.
Additional Info:
~We are in our early to mid thirties
~We are wanting to do this in June (I'm a teacher, so I have to go when I have vacation and the only other time when I have two weeks off is Christmas - doesn't seem like an ideal time to marry)
~We would go for 10-14 days.
~Wedding wish - beach wedding, Hawaiian ceremony, immediate family, plus two friends only, hoping to do a luau type reception or go to a restaurant that is luau style.
Thanks for any advice!
Jan 6th, 2011, 06:55 AM
#2
I think Maui is the most 'romantic' and looks like the Hawaii most people think of. It's an easy island to get around. Has both developed and undeveloped areas.
If you have people wanting to stay with relatives who live there though, you might want to consider whatever that island is. Otherwise, even though they are not far apart, you're asking people to book interisland air fare and then rent cars to get to where you are.
If you have people wanting to stay with relatives who live there though, you might want to consider whatever that island is. Otherwise, even though they are not far apart, you're asking people to book interisland air fare and then rent cars to get to where you are.
Jan 6th, 2011, 07:01 AM
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Suze - they can afford to do that. It's the 5k vacation cost of going elsewhere for them that we want to avoid. I have heard that about Maui! Why do you think it's the "romantic island"?
Jan 6th, 2011, 07:09 AM
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I suggest you look at Kona Village. It's a beautiful property with great food and super snorkeling. I was there two years ago and saw a most beautiful wedding.
I would stay there a week and then fly to Kauai which is my other favorite island for a week. Tracy Brewer is in charge of wedding planning and she is a super person.
Here's a link.
http://www.konavillage.com/contents/v/Weddings
Do your homework.
Bill
I would stay there a week and then fly to Kauai which is my other favorite island for a week. Tracy Brewer is in charge of wedding planning and she is a super person.
Here's a link.
http://www.konavillage.com/contents/v/Weddings
Do your homework.
Bill
Jan 6th, 2011, 07:57 AM
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I second Bill's suggestion and add one of my own: take a look at www.davidskvr.net for a comprehensive look at the village itself.
David
David
Jan 6th, 2011, 09:41 AM
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@Bill - We have looked at this place - looks amazing! Was there enough to leep you busy and is it near other things to do? Also, what about the wedding did you find particularly beautiful?
@David - I will certainly check that out. Thanks a ton!
The wedding planner I found was Kevin Rebelo @ http://hawaiiwedding.com. They're in Maui. I am not 100 percent old on him because marrying on the Big Island would prob. be more convinient so we wouldn't all have to "hop". AGain, thanks for the Kona Village wedding suggestion, Bill.
@David - I will certainly check that out. Thanks a ton!
The wedding planner I found was Kevin Rebelo @ http://hawaiiwedding.com. They're in Maui. I am not 100 percent old on him because marrying on the Big Island would prob. be more convinient so we wouldn't all have to "hop". AGain, thanks for the Kona Village wedding suggestion, Bill.
Jan 6th, 2011, 10:18 AM
#9
I don't see how you can call an entire island "touristy". Every island, even including Oahu, has plenty of quiet beaches, off-the-beaten-path things to see and explore.
Why I say that about Maui is because to me it looks the most like Hawaii "in the movies".
Why I say that about Maui is because to me it looks the most like Hawaii "in the movies".
Jan 6th, 2011, 10:20 AM
#10
If Big Island is more convenient, and you've got a wedding planner, why not go with that? The island is incredibly diverse as to the landscape. There is pretty much a little of everything there... arid, lush, jungles, plains, ranches, volcano, beaches, mountains, etc. etc.
Jan 6th, 2011, 11:01 AM
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Congratulations on your engagement, and I think you should also look at the Sheraton Keauhou Resort for your wedding. There is an oceanfront chapel right on the property and not only are the rates reasonable, the hotel offers Kaimana (local resident) room rate discounts for your family. www.sheratonkeauhou.com
Jan 6th, 2011, 02:10 PM
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E-Ray, two things struck me about the wedding. First the ceremony was on the coast at sunset and that evening was primo. Great colors, no wind, just made to order. Next the reception was held on the back lawn and they have the whole area lite up including the waterfall. It was just magical at night.
As I understand there are a few places designated for the weddings depending upon what suits you. Most people who go to Hawaii want the water and sunset.
Regarding what to do. There is a number of ways to approach it. First, spend only five days at the resort and do nothing. Now doing nothing doesn't mean doing. Most returnees come to the village and never leave. What can you do, well, snorkel, sail hobbie cats, tennis, golf at the 4 Season courses, hike to Kukio Beach, hike north along the coast, swim in the pool, eat great food and talk to interesting people, staff included, go to a fantasic luau and walk beautiful gardens. For a few extra bucks you can paddleboard, scuba, go on an ocean tour or helicoper flight.
