Honeymoon in Hawaii? (Wailua, Princeville, Poipu: appointed, renting, hotels)

[KarmaPhx]

We are looking to do our honeymoon in Hawaii next October. We have been doing a lot of research, but we are unsure of the best place for what we are looking for.

We want to relax on the beach during the day, and do water activities like snorkeling, and maybe scuba if we can get certified in time. We are also interested in some inland activits like hiking, I found a few waterfalls I was really interested in seeing. At night we want to go out and find some local nightlife, or just relax at the hotel.

I have a few choices for properties, I was wondering what you guys think would be best suited for our needs?

Monana Surfrider Waikiki Beach
Royal Hawaiian Waikiki Beach
Sheraton Kauai Resort
The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Vilals

All of these are the same price with my employee discount, so it's just a matter of choosing a romantic yet fun honeymoon.

Thanks in Advance!

[Ellwood]

IMO Maui sounds like the best island for you. Kauai, especially the north end, can be quite rainy.

[KarmaPhx]

We did a lot of research tonight, and we think Maui would be the best destination as well. Those villas at the Westin Ka-anapali sound amazing.

How's the weather in October? I was told it rains everyday, but just for a few hours?

[PacificFlights]

This is a must see for all visitors to Hawaii (and residents alike)
Hulu - Saturday Night Live: Hawaiian Hotel

[Mar0]

I have stayed at all of these hotels...(my boyfriend works for starwood)

I love Oahu and think out of all of the hotels listed, Royal Hawaiian is best for your honeymoon. But, some people are adverse to Oahu b/c it is a city and not as relaxing as neighbor islands.

Unlike everyone else in the world, Maui is not my favorite island. But it has the best mix of busyness and relaxation. Westin KOR is very family oriented (great pools for keiki) but in October, it won't be over run with children. I think that the Westin Resort and Spa in Ka'anapali is a better choice for a honeymoon, but JMO.

Princeville won't be too rainy in October. I think that the North Shore of Kauai is one of the most romantic places, but it is very remote. I don't love the Westin (if you could get St. Regis, this would win hands down) but it is a nice and newer property. You will not have any nightlife here.

Do some research about what island would fit you best (maybe look at Hawaii for Dummies or a similar book) and then go from there. All of these properties are nice and you won't be disappointed.

[Mar0]

Woops I just read your response.

I guess your decision is made! And October is not too rainy.

[whynot?]

I live in Ka'anapali, and I have also stayed at all of your original hotels except the Sheraton on Kaua'i. If you've narrowed it to Maui and the Westin Villas, I think you'll be happy there. We had dinner just last night with a couple who are staying there right now, and they love it. I don't know who told you it rains every day in October, but that would be very unusual -- especially in Ka'anapali, which is on the dry side of Maui.

If you're still considering the other places, I second MarO. We usually stay at the Royal Hawaiian, and while it's in town, it's a little more secluded than the Moana Surfrider. I stayed at the Moana in May, and the street noise was about 10x what you might hear at the Royal. Both have beautiful rooms. I love Princeville, too, but have only stayed at the hotel, not the villas.

[London Girl]

I think Kauai is, without doubt, the most beautiful island in the chain.

Oahu is OK but VERY built up and busy. Some call it a mini-Los Angeles. Waikiki is full of high rise hotels and traffic.

On Kauai, no building can be higher than a coconut palm

There are some SPECTACULAR hikes on Kauai (The Kalalau Trail being the most well known).

The South side of the island tends to be dryer but the scenery on the North Shore will blow you away. It is, quite simply, breathtaking.

There are some great restaurants in Poipu, (Roys, the Beach House) there is also a fantastic Japanese restaurant in Wailua (Kintaro). Plus Postcards in Hanalei, or

Kintaro Restaurant Kintaro, Kauai Menu Magazine, Japanese Cusine

Roys Roy’s Restaurant - Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine - Culinary Experiences

Postcards Postcards Homepage

Hanalei Dolphin Kauai Restaurants, The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, Hanalei, Hawaii Fish Market + Shopping

We always stay on the North Shore - either camping at Haena Beach or Anini Beach, renting a vacation home or at the Hanalei Colony Resort.

If you choose Kauai, do not miss taking a helicopter ride over the island

Whichever island you choose, I'd highly recommend the Ultimate Kauai/Maui/Oahu Guidebooks by Andrew Doughty - they are THE best guidebooks to the islands and the info they provide is invaluable.

EDIT: Enjoy Mauai!!!!

[kixette]

its my dream to spend a long lazy weekend at the royal hawaiian, what a fabulous resort! i typically don't like "fancy-schmancy" but something about that glorious pinkness appeals to me, and it is so beautiful inside and out!

[KarmaPhx]

We decided against Waikiki for sure, and my fiance is pretty dead set on Maui. We got our dates down, and a few more hotels opened up, so now my choices are:'

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Lahina Area
or
The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas