Moorea is my favorite, best coral reef snorkeling I’ve ever done, and only 30 yards beyond the dock.
Hawaii Honeymoon Advice
- Thread starter goskis2018
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Went to Hawaii for mine as well. Spent the obligatory two days in Honolulu. Just to catch your breath after wedding and long flight. Pearl Harbor is a must. Then did 5 nights in Maui and 5 in Kauai. Both are awesome. The island hopper on Hawaiian air is affordable. Make sure while in Kauai you do one of those sunset cruises. The scenery is unreal and you should spot a few whales!
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Unfortunately you won't see whales in Hawaii in October. Whale season in Hawaii starts in December and goes into May. It's possible to see a stray whale or two in late October but don't count on it.
Got engaged on Maui in Oct '03, so my info is aged but consistent with a lot of what has been said. Get the convertible. We stayed in Lahaina for the central location. We did sunrise on Haleakala but not the bike ride as my wife wasn't much of a rider. Do it early in your trip as being on Eastern Time will help you get up early enough to make the trip. The drive up alone is worth it. It will be cold at sunrise, but warms up quickly, so bring layers. We did hike the crater after too, and I recommend that. If you're really adventurous, you can hike down the crater to Hana. We didn't. I think that's a two-day hike. And the Uber back up to get your car would cost a mint.
It was quiet in October when we were there, so the Road to Hana wasn't very crowded. It's a must-do. As others have said, start pretty early. We took lots of little excursions down side roads along the way. Someone said not to drive and to take a tour, but forget that unless you're a lousy driver. You'll drive in and out of rain on a twisty road, but it's not as nerve wracking as a lot of drives I've done. The rental car companies all had restrictions on going around the south end which is why most drivers go back the way they came. The road is supposed to be treacherous, but we had no problems in our Chrysler convertible.
The surf and snorkeling are just fantastic. I heard Molikini was damaged. We took a snorkel trip there which was amazing. Snorkeling among the sea turtles is just incredible. But you can walk in off most beaches and find great snorkeling.
After a week on Maui, we moved on to Kauai where we stayed in Poipu for the swimmable beaches, warmer water, snorkeling and for more restaurants. "More" is relative, as Kauai is quite quiet. Our hotel's pool closed at 6:00, for example. And lots of restaurants closed on the earlier side. The north side resorts like Princeville are beautiful, but the water isn't swimmable much of the time with the surf and currents.
You think Maui is incredibly beautiful until you get to Kauai. The boat tour on the Napali coast is phenomenal aside from sea sickness (about 75% of the people on our catamaran hurled in 6' swells). Our captain took us right into a waterfall coming down from a couple of hundred feet up a cliffside. So cool. And the helicopter tour is well worth it too. Just try to get the best weather day for it that you can as they may not be able to get you into some of the ravines.
There is hiking galore. We took the road around the north shore all the way to the end for the trailhead to Kalalau Beach. It's about a 2 hourish hike to the beach. If you start early enough, you can then take the trail inland along the stream up to a series of amazing waterfalls. Just leave enough time to get back. We finished the hike in the dark (shorter days in Oct) which wasn't fun as you're along cliff edges on a narrow trail at some points. If you do this from Poipu, start early and drive directly to the trailhead without a lot of stops on the way. Use another day to go back if you want to explore the civilized part of the north shore.
Wai'mea Canyon is also incredible. It can be a half day if you just drive up and explore the rim or much more if you want to hike that area.
I think someone else mentioned Barking Sands Beach for sunset. Rent a Jeep if you go or bring an extra 6-pack to reward a local for winching you out of a rut if you get stuck.
Whatever you choose, have fun. It will be an unforgettable trip.
It was quiet in October when we were there, so the Road to Hana wasn't very crowded. It's a must-do. As others have said, start pretty early. We took lots of little excursions down side roads along the way. Someone said not to drive and to take a tour, but forget that unless you're a lousy driver. You'll drive in and out of rain on a twisty road, but it's not as nerve wracking as a lot of drives I've done. The rental car companies all had restrictions on going around the south end which is why most drivers go back the way they came. The road is supposed to be treacherous, but we had no problems in our Chrysler convertible.
