Honeymoon suggestions...possibly Hawaii

Re: Honeymoon suggestions...possibly Hawaii

• Summer2011Bride member

  

  July 2012

  We did Oahu for our HM and absolutely loved it. Having said that, I would go to the Official Hawaii tourism website. It has so much quality info there and helped us decide on Oahu. It has pages for each of the 4 major islands (as well as the two smaller "major" islands) with sample itineraries, hotels, restaurants, etc. It can help you get a feel for each of the islands and decide on one (or even two--many split their trip between two islands).
  
  We liked Oahu because we could be beach bums all we wanted with gorgeous views but also had plenty of nightlife, shopping, water sports, and outdoor activities. It was the perfect mixture for us. It's also the smallest of the major 4 islands so we could easily drive from one side of the island to the other in less than 1.5 hours, so we felt we really got to see the whole island on our trip (we spent 9 days).
  
  Hawaii is expensive, but Oahu is probably the most affordable island. If you have any specific questions about our trip, let me know.

  
  
  
  
  

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• girlinchicago member

  

  July 2012 edited July 2012

  Agreed - go to your local bookstore or libary and check out the Revealed series.  The books will give you a better idea of what island fits the bill best for you. 

  
  

  Personally, I have no interest in ever going to Oahu, but I live in a big city so I'm not looking for that type of experience in Hawaii.  We loved Maui and Kauai - Maui has tons to do, is fun and romantic, great beaches, hotels, restaurants.  Kauai is Hawaiian paradise - green and lush, a total outdoorsy island, but it doesn't offer any nightlife.  

  
  

  With a week, I'd do one island.  If you had 10 days, I'd suggest doing two.  

  

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• jemmini6 member

  

  July 2012

  I love Hawaii!  I've been to the 4 'major' islands so far and I've loved each one for different reasons.  Oahu is really the only one where you'll find 'typical' nightlife, but to me, it's highly overrated in Hawaii.  Surprisingly, each time we go, we are usually early to bed and early to rise because we want to take advantage of as most of the day as possible.  However, every island has great bars and restaurants that are usually really popular for sunset (and of course during happy hour).
  
  What other type of stuff are you wanting to do or see?  Each island is unique in its own way, so you definitely need to figure out what type of vacation you want to have, and do a bit of research to find out which island will meet those requirements.  Also, unless you are going for 10 or more days, stick to one island.

  
  

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• daria24 member

  

  July 2012

  We just came back from Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. We skipped Oahu because we live in NYC and had no desire to visit a city. I liked Kauai much more than Maui-it's less expensive, I think the scenery is more beautiful, and it's more laid back/less touristy. 

  
  

  The Big Island was awesome for adventure and for lots of very different activities-we jumped off cliffs, went on a snorkeling tour, hiked across the volcano, hiked to lots of secluded beaches, etc.

  
  

  The Revealed Books are far superior to any other guide-they are a must-purchase! 

  

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• Summer2011Bride member

  

  July 2012 edited July 2012

  FWIW, Oahu is more than just a city. I would love to see the other islands and there's definitely a lot more to Hawaii than Oahu, but I just don't want you turned off because you think it's just one large city if you go there. The city part is the Honolulu/Waikiki area, but there is SO much more to the island than just that part of the island. The North Shore, for instance, has gorgeous beaches that aren't busy like Waikiki is. There are small, uncommercialized surfer towns. There are plenty of resorts that aren't on the Waikiki strip, and honestly, my favorite beaches were other ones scattered throughout the island and not Waikiki at all. Just something to consider when deciding.
  
  I ditto the Revealed books and also checking out Fodor's and Frommer's guides as well. I've also had a lot of luck when trip planning going to Trip Advisor to read reviews for hotels, as well as posting on the forum boards for the islands; many locals read the boards and can offer great advice.

  
  
  
  
  

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