Where to stay?

nataliet02

So FI and I have finally decided on where to honeymoon: HAWAII!! Unfortunately we have never been and don't know where to stay. We have set a $2500 budget for flight and hotel. We want to stay on Maui since that seems to be the island most friends and family recommend to us based on our personalities. So for all those out there who have been please give us some reccomendations! We are looking for a 4 star hotel if possible. TIA!

TravelingJen

I just looked up some random dates in October out of LAX to Maui, and the cheapest flights I found were $591 per person. That would leave $1318 for the week. I found some condos on VRBO in the range of $130-$150 per night. At the low end, that would eat up your budget (assuming you stay one week). If you want to rent a car, go out for meals, and partake in some activities, you will have to raise it to at least $4k, and I am not even sure that would be enough. As the others mentioned, $5k should give you plenty enough. If you are unable to increase your budget, then I would recommend going to an all-inclusive in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Jamaica.

[Deleted User]

I love Hawaii. For $2500, if you are flexible on your dates and not too picky about your accomodations (3 star vs 5 star) you could probably get flights and accomodation for that. DH and I have paid around that for flights and hotel and we're on the east coast. We've also spent much more than that too, lol.  It really depends on how luxurious you want your honeymoon to be. If you are okay with staying at a nice, but not luxurious place, then go for it.  You should budget extra for excursions and food. Personally I didn't find the food prices terribly expensive, probably because DH and I always go to really nice restaurants when we eat out. Liquor is more expensive, but we always stop by the store and get some for our room.  Hawaii is actually "on sale" via Orbitz this week so definitely check them out.

nataliet02

thanks for all the advice so far. To clear things up the $2500 is ONLY for the flight and hotel. This total does not include food/transportation/entertainment/etc. We are doing a total for the trip of $5000 and plan on staying for 5 nights. Guess I'll just go with some hotels that have good ratings on Hotels.com or Tripadvisor.com. 

hz80408

I would take the advice from TravelingJen and consider renting an apt/condo.  It can help save your budget and also help you save money with meals, even if it's just having breakfast at home, etc.