The surf and snorkeling are just fantastic. I heard Molikini was damaged. We took a snorkel trip there which was amazing. Snorkeling among the sea turtles is just incredible. But you can walk in off most beaches and find great snorkeling.
After a week on Maui, we moved on to Kauai where we stayed in Poipu for the swimmable beaches, warmer water, snorkeling and for more restaurants. "More" is relative, as Kauai is quite quiet. Our hotel's pool closed at 6:00, for example. And lots of restaurants closed on the earlier side. The north side resorts like Princeville are beautiful, but the water isn't swimmable much of the time with the surf and currents.
You think Maui is incredibly beautiful until you get to Kauai. The boat tour on the Napali coast is phenomenal aside from sea sickness (about 75% of the people on our catamaran hurled in 6' swells). Our captain took us right into a waterfall coming down from a couple of hundred feet up a cliffside. So cool. And the helicopter tour is well worth it too. Just try to get the best weather day for it that you can as they may not be able to get you into some of the ravines.
There is hiking galore. We took the road around the north shore all the way to the end for the trailhead to Kalalau Beach. It's about a 2 hourish hike to the beach. If you start early enough, you can then take the trail inland along the stream up to a series of amazing waterfalls. Just leave enough time to get back. We finished the hike in the dark (shorter days in Oct) which wasn't fun as you're along cliff edges on a narrow trail at some points. If you do this from Poipu, start early and drive directly to the trailhead without a lot of stops on the way. Use another day to go back if you want to explore the civilized part of the north shore.
Wai'mea Canyon is also incredible. It can be a half day if you just drive up and explore the rim or much more if you want to hike that area.
I think someone else mentioned Barking Sands Beach for sunset. Rent a Jeep if you go or bring an extra 6-pack to reward a local for winching you out of a rut if you get stuck.
Whatever you choose, have fun. It will be an unforgettable trip.
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Wasn’t aware of that. Good catch. I went I. may.
I’m amazed at your recollection from 18 yrs ago!
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SubbaBub
Your stupidity is ruining my country.
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Consider getting a jeep. Your rental car contract will include several no go zones. Some of those you will want to go to.
Also the Hawaii sun can be brutal. Consider that before renting a convertible.
Also the Hawaii sun can be brutal. Consider that before renting a convertible.
Were you her first husband?
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Pre-internet days when I booked this 25 years ago. IIRC, I used miles for entire flight and when AA sent me the paper ticket, it included some vouchers which could be redeemed for AA hotel, car rental partners, etc. At the time, Grand Wailea was owned by Hyatt Corp. (i think) so you could use that voucher for a max of 4 nights of 50% off per night.
I also used miles to cover my wife's airfare. AA sent her the same vouchers so I used those towards 4 nights 50% off at Princeville Resort which was then a Sheraton property. As you said, another amazing property.
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NOPE ... he was a NFL linebacker who played for the New England Patriots then the San Francisco 49ers. I am just a guy from her hometown that was doing well when she needed to get to the next stone crossing on that river.
I was just joking with my question. I’m sure she was happy when trading up for a new model.
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ya know
first. I lived in California for a decade. We went to Hawaii regularly every year; my roommate was from a Kamehameha foundation family. They are in Kaneohe today. Hawaii is just a reasonable west coast flight. From NY, it's too much.
second. As you get older. Lots of stories. I wish I had wisdom at 30. However. I did watch my University rise from a weak farm school in a fieldhouse to a national sports power. In several sports. God blessed.
storrsroars
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Ive been to all except Molokai. Definitely Kauai or Maui. Kauai has great hiking for different levels.. If I go again I would book the overnight camping permit to Kalalau Beach. 11 miles each direction. Phenomenal. Kauai also has my favorite beach I've ever been to and I've been to a ton of beaches. Secret Beach.. Find it..
jleves
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So what did you decide to do?