Alternatively, rent a car and explore the Kohala coast. There is Kua Bay about 3 miles away with its great little waves and the softest white sand. Hike to Kiholo Bay. Hike the National Park by the small boat harbor, about 20 miles away. Snorkel Pauko and beach it at Beach 69. Swim at A-bay at Waikoloa Resorts and shop at King's Shopping Center. Also a Waikoloa has a petroglyph field. Compare KVR's petroglyphs to Waikoloa, they are very different. Go to Hawi and visit the Parks on the coast. Drive to Kailua-Kona and do the tourist thing (that gets old quickly, but fun the first time.)
For a longer day drive to Volcanoes National Park.
For me, I like to split my trips. First half always outside the Village in Hilo or Volcanoe Village, I always finish at the village. That probably won't work but you could always reverse it and get married and relax the first five days and then sightsee on the eastside the next days.
If I can be of any help just ask. BTW I never proof, so I apologize.
Bill
As I understand there are a few places designated for the weddings depending upon what suits you. Most people who go to Hawaii want the water and sunset.
Regarding what to do. There is a number of ways to approach it. First, spend only five days at the resort and do nothing. Now doing nothing doesn't mean doing. Most returnees come to the village and never leave. What can you do, well, snorkel, sail hobbie cats, tennis, golf at the 4 Season courses, hike to Kukio Beach, hike north along the coast, swim in the pool, eat great food and talk to interesting people, staff included, go to a fantasic luau and walk beautiful gardens. For a few extra bucks you can paddleboard, scuba, go on an ocean tour or helicoper flight.
Alternatively, rent a car and explore the Kohala coast. There is Kua Bay about 3 miles away with its great little waves and the softest white sand. Hike to Kiholo Bay. Hike the National Park by the small boat harbor, about 20 miles away. Snorkel Pauko and beach it at Beach 69. Swim at A-bay at Waikoloa Resorts and shop at King's Shopping Center. Also a Waikoloa has a petroglyph field. Compare KVR's petroglyphs to Waikoloa, they are very different. Go to Hawi and visit the Parks on the coast. Drive to Kailua-Kona and do the tourist thing (that gets old quickly, but fun the first time.)
For a longer day drive to Volcanoes National Park.
For me, I like to split my trips. First half always outside the Village in Hilo or Volcanoe Village, I always finish at the village. That probably won't work but you could always reverse it and get married and relax the first five days and then sightsee on the eastside the next days.
If I can be of any help just ask. BTW I never proof, so I apologize.
Bill
Jan 6th, 2011, 05:11 PM
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You guys are all so great. Bill, thanks for being so descriptive. As soon as I get a chance (I'm in the middle of moving AND writing exams - boo!)I will thoroughly research all of this. Thanks so much for taking the time to help me 
Jan 7th, 2011, 01:25 PM
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E-Ray, For further infomation join facebook's Kona Village fan page. There were a number of people who stated they were married there and a couple who will be married at the end of January. I am sure they would be happy to talk to you about their experiences, good and not so.
Good luck on your exams.
Bill
Good luck on your exams.
Bill
Jan 7th, 2011, 01:42 PM
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Here's a link to the KVR fan page: http://www.facebook.com/KonaVillageResort?ref=ts
Jan 7th, 2011, 01:58 PM
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With all due respect, I am thoroughly confused. Some people have a place to stay somewhere on the island of Oahu and some people have some place to stay on somewhere on the very big island of Hawaii. All are on a very tight budget. And you would like to know where to have a wedding celebration? You do realize that it could cost hundreds to travel to Hawaii, hundreds to change islands and hundreds for a hotel and rental car to attend whatever beach or venue you choose. Affordable and even free lodging is only a small part of the equation, especially when they are staying affordably or free on a different island.
Congratulations on your engagement. Good luck with your plans
Congratulations on your engagement. Good luck with your plans
Jan 7th, 2011, 02:13 PM
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Great - I'm on FB all the time, so this will be super easy. Thanks again guys!
@Kealalani - either you misread or I mistyped. Two family members (who have money) live in Hawaii and want the guests to visit anyway and will pay for the flights. It's really only my fiance and I who have to pay up the wazoo.
@Kealalani - either you misread or I mistyped. Two family members (who have money) live in Hawaii and want the guests to visit anyway and will pay for the flights. It's really only my fiance and I who have to pay up the wazoo